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Russia blocks Facebook; LVMH, Microsoft Halt Sales

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Russia said it would block Facebook for excluding state media and CNN said it would stop broadcasting in Russia after a new law punishing “fake news” raised the stakes in Moscow’s fight with foreign corporation.

Friday marked an escalation in the dispute that began after the invasion of Ukraine. Russia blocked a wave of media companies and new, big names announced they were shutting down Russia sales, including Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O) and video game maker Electronic Arts Inc (EA.O)read more

Russia said that Meta Platforms Inc’s (FB.O) Facebook was being blocked for restricting state-backed channels, and it also blocked websites of the BBC, Deutsche Welle and Voice of America for what it said was false information about the war in Ukraine. read more Twitter (TWTR.N) will also be blocked, Russian media said.

The BBC said it would temporarily suspend its work in Russia after introduction of a new law that could jail anyone found to be intentionally spreading “fake” news. read more

AT&T Inc’s (T.N) CNN is stopping broadcasts to “evaluate the situation and our next steps moving forward,” a spokesperson said.

Meta’s head of global affairs, Nick Clegg, said the company would continue to do everything possible to restore its services.

“Soon millions of ordinary Russians will find themselves cut off from reliable information, deprived of their everyday ways of connecting with family and friends and silenced from speaking out,” he said, in a statement posted on Twitter.

Many Russians have downloaded VPN software to avoid state restrictions, but internet provider Cogent (CCOI.O), which said it was the second-largest carrier out of Russia, disclosed plans to cut service, partly to avoid being used for cyberattacks. read more

A slew of major Western brands in a broad range of industries has exited from Russia. Some of the best known have sharply rebuked Moscow for the attack on Ukraine. Others have described reacting to circumstances, including luxury goods maker LVMH (LVMH.PA) which on Friday said it would temporarily shut 124 shops in Russia. read more

Canadian Tire (CTCa.TO) also announced it would temporarily close 41 Russian stores of its Helly Hansen outerwear and luggage group, and private jet maker Bombardier Inc said it had suspended all activities with Russian clients, adhering to international laws. read more

Shipping and supply-chain issues have made it difficult to work in Russia, as well. Companies form Royal Dutch Shell to Apple Inc (AAPL.O) to Toyota Motor Corp (7203.T) have taken actions from stopping sales and operations to exiting completely. Agricultural commodity merchant Louis Dreyfus announced suspension of operations in Russia on Friday.

NO EASY ANSWERS

Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov laid out options for foreign companies on Friday: stay in the country, exit entirely or hand over their holdings to local managers until they return.

No route comes without risks. Those staying could face a backlash in Western markets where the public has rallied to Ukraine’s cause, those transferring shares could be handing over the keys with few guarantees, while those quitting may face a big loss at best, or might have to sell for a nominal sum.

“It’s a complicated process,” said Darren Woods, chief executive of U.S. energy company Exxon Mobil Corp (XOM.N), which is exiting oil and gas investments that involve partnerships with Russia’s Rosneft (ROSN.MM) and others worth $4 billion. read more

Companies have had little time to prepare.

Russia’s invasion – which Moscow calls a “special operation” – prompted the United States and Europe to impose swift and sweeping sanctions, affecting everything from global payments systems to a range of high-tech products. read more

“Western companies probably haven’t lost so much money so quickly due to geopolitics since the Shah was overthrown in Iran,” said Renaissance Capital chief economist Charlie Robertson, referring to the Islamic revolution more than four decades ago that led to an exodus of Western businesses.

STAYING PUT

Yet some companies plan to keep going. Italian tyre maker Pirelli (PIRC.MI) said it had set up a “crisis committee” to monitor developments but did not expect to halt production at either of its two Russian plants.

For companies packing up, the Russian first deputy prime minister said a fast-track bankruptcy plan “will support the employment and social well-being of citizens so that bona fide entrepreneurs can ensure the effective functioning of business.”

So far global companies, banks and investors have announced they have exposure in some form to Russia of more than $110 billion. That amount could rise. read more

BASF SE (BASFn.DE), the world’s largest chemicals group, said it was halting new business in Russia and Belarus, except for food production for humanitarian causes. It also hinted at the minefield of new rules sanctions have introduced.

“BASF will only conduct business in Russia and Belarus that fulfils existing obligations in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and international rules,” it said.

Swiss food giant Nestle SA (NESN.S), maker of KitKat bars and Nescafe coffee, said it was halting advertising in Russia, while Swiss watchmaker Swatch Group said it would continue operations in Russia but would put exports on hold.

Deutsche Bank (DBKGn.DE) said it had been stress-testing its operations given its big technology centre in Russia but was assured it could run its everyday business globally.

The German lender had opened a new office in Moscow in December, a move it said at the time represented “a significant investment and commitment to the Russian market.”

Also Check: Asean Counties Condemn Military Hostilities’ in Ukraine

Source: reuters

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Trump Assassin’s Selfie: New Details Emerge in Hotel Attack

Jeffrey Thomas

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Trump Assassin's Selfie

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Cole Allen, a 31-year-old teacher from California, allegedly attempted to assassinate President Donald Trump at the Washington Hilton on Saturday night just after 8:30 p.m.

According to court filings detailed by the Bangkok Post, Allen charged past hotel security with a pump-action shotgun in a desperate effort to reach a basement ballroom where Trump was attending a large media gala. Prosecutors state his motive was strictly political, driven by a deep disagreement with the current government administration.

Before the chaos unfolded, Allen spent his final quiet moments in his hotel room preparing for what prosecutors now describe as an act of “unfathomable malice.” First, he actively monitored various news websites that tracked the president’s exact movements. Next, he carefully armed himself with an array of dangerous weapons.

In a striking detail from the ongoing investigation, Allen posed for a mirror selfie using his cell phone just minutes before the attack. The photograph showed him fully prepared for violence.

The image revealed the following chilling details about his appearance and gear:

  • He wore a dark, all-black outfit paired with a striking red tie.
  • He carried a visible, large knife.
  • He wore a sturdy shoulder holster designed to hold a concealed handgun.
  • He strapped on a bag that authorities later identified as an ammunition pouch.

As he finally left his room to carry out the attack, Allen did not just walk away in silence. He had previously set up a system to automatically distribute a political manifesto. This long document, sent via scheduled emails to his close friends and family members, outlined his exact plans and motivations.

He explicitly listed members of the Trump administration as his targets, ranking them carefully from highest to lowest priority. Interestingly, he made sure to note in the email that he hoped to avoid harming regular hotel guests, Secret Service agents, and local law enforcement officers during the assault.

A Scenic Journey to Washington

The court documents also paint a strange, calm picture of the days leading up to the violent attack. Allen did not take a quick flight to Washington. Instead, he packed a large, heavy arsenal—which included the shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives—and traveled across the country by train. He chose a famously scenic route that passed through Chicago.

During this long train ride, Allen appeared unusually peaceful. He even used his mobile phone to record his personal thoughts on the beautiful scenery passing by his train window. For instance, he warmly wrote that the thick woods in Pennsylvania looked like “vast fairy lands filled with tiny trickling creeks.”

However, this calm mindset shifted upon his arrival. When he finally walked into the Washington Hilton, he quickly noticed a surprising lack of heavy security. He wrote down his shock, noting that he had easily walked straight into the large building carrying multiple weapons. He seemed genuinely surprised that nobody in the lobby viewed him as a possible threat.

The Chaos at the Hotel Entrance

The quiet preparation was violently shattered when Allen decided it was time to strike. According to the court filing, he casually discarded his long coat near the main hotel entrance area. Then, he sprinted straight through a set of metal detectors with his pump-action shotgun raised and ready to fire.

Allen allegedly fired his weapon directly down the staircase leading toward the busy basement ballroom. In a rapid response, a nearby Secret Service agent quickly fired five shots back at the suspect.

None of the agent’s bullets actually hit Allen. However, the suspect fell hard during the chaotic scramble and suffered a minor knee injury. Security guards quickly swarmed, tackled, and detained him. Thankfully, despite the loud gunfire and mass panic, no one was killed during the terrifying event.

A History of Political Violence

This frightening incident officially marks the third alleged assassination attempt against President Trump in less than two years. The ongoing violence clearly highlights the intense and dangerous political climate currently gripping the country.

The White House has quickly blamed extreme rhetoric from political opponents and media outlets for inspiring such violent attacks. Meanwhile, critics point out that Trump, who is now 79 years old, frequently uses harsh and aggressive language against his own rivals, journalists, foreign leaders, and immigrants.

Currently, federal prosecutors are strongly urging a court in Washington to deny Allen any chance of bail. They argue that his strong political motivations make him a serious, ongoing danger to the general public. As long as he fiercely disagrees with the government, they warn, the risk of another attack remains extremely high. For now, Allen will remain securely in police custody as he awaits his upcoming trial.

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Ilhan Omar’s Husband Dissolves California Winery Amid Congressional Probe

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Ilhan Omar’s Husband Shutters California Winery

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A multimillion-dollar “accounting error,” a House Oversight investigation, and the sudden closure of a California wine company put the Minnesota congresswoman Ilhan Omar’s finances under the microscope.

Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar is facing fresh financial scrutiny. Recently, news broke that her husband, Timothy Mynett, is closing down his California wine company, eStCru LLC. This sudden closure comes right in the middle of a congressional investigation looking into a massive, unexplained jump in the couple’s reported wealth.

If you are trying to make sense of the timeline, the story involves a mix of standard financial paperwork, a House Oversight probe, and an alleged accounting mistake that shifted the couple’s reported net worth by tens of millions of dollars. Here is a breakdown of what we know so far about the closing of the winery and the ongoing investigations.

The Jump in Reported Wealth

The trouble started with routine paperwork. Members of Congress must file financial disclosure reports every year to ensure transparency and prevent conflicts of interest.

In May 2024, Rep. Omar filed her 2023 report. At that time, she listed her husband’s stakes in two companies—a winery called eStCru LLC and a venture capital firm named Rose Lake Capital. Together with various retirement accounts, the combined assets were listed at a modest value of no more than $208,000.

However, when her 2024 report was filed a year later, the numbers looked very different. The value of those same companies skyrocketed. The new forms suggested the firms had grown in value by at least $5.9 million, with some estimates placing the upper limit of the assets near $30 million.

This explosion in wealth quickly caught the attention of government watchdogs and political rivals alike.

A Congressional Probe Begins

Because the companies connected to Mynett do not publicly list their investors, the sudden jump in value raised red flags in Washington.

In February 2026, House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer officially requested records related to the two firms. Taking the rare step of investigating a lawmaker’s spouse, Comer expressed serious concern over the lack of transparency.

It is not uncommon for lawmakers’ spouses to have their own successful careers. However, when those careers intersect with consulting or fast-growing companies with hidden investors, it often draws bipartisan criticism. Critics argue that the current rules around congressional financial disclosures leave too many loopholes open.

In Omar’s case, the core fear was that unknown individuals might be pouring money into the companies to quietly buy political influence. The sheer size of the jump—from a five-figure business to a multi-million dollar enterprise in just one year—triggered the formal probe. The committee’s letter demanded documents and communications regarding the finances of both eStCru and Rose Lake Capital to ensure all funds were obtained properly.

The “Accounting Error” Defense

As the scrutiny intensified from the media and Congress, Omar’s legal team stepped in to clarify the situation. They claimed there was no secret windfall or hidden money.

Instead, they blamed the discrepancy on a massive mistake in the paperwork. Omar’s lawyers stated that the sudden wealth evaluation was simply the result of an “unfortunate accounting error.” They insisted that the error, while embarrassing, was not evidence of any illegal conduct or shady investments.

Following the backlash, Omar faced a wave of questions from reporters about the sudden collapse in her estimated wealth, which she largely walked past while navigating the halls of Congress.

The Closure of the California Winery

Now, the story has taken a final turn. Amid the heavy political pressure and the glaring spotlight on his finances, Timothy Mynett is walking away from the wine business.

Recent reports from The New York Sun confirm that the California winery, eStCru, is officially shuttering. The closure is happening directly alongside the questions raised about its valuation on Omar’s disclosure forms.

To make matters worse for the business, eStCru was already facing legal hurdles. Just a couple of years prior, Mynett and his business partner, Will Hailer, were accused of swindling an investor in the winery—a claim both men strongly denied. In addition to the winery troubles, another company started by the duo reportedly owed over a million dollars to cannabis growers in South Dakota.

These mounting business debts, combined with private lawsuits and public congressional probes, appear to have been too much for the wine brand to survive. The exact timeline for the complete dissolution of the company assets has not been made public, but the doors are effectively closed.

Key Takeaways on the Financial Drama

For readers looking for the quick facts on this developing story, here is a summary of the main points:

  • The initial filing: Rep. Omar’s 2023 financial disclosures listed her husband’s business assets at roughly $200,000.
  • The sudden surge: The 2024 filing showed those same assets jumping into the multi-millions.
  • The investigation: The House Oversight Committee launched a probe, demanding financial records to trace where the money was coming from.
  • The explanation: Omar’s lawyers admitted the millions were a mirage, blaming an “accounting error” for the massive paperwork discrepancy.
  • The fallout: Facing lawsuits and a congressional probe, Mynett’s California wine company, eStCru, is now closing its doors for good.

What Happens Next?

At this point, it remains unclear if the House Oversight Committee will drop its probe now that the winery is dissolving and the disclosures have been revised. The committee may still push for the underlying financial documents to verify that the “accounting error” story is entirely accurate.

For Rep. Ilhan Omar, this serves as another chapter of intense focus on her personal and financial life. For now, the closure of eStCru marks the end of a controversial business venture, but the political ripple effects in Washington are likely far from over.

Related: Rep. Ilhan Omar Under Fire Over Multimillion-Dollar Disclosure Error

 

 

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Foiled Attack on Trump Sparks Outcry Over Political Rhetoric

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Foiled Attack on White House Dinner

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Authorities have charged a California school teacher following a violent attempt to storm the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night, marking the third apparent assassination attempt against President Donald Trump.

The suspect, identified as Cole Allen, allegedly brandished firearms and knives as he attempted to breach the hotel ballroom where Mr. Trump and senior members of his administration were gathered.

The incident, which was captured on security footage and ended with the suspect being shot and neutralized by security agents, has reignited a fierce national debate over the impact of aggressive anti-Trump rhetoric in the media and political discourse.

Security Breach and Rapid Response

The scene inside the hotel was one of immediate chaos as the security vision shared by Mr. Trump on [suspicious link removed] showed a gunman sprinting past a security checkpoint. The assailant opened fire as he ran, prompting a swift and lethal response from law enforcement and Secret Service agents.

According to reports from Sky News Australia, the gunman never reached the main ballroom. He was taken down in the lobby, preventing what could have been a historic tragedy for the packed room of journalists, politicians, and celebrities.

“It’s a dangerous profession,” Mr. Trump remarked during a late-night press conference following the attack. “I love the country and I’m very proud of the job we’ve done… the people that make the biggest impact, they’re the ones they go after.”

The Suspect: A “Teacher of the Month”

In a shocking twist, the man behind the trigger was not a traditional extremist but a member of the educational community.

  • Identity: Cole Allen, a Californian school teacher.
  • Background: Recognized as “Teacher of the Month” in December 2024.
  • Political Affiliation: A registered Democrat.
  • Witness Statements: A neighbor described Allen as someone who might be “on the spectrum,” though critics argue his actions were fueled by a diet of partisan media.

A Climate of Hostility

The attack did not occur in a vacuum. Critics have been quick to point out the atmosphere surrounding the event itself. Outside the venue, protesters held signs that read “Death to Tyrants,” a sentiment that commentators argue provides a dangerous justification for violence.

The media’s role has come under intense scrutiny. Just 22 minutes before the attack began, broadcast segments were discussing how the Correspondents’ Association was trying to “mend fences” with a man who “wants us dead.” This level of hyperbole, critics say, radicalizes individuals into believing that violence is a necessary defense of democracy.

The Impact of “End of Democracy” Narrative

For years, prominent political figures and media outlets have framed a potential Trump re-election as the “end of America” or an “existential threat to the Republic.”

  • Political Statements: Figures like Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris have frequently used language that suggests the former president is a unique danger to the cosmos itself.
  • Media Framing: Major outlets like CNN and the New York Times have been accused of treating every political disagreement as a life-or-death crisis.
  • Celebrity Rhetoric: Past comments from Hollywood actors about “blowing up the White House” or asking “when was the last time an actor assassinated a president” have been cited as contributing to a culture of normalized violence.

Search for a “Wake-up Call”

This incident follows previous shooting attempts in Pennsylvania and Florida. After each event, there were calls to “lower the temperature” of political discourse, yet many feel the rhetoric has only intensified. The irony of Saturday’s attack was not lost on observers: a room full of journalists had front-row seats to a man who may have been radicalized by the very reporting they produce.

Despite the attempt on his life, Mr. Trump remained magnanimous toward the attendees. “You had Republicans, Democrats, independents… there was a tremendous amount of love and coming together,” he said, reflecting on the record-setting crowd before he was interrupted by gunfire.

As the investigation into Cole Allen continues, the nation is left wondering if this third attempt will truly be the turning point for political civility, or if the cycle of escalation will continue until a tragedy is realized.

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