POLICY AND PUBLIC INTEREST
Navy’s USS Wichita departs Mayport to strengthen Northcom’s maritime security operations along the southern border
The freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Wichita has departed Naval Station Mayport, Florida, to begin supporting U.S. Northern Command’s southern border operations, replacing the USS St. Louis as the Navy’s lead maritime asset in the region.
The transition, effective November 14, marks a continuation of Navy support to Northcom’s ongoing collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security to reinforce U.S. Customs and Border Protection along the southern border. Wichita will conduct operations similar to those carried out by the St. Louis, focusing on enhancing maritime interdiction and bolstering surveillance efforts across the Gulf of America.
To support these missions, Navy vessels deployed under Northcom operate with embarked Coast Guard law enforcement detachments, enabling interdiction of illicit trafficking and other illegal activities at sea. During its deployment, the USS St. Louis worked closely with the “Valkyries” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 50 Detachment 5 and Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment 408 to conduct patrols and maritime security operations.
“USS Wichita stands ready to relieve St. Louis as the leading edge for Northcom’s homeland defense mission,” said Cmdr. Travis Snover, commanding officer of the Wichita. “We will carry on the dedication, impact and hard work of our fellow shipmates and will live up to our motto as the ‘Keeper of the Seas.’”
Vice Adm. Doug Perry, commander of U.S. 2nd Fleet, emphasized the strategic importance of the deployment. “St. Louis’ deployment is a powerful example of how we’re prioritizing maritime homeland defense, which directly impacts national security,” he said. “I look forward to Wichita supporting Northcom in implementing our shared commitment to…
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FLEOA urges Congress to complete FY 2026 appropriations before the January 30 deadline to prevent another shutdown affecting federal law enforcement operations
The Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) noted the passage of the continuing resolution and three regular appropriations bills that reopened the federal government after the longest shutdown in U.S. history. The legislative action restores funding for essential services and allows federal law enforcement professionals to return to full duty with pay. However, the Association cautions that another funding crisis looms on January 30, 2026, unless Congress continues bipartisan efforts to enact the remaining FY 2026 appropriations.
“FLEOA appreciates the Congressional cooperation that led to the reopening of the federal government,” said Mathew Silverman, National President of FLEOA. “We now urge Congress to act swiftly and collaboratively to enact a full-year appropriations measure well before the January 30 deadline, thereby avoiding another lapse in funding. Our nation’s law enforcement officers, and the citizens they protect, deserve the stability and predictability that only a complete budget can provide.”
During government shutdowns, most federal law enforcement officers are required to report for duty without pay as essential personnel, while support and administrative staff are often furloughed. According to FLEOA, this dynamic places financial strain on officers and their families, disrupts…
New sanctions target individuals channeling tens of millions from Iran to Hizballah through covert business dealings and financial exchanges=
The United States has imposed sanctions on multiple individuals involved in funneling tens of millions of dollars from Iran to Hizballah. These operatives collaborate with regional businessmen and currency exchanges to enable large-scale financial transfers and sustain the terrorist organization’s funding operations.
According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, these individuals play a key role in Iran’s covert financing network. The funds are used to support Hizballah’s global operations, strengthen its influence across the Middle East, and undermine Lebanon’s economic and political sovereignty.
This action forms part of the United States’ ongoing campaign of maximum pressure against Iran and its proxies, as outlined in National Security Presidential Memorandum 2 issued on February 4. The U.S. government reaffirmed its commitment to disrupting illicit financial flows that fuel terrorism and destabilize regional security.
“By enabling Hizballah, Iran holds Lebanon back and undermines its sovereignty,” a State Department spokesperson said. “Iran and Hizballah cannot be allowed to keep Lebanon captive any longer.”
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U.S. Treasury Sanctions Haitian Gang Facilitators Linked to Viv Ansanm Terror Network
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As New York embraces its youngest and most progressive mayor, while nearby New Jersey reaffirms centrist stability under Mikie Sherrill, two victories revealing how voters envision leadership in 2025
By Maxx Quinten / Executive EditorNew Yorkers woke up to a political milestone this week as Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani claimed victory in the city’s mayoral race, becoming both the youngest and first Muslim person ever elected to lead the five boroughs. Across the Hudson, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill won the New Jersey governorship on a platform of stability, fiscal discipline, and pragmatic leadership. Together, the neighboring states’ results tell a larger story about how Democrats are redefining power and priorities in 2025.
Mamdani’s campaign, powered by small donors and community organizers, promised sweeping reforms centered on housing affordability, fare-free public transit, and progressive taxation. His victory was hailed by some as a “socialist shockwave,” symbolizing a generational shift in urban politics.
Former governor Andrew Cuomo, whom Mamdani defeated in the Democratic primary, voiced skepticism over the new mayor’s readiness to manage New York’s complex bureaucracy. “This is no job for on the job training,” Cuomo said. “If you look at the failed mayors, they’re ones that have no management experience. That person has to be ready.” His comments reflect concern among establishment Democrats and business leaders about whether Mamdani’s ideals can translate into policy within the city’s legal and financial limits.
This election also produced one of the highest voter turnouts in recent memory, rivaling the 2001 post 9/11 race that brought businessman Michael Bloomberg to power. Then, New Yorkers chose a steady technocrat after Rudy Giuliani’s two turbulent terms. Bloomberg went on to serve three consecutive terms…
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The influential yet controversial architect of post-9/11 U.S. policy passes away after a long battle with heart disease.
Former U.S. Vice President Richard “Dick” Cheney has died at the age of 84. According to his family’s statement, Cheney passed away on the evening of November 3, 2025, surrounded by his wife Lynne, his daughters Elizabeth (“Liz”) and Mary, and other family members. The cause of death was given as complications from pneumonia and ongoing heart and vascular disease.
Born January 30, 1941, in Lincoln, Nebraska, and raised in Casper, Wyoming, Cheney embarked on a long career in public service that included roles as White House Chief of Staff under President Gerald Ford, U.S. Representative for Wyoming, Secretary of Defense under President George H.W. Bush, and finally Vice President under President George W. Bush.
During his vice presidency, Cheney played a central role in shaping the Bush administration’s policies, particularly following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. He became known for his forceful advocacy of expanded executive authority, enhanced national security measures, and the invasion of Iraq. Many historians and analysts consider him among the most powerful—or at least most influential—vice presidents in U.S. history.
Significant health issues marked Cheney’s later years. He suffered multiple heart…
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