This is what happens when you have an actual recent combat vet in charge of the Pentagon. Japanese Minister of Defense Shinjirō Koizumi is visiting the United States this week, literally going from sea to shining sea: in Honolulu, Hawaii, on Monday, where he delivered a speech at the Honolulu...

Former U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) has been sued by the ex-wife of a former aide who served as a member of her security detail and later as a salaried member of her Senate staff, working as a defense and national security fellow, The Hill reports. The plaintiff, Heather Ammel, accused Sinema of causing the breakup of her 14-year marriage to Matthew Ammel. According to the Associated Press, Heather alleges that she and Matthew had “a good and loving marriage” with “genuine love and affection” before Sinema interfered by pursuing a romantic relationship with Matthew, despite knowing he was married. The lawsuit seeks at least $75,000 from Sinema. Former AZ Sen @kyrstensinema sued by the ex wife of her head of security. Lawsuit could be made into lifetime movie. Alleging she was having sex with multiple members of security team, then started affair with married husband of 3. Jet setting & lots of concerts. @FOX10Phoenix pic.twitter.com/Ykb6iewxBY — Ellen McNamara (@Fox10Ellen) January 15, 2026 More from the Associated Press: The Arizona lawmaker’s head of security hired Matthew Ammel after he retired from the Army in 2022, according to the lawsuit, which says he accompanied her on travels to destinations including Napa Valley, California; Las Vegas and Saudi Arabia. In early 2024, Ammel’s wife discovered “romantic and lascivious” messages he’d exchanged with Sinema over the Signal messaging app. That summer, he stopped wearing his wedding ring and Sinema gave him a job as a national security fellow in her Senate office while he continued to work for her campaign as a bodyguard, the lawsuit alleges. Sinema also paid for psychedelic treatment for Ammel, who has struggled with post-traumatic stress, substance abuse and traumatic brain injuries tied to his military deployments in Afghanistan and the Middle East, according to the lawsuit. Sinema and her attorney did not respond to requests for comment. The lawsuit was quietly filed late last year in Moore County, North Carolina. It captured global attention this week when it was moved to federal court. North Carolina is one of a handful of states that allow jilted spouses to sue for “alienation of affection” to seek damages from a third party responsible for the breakup of their marriage. Sinema left Congress after the 2024 election. She declined to seek reelection to the Senate, capping a tumultuous single term in which she alienated liberals and left the Democratic Party to become an independent. She now works for the Washington-based legal and lobbying firm Hogan Lovells. She has lobbied for data center development and research funding for the psychedelic drug ibogaine. The Hill added that the lawsuit alleges Sinema asked Matthew Ammel to “bring MDMA on a work trip so that she could guide him through a psychedelic experience and that she messaged him about sexual positions in certain scenarios.” Kyrsten Sinema accused of being a homewrecker, pushing her ex-bodyguard to take molly in bonkers lawsuit https://t.co/OrV2MCdZfq pic.twitter.com/AxfMrcCAda — New York Post (@nypost) January 15, 2026 The Hill explained further: The lawsuit also notes Sinema’s head of security resigned from her position in the fall of 2023 because she expressed concerns to Matthew Ammel that Sinema was “having sexual relations with other security members.” The former head of Sinema’s security encouraged Matthew Ammel to also quit, but he decided to stay “due to the financial security of the job,” according to the complaint. It states Sinema offered Matthew Ammel a salaried position on her staff in June 2024. Soon thereafter, he “struggled to admit” to his wife that he was having an affair with Sinema but announced that he planned to leave Heather Ammel and filed for divorce. Her complaint states she was a “dutiful spouse and mother and provided a comfortable and loving home environment for her husband.” It states her husband’s “marital love and affection was alienated and destroyed” as a direct result of Sinema’s “intentional and unlawful actions.” Heather Ammel and her ex-husband had three children together. She says she suffered damages in excess of $25,000 as a “direct and proximate result” of the former senator’s actions. She is seeking punitive damages and to have her attorney’s fees paid by Sinema and has asked for a trial by jury.

The mayor of a small Missouri town has been arrested and charged with multiple alleged sex crimes. St. Louis County Police arrested Riverview Mayor Mike Cornell Jr. on Thursday, with prosecutors charging him with “four counts of second-degree statutory sodomy, three counts of first-degree sodomy or attempted sodomy, one count of first-degree harassment and one count of possession of child pornography,” First Alert 4 noted. Riverview Mayor Michael Cornell Jr. charged with sex crimeshttps://t.co/6c19uslvlf — FOX2now (@FOX2now) January 15, 2026 First Alert 4 has more: St. Louis County Police said Thursday there were four victims, including two minors under the age of 17, and the timeframe these alleged crimes took place was between December 2016 and the present day. According to the St. Louis County Police’s probable cause statement, Cornell committed forcible sex acts on at least three victims, including a minor. They say he made sexual advances against a fourth victim. Police say they found child sexual abuse material on Cornell’s phone. Police told reporters Thursday they believe there could be additional victims due to the nature of the alleged crimes. Both St. Louis County Prosecutors and Police asked any potential victims to come forward when they are ready. St. Louis County Police asked any potential victims of Cornell Jr. to contact the Division of Criminal Investigations at (314) 615-5400. The department said it was made aware of the allegations against Cornell and potential crimes from another local agency, but would not say who. St. Louis County investigators said they began their investigation into Cornell last month. “As the commander of the Riverview Police Department, I would like to say the charges brought against Mike Cornell Jr. are deeply disturbing. I want the ‘City of Riverview’ to know the Police Department stands with the residents of this community, and the victims of these heinous acts. Now that these traumatic incidents have been brought to our attention, we give our full support and cooperation to the Saint Louis County Police Department,” Riverview’s Acting Police Chief, Toreyon Times, said in a statement. “No matter of your position or title, no one is above the law. Anyone who commits offenses and believes they do not have to abide by the law can expect they will be fully prosecuted,” the statement continued. Prior to the arrest of Riverview Mayor Michael Cornell Jr. on Jan. 15, First Alert 4 was investigating various claims made against the mayor, including several lawsuits naming him and the local government. https://t.co/SJ9rp9BpVx — KMOV (@KMOV) January 16, 2026 FOX 2 noted: Cornell, 39, has been a figure in Riverview government since 2022, first as a trustee, then elected as the city’s mayor in April 2024. This is not the first time Cornell has faced controversy; multiple lawsuits have previously been filed against the city of Riverview, claiming misconduct and sexual harassment by him. St. Louis County Police Lt. Colonel Jerry Lohr said during a Thursday news conference on the charges, “I think he portrayed himself as an individual who had power, who had prestige, and I think he used that to entice some of his victims.” Watch additional coverage below:

A 16th-century tea block

The Daily Beast reported Thursday that Dr. Bruce Davidson – who is a professor at Washington State University’s Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine — listed “lines of evidence” claiming that the 79-year-old president had a stroke six months or so ago. He diagnosed it from photos and videos. If that isn’t unethical quakery, I don’t […] The post Quack Alert: Doctor Diagnoses the President with Video & a Photo appeared first on www.independentsentinel.com.

In a significant display of bipartisan unity, Texas GOP Congressman Randy Weber led a group of 59 lawmakers in a formal letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urging the Trump administration to maintain its forceful condemnation of the Iranian regime’s escalating violence. The letter comes amid harrowing reports that the theocratic government has transitioned from standard riot control to a campaign of lethal force, mass arrests, and systematic intimidation against its own citizens. The lawmakers highlight an alarming trend: the deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure. Reports indicate that Iranian security forces have raided hospitals and medical clinics, not only to arrest injured demonstrators but to deny them life-saving care. The letter asserts that these actions constitute “serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.” The bipartisan coalition emphasizes that the ongoing protests represent more than just economic frustration; they are a rejection of both the current theocratic system and past monarchical dictatorships. According to the letter, the Iranian people are demanding a: Secular and democratic republic Non-nuclear state System grounded in political pluralism and human dignity Supporting the letter, Rep. Beth Van Duyne (R-TX) noted that the “Peace Through Strength” doctrine is already shifting global security, characterizing the current unrest as the “death spiral of the Ayatollahs.” Rep. Laurel Lee (R-FL) added that the United States has a moral obligation to ensure that the repression of civilians is not tolerated by the international community, telling the Washington Reporter, “The Iranian regime is engaging in a deliberate campaign to suppress political dissent through lethal force, mass detentions, and the obstruction of access to medical care—conduct that constitutes clear violations of international human rights and humanitarian law. The United States has an obligation to publicly condemn these actions, maintain sustained diplomatic pressure, and make clear that repression of civilians and abuse of state power will not be tolerated.” The letter serves as a strategic nudge to Secretary Rubio, historically one of Washington’s most prominent Iran hawks, to utilize a “whole-of-government” approach. As the administration reportedly weighs military and diplomatic options to assist anti-regime demonstrators, this congressional mandate reinforces America’s commitment to standing in solidarity with those seeking self-determination in the face of what some reports suggest is a death toll exceeding 10,000.

The Florida Panthers celebrated their Stanley Cup win in patriotic fashion at the White House Thursday with President Donald Trump. No boycotting, no bad-mouthing, just love and respect for the country many on the team call home. “On behalf of the whole organization and mainly the players, we are so honored to be here,” Florida Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk told Trump. “Being an American, I know I said it last year, but I mean, nothing beats this. I’m so proud to be an American, and I’m so proud to be here with you and everybody else.” The back-to-back NHL Stanley Cup Champs have transformed the Florida franchise. Though Tkachuk scored two goals in the Panthers’ Stanley Cup Final series, hanging out with the President is at the top of his list of accomplishments. “The two Cups was pretty good, but that walk with you might’ve ‘Trumped’ it all there,” Tkachuk said, emphasizing the play on words. “That was pretty amazing.” .@FlaPanthers star Matthew Tkachuk: “The two Cups was pretty good, but that walk with you might’ve Trumped it all… Nothing beats this. I’m so proud to be an American, and so proud to be here with you.” pic.twitter.com/r3LXfIU5fQ — Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) January 15, 2026 As an honorary Floridian himself, Trump praised the Panthers for their historic accomplishments, including bringing the first-ever Stanley Cup to South Florida. The President said he watched some of the Panthers’ games last season and the players “know how to win.” “It’s an honor to welcome to the White House the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers,” Trump said. “Unbelievable team, unbelievable athletes, players. These men are responsible for the greatest feats in Panthers’ franchise history.” The President pointed out that he should be welcoming the three-time defending champions, but the Panthers lost in the final in 2023. “The one that you didn’t make, what the hell happened to you? You should have won that game,” Trump said as the room erupted in laughter. The Panthers gifted Trump a No. 47 jersey, a flashy championship ring, and a golden hockey stick, which Trump said will be “good for slashing.” Trump loved the fact that the Panthers beat the Edmonton Oilers, one of the NHL’s seven Canadian teams — a big win for the Team USA crowd. “You denied Canada the Stanley Cup for the 32nd straight year,” Trump said. “We have a little competition with Canada … We’re doing much better than Canada, but that’s okay. We want them to do well, and they’re going to do well.” Canada and the United States are just weeks away from competing in the Winter Olympics that start in February. Tkachuk, who was raised in Missouri, told Trump he cannot wait to put on the Team USA jersey. “Representing you and the millions back here next month in the Olympics will be one of the highlights of my life as well,” he added, while looking toward the president. The NHL will pause for the Olympics, but when the season picks back up at the end of February, Tkachuk told Trump to make room for another Panther’s championship ring in the White House. “We’re not stopping now, we hope to be here next year.”

Border czar Tom Homan said on Thursday that the Trump administration needs to be “better at messaging” on Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations to push back on what he called “false” legacy media narratives. Homan told Fox News host Laura Ingraham that recent polls showing growing disapproval for Trump’s massive deportation operations are “egged on by the press.” Recent surveys conducted by the Associated Press, Reuters, CNN, and Quinnipiac show Trump’s approval rating on immigration slipping, despite immigration being one of the top issues that helped him win the 2024 election. “Tom, are you concerned about the CNN and Quinnipiac polls that show declining public support for ICE and President Trump’s approach to immigration enforcement? Do you think those are accurate, or are they being egged on by the press?” Ingraham asked. “I think they’re being egged on by the press. I think there’s a lot of false media out there. And I think we need to be better at messaging at what we’re doing,” Homan replied. “Look, bottom line is 70% of everybody arrested is a criminal. We need to start advertising that every single day and put their pictures all over social media.” “We just gotta push back the lies because a lot of people don’t get the facts,” he added. “And we gotta be better about getting the facts out there.” As part of gaining an advantage in messaging, Homan also proposed creating a “database” of people who are arrested for impeding ICE operations. “These people saying, follow ICE, film ICE — you can protest, they have that right. But when you cross that line, and we’ve proven it, if you interfere or impede or assault an ICE officer, you will be prosecuted,” Homan said. He added that he wants to make people who are arrested for getting in the way of ICE operations “famous” and will have their faces “put on TV.” “We’re going to make their employers and their communities and their schools know who these people are,” Homan continued. Following the shooting death of Renee Good last week, protesters have followed ICE around the city, and in some cases, have confronted and impeded federal agents. Protesters in Minnesota were encouraged by Democratic Governor Tim Walz to record ICE activities to help the state “create a database of the atrocities against Minnesotans” that could be used for “future prosecutions.” Demonstrators surrounded federal law enforcement officers on Wednesday night following another ICE shooting, when an agent shot a Venezuelan illegal immigrant in the leg after the agent was attacked by three illegal immigrants, according to the Department of Homeland Security. During the protests following Wednesday night’s shooting, agitators threw fireworks at law enforcement, and authorities had to clear them out of the area with tear gas. Some federal law enforcement vehicles were also vandalized on Wednesday night, and one video showed agitators breaking into an agent’s equipment box, which was in the back of a vehicle. “If the hateful rhetoric doesn’t stop, there’s going to be more bloodshed. It’s not over,” Homan said. “What scares me the most is there’s going to be another death.”

Renee Good had apparent gunshot wounds to her chest, forearm, and possibly head, according to documents released by the Minneapolis Fire Department on Thursday. The fire department sent documents to media outlets, which stated that first responders “found two apparent gunshot wounds to the patient’s right chest [and] one apparent gunshot wound to the patient’s left forearm,” ABC News reported. The documents also stated that it’s possible she was struck on the left side of her head. Good, 37, was shot and killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Minneapolis last week after she drove her SUV toward the agent during a confrontation with federal law enforcement. Video shows Good’s Honda Pilot striking ICE agent, Jonathan Ross, and three shots are heard before Good’s vehicle careens down the street and crashes into a parked car. Minneapolis officials said that after the shooting, first responders removed Good from her vehicle and moved her down the street “for a more workable scene, better access for ambulances, and separation from an escalating scene involving law enforcement and bystanders.” When first responders arrived, Good was “unresponsive, not breathing, with inconsistent, irregular, thready pulse activity,” according to the fire department’s report. She was transported to the hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. Good, who was actively involved in monitoring ICE’s actions in the city, was in the area of the ICE operation on January 7 as anti-ICE demonstrators followed the federal agents, with some people filming them. Good parked her car in the middle of the road as agents moved down the street in a convoy of vehicles. When one agent attempted to open her car door, Good put the car in reverse and then drove forward while another agent was standing in front of the vehicle. That agent then shot and killed Good. The shooting death sparked more than a week of protests in Minneapolis, which remain ongoing, as the city’s leaders condemn ICE and accuse President Donald Trump of “creating chaos” with his deployment of federal immigration agents. The Trump administration, meanwhile, has backed agent Ross and said that Good engaged in an act of “domestic terrorism.” Despite his administration labeling Good a domestic terrorist, Trump told CBS News earlier this week that “under normal circumstances,” Good was most likely a “very solid, wonderful person.” He added that her actions during the confrontation with ICE were “pretty tough.” “When you look at that tape, it can be viewed two ways I guess, but when you look at the way that car pulled away — there are a couple versions of that tape that are very, very bad,” Trump said. In the interview with CBS News, the president defended ICE’s actions and said that federal immigration agents are “working very hard” to detain illegal immigrants, but “their job is being made very, very difficult.”