Trump Urges Republican Support for Budget Plan
President Trump visited Capitol Hill today to advocate for his budget plan, which includes tax breaks from his first term, the removal of taxes on tips, and an expanded child tax credit.
However, the bill faces opposition from both sides of the aisle. Some Republicans believe it doesn't sufficiently cut spending, while Democrats warn it could lead to cuts in Medicaid and an increase in the national debt. House Speaker Mike Johnson is aiming for a vote on the plan by Thursday morning.
Elon Musk to Reduce Political Campaign Spending
Elon Musk has announced he will be decreasing his spending on political campaigns in the future. When questioned about this decision, Musk stated, "I think I've done enough."
This shift comes as Musk scales back his role in government efficiency initiatives to focus on his businesses, including Tesla, which has faced recent criticism. Musk previously contributed at least $250 million to President Trump's campaign. His reduced involvement in campaign spending could negatively impact Republicans in the upcoming midterm elections if they were relying on his financial support.
Armenian Crime Organization Raids in Los Angeles
A series of coordinated raids across the Los Angeles area resulted in the arrest of alleged members of an Armenian crime organization. Authorities seized illegal firearms, armored vehicles, and approximately $100,000 in cash.
Federal Charges and Turf War
The individuals arrested face serious federal charges, including murder and kidnapping. These charges stem from an apparent turf war between members of the organization, all vying for control of the same territory.
Details of the Raids
Federal authorities conducted raids on homes in various locations, including Burbank, Hollywood Hills, and Porter Ranch. Thirteen members were arrested both in Los Angeles and Florida. The situation is described as an internal conflict within an organized Armenian crime group with alleged ties to the Russian mafia.
Sophistication and Focus of Armenian Organized Crime
According to Hal Kempfer, a retired Marine Corps intelligence officer, Armenian organized crime tends to be sophisticated and focuses on crimes that attract less attention. This makes them less visible than other organized crime groups. In contrast, Russian organized crime is known for its violence.
Criminal Activities
The group is also accused of bank fraud, wire fraud, and cargo theft, including diverting and stealing trucks loaded with millions of dollars worth of goods from Amazon. This occurred while two of the leaders were in conflict.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are still searching for at least one additional member of the group. The investigation suggests the problem is extensive, spanning across the Los Angeles area and potentially beyond.