As the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation are waking up to the dastardly effort by Democrats to disenfranchise GOP voters with a ridiculous new district map giving them 10 House representatives to just one for Republicans, former President Barack Obama has been tapped to help them lie their way across the finish line.With voters set to hit the polls on Tuesday, it is Obama coming in from the bullpen to be the closer.The former president seems to be in more TV ads these days than he was when he was back in his political prime. In his soft, dulcet tones, he tells Virginians that giving Democrats 90% of the Old Dominion’s Congressional seats, when over 45% of Virginians are Republicans is to create “fairness.” One can almost see George Orwell giving a sarcastic golf clap.5 VIRGINIA CONGRESSMEN: DEMOCRATS ARE REJECTING VOTERS TO GERRYMANDER OUR STATEHe also assures everyone that the measure is temporary, Democrats are only going to disenfranchise working class voters in the south of the state once, and then go back to normal in 2030, you know, unless there is another emergency …It is telling in many ways that Barack “If You Like Your Doctor, You Can Keep Your Doctor” Obama is the man who the Democrats think is their greatest weapo. One must admit that when it comes to lying and deceit, he does have a way with words.The lying started before Obama even took office, when he claimed as a candidate that his deep Christian beliefs compelled him to oppose gay marriage, a canard which his top aide David Axelrod would not only eventually admit was a lie, but one that they laughed about.REPUBLICANS TARGET SPANBERGER AS ‘GOVERNOR BAIT AND SWITCH’ IN BID TO DEFEAT DEMS REDISTRICTING PUSHAnd make no mistake, they were laughing at the voters.Throughout his presidency the lies increased. Obamacare did not let you keep your doctor, the Benghazi attack was not started by a YouTube video, he did really set a red line in Syria on chemical weapons that he failed to defend.Now, we are also learning from Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard that Obama played a key role in his administration’s effort to investigate and, let’s just be honest, smear Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential race.PRIMARY PAUSE, POLITICAL FIRESTORM: HIGH-STAKES ELECTIONS THIS MONTH TAKE CENTER STAGEAs if all of this was not enough, bringing it all closer to Virginia is Obama’s lying about Trump’s 2017 Charlottesville, speech in which he said there were very fine people on both sides of the Confederate statue debate, and it was contorted to absurdly suggest he supported White supremacists.One way to know that Obama and the Democrats are lying about redistricting, aside from the fact that their lips are moving, is that they refuse to either show the new map in their advertising, or to mention they are giving themselves a 10-1 advantage instead of the current 6-5 split.Had Virginia Democrats embraced a more modest plan that gave them an 8-3 advantage, they might have been able to show the map and actually describe what they are doing. But the overreached, and now they can’t.VIRGINIA DEMS ACCUSED OF ILLEGALLY ‘STEAMROLLING’ STATE LAW THAT COULD UPEND REDISTRICTING CRUSADESo, why do Democrats think it is Obama who can effectively disguise their disgusting power grab as a much-needed act of fairness? Because that has always been his job, to mask radical and dangerous policies as common-sense moderate positions.In the 1970s and 1980s, Democrats were desperate for the “next JFK,” and they eventually kind of found one in Bill Clinton. Today, the party is still searching for its next Obama, but having yet to find one, Barry still must play the part.One would think that every Democrat with an eye towards the White House, of which there are approximately 8,000, would be stumping in Virginia. After all, they want to be perceived as fighters. So where are they?OBAMA ENDORSES VIRGINIA REDISTRICTING CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT THAT COULD HELP DEMS GAIN 4 SEATSWhere are Gavin Newson, Pete Buttigieg and Kamala Harris?It turns out that Virginia Democrats, led by their radical in moderate clothing Gov. Abigail Spanberger, created a map so unfair, so toxic, that nobody wants to be tied to it except Obama, who will never run for office again.In the final days of this redistricting election, Democrats are not dipping into their bench, but rather into their hall of fame. It is old timers day every day with Obama suiting up and taking the field.Does Obama still have his political magic? The juice to move the needle and get this bloody disenfranchisement of poor, White voters over the top?Democrats believe he does, and if they win on Tuesday, expect to see a lot more of Obama between now and the 2028 presidential election.CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM DAVID MARCUS
Charlie Kirk Assassination Trial: Defense Expert Claims that ‘Sensational Media Coverage’ Has Already Convicted Tyler Robinson, Pushes to Ban Cameras in Courtroom (VIDEO)
Defense attorneys for Tyler Robinson, the man charged with the murder of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, called an expert witness on Friday to argue that widespread pretrial publicity has prejudiced potential jurors and that live courtroom cameras should be banned to protect the defendant’s right to a fair trial.
The hearing before Fourth District Judge Tony Graf centered on a motion by Robinson’s legal team to ban cameras, still photographers, and microphones from future proceedings.
Kirk was fatally shot while he was speaking to a crowd at Utah Valley University in Orem in September.
Defense witness Bryan Edelman, a trial consultant and co-founder of Trial Innovations who previously worked on the Bryan Kohberger case in Idaho, presented results from a poll of 200 jury-eligible residents in Utah County.
According to Edelman, 99% of those polled were aware of the case, 64% already believed Robinson is guilty based on media reports, more than 50% said Robinson would have a difficult time convincing them of his innocence, 35% believed he should receive the death penalty, and 65% held a somewhat or very negative opinion of him.
WATCH:
Defense media “expert” claims survey polling Utah county residents regarding Charlie Kirk assassination shows defendant Tyler Robinson would not have a fair trial, citing media coverage:
99% of respondents aware of assassination.
64% believe Robinson is guilty of murder.
7% of… pic.twitter.com/OwSX9HbqP6
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) April 17, 2026
Edelman told the court that the most prejudicial coverage has been “emotional pretrial publicity” focused on the defendant’s character, including sensationalized reports, body-language analyses speculating that Robinson lacks emotion or empathy, and repeated airings of an initial press conference.
The Post Millennial reports:
In regards to news coverage that was played for the court, he said that outlets were “confusing viewers with what happened in hearings” in mixing statements from hearings and court documents, and that a focus on a protective order that was filed on behalf of Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk’s widow, “goes to future dangerousness of impressions of the defendant earlier…negative character is prejudicial.”
Speaking on news coverage that features body language experts or other similar officials, Edelman said, “now we’re completely speculating with sensational conjecture, because he didn’t blink properly, and his eyebrows didn’t go up enough, or whatever it is. And now he’s creating this impression that this person has no emotion or empathy, like he might fit the, I think later it becomes a sociopath.”
“It’s all speculation and sensationalism.”
Edelman also cited statements from high-profile figures, including President Donald Trump and former Attorney General Pam Bondi, as “strong, prejudicial, [and] inflammatory.”
WATCH:
Defense media “expert” in Tyler Robinson case claims “A lot of the prejudicial content that has come out so far” is from the initial press conference: the indictment, arrest affidavit, texts,” says Trump made “strong prejudicial inflammatory statements.” pic.twitter.com/fffK0TSLFf
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) April 17, 2026
During cross-examination, Edelman acknowledged he had not examined negative publicity about Kirk or his widow, Erika Kirk, nor any positive coverage of Robinson.
The Post Millennial reports:
The prosecutor noted that the study asked respondents what three words best describe Charlie Kirk, to which he got responses that include “racist,” inflammatory, “misogynist,” “*sshole,” and “harmful,” among other words. The same question was asked of Robinson, responses for which include “scapegoat,” “confused,” “lost,” and other words.
Robinson’s attorneys have argued that graphic videos of the shooting, media speculation, and public comments, including from Erika Kirk during a December CBS town hall, have created an environment where a fair trial is impossible. They claim live broadcasts feed “sensational, misleading media coverage that undermines the defendant’s fair trial rights.”
Prosecutors, a coalition of media organizations including the Associated Press, and Erika Kirk have opposed the defense motion, arguing that greater transparency, including allowing cameras, is the best safeguard against misinformation and conspiracy theories surrounding the high-profile case.
Judge Graf has not yet ruled on the camera ban and is expected to issue a decision in the coming weeks.
A trial date has not been set, and Robinson has not entered a plea.
If convicted, Robinson will be eligible for the death penalty.
The post Charlie Kirk Assassination Trial: Defense Expert Claims that ‘Sensational Media Coverage’ Has Already Convicted Tyler Robinson, Pushes to Ban Cameras in Courtroom (VIDEO) appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.
Iranian Gunboats Open Fire On Tanker As Hormuz Closure Sparks Maritime Chaos
Iranian Gunboats Open Fire On Tanker As Hormuz Closure Sparks Maritime Chaos
Summary:
Two Iranian gunboats Open Fire on a tanker near Oman
Friday: Hormuz Open; Saturday: Hormuz Closed
Iranian Forces Open Fire On Tanker
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reports that a tanker was “approached by 2 IRGC gunboats, with no VHF challenge, and then fired upon.”
UKMTO did not provide any further details about the two Iranian vessels that fired on the tanker or the type of weapons used in the maritime incident, which was reported to have occurred 20 nautical miles northeast of Oman.
Assume that President Trump is about to become absolutely furious on Truth Social. One can also assume that backchanneling and behind-the-scenes talks are not going well if an incident like this occurred ahead of the U.S.-Iran weekend negotiations.
Hormuz Closed (Again)
The Trump administration’s “baffle ’em with bullshit” methodology has been on full display, as the reopening of the Hormuz chokepoint on Friday drove a broad risk-on in markets: US equities soared, crude collapsed, and Treasury yields declined, based on the assumption that disruption to global energy flows had eased. However, as of early Saturday morning, those moves may prove premature.
The Wall Street Journal reports that the world’s most important maritime chokepoint is once again closed to commercial transit.
About 20 ships waiting to enter the Persian Gulf through the maritime chokepoint have turned back toward Oman after Iran’s military declared the waterway closed again, amid a U.S. blockade of Iranian ports.
And rejected: the two tankers taking the neutral route, Minerva Evropi and Nissos Keros, have turned around; the Sanmar Herald which appears to be taking the Iran-sanctioned Larak island route is proceeding. https://t.co/aceBI7ki0B pic.twitter.com/gmkM37iA1U
— zerohedge (@zerohedge) April 18, 2026
The OSINT community on X is reporting a Hormuz closure as well…
A bit of chaos in Hormuz this morning as nearly all of the outbound tankers have abruptly turned around.
Follows an announcement by Iranian military leadership that the Strait has “reverted to its previous state of strict military control.” pic.twitter.com/XSc6lvxwJo
— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) April 18, 2026
MERCHANT VESSELS RECEIVE RADIO MESSAGE FROM IRANIAN NAVY SAYING STRAIT OF HORMUZ SHUT AGAIN, NO SHIPS ARE ALLOWED TO PASS THROUGH, SHIPPING SOURCES SAY
— *Walter Bloomberg (@DeItaone) April 18, 2026
The vessels had reportedly been prepared to pay $2 million in tolls to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards to pass through, but radio warnings indicated the strait was closed.
WSJ notes:
They are now turning back because the Revolutionary Guards are sending radio messages that the strait is closed, according to one Hong Kong owner with a container ship waiting to transit the strait.
Overnight, Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, wrote on X that President Trump’s “false” claims won’t help in US-Iran negotiations…
The President of the United States made seven claims in one hour, all seven of which were false.
They did not win the war with these lies, and they will certainly not get anywhere in negotiations either.
With the continuation of the blockade, the Strait of Hormuz will not remain open.
Passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be conducted based on the “designated route” and with “Iranian authorization.”
Whether the Strait is open or closed and the regulations governing it will be determined by the field, not by social media.
Media warfare and engineering public opinion are an important part of war, and the Iranian nation is not affected by these tricks. Read the real and accurate news of the negotiations in the recent interview of the Foreign Ministry spokesman.
Earlier, President Trump said peace talks with Iran are making progress and will continue over the weekend.
“We had some pretty good news 20 minutes ago, but it seems to be going very well in the Middle East with Iran,” Trump told reporters traveling to Washington on Air Force One, according to MS Now. “We’ll know over a little period of time. We’re negotiating over the weekend.”
Trump said one main issue is recovering material from Iran’s nuclear program, which he said the U.S. would remove after any agreement is signed.
“Maybe I won’t extend it, but the blockade is going to remain. But maybe I won’t extend it, so you have a blockade, and unfortunately, we’ll have to start dropping bombs again,” Trump said.
Polymarket odds of the Hormuz chokepoint returning to normal status by the end of April have been on a rollercoaster ride over the last 24 hours, peaking at 64% on Friday morning after Iran announced the waterway was open, but dropping to 32% following Iran’s announcement that the maritime chokepoint was closed early Saturday.
Strait of Hormuz traffic returns to normal by end of April?
Yes 33% · No 68%View full market & trade on PolymarketHere are the latest headlines from the Middle East:
Strait of Hormuz Status
Iran reopened the Strait of Hormuz on Friday for commercial shipping during a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon (BN) (BN)
Iran swiftly reversed course on Saturday morning, reimposing restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz after the US said it would not end its blockade of Iran-linked shipping (AP) (SMP) (WSJ)
Iranian forces announced control over the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous status under strict Iranian administration and supervision (NS8) (AFP)
Some 20 ships lining up to cross the Strait of Hormuz were turning back toward Oman after Iran’s military said the waterway was closed again (WSJ)
Shipping Activity
A convoy of eight tankers was crossing the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, comprising one very large crude oil carrier, several oil product and chemical tankers and LPG carriers (NS8)
Four tankers loaded with Qatari LNG within the Persian Gulf moved toward Hormuz in the last 12 hours, with no loaded LNG shipment having exited the Gulf since late February (BN)
More crude oil and gas carriers began testing the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday despite mixed messages from Iranian authorities (BN)
US-Iran Negotiations
Iran has not yet agreed to a next round of negotiations with the US due to Trump’s announcement of a naval blockade and excessive US demands (BV)
Trump said a deal with Iran to end the seven-week war may be imminent, claiming most main points are finalized (BN) (BN)
Trump claimed Iran has agreed to suspend its nuclear program indefinitely, though Iran’s Foreign Ministry said enriched uranium won’t be transferred anywhere under any circumstances (BN) (BN)
Market Activity
Strait To New Record Highs: Hormuz Hopes Spark Risk-On Wrecking Ball Across Markets
Inverse Fear Is Taking Over The Market
Friday’s US-Iran Wrap
Iran Bats Down ‘Baseless’ Trump Claim On Handing Over Enriched Uranium To US, As He Declares Hormuz ‘Never Again’ Closed
Tyler Durden
Sat, 04/18/2026 – 08:26
‘The Naked Gun’ actor Paul Walter Hauser bloodies opponent at Maple Leaf Pro’s first US show
Paul Walter Hauser is an actor who has been in “The Naked Gun,” “Blackbird,” and “Richard Jewell.” But on Friday night at Maple Leaf Pro’s first U.S. event, MLP Multiverse, there was no acting going on.Hauser squared off against QT Marshall in a sin city street fight at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. It was the final show of Slam Fest. The two pro wrestlers pulled out all the stops and left the ring in complete disarray.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMIt was a rematch of their brawl at Ring of Honor’s Death Before Dishonor event. Marshall went on the attack first, throwing in all kinds of foreign objects into the ring, including a piece of wood wrapped with barbed wire, a table, a cane, chairs and even a door was brought into the match.Hauser was able to regain momentum in the match. He set up the barbed-wire object in the corner. Marshall countered and was trying to whip Hauser into the barbed wire. However, Hauser stopped himself. As Marshall tried to take Hauser by surprise, the movie star avoided Marshall and tossed him into the barbed wire.Marshall was busted open, but wasn’t done. Hauser was trying to inflict more pain. He set up a table near one corner of the ring and poured thumbtacks on top of it. Marshall was able to powerbomb Hauser through the tacked table.BLUE PANTHER AND ÚLTIMO GUERRERO STEAL THE SHOW AT CMLL’S FIRST-EVER US EVENT IN LAS VEGASHauser was left with thumbtacks in his back and one in his head. He managed to power through and put Marshall into a sharpshooter. Marshall tapped out. Hauser picked up the victory.Hauser got his start in pro wrestling in 2023 at Pro Wrestling Revolver. He worked his way through appearances at All Elite Wrestling before he signed with Major League Wrestling in 2024.He’s currently Progress Wrestling’s Progress proteus champion.Elsewhere, Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) world heavyweight champion Hechicero defended his championship against Jonathan Gresham, Maple Leaf Pro Canadian women’s champion Gisele Shaw fended off Shotzi Blackheart, Persephone and surprise entrant Killer Kelly to keep the title.The show started with Subculture, the tag team duo of Mark Andrews and Flash Morgan Webster, defeated Vaughn Vertigo and Guy Cool. The Demand’s Ricochet, Bishop Kaun and Toa Liona defeated Sidney Akeem, Michael Oku and Rich Swaan, Steve Borden defeated Kiran Gray and Mistico, Mascara Dorada, Amazing Red defeated The Rascalz – Desmond Xavier, Zachary Wentz and Myron Reed.
WATCH: Trump Promises Major UFO File Releases ‘Very, Very Soon’ After Finding ‘Many Interesting Documents’
President Donald Trump teased the imminent release of government documents on UFOs and Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs) during a speech on Friday at a Turning Point USA event in Phoenix, Arizona.
Trump said he recently directed Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to begin declassifying the files.
“I recently directed the Secretary of War … to begin releasing government files relating to UFOs and unexplained aerial phenomena,” Trump told the crowd. “And I figured this was a good crowd because I know you people–– you’re really into that, I don’t know if I am.”
The president added that the review process is already well underway and has uncovered notable material.
“This process was well underway, and we’ve found many interesting documents, I must say, and the first releases will begin very, very soon,” the president stated.
WATCH:
SECRET UFO FILES SET TO DROP
“As you remember, I recently directed the Secretary of War… to begin releasing government files relating to UFOs and unexplained aerial phenomena…This process is well underway, and we found many very interesting documents…and the first releases… pic.twitter.com/MTxyGib2We
— Real America’s Voice (RAV) (@RealAmVoice) April 17, 2026
In February, Trump wrote on Truth Social that he directed the Department of War and other agencies to identify and release government files related to “alien and extraterrestrial life, unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), unidentified flying objects (UFOs), and any and all other information connected to these highly complex, but extremely interesting and important, matters.”
The post read in full:
Based on the tremendous interest shown, I will be directing the Secretary of War, and other relevant Departments and Agencies, to begin the process of identifying and releasing Government files related to alien and extraterrestrial life, unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), and unidentified flying objects (UFOs), and any and all other information connected to these highly complex, but extremely interesting and important, matters. GOD BLESS AMERICA!
The announcement comes as congressional Republicans continue pressing for greater UAP transparency.
Rep. Tim Burchett, who has led multiple UAP hearings since 2023, has urged the administration to release the files.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna has used subpoena power to demand classified UAP videos from the Pentagon after missed deadlines.
No specific release date or details about the documents’ content have been announced beyond Trump’s comments that the first batch is coming “very, very soon.”
The Department of War has not yet issued a public comment on the timeline.
The post WATCH: Trump Promises Major UFO File Releases ‘Very, Very Soon’ After Finding ‘Many Interesting Documents’ appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.
The ‘Power Decade’ Strategy: How to Build a Retirement Fund Between 50 and 60 When You’re Starting Late
It’s never too late to start saving money for your retirement. While it’s best to start saving as early as you can, if you start at age 50, a “power decade” can help you get closer to your retirement savings goal.
Your 50s and 60s can be high-impact years since you’re likely earning more than you were in your earlier working years, and you can start making catch-up contributions. Here’s what to do.
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Why your 50s can still be a powerful catch-up window
In your 50s, you may have a higher income than you did in earlier years and potentially — depending on your situation — fewer expenses. For instance, grown children may be out of the house. That means it’s time to take advantage of your ability to save.
The IRS sets contribution limits to retirement savings accounts such as 401(k)s but investors age 50 and older can contribute more. In 2026, they can contribute $8,000 on top of the typical $24,500 limit, amounting to a total contribution of $32,500. Note that for people ages 60-63, the catch-up contribution limit in 2026 is $11,250, leading to a $35,750 total contribution limit.
There are also catch-up contributions for individual retirement accounts (IRAs). In 2026, the contribution limit for these accounts is $7,500 per year, and the catch-up contribution for people 50 and older is $1,100. That comes to $8,600 per year combined.
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What to do during the first year of your savings plan
You don’t need to go from zero savings to a complete retirement portfolio by the end of the year. The important thing to do during these first 12 months is to take an inventory of your current finances and take action.
Start by calculating what you have saved across your 401(k)s, IRAs, health savings accounts (HSAs), taxable brokerage accounts and any other bank or investment account. Then, review your monthly expenses and look for ways to save money. Getting rid of unused subscriptions and reducing the amount you dine out can help, but cutting down on housing and transportation will likely save you more.
When contributing to retirement plans, make sure you prioritize contributing enough to a 401(k) or similar account to get an employer’s match first, if one is available, since that’s essentially free money. Then, you can increase savings to that account and others up to the IRS limits, if the account has one. You can use a compound-interest calculator to test how your portfolio can grow over time, with timeframes set for the next 10, 15 and 20 years. Those calculations can help you understand where you’re at now, and how much you have to save during this power decade.
Consider your Social Security strategy
It’s smart to focus on maxing out your contribution limits during your power decade, but there are a few other key moves you can make. The longer you delay tapping Social Security, even if it is just for a few years, the more it will increase your benefit check. That will give your nest egg more time to grow.
People who were born in 1960 or later reach full retirement age at 67. It often makes sense to delay Social Security until that point at least. But if you delay until age 70, you can maximize how much you recent in benefits.
Working a few extra years can mean delaying Social Security and contributing more to your savings accounts.
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Is the Fight in Ukraine Winnable?
As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine moves into its second year, Peter and Eric welcome to The Drill Down the author Rebekah Koffler, a Russian-born U.S. intelligence expert who served as a Russian strategy specialist in the Defense Intelligence Agency and with the CIA’s National Clandestine Service to analyze the war’s likely outcome and ask questions about the Biden administration’s strategy for helping the Ukrainians.
Government is a Loose Cannon
Peter and Eric return to the topic of COVID-era restrictions on the most recent episode of The Drill Down with more proof that when the government rushes to do things, it becomes a loose cannon.“March madness” for most people might refer to the college basketball tournament, but the madness of the restrictions thrown on Americans to control the COVID virus by the federal government also celebrates its third anniversary this week.
How Government Failed East Palestine
The environmental catastrophe in East Palestine, Ohio had many causes. Government incompetence and neglect played a role, as did both excessive regulation and deregulation under different administrations. Corporate “efficiencies” as well as domestic politics created the conditions that caused a terrible accident. The response was to prevent one type of disaster by creating another type of disaster.
Did the Clintons Inspire The Bidens?
On this episode of The Drill Down, Eric Eggers takes over the pilot’s seat and welcomes Seamus Bruner, director of research here at the Government Accountability Institute. Seamus is an investigative journalist and the author of two books on corruption within the FBI and other parts of the federal government and has been one of GAI’s biggest investigative stars since our founding in 2012. His third book, “Controligarchs,” will hit stores soon. Seamus joins the podcast today to talk about his research on Chinese government money flowing to the “Biden Center” at the University of Pennsylvania and elsewhere.