If you're tired of censorship and dystopian threats against civil liberties, subscribe to Reclaim The Net. Apple is facing intensified legal pressure in the United States, as Proton, the Swiss provider of encrypted communications services, has joined a lawsuit accusing the tech giant of stifling competition and undermining consumer privacy. The legal action, filed with the US District Court for Northern California, claims Apple exploits its dominance over iOS and the App Store, creating an uneven playing field for developers and limiting consumer choice. We obtained a copy of the filing for you here. In a statement shared through its blog, Proton asserted, “We believe that Apple’s conduct, as detailed in the complaint we filed, constitutes further violations of US antitrust law.” The company warned that unless the courts intervene, Apple could continue practices in the US that have already been curtailed in Europe, leading to “higher prices for fewer choices” for American users and app makers. Proton is urging the court to compel Apple to open iOS to alternative app stores, provide visibility to these stores within the App Store, let developers disable Apple’s in-app payment system, and grant full access to Apple’s APIs. The aim, according to Proton’s filing, is to ensure fairer conditions that would allow developers to reach customers directly without Apple’s restrictive gatekeeping. The antitrust challenges Apple now faces in the US mirror its regulatory struggles in Europe, where authorities have required the company to permit third-party app stores for iOS. This shift has been driven by concerns that Apple’s control over app distribution and payments disadvantages both consumers and competitors. Proton’s complaint echoes themes seen in earlier legal fights, such as Epic Games’ 2020 case against Apple. Though Apple largely prevailed in that instance, it was ordered to allow developers to notify users about alternative payment options; a ruling that remains under scrutiny, with a judge recently questioning Apple’s compliance. Beyond antitrust issues, Proton’s filing brings a privacy dimension to the argument. The Swiss firm also pointed to its own experience in 2020, when Apple initially blocked an update to Proton’s VPN app after the company highlighted its ability to “unblock censored web sites.” Although Apple eventually approved the update, Proton argues the incident exemplifies how Apple prioritizes profit over privacy. The blog post added, “We don’t question Apple’s right to act on behalf of authoritarians for the sake of profit, but Apple’s monopoly over iOS app distribution means it can enforce this perverse policy on all app developers, forcing them to also be complicit.” If you're tired of censorship and dystopian threats against civil liberties, subscribe to Reclaim The Net. The post Apple Hit with New Antitrust Lawsuit by Proton Over iOS Monopoly appeared first on Reclaim The Net.

FBI Covered Up Chris Wray's Perjury

Guess Who's Coming to Salem?

As we prepare to note the 249th anniversary of our country, getting ready for the great celebration next year of America’s 250th, Gallup serves up sobering data. Per polling just released by Gallup, only 58% of Americans now say they are “extremely proud” or “very proud” to be an American. When Gallup first asked this question in 2001, 87% said they were “extremely proud” or “very proud” to be American. Digging deeper, we see that most of this precipitous drop in pride in our country is attributable to those identifying as Democrats. In 2001, 90% of Republicans said they were “extremely proud” or “very proud” to be an American. In 2025, 92% of Republicans say they are “extremely proud” or very “proud.” In 2001, 87% of Democrats said they were either “extremely” or “very” proud. But in 2025, only 36% of Democrats say they are “extremely” or “very” proud of their country. Worth noting is that over the last 25 years, the Republican percentage saying they are “extremely” or “very” proud barely moved. Republican pride in the country stayed strong regardless of the party in power, never ever dropping below 84%. However, Democrat pride moved with the party in power. During Democrat administrations, Democrat pride in the country increased. During Republican administrations, it dropped. What this tells me is that Republicans see the country in terms of its principles. Democrats see everything through the lens of politics. Let’s look at one issue that is about principles -- abortion. Abortion is an issue that touches our core values. It’s like the issue of slavery that once so deeply divided the country. How abortion is viewed, like how slavery was viewed, speaks to how we see and value human life. Abortion is also an issue in which the country is deeply divided along partisan lines. Among Republicans, 77% identify as pro-life and 16% as pro-choice. Among Democrats, 83% identify as pro-choice and 12% pro-life. Regarding the question of the morality of abortion, 23% of Republicans/lean-Republicans view abortion as “morally acceptable,” and 64% view it as “morally wrong.” Among Democrats/lean-Democrats, 78% view abortion as “morally acceptable” and 15% view it as “morally wrong.” Among those attending church weekly, 18% see abortion as “morally acceptable” and 71% as “morally wrong.” Of those whose church attendance is seldom/never, 65% see abortion as “morally acceptable” and 25% as “morally wrong.” Per a Gallup survey from 2021 to 2023, among Americans who say they have no religion, 63% are Democrats and 26% are Republicans. So, again, Republicans are about principles, and Democrats are about politics. Whether we’re talking about pride in our country, appreciating the sanctity of life, or adherence to the eternal principles of faith, Republicans and Democrats are opposites. As Democrats lick their wounds and soul-search about their defeat in 2024, we see aggressive young Democrats wanting to push their party even further left. Listen to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez or the young socialist Zohran Mamdani, who is now the Democratic candidate for mayor of New York City. There is a reason why the ultrasound became such an effective tool in dissuading women from thinking about abortion. When the mother sees the mystery and miracle of life inside of her, she is struck by awe and humility and takes responsibility for the gift of life given to her. Socialism is the opposite. It is what the great Nobel laureate Friedrich Hayek called the Fatal Conceit. Man stepping up to play God. In 1965, 70% of the country said “religion is very important” in their life. By 2023, this was down to 45%. In 1965, federal spending consumed 16% of our GDP. By 2023, it was up to 22%. Less God, more government. As we move to America’s 250th anniversary, let’s pray for a great national awakening, restoring the awe of life and personal responsibility that are the hallmarks of a free nation under God. Star Parker is founder of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education. Her recent book, “What Is the CURE for America?” is available now. 

As if the streets of New York City were not already dangerous and crowded enough, illegal Chinese immigrants with few English-speaking or driving skills may be cruising about with a valid license, thanks to a potentially massive scheme allegedly involving a driving school and some corrupt DMV personnel.On Tuesday, District Attorney Michael McMahon of Richmond County; George Ioannidis, assistant special agent in charge for Homeland Security Investigations; and a host of other state and federal officials held a press conference to announce some arrests made in connection with an investigation dubbed Operation Road Test.'Regardless of immigration status, language, and even their ability to actually operate a vehicle.'According to authorities, T&E Driving School in Queens took to social media to identify residents who speak Fujianese for marketing purposes. Its clients, most of whom are Chinese noncitizens, would then pay anywhere from $1,600 to $2,000 for a driver's license and/or learner's permit.Staff at the driving school would then allegedly take the required driver's test on behalf of the client. The school also allegedly paid off DMV employees to issue documents and fudge the database.RELATED: NYC comptroller locks arms with man to prevent ICE arrest: 'Show me your warrant!' Photo by Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis via Getty Images"As alleged, the defendants utilized deceptive social media practices and strategic advertising that targeted and exploited members of the Chinese community and guaranteed individuals driver’s licenses regardless of immigration status, language, and even their ability to actually operate a vehicle," said Homeland Security Investigations New York Special Agent in Charge Ricky Patel, according to SILive.com."Our investigation found that T&E Driving School blatantly flouted the laws and procedures that are necessary to ensure the public safety on the road," Ioannidis added.RELATED: Illegal alien child-rapist remains at large thanks to anti-ICE group: DHS Photo by Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty ImagesThus far, two dozen suspects associated with Operation Road Test are in custody, and T&E owner Weixan Tan, 38; T&E secretary Weiwan Tan, 40; and another T&E employee, Winnie Yang, 36, have all been charged.Others named in the indictment include: Wenfeng Yang, 38, who allegedly took driving tests on behalf of T&E clients; and Edward Tarik Queen, 40; Aji Idicula, 43; and Tianna Rose Andolina, 30, all from the DMV."The state employees indicted here sold out not just the safety of their fellow New Yorkers, but they sold out their oaths of office," claimed New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang.The scandal was apparently uncovered after NYPD received a tip, prompting a sting operation involving an undercover officer who speaks Fujianese. After working with T&E, the officer reportedly received a New York driver's license without ever having taken a scheduled road test.Officials fear the corrupt scheme — and others like it — may spread far and wide."The numbers, as we go through this investigation, as we go through the materials that have been seized, we think that we are going to find hundreds if not thousands of people that have been part of this scam," McMahon said, according to the New York Post.In addition to the obvious peril posed by untrained drivers who don't speak English, issuing unearned licenses threatens the American public in other ways. Bogus driver's licenses compromise the safety of airports and other high-security buildings that require state-issued IDs to enter, as well as the integrity of U.S. elections."We think this is just the tip of the iceberg, to put it simply," McMahon added.Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

The Donald Trump administration has clamped down on illegal employment, and it seems the simple enforcement of existing law has been enough to cripple businesses relying on undocumented labor.It was only for a brief moment that the administration showed leniency to employers in the farming, hospitality, and restaurant industries, with a Department of Homeland Security memo telling Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in June to put raids on those industries on the back burner. However, the White House quickly ended any such leniency and reversed the policy just days later.The result has been a steady flow of employers getting a lesson in hiring practices and the consequences of illegal labor.'She's just at work doing her best at what she can do.'Homeland Security Investigations and ICE executed a search warrant last week and found dozens of illegal workers employed at what is likely considered a reputable business in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, population 11,142 as of 2020.Buckeye Fire Equipment Company was the target, a fire extinguisher and fire-protection product manufacturer that boasts itself as "family-owned and operated" and "made in the U.S.A. since 1968."It turned out many of Buckeye's employees were not family members after federal authorities arrested 30 people on site as a result of their initial investigation.RELATED: Fear of deportation is crippling Los Angeles businesses so badly, unions are demanding moratorium on rent According to an ICE press release, the operation specifically focused on allegations of aggravated identity theft and "potential federal crimes."Employee Eric Pinion shared video from inside the raid to local outlet Queen City News and told the news station the facility was "half empty" and "dead silent" when he went in for his shift after the raid.Pinion also said he was afraid, despite being a citizen, because he had heard that citizens had been apprehended by ICE previously; he did not get arrested.Family members of those who were arrested were reportedly spotted picking up cars from the Buckeye parking lot, with one employee's daughter saying her parent is a "single mother, [who is] trying to raise two kids on her own.""She's just at work doing her best at what she can do," the young woman told Queen City News. Her mother was later released after a few hours of being detained.RELATED: After ICE removes illegal workers, job applicants flood meatpacking plant to replace them HSI said it will continue to pursue those who exploit financial and identification systems for their personal gain, which it says "fuels a range of criminal activity."Blaze News reached out to Buckeye Fire Equipment Company for comment on the story as well as how the company plans on replacing its staff.The company's LinkedIn page lists it as having between 201 and 500 employees, with ZoomInfo stating there are 278 employees. If the latter is correct, Buckeye will have to replace about 11% of its staff with legal workers.Recently, a Nebraska company lost upwards of 76 employees to a federal raid but immediately had its waiting room filled with potential employees, putting a dent in the long-fabled claim that American workers do not want to take on certain jobs. Buckeye Fire Equipment Company did not respond to a request for comment.Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs avoided spending the rest of his life in prison after he was acquitted Wednesday on the most serious charges he was facing in his explosive trial. However, Combs still faces the possibility of going to prison after he was convicted on two charges. Combs was acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges in connection with accusations that he operated a criminal enterprise that coerced women into sex-fueled "freak-offs" that often included prostitutes. 'Mr. Combs has been given his life by the jury.'However, a jury of eight men and four women convicted Diddy on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. He now faces a maximum of 20 years in prison if he is sentenced to consecutive maximum prison terms, according to CNN.The Associated Press reported that Combs wiped his face, knelt at his chair, and bowed his head in prayer following the verdict in the high-profile court case. Combs stood up and faced the gallery and clapped. He also pumped his right fist subtly, CNN reported. Combs' family applauded back, and some family members reportedly wiped tears rolling down their faces. “I’ll be home soon,” Combs said. “I love you, baby.”He added, "I love you, Mom." RELATED: 'He would bash me on my head': Cassie Ventura testifies Diddy beat her, details 'freak-offs' with 'dozens' of prostitutes Combs reportedly hugged defense lawyer Teny Geragos.After marshals escorted Combs out of the courtroom, his family started to chant “dream team” in a show of appreciation for the lawyers who helped him avoid the two most serious charges. Geragos hugged members of Combs’ family as well. Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo told Judge Arun Subramanian, "Mr. Combs has been given his life by the jury."Agnifilo also urged Judge Subramanian to release the 55-year-old rapper before his sentencing, stressing that Combs would be "nothing short of a fool" if he jeopardized his future by violating the conditions set by the court if he was released. “He treasures, I assure you, the opportunity that he has been given, and he will not run afoul of anything this court imposes on him,” Agnifilo explained. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey said the government opposes setting Diddy free before sentencing.Comey argued that Combs "continued to commit a litany of crimes” after he knew authorities were investigating him.Comey also said the government would seek a prison sentence for the two charges for which he was convicted. Judge Subramanian instructed the defense attorneys and prosecutors to submit letters regarding the possible release of Diddy before sentencing, and the letters reportedly are due by 1 p.m. ET Wednesday. Diddy has been behind bars since his arrest in September. Doug Wigdor, the attorney representing Diddy's former girlfriend Casandra "Cassie" Ventura, told reporters Wednesday that he's pleased with the two convictions. "Of course, we would have liked to have seen a conviction on the sex crimes and RICO, but we understand that ‘beyond a reasonable doubt’ is a high standard," Wigdor stated. "We’re just pleased he still faces substantial jail time."Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Federal health authorities rebuked Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo for suggesting in 2022 that the benefit of COVID-19 vaccination among healthy young men was outweighed by the risk of heart conditions, myocarditis in particular.Ladapo issued guidance that stated, "Based on currently available data, patients should be informed of the possible cardiac complications that can arise after receiving a mRNA COVID-19 vaccine."“Our goal is not to get into like a fight or a tiff, because public health isn’t served well by this,” said Dr. Peter Marks, then-director of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. "Our goal is to help get to … an acceptance that there are overall benefits of these vaccines, despite the fact that yes, it is true that there could be some side effects."'Most of these patients had received a two-dose primary series of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine prior to their diagnosis.'Marks' former agency has since acknowledged that there is a greater risk of post-vaccination myocarditis than the so-called experts were first willing to publicly admit.Months after telling both vaccine manufacturers to include new safety information regarding their respective drugs in the stated interest of "radical transparency," the FDA indicated on June 25 that it required Pfizer and Moderna to note the estimated unadjusted incidence of heart conditions following administration of the 2023-2024 formula of the Comirnaty and Spikevax vaccines, as well as the longitudinal results of a 2024 study concerning cardiac manifestations and outcomes of vaccine-associated myocarditis in American youths.The FDA also required Pfizer and Moderna to describe the new safety information in the adverse reactions section of their vaccine information inserts.RELATED: How Big Pharma left its mark on woke CDC vax advisory panel — and what RFK Jr. did about it Photo illustration by Joe Raedle/Getty ImagesFor years, the fact sheets for the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines noted that reports of adverse events demonstrated increased risks of myocarditis and pericarditis, particularly following the second dose, and that the "observed risk is highest in males 12 through 17 years of age."Now, the package inserts state that "the observed risk has been highest in males 12 years through 24 years of age" and:Based on analyses of commercial health insurance claims data from inpatient and outpatient settings, the estimated unadjusted incidence of myocarditis and/or pericarditis during the period 1 through 7 days following administration of the 2023-2024 Formula of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines was approximately 8 cases per million doses in individuals 6 months through 64 years of age and approximately 27 cases per million doses in males 12 through 24 years of age.The package inserts for both drugs also now state:Follow-up information on cardiovascular outcomes in hospitalized patients who had been diagnosed with COVID-19 vaccine-associated myocarditis is available from a longitudinal retrospective observational study. Most of these patients had received a two-dose primary series of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine prior to their diagnosis. In this study, at a median follow-up of approximately 5 months post-vaccination, persistence of abnormal cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) findings that are a marker for myocardial injury was common. The clinical and prognostic significance of these CMR findings is not known. Information is not yet available about potential long-term sequelae of myocarditis or pericarditis following administration of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines.When discussing the updates, Dr. Vinay Prasad, director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, provided a refresher about the effort by the previous administration to downplay the risk of myocarditis.Prasad, referring to congressional testimony given by Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) in May, noted that Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the FDA officials were aware in early 2021 of a safety signal for the heart condition on the basis of Pentagon and Israeli data.'The FDA's new Covid-19 philosophy represents a balance of regulatory flexibility and a commitment to gold-standard science.'A day after health officials at the agencies acknowledged a safety signal, and after the CDC discussed whether to issue a Health Alert Network message on myocarditis, the Biden White House distributed talking points to top U.S. health officials de-emphasizing the risk.On May 26, 2021, then-acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock told then-CDC Director Rochelle Walensky that the "FDA does not concur with the issuance of the myocarditis HAN as written."That day, both agencies reportedly decided to "nix the HAN" alert."The risk of myocarditis and pericarditis appears to be very low given the number of vaccine doses that have been administered," Woodcock stated the following month. "The benefits of COVID-19 vaccination continue to outweigh the risks, given the risk of COVID-19 diseases and related, potentially severe, complications."The nixed alert could have made a difference.After all, Prasad noted that "in August of 2021, in an FDA regulatory action, we document that based on the health insurance claims Optum dataset, the rate of post-vaccination myocarditis from the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was approaching 200 cases per million or approximately 1 in 5,000" among 16- and 17-year-old males.RELATED: Democrats who locked down America during COVID now cry dictator over Trump's deportations — (@) FDA Commissioner Martin Makary and Prasad noted in a May article in the New England Journal of Medicine that "the FDA’s new Covid-19 philosophy represents a balance of regulatory flexibility and a commitment to gold-standard science. The FDA will approve vaccines for high-risk persons and, at the same time, demand robust, gold-standard data on persons at low risk."Blaze News reached out to the FDA but did not immediately receive a response.Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Some of the Occult Crescent changes previously planned for FF14 patch 7.3 in August will now arrive this week, producer and director Naoki Yoshida announces. The adjustments, designed to make the MMORPG’s new Forked Tower raid easier to access, will instead be implemented with emergency maintenance in order to more immediately improve the experience of tackling it. Continue reading FF14 Occult Crescent changes now coming before 7.3, thanks to emergency update MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best MMOs, FF14 Dawntrail review, FF14 Island Sanctuary guide

How do you avoid the Peak Scoutmaster? You’re warned very early on in your Peak journey to never leave your friends. It’s kind of the most important rule when climbing a mountain, apparently. Sometimes, though, you’ll find yourself separated from the pack, and you might just get a visit from the man in charge - the Scoutmaster. There are plenty of things to be aware of if you’re trying to conquer Peak, and you’ll need to master them all if you want to stand any chance of succeeding. Legendary items like the Cursed Skull and the Faerie Lantern can be game-changers if used correctly, saving your friends from the brink of death. One thing those legendary items can’t save you from is the Scoutmaster. Continue reading Peak Scoutmaster explained MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Peak capybara location, How to revive in Peak, Peak bugle explained