A former Bush administration housing official has made extraordinary claims about a secret network of underground facilities built by the U.S. government.
According to the New York Post, Catherine Austin Fitts, who served as assistant secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President George H. W. Bush, alleges that approximately $21 trillion in taxpayer money was secretly channeled into building elaborate underground "cities" designed to shelter the wealthy and powerful during catastrophic events.
Fitts, now 74, made these claims during an appearance on Tucker Carlson's podcast, where she detailed an extensive network of roughly 170 bunkers constructed across the United States since 1998. She suggests these facilities extend beyond mainland America, with some reportedly situated beneath the ocean along U.S. coastlines.
Fitts bases her assertions on a 2017 report by Michigan State University economist Mark Skidmore, which identified substantial "unauthorized spending" within the Departments of Defense and Housing and Urban Development between 1998 and 2015.
The former housing official claims these underground facilities are interconnected through an advanced transportation system and powered by classified military technology. She specifically referenced unexplained aerial phenomena as potential evidence of this secret energy system.
During her podcast appearance, Fitts suggested these installations serve multiple purposes beyond emergency shelters, including hosting what she termed a "secret space program."
The concept of government bunkers is not without precedent in American history. The Cheyenne Mountain Complex, currently operated by the U.S. Space Force, stands as a testament to Cold War-era preparedness.
From the 1950s through the 1990s, a classified congressional bunker operated beneath West Virginia's Greenbrier resort, designed to house the entire Congress during potential catastrophes.
These historical facilities demonstrate the government's long-standing commitment to continuity of operations during national emergencies.
Fitts' interview with Carlson ventured into more contentious territory beyond the bunker allegations. She expressed views about COVID-19 vaccines containing DNA-modifying ingredients and suggested the existence of a global conspiracy involving mind control.
While speaking to Tucker Carlson, she provided this explanation of the alleged secret energy system:
I'm convinced that this energy exists. If you look at a lot of the really fast ships, flying around the planet, they're not using classical electricity.
The former investment banker suggested these facilities are not limited to U.S. territory, claiming similar installations exist worldwide.
Former Assistant Secretary Catherine Austin Fitts' claims about a $21 trillion underground network of cities have added to ongoing discussions about government preparedness and classified installations. While she presents no concrete evidence for these allegations, she points to economist Mark Skidmore's 2017 report on unauthorized government spending as supporting documentation. The controversy highlights the historical reality of government bunker programs while raising questions about current classified infrastructure projects and their potential purposes.
Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels demonstrate advanced military capabilities in a shocking missile attack on Israel's main international hub.
According to the New York Post, a ballistic missile struck Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv on Sunday, wounding six people and exposing vulnerabilities in both Israeli and American air defense systems, prompting foreign airlines to suspend flights.
The missile breached multiple layers of sophisticated air defense systems, including Israel's long-range Arrow system and the American Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, which was deployed to Israel last year amid escalating tensions with Iran. The attack caused moderate injuries to one person and minor injuries to five others, leading to temporary disruptions in airport operations.
Defense sources revealed that both the Israeli Air Force and American military made several unsuccessful attempts to intercept the incoming missile. The incident has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of current missile defense capabilities against Houthi attacks.
The militant group's military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, declared the airport "no longer safe for air travel" following the attack. Senior Houthi official Mohammed al-Bukhaiti emphasized in an interview with Qatar's Al-Araby TV channel that the group has "no red lines" in its campaign against Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to the attack with a stern warning, vowing to take decisive action against the Houthi rebels. Defense Minister Israel Katz echoed this sentiment, promising sevenfold retaliation against those who harm Israel.
Delta Air Lines immediately canceled its planned flights between JFK and Tel Aviv for Sunday and Monday. Although United Airlines maintained its Newark-Tel Aviv route, both carriers experienced significant delays in their Tel Aviv departures.
Ben Gurion Airport's head, Udi Bar Oz, announced that operations resumed within 30 minutes of the missile strike. The airport administration is working closely with Israel's Transportation Minister to minimize disruptions to flight schedules in the coming days.
This attack marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, as many foreign airlines had only recently resumed services to Tel Aviv in January following an 18-month suspension after the October 7, 2023 terror attacks.
The Houthi rebels, controlling large portions of Yemen, initiated attacks on Red Sea shipping and Israeli targets in late 2023. President Trump ordered extensive military strikes against the group in March 2025 to reduce their operational capabilities and protect commercial shipping in the region.
Until now, Israel has refrained from direct military action against Yemen in response to Houthi attacks. However, Netanyahu's recent statements suggest a potential shift in this strategy, indicating possible future military operations against the rebel group.
The deteriorating security situation has prompted international concern about the stability of commercial air travel in the region. Transportation authorities are currently assessing the long-term implications for international flight operations at Ben Gurion Airport.
The successful missile strike on Ben Gurion Airport represents a significant milestone in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran-backed forces in the region. The Houthi rebels, operating from Yemen, managed to penetrate sophisticated air defense systems and strike Israel's primary international gateway, which handled over 21 million passengers in 2023. This attack demonstrates the rebels' expanding military capabilities and their determination to target strategic Israeli infrastructure. The incident has disrupted international air travel and exposed potential vulnerabilities in current missile defense systems, prompting a reassessment of security measures.
An unexpected helicopter maneuver near Reagan National Airport caused two commercial jets to abort their landings, raising serious safety concerns among aviation authorities and prompting immediate investigations.
On Thursday afternoon, a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter strayed from its designated route, leading to close proximity encounters with two passenger planes at Reagan National Airport, as the Daily Mail reports, an incident that alarmed many, as it occurred just three months after a previous crash involving the same type of helicopter led to substantial casualties.
The involvement began as Delta Flight DL5825, an Embraer EMB-170 from Boston, descended to 450 feet when it had to suddenly veer off and ascend again. A similar fate awaited Delta Flight DL1671, an Airbus A319 arriving from Orlando, which was re-directed just as it reached approximately 700 feet.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) responded swiftly, citing a "loss of separation" as the critical issue. Chris Senn, an official from the FAA, clarified that air traffic instructions were modified abruptly because an Army helicopter was found alarmingly close to scheduled arrivals.
An email from the FAA obtained by Politico noted that at its closest, the helicopter was only 0.4 miles horizontally and 200 feet vertically away from one of the jets. Despite the lack of injuries and the eventual safe landing of both aircraft, the need for inquiry was evident.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) also delved into the event, issuing a public statement regarding its investigation into the reasons behind the advised go-arounds. This dovetailed into broader questions about military-civilian aviation space safety, especially after recent fatal events.
The U.S. Army's accountability was once again under scrutiny, particularly involving the same aviation brigade implicated in the deadly January incident. At the core of previous errors was a lapse in the ADS-B system's use -- a concern pointed out during a Senate hearing by Brig. Gen. Matthew Braman. The helicopter in Thursday's incident did have its ADS-B functioning. However, the control tower faced radar anomalies, leading to challenges in managing air traffic when Republic Airways flight was merely 1.7 miles from the runway.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy expressed his dissatisfaction, emphasizing that the existing helicopter navigation rules near Reagan were clear. He questioned the Pentagon's adherence to these guidelines, underscoring the necessity for civilian safety over luxury transport.
Sen. Maria Cantwell, chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, didn't hold back her critiques. She termed the event as an "unforgivable error," lamenting the life-threatening risks posed to civilian travelers. She stressed on gaining accountability from responsible aviation authorities. Reports indicate the flight maneuvers were driven by a mere training exercise rather than any VIP transport needs. This explanation seemed insufficient for many, hinting at the necessity of stringent controls in active airspaces teeming with people.
Airspace overlap at Reagan National isn't a new issue. The airport has witnessed numerous close calls primarily due to the complex interplay of civil and military operations. This is compounded by the lower-than-required staff levels despite gradual improvements in recent times.
The necessity for streamlining operations at Reagan was palpable, with April and May 2024 seeing similarly concerning incidents. With at least eight near-midair collisions reported last year, further concerns were bound to surface without effective remedial action. Events like these underscore the need for a fortified aviation protocol, with a special focus on harmonizing military exercises with civilian flight safety imperatives. Balancing these conflicting interests requires robust coordination and a willingness to adapt to evolving flight environments.
The FAA, meanwhile, continues to grapple with unchecked airspace congestion at Reagan National. While operational staffing needs are slowly being addressed, the urgency for technological updates, including radar, becomes even more pertinent to preserve safety tenets.
Closing in on the end of this incident narrative, one glaring truth remains -- much depends on future probes from agencies like the NTSB to paint a comprehensive picture of causative elements. Only then can informed corrective decisions be outlined to stave off recurrent risks. As the investigation proceeds, affected parties and the general public await findings, hopeful for a holistic approach to preventing similar perilous incidents in the future within America's crowded skies.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by Elon Musk has delivered substantial savings to taxpayers by suspending wasteful contracts and renegotiating inefficient agreements.
DOGE, through decisive action, slashed 179 contracts and ended 420 grants, amassing savings of $160 billion, or approximately $993.79 per taxpayer, as Breitbart reports.
The recent efforts were momentous, with DOGE announcing a bold cancellation of 179 contracts within two days, achieving savings of $280 million. These cancellations included a $1.8 million contract for advisory services related to energy and climate and a $207,000 consulting agreement for grant writing workshops under the Health and Human Services (HHS). Additionally, an $89,000 contract intended to fund a program manager in Namibia was also scrapped.
The pursuit of financial efficiency did not stop there. On Thursday, DOGE revealed another significant achievement by axing 401 contracts worth $2.1 billion in total ceiling value. These actions alone accounted for $613 million in monetary savings. Contracts dropped from this move included a $276,000 engagement for a program coordinator in Kenya, a $228,000 Treasury contract for acquiring cruiser vehicles in four African nations, and two training contracts under the Department of Homeland Security aimed at equality in employment practices.
Furthermore, efforts to streamline expenditures were evident in the termination of a $5.9 million contract from the Department of Commerce for consulting on environmental matters.
DOGE's frugal approach extended beyond contracts, reflecting the team's commitment to preserving only sound expenditures. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) played a significant part by eliminating 420 grants, leading to an impressive $2.3 billion in savings. Among the notable canceled grants, some caught widespread attention for their particular niche focus, such as a $150,000 grant for developing gender-focused curricula and another $361,000 allocated for supporting diverse farmers in New York.
The Agriculture Department was not the only one contributing to significant savings. The Health and Human Services (HHS) along with the General Services Administration (GSA) remained leaders in delivering cost reductions, following close ahead of the U.S. Department of Education. However, other departments like Justice, Veterans Affairs, and Energy were noted for lower contributions in terms of savings.
At the helm of this vast audit is a promise of continued vigilance over government spending. These efforts ensure accountability and the enhanced trust of taxpayers towards governmental operations. President Donald Trump weighed in on the matter, vowing that the mission to maintain these standards will be ongoing, even as influential figures like Musk resume pursuits outside government engagements.
Projected savings per taxpayer amount to nearly $993.79, a significant reprieve that showcases what meticulous oversight can accomplish within a short span of time. This strategic fiscal assessment, thus, stands as an exemplar of reformed governance.
Today's administration is urged to adhere to these measures, pledging to preserve the improvements introduced by DOGE. In an encompassing effort that demands transparency, such actions reinforce accountability across government departments.
As the chapters of contract cancellations and grant reviews unfold, the message from DOGE remains clear: diligence and proactive oversight are necessary. This comprehensive re-evaluation highlights the magnitude of previous oversights while emphasizing the necessity for ongoing improvements.
This groundbreaking administrative achievement, however, signals only the onset of a far-reaching goal. The true extent of these savings and reforms will undoubtedly influence future governmental methodologies, encouraging a culture consistent with fiscal accountability.
Such initiatives provide a blueprint for continued reform aimed at advancing efficiency. With DOGE setting the pace, the endeavor towards upholding a leaner, more cost-effective government seems promising. The journey is nonetheless ongoing, underlined by a potent blend of commitment and strategy from policymakers.
In a significant setback to the Biden administration's energy conservation initiatives, the Senate has delivered a decisive blow to appliance regulations through a Republican-led resolution.
According to The Hill, the Senate voted 52-46 to pass a joint resolution that nullifies the Biden administration's Energy Conservation Program for Appliance Standards, impacting certification requirements, labeling mandates, and enforcement provisions for 20 different household and commercial products.
The resolution, which cleared the House in March, represents a notable victory for freshman Senator Jon Husted, who has positioned the measure as a direct response to what Republicans view as an excessive regulatory burden on manufacturers and consumers. The measure targets a wide range of appliances, including dishwashers, central air conditioners, and washing machines.
Husted, who was appointed to fill the seat vacated by Vice President JD Vance of Ohio, achieved this significant legislative accomplishment just before his 100th day in the Senate. The timing of this victory adds particular weight to his early tenure in Congress. His rapid ascension to prominence within the Republican Party demonstrates the party's commitment to regulatory reform.
Husted has framed the resolution as a necessary step toward reducing bureaucratic obstacles for American manufacturers. The freshman senator's stance aligns with broader Republican criticism of Biden administration policies. This legislative achievement establishes Husted as an emerging voice in regulatory policy discussions.
Senator Husted explained his position:
It's important that my first bill to go to the president's desk eliminates regulations for American people instead of adding to them. The Biden era Department of Energy put additional testing components, labeling components for energy standards on all of these appliances. It doesn't provide any additional energy conservation outcomes but it's more reporting and compliance components, which I feel are just so unnecessary.
The resolution's passage marks a significant shift in appliance regulation policy. Industry stakeholders have long argued that such requirements create unnecessary costs without delivering meaningful environmental benefits. The move affects various sectors of the manufacturing industry, particularly those producing common household appliances.
The implications of this legislative action extend beyond immediate regulatory relief. Manufacturers may now face fewer compliance requirements, potentially leading to streamlined production processes. This could influence product development cycles and market availability of various appliances.
The resolution's supporters argue that removing these regulatory requirements will benefit consumers through potentially lower prices and increased product options. Critics, however, worry about the long-term environmental implications of reduced oversight.
The successful passage of this resolution represents a clear challenge to the Biden administration's regulatory approach. With both chambers of Congress now having approved the measure, attention turns to potential executive responses and implementation challenges.
Environmental advocates and industry representatives are closely watching the aftermath of this vote. The resolution's impact on energy conservation efforts and manufacturing practices will likely influence future policy discussions in this arena.
The bipartisan vote suggests a broader appetite for regulatory reform in Congress. Senator Husted's success in shepherding this resolution through the Senate, particularly as a freshman legislator, may set the stage for similar initiatives.
The Senate's 52-46 vote to nullify Biden's appliance regulations marks a significant shift in energy conservation policy. Freshman Senator Jon Husted's resolution, which targets certification requirements and labeling mandates for 20 household and commercial products, successfully passed both chambers of Congress. The measure aims to reduce the regulatory burden on manufacturers while potentially lowering costs for consumers, though its long-term environmental impact remains a subject of debate. The resolution's passage occurred during Husted's first 100 days in the Senate, following his appointment to fill Vice President JD Vance's vacant Ohio seat.
Upheaval strikes the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division as more than 100 attorneys resign following the announcement of new priorities under President Trump's administration.
According to ABC News, newly confirmed DOJ Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon revealed the substantial exodus of attorneys occurred after the division communicated its shifting focus away from voting rights and police reform toward culture war priorities championed by President Trump.
The dramatic transformation of the historic division, established during the Civil Rights movement of the 1950s, reflects the administration's commitment to redirect resources toward investigating anti-Christian bias, challenging transgender athlete participation in women's sports, and withdrawing from previous voting rights litigation.
Dhillon's appointment as Assistant Attorney General marks a significant departure from Biden-era policies. The division's new leadership, including Attorney General Pam Bondi, has outlined plans to pursue legal action against states permitting transgender athletes in women's sports.
The administration has already begun implementing these changes by withdrawing from a Biden-era lawsuit challenging Georgia's voting laws. Additionally, a new task force has been established to investigate claims of anti-Christian discrimination.
Dhillon, speaking to conservative host Glenn Beck, expressed her perspective on the mass departures, stating:
What we have made very clear last week in memos to each of the 11 sections in the Civil Rights Division is that our priorities under President Trump are going to be somewhat different than they were under President Biden. And then we tell them, these are the President's priorities, this is what we will be focusing on — you know, govern yourself accordingly. And en masse, dozens and now over 100 attorneys decided that they'd rather not do what their job requires them to do.
Democratic lawmakers have responded to the division's transformation with concern. A group of top Democrats sent a letter to DOJ leadership and Inspector General Michael Horowitz expressing alarm over what they view as politicization of the civil rights division.
The mass resignations have created significant staffing challenges for the division. Dhillon acknowledged the need to recruit new attorneys to pursue the administration's priorities, particularly regarding actions targeting Harvard University.
Dhillon addressed the staffing situation in stark terms:
We don't want people in the federal government who feel like it's their pet project to go persecute, you know, police departments based on statistical evidence or persecute people praying outside abortion facilities instead of doing violence. That's not the job here. The job here is to enforce the federal civil rights laws, not woke ideology.
The Civil Rights Division faces a critical transition period as it works to rebuild its staff. Dhillon has emphasized the need for additional lawyers and investigators to implement the administration's new agenda effectively.
The division's transformation reflects broader changes in federal civil rights enforcement under President Trump's leadership. The focus has shifted from traditional civil rights concerns to addressing conservative cultural priorities.
The Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division experienced an unprecedented departure of over 100 attorneys following Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon's announcement of new priorities aligned with President Trump's agenda.
The division's dramatic shift away from voting rights and police reform enforcement toward investigating anti-Christian bias and challenging transgender athlete participation marks a significant transformation in federal civil rights policy. As the administration works to rebuild the division's staff, the impact of these changes on civil rights enforcement remains a subject of intense debate between Republican leadership and Democratic lawmakers.
A prominent figure in the world of celebrity matchmaking has passed away at the age of 56.
Amber Kelleher-Andrews, co-CEO of Kelleher International, succumbed to cancer on April 13, 2025, as Fox News reports.
Known for her influential role in the matchmaking industry, she left a lasting legacy that will guide her company and clients for years to come. Her contributions span over three decades, transforming the landscape of personalized match services.
Kelleher-Andrews was instrumental in developing Kelleher International into a notable name in the field of elite matchmaking. Her innovative vision earned her recognition as a leader who continuously pushed the boundaries of traditional matchmaking methods to create meaningful connections.
Her expertise in matchmaking led to collaborations with high-profile personalities, including actor Eva Longoria. Kelleher-Andrews worked alongside Longoria on the reality series Ready for Love in 2013, bringing her skills to a broader audience through the television medium.
Additionally, Kelleher-Andrews was also known for her appearances on popular shows such as Comedy Central’s The Show Biz Show with David Spade, Good Morning America, and Nightline. Her presence in the media heightened public awareness of the intricacies involved in her profession.
She often shared insights with the media, discussing relationship trends and preferences. In 2023, she provided commentary to Fox News Digital, suggesting that confident men typically do not prioritize specific height requirements when seeking partners, owing to their self-assured nature.
Kelleher-Andrews leaves behind a profound personal and professional legacy. The representatives of Kelleher International confirmed her passing and noted that she died peacefully in the company of her loved ones. The company issued a heartfelt tribute, highlighting her as a visionary leader, a dedicated wife, and a mother. Her commitment to the craft of matchmaking and her empathy were central to her success, qualities that became integral to the identity of Kelleher International.
John Berg, the current CEO of Kelleher International, praised the founder's indelible impact on the company, stating that her leadership and commitment to clients were unwavering. The company's statement echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the dedication and passion she poured into the business and her clients.
Kelleher International remains committed to honoring her legacy by perpetuating the principles in which its founder believed: love and genuine connections. The company assured that it will continue utilizing the methodologies Kelleher-Andrews was passionate about, keeping the essence of her vision alive.
A statement from the company highlighted their dedication to maintaining the ethos she established. Described as being inspired by "Amber’s light" and profound belief in love, the statement underscores their commitment to nurturing these values as they move forward.
Amber Kelleher-Andrews' passing is a significant loss to the world of matchmaking, but her insights and methodologies have set a standard that continues to influence the industry. Her career, marked by a unique blend of empathy and innovation, remains a beacon for professionals in the relationship space.
As Kelleher International continues its mission, the legacy of its co-founder will undoubtedly endure, reminding all of her dedication to fostering meaningful human connections.