EFTA Document EFTA01655462

From: FBI News Briefing To: "FBINewsBriefing Subject: [EXTERNAL EMAIL] - FBI Daily News Briefing - October 8, 2025 Date: Wed, 08 Oct 2025 10:15:11 +0000 Importance: Normal View in Browser Federal Bureau of Investigation Seal October 08, 2025 Federal Bureau of Investigation Daily News Briefing (In coordination with the Office of Public Affairs) Email Public Affairs to subscribe to the Daily News Briefing. Mobile version and archive available here. Table of Contents IN THE NEWS • FBI Fires Agents as Republican Senators Denounce Jack Smith Over Jan. 6 Scrutiny of Phone Records • Multiple People Arrested After FBI, LAPD Executed Search Warrants in Los Angeles • AG Bondi Speaks at Contentious Senate Hearing • Director Patel, FBI 'Flex Resources' for Windy City Crime Crackdown as Part of Trump Administration's 'Focused Effort' • Continued Reporting: Director Patel Holds Interview at FBI Headquarters for "The Armstrong Williams Show." COUNTERTERRORISM • Violent Drug Gang Threatens US Tourists and Director Patel • Former LA Deputy Mayor Sentenced to Probation, $5,000 Fine for Fake Bomb Threat to City Hall COUNTERINTELLIGENCE • US Law Firm With Major Political Clients Hacked in Spying Spree Linked to China • DNI Tulsi Gabbard Orders US Intel Agency Leaders to Stem Leaks CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS • FBI 'Summer Heat' Arrests Include 'Most Wanted' Fugitives, Gang Members • Comey Arraignment Kicks off High-Stakes Battle for Trump • New York Man Arrested, Drugs Seized After Narcotics Investigation • FBI Arrests New York Man Accused of Defrauding Pennsylvania Man of $130K • $1 Million Bond Upheld Chinese National Accused in Ohio Fraud Case • Colorado Woman Loses $37K to Crypto Investment Scam EFTA01655462 • Armed and Dangerous Suspect, Twenty Two, Sought in Shooting of Florida Police Officer • Social Media Provocateurs Charged With Threatening to Harm Federal Agent and His Wife • New Details Revealed on Alleged Murder-For-Hire Scheme Targeting Border Patrol Chief in Chicago • Utah Man Charged for Attempting to Meet With Minors Across Four Undercover Operations • Local Leader of New York Capital Region Chamber of Commerce Charged With Attempted Enticement of a Minor • Montana Man Arrested on Multiple Warrants After Standoff in Cottonwood • FBI, Police Investigate Robbery at Local Ohio Bank • Rhode Island Supreme Court Suspends Law License of Former Judge Under FBI Investigation FINANCIAL CRIME & CORPORATE SCANDALS • FBI's Evolving Role in Combatting Crypto Crime and National Security Threats CYBER DIVISION • FBI Is Warning Companies to Patch Their Oracle Databases Immediately INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS • CBI Arrests Eight Cybercriminals in Four Month Crackdown Under Interpol's Global Operation OTHER FBI NEWS • Former President Biden Covered up Ukrainian Complaints of Corruption 'Double Standard; Secret CIA Files Reveal • New York Stock Exchange Owner Takes $2B Stake in Polymarket, Valuing Betting Platform at $8B • Detroit Officials Credit Partnerships, Precision Policing for Drop In Violent Crime • Senator Grassley Drops FBI Docs on Political Conduct During 2022 Arrest of Peter Navarro • FBI Corruption Probe Picked up Evidence Former President Bill Clinton Paid Through Backdoor • Opinion: Director Patel's 'Transparency' Claim Slapped With Epstein Reminders INTERNATIONAL NEWS • Israel's Covert Campaign Targets Hamas Terrorists Behind Oct 7 Massacre • Gaza Peace Talks Appear to Gain Momentum on the War's Anniversary • Hamas Says It Handed Over List of Israelis and Palestinians for Swap Deal • Gaza Aid Flotilla Says Israeli Forces Intercepted Its Boats • Starving Children Screaming for Food as US Aid Cuts Unleash Devastation and Death Across Myanmar • Ukraine Says It Struck Russian Ammunition Plant, Oil Terminal and Weapons Depot • Landslide Hits a Bus in Northern India, Killing at Least 15 People • How China Threatens to Force Taiwan Into a Total Blackout • An Isolated Macron Is Pushing the Limits of France's Political System • U.K. Government Asked Pro-Palestinian Supporters Not to March on Oct. 7. They Did Anyway. OTHER WASHINGTON NEWS • Furloughed Workers Not Guaranteed Back Pay After Shutdown, OMB Claims • Supreme Court Sharply Questions Law Banning Conversion Therapy • How Trump Is Using the Justice Department to Target His Enemies EFTA01655463 • US Government Shutdown: Who Is Still Working and Who Has Been Furloughed? • Biden Didn't Want Intel Disseminated Showing Ukrainian Concerns Over Family's 'Corrupt' Business Ties • National Guard Troops Are Outside Chicago and Could Be in Memphis Soon • How Colleges Stack Up Against Trump's Sweeping 'Compact' Demands • No Immediate Evidence Fire at South Carolina Judge's Home Was Intentional • Trump-Backed Candidate Wins Crowded GOP Primary in Battle for Vacant House Seat • Trump's Off-Script Comments Cause Shutdown Headaches for GOP WASHINGTON SCHEDULE IN THE NEWS FBI Fires Agents as Republican Senators Denounce Jack Smith Over Jan. 6 Scrutiny of Phone Records Fox News (10/07, Wolf, Singman) reported that Director Patel announced the firing of multiple agents and the dismantling of the bureau's CR-15 public corruption squad after it was revealed that several Republican senators' private phone communications had been monitored during Special Counsel Jack Smith's Jan. 6 investigation. Director Patel said the actions were part of a broader effort to "clean up a diseased temple three decades in the making," adding that the FBI is "identifying the rot, removing those who weaponized law enforcement for political purposes and those who do not meet the standards of this mission while restoring integrity to the FBI." According to the article, Director Patel also wrote on X that "transparency is important, and accountability is critical;' emphasizing that the bureau had "terminated employees, abolished the weaponized CR-15 squad, and initiated an ongoing investigation with more accountability measures ahead; while Deputy Director Bongino echoed the same message of reform. The article noted that the CR-15 squad had been part of the FBI's Washington Field Office and helped Special Counsel Jack Smith investigate former President Donald Trump, and that Director Patel reiterated his commitment to ensuring the bureau "will never again be used as a political weapon against the American people." Analysis from CNN (10/07, Blake) reported that congressional Republicans accused the Biden administration and the FBI of "weaponization" after learning that Smith had obtained the phone records of nine GOP lawmakers as part of his January 6 investigation, with figures such as Sen. Chuck Grassley calling it "worse than Watergate" and Director Patel claiming it proved the records were "seized for political purposes?' The article explained that despite these claims, the FBI obtained court-approved call logs—not wiretaps or content recordings—and that such records are a standard part of investigations into events where lawmakers were central to key communications, particularly around Trump's pressure campaign to overturn the 2020 election. According to the article, the request for phone records covered the narrow period of January 4-8, 2021, and there is no indication that the lawmakers themselves were investigation targets, only that investigators sought to understand their interactions during that critical period. The article further contrasted this case with actions taken by the Trump Justice Department, which had secretly subpoenaed the phone records of Democratic lawmakers—including Reps. Adam Schiff and Eric Swalwell— as part of leak investigations into the Russia probe, a move later criticized by Trump's own attorney general, Bill Barr. The article noted that Inspector General Michael Horowitz previously warned that such subpoenas risk "chilling" congressional oversight but emphasized that without evidence of political intent, the available facts suggest Smith's request was a legitimate—if constitutionally sensitive—part of a criminal investigation rather than partisan targeting. Additional reporting on the story was provided by Axios (10/07, Bragg), The Center Square (10/07, Wooten), The Epoch Times (10/07, Stieber), The Hill (10/07, Rego), National Review (10/07, Lynch), Newsmax (10/07, Swanson), Newsweek (10/07, Gooding, Castro) (2) (3), New York Post (10/07, Nava) (2), The National Desk (10/07, Staff Writer), The New York Times (10/07, Barrett), Politico (10/07, Cheney), The Washington Examiner (10/07, Knox), The Washington Times (10/07, Mordock). Multiple People Arrested After FBI, LAPD Executed Search Warrants in Los Angeles KCAL (CBS-2) (10/07, Hylton) reported that the FBI and LAPD executed search warrants in the LA Harbor area, arresting 13 individuals alleged to be members of the "Rancho San Pedro" (RSP) gang. According to the article, the arrests were made after a multi-year investigation involving the LAPD, FBI, and U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations, targeting the gang's alleged involvement in various criminal activities and acts of EFTA01655464 violence. "I'm proud of the years of hard work that went into this case by investigators at the federal and local level to target the upper echelon of this extremely violent gang," said Akil Davis, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office. "Today's actions will cause a significant setback to Racho San Pedro and their Mexican Mafia overlords, and lead to safer streets for San Pedro residents." The article noted that eight of the individuals are facing federal charges, including RICO and conspiracy to possess controlled substances, while five others are facing state charges, with most federal defendants potentially facing a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted. Fox News (10/07, Baehr) highlighted that Director Patel told the outlet that the bust marks a turning point in the fight against cartel-linked gangs. "The era of cartels operating freely in America is over," Director Patel said. "Every day, the FBI and our partners are dismantling violent networks at the source, stripping their resources, taking criminals off the streets and saving American lives." Additional reporting provided by Hoodline Los Angeles (10/07, Martinez), KABC (ABC-7) (10/07, Garcia, Weil), KTTV (Fox-11) (10/07, Staff Writer), KTLA (CW-5) (10/07, Kiszla), Daily Breeze (10/07, Percy), and Patch (10/07, Lindahl). AG Bondi Speaks at Contentious Senate Hearing The New York Post (10/07, Nelson) reported that Attorney General Bondi clashed heatedly with Senate Democrats during a Judiciary Committee hearing on Tuesday, defending her July 6 decision not to release further Jeffrey Epstein files while turning her criticism on several lawmakers, including Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse and Dick Durbin. AG Bondi accused Whitehouse of making "salacious remarks" about President Trump and questioned whether he was "concerned" about his own ties to Reid Hoffman, whom she described as "one of Epstein's closest confidants," while also blasting Durbin for allegedly blocking the disclosure of Epstein's flight logs in 2023. According to the article, AG Bondi's exchanges grew increasingly combative as she sparred with Sen. Alex Padilla over troop deployments to U.S. cities, rebuked him for "storming" a Homeland Security event, and told him, "I wish you loved your state of California as much as you hate President Trump." The article also described AG Bondi's sharp retorts to Sen. Richard Blumenthal, whom she accused of lying about his military service, and to Sen. Adam Schiff, whom she called a "failed lawyer" and demanded apologize for "slandering" the president during the Russia probe. The article noted that AG Bondi repeatedly defended Director Patel when Democrats raised questions about his involvement in Epstein-related investigations, while using the hearing to accuse Democrats of political hypocrisy and to assert that "transparency and accountability" under the Trump administration were being unfairly maligned. The Daily Beast (10/07, Tomazin) added that AG Bondi refused to answer questions during a Senate hearing about a $60,000 FBI sting operation involving Trump's border czar, Tom Homan, instead deflecting responsibility to Director Patel and telling lawmakers to "discuss this with Director Patel." According to the article, the sting allegedly showed Homan accepting cash from undercover FBI agents posing as businesspeople, but AG Bondi insisted that five FBI agents and five DOJ prosecutors had reviewed the case and "found no evidence of wrongdoing." Additional reporting on the story was provided by The Associated Press (10/07, Richer, Tucker, et al.), Axios (10/07, Rubin), BBC (10/07, Zurcher), CBS News (10/07, Hubbard, Rosen), CNN (10/07, Herb, Rabinowitz, et al.), Fox News (10/07, Casiano), The Hill (10/07, Martel), The New York Times (10/07, Thrush, Barrett), Politico (10/07, Cheney), Reuters (10/07, Goudsward, Lynch), Spectrum News (10/07, Santucci), and The Washington Post (10/07, Roebuck). Director Patel, FBI 'Flex Resources' for Windy City Crime Crackdown as Part of Trump Administration's 'Focused Effort' Fox News (10/07, Derespina) reported that Director Patel defended the bureau's involvement in President Trump's Chicago crime and immigration enforcement initiative, emphasizing that agents were "just doing their job to safeguard the streets" amid ongoing resistance from state and local officials. Director Patel, joined by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, toured the FBI's Chicago field office and explained that the bureau was "flexing resources" to assist the Department of Homeland Security in addressing violent crime and the removal of undocumented immigrants allegedly linked to criminal activity. According to the article, Director Patel described the operation as a "whole-of-government approach" that included not only immigration enforcement but also efforts to combat narcotics trafficking and threats against public officials and agents. Director Patel praised Chicago's police officers as "great partners" while sharply criticizing city and state leaders for prioritizing "illegal immigrants and crime over those that they serve." The article noted that Director Patel's comments came as the Trump administration's decision to deploy National Guard troops in Chicago faced legal challenges, with Blanche calling state opposition to the move "laughable" and asserting that the Guard was essential to restoring safety in the city. Director Patel also posted a statement on X: "Chicago will be saved, and this FBI will continue to crush violent crime there, and all around the country. Heading to the Windy City now." Patch (10/07, DeGrechie) also reported on the story. EFTA01655465 Continued Reporting: Director Patel Holds Interview at FBI Headquarters for "The Armstrong Williams Show." The Baltimore Sun (10/07, Williams) reported that, in an exclusive interview at FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C., Director Patel defended the bureau's handling of major investigations—including the manhunt for Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk's alleged assassin—while pledging continued transparency, accountability, and reform. Director Patel recounted that the FBI apprehended the suspect within 33 hours by mobilizing nationwide resources and publicly releasing enhanced surveillance footage, emphasizing that social media misinformation and conspiracy theories had complicated the public's understanding of the case. According to the article, Director Patel said the bureau is pursuing "scores of witnesses and companies" tied to the Kirk assassination and remains committed to investigating extremist groups, domestic terror threats, and foreign espionage, especially from the Chinese Communist Party, which he called "the greatest level of espionage against the United States." He also highlighted the FBI's expanded counterterrorism and counterintelligence efforts, revealing ongoing operations that have disrupted attacks in multiple states and emphasizing partnerships with social media companies to intercept threats, such as a recently foiled New York school shooting. The article noted that Director Patel contrasted his leadership with that of predecessors James Comey and Christopher Wray, arguing that the FBI's trust with the public is being restored through unprecedented document releases and congressional cooperation, asserting that "weaponization" claims are hypocritical and concluding, "We're just warming up." Back to Top COUNTERTERRORISM Violent Drug Gang Threatens US Tourists and Director Patel The Daily Mail (10/07, Chain) reported that members of the Los Chapitos faction of Mexico's Sinaloa cartel threatened U.S. tourists and Director Patel through banners allegedly displayed in Baja California after recent FBI- led raids and weapons seizures. According to the article, the Spanish-language messages warned of attacks beginning May 10, 2025, against Americans in Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo if authorities did not stop "arresting our people and decommissioning our loads and weapons," though local officials denied finding the banners and said investigations were ongoing. The article noted that the threats came as the Trump administration declared the United States to be in an "armed conflict" with designated terrorist organizations, authorized Pentagon operations under the law of armed conflict, and imposed sanctions on Mexico-based companies accused of supplying chemicals to the Sinaloa cartel. Former LA Deputy Mayor Sentenced to Probation, $5,000 Fine for Fake Bomb Threat to City Hall KABC (ABC-7) (10/08, Staff Writer) reported that former Los Angeles deputy mayor Brian K. Williams was sentenced to one year of federal probation, 50 hours of community service, and a $5,000 fine after pleading guilty to making a false bomb threat to City Hall while serving as Mayor Karen Bass' deputy mayor of public safety. According to the article, Williams fabricated the October 2024 threat by calling his own phone, falsely claiming that a man angry over the city's support of Israel had planted a bomb, prompting a full police response and subsequent FBI investigation before he was placed on administrative leave. The article noted that Akil Davis, the assistant director in charge of the FBI's Los Angeles bureau, condemned Williams' actions as a betrayal of public trust, emphasizing that government officials "are held to a heightened standard" and expressing relief that Williams had accepted responsibility for his conduct. Hoodline (10/07, Levine) and Jerusalem Post (10/07, Marnin) also reported on the story. Back to Top COUNTERINTELLIGENCE US Law Firm With Major Political Clients Hacked in Spying Spree Linked to China CNN (10/07, Lyngaas) reported that suspected Chinese government-backed hackers breached the computer systems of the U.S. law firm Williams & Connolly—whose clients have included Bill and Hillary Clinton—as part of a broader espionage campaign targeting multiple U.S. law firms. The hackers allegedly exploited a previously unknown software vulnerability to infiltrate the firm's email network, and while the firm has since blocked the intrusion, experts said the attack was part of China's ongoing effort to gather intelligence on U.S. national security, EFTA01655466 trade, and technology. According to the article, the FBI currently has multiple open investigations into elite Chinese hacking teams, which U.S. officials describe as the greatest state-backed cyber threat to American interests. The article further detailed that another major firm, Wiley Rein, was also targeted earlier this year, and that cybersecurity experts at Mandiant and Volexity said law firms are especially vulnerable because they manage sensitive and high-stakes information tied to major corporations and government policy. The article noted that China's embassy denied involvement, reiterating that Beijing "opposes all forms of cyberattacks and cybercrime," while U.S. investigators continue probing the campaign's scope and impact. Reuters (10/07, Ward) and the New York Times (10/07, Schmidt) also reported on the story. DNI Tulsi Gabbard Orders US Intel Agency Leaders to Stem Leaks CBS News (10/07, LaPorta) reported that Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard issued a memo ordering U.S. intelligence agencies to assess the feasibility of random polygraph exams for employees and contractors, emphasizing questions about leaking classified information to the press. According to the article, an ODNI official said the review was prompted by findings that a lack of polygraph testing had emboldened some former intelligence officials to spy for U.S. adversaries, while Gabbard's spokesperson cited recent unauthorized disclosures that could "damage U.S. strategic alliances and credibility." The article noted that both the Obama and Bush administrations faced criticism for using FBI investigations and the Espionage Act to target leaks and prosecute officials, and that Gabbard's directive has revived similar concerns about press freedom, whistleblower protections, and the potential chilling effect on national security reporting. Back to Top CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS FBI 'Summer Heat' Arrests Include 'Most Wanted' Fugitives, Gang Members The Center Square (10/07, Blankley) reported that the FBI and its law enforcement partners carried out "Operation Summer Heat," a three-month national initiative that led to 8,629 arrests targeting violent crime, fugitives, and gang members across all 55 FBI field offices. The operation prioritized ten major cities, including Boston, San Diego, Dallas, and Jacksonville, resulting in over 750 fugitive arrests, more than 30 of them wanted for murder, as well as the capture of several individuals on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list. According to the article, FBI San Diego agents arrested 76 people—including a fugitive from Mexico accused of trafficking methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine—and recovered missing children from sexual exploitation cases, while FBI Jacksonville agents arrested 120 suspects, including Mongols motorcycle gang members and two people charged with distributing child sexual abuse material. FBI Dallas agents arrested high-profile fugitives Cindy Rodriguez Singh and Cesar Pascual Orozco, extraditing them from India and Mexico, and seized fentanyl, firearms, and child exploitation evidence, while FBI Boston agents made 404 arrests and recovered 27 missing children in New England operations targeting local gangs and drug trafficking. The article noted that, in total, the FBI seized nearly 45,000 kilograms of cocaine, 421 kilograms of fentanyl, more than 2,200 weapons, and located over 1,000 child victims, underscoring what the bureau called a "whole-of-nation" crackdown on violent and transnational criminal activity. WBTS (NBC-1m (10/07, Margain, Fortier) quoted Ted Docks, special agent in charge of the FBI's Boston Division: "Operation Summer Heat is a snapshot of what our agents, task force officers, and analysts do daily to target, apprehend, and bring to justice the most dangerous, violent criminals wreaking havoc in our communities. We could not have done this without the strong partnerships we have with our state and local law enforcement agencies. Rest assured, while summer is behind us, your FBI is not letting up." The article also quoted Kimberly Milka, Assistant Supervisory Special Agent at the FBI's Boston office: "The majority of our targets were individuals who were just problematic to local communities." KMGH (ABC-7) (10/07, Garrison) quoted a statement from Special Agent in Charge of FBI Denver Mark Michalek: "The FBI Denver Field Office is fully committed to crushing violent crime across Colorado and Wyoming. Operation Summer Heat shows that surging resources with our state and local law enforcement partners, as well as our other federal partners, can have a significant impact on reducing crime." Hoodline (10/07, Jenkins) quoted Special Agent in Charge Mark Dargis "The results of the FBI's Summer Heat operations are proof that surging resources with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners can, and did, make a significant impact on violent crime in our region." Additional reporting on the story was provided by KDVR (Fox-31) (10/07, Jewett), KSNV (NBC-3) (10/07, Cruz), Patch (10/07, Hosey) (2), and WBMA (ABC-33/40) (10/07, LeBerte). Comey Arraignment Kicks off High-Stakes Battle for Trump EFTA01655467 The Associated Press (10/08, Tucker, Richer, Kunzelman) reported that former FBI Director James Comey is scheduled to make his first court appearance in Alexandria, Virginia, where he faces Justice Department charges of lying to Congress and obstructing a congressional proceeding related to his 2020 testimony. The indictment, filed after President Donald Trump publicly urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to act, accuses Comey of falsely denying that he authorized an associate to speak anonymously to the media—allegations that Comey denies and plans to fight in court. According to the article, the case has raised alarms about the Justice Department being "weaponized" against Trump's political opponents, particularly after the president replaced the lead prosecutor with a White House aide who rushed to file charges before a deadline. The article further detailed that the assigned judge, Michael Nachmanoff, a Biden appointee, has already drawn Trump's criticism, while the Justice Department has portrayed the indictment itself as a victory regardless of its outcome. The article noted that the case marks another chapter in the long and contentious history between Trump and Comey, dating back to the former president's 2017 firing of Comey during an FBI investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Fox News (10/07, Oliver) reported that Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche and Director Patel told Fox News Digital in a sit-down interview at the FBI Chicago Field Office that media reports about a possible camera-ready Comey arrest, sometimes known as a perp walk, were mere distractions. "We conduct arrests, the FBI conducts arrests at every courthouse in this country every single day of the year," Blanche said, calling the rumors about Comey's circumstances "gossip." Director Patel called the media reports about Comey a "detraction" from the FBI's work. "The mainstream media wants to take the eye off the ball and create theater," he said. "We're not about theater. We're about producing our results in court. And that's what you're going to see tomorrow start, the revelation of details, and it will be forthcoming in the judicial process as everyone in America is entitled to, including Mr. Comey, and we want him to have his day in court, and it starts tomorrow." Additional reporting on the story was provided by ABC News (10/07, Mallins, Faulders, Charalambous), Fox News (10/07, Dorgan), The Hill (10/07, Stanage), UPI (10/07, Benson), and The Washington Post (10/07, Rizzo). New York Man Arrested, Drugs Seized After Narcotics Investigation WNY-FM (10/07, Staff Writer) reported that Rafael Rivera, a 45-year-old Buffalo man, was arrested after a month- long narcotics investigation by the Erie County Sheriff's Office. According to the article, deputies seized a kilogram of cocaine, fentanyl, and other drug paraphernalia from Rivera's vehicle and residence. "For too long, dangerous drugs like these — particularly fentanyl — have wreaked havoc on families in our community," said Sheriff Garcia. "Each of these arrests and seizures represents a small step toward safer streets. I commend the work of our Narcotics and Intelligence Unit and thank the Buffalo Police Department and FBI Safe Streets Task Force for their assistance with this investigation." FBI Arrests New York Man Accused of Defrauding Pennsylvania Man of $130K WPXI (NBC-11) (10/07, Staff Writer) reported that Zhudi Chen was arrested by the FBI for allegedly defrauding a 76- year-old man in Allegheny County of $130,000. According to the article, the scam involved Chen and others claiming to be investigating fraud at PNC Bank and convincing the victim to liquidate his brokerage account. Following an undercover operation, Chen was arrested by FBI agents when he arrived at the victim's house to collect the gold, according the criminal complaint. The article noted that Chen, who is from New York and has no ties to the victim or the Pittsburgh area. Additional reporting was provided by KDKA (CBS-2) (10/07, Bah) and WBVP-FM (10/07, Staff Writer). $1 Million Bond Upheld Chinese National Accused in Ohio Fraud Case WLIO (NBC-8) (10/07, Cummins) reported that a judge has denied a bond reduction request for 33-year-old Xianchun Li, a Chinese national from Flushing, New York, who is accused of defrauding an Allen County resident, ruling that Li remains a flight risk. Li, who faces two counts of theft from a person in a protected class and one count of attempted theft, will remain held on a $1 million bond. According to the article, he was arrested on July 29 during a sting operation carried out by the Allen County Sheriff's Office and the FBI, which prosecutors say uncovered his role in a larger organized fraud network. Investigators allege that Li flew into Columbus the morning of his arrest and was scheduled to depart later that day, a travel pattern reflected in prior incidents across the country. The article noted that Li's trial is scheduled for February 2026. Colorado Woman Loses $37K to Crypto Investment Scam KOAA (NBC-5) (10/07, Sam) reported that Suzanne Pence, a Colorado Springs woman, lost $37,000 to a cryptocurrency investment scam after her friend's Facebook account was hacked. According to the article, the scammers promised her a return of $194,000, but she received nothing after sending money through Bitcoin ATMs EFTA01655468 over eight days. Investment fraud is the number one scam reported in Colorado, with 14,848 reports made in 2024, according to the FBI. "Doing this sort of complex multi-layered approach to these scams is very similar to the impersonation scams, in that it helps legitimize the scam itself," said Eric Burns, FBI Special Agent. "People are very transparent on social media," Burns said. "These bad actors? They prey on the opportunity to victimize somebody. Number one, they've just come into money. Number two, they're grieving, so they're not in a great state of mind to make sound decisions." Armed and Dangerous Suspect, Twenty Two, Sought in Shooting of Florida Police Officer WFLX (Fox-29) (10/07, Sutton, Roesler) reported that police in West Palm Beach are searching for 22-year-old Emmanuel Keevon Dashawn Mcrae, accused of shooting a police officer. According to the article, the officer was shot in the ballistic vest during an altercation and has since been released from the hospital. The article noted that the Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office, the FBI, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Palm Beach County State Attorney's Office are helping in the investigation. Additional reporting was provided by WPBF (ABC- 25) (10/07, Scruggs, Sears, et al.), WPEC (CBS-12) (10/07, Rizzo), and Channel 2 Now (10/07, Staff Writer). Social Media Provocateurs Charged With Threatening to Harm Federal Agent and His Wife Fox News (10/07, Koch) reported that a federal grand jury in Georgia has charged Frank Andrew Waszut, 41, of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Anthony Patrick Noto, 63, of Ronkonkoma, New York, with making threats to injure an ICE deportation officer and his wife. According to the article, Waszut allegedly posted a video on Instagram identifying the officer and encouraging violence against him, while Noto posted a comment suggesting the officer's wife was a target for a semiautomatic rifle. In a Department of Justice press release, Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta said, "Threats of violence against law enforcement officers and their families are not only reprehensible, but also a direct attack on the safety and integrity of our justice system. These charges serve as a clear reminder that threats of this nature will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law." Additional reporting was provided by Additional reporting was provided by WANF (CW-46) (10/07, Staff Writer) and WZRR-FM (10/07, Staff Writer). New Details Revealed on Alleged Murder-For-Hire Scheme Targeting Border Patrol Chief in Chicago WLS (ABC-7) (10/07, Rivera, Markoff, et al.) reported that federal authorities uncovered an alleged murder-for-hire plot targeting U.S. Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino in Chicago, in which 37-year-old Latin Kings gang member Juan Espinosa-Martinez allegedly offered $10,000 for Bovino's killing and $2,000 for information about him. According to the article, Espinosa-Martinez—who was arrested in Burr Ridge by a team of federal agents from the DEA, FBI, ATF, Border Patrol, and Homeland Security Investigations—used Snapchat to circulate the bounty to other gang members, prompting a coordinated federal investigation. The article noted that Espinosa-Martinez, a Mexican national in the country illegally, was charged in federal court and faces up to ten years in prison, with officials emphasizing that federal laws carry far harsher penalties than local statutes for crimes targeting law enforcement. Utah Man Charged for Attempting to Meet With Minors Across Four Undercover Operations KTVX (ABC-4) (10/07, Trauntvein) reported that Wyatt Charles Mullen, a 28-year-old Sandy man, has been charged with 20 felonies related to child sexual abuse material. According to the article, the charges include attempted rape of a child, attempted sodomy on a child, enticement of a minor, and aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, stemming from four separate undercover operations. The article noted that charging documents indicate that officers with the West Valley City Police Department, the Davis County District Attorney's Office FBI Task Force, and the State Bureau of Investigation all engaged in conversations with Mullen. Local Leader of New York Capital Region Chamber of Commerce Charged With Attempted Enticement of a Minor Times Union (10/07, Liberatore) reported that Peter Bardunias, 59, senior vice president at the Capital Region Chamber, was charged with allegedly attempting to lure a minor for sex. According to the article, he allegedly shared violent sexual fantasies with an undercover police officer posing as a 15-year-old girl and made plans to meet her in person. Bardunias was arrested and his home was searched, where law enforcement found materials consistent with his described "torture chamber", including sex toys and a knife. In a Department of Justice press release, FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated, "As detailed in the criminal complaint, the allegations against Mr. Bardunias are truly horrific. His intentions were beyond disturbing and have resulted in serious federal charges. The FBI commends the brave individual who contacted us with information that immediately launched this investigation and put an end to these disturbingly sinister plans. We will continue to use every resource EFTA01655469 available to find and hold accountable any predator looking to victimize our most vulnerable, and we encourage anyone with additional information on Mr. Bardunias to contact our office." Additional reporting was provided by Spectrum News (10/07, Staff Writer) and The Daily Gazette (10/07, Cook). Montana Man Arrested on Multiple Warrants After Standoff in Cottonwood The Lewiston Tribune (10/07, Pearce) reported that the Idaho County Sheriff's Office arrested 42-year-old Eric B. Wright of Kalispell, Montana, on Sunday evening following a standoff in Cottonwood, Idaho, after learning he was wanted on multiple warrants out of Whitman County, Washington. According to the article, during the standoff, Wright sustained a self-inflicted injury as law enforcement attempted to make contact. No officers were harmed. Wright was wanted in connection with an August 2025 attempted ATM burglary in Uniontown, Washington, after investigators traced him to a residence with a black Dodge Challenger matching the one used in the break-in—a vehicle later determined to have been stolen from Billings, Montana. The article noted that authorities also discovered another stolen vehicle and trailer at the same location. Wright faces additional charges in Whitman and Latah counties related to a regional property crime spree in 2024. The Idaho State Police acknowledged the assistance of the Cottonwood Police Department, St. Mary's Hospital and Ambulance, Life Flight, and the FBI in the operation. The case remains under active investigation. FBI, Police Investigate Robbery at Local Ohio Bank WKBN (CBS-27) (10/07, Stone) reported that the Youngstown Police Department and the FBI are investigating an armed robbery at Huntington Bank on Market Street in Youngstown, Ohio. According to the article, no customers or bank colleagues were injured during the incident, and the bank is cooperating fully with the authorities. The article noted that the police do not believe there is any danger to the public, and the investigation is ongoing with local and federal agencies involved. Additional reporting was provided by WFMJ (NBC-21) (10/07, Mosca). Rhode Island Supreme Court Suspends Law License of Former Judge Under FBI Investigation WPRI (CBS-12) (10/07, Sherman) reported that the Rhode Island Supreme Court has temporarily suspended the law license of former judge Joseph Molina Flynn due to an FBI investigation. According to the article, Molina Flynn is under investigation for allegedly duping clients, misusing funds, and not paying taxes, among other allegations. The article noted that a court-appointed attorney will take over Molina Flynn's client files and have access to his financial accounts, and he is prohibited from withdrawing or transferring any funds from those accounts. Additional reporting was provided by WJAR (NBC-10) (10/07, Crandall), The Providence Journal (10/07, Farzan), Providence Business News (10/07, Staff Writer), and The Boston Globe (10/07, Milkovits). Back to Top FINANCIAL CRIME & CORPORATE SCANDALS FBI's Evolving Role in Combatting Crypto Crime and National Security Threats Blockchain News (10/07, Moen) reported that the FBI is increasing efforts to combat cryptocurrency-related crimes, including ransomware and national security threats, through multi-agency cooperation and strategic approaches. According to the article, FBI Deputy Assistant Director James Barnacle emphasized the importance of adapting to the evolving digital landscape and leveraging technology, such as artificial intelligence, to enhance investigative capabilities. The article noted that the FBI is prioritizing ransomware investigations and countering terrorism financing through cryptocurrency, with a focus on monitoring digital wallets and transactions that may indicate funding for terrorist activities. Back to Top CYBER DIVISION FBI Is Warning Companies to Patch Their Oracle Databases Immediately Forbes (10/07, Brewster) reported that the FBI, Google, and cybersecurity firms issued urgent warnings for companies to immediately patch vulnerabilities in Oracle's E-Business Suite after the ransomware group Clop launched "mass extortion" attacks exploiting the flaw. According to the article, FBI Cyber Division Assistant Director Brett Leatherman said the vulnerability was being actively exploited and urged companies to act quickly, while Mandiant confirmed several successful breaches using previously unknown zero-day vulnerabilities. The article EFTA01655470 noted that Oracle has released a patch to prevent remote code execution attacks, and experts from CISA and Mandiant warned organizations to check for signs of compromise even after applying the fix. Back to Top INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS CBI Arrests Eight Cybercriminals in Four Month Crackdown Under Interpol's Global Operation The Economic Times (10/07, Staff Writer) reported that the Central Bureau of Investigation arrested 8 cybercriminals in a 4-month crackdown under Interpol's Operation HAECHI-VI. According to the article, the operation targeted various categories of cybercrime, including voice phishing and online sextortion, and resulted in the recovery of $66,340 cash and the blocking of 30 bank accounts. "During Operation HAECHI-VI, the International Operations Division of the CBI closely coordinated with the FBI, the US Department of Justice, and the German authorities, arrested eight offenders and identified 45 suspects who were indulging in the transnational cyber- enabled financial crimes and subjecting... girls to sexual offences online," the CBI spokesperson said. The CBI, based on operational intelligence shared by the FBI, arrested two accused during the operation for allegedly "luring and coercing underage girls in the United States" through social media and pressuring them into sharing sexually explicit material through intimidation tactics, according to the spokesperson. The article noted that the global operation, which involved 40 countries, recovered $342 million in government-backed currencies and blocked approximately 68,000 associated bank accounts. Additional reporting was provided by Millennium Post (10/07, Staff Writer), Hindustan Times (10/07, Staff Writer), Times of India (10/07, Staff Writer), and Free Press Journal (10/07, Staff Writer). Back to Top OTHER FBI NEWS Former President Biden Covered up Ukrainian Complaints of Corruption 'Double Standard,' Secret CIA Files Reveal New York Post (10/07, Devine) reported newly declassified FBI source files released last month reportedly allege that two CIA officers pressured former Ukrainian Prosecutor General Yuriy Lutsenko to halt an investigation into Burisma founder Mykola Zlochevslcy because he was "protected by the U.S. According to the article, the files also reveal that Ukrainian officials were frustrated by then—Vice President Joe Biden's 2015 visit to Kyiv, where he condemned corruption despite his family's financial ties to Burisma, the energy company under scrutiny for alleged misconduct. According to the report, a CIA assessment documenting Ukrainian officials' complaints was suppressed at the request of Biden's national security adviser, Colin Kahl, and excluded from the Presidential Daily Brief. The article noted that a senior CIA official called the suppression "extremely rare and unusual," stating that it was "inappropriate to go outside of the intelligence community and inquire with the White House on the dissemination of a particular report for what appears to be political reasons." Career CIA analysts later concluded that the report contained intelligence of value and should have been shared with appropriate U.S. government officials, describing the decision to withhold it as highly irregular and politically motivated. Additional reporting was provided by Fox News (10/07, Singman), Daily Mail UK (10/07, Raasch), and National Review (10/07, Lynch). New York Stock Exchange Owner Takes $2B Stake in Polymarket, Valuing Betting Platform at $86 New York Post (10/07, Herzlich) reported that Intercontinental Exchange, the owner of the New York Stock Exchange, has announced plans to invest up to $2 billion in the blockchain-based betting platform Polymarket, valuing the company at roughly $8 billion in a landmark deal that bridges traditional finance and the crypto sector. According to the article, founded in 2020, Polymarket allows users to wager on real-world events such as sports, elections, and political outcomes, gaining notoriety for accurately predicting several major developments, including President Donald Trump's 2024 election victory. The company's CEO, Shayne Coplan—who faced an FBI raid in 2024 —called the partnership a milestone for integrating prediction markets into mainstream finance. The article noted that under the agreement, ICE will distribute Polymarket's event-driven data globally and collaborate on tokenization initiatives, merging conventional financial products with blockchain technology. Additional reporting was provided by Front Office Sports (10/07, Homey), Coinspeaker (10/07, Ajibade & Lanz), CryptoNews (10/07, Shittu), and MiTRADE (10/07, Staff Writer). EFTA01655471 Detroit Officials Credit Partnerships, Precision Policing for Drop In Violent Crime Spectrum News (10/07, Tolen) reported that Detroit officials report a significant drop in violent crime, with homicides down 15%, non-fatal shootings down 22%, and carjackings down 29% from 2024. According to the article, since 2022, there's been a 41% drop in homicides and a 50% drop in non-fatal shootings, according to Police Chief Todd Bettison. The article noted that city leaders, including Mayor Mike Duggan and Police Chief Todd Bettison, credit partnerships and policing strategies, such as embedding federal agents from the ATF, FBI, DEA, and Homeland Security in police precincts and community violence intervention efforts, for the trend. Senator Grassley Drops FBI Docs on Political Conduct During 2022 Arrest of Peter Navarro Just the News (10/07, Whedon) reported that Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley revealed that whistleblowers provided him with documents related to the FBI's handling of Peter Navarro's arrest. According to the article, the documents show that the FBI conducted physical surveillance on Navarro before arresting him in public at Reagan Airport, rather than at his home near FBI headquarters. "The first document is a request for physical surveillance on Navarro the day the FBI arrested him," Sen. Grassley said. "The second document is the timeline of that surveillance... the FBI didn't arrest him at his house, which was literally right next to the FBI headquarters." "Instead, they surveilled him and his fiancée all morning, starting at his home, following them to the airport, and then arrested him in public at the Reagan Airport," he went on. "The way Navarro was treated is unnecessary... So to our average constituent, this is all history, but it's all pointing out the wrong of government using the power of government to go after people they're political people you don't like." The article noted that Sen. Grassley criticized the FBI's actions as "unnecessary" and demanded that Attorney General Pam Bondi provide more information on the matter. FBI Corruption Probe Picked up Evidence Former President Bill Clinton Paid Through Backdoor Just the News (10/07, Richards) reported that a 2017 FBI document released by Sen. Chuck Grassley reveals that investigators obtained evidence suggesting former President Bill Clinton may have received payments through a covert arrangement involving an allied consulting firm, Teneo, during a federal investigation into political corruption. The case update, written by then—Supervisory Special Agent Tim Thibault as part of the Washington Field Office's investigation into Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, details an interview with Steven Sullivan, Teneo's Chief Financial Officer, who reportedly indicated that the firm had been used as a "pass-through" by Clinton associate Doug Band to compensate the former president. According to the article, Band, a longtime Clinton aide and co-founder of the Clinton Global Initiative, led Teneo, a company with deep ties to both Bill and Hillary Clinton. The McAuliffe investigation focused on his business dealings before taking office and potential violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act. The article noted that during a Senate hearing, Grassley questioned Attorney General Pam Bondi on whether the FBI and Justice Department fully pursued the matter, contrasting the probe's scope with investigations into former President Donald Trump and his allies. The document's release comes amid broader Republican scrutiny of alleged political bias within federal law enforcement, coinciding with recent disclosures by CIA Director John Ratcliffe concerning Obama-era intelligence handling and Biden administration officials' involvement in limiting intelligence distribution. Opinion: Director Patel's 'Transparency' Claim Slapped With Epstein Reminders An opinion piece from The Daily Beast (10/07, Vaillancourt) reported that Director Patel faced online backlash after posting on X that "the transparency I promised is being delivered by this FBI," as users quickly countered with reminders of the Trump administration's refusal to release additional Jeffrey Epstein files. According to the article, X users attached links highlighting Patel's misleading statements about supposed court-ordered restrictions, his evasive testimony before the House Judiciary Committee, where he recited the alphabet instead of answering questions, and PBS coverage summarizing his resistance to discussing Epstein. The article noted that AG Bondi has also refused to answer questions about Epstein despite earlier claiming the files were on her desk, while President Trump has offered only vague and conflicting remarks about releasing them. Director Patel's post, viewed over 3 million times, was met with memes and criticism comparing his handling of the Epstein issue to his management of the Charlie Kirk assassination case. The author assessed that Director Patel's vague claim of "transparency" backfired, reinforcing skepticism that the FBI and Trump administration are concealing politically sensitive information rather than promoting genuine accountability. Back to Top EFTA01655472 INTERNATIONAL NEWS Israel's Covert Campaign Targets Hamas Terrorists Behind Oct 7 Massacre Fox News Gaza Peace Talks Appear to Gain Momentum on the War's Anniversary Associated Press Hamas Says It Handed Over List of Israelis and Palestinians for Swap Deal Reuters Gaza Aid Flotilla Says Israeli Forces Intercepted Its Boats Reuters Starving Children Screaming for Food as US Aid Cuts Unleash Devastation and Death Across Myanmar Associated Press Ukraine Says It Struck Russian Ammunition Plant, Oil Terminal and Weapons Depot Associated Press Landslide Hits a Bus in Northern India, Killing at Least 15 People Associated Press How China Threatens to Force Taiwan Into a Total Blackout Wall Street Journal An Isolated Macron Is Pushing the Limits of France's Political System Wall Street Journal U.K. Government Asked Pro-Palestinian Supporters Not to March on Oct. 7. They Did Anyway. Wall Street Journal Back to Top OTHER WASHINGTON NEWS Furloughed Workers Not Guaranteed Back Pay After Shutdown, OMB Claims Washington Post Supreme Court Sharply Questions Law Banning Conversion Therapy Washington Post How Trump Is Using the Justice Department to Target His Enemies New York Times US Government Shutdown: Who Is Still Working and Who Has Been Furloughed? Reuters Biden Didn't Want Intel Disseminated Showing Ukrainian Concerns Over Family's 'Corrupt' Business Ties Fox News National Guard Troops Are Outside Chicago and Could Be in Memphis Soon Associated Press How Colleges Stack Up Against Trump's Sweeping 'Compact' Demands Wall Street Journal No Immediate Evidence Fire at South Carolina Judge's Home Was Intentional Wall Street Journal Trump-Backed Candidate Wins Crowded GOP Primary in Battle for Vacant House Seat Fox News EFTA01655473 Trump's Off-Script Comments Cause Shutdown Headaches for GOP Politico Back to Top WASHINGTON SCHEDULE White House President Trump • 9:00 AM: In-Town Pool Call Time • 11:00 AM: The President receives his Intelligence Briefing • 3:00 PM: The President participates in a Roundtable on ANTIFA Vice President Vance • No official presidential schedule has been released or announced. US Senate • Business meeting to consider the nominations of Jonathan Greenstein of New York to be a Deputy Under Secretary Donald Korb, of Ohio to be Chief Counsel for the Internal Revenue Service and an Assistant General Counsel, and Derek Theurer, of Virginia, to be a Deputy Under Secretary, all of the Department of the Treasury. — 10:00 AM — Host: Finance • Hearings to examine labor law reform part 1, focusing on diagnosing the issues and exploring current proposals. — 10:00 AM — Host: Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions • Hearings to examine the nominations of Ho Nieh, of Alabama, to be a Member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Douglas Troutman of Maryland to be Assistant Administrator for Toxic Substances of the Environmental Protection Agency. — 10:00 AM — Host: Environment and Public Works • Business meeting to consider 5.1070, to establish a National STEM Week to promote American innovation and enhance STEM education pathways for all students, including those in rural urban, and underserved communities 5.2126 to reauthorize the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009 5.2245, to amend the Digital Coast Act to improve the acquisition, integration, and accessibility of data of the Digital Coast program and to extend the program 5.2357 to reauthorize the Young Fishermen's Development Act 5.2563 to direct the Secretary of Commerce in coordination with the heads of other relevant Federal departments and agencies to conduct an interagency review of and report to Congress on ways to increase the global competitiveness of the United States in attracting foreign direct investment 5.2666 to direct the Federal Communications Commission to establish a taskforce on unlawful robocalls an original bill entitled, "PIPELINE Safety Act of 2025", and the nominations of Joyce Meyer, of Virginia, to be Under Secretary for Economic Affairs and Harry Kumar of New York, to be an Assistant Secretary, both of the Department of Commerce, and Seval Oz, of California, to be an Assistant Secretary of Transportation• to be immediately followed by hearings to examine big tech and silencing Americans. — 10:00 AM — Host: Commerce, Science, and Transportation • Hearings to examine the Patent Eligibility Restoration Act focusing on restoring clarity certainty and predictability to the United States patent system. — 2:30 PM — Host: Judiciary • Hearings to examine the nominations of Joshua Simmons of Virginia to be General Counsel of the Central Intelligence Agency and Peter Metzger, of the District of Columbia, to be Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Intelligence and Analysis. — 2:30 PM — Host: Intelligence • Business meeting to consider the nomination of William Kirk of Maryland to be Inspector General Small Business Administration. — 10:00 AM — Host: Small Business and Entrepreneurship EFTA01655474 • Hearings to examine closing loopholes that kill American patients. — 3:15 PM — Host: Aging US House of Representatives • No events scheduled. Cabinet Members • Secretary of State Rubio meets with Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Toiu at the Department of State at 2:30 PM. Visitors • No events scheduled. General Events • CSIS: The Future of Critical Minerals and National Security: 2025 CSIS-West Point Conference — Wednesday, October 8, 2025. Location: Online event, 8:00 AM. The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and the Center for the Study of Civil-Military Operations at the United States Military Academy at West Point will host the second annual Critical Minerals and National Security Conference at West Point on October 8, 2025. The conference will examine the minerals-defense nexus, how minerals diplomacy can support national security amid escalating global tensions, and the role of innovation in meeting minerals security needs. • CSIS: The Impossible State Live Podcast: What to Expect? New Leadership in Japan — Wednesday, October 8, 2025. Location: Online event, 3:00 AM. Please join The Impossible State podcast for a timely discussion on Japan's new leadership and its implications. The conversation will be moderated by Dr. Victor Cha and will feature Dr. James Brady, Vice President at Teneo, and Mr. Tobias Harris, Founder and Principal of Japan Foresight. • CATO Institute: A Conversation with Former BLS Commissioners William Beach and Erica Groshen — Wednesday, October 8, 2025. Location: Online event, 11:00 AM. Free markets are a core principle of libertarianism, and data are a central element to furthering economic freedom. • AEI: Policing the Public Interest and Broadcast Content at Today's FCC — Wednesday, October 8, 2025. Location: Online event, 10:00 AM. Join us as a panel of experts—featuring Robert Corn-Revere, chief counsel for the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression—will examine the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) tactics under Chairman Brendan Carr targeting broadcast content ranging from a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris to a monologue by late-night talk show host and comedian Jimmy Kimmel. • AEI: Saving Can-Do: A Book Event with Philip K. Howard — Wednesday, October 8, 2025. Location: Online event, 12:00 PM. As our nation faces a profound moment of political disruption, neither party is offering a vision to overhaul America's broken governance. In Saving Can-Do: How to Revive the Spirit of America, Common Good's Philip K. Howard offers a bold and simple governing vision: Replace red tape with responsibility and let Americans hold each other accountable. • AEI: Taking Religion Seriously: A Book Event with Charles Murray — Wednesday, October 8, 2025. Location: Online event, 5:00 PM. As a young adult, AEI's Charles Murray thought he knew that science made religion obsolete. But as he entered his 50s and watched his wife evolve spiritually, Dr. Murray began his own journey. The next 30 years led him to surprising scientific findings in cosmology and the nature of consciousness. C. S. Lewis's writings led him to reconsider Christianity and the evidence that devout Christians could call upon. He changed his mind about God and Christianity. • PIIE: China's economic outlook: Challenges and opportunities — Wednesday, October 8, 2025. Location: Online event, 1:00 PM. The Peterson Institute holds an in-depth discussion examining China's economic landscape, including the current housing slump and its broader implications, as well as the country's EFTA01655475 economic security growth model. Leading PIIE experts examine key policy components, assess their effectiveness, and address the tensions and challenges, offering critical insights into the forces shaping China's economy today. • Atlantic Council: 2025 Energy & Defense Summit — Wednesday, October 8, 2025. Location: Online event, 9:00 AM. At the Energy & Defense Summit, leaders and experts will chart pathways that sustain US and allied military power in an increasingly contested and energy-constrained environment. • Hudson Institute: Relearning Great Power Diplomacy: A Conversation with Wess Mitchell — Wednesday, October 8, 2025. Location: Online event, 10:30 AM. After the Cold War, Western leaders embraced the illusion that globalization and the spread of democracy would lead to the outbreak of peace around the world. But just decades later, great powers are once again competing for territory, resources, and prestige. Email Public Affairs to subscribe to the Daily News Briefing. 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