In a startling revelation, SWAT sniper assigned to protect former President Donald Trump during his July 13 rally reported having no communication with the Secret Service prior to a gunman attempting to assassinate Trump. This information, disclosed in interviews with ABC News, highlights a significant security lapse that nearly resulted in tragedy.

Jason Woods, a lead sharpshooter with the Beaver County, Pennsylvania SWAT team, expressed frustration over the lack of a face-to-face briefing with Secret Service agents. “We were supposed to get a face-to-face briefing with the Secret Service members whenever they arrived, and that never happened,” Woods told ABC News. “We had no communication.” Woods and his team only communicated with the Secret Service after the shooting, which Woods described as “too late.”

These comments have intensified scrutiny on the coordination between national and local agencies. The Secret Service did not respond to a request for comment sent by Business Insider outside regular business hours. However, a spokesperson did tell ABC that the agency “is committed to better understanding what happened before, during, and after the assassination attempt of former President Trump to ensure that never happens again.”

The SWAT team’s counter snipers, stationed at the American Glass Research (AGR) building, reportedly identified the gunman, Thomas Crooks, at least two hours before the shooting. The New York Times published text messages indicating that the counter snipers spotted Crooks moving suspiciously near their staging area and notified the command center of a potential threat.

Despite these warnings, Secret Service members on Trump’s detail claimed they never received any alert from the AGR building snipers, according to The Washington Post. This crucial communication breakdown allowed Crooks to climb onto the roof of the AGR building and open fire on Trump. The FBI confirmed that a bullet, or bullet fragments, struck the former president’s ear.

The aftermath of the July 13 assassination attempt has led to severe criticism of the Secret Service. Former agents and advisers have described the incident as a monumental security failure. “The assassination attempt of former President Trump on July 13th is the most significant operational failure of the Secret Service in decades,” said Secret Service director Kimberly Cheatle on July 22. Cheatle resigned the next day amid the ongoing backlash.

As investigations continue, the July 13 incident serves as a stark reminder of the vital importance of clear and effective communication among security agencies to prevent such threats in the future.

In October 2023, the people of Liberia exercised their democratic rights by going to the polls to choose their next leader. The initial round of voting did not produce a candidate with over 50% of the votes, leading to a runoff between incumbent President George Weah and former Vice President Joseph Boikai. However, what sets this election apart is not just the outcome but the remarkable display of sportsmanship and democratic values.

On November 14, 2023, Liberians returned to the polling stations, and this time, they elected Joseph Boikai as Liberia’s next president. It is worth noting that President Weah, unlike some leaders in the African continent who have clung to power despite electoral defeats, took a different and commendable path. He graciously accepted the will of the people and congratulated his opponent, Joseph Boikai.

This act of conceding defeat and extending congratulations speaks volumes about George Weah’s commitment to democratic principles. It is a stark contrast to the unfortunate situations in some countries where leaders refuse to acknowledge electoral outcomes, leading to political turmoil and instability. Weah’s decision to step down gracefully reflects his understanding of the importance of respecting the will of the people and upholding the democratic process.

President Weah’s journey to the presidency has been one of determination and perseverance. He contested for the presidency in 2005 and 2011 but faced defeat on both occasions. However, his unwavering spirit eventually led him to victory in the 2017 elections when he defeated Joseph Boikai. At 57 years of age, Weah still has the opportunity to make a political comeback. His party, the Congress for Democratic Change, remains a significant force in the Liberian legislature, which could play a pivotal role in the country’s future political landscape.

In the world of sports, George Weah’s name is synonymous with excellence. His remarkable football career, where he became one of Africa’s greatest footballers, demonstrates his ability to rise above challenges and achieve success. Similarly, in the realm of politics, Weah’s gracious concession shows his maturity and statesmanship.

As Liberia looks ahead to a new chapter under President Joseph Boikai’s leadership, it is essential to appreciate the peaceful and democratic transition that has taken place. The Liberian people have demonstrated their commitment to democratic values, and President George Weah’s sportsmanlike behavior has set a positive example for leaders across the continent.

In conclusion, the Liberia election of 2023 not only signifies a change in leadership but also serves as a beacon of democracy and sportsmanship. George Weah’s gracious concession and the peaceful transition of power are testaments to the strength of Liberia’s democracy. As the nation moves forward, it is hoped that these values will continue to guide its leaders and citizens toward a brighter future.

Chicago has a new mayor, and his name is Brandon Johnson. The Cook County Commissioner defeated Paul Vallas in a closely contested race, winning 51% of the vote to Vallas’s 49%. With his victory, Johnson becomes the 57th mayor of the city, succeeding Lori Lightfoot, who served a single term as Chicago’s mayor.

The race was closely watched and fiercely contested, with both Johnson and Vallas presenting their visions for the city’s future. Johnson campaigned on a platform of progressive policies, promising to address income inequality, expand affordable housing, and increase funding for public schools. Vallas, a former CEO of the Chicago Public Schools, ran on a more centrist platform, emphasizing his experience in government and his ability to get things done.

In the end, Johnson’s message of hope and change resonated with Chicago voters, particularly those in the city’s more economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. His victory represents a significant shift for the city, which has traditionally been governed by more moderate and business-friendly mayors.

Governor Pritzer was quick to congratulate Johnson on his victory, issuing a statement praising the new mayor’s commitment to social justice and economic opportunity. “I am confident that Mayor Johnson will be a strong and effective leader for the people of Chicago, and I look forward to working with him to build a brighter future for our city,” Pritzer said.

Outgoing mayor Lightfoot also offered her congratulations to Johnson, saying that she was confident he would continue the work of making Chicago a more equitable and inclusive city. “I know that Mayor Johnson will work tirelessly to improve the lives of all Chicagoans, and I wish him all the best in his new role,” Lightfoot said.

Johnson’s victory is seen as a significant win for progressive politics in Chicago, and it has already been celebrated by activists and community leaders across the city. In his victory speech, Johnson thanked his supporters and pledged to be a mayor for all Chicagoans.

“I am deeply humbled by the trust that the people of Chicago have placed in me, and I promise to work every day to live up to that trust,” Johnson said. “I believe that we can build a better, more just city for everyone, and I am committed to doing the hard work to make that vision a reality.”

One of Johnson’s first challenges as mayor will be to address the city’s ongoing issues with violence and crime. Chicago has struggled with high levels of gun violence in recent years, and Johnson has promised to make public safety a top priority for his administration.

Another key issue for Johnson will be the city’s finances. Chicago has long struggled with budget deficits and mounting debt, and Johnson will need to find ways to balance the city’s books while also investing in vital public services like education and transportation.

Despite these challenges, however, Johnson’s victory represents a new chapter in Chicago’s political history, one that promises to be more focused on social justice and equity. With his commitment to progressive policies and his grassroots support, Johnson has the potential to transform the city and bring about a new era of prosperity and opportunity for all Chicagoans.

Dominion Voting Systems, the company at the center of the controversy surrounding the 2020 US presidential election, has filed a $1.6 billion lawsuit against Rupert Murdoch’s Fox Corporation, alleging that the network spread false information about Dominion’s role in the election.

Dominion is seeking damages for defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The lawsuit, filed in Delaware, accuses Fox News and several of its hosts, including Maria Bartiromo, Lou Dobbs, and Jeanine Pirro, of spreading conspiracy theories about the company’s voting machines.

According to the lawsuit, Fox News and its hosts “recklessly disregarded the truth” and “knowingly broadcast false and defamatory statements” about Dominion’s machines, which they claimed were rigged to change votes in favor of Joe Biden.

Dominion’s lawsuit is the latest legal action taken by the company in response to allegations of election fraud. In December 2020, Dominion filed a defamation lawsuit against former Trump campaign lawyer Sidney Powell, who had also made false claims about the company’s voting machines.

The lawsuit against Fox Corporation is significant, however, as it takes aim at one of the largest and most influential media companies in the world. Rupert Murdoch’s Fox Corporation owns a number of popular cable news networks, including Fox News, Fox Business, and Fox Sports.

Dominion alleges that Fox News’s coverage of the election was driven by a desire to support former President Donald Trump and to boost ratings, rather than a commitment to accurate reporting. The lawsuit claims that Fox News’s coverage of Dominion’s machines was “an attack on democracy itself” and “a clear and present danger to the peaceful transition of power.”

Fox News has yet to respond to the lawsuit, but in the past, the network has defended its coverage of the election and denied spreading misinformation about Dominion’s machines.

The Dominion lawsuit is just one of several legal challenges facing Fox News and other media companies accused of spreading false information about the election. In February, Smartmatic, another voting technology company, filed a $2.7 billion lawsuit against Fox News and several of its hosts, including Dobbs and Bartiromo.

The lawsuit alleged that Fox News spread false information about Smartmatic’s role in the election and falsely accused the company of being involved in a “conspiracy to steal the 2020 election.” Smartmatic’s lawsuit is still ongoing.

The Dominion lawsuit against Fox Corporation is likely to be closely watched by media companies and legal experts alike. It raises important questions about the role of the media in covering elections and the responsibility of media companies to report accurate information to the public.

For Dominion, the lawsuit is a chance to clear its name and restore its reputation after months of baseless accusations and conspiracy theories. For Fox News and its hosts, it represents a potential threat to their credibility and a reminder that spreading false information can have serious consequences.

Nigeria’s former Lagos State governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) leader, Bola Tinubu, has emerged victorious in the recently concluded presidential elections, beating his main rival, incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari, by a narrow margin.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the results on Monday, with Tinubu receiving 51.4% of the total votes cast, while Buhari garnered 47.8%. The other presidential candidates were unable to secure a significant number of votes.

Tinubu’s supporters took to the streets in jubilation, celebrating his victory as a sign of hope for a better Nigeria. In his acceptance speech, Tinubu promised to lead Nigeria toward progress and prosperity, saying, “I am humbled by this mandate and I promise to work tirelessly to make Nigeria a better place for all of us.”

However, not everyone is celebrating. The two main opposition parties, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Young Progressive Party (YPP), have accused Tinubu and the APC of rigging the elections.

In a joint statement, PDP National Chairman Uche Secondus and YPP National Chairman Kingsley Moghalu alleged that “the elections were marred by irregularities, vote-buying, intimidation, and violence, which were orchestrated by the ruling party to manipulate the results in their favor.”

They further claimed that the INEC collation process was compromised and that the electoral commission failed to conduct a free, fair, and credible election.

The accusations of election rigging have sparked protests in several parts of the country, with some opposition supporters taking to the streets to demand a rerun of the elections. The police have been deployed in some areas to maintain law and order.

The APC, however, has dismissed the allegations, saying that they are baseless and unfounded. In a statement, the party’s National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, said, “The PDP and the YPP are sore losers who are unable to accept defeat. The elections were conducted in a transparent and peaceful manner, and the results reflect the will of the people.”

He further urged the opposition to accept the outcome of the elections and work with Tinubu to move Nigeria forward.

International observers have also weighed in on the elections. The African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) both issued statements congratulating Tinubu on his victory, but also expressing concern over the allegations of irregularities and calling for an investigation into the matter.

The United States and the European Union also called for transparency and accountability in the electoral process and urged all parties to refrain from violence.

The outcome of Nigeria’s presidential elections is crucial for Africa’s most populous nation, which is facing numerous challenges, including a struggling economy, rising insecurity, and social unrest. Tinubu’s victory, if accepted by all parties, could bring stability and a renewed sense of hope to the country.

However, the accusations of election rigging and the ensuing protests highlight the deep divisions within Nigerian society and the need for meaningful dialogue and reconciliation. It is now up to Tinubu and his administration to address these issues and work towards building a stronger, more inclusive, and democratic Nigeria.

Smyrna, DE: – As president-elect, Joseph R. Biden prepares to take office as the United States 46^th president, there are crucial runoff senate elections slated for January 5, 2021 between Republican incumbent candidates David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler, and Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock. The results of those elections will decide which party controls the Senate.

Georgia, which for many years, has been reliably Republican and has been that way since 1992 when Bill Clinton won the state by 43.47% to H. W. Bush’s 42.88%. Georgians stay in the republican column after 1992 until the 2020 elections when Mr. Biden defeats President Donald Trump with the narrowest of margin.

After losing the elections for his democratic rival, without any evidence, President Trump describes the 2020 elections as a fraud although Republican candidates down ballots retained or gain seats in the House of Representatives. Although Republicans lost the White House, from the perspectives of some Republican political strategists, the party did well because it was defending most of the House and Senate seats especially in a year the president was unpopular and coronavirus news dwarfed all the progress made under President Trump.

But the with President Trump’s relentless attacks to discredit the outcome of the 2020 elections, especially elections in states he lost, many analysts are still unsure as to whether Georgian Republican voters will go to the polls to votes for the two incumbent Georgian Republican Senators.

Whether Republicans voters come out to vote in the runoff elections do not guarantee that the Republicans are going to retain the contested two senate seat because Georgia has been changing from a reliable Republican state to a toss-up for some time now. In 2016, Democratic Candidate Hilary R. Clinton lost to Trump by just 5 percentage point. Again, Ms. Stacy Abram came close to winning the governor’s office in 2018 but stop short to current Republican Governor Brian Kemp by about 50,000 votes. So, president-elect Biden’s win is something that has been coming a long time and now might change Georgia’s status from reliably Republican to a swing state.

The Georgian senate runoff is important to both the Democrats and the Republican for very different reasons. For the Democrats, winning Georgia two senate seat will help them power through president-elect Biden agenda; agenda most Republican describe as Bernie Sanders populist and liberal agenda for the next four years. But it also important to stress that winning Georgia two seats will give Democrats control of the House, Senate, and the White House.

The Republicans will want to keep Biden and the Democrat in check and one way that they will be able to effectively do that is by keeping control of the Senate. Remember during the Obama administration, the Republicans were able to deny Judge Merrick Garland his seat on the Supreme Court by arguing that his appointment was close to the elections and the voters should decide who makes that appointment since Obama was on his way out. But with elections just two months, President Trump fill the associate justice Ruth Ginsburg seat on the court, ignoring rationale provided the American people in 2016 to justify not confirming judge Garland.

The Georgia runoff will be a turnout game as both parties are motivating their voters to turn out and vote for their candidates for the reasons given earlier. However, with Trump continually criticizing election officials, some Republican voters feel that the 2020 elections were stolen from President Trump and that going to vote is a waste of time.

 It is difficult to assess how deep the mistrust of Republican voters are in the ability of election officials is but gauging their reactions to the president Trump’s baseless claims, by raising money and carrying out many streets protests not just indicate how Trump has temporarily succeeded in undermining US democratic credentials domestically and around the world, but also how he and few of his loyal supporters are trying to cast doubt on the creditability of this country’s institutions. It important to mention that most American institutions described the 2020 elections to be free, fair, and transparent.

As Georgians go to the polls on January 5 in this especially important Senate runoff elections which could go either way, Trump attacks on this country’s democratic institutions do not help but those attacks might suppress voter’s turnout among Republicans and likely help propel Democrat takeover of the Senate.