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John Bolton Pleads Guilty To Retaining National Security Information

John Bolton, former national security adviser to President Donald Trump, pleaded guilty on Friday to one count of retaining national security information related to his work during the first Trump administration. 

Bolton appeared Friday morning for a re-arraignment in Greenbelt, Maryland before Obama-appointed judge Theodore D. Chuang. He faces a prison sentence of up to 60 months and has agreed to pay $2.25 million, according to prosecutors. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 28. 

Bolton was originally charged in October of 2025 with eight counts of transmission of national defense information and ten counts of retention of national defense information. The charges centered on diary-like entries from his time in the Trump White House that were allegedly kept at his residence.

Prosecutors accused him of sharing more than 1,000 pages of information through his personal email with two unauthorized individuals - reportedly his wife and daughter - though these transmission allegations are not part of the plea deal.

Related: Eyebrow-Raising Details Emerge From FBI Raid On John Bolton's Home

According to the indictment, Bolton used personal email and messaging accounts to transmit Top Secret intelligence about foreign adversaries, future attacks, and U.S. foreign-policy relations. He also kept classified files at his home, including sensitive intelligence about foreign leaders and U.S. intelligence sources.

Bolton described the national security information as an 'electronic diary' that he shared with two members of his family. 

His lawyer, Abbe Lowell, said last year that Bolton was innocent. 

"The underlying facts in this case were investigated and resolved years ago," he said. "These charges stem from portions of Amb. Bolton’s personal diaries over his 45-year career - records that are unclassified, shared only with his immediate family, and known to the FBI as far back as 2021."

Tyler Durden Fri, 06/26/2026 - 10:45

Did Trump Make the Right Deal With Iran? Curt Mills vs. Will Chamberlain Debate Tonight

LIVE NOW:

https://t.co/PgdhEZ2LUX

— zerohedge (@zerohedge) June 26, 2026

****************************

President Trump's agreement or MOU with Iran has infuriated the likes of Mark Levin, Ben Shapiro, and Randy Fine while earning praise from the America First camp: Joe Kent, Steve Bannon, Jack Posobiec, etc.

Voters (both republican and democrat) seems content with the deal and the hope it may usher in a “return to normal”. as admin officials share positive polling towards Trump’s MOU. Here’s deputy assistant to the President Pat Adams:

Poll reveals President Trump’s approval rating has surged as voters deliver verdict on Iran and the economy

"Donald Trump's approval rating is the second-best of 2026, according to the latest Daily Mail/JL Partners survey taken from June 19 to June 21."https://t.co/ckDeYgDeNl

— Pat Adams (@PatAdams96) June 23, 2026

In light of the deal, and the MAGA shakeup its caused, tonight, Curt Mills, Executive Director of the American Conservative, and Will Chamberlain, Senior Counsel at the Article III Project, square off on whether Trump's Iran deal advances American interests, and whether Israel's current approach to the conflict is helping or hurting the United States.

Chamberlain has sharply criticized the agreement, arguing that "the deal is absolutely terrible," saying it provides Iran with "huge, immediate financial benefits and protection for Hezbollah in exchange for opening the Strait, and nothing else."

We have the text, the deal is absolutely terrible, there's no getting around it. The text gives Iranians huge, immediate financial benefits and protection for Hezbollah in exchange for opening the Strait - and nothing else.

President Trump should renege.

— Will Chamberlain (@willchamberlain) June 17, 2026

Mills, a staunch critique since the launch of the war, takes the opposite view: Get out now, cut the losses, and move forward with a more restrained foreign policy that prioritizes avoiding deeper American involvement in the Middle East.

Mills has likewise been the target of perhaps the most apoplectic opposer to a peace deal, Mark Levin, who branded him “Iranian-Regime First Curt Mills”.

Sounds good 👍🏻. The Islamic Republic of Iran is the Iranian people’s business. The United States has countless other problems https://t.co/WzQmkKkINj

— Curt Mills (@CurtMills) June 17, 2026

Hosted by author Michael Malice, the debate will examine whether the agreement represents prudent statecraft or a dangerous concession, whether Washington should continue closely aligning its Middle East policy with Israel's objectives, and what an America First foreign policy should look like.

Banger. Rolls off the tongue https://t.co/0kMoBquFhu

— Curt Mills (@CurtMills) June 23, 2026

The discussion begins tonight on ZeroHedge at 7pm ET. Tune in on the ZH homepage, X feed, or YouTube channel.

Tyler Durden Fri, 06/26/2026 - 10:30

World Cup Pundit Branded Racist For Calling African Team's Performance "Wild"

Authored by Steve Watson via Modernity News,

Bastian Schweinsteiger, the former Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Germany midfielder, has been accused of racism by Ivory Coast manager Emerse Fae for comments he made as a pundit ahead of one of the team's 2026 World Cup matches.

While previewing Germany's group-stage match against Ivory Coast, Schweinsteiger described the opponents' style as "a bit African football, a bit unorthodox, a bit wild, a bit perhaps also not so conditioned by tactics" and warned that Germany "must be prepared for it to be unpredictable."

The accusation has ignited debate over whether pundits can still describe regional playing styles without facing bigotry charges. Schweinsteiger was performing the basic job of a television analyst: giving viewers a clear picture of what to expect from an opponent known for athleticism and direct play. Instead of focusing solely on Ivory Coast's on-pitch results, the story quickly shifted to policing his choice of words.

German football legend Bastian Schweinsteiger sparked controversy after Germany's match against Ivory Coast, describing the Ivorian team's style as "a bit of wild African football," drawing widespread criticism and accusations of racism. pic.twitter.com/rEaj619hLQ

— African News feed. (@africansinnews) June 24, 2026

After the Germany match, Fae was asked about Schweinsteiger's preview and responded "I think it's sad. Schweinsteiger was a very good player. I have always loved him as a midfielder and the way he understood football. When I heard his comments, I was disappointed in the man. It is odd he would speak that way. We could call it racist, if we were calling a spade a spade."

Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Fae has strongly criticised former Bayern Munich and Germany star Bastian Schweinsteiger for comments the 2014 World Cup-winner made last weekend, describing them as "racist".

More from @mjshrimper ??

Free to read: https://t.co/tXvjxM1n7x pic.twitter.com/TRFwbkJlpq

— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) June 26, 2026

Fae added: "I don't agree with him, but I have no other solution other than to work with things as they are. All I can show is that on the pitch African teams are not just physical, we are technical and tactical. I can only hope it is a clumsy statement, rather than something going on in his mind. If that's what he thinks, he is free to do so."

The attempt to frame routine style analysis as racism has met strong resistance from fans who see a clear double standard. Commentators have long discussed Brazilian flair, Italian pragmatism or German structure without controversy. Applying similar shorthand to an African side now triggers accusations that many view as overreach.

This isn't racist at all. Everyone says that about every single good African nation. Theres a European style of football, there's a Latin American style of football, an Asian style of football and of course there's an African style of football. It isn't racist

— Bavarian Tapatio (@Bavariantapatio) June 26, 2026

Which part of Basti's statement was incorrect

— filipmeister ?? (@F1peFCB) June 26, 2026

Isnt this basically the same shit we say about italy for years?

Where exactly is the racist part in his sentence?

— mike (@michixixix) June 26, 2026

Many replies argue that describing distinct continental or national styles is normal football talk, not prejudice, and that elevating every stylistic observation to a racism debate stifles honest commentary.

There is a lot of 'lost in translation' in this story. 'Unorthodox, wild, not conditioned by tactics' are normal phrases in German football. They are used to described teams like Augsburg, Union or St. Pauli for decades.

— John Kommentaro (@JohnKommentaro) June 26, 2026

Too much victim mentality within africans, always claiming oppression. African football is objectively wild its just reality, not racism

— Mandzukic (@mandzukicheader) June 26, 2026

Football's played a bit differently in every corner of the world. Every style's got its pros and cons. African teams tend to break free from tactical constraints more often than, say, Germany. That unpredictability is exactly what gives teams like that trouble. it's awesome.

— Mister Moe (@MisterMoeX) June 26, 2026

Inventing racism where there is none makes the whole issue look like a joke. It's ridiculous and actively harms the fight against actual, real-world racism.

— Lego Zidane (@legozidane) June 26, 2026

Schweinsteiger did not invent the idea of regional football identities. Analysts have used terms like "African football" for years to capture characteristics such as athleticism, directness and unpredictability that can disrupt more rigid systems.

The same principle applies to every other part of the world game. Treating one continent's style as uniquely off-limits for description creates an uneven standard.

The broader problem is the expanding reach of identity politics into sports media. Pundits are expected to deliver clear, unvarnished takes on tactics, strengths and weaknesses. When a single descriptive phrase triggers accusations of racism, the space for straightforward analysis shrinks. Viewers lose out on informed discussion, and commentators face pressure to self-censor.

Sports broadcasting should not require analysts to filter every observation through a political lens. Schweinsteiger gave a concise preview of an opponent. That is exactly what the role demands. Branding such comments racist because they reference "African" traits turns normal football talk into a minefield.

The alternative is sanitized coverage where analysts tiptoe around obvious realities for fear of manufactured outrage. That serves no one - not the players, not the viewers, and not the game itself.

Your support is crucial in helping us defeat mass censorship. Please consider donating via Locals or check out our unique merch. Follow us on X @ModernityNews.

Tyler Durden Fri, 06/26/2026 - 10:15

Trade $10, get $15 with the Kalshi promo code NYPMAX for the World Cup.

US crude oil dipped below $70 a barrel Friday as traders remained optimistic about tanker traffic flow through the Strait of Hormuz – even after an Iranian attack on a cargo ship.

UMich Sentiment Rebounds From 46-Year Record Low In June, Inflation Fears Fade Further

Having rebounded from record (46 year) lows in preliminary June data, University of Michigan's final June Sentiment survey was expected to show further improvement as gas prices have fallen since the US-Iran 'peace' MoU signing.

And it did with the headline index rising from 48.9 flash and 44.8 prior to 49.5 (but that was below the 50.0 expectation)...

Both Current Conditions and the Expectations Index also rebounded with the former outperforming...

Consumer sentiment confirmed its early-month reading, rising about 10% above May as gas prices moderated.

"Increases were seen across income, wealth, and political affiliation," Joanne Hsu, director of the survey, said in a statement.

Expected business conditions over the next five years surged 16% as consumers’ worries over long-term consequences of the Iran conflict appear to be easing.

"Still, sentiment remains in unfavorable territory at 13% below the February 2026 reading prior to the start of the Iran conflict, and nearly 20% less than a year ago."

Year-ahead inflation expectations inched down from 4.8% in May to a still-elevated 4.6% this month.

The current reading substantially exceeds the 3.4% reading seen in February before the Iran conflict began, along with all 2024 readings.

Long-run inflation expectations fell back from 3.9% last month to 3.3% in June, remaining a bit higher than the 2.8% to 3.2% range seen in 2024.

A gauge of consumers’ perceptions of their personal finances also improved from May, though remained close to the lowest since 2009.

Even so, US household demand has proved resilient. 

However, “the cost of living remains at the forefront of consumers’ minds,” Hsu concludes.

“Over half of consumers spontaneously mentioned that high prices are weighing down their personal finances.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tyler Durden Fri, 06/26/2026 - 10:08

What's more, most local camps conclude at approximately 4:00 p.m., forcing folks to hire childcare professionals to mind their little ones until the end-of-day whistle blows. 

California Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed a tax on America's billionaires — while remaining in steadfast opposition to the very same levy on the wealthiest in his state.

They say don’t chase a man for love, but in this dating scene, he may be running alongside you. 

Get up to $1,000 in no sweat tokens over 10 Days with the BetMGM bonus code NYPNEWSGET for the World Cup.

In the early Friday window of World Cup matches, France has a meaningful game against Norway if it wants to win Group I. 

The teen told police he and the teacher had sex between 10 and 20 times.

On Thursday, Page Six reported that the "Vanderpump Rules" alum was granted temporary restraining orders against his girlfriend and her father.

On Thursday, Page Six reported that the "Vanderpump Rules" alum was granted temporary restraining orders against his girlfriend and her father.

Musk's Starlink Plots To Become A Mobile Carrier; TD Cowen Sees Possible T-Mobile Buyout

The signs were already in plain sight that Elon Musk’s Starlink was positioning itself to challenge the big three U.S. wireless operators: Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.

One of the clearest signals was SpaceX's $17 billion deal for EchoStar wireless spectrum last year, followed by a recent trademark filing for "Starlink Mobile."

We noted in December:

• SpaceX Trademark Filing Signals "Starlink Mobile" May Soon Take Aim At AT&T, Verizon

Now, the Financial Times reports that SpaceX Chief Operating Officer Gwynne Shotwell told institutional investors during the IPO roadshow that the company is considering selling mobile contracts directly to consumers and may eventually build its own terrestrial U.S. mobile network.

"The move would require Starlink to build a new retail offering by selling mobile contracts to individual customers, competing directly with the three big US network operators Verizon Wireless, AT&T and T-Mobile," FT wrote in a note.

Elon going for the phone after all

SpaceX Plans New Starlink Mobile Service for US Consumers: FT

— zerohedge (@zerohedge) June 26, 2026

The plan follows SpaceX's $17 billion purchase of EchoStar spectrum licenses last fall, a deal that could be viewed as the foundation for a terrestrial mobile network.

"A direct-to-consumer mobile offering would give SpaceX access to a far larger market than satellite broadband alone, potentially reducing its reliance on telecoms partners that currently act as intermediaries between Starlink’s satellites and end users," FT wrote in the report.

Starlink has already signed a number of deals with carriers, notably with T-Mobile:

Pathways for Starlink:

TD Cowen analyst Gregory Williams told clients that if SpaceX/Starlink fail to secure an MVNO/retail mobile deal, then the next logical move would be to acquire T-Mobile.

Williams explained why:

Acquire a U.S. Wireless Carrier. Should SpaceX fail to reach an MVNO deal, or simply desires owners' economics and quickly, T-Mobile seems to us the clear choice given their momentum (HSD % growth), maverick culture, pure-play wireless provider, and existing Starlink partnership. Another thought would be to acquire AT&T. SpaceX could sell AT&T's fiber homes (LEO solutions will likely have a very difficult time succeeding in a Cable/Fiber overlapped footprint) at ~$2,500/home essentially paying for AT&T's wireless network at a far less expensive price compared to T-Mobile. As for financing, SpaceX could theoretically execute a secondary offering for only modest dilution to its current substantial market cap.

Williams noted that any Starlink entry into the wireless industry is bearish for legacy operators.

He continued:

Any entry of SpaceX could be highly bearish for the wireless industry. As such, we are hopeful but not convinced that no carrier will budge and cave on an MVNO agreement. As for M&A, SpaceX would need a willing seller. With T-Mobile the best fit, this SpaceX dynamic could be what motivated T-Mobile owner Deutsche Telekom to seek total ownership and control of its US cash cow subsidiary as reported in April (LINK). In a defensive move, T-Mobile could acquire a cable company. While investors could roll their eyes on purchasing "yesterday's technology", and it would be an overt contradiction to T-Mobile management's messaging, a cable acquisition could serve two purposes.

Related:

• SpaceX Builds A Regulatory Moat Around Its Starlink Empire

Starlink's true intention was revealed by Musk last fall: 

2/ $ASTS: Key excerpts from the interview Starlink's true intention of competing against MNOs comes out:

Chamath: "Elon is your vision for this that instead of you know having an AT&T account and then roaming when you're in the UK or in India, we could have one direct deal with… pic.twitter.com/fkGuXHd3iF

— Anp🅰️nman (@spacanpanman) September 10, 2025

Speculation mounts...

Tyler Durden Fri, 06/26/2026 - 09:50

Some of Hollywood's biggest legends came out in full force for the USA-Turkey game on Thursday.

Some of Hollywood's biggest legends were in the stands for the nail-biting USA-Turkey match at California's SoFi Stadium on Thursday.

Nine years ago, “Hacksaw Ridge” producer David Permut walked me through his grueling itinerary on the ground at the Toronto Film Festival. In total, he screened 54 movies over 10 days and ate popcorn for breakfast, lunch and dinner. His schedule at the time included everything from buzzy awards-season hopefuls to shorts so obscure that...

Yet another dispute is brewing between Jimmy Donaldson — aka MrBeast — and a clutch of his investors. This time the issues center on Feastables, Donaldson’s chocolate and snack brand which is part of his holding company, Beast Industries, valued at close to $5 billion. A handful of Feastable investors have grown fed up with...

Wild footage shows holidaymakers brawling by the pool of a Spanish hotel – and the melee left a teenage girl covered in blood after suffering an apparent broken nose.