Chabad's crazy dream
Extraordinary vote counting blunder turns race for Teal MP Monique Ryan's seat on its head - and 'future' PM suffers crushing blow despite last minute signs of hope
Monique Ryan is set to win her way back into parliament for a second term, after an Australian Electoral Commission blunder logging votes completely shifted the expected outcome in Kooyong.
Before the AEC mistake the Liberals were on track to mount a stunning comeback and knock the accident prone teal out of federal politics.
With the error now fixed, coupled with the trends we are seeing in postal votes and expected flows from absentee votes thereafter, Ryan will win Kooyong and serve another three years.
Postal voting in Kooyong is now almost finished, and should wrap up today, and Amelia Hamer and the Liberal Party are now too far behind to pull back Ryan’s lead, meaning that once the count is completed the Teal MP will survive despite looking likely to lose prior to the AEC blunder being revealed.
Hamer currently trails Ryan by more than 700 votes.
That figure will tighten, but not by enough for Hamer to overhaul Ryan’s advantage.
Short of another AEC mistake, Kooyong is a seat we can call for the teals.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14689703/Monique-Ryan-Kooyong-Australia-election-results-LIVE.html
Looks like they got caught cheating
Saudi Arabia Pressed Trump To Stop Attacks On Yemen Ahead Of Visit
Saudi Arabia has been lobbying the US to stop all US attacks on Yemen ahead of President Donald Trump's visit to the kingdom, warning that it would create an "embarrassing situation" for Riyadh and the US, Middle East Eye can reveal.
Saudi Arabia has resisted the US bombing campaign in Yemen since the Biden administration began strikes in 2024, but their insistence that attacks stop picked up last week as they became more concerned about the scope of the strikes, two US officials told MEE on the condition of anonymity. "Trump appears to be meeting a Saudi ‘ask’ to stop strikes ahead of his visit," one of the US officials told MEE.
“The pressure from the Saudis to end this has intensified since last week. They told us that attacks on Yemen while POTUS is there would be playing with fire,” the official added, using an acronym for the US President.
Trump announced on Tuesday that “effective immediately”, the US would stop bombing Yemen. The officials could not confirm whether Trump was swayed by the Saudi lobbying alone or decided to stop the campaign based on his calculations.
The US strikes also came under intense criticism from some of Trump’s closest allies, such as media personality Tucker Carlson and Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene.
Shortly before Trump’s announcement, Greene mocked the entire premise of the campaign, writing, “I’ve never seen a Houthi. Nor has anyone else I know.”
Trump says he will 'honour' his word with Houthis
https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/saudi-arabia-pressed-trump-stop-attacks-yemen-ahead-visit
The foods sold in Australia that have been linked to PARKINSON'S disease
People who regularly eat ultraprocessed foods have nearly triple the risk of developing Parkinson's disease, a study suggests.
Chinese scientists found people who ate 11 or more servings of ultra-processed foods a day were 2.5 times more likely to have early signs of the progressive movement disorder Parkinson's disease than those eating three or fewer servings.
Parkinson's is the second most common neurological disease in Australia after dementia, with more than 150,000 Aussies living with the condition.
Incidence rates are increasing by about 4 per cent per year, costing the health system about $10billion each year, according to Parkinson's Australia.
Though it is more common in the elderly, up to 20 per cent of all people with Parkinson's have an early onset version and are diagnosed in their 20s to 50s. Actor Michael J Fox was famously diagnosed with the disease aged just 29.
The new study out of Fudan University in China shows Aussies can take a simple step to reduce their chances of being diagnosed with the disease: cutting out ultra-processed foods including fizzy drinks and tomato sauce.
Even having three servings of these foods a day raised the risk by up to 60 per cent, the study said.
It found artificial additives like emulsifiers, sweeteners and preservatives may promote inflammation and oxidative stress, damaging neurons in the brain that create dopamine, a neurotransmitter that controls movement.
Additionally, the foods quickly get absorbed into the bloodstream and attack the microbiome, a community of 'friendly' bacteria that live in the gut and communicate with the brain.
Harmful bacteria creates inflammation in the brain that destroys dopamine-producing neurons.
Young Australians might be developing Parkinson's without knowing it, as the earliest signs - listed in the study as sleep issues, fatigue, constipation and a reduced ability to smell - might not progress to more tell-tale symptoms like tremors until decades later.
'Eating a healthy diet is crucial as it has been associated with a lower risk of neurodegenerative diseases and the dietary choices we make today can significantly influence our brain health in the future,' study author Dr Xiang Gao said.
'There's growing evidence that diet might influence the development of Parkinson's disease. Our research shows that eating too much processed food, like sugary sodas and packaged snacks, might be speeding up early signs.'
The study followed 42,853 people who did not have Parkinson's at the outset, recording their medical appointments and diet for up to 26 years.
Researchers divided foods into four categories: unprocessed or minimally processed foods, processed culinary ingredients, processed foods and ultra-processed foods.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14689551/Parkinsons-ultra-processed-foods.html
Real ID enforcement begins today
The federal government has officially activated Real ID enforcement, requiring Americans to present enhanced identification for domestic air travel and access to federal facilities. The policy, which has been delayed multiple times since its introduction in 2005, is now fully in effect.
Real ID is a federally compliant driver’s license or identification card that meets strict security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The card features a black or gold star, indicating compliance with federal regulations. Without it, travelers must present a valid U.S. passport or another federally approved document to board commercial flights or enter certain government buildings.
Critics argue that Real ID violates Fourth Amendment protections by forcing Americans to submit additional personal data to obtain a compliant ID. The law requires proof of residency, Social Security verification, and multiple identity documents, raising concerns about government overreach and mass data collection. Privacy advocates warn that the policy creates a national tracking system, allowing federal agencies to monitor citizens’ movements under the guise of security.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has begun strict enforcement at airport checkpoints. Travelers without a Real ID or an alternative document face additional screening, delays, and possible denial of entry. TSA officials claim the policy enhances security by preventing fraudulent identification, but opponents argue that it disproportionately affects low-income individuals and those who lack easy access to required documents.
State compliance remains inconsistent. A recent analysis found that 30 states are below 70% compliance, with New Jersey reporting the lowest rate at just 17%. Millions of Americans are still without a Real ID, raising concerns about travel disruptions and bureaucratic hurdles.
The debate over Real ID is far from over. While the government insists the policy strengthens national security, critics see it as another step toward mass surveillance and federal control.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/real-id-deadline-may-7-tsa/
https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/releases/2025/04/11/tsa-begins-real-id-full-enforcement-may-7
https://www.newsweek.com/real-id-may-application-deadline-2056839
Mark Zuckerberg leaves crowd speechless as he reveals his plan for terrifying dystopian future
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg thinks you don't have enough friends, but his solution isn't socializing more - it's talking with more robots.
During a conference hosted by technology company Stripe, Zuckerberg suggested that it may actually be better for people to seek out friends, therapists, and even lovers that are all powered by AI.
As part of his reasoning, the 40-year-old cited a 2021 study which found that the average American has fewer than three friends.
Instead of lobbying for people to escape their digital bubbles, Zuckerberg claimed that AI can actually do a better job of knowing the likes and preferences of lonely humans than a real fresh-and-blood companion.
'I think people are going to want a system that knows them well and that kind of understands them in the way that their feed algorithms do,' Zuckerberg said Tuesday.
'For people who don't have a person who's a therapist, I think everyone will have an AI' the Meta CEO predicted.
Zuckerberg added he believes that the average person has a desire for about 15 friends, at which point having more close relationships becomes too much to handle.
While Meta's leader may see a future in digital friend circles, the surprising comments almost immediately received pushback from countless people on social media - and other tech industry execs.
'The very platforms that have led to our social isolation and being chronically online are now posing a solution to the loneliness epidemic,' Dhar told The Wall Street Journal.
'It almost seems like the arsonist coming back and being the fireman,' she added.
To her point, a 2024 study by the American Psychiatric Association discovered that one in three Americans feels lonely on a weekly basis.
Previous studies have tied the problem of social isolation to a lack of in-person contact, as more and more people spend the majority of their days using their various mobile devices.
The reaction to Zuckerberg's vision wasn't much better among the public, who shared their thoughts on social media.
'I hate everything about this,' one person on X wrote.
'Mark Zuckerberg is a rich weirdo who thinks people don't need real friends in life - you can just be friends with AI,' an X user declared.
'This quote from Mark Zuckerberg is sad and frightening. Don't replace friends with AI. Dystopian garbage,' another person added.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-14688075/Mark-Zuckerberg-leaves-crowd-speechless-reveals-plan-terrifying-dystopian-future.html
: FRAUDULENT-WARS: Russell-Jay: Gould.
https://youtu.be/LhYhYuuukYc
Yep GCHQ
Sergeant Robert Leroy Horton (US ARMY CIVIL AFFAIRS & PSYCHOLOGICAL OPERATIONS COMMAND)
https://youtu.be/eysF9sPaozg
Former Morton, Washington City Clerk pleads guilty to wire fraud for lengthy embezzlement scheme
Stole nearly $1 million over nine years
Tacoma – The former Clerk-Treasurer for the City of Morton in Lewis County pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to wire fraud in connection with her nine-year scheme to steal nearly $1 million from city coffers, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Tamara (Tammy) Clevenger served as the Clerk-Treasurer for Morton from 2012-2022. In 2024, an audit by the Washington State Auditor uncovered years of embezzlement totaling $937,584. Clevenger is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Tiffany M. Cartwright on July 7, 2025.
According to records filed in the case, including the plea agreement, Clevenger used a variety of ways to steal funds. Between November 2015 and December 2021, she stole at least $311,727 of cash that citizens had brought in to pay for city services. In some instances, she would write a fraudulent city checks in the amount of cash she stole to conceal the theft of the cash. She also made unauthorized cash withdrawals with the Morton ATM card.
Between February 2013 and December 2021, Clevenger stole at least $625,857 by writing city checks to herself and depositing them in her bank account. Clevenger would use checks that had been pre-signed by the mayor for use in emergency situations. Clevenger used fake vendor invoices to make it appear the checks had been written for a service rendered to the city. Clevenger’s actions used interstate wires to commit the fraud with the transfer of funds between various bank accounts. One example is the transfer of $5,808 in funds from Washington to Umpqua bank servers located outside the state.
Following the audit, the City of Morton established new procedures so that no single person had control of the various banking functions.
Clevenger has agreed to make restitution to the City of Morton. She is receiving credit for some $8,626 that she deposited to city accounts via ATM machines.
The FBI and IRS worked with the Washington State Auditor’s Office on the criminal financial investigation.
Wire fraud is punishable by up to twenty years in prison. Prosecutors have agreed to recommend a three-year prison term. Judge Cartwright is not bound by the recommendation and can impose any sentence allowed by law, after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdwa/pr/former-morton-washington-city-clerk-pleads-guilty-wire-fraud-lengthy-embezzlement
Macquarie Bank committed compliance 'failings' after facing record fine, ASIC's commissioner Simone Constant declares
The corporate watchdog is cracking down on a major bank for an array of “repeated failings” regarding compliance issues, with some occurring after the bank was hit with a $5m fine in September.
The corporate watchdog is cracking down on a major bank for an array of “repeated failings” regarding compliance issues, with some occurring after the bank was hit with a $5m fine in September.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission on Wednesday took aim at Macquarie Group for major compliance failures.
ASIC has intervened with Macquarie over its futures dealing business and its over-the-counter derivatives trading – which are trades done outside of an exchange.
The watchdog said Macquarie had failed to stop at least 11 suspicious orders being placed in the futures market, one dating back to over a decade ago.
https://www.skynews.com.au/business/finance/macquarie-bank-committed-compliance-failings-after-facing-record-fine-asics-commissioner-simone-constant-declares/news-story/02e3d1d31a6dab34cd4a215f11a4f91f
NSW antisemitism inquiry. Jewish organisations reject Zionist claims
Submissions to the NSW antisemitism inquiry show large cohorts of Jewish people reject the attempts at conflating Zionism with Judaism and criticism of Israel with antisemitism.
Coming out of NSW’s ‘summer of racism’, the inquiry seeks to investigate and combat an “alarming rise in antisemitism, including record levels on university campuses and in schools, [which] threatens both public safety and community cohesion’,” according to committee chair, Robert Borsak, of the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party.
Despite this a priori framing, a large number of the published submissions challenge the inquiry’s narrow framework, calling instead for nuanced approaches to tackling antisemitism that are attentive Jewish Australians’ diverse experiences and opinions.
Judaism does not equal Zionism
Of the 66 published submissions, 35 – almost all from Jewish individuals and organisations – explicitly reject the conflation of (political) Zionism with Judaism and the attendant assertion that criticism of Israel is inherently antisemitic. This includes the submission from the Great Synagogue, which advocates for education on “the distinction between criticism of Israeli government policy and antisemitic speech or behaviour.”
“Judaism existed for 3000 years before Zionism,” reads one submission,
and many Jews are not zionists and do not support Israel’s genocidal war.
Members of the state’s Jewish community express concern that antisemitism is being ‘politicised’ and ‘weaponised’ to ‘suppress pro-Palestine speech’, ‘curtail our civil rights’, and to shield Israel from legitimate political criticism.
“To object to the genocide and slaughter of innocent Palestinian lives is NOT antisemitic,” writes a long-term resident of NSW, born and raised in Israel.
Representative bodies not representative
Established Jewish bodies’ failure to represent what one Jewish organisation calls “the full diversity of opinion in the Jewish community” is a common theme. As another Jewish group notes, the inquiry itself is largely limited to addressing “concerns from conservative Jewish community members” (emphasis added).
This lack of representation is especially pronounced when it comes to the range of Jewish political opinion on Israel and Palestine. A son of Holocaust survivors voices his ‘disgust’ at ‘Israel’s treatment of the Palestinian population’ and refutes ‘the claims by The Executive Council of Australian Jewry to represent the voice of all Australian Jews.’ A Jewish resident of regional NSW writes:
“Individuals have occasionally assumed that I had some association with Israel, which is profoundly offensive and undoubtedly motivated by the antisemitic conceit that all Jews have some inherent connection with that country and that it somehow represents our interests, a conceit, I hasten to add, that Israel and most Jewish “communal” bodies are keen to inculcate.”
Media and government are also accused of upholding that conceit, with one submission stating, “Jewish opponents of Israel’s actions against Palestinians are currently finding it hard to have our voices heard in the public media and by our Governments.”
One Sydneysider, descended from Holocaust survivors, describes it as “perverse that mainstream Jewish organisations, as well as public institutions, the media, politicians and public figures,
routinely conflate Jewish identity with support for Israel and Zionism.
https://michaelwest.com.au/nsw-antisemitism-inquiry-jewish-organisations-reject-zionist-claims/
Report: Pentagon will likely fail audits through 2028
GAO says DOD still ‘faces significant fraud exposure’ and massive financial deficiencies
The Defense Department has not taken adequate measures to address “significant fraud exposure,” and its timeline for fixing “pervasive weaknesses in its finances” is not likely to be met, according to a recently released government report.
The Government Accountability Office conducted the report to assist the Pentagon in meeting its timeline for a clean audit by 2028. DOD has failed every audit since it was legally required to submit to one each year beginning in 2018. In fact, the Pentagon is the only one of 24 federal agencies that has not been able to pass an unmodified financial audit since the Chief Financial Officers Act of 1990.
For more than two decades, the GAO has given over 100 recommendations on how the Pentagon can fix its financial weaknesses. Most cases are still open, with no progress satisfied other than a “leadership commitment.” Additionally, many of the thousands of identified deficiencies found in its 2018 audit remain outstanding.
Indeed, the GAO found that “to achieve a department-wide clean audit opinion by December 2028, the DOD needs to accelerate the pace at which it addresses its long-standing issues.”
GAO advises DOD to implement a fraud risk management system. From 2017 to 2024, the DOD reported $10.8 billion in confirmed fraud. While that number is small compared to the Pentagon’s budget over those years, “recoveries and confirmed fraud reflect only a small fraction of DOD’s potential fraud exposure,” the GAO says.
Examples of more egregious cases of fraud and abuse at the Pentagon — like the $52,000 trash can or the $7,600 coffee maker — have been well-documented over the years. But others are a bit more granular. The new GAO report noted that the Pentagon purchased a machine gun bipod component with subpar manufacturing standards because a vendor fraudulently edited paperwork to reflect a higher manufacturing score. Luckily, engineers caught the deficiency before the bipods entered the battlefield, but the incident could have placed soldiers in harm’s way.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth promised to return a clean DOD audit by the end of Trump’s administration, an outcome the GAO report and experts say is unlikely, barring significant changes.
Despite inadequate answers to these massive financial deficiencies, President Trump has ordered the Pentagon to increase its budget to over $1 trillion, up from the around $850 billion that the Biden administration requested for FY 2025.
“Congress set an ambitious deadline for the Pentagon to achieve an unmodified audit opinion in 2028, but there's little evidence to suggest the department can meet it,” says Julia Gledhill, Research Associate at the Stimson Center. “Lawmakers would be better off lowering Pentagon spending, which would help the department mitigate the risk of contractor fraud. With more limited resources, the Pentagon would have to tackle the issue head-on."
https://responsiblestatecraft.org/department-of-defense-audit-failures/
Colorado Postal Worker Pleads Guilty to Rigging 2024 Presidential Election
A former U.S. Postal Service employee from Mesa County, Colorado, has admitted to stealing and fraudulently casting mail-in ballots during the 2024 presidential election.
Vicki Stuart, 64, entered a guilty plea on May 5 to charges of identity theft and forgery.
The charges stem from a scheme in which Stuart, along with her associate, Sally Jane Maxedon, intercepted mail-in ballots intended for voters, forged signatures, and submitted them as legitimate votes.
The duo claimed their actions were intended to test the state’s signature verification system.
According to court documents, at least 12 ballots were stolen, with three successfully bypassing the signature verification process and being counted in the election results.
The fraudulent activity came to light when voters reported receiving notifications that their ballots had been processed, despite not having received or cast them.
Stuart, who was serving as a substitute mail carrier at the time, used her position to identify and withhold ballots from delivery. She then collaborated with Maxedon, who filled out the ballots and forged the necessary signatures.
As part of the deal, Stuart’s maximum time in prison would be no more than nine years.
KDVR reported:
In a hearing that lasted less than 10 minutes, Vicki Stuart – one of two suspects in last year’s election fraud case – pled guilty for her role in the scheme.
As part of the plea hearing, Stuart had 32 counts dropped. But she pled guilty to one count of identity theft and forgery, respectively. Stuart’s other charges included an attempt to influence a public servant.
Stuart said she doesn’t dispute charges, telling Judge Brian Flynn, “I feel guilty for the part I played.”
Stuart and her friend, Sally Maxedon, were accused of stealing residents’ ballots, filling them out before turning them in to the Mesa County Clerk and Recorder’s Office.
According to the original arrest affidavit, the pair wanted to “test” the voting signature systems. Stuart worked at the United States Postal Service, and it’s believed she took the ballots from USPS for Maxedon to fill out.
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/05/colorado-postal-worker-pleads-guilty-rigging-2024-presidential/