☕ Daily Brief: Dark Money Fueling LA Riots

Also, SCOTUS upholds transgender ban

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WHAT WE'RE WATCHING

🏛️ Supreme Court upheld Tennessee's transgender “treatment” ban. The Supreme Court upheld Tennessee's ban on puberty blockers and hormone therapy for transgender-identifying minors in a 6-3 decision. Chief Justice Roberts wrote that the law doesn't violate equal protection rights and that it’s subject to the less stringent "rational basis" standard. The ruling effectively validates similar laws in over half of US states, possibly paving the way for bans across the country.

Trump approved Iran attack plans — but is holding off. President Trump reportedly approved military strike plans against Iran but is holding off on giving the final order, hoping the threat will pressure Tehran to abandon its nuclear program. While Israel continues its "Operation Rising Lion" airstrikes, the Pentagon has moved additional forces toward the Middle East, including tanker planes, warships, and F-22 fighter jets. Trump is ramping up as much pressure as possible on Iran to force them back to the table.

🌾 Senators unite against Chinese farmland purchases. Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts (NE) and Democrat Sen. John Fetterman (PA) introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen oversight of foreign ownership of American agricultural land. The bill comes as Chinese nationals were recently arrested for smuggling a dangerous crop-destroying fungus into the US. Chinese ownership of US farmland has increased from 13,720 acres to 383,935 acres between 2010 and 2021, with some purchases strategically located near military installations.

⚖️ Karen Read found not guilty in Boston cop boyfriend’s death. A jury acquitted Karen Read of murder and manslaughter charges in the death of her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe. The verdict came after years of intrigue and legal drama, with the first trial last year ending in a mistrial. Read, who has been the face of the most high-profile murder trial in the nation, now walks free — though the case continues to find the cause of O’Keefe’s death.

INSIDER RADAR

ICE Director Todd Lyons on the latest crackdown

Insiders behind the paywall: Todd Lyons, Scott Bessent, Josh Hawley, Joe Biden, and Markwayne Mullin.

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ISRAEL AND IRAN: QUICK AND IMPORTANT
  • The Israeli Air Force struck over 40 Iranian military targets, including a centrifuge site and missile launchers, also hitting the Khondab nuclear site.

  • Iran fired back with a massive missile barrage, hitting the largest hospital in southern Israel, injuring dozens.

  • The US Embassy in Israel organized evacuation flights and cruise ship departures for American citizens.

  • President Trump rejected Vladimir Putin’s offer to mediate the Israel-Iran war, redirecting him to mediate Russia–Ukraine first.

  • Trump stated the US is not seeking a long-term war with Iran, insisting his only goal is to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

  • The most clicked link in our last newsletter was our insider exclusive article: “RFK Jr. Takes on Alleged Vaccine Corruption.”

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

When the Right goes too far with Xaviaer DuRousseau

Xaviaer DuRousseau is a former BLM activist turned conservative commentator and the host of Respectfully, Xaviaer at PragerU.

In this conversation, he breaks down how parts of the Right are drifting into dangerous territory, how Gen Z is changing the political game, and why the Israel conversation has gone completely off the rails, especially since October 7…

Listen to the interview in your podcast player of choice here.

THE MAIN STORY

Feds investigate the dark money behind LA riots

WHAT’S HAPPENING_

Federal agencies are investigating the dark money networks behind the violent anti-ICE riots that erupted in Los Angeles earlier this month.

Federal officials say left-wing non-profits and activist groups may have supplied riot gear and logistical support to the rioters, some of whom were charged with attempted murder and looting.

These investigations could lead to criminal charges and major funding crackdowns.

_THE FACTS_

  • In a joint video with IRS, DOJ, and FBI officials, the feds confirmed an investigation into “individuals and organizations” funding the LA riots.

  • Footage showed groups distributing face shields and riot gear to protesters before violence erupted.

  • Anarchist literature advocating attacks on police and property was also distributed by left-wing groups.

  • Operation Healthy Hearts — a “grassroots mutual aid organization” — distributed "F**k ICE" packages with protective equipment and contact numbers in case of arrest.

  • Congress, specifically Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO), has zoomed in on three groups: the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA), the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL), and Union del Barrio.

  • CHIRLA, which has received $34 million in taxpayer funding, is accused by Hawley of providing “logistical support and financial resources to individuals” involved with violent rioting.

  • PSL organized protests in multiple cities that escalated into confrontations with police.

  • Union del Barrio, a self-described “socialist” organization, is involved with a coalition of groups that patrol the streets looking for ICE agents to intimidate.

  • House Republicans are probing billionaire left-wing activist Neville Singham's connections to the Chinese Communist Party, accusing him of being linked to the LA riots.

  • Singham allegedly backs the Party for Socialism and Liberation through an "elaborate dark money network."

_OUR INSIGHTS _

Insights and analysis are for members only.

Insights behind the paywall: CHIRLA’s funding and the Biden administration’s involvement.

_JOIN THE DISCUSSION_

Do you think cracking down on dark money networks will prevent violent riots in the future?

Comments are open for everyone.

MEDIA BIAS SPOTTER

How left and right outlets frame SCOTUS upholding transgender “treatment” ban

Mentioned behind the paywall: CNN, Politico, Washington Examiner, and Fox News.

THE DAILY DEBATE

📊 Do you think cracking down on dark money networks will prevent violent riots in the future? (Comment under the article, too!)

Results will be in tomorrow's newsletter

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POLL RESULTS FROM YESTERDAY

What do you think the extent of US involvement in Iran should be?

🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Go all-in (288)
🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Stay completely out (101)
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 📡 Only provide weapons and intel to Israel (678)
⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ 🤔 Unsure (67)
⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ 💬 Other (Comment) (28)

✅ Go all-in: “A rogue state with nuclear weapons is threatening to everyone.” — DP

❌ Stay completely out: “Not my flag, not my war, not my centuries-old sandbox blood feud. Stop funding both sides.” — SD

📡 Only provide weapons and intel to Israel: “Israel is very capable. They just need resources.” — EC

💬 Other: “We should be going all-in on encouraging local Iranians to rise up against the Islamic regime.” — Jim

1,162 votes
POP QUIZ

What legal standard did Justice Roberts say applies to Tennessee’s law?

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Today’s newsletter was written by Brandon Goldman, Anthony Constantini, and Ariel David. We scoured 100s of sources to bring you stories and insights you won’t find in the mainstream media.

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