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Non-profit group leaks data of more than 40,000 homeland security workers

Information released by Distributed Denial of Secrets is the third such government data disclosure in the last month

Data identifying more than 41,000 employees and contractors for the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was released on Wednesday in an unprecedented leak that reveals how the agency is organized. The records, which were made public by the transpaency nonprofit Distributed Denial of Secrets reference operation names, surveillance programs and information on undercover initiatives.

DHS did not immediately return a message seeking comment.

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© Photograph: Anadolu/Anadolu Agency

© Photograph: Anadolu/Anadolu Agency

© Photograph: Anadolu/Anadolu Agency

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New book makes fiery claims about Jared Kushner’s finances in Trump’s first term

Kushner threatens to sue, denying allegations that two slush funds were set up to influence his Middle East role

A new book containing incendiary claims about Jared Kushner’s financial dealings during Donald Trump’s first term has ignited a political and media firestorm.

The book by author Matthew Cole is called Princes and Thieves: Jared Kushner and Mohamed bin Zayed’s Secret Plot to Remake the Middle East and was released in the US this week. An excerpt was published by Vanity Fair last Thursday, and immediately drew a furious response from Kushner, who called its claims “completely insane”. The book contains numerous allegations about Kushner, whose father-in-law is Trump and who has served as one of his top diplomatic envoys in the Middle East – the most explosive of which are claims linking him to huge bank accounts allegedly funded by Gulf states.

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© Photograph: Charly Triballeau/AFP/Getty Images

© Photograph: Charly Triballeau/AFP/Getty Images

© Photograph: Charly Triballeau/AFP/Getty Images

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Pete Hegseth’s purge of trans troops hit a wall: Marines who refuse to lie

The U.S. Marine Corps values loyalty to one’s fellow Marines and to doing the right thing even when it’s easier to do what’s wrong. It’s not a huge surprise, then, that some Marines have been saying “no” to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who’s demanded the expulsion of all transgender service members despite their demonstrated fitness for service. In two of three of these boards, formal hearings roughly similar to a trial, Marines have voted to retain transgender fellow Marines. And in the third case, the board expressly concluded that despite its vote, the Marine should be retained due to his “commendable service record and unique skills.”

The votes to retain are similar to jury nullification, and they send the clear message that honor restrains them from kicking out Marines who have met and continue to meet every Marine Corps standard. Thus, their vote to retain despite evidence that the Marine in question is or may be transgender.

Trump and Hegseth have already decided that any record of gender dysphoria, even if the service member never transitioned, requires a Marine or solider or sailor or airman to be stripped of the nation’s uniform

It is an Orwellian world that Marines and military members from the other services enter when ordered to sit on separation boards that Hegseth ginned up to kick out folks who refused “voluntary” separation. (It’s no less Orwellian for military lawyers made to facilitate such proceedings.) Military separation boards, in general, wield discretion to decide whether it’s in the best interest of the service to retain a fellow service member despite their alleged misconduct or diagnosed physical disability, these are boards in name only. President Donald Trump and Hegseth have already decided that any record of gender dysphoria, even if the service member never transitioned, requires a Marine or solider or sailor or airman to be stripped of the nation’s uniform. Hegseth means for these boards to do one thing: Confirm an indication, past or present, that the service member is transgender. That’s it.

They are directed to disregard the full record of the service member before them; to ignore their long history of honorable service including combat deployments; to look away from their superb performance evaluations; to not listen to their stellar character witnesses; and to pretend away the individual service member’s demonstrated excellence in an occupational specialty critical to a military at war.

Plainly put, the board members are ordered to lie and say that the service member is unfit to serve and thus play a role in depriving the U.S. military of that service member’s substantial training, experience and willingness to serve. It’s no wonder, then, that most Marine board members thus far — as well as most Navy board members — have ignored such nonsense and voted to retain. Their moral compasses demanded it.

This doesn’t mean that the Army and Air Force board members who have gone along with Hegseth’s lies don’t have moral compasses or that they enjoy being complicit with the cruel subterfuge that these boards represent. But despite whatever moral dilemma they may have between being asked to follow their values or follow orders, they have come down on the side of following orders. And they have had help. From Hegseth’s top civilian lawyer in the Pentagon to the services’ military judge advocate corps, Pentagon and military lawyers have contributed to the rationalization game that allows the Orwellian discharge boards to churn along. Legal top cover is a great way to rationalize dishonesty and justify morally bankrupt decisions that are inconsistent with one’s values.

But it’s disappointing that military lawyers have helped enable these gaslighting boards, especially since June when a Washington, D.C., federal judge agreed to make all transgender service members remaining on active duty part of a class protected by her preliminary injunction. That judge ordered Hegseth not to separate transgender service members (originally, only the named plaintiffs in Talbott v. United States) until their federal litigation challenging the transgender ban on constitutional grounds is complete.

Navy and Marine Corps boards voted for retention in nine of 12 cases, challenging an administration that treats transgender identity as grounds to end a military career.

— The Advocate (@advocate.com) 2026-10-27T17:18:21.537Z

But Judge Ana Reyes has still not issued her written ruling to that effect — she’s likely waiting to see what the Supreme Court will do with the government’s late August emergency petition challenging her preliminary injunction — and the services, surely reacting to pressure from Hegseth, have been accelerating the boards. But Reyes’ oral ruling gave and continues to give military lawyers strong legal ground to advise their commanders that holding separation boards — at least since June 30 — is contrary to a federal judge’s order. Yet the boards continue.

Hopefully more boards will follow in the footsteps of those service members who have decided to be guided by their values of integrity, loyalty, honor and respect. As social psychology studies have long shown, situational dynamics are incredibly powerful. Such dynamics have surely contributed to some boards rubber stamping the administration’s counterfactual determination that no transgender military member is worthy of continued service. There’s no reason to think that boards that refuse to rubber stamp Hegseth’s orders can’t be similarly influential.

While the unbelievably powerful dynamic of obedience to authority (recall the Milgram shock experiment) is almost impossible to interrupt, we’re seeing evidence that almost impossible isn’t the same as completely impossible, and that values and common sense can trump a service member’s order to lie and do what’s wrong.

The post Pete Hegseth’s purge of trans troops hit a wall: Marines who refuse to lie appeared first on MS NOW.

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Russian Army Advances Towards Konka River in Zaporozhye

Click to see full-size image. (Russian Ministry of Defense)

In the Zaporozhye direction the “Dnepr” grouping is advancing towards the Konka River line, while units of the “East” grouping have recorded a deep breakthrough between Vozdvizhevka and the Verkhnyaya Tersa, creating a threat to Ukrainian logistics. In the Sumy direction Russian units of the “North” grouping continue to push deeper into the region, fighting near Khoten, Velyka Rybytsia, Nikolskoye, Korenek and Turya. In the Kharkiv direction heavy fighting continues towards Kharkiv and on the Volchansk sector, where advances of up to 700 meters have been recorded. In the Slavyansk direction positional fighting persists around Rai-Aleksandrovka and Nikolayevka, with Ukrainian units being pushed out of Dibrova and the woodland near Ozyornoye. In the Kupyansk direction Russian forces have repelled a Ukrainian counter-offensive and are consolidating in the areas of Bolshaya Shapkovka, Polomarovka, Kovalevka and Sobolevka, preparing conditions for a further advance towards Monachinovka. Meanwhile the presidents of the Czech Republic and Finland, Petr Pavel and Alexander Stubb, discussed by telephone the development of a common European position on peace negotiations concerning Ukraine following Stubb’s and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre’s conversation with Vladimir Putin.

Sumy direction

Ukrainian units have not undertaken significant offensive action and have concentrated on defense. Elements of the 80th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade are being returned to the Sumy region. Electronic-warfare crews from the same brigade have also been redeployed to the area to strengthen counter-drone efforts.

Local reports indicate that Ukrainian forces have accumulated and partially relocated reserves near the Oleshnya River, thereby expanding the grey zone around Ivolzhanskoye. However, it is premature to speak of consolidation in the riverside area, as the Ukrainian side is relying mainly on small groups for movement.

In the Sumy district Russian assault troops advanced on ten sectors by up to 600 meters amid heavy fighting. In the Shostka district units of the “North” grouping continue to press towards Korenek. In the Krasnopolye district Russian assault groups are engaged in small-arms fighting near Turya.

Kharkiv direction

Activity around Tsupovka and Novaya Kazachya is gradually declining as the summer–autumn campaign draws towards its close. Russian units are attempting to capture and hold Novaya Kazachya, but Ukrainian forces, using Tsupovka as a base, are dislodging them with counter-attacks. Stabilisation will be possible at best if Novaya Kazachya can be taken and the line held. Ukrainian logistics, which rely on Kharkiv and the valley route through Dergachi to Slatino, remain more convenient in this sector.

Russian troops have driven Ukrainian units out of Alisovka in the Kharkiv region. The settlement lies directly on the E105 highway that previously linked Belgorod and Kharkiv. The capture of Alisovka has allowed an advance along the road and created a threat to Liptsy from the west.

On the Volchansk and Velykyi Burluk sectors fierce fighting continues around Prikolotnoye. Total advances on four sectors over the past 24 hours reached up to 700 meters.

Near Velykyi Burluk the newly formed 50th Motor Rifle Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces is suffering heavy losses. It was transferred to attempt a break-out from the encirclement in the north-east of Kharkiv region but has been unable to enter combat owing to catastrophic under-strength and losses inflicted by Russian aviation.

Zaporozhye direction

The “Dnepr” grouping is focused on reaching the Konka River line while simultaneously supporting the left flank of the “East” grouping in the encirclement and destruction of the Ukrainian grouping around Orekhov. Fighting continues in Primorskoye and in the Lukyanovskoye area. Heavy combat persists around Orekhov and Preobrazhenka. The front remains broadly stable: the Ukrainian side has transferred special-forces units that are holding the northern outskirts of Orekhov and most of Preobrazhenka. Relying on the network of underground communications and the defensive line constructed east of Orekhov in 2023, they are attempting to infiltrate flanks and rear areas and to insert small groups into Malaya Tokmachka.

Further east, in the sector of the “East” grouping, a breakthrough has been recorded between Vozdvizhevka and the Verkhnyaya Tersa. Although still narrow, the penetration is already deep and is acquiring operational-tactical significance. The situation is gradually shifting in favor of Russian units. It is important not only to cut Druzhkovka from the west but also to establish drone positions on the heights west of the town in order to disrupt logistics more effectively, and to gain a foothold on the outskirts so that offensive operations can be conducted with greater prospects of success during the winter.

Slavyansk direction

The principal task remains the retention of positions secured during the summer–autumn campaign around Rai-Aleksandrovka and on the outskirts of Nikolayevka, together with the final clearance of Ukrainian units from Starodubovka. The expulsion of Ukrainian forces from Dibrova continues, while fighting persists in Ozyornoye and the adjacent woodland. Reports of the clearance of Ozyornoye should not be interpreted as final capture of the settlement; Ukrainian units retain a presence and continue to operate in small groups from the direction of Yampol. Further north, near Kolodezi, the intensity of clashes has somewhat decreased, although probing attacks against Russian defenses continue. In Krasny Liman itself the situation is more complex: fighting affects the urban area and the southern approaches, and Ukrainian forces still hold positions in several districts.

Kupyansk direction

Fighting is currently under way in the areas of Bolshaya Shapkovka, Polomarovka, Kovalevka and Sobolevka, where Russian presence is substantial. Consolidation is essential. If successful, operations can gradually begin to take Monachinovka, a large settlement, strongpoint and strategic road junction.

The capture of Monachinovka would create an immediate threat to Sredniy Burluk. South of it lies marshy lowland where logistics are extremely difficult. The main Ukrainian supply route to Velykyi Burluk runs through Pechenegi. If Sredniy Burluk can be taken, discussion of the operational encirclement of the Velykyi Burluk grouping becomes realistic. On the northern flank, around Dvurechnaya–Kutkovka, fighting continues for positions west of the Oskol.

In Kupyansk itself the main clashes remain concentrated in the urban area. Local successes have been recorded on the north-western approaches, but a continuous line of control within the city has not yet been established. Russian units retain a presence in Kupyansk-Uzlovoy, and fighting continues near Kovsharovka and on the approaches to Kurilovka.

 

 

Conclusion

In the Sumy direction the capture of Alisovka and advances near Khoten, Velyka Rybytsia and Korenek create conditions for further pressure on the border positions. In the Kharkiv direction Russian forces are driving Ukrainian units from their positions around Prikolotnoye and Velykyi Burluk while inflicting heavy losses on newly formed brigades. In the Zaporozhye direction the advance to the Konka River and the deep breakthrough between Vozdvizhevka and the Verkhnyaya Tersa are forming the preconditions for the envelopment of the Orekhov grouping. In the Slavyansk direction the retention of key positions and the clearance of the Seversky Donets floodplain are reducing the threat to Russian logistics. In the Kupyansk direction the repulsion of the counter-offensive and consolidation on the western approaches open the prospect of an advance towards Monachinovka.

On the diplomatic track contacts on a settlement continue. The presidents of the Czech Republic and Finland, Petr Pavel and Alexander Stubb, discussed by telephone the development of a common European position on possible peace negotiations concerning Ukraine. On Tuesday Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre held a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. “The conversation held on October 29 between the Finnish president and the Norwegian prime minister with Vladimir Putin was discussed. Prospects for achieving a common European position on possible peace negotiations were also among the topics,” the official website of Prague Castle stated following the Wednesday telephone call between the Czech and Finnish presidents. Both presidents agreed on the need to continue negotiations involving all interested parties in various formats.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence

NOW hosted at southfront.press

Previously, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.org.

The .org domain name had been blocked by the US (NATO) (https://southfront.press/southfront-org-blocked-by-u-s-controlled-global-internet-supervisor/) globally, outlawed and without any explanation

Back before that, from 2013 to 2015, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.com

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The post Russian Army Advances Towards Konka River in Zaporozhye appeared first on South Front.

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California election official says federal agents threatened him over ‘voter fraud’

Keaton Denlay says agents handed him ‘poorly formatted Excel spreadsheet’ and threatened to criminally prosecute him

A California county elections official is speaking out about the Department of Justice’s campaign against purported “voter fraud”, saying federal officials provided him a disorganized list of names filled with inaccuracies – and threatened to criminally prosecute him if he didn’t take action.

Keaton Denlay, the county clerk-recorder for Butte county, a region north of Sacramento, said a federal agent on Friday hand-delivered what appeared to be a printout of a “poorly formatted Excel spreadsheet with missing and jumbled information”. The DoJ claimed the list was of 47 “likely” noncitizens who were unlawfully registered to vote and demanded the county set aside their ballots. But Denlay said the document was riddled with errors and lacking crucial details, and he declined to act on it.

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© Photograph: Daniel Cole/Reuters

© Photograph: Daniel Cole/Reuters

© Photograph: Daniel Cole/Reuters

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Majority Of Jewish Schools In The UK Teaching Kids To “Love Israel”

Over half of the 45 mainstream Jewish schools in the UK say a core part of their mission is teaching children to “love Israel,” possibly breaching UK government rules against the promotion of partisan political views in schools

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US ambassador suggests Trump could blame Canada if midterms don’t go his way

Pete Hoekstra, controversial US ambassador to Canada, has also accused Canadian officials of interfering in US elections

The US ambassador has suggested Canada could be blamed if Republicans perform poorly in next week’s midterm elections, the latest intervention from a controversial figure who has been accused of inflaming a bitter dispute that has angered and baffled residents of both countries.

On Wednesday, CTV news reported that Pete Hoekstra told business leaders at a closed door meeting that if a number of swing races – including Maine and Michigan – go to the Democrats, it could make things harder for Canada because Donald Trump might try to blame the loss on it.

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© Photograph: Canadian Press/Shutterstock

© Photograph: Canadian Press/Shutterstock

© Photograph: Canadian Press/Shutterstock

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Education secretary Linda McMahon plans to spend nearly $43,000 on office furniture

Trump ally, who is seeking to shutter the department, had said office relocation would save taxpayers $4.8m annually

The Trump administration has insisted its controversial education cuts are saving “millions of dollars” after it was reported that Linda McMahon, secretary of education, is planning to spend roughly $43,000 on new furniture for her office.

McMahon’s office told Congress that the secretary’s current furniture was worn out and “cannot be configurationally or aesthetically integrated into the agency’s new office space”, according to non-public records seen by the New York Times.

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© Photograph: Aaron Schwartz/CNP/Bloomberg via Getty Images

© Photograph: Aaron Schwartz/CNP/Bloomberg via Getty Images

© Photograph: Aaron Schwartz/CNP/Bloomberg via Getty Images

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'There cannot be business as usual with Russia' — Dutch minister urges Europe to step up for Ukraine

Ukraine is about to enter another harsh winter as Russian attacks continue crippling critical infrastructure, even before the coldest days set in.

In an attempt to relieve Kyiv, the Dutch government on Oct. 28 outlined a package of non-military aid worth 1.2 billion euros ($1.3 billion), to be

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Budget 2026: Healey hikes taxes on banks and landlords to fund £100 handouts to 20m households

Few surprises as chancellor uses low-key speech blaming ‘global economic storms’ for stoking energy prices and cost of living crisis

John Healey raised taxes on banks and landlords to fund a £100 winter handout for 20 million families as official forecasts made clear there is no end in sight for the cost of living crisis.

In his first budget, the chancellor blamed “global economic storms” for the grim outlook, as the war in Iran drives up oil and gas prices.

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© Photograph: House of Commons/AFP/Getty Images

© Photograph: House of Commons/AFP/Getty Images

© Photograph: House of Commons/AFP/Getty Images

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2027 State Budget approved in general terms thanks to PS abstention

With no last-minute surprises, the proposed State Budget for next year was approved, in general terms, with only the governing parties voting in favor and PS, PAN and JPP abstaining.

The post 2027 State Budget approved in general terms thanks to PS abstention appeared first on Portugal Resident.

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Peter Schweizer: Inside Homeland Security’s Push to Clean Up Voter Rolls Before Election Day

“We assume that our enemies, like the Chinese or the Iranians, want to undermine our elections,” says investigative journalist Peter Schweizer. “But a lot of the resistance has actually come from some of the states.”

The post Peter Schweizer: Inside Homeland Security’s Push to Clean Up Voter Rolls Before Election Day appeared first on Breitbart.

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Canada Considers Bill to Euthanize People Who Cannot Make Rational Decisions

The Canadian government on Tuesday introduced a bill that would allow Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID), Canada’s preferred euphemism for euthanasia, to be conducted on people who have lost the mental capacity to give informed consent for the procedure.

The post Canada Considers Bill to Euthanize People Who Cannot Make Rational Decisions appeared first on Breitbart.

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Report: South Korea Has Spent $363 Million Lobbying U.S. Lawmakers

Recent lobbying disclosures have revealed South Korea’s deep lobbying network in Washington D.C. and beyond. The country's massive lobbying machine is particularly noteworthy because of the unfriendly environment American tech companies are facing in the Korean market.

The post Report: South Korea Has Spent $363 Million Lobbying U.S. Lawmakers appeared first on Breitbart.

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Eric Schmitt: Democrats 'About Absolute Control,' 'Not About Debate'

Tuesday on FNC's "The Ingraham Angle," Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO) warned about motives from Democrats as next month's midterm elections approach.

The post Eric Schmitt: Democrats ‘About Absolute Control,’ ‘Not About Debate’ appeared first on Breitbart.

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