US immigration judge orders former political prisoner Mahmoud Khalil deported to Syria or Algeria

Source: Politico

“An immigration judge in Louisiana has ordered pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, a legal permanent resident of the U.S., deported to Syria or Algeria for failing to disclose certain information on his green card application, according to documents filed in federal court Wednesday by his lawyers. Khalil’s lawyers suggested in a filing that they intend to appeal the deportation order, but expressed concern that the appeal process will likely be swift and unfavorable. The order from the immigration judge, Jamee Comans, came despite a separate order in Khalil’s federal case in New Jersey blocking his deportation while that court considers Khalil’s legal argument that his detention and deportation are unlawful retaliation for his Palestinian advocacy.” (09/17/25)

https://www.politico.com/news/2025/09/17/mahmoud-khalil-immigration-deportation-order-00569769

Thomas L. Knapp

The right’s moment to forge an anti-violence supermajority

Source: Washington Post
by Henry Olsen

“Charlie Kirk’s funeral Sunday will be a historic moment for conservatives. Kirk’s widow, Erika, President Donald Trump and his allies will understandably want to use the event to call out a tide of left-wing intolerance and violence. But they need to strike the right tone — or they risk squandering Kirk’s legacy.” [editor’s note: Value, and therefore “squandering,” is subjective. It’s becoming pretty obvious that the value MAGA sees in Kirk’s “legacy” is Kirk as a potential Horst Wessel. “Squandering” it, from their POV, would be failing to maximize its utility for achieving authoritarian ends – TLK] (09/18/25)

https://archive.is/o7RoV

Thomas L. Knapp

Ukraine’s Embrace of Suicidal Nationalism

Source: Antiwar.com
by James Carden

“At two key moments over the past 20 years, during 2004’s Orange Revolution and, a decade later, during the Maidan uprising, Ukraine’s nationalist political elites, at the urging of the American foreign policy establishment, sought to marginalize, stigmatize and eventually disenfranchise the substantial bloc of ethnic Russian citizens living in the country’s east and south. That such an eventuality was possible (if not likely) was foreseen some 35 years ago by the last decent foreign policy president we’ve had, George H.W. Bush, who crafted a post Cold War policy based on (1) a refusal to rub Russia’s diminished fortunes in its face and (2) a wariness of re-awakening the poisonous sectarianism that so marked the politics of Eastern and Central Europe at mid-century.” (09/18/25)

https://original.antiwar.com/james-carden/2025/09/17/ukraines-embrace-of-suicidal-nationalism/

Thomas L. Knapp

FL: Man dies after riding Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal’s Epic Universe

Source: New York Post

“A guest at Universal’s brand new Epic Universe amusement park died Wednesday after riding a roller coaster, park officials said. The unidentified man, who was in his 30s, became unresponsive while riding the Stardust Racers attraction at the Orlando park, a Universal spokesperson told NBC News. The man was rushed to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. It was not immediately clear how the man died, but he did not fall from the ride, officials said. The incident is under investigation by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. ‘We are devastated by this tragic event and extend our sincerest sympathies to the guest’s loved ones,’ the Universal spokesperson said. Stardust Racers, one of the park’s most popular rides, remained closed as of Thursday morning, according to NBC.” (09/18/25)

https://nypost.com/2025/09/18/us-news/man-dies-after-riding-stardust-racers-roller-coaster-at-universal/

Steve Trinward

Federal judge orders Alabama’s largest county to redraw racially gerrymandered districts

Source: San Diego Union-Tribune

“A federal judge on Tuesday ordered Alabama’s largest county to redraw county commission lines after ruling that the districts were unconstitutional because of racial gerrymandering. U.S. District Judge Madeline H. Haikala ruled the county map was unconstitutional because race was the predominant factor when the Jefferson County Commission drew districts. The ruling came in a 2023 lawsuit that says the plan overly packed [b]lack voters, who make up 40% of the county population, into just two districts.” (09/17/25)

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/09/17/redistricting-alabama-jefferson-county/

Thomas L. Knapp