Greg Cunningham built his campaign around fighting crime, then put a convicted drug trafficker in his ad. I break down that mistake, Trump's high-level diplomacy, America's Arctic expansion, Tesla's long-delayed Semi, and a rough night for Green Bay.
★ THIS DAY IN AMERICAN HISTORY ★
Congress approved 12 constitutional amendments on September 25, 1789, and sent them to the states. Ten were ratified in 1791 as the Bill of Rights.
★ LIBERTY TRIVIA ★
Question: How many voting members serve in the United States Senate?
Answer at the very end of today's briefing.
★ THE QUICK HIT ★
Greg Cunningham's crime campaign ad features a convicted drug trafficker.
Trump faces congressional pressure to define America's mission against Iran.
Trump and Xi toasted warmer relations after White House talks.
Trump's Greenland security agreement authorizes two new American bases.
Tesla says Semi volume production started nine years after its reveal.
Microsoft is dropping its branding for Copilot Plus PCs.
Lightspeed reportedly seeks a $250 million fund for Indian AI startups.
Cleveland clinched another postseason berth, its third straight.
Las Vegas begins another title defense as the WNBA playoffs open.
Atlanta's dominant prime-time victory increased pressure on Matt LaFleur.
★ TODAY'S TOP STORY ★
NM GOP Candidate Greg Cunningham Features Drug Trafficking Defendant in Crime Ad

Greg Cunningham wants New Mexico voters to trust his judgment on public safety. His own campaign just handed them a reason to question it. Cunningham, a Republican and former Albuquerque police officer, released a campaign ad featuring a man who previously pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges, according to the reported criminal record. The ad was produced with Cunningham's campaign and supports the central theme of his 2026 House bid: tougher crime policy, stronger policing, and support for officers.
That makes the participant's background directly relevant.
Campaigns make mistakes. Voters judge how candidates handle them. Cunningham cannot blame a hostile reporter, a misleading edit, or an outside group. His campaign selected the people, approved the production, and released the final ad.
The media angle will focus on embarrassment. The bigger issue is basic screening and executive judgment. A former officer running on his law-enforcement credentials should understand that backgrounds matter, especially when a person becomes the public face of a crime message. Cunningham now needs to explain who knew about the conviction, when they knew it, and why the ad was approved. Silence will let opponents write the answer for him.
Watch whether Cunningham removes the ad, names who approved it, and accepts responsibility himself.
★ THE LIBERTY POLL ★
Today's question: Should Cunningham remove the ad featuring a convicted drug trafficker?
★ QUOTABLE ★
"Judicial independence does not just happen all by itself. It is tremendously hard to create, and easier than most people imagine to destroy."
— Justice Sandra Day O'Connor
★ SOMETHING GOOD ★
England and Wales will create specialist courtrooms for rape and sexual-offense cases across every crown court. Alleged victims will have options for remote viewing, video testimony, private entrances, and separate waiting areas.
For more stories like this, follow @feelgoodnewsusa — real good news, no partisan spin.
★ NATIONAL SECURITY ★
Trump Faces Congress, Midterm Risk as Iran War Tests GOP Unity
President Trump faces growing pressure to define America's mission against Iran and seek congressional authority if operations expand. Byron York points to the Iraq precedent, when the House approved military force 296-133 and the Senate followed 77-23 in October 2002. Limited strikes and a prolonged campaign are different commitments. Congress must vote before American troops, money, and credibility become trapped in another open-ended conflict.
Trump and Xi Toast U.S.-China Ties at White House State Dinner
President Trump hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping at a White House state dinner after a full day of talks. The leaders toasted American-Chinese relations while trade disputes remained central. Friendly language does not erase China's military buildup, market barriers, or control over key supply chains. Trump is betting that direct contact can win better economic terms without closing the door to negotiation.
Trump's Greenland Deal Opens Door for New U.S. Bases
Trump reached an agreement with Denmark and Greenland allowing two new American military bases and possible future facilities. The deal also permits construction tied to the Golden Dome system. Greenland sits between North America, Europe, and Russia, making it prime ground for missile detection and Arctic surveillance. The real measure will be construction speed, cost, and whether these defenses become operational before threats grow.
★ ECONOMY ★
Tesla Says Semi Is Finally in Volume Production
Tesla says its electric Semi entered volume production in April, nearly nine years after its 2017 debut. Its new Nevada factory is designed for 50,000 trucks annually, with PepsiCo, DHL, and US Foods among named customers. Freight companies care about operating costs, reliability, range, and charging time, not launch-event promises. Tesla must now prove that its truck can survive demanding routes and be produced near its stated scale.
★ TECH & SCIENCE ★
Microsoft Drops 'Copilot Plus PC' Brand After Big AI Push
Microsoft is abandoning the Copilot Plus PC label only two and a half years after launching it. Surface executive Brett Ostrom said new qualifying models will not use it, despite meeting the old 40-TOPS standard. Buyers were told this category represented the future of Windows. Dropping the name so quickly shows that AI marketing moved faster than consumer understanding or demand.
Lightspeed Seeks $250 Million India Fund for AI Bets
Lightspeed reportedly wants $250 million for an India-focused fund targeting early-stage artificial intelligence companies. The firm is also aligning India fundraising with its global cycle for the first time. That signals India is becoming a main investment market for major technology funds. Founders gain access to more capital, but larger funding pools can also drive higher valuations before companies prove revenue or lasting demand.
★ SPORTS ★
Guardians Clinch Third Straight MLB Postseason Berth
The Cleveland Guardians have secured their third consecutive postseason appearance with regular-season games remaining. Cleveland can now focus on improving its playoff seed before October begins. Three straight trips show organizational consistency, not a one-season surge. The next test is whether Cleveland can turn repeated qualification into a deep run against the American League's strongest clubs.
Aces Chase Another Repeat as WNBA Playoffs Open
The Las Vegas Aces enter the 2026 playoffs defending their 2025 championship. Becky Hammon's club is trying to win consecutive titles for the second time in five years after doing it in 2022 and 2023. Regular-season records now matter less than matchups, health, and late-game execution. Every opponent has a direct chance to end the league's latest dynasty.
Falcons Dominate Packers as Matt LaFleur Faces Pressure
Atlanta dominated Green Bay under the prime-time lights behind Bijan Robinson and quarterback Michael Penix Jr. The lopsided Falcons victory intensified pressure on Packers coach Matt LaFleur. Green Bay failed to match Atlanta's physical play or execution. One loss does not decide a season, but repeated failures in nationally televised games can quickly force ownership to consider changes.
★ INTEL CORNER ★
This week exposed one pattern: promises eventually collide with performance. Candidates must screen their own ads. Presidents must define military missions. Tesla and Microsoft must prove their products can match years of marketing. Keep watching the results, not the slogans.
★ THE NUMBER ★
50,000 trucks per year
Tesla says its Nevada Semi factory can eventually produce 50,000 trucks annually. That target matters more than another launch event because commercial buyers need dependable volume, charging support, and proven road performance.
★ THE ANSWER ★
Today's trivia: How many voting members serve in the United States Senate?
Answer: The Senate has 100 voting members, two from each state.
Stay alert, demand answers, and enjoy your weekend. Weekend reading — full archive at projectlibertyus.com.
Stay free,
Brett Lee
Editor, Project Liberty
projectlibertyus.com
Follow: @projectlibertyus | @real_brett_lee