Today’s Headlines and Commentary

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Steve Bannon was indicted on charges of money laundering and conspiracy and scheme to defraud for his involvement in fundraising efforts to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. The Manhattan District Attorney’s office alleges that the former Trump advisor and the “We Build the Wall” fundraising organization defrauded approximately 11,000 New York City- and state-based donors out of more than $763,600. Bannon turned himself in to New York authorities on Thursday. He insinuated to reporters that the charges against him were politically motivated, saying that they were “all about 60 days to the [midterm] election,” according to ABC News.

The Justice Department is probing former President Donald Trump’s Save America PAC as a part of its broader investigation into Trump's attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, reports ABC News. A federal grand jury has reportedly issued subpoenas for documents, records, and testimony from individuals associated with the Save America PAC, including former White House and Trump campaign aides. The Justice Department is seeking information about the creation of the PAC, as well as its fundraising and spending practices.

The Justice Department has issued a subpoena to former Trump aide William Russell in its investigation into former President Trump’s attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Earlier this week, FBI agents reportedly tried to approach and interview Russell in Florida, but were unsuccessful. 

A federal judge denied Oath Keeper Stewart Rhodes’s motion to delay his upcoming jury trial. Rhodes and four other members of the right-wing extremist group are slated to face charges of sedition conspiracy for their alleged involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta ruled that approving Rhode’s request would cause “havoc” and would delay the trial to as late as next summer.

Queen Elizabeth II has died, according to Buckingham Palace. The Queen’s health had reportedly been declining in recent days. Upon her death, the Queen’s eldest son Charles became Britain’s new king and is now formally known as King Charles III. In response to the news of her passing, the White House issued a statement offering condolences to the Royal Family. Queen Elizabeth II was declared deceased at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. She was 96 years old. 

Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin II announced that the United States will send Ukraine an additional $675 million in military supplies to assist in its war with Russia. The new shipment of supplies reportedly includes High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, artillery ammunition, and military vehicles. Austin’s announcement marks the 20th time the United States has withdrawn from Defense Department stockpiles to assist Ukraine since the start of Russia’s invasion on Feb. 24, 2022. 

Canadian authorities in Saskatchewan are investigating a “stabbing rampage” that left 10 dead and 18 injured. The stabbings occurred in and near the James Smith Cree First Nation reservation on Sunday morning. Police named brothers Myles and Damien Sanderson as suspects in the investigation, both of whom are now deceased. Damien Sanderson was found dead on Monday near the scene of the attack. On Wednesday, his brother Myles reportedly died in police custody from self-inflicted injuries, though Canadian authorities are still investigating the matter.

ICYMI: Yesterday on Lawfare

Jen Patja Howell shared an episode of of the Lawfare Podcast in which Benjamin Wittes sat down before a live audience on Twitter Spaces with Natalie Orpett, Jonathan Shaub, and Anna Bower to discuss Judge Aileen Cannon’s ruling to appoint a special master to review privilege claims over documents seized at Mar-a-Lago.

Geoffrey S. Corn and Peter Margulies analyzed the Defense Department’s new plan to protect civilians while preserving military effectiveness. 

Matthew Tokson discussed former President Trump’s Fourth Amendment claims in and strategy behind his challenge to the FBI’s Aug. 8 search of Mar-a-Lago. 

Howell also shared an episode of Rational Security in which Alan Rozenshtein, Quinta Jurecic, and Scott R. Anderson sat down with Wittes and Shane Harris to discuss and debate their national security “hot takes.”

Nicol Turner Lee shared an episode of TechTank in which she spoke with Andrew Von Ah, Shane Tews, and Kathleen Burke about the emergence of 5G and how it has complicated the field of spectrum policy.

Stewart Baker shared an episode of the Cyberlaw Podcast in which he sat down with Jordan Schneider, Brian Fleming, Nick Weaver, and Paul Rosenzweig to discuss Cloudflare’s decision to deplatform Kiwi Farms, the imposition of U.S. sanctions on Tornado Cash, and more.

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