US PRESS CORPS ONLINE

Chicago Muslim Convicted of ISIS Recruitment - Ashraf Al Safoo, 41, was convicted of: - One count of conspiracy to transmit threats in interstate commerce - One count of conspiracy to access a protected computer without authorization - Four counts of accessing a protected computer without authorization - Four counts of providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization Background of Ashraf Al Safoo - Arrested in October 2018 after a raid at his home - Naturalized U. S. citizen, originally from Iraq - Moved to the U. S. in 2008 Activities and Convictions - Accused of using social media to: - Spread ISIS propaganda - Recruit operatives for terrorist attacks - Promoted violent attacks during Christmas and celebrated terrorism Current Threats and Concerns - Islamic radicalism continues to pose a threat to Western civilization - President Trump is credited with making it harder for jihadists to enter the U. S. - Concerns about potential sleeper cells allowed entry during Biden’s...

 Greenland's Mining Perspective - Greenland is not interested in becoming a major mining superpower. - The minister for business and mineral resources wants only 5 to 10 active mines at a time. - High environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards are prioritized. - Concerns exist about the environmental impact of mining and economic uncertainty. U. S. Interest in Greenland - Early in Trump's presidency, he expressed interest in acquiring Greenland for security and resources. - Trump cited the need for Greenland to counter Russia and access rare earth minerals. - Denmark rejected the idea, stating Greenland was not for sale. - Some political figures in Greenland suggested independence instead of U. S. or Danish control. Global Mineral Demand - International powers are interested in Greenland for its mineral potential. - Demand for critical minerals (lithium, cobalt, copper) is expected to grow significantly by 2030. - China currently dominates the global mineral mining m...

In a high-stakes closed-door meeting at the Pentagon, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth convened top executives from America’s leading defense contractors, urging a wartime-level ramp-up of munitions production in response to mounting global threats and dangerously depleted U.S. weapons stockpiles. Drawing historical parallels to World War II’s “Arsenal of Democracy,” Hegseth warned that the U.S. does not have years to rebuild its defense industrial base amid simultaneous security crises involving Iran, Russia, and especially China. Hegseth and Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg sharply criticized decades of underinvestment and bureaucratic inefficiencies that have left the U.S. vulnerable in a protracted conflict against a near-peer adversary. With Taiwan facing the threat of a Chinese invasion, and U.S. forces stretched thin defending allies and engaging in multiple combat zones, the meeting’s message was clear: the defense sector must act with urgency or risk being outpaced by...

Trump’s Accomplishments - Oversaw elimination of Iran's nuclear ambitions and end to hostilities between Israel and Iran. - Trump is not receiving the recognition he deserves for these accomplishments. - His actions are described as “heroic” and necessary for global security. Military Action Against Iran - Necessary to have credible threats against Iran to prevent nuclear armament. - Trump used military might effectively without American casualties. - Comparison made with Joe Biden’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, deemed a failure. Recent Operations - Israel, with U. S. support, successfully struck Iranian military and nuclear facilities. - Trump's warning to Iran was seen as a rational strategy with negotiation possibilities. - Destruction of Iran’s nuclear facilities accomplished with precision bombing. Media Response - Mainstream media questioned Trump’s authority and efficacy in the attack. - Doubt expressed about risk of greater conflict, including potential involvement of C...

Advisory Committee Vote - The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended eliminating thimerosal from flu vaccines. - The vote was unanimous despite some opposition, notably from Dr. Cody Meissner. Safety Debate - Critics cited risks of chronic thimerosal exposure, linking it to neurodevelopmental issues such as tics. - The CDC removed an unapproved document that claimed no link between thimerosal and autism. Industry Status - 95% of 2024–2025 flu vaccines are already thimerosal-free. - Manufacturers like Sanofi and Seqirus still produce vaccines with thimerosal. - Implementation of the ACIP's recommendation will take time. Political Context - Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. replaced all 17 ACIP members and raised concerns about cumulative mercury exposure from flu shots. - This vote marks a move toward fully phasing out thimerosal in federally recommended vaccines. Committee Background - The recommendation reflects ongoing concerns about repeated exposur...

 Senate Actions on Green Energy - The Senate proposed changes to Trump's bill affecting solar and wind energy. - New deadline for energy projects: must produce electricity by the end of 2027. - The proposal follows Trump's criticism of previous plans to extend green energy subsidies. - Trump described wind and solar energy as costly and environment-destroying. New Tax on Renewable Projects - A new tax will be imposed on wind and solar projects sourcing components from foreign entities, like China. - Senate Democrats criticized this tax as harmful to the renewable industry. Republican Support for Cuts - GOP senators, led by Utah’s Mike Lee, support strict cuts to green energy tax credits. - Lee advocates for a complete repeal of green energy subsidies, despite opposition from moderates. - North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis expressed disappointment over speeding up subsidy termination, citing economic risks. Response from Elon Musk - Elon Musk criticized Senate Republicans, claim...