SUMMARY: Tulsi Gabbard, as national intelligence director, challenged the long-held conclusion that Russia aided Donald Trump’s 2016 election win, alleging that Obama’s administration conspired to undermine Trump through fabricated evidence. Presenting what she called unassailable proof, Gabbard’s claims, largely seen as baseless and politically motivated, aligned her closely with Trump, who praised her loyalty. Her revelations, including a Republican House Intelligence report, questioned intelligence assessments but did not dispute Russian interference. Democrats criticized her for partisanship and called for her resignation, warning her actions could harm intelligence credibility. Meanwhile, Republicans view her efforts as restoring public trust in intelligence.

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The post Gabbard uses surprise White House appearance to attack Trump’s enemies on the Russia investigation appeared first on www.clickorlando.com

SUMMARY: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ administration has allocated over $245 million in state funds to build and operate an immigration detention center in the Everglades, nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz.” The facility, backed by an executive order citing an immigration emergency, bypasses competitive bidding rules. The estimated annual cost is $450 million, partially expected to be reimbursed by FEMA, though federal payments have not yet occurred. Major contracts include a $78.5 million deal for staffing, with corrections officers earning up to $11,600 monthly. Critics, including human rights advocates and a former ICE director, denounce the center, while transparency concerns arise due to limited public contract details.

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The post Florida signs $245 million in contracts for ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ appeared first on www.abcactionnews.com

SUMMARY: U.S. President Donald Trump has secured trade deals with Japan, the Philippines, and Indonesia, reducing threatened tariffs to ease pressure on exports. A deal with China is still under negotiation, with the August 12 deadline likely extended. Despite some tariff relief, steep tariffs on steel and aluminum remain, and other Asian countries, including South Korea and Thailand, have yet to reach agreements. Economists warn these tariffs will slow growth in Asia and globally. The Asian Development Bank lowered growth forecasts for developing Asia, citing risks like trade tensions, geopolitical conflicts, and China’s struggling property market. Uncertainty continues to challenge regional economies.

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The post Flurry of trade deals offers relief for some Asian countries, while others wait appeared first on www.news4jax.com