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FBI Director Kash Patel has released a trove of newly declassified documents â dubbed the âBlack Forestâ
1. FBI Director Kash Patel
FBI Director Kash Patel has released a trove of newly declassified documents dubbed the âBlack Forestâ files, shedding light on political misconduct, intelligence leaks, and misuse of taxpayer funds. Among the revelations: whistleblower evidence that former FBI Director James Comey used Columbia University law professor Daniel Richman as a conduit to leak classified information to The New York Times.
2. The documents indicate
The documents show Richman met with Comey, received sensitive details, and relayed them to a reporter, a move critics say was designed to protect Comeyâs image while damaging Donald Trumpâs. Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsomâs ânefarious planâ to undermine Trumpâs final two years has emerged in the context of redistricting battles. Newsom claims Trump âcrossed a lineâ in Texas, prompting him to redraw California maps to offset Republican gains. GOP gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton warns the scheme is broader than it appears. Former U.S. Attorney commentary suggests Representative Adam Schiff could face over 20 years in prison and a \$250,000 fine per alleged falsehood in the Russia probe.
3. Republicans are demanding Schiffâs resignation
Republicans are calling for Schiffâs resignation, and sources say Congress is quietly preparing to compel his testimony after the summer recess. Separate investigations have uncovered massive Social Security fraud and waste: thousands of federal employees allegedly collecting pay without working, fraudulent contracts, and foreign aid programs used as political slush funds. Congressman Tim Burchett says many NGOs are still receiving funds tied to these schemes.
4. Internationally, Mexico extradited 26 cartel figures
Internationally, Mexico extradited 26 cartel figures to the U.S., including top leaders of the CJNG cartel. Attorney General Pamela Bondi called it a âhistoric effortâ to dismantle transnational crime networks. Domestically, Trump is weighing a lawsuit against Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell over \$3.1 billion in cost overruns on Fed building renovations â a project Trump claims should have cost \$50 million. He blames Powellâs âtoo lateâ rate policies for missing economic opportunities, even as tariff revenues hit record highs. On foreign policy, Trump will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage to explore ending the Ukraine war.
5. Trump says heâll know within âtwo minutesâ
Trump says heâll know within âtwo minutesâ if a deal is possible and is prepared to walk away if talks stall. Other headlines include the August 12 derailment of 35 Union Pacific freight cars near Gordon, Texas, which sparked small grass fires but caused no injuries, and ongoing concerns over rail safety. The âBlack Forestâ documents, now public via Kash Patelâs office, are expected to fuel legal and political fallout, as they connect senior officialsâ actions to broader efforts to damage Trumpâs presidency and benefit political allies.
