New telecom law to come into effect from today; here’s all you need to know
The rule that will be effective from June 26 will allow the government to take over the control and management of any or all of any telecommunication services or network, in the interest of national security, friendly relations with foreign states, or in the event of war.
Conservative firebrand wins House primary after switching districts after narrow 2022 win
Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., emerged victorious in her congressional re-election primary campaign Tuesday night, following her switching districts to a more Republican-heavy area after narrowly winning in 2022. Boebert advanced past a six-way Republican primary in Colorado’s 4th Congressional District in a race to replace outgoing Republican Rep. Ken Buck. The Colorado Republican said she made the switch to CO-04 to ensure another Republican could win her old district, which she nearly lost in 2022 and had blamed outside groups for targeting her. But Boebert left the district having already become a fundraising magnet for the likely Democrat candidate, who has pulled in millions that may help him flip a district that has leaned Republican in recent years. Boebert is expected to also win the November general election in the district, which sweeps across a wide expanse of ranches, ghost towns and conservative parts of the Denver metro area that make up much of the plains of eastern Colorado. Its voters overwhelmingly backed former President Trump in 2020. LAUREN BOEBERT HAS SURGERY TO REMOVE BLOOD CLOT, DIAGNOSED WITH RARE CONDITION The seat opened up after Buck resigned from Congress. A special election is also being held Tuesday to fill the remaining months of Buck’s term, with Republican candidate and former Mayor Greg Lopez expected to beat a Democrat and third-party candidates. Buck cited the divisiveness of today’s politics and his party’s devotion to Trump in explaining his decision to resign. That division remains a factor in the race and is also on display in yet another Republican primary for a U.S. House seat in Colorado Springs, about an hour’s drive south of Denver. BOEBERT RESPONDS TO REPORTS OF FIGHT WITH EX-HUSBAND AT COLORADO RESTAURANT AFTER POLICE CALLED Boebert, a staunch supporter of former President Trump, sparked controversy and drew national headlines last September after she and a male companion were escorted out of a Denver theater’s production of the “Beetlejuice” musical for causing a disturbance that involved laughing, singing, recording and vaping. Boebert acknowledged the “unwanted attention” she received after her appearance at the venue and insisted that her words and actions that night had not been meant to be “malicious” or to “cause harm.” “The past few days have been difficult and humbling, and I’m truly sorry for the unwanted attention my Sunday evening in Denver has brought to the community,” Boebert wrote in a statement. “While none of my actions or words as a private citizen that night were intended to be malicious or meant to cause harm, the reality is they did and I regret that.” The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Spokesman for embattled Oakland mayor resigns after recall campaign qualifies for ballot, FBI raid: report
It’s been a rough week for Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao. Last week, a recall campaign to oust her from office qualified for the November ballot. Less than 24 hours later, the FBI raided her home. On Monday, her attorney abruptly quit. And on Tuesday, her chief spokesperson resigned. Francis Zamora confirmed to KTVU Tuesday that he had resigned from his position as chief of communications. “I thank my colleagues for their professionalism and dedication. It was an honor to serve the City of Oakland beside them,” Zamora wrote in an email to the station. DC MAYOR REFUSES TO MEET WITH FATHER WHO LOST THREE SONS TO CITY’S VIOLENT CRIME Zamora will be replaced by Pati Navalta, who will serve as interim communications director until Mayor Thao can find a permanent replacement. Fox News Digital reached out to the mayor’s office to inquire about the timing of Zamora’s departure, but did not hear back before publication. His departure came a day after Thao addressed the recall campaign and the subsequent FBI raid during a press conference. The mayor was defiant that she did nothing wrong. “I want to be crystal clear. I have done nothing wrong,” Thao said, reading prepared remarks from the podium. “I can tell you with confidence that this investigation is not about me. I have not been charged with a crime, and I am confident I will not be charged with a crime because I am innocent.” Later that day, her attorney, Tony Brass, resigned because the mayor had conducted the press conference without informing him. Last Thursday, FBI agents carried boxes out of the home she shares with her son and partner as part of an investigation that included searches of two other houses owned by another family. The raid came after backers of a mayoral recall were informed by the city clerk that they had collected enough signatures to qualify for the ballot, likely in November. Backers of the recall say public safety and economic vitality have worsened under the politically progressive mayor, and that she should not have fired Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
AOC wins NY-14 Democratic primary
Squad member Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez won her Democratic primary challenge against former investment banker Marty Dolan on Tuesday evening. The Associated Press called the race minutes after polls closed at 9pm. New York’s 14th Congressional District includes portions of the Bronx and Queens, and has been represented by Ocasio-Cortez since 2019. Dolan, 66, ran as a “progressive” Democrat, but not a “radical,” as he described Ocasio-Cortez on the campaign trail. Dolan pitched himself to voters as the politician who could correct Ocasio-Cortez’s record in office on spiraling immigration issues, lowering taxes and taking on New York City’s “financial cancer.” AOC CALLS NETANYAHU ‘WAR CRIMINAL,’ SAYS HE SHOULD NOT ADDRESS CONGRESS “I think people just had enough of radicalism,” he told Just the News last week. “They’re just completely fed up with it.” “AOC is absent on community,” Dolan added. “She’s not around. She’s absent on crime. She’s not around. She’s off doing things that are making her famous.” Ocasio-Cortez is a founding member of Congress left-wing “Squad,” an informal group of nine progressive congressional Democrats. Her win in 2018, at just 29 years old, rocked the election cycle, unseating 10-term incumbent Joe Crowley in the Democratic primary. She has since become the leading voice of the Squad, benefiting from support from youths and Democratic Socialist voters. The progressive Democrat has come under increasing fire from moderate Democrats and Republicans since Oct. 7, when Hamas launched attacks on Israel, sparking a war that is ongoing. Ocasio-Cortez has repeatedly denounced Israel’s response to the attacks, slamming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahi as a “war criminal” and encouraging protesters on Columbia’s campus earlier this year as they established an encampment demanding the elite school cut funding from Israel. SQUAD’ DEMS FURIOUS AT NETANYAHU’S INVITE TO CONGRESS: ‘ACCUSED WAR CRIMINAL’ The primary was held after Ocasio-Cortez joined fellow Squad member and New York Congressman Jamaal Bowman at a rally on Saturday, which came under fire from another New York Democrat for Bowman’s profanity-laced speech. NY DEM SLAMS ‘SQUAD’ MEMBER’S PROFANITY-LACED RANT AT RALLY WITH AOC: ‘UNHINGED’ Bowman lashed out against the American Israel Public Affairs Committee Political Action Committee (AIPAC), the pro-Israel advocacy group supporting his Democratic primary challenger, longtime New York Democrat George Latimer, who currently serves as Westchester County Executive. “We are going to show f—ing AIPAC, the power of the motherf—ing South Bronx!” Bowman said at Saturday’s rally held in St. Mary’s Park in Mott Haven. “People ask me why I got a foul mouth. What am I supposed to do? You’re coming after me! You’re coming after my family! You’re coming after my children! I’m not supposed to fight back?” REP. BOWMAN SAYS AIPAC WILL SEE ‘POWER OF THE MOTHERF—ING BRONX’ DURING RALLY SPEECH “We’re going to show them who the f— we are!” he added, jumping around the stage. Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y., slammed the speech as an “unhinged tirade” that does not resemble “the decency of the people I know and represent in the South Bronx.” AOC SLAMMED FOR SAYING ‘FALSE ACCUSATIONS’ OF ANTISEMITISM ARE ‘WIELDED AGAINST PEOPLE OF COLOR’ Ocasio-Cortez had her own viral moments during the rally, including videos that spread on social media showing the congresswoman shouting over sexually explicit lyrics from the Cardi B song “Enough,” banging on a podium, and knocking over microphones at one point. The event was held to rally support for Bowman ahead of his primary challenge against Latimer, who has not lost an election across his three decades in politics. Fox News Digital’s Danielle Wallace contributed to this report.
Sheri Biggs wins South Carolina GOP primary runoff election to succeed Rep. Duncan
Sheri Biggs, a nurse practitioner who had the backing of Gov. Henry McMaster, defeated her GOP primary challenger in a Tuesday runoff election to clinch the Republican nomination to replace outgoing GOP Rep. Jeff Duncan in South Carolina’s 3rd Congressional District. The runoff election between GOP candidates Mark Burns and Sheri Biggs was triggered earlier this month after neither candidate received a majority of the vote in the state’s Republican primary election for the district. Burns received around 33% of the vote, receiving a little more than 27,000 votes in the June 11 primary election. Biggs received about 28% of the vote in the same election, garnering just over 23,500 votes. Burns and Biggs sparred with five other Republicans who originally sought their party’s nomination in the race for the GOP-held seat. State Rep. Stewart Jones; businessman Franky Franco; and Kevin Bishop, a former staffer for South Carolina GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham, also sought the nomination. TRUMP-BACKED PASTOR ADVANCES TO RUNOFF IN RED STATE GOP PRIMARY TO SUCCEED OUTGOING REP. DUNCAN Trump, in his endorsement of Burns on Truth Social, described the pastor as “an America First Fighter” who is “a good man, a hard worker, and will not let you down!” The former president cited Burns’ positions on border security, upholding the rule of law, the economy and defending “our always under siege Second Amendment.” Burns has touted his positions on the border and pushing back against the “woke” agenda. He had also loudly touted his endorsement from Trump on his campaign website. A former member of the South Carolina National Guard, Burns set up a church in Easley and has embraced the label by Time Magazine as “Donald Trump’s favorite pastor.” Biggs, a lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard ran as a “pro-life, pro-Second Amendment lifelong Republican.” “I’m running for Congress to continue my lifetime of service and treat Washington’s health problem with bold, conservative, servant leadership,” she said on her campaign website. Jones had been endorsed by Gov. McMaster and had also highlighted her commitment to work with former President Trump, despite his endorsement of Burns. MCMASTER-BACKED NURSE PRACTITIONER ADVANCES TO RUNOFF IN SOUTH CAROLINA GOP PRIMARY TO SUCCEED REP. DUNCAN “Sheri Biggs epitomizes the greatness of the people of South Carolina — an unwavering belief in God, a commitment to selfless service and a true resolve to fight for our shared values,” McMaster said in his endorsement. “While her distinguished military and health care careers are truly admirable, her passion to help heal our nation’s fiscal, mental and spiritual health problems is exactly what we need representing us in Congress. Sheri Biggs will work with President Trump to secure our border, protect tax dollars, defend our conservative values, keep the promises to our veterans and drain the swamp.” Duncan decided not to run again for the seat after seven terms. Duncan’s wife filed for divorce last year, accusing him of several affairs. “At some point in a career, one needs to step aside and allow others to bring fresh ideas and abilities into the fight for liberty,” Duncan said in a statement in January. Bryon Best, who manages a Sherwin Williams paint store in Greenwood, won the Democratic Party’s nomination to represent the district in the state’s June 11 primary election, defeating high school science teacher Frances Guldner by more than 2,050 votes. The district is a mostly rural area in the northwestern part of the Palmetto Sate. A Democrat has not won the district since Lindsey Graham flipped the seat in 1994. Fox News Digital’s Adam Shaw and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Border Patrol intercepts multiple illegal immigrant sex offenders in a single weekend
Border Patrol agents announced they have stopped multiple sex offenders in a single weekend attempting to evade them as they crossed into the United States — amid continued concerns about criminals breaking into the U.S. Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens announced that agents had stopped seven previously convicted sex offenders at the border. He said the crimes include rape, aggravated sexual abuse and assault and criminal unlawful contact with a minor. “These are the individuals attempting to evade capture,” he said. CNN PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE: ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION LOOMS AS TOP ISSUE AMID OUTRAGE OVER 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL’S MURDER Separately, agents in the Tucson Sector in Arizona announced the arrest of an additional two felons over the weekend. The two Mexican nationals have convictions for aggravated sexual assault, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and aggravated abuse of a minor. The border crisis has fueled continued concerns about the number of criminals who may be getting into the U.S., either by being caught and released by Border Patrol agents, or who evade capture and sneak into the U.S. as “gotaways.” SUSPECTS ‘LURED’ TEXAS 12-YEAR-OLD TO HER DEATH, PROSECUTORS SAY The news of the latest criminal illegal immigrants comes a week after two Venezuelan illegal immigrants were charged with the death of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray in Houston, Texas. Authorities said she was lured under a bridge before being tied up and killed by the suspects. The arrests came the same week as the arrest of an Ecuadorian national in the U.S. illegally for a broad daylight sex attack in which police said a machete-wielding man raped a 13-year-old girl at a park. Last week, police also announced that an illegal migrant from El Salvador had been arrested for the murder of Rachel Morin — a Maryland mother of five. The horrific crimes are part of a broader wave of crimes across the U.S. committed by those in the country illegally. CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF THE BORDER SECURITY CRISIS Border Patrol agents have made over 13,000 arrests of individuals with criminal convictions this fiscal year so far, closing in on the 15,267 arrested in FY 2023, and already exceeding FY 2022 (12,028) and 21(10,763). There were 170,723 total encounters at the southern border in May, the lowest month this fiscal year and the lowest May since President Biden took office. But the continued crisis is expected to play a key role in the upcoming CNN presidential debate on Thursday as it remains a top political issue in the U.S.
Terri Langford is our new senior reporter for health and human services
Terri, a deeply experienced Texas journalist, has covered criminal justice and overseen health coverage for the Tribune.
Economy, border, abortion divide Biden’s hometown as Scranton looks back on native son’s first term
During a week in which President Biden remains optimistic about his chances for a second term, the people of Scranton, Pennsylvania — Biden’s own birthplace — shared their perspectives with Fox News Digital on his first term’s performance and the issues most important to them this year. Resident Michael said the president has left many a mark on his hometown. “Well, the road’s named after him. You can start there,” Michael pointed as he stood just off Biden Street — formerly Spruce — in the city’s downtown. “You know what the crazy part about politics is? You can’t win either way,” he said, casting doubt on the qualifications of both major-party candidates. BIDEN CLAIMS TO SEE THE ECONOMY THROUGH THE EYES OF SCRANTON, NOT WALL STREET “Now, what are we going to do? Vote-in a convict; a criminal — or person who doesn’t know anything.” Resident Lauren, who declined to give her last name, said her top issue is women’s reproductive rights. Lauren said she is not pleased with how the chips fell on the abortion issue during Biden’s tenure. Walking with a companion near Boscov’s department store on Lackawanna Avenue, local resident Thomas said he fully supports Biden, saying he has “done a lot for the economy.” He cited food prices recently sliding somewhat, and praised the city’s decision to rename the Central Scranton Expressway connector to I-81 after its native son. Steve later spoke to Fox News Digital outside the city bus terminal along the Lackawanna River. He said he was on his way to the welfare office; a trip he never thought he’d have to make. BIDEN’S HOMETOWN SPEAKS OUT ON BIDENOMICS “[The economy] has tanked,” he said. “It’s so terrible right now. Everything — every decision [Biden] has made, it’s put us in a spot where we can’t even live,” he said, going on to reference where he was heading. “That’s the first time in my life. It’s terrible. I can’t even explain it. If we continue like this, everybody’s going to be living in the woods.” Another man, Brian, said Biden’s term has been a “disaster,” but stopped short of claiming former President Trump returning to office would be the answer. “I think they’re both the same, to be honest with you.” “[Biden’s] presidency has been a disaster. Our country only got worse. Everything’s been bad ever since. But it’s been that way for the last 20 years with everybody [who has been] in office. So I just don’t know what the answer is to that.” Nonetheless, Brian said, he still remains undecided about his candidate choice. Heather, who was on break from her job at a local restaurant, remarked, “Trump 2024,” when asked about Biden. “Absolutely ridiculous — he doesn’t even complete sentences,” she said. BIDEN’S MOVE TO LIFT RESTRICTIONS ON NOTORIOUS DICTATORSHIP RECEIVES BACKLASH Her friend, John, said he can’t give a prognosis of Biden’s first four years. “We go downhill, then we go uphill,” he said of the U.S. economy over the longer term. At the Northern Light Espresso Bar on Biden Street, owner Jennifer Saunders told Fox News Digital business is going well as of late. She said restaurant-related prices and costs are high, however, while adding she avoids passing the difference on to the consumer. “I try not to as much as I can, but I have to stay in business… it’s a tough balance,” she said. Saunders said she doesn’t necessarily ascribe such market forces to who is in power. Instead, she said the effects of COVID-19 caused the economy to tank over the long-term. As for elections, Saunders said 2020 felt like a choice of “the lesser of two evils,” and that the 2024 rematch appears the same. Locally, however, Saunders said things are looking up, calling Scranton a “fantastic city” in which to live, work and visit. Josie, a self-described “anarchist” who was leaving a Pride Month event in neighboring Wilkes-Barre, said neither candidate is in it “for the people,” but that Biden has a purported advantage in her mind: “I think that they’re all completely removed from the struggles of regular people. However, at least his team doesn’t really seem to want me dead,” she claimed, referring to Trump as the latter. “To be honest with you. I mean, as for everything with Israel, it’s absolutely appalling,” Josie added. IN WINNING DEBATE COIN FLIP, TEAM BIDEN PRIORITIZES PODIUM OVER CLOSING STATEMENT ORDER In Scranton’s downtown, a young man named John said he was eschewing both major party nominees in favor of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. John said Kennedy has both an impressive policy agenda and persona. “I like his character. I like the way he speaks on a variety of issues and his plans to address them,” he said. John said he believes Kennedy is gaining traction at the right time, and that he’s “rooting for him” to pull off an upset in November. “A world leader, [Biden] is not,” added Joe, another Scrantonian. “The economy is not as good as he says it is,” Joe said as he walked near the government building named for another famous city native, former Democratic Gov. Robert Casey of Casey v. Planned Parenthood fame. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Relatedly, Monday marked the two-year anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision reversing Roe v. Wade, and Scranton Democratic Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti headlined a Biden campaign-connected rally outside the courthouse. After her remarks, Gebhardt Cognetti spoke to Fox News Digital about why she is supporting her fellow Scrantonian this fall. With “Dobbs” front-of-mind, Gebhardt Cognetti said Trump will try to “erode the rights of women” if he has a second term in office. She praised Biden for supporting working-class cities like Scranton, which she said need to remain attractive for investment and raising families. Jen, a registered nurse for the past 28 years, who spoke at Gebhardt Cognetti’s event, said health care has always been her top political issue. “My general messaging is always just
Trump lawyers claim Mar-a-Lago search done without probable cause as prosecutors slam ‘conspiracy theory’
Attorneys for former President Trump argued that the search of his Mar-a-Lago property in August 2022 was without probable cause and a violation of the presumptive Republican presidential nominee’s constitutional rights, while federal prosecutors blasted the defense as a “conspiracy theory.” Trump attorneys and federal prosecutors appeared in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida Tuesday before Judge Aileen Cannon. JUDGE UNSEALS FBI FILES IN TRUMP CLASSIFIED DOCUMENTS CASE, INCLUDING DETAILED TIMELINE OF MAR-A-LAGO RAID Cannon first held a hearing Tuesday morning related to Trump’s “Motion for Relief relating to the Mar-a-Lago Raid and Unlawful Piercing of Attorney-Client Privilege.” The hearing took place during a sealed session in order to protect secret grand jury materials. It is also sealed to protect materials in which Trump asserts attorney-client privilege and/or work product protection. Cannon later opened the hearing to the public and the press. The hearing Tuesday focused on the legality of federal agents raiding Trump’s Mar-a-Lago property. Trump attorney Emil Bove argued that the search was impermissably large, arguing that the Mar-a-Lago property is 58 bedrooms, 33 bathrooms, and that the federal government needed to establish probable cause for a search of the property in its entirety. Cannon expressed skepticism, asking Bove: “What’s your point? It’s a property.” Bove reportedly went on to explain areas the FBI agents took photos of — areas he said they were not supposed to search, like former First Lady Melania Trump’s bedroom, the gym and Barron Trump’s room. Cannon pressed back, saying: “You can agree though, paperwork is a thing you could find anywhere.” Cannon was essentially suggesting that classified documents could have been found anywhere in the home. Bove also argued that the government told the magistrate judge, who signed off on the warrant, certain things but did not fully brief FBI agents on where to search during the raid. Bove said FBI agents executing the search were in no position to decide unilaterally where to search and what were personal records of Trump and what were not. Bove went on to say there were omissions in the information given to the magistrate judge, arguing that some FBI agents said the search was unnecessary and that Trump should’ve been given a heads-up. Bove said the agents were interested in “consent” from Trump. The Trump legal team repeatedly asked Cannon to schedule a “Franks hearing,” which is a hearing to explore the admission of evidence obtained during a search warrant that was issued after a magistrate judge had been misled. Cannon seemed skeptical but said she would take the motion under advisement. Special Counsel Jack Smith, who brought the charges against Trump after his months-long classified records investigation, was present in court Tuesday. FEDERAL JUDGE POSTPONES TRUMP’S CLASSIFIED RECORDS TRIAL WITH NO NEW DATE Federal prosecutor David Harbach argued for the special counsel’s team and told Cannon that, in this instance, the defense is required to make a “substantial showing” to prove false statements intentionally or a reckless disregard for the truth in the documentation given to the magistrate judge when obtaining the initial search warrant. Harbach added that the mandate for such a hearing is that there must be allegations of a “deliberate falsehood,” and that must be accompanied by proof. Harbach argued to Cannon that Trump’s team had fallen “woefully” short in their filings to satisfy those requirements. Cannon did ask the prosecution about the Trump team’s allegation that there was dissension within the FBI about whether to give former President Trump a chance at “consent” of the search — in other words, to let him know a search was coming and negotiate the terms of turning over documents. “Would that have made a difference?” Cannon asked. Harbach replied, “Definitely not,” and added that was not something that the magistrate judge would have considered in connection with probable cause. Harbach also called that argument from the Trump team a “conspiracy theory.” Harbach said the defense team did not meet their burden of proof for this motion and argued they should not be allowed to trigger an additional evidentiary hearing. They hoped to be able to bring in FBI agents to ask about their “mental state” on the day of the Mar-a-Lago raid. With regard to Trump’s argument that the search of Mar-a-Lago was overbroad, Harbach argued that the former president had access to his wife’s quarters as well as his son’s, and said the FBI’s search of those rooms was “plainly within the scope of the warrant.” Harbach also defended the search, saying there was no “rummaging” through rooms, and maintained that the agents carried out their duties “professionally and expeditiously.” Harbach argued that there was “reason to believe” that classified documents were at Mar-a-Lago, and that the documents had been moved at Trump’s direction. Harbach said coupled together, those two things were sufficient reason to search the entire property. Meanwhile, Trump’s lawyers raised issue with the fact that other documents were seized during the raid beyond classified records, including personal documents like medical and tax records. Cannon asked why a medical record “would need to be seized?” Harbach answered that was because the warrant “authorized the seizure of the box… the boxes contained all kinds of things.” Harbach also added that the medical records and the passport were returned to Trump. Trump’s team had also argued that the FBI had carried out the raid in an egregious fashion, but Harbach told Judge Cannon that was “false.” The Trump team also has said there was no reason for the FBI to bring firearms to Mar-a-Lago, the property of a former president protected by Secret Service. Harbach told Cannon that FBI agents carry firearms as a matter of course and that’s just “part of protocol.” Bove delivered a rebuttal, where he again urged Cannon to schedule a hearing to explore issues surrounding the magistrate judge’s issuing of the search warrant and the FBI’s execution of the search warrant. “He says there was no rummaging,” said Bove, referring to Harbach, “Says who?”
The Speaker’s Lobby: Lessons learned in the Bowman/Latimer primary, regardless who prevails
The primary race between Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., and Westchester County, N.Y., Executive George Latimer tells a story. It’s a story which will say a lot about the Democratic Party, circa 2024. And it’s a story Democrats may wish would disappear just four-and-half months before the November election. SENATE STUMPED OVER COVID ORIGINS: WHAT WE KNOW – AND DON’T KNOW The primary challenge race Bowman and Latimer highlights schisms in the Democratic Party. It exposes the raw nerves between progressives like Bowman and more mainstream Democrats like Latimer. It also underscores the fissure over the Middle East which is cleaving the party. Bowman lambastes Israel over the war against Hamas. Latimer is outspoken in his defense of Israel. Latimer decided to challenge Bowman after the Congressman formerly denied sexual violence and other atrocities by Hamas. “There’s still no evidence of beheaded babies or raped women. But they still keep using that lie. Propaganda,” said Bowman in a TikTok video which went viral. It took until last week for Bowman to retract those comments during an appearance on WNYC-FM in New York. “Immediately when the UN provided additional evidence, I voted to condemn the sexual violence. I apologize for my comments,” said Bowman on WNYC. The pro-Israel political action committee AIPAC poured money into the campaign of Latimer after Bowman lashed out at Isarel. The race emerged as the most-expensive primary in House history. The tab: a whopping $24 million between the candidates combined. But it’s the involvement of groups like AIPAC playing in the race which spurred the progressive cavalry to ride to the aid of Bowman. Bowman surrogates didn’t linger on his differences with Israel. Instead, they targeted the influx of cash into the race. “This election is not about a clash of ideas. This election is about whether billionaire super PACs can buy our democracy,” said Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. “Since he has been elected to Congress, he has not accepted one dime of corporate lobbyists,” said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., while campaigning for Bowman. “Why does he do that? Because he knows if you take corporate money, if you take lobbyist money, you can not put the people of Westchester first.” Bowman put it in more profane terms while campaigning over the weekend. BIDEN’S ATTORNEY GENERAL IS FIGHTING BACK AS THE GOP-LED HOUSE CONTEMPLATES CONTEMPT “We are gonna show f$*king AIPAC the power of the motherf–king South Bronx,” boasted Bowman at an expletive-laden campaign rally outside the district Saturday. Latimer called such coarse language “inappropriate.” “I think I get the right to lose my temper,” said Latimer. “I don’t think I get the right to curse in public.” Bowman continued his salty rant to an adoring crowd in the Bronx. “People ask me why I got a foul mouth. What am I supposed to do? You coming after me? You coming after my family? You coming after my children? I’m not supposed to fight back? I’m not supposed to fight back? We’re gonna show them who the f&%$ we are,” warned Bowman. That distills the quintessence of the Bowman/Latimer race. Different styles. Different approaches. Different ways to connect with Democratic voters. “X. For Gen X. For the Bronx. X. From Malcom X!” thundered Bowman. “What I’ve offered is a slogan that says results. Not rhetoric,” said Latimer. And then there is the geography of the district. Progressives dot the urban areas of the north Bronx which Bowman represents now. Same with inner suburbs like Yonkers and New Rochelle. But it’s a different game when you tread deeper into Westchester County. That’s home to a significant pro-Israel, Jewish population. Especially in towns like Rye Brook and Mamaroneck. Voters aren’t as progressive as you creep out of New York City. “Bowman’s support diminishes as you go north in Westchester County,” said Ross Baker, a political scientist at Rutgers University who’s watched the race. “It’s really tapering off pretty dramatically when you get to places like Rye. So it’s basically Latimer country.” Bowman finds himself squeezed in an electoral vice between progressives and energized voters who align with Israel. That’s why the contest is a bellwether for the internal rift which torments the Democratic Party. FORMER PRESIDENT TRUMP AND HOUSE SPEAKER MIKE JOHNSON: WHO NEEDS WHO? “If Jamaal Bowman also falls, I think it would deliver a pretty strong message that this particular wing of the Democratic Party is out of favor with Democratic primary voters,” said Baker. “(The Middle East) is right on the fault line between progressives and moderates. And both candidates are perfect examples of what their various factions represent.” Latimer tries to contrast his views with those held by Bowman. “He had other members of the squad have an active, aggressive, anti-Israel situation. If there’s a path to peace, then you have to have Israel and the Arab world at the table and they have to negotiate this out.” Bowman was controversial before the war in the Middle East. U.S. Capitol Police charged him criminally after he pulled a fire alarm in the Cannon House Office Building last fall during a vote to avoid a government shutdown. “It was a dumb choice,” said Bowman after his court appearance. “I take full responsibility for it now. I’m trying to move on. Just do my job.” Bowman avoided jail time. But he faced a fine and had to exhibit good behavior for a couple of months. The judge also required him to write a letter of apology to the U.S. Capitol Police. Former. Rep. Eliot Engel, D-N.Y., who chaired the House Foreign Affairs Committee and was a major supporter of Israel, represented the district for three decades. But Bowman defeated Engel in a 2020 primary. That loss by Engel represented a leftward tilt by Democrats and an emergence by progressives in the House Democratic Caucus. Ocasio-Cortez defeated former Rep. Joe Crowley, D-N.Y., in the New York primary in 2018. Crowley was thought by many to be a potential successor to former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. Then came other