Trump Revives Obama Russiagate Accusations Following Gabbard Claims

Former President Donald Trump has renewed allegations against Barack Obama following claims by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard that the Obama administration politicized intelligence regarding Russian interference in the 2016 election.

Gabbard presented declassified documents she says prove Obama’s team fabricated intelligence to undermine Trump’s victory. She called it a deliberate effort to “usurp the will of the American people.” Trump echoed her accusations, labeling the actions “treason” and calling for accountability.

Obama’s office dismissed the claims as “outrageous” and insisted the evidence does not contradict long-standing findings by bipartisan Senate committees and the intelligence community that Russia sought to influence, but did not alter, the 2016 election.

Gabbard has referred her findings to the Justice Department, whose investigators have yet to corroborate her allegations against Obama.

 

Texas GOP Unveils Map to Flip Seats, Faces Dem Opposition

Texas Republicans unveiled a proposed congressional redistricting map Wednesday, aiming to flip five Democratic-held seats and solidify GOP control after explicit urging from President Donald Trump. The draft, released during a special legislative session called by Governor Greg Abbott, would increase Republican-held House seats from 25 to potentially 30, drawing new boundaries primarily in the Houston, Dallas, Austin, and South Texas regions.

Notably, Houston's 9th District, currently majority-minority and represented by Al Green (D), would be redrawn into a seat won by Trump by 15 points in 2024. The plan also forces Democratic members in Austin and Dallas, including Reps. Greg Casar, Lloyd Doggett, Julie Johnson, and Marc Veasey, into more competitive or even primary battles. In South Texas, current Democratic districts would be tilted toward Republicans by adding more GOP voter pockets while shifting Democratic areas to current more Republican-leaning districts.

Democrats have denounced the mid-cycle redistricting as an overtly partisan attempt to capture seats and to circumvent ongoing legal challenges to the state’s 2021 map. State Rep. Gene Wu (D) called the proposal a “corrupt, racially-motivated gerrymander,” and Democrats are contemplating a quorum break, potentially fleeing the state to stall the vote, despite updated House rules allowing $500-per-day fines for absences. National Democratic groups are mobilizing resources and volunteers to fight the changes and prepare for legal battles, and Democratic-controlled state legislatures may take up their mid-cycle redistricting in hopes of capturing GOP-held seats in their states.

 

Ceasefire in Effect in Southeast Asia Border Clash

Armed clashes broke out along the Thailand-Cambodia border last week, leaving at least 12 Thais dead and dozens wounded, according to Thai officials. Fighting centered on the disputed Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple, with both sides exchanging artillery and rocket fire. Each government accused the other of triggering the violence, which forced tens of thousands to flee. Cambodian authorities have acknowledged casualties but have not disclosed full figures.

On Saturday, officials from both countries announced a ceasefire agreement aimed at ending the hostilities. Negotiations are ongoing as border residents begin to return to their homes.

 

Heavy Metal Legend Ozzy Osbourne Dies at 76

Ozzy Osbourne, one of heavy metal’s foundational figures and legendary vocalist for Black Sabbath, died at 76 after a long period of declining health. Born John Osbourne in Birmingham, England, in 1948, he helped form Black Sabbath in 1968. Their pioneering sound on albums like “Black Sabbath,” “Paranoid,” and “Master of Reality” laid the groundwork for heavy metal, with Osbourne’s distinct, haunting vocals and theatrical performances defining the genre’s style and attitude.

Osbourne’s career was marked by both creative achievement and infamy. His split from Black Sabbath in 1979 led to a successful solo run, starting with “Blizzard of Ozz” in 1980, which generated enduring hits like “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley.” Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Osbourne continued to release charting albums, headline massive tours, and influence generations of musicians. He became as well-known for controversial antics, including the infamous bat-biting incident, as for his musical prowess.

Later in life, Osbourne pivoted to reality television as the centerpiece of “The Osbournes,” an early 2000s phenomenon that showcased his offstage life and introduced him to new audiences. Despite public health struggles, including a Parkinson’s diagnosis, Osbourne remained active as a performer and recording artist until late in life. His legacy is marked by his indelible influence on rock and metal, his resilience, and his willingness to speak candidly about his battles with addiction and illness.

 

80s Star Malcolm-Jamal Warner Dies at 54 in Drowning Accident

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, known for his iconic role as Theo Huxtable on “The Cosby Show,” died at 54 during a family vacation in Costa Rica. Warner drowned after being caught in a rip tide while swimming at Cocles Beach and could not be revived by rescuers.

Joining “The Cosby Show” at 14, Warner’s performance from 1984 to 1992 helped transform television’s portrayal of Black families. His nuanced depiction of a middle-class teenager earned him an Emmy nomination and broadened the landscape for Black actors on prime time TV.

Warner remained active beyond his breakout role, starring in “Malcolm & Eddie,” recurring on “Reed Between the Lines” and “The Resident,” and voicing a character in “The Magic School Bus.” He also directed multiple television episodes and championed diversity and inclusion in entertainment.

He is survived by his family, including his daughter. Warner’s work and advocacy leave an enduring influence on American television.