During a White House Cabinet meeting, Attorney General Pam Bondi addressed questions about the missing minute in the released Jeffrey Epstein video footage, explaining it resulted from an outdated recording system that resets nightly. The Justice Department memo, released Monday, concluded Epstein’s death was a suicide, echoing earlier findings and dismissing the existence of a “client list.” Bondi has faced scrutiny for her handling of the investigation, particularly regarding the alleged client list, which she initially implied she would review and possibly release. Despite these findings and skepticism, some, including conservative activists and former officials, continue to question the official narrative.
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Following the devastating floods in Texas, scrutiny has arisen regarding the resources available for issuing warnings. The article highlights the passage of the “Big, Beautiful Bill,” which included cuts to weather forecasting and research, and the votes of Republican lawmakers in favor of the bill. The bill, signed the same day as the floods, has drawn criticism over its potential impact on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Weather Service (NWS). While some officials suggested that forecasts underestimated rainfall, the NWS maintains that warnings were issued with sufficient lead time.
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On July 8, 2024, EU ministers approved Bulgaria’s adoption of the euro, set to occur on January 1, 2026, making it the 21st member of the Eurozone. This decision comes nearly two decades after Bulgaria joined the EU and was made possible after the European Commission determined Bulgaria met the necessary criteria. While some Bulgarians express skepticism, citing fears of rising prices, proponents believe the move will bolster the economy and strengthen ties with the West. The euro’s value has been gaining ground as the Eurozone continues to expand.
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President Trump announced his administration is considering taking over governance of Washington, D.C. while criticizing the city’s crime rates and suggesting the current elected government is insufficient. He stated that the White House has significant power in this regard, and could appoint a leader to improve the city. Trump mentioned his chief of staff was in close contact with Mayor Muriel Bowser, who supports D.C. statehood, a move that Democrats favor but Republicans oppose. The President also alluded to potential intervention in New York due to his dissatisfaction with a leading mayoral candidate, Zohran Mamdani.
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During a Cabinet meeting, President Trump deflected questions regarding a recent pause in weapons shipments to Ukraine, admitting he did not know who ordered the halt. Trump stated that defensive weapons were being sent, despite the Pentagon’s previous pause, which was reportedly ordered by Secretary Pete Hegseth without the President’s direct approval. This marks the third time Hegseth has unilaterally halted such shipments, while also advising Ukraine to relinquish its claims on seized territory. Trump’s reversal of the pause and critical comments on Putin suggest a shifting stance toward Russia and its ongoing actions in Ukraine.
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Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman has been released from the intensive care unit and is now in a rehabilitation facility following a June shooting. Hoffman was shot nine times after the suspect, who claimed to be a police officer, opened fire. His wife, Yvette Hoffman, who was also injured in the attack, has already been released. The suspect, Vance Boelter, is charged with stalking and murdering another state representative, Melissa Hortman, and her husband, as well as stalking and shooting the Hoffmans.
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Supreme Court lets Trump resume plans for mass federal layoffs, and the immediate reaction is a mix of disbelief, anger, and a deep sense of foreboding. The core concern is that this decision further erodes the balance of power, essentially handing the President unchecked authority to reshape the government through executive order. It feels like the legislative branch, which is supposed to be a crucial check, is being rendered irrelevant, like a useless appendage.
The Supreme Court, in the eyes of many, is now viewed with extreme suspicion. It’s no longer seen as an impartial arbiter of justice but rather a tool being used to advance a particular political agenda.… Continue reading
President Trump praised Texas officials and first responders for their handling of the recent flash floods, stating the response was “great” and likely saved lives. His comments came as the death toll surpassed 100. Critics have raised concerns, however, citing budget cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Weather Service (NWS) earlier this year, which some feared could hinder preparedness. Despite these concerns, current NWS employees maintain that warnings were issued with sufficient time for evacuation.
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Four days after devastating flash floods along the Guadalupe River in Texas, over 160 people remained missing, according to Governor Greg Abbott. The majority of those unaccounted for were in Kerr County, where recovery efforts were underway, and officials had set up a hotline for families seeking information. Questions arose about the lack of warnings prior to the floods, particularly in the Hill Country, which is known as “flash flood alley” and where numerous youth camps and campgrounds are located. Authorities prioritized victim recovery over an investigation into the timing of their response, as search and rescue teams and volunteers continued the search for survivors.
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The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for two high-ranking Taliban leaders, accusing them of persecuting women and girls in Afghanistan, specifically through decrees and edicts that deprived them of fundamental rights. Haibatullah Akhundzada and Abdul Hakim Haqqani are held criminally responsible for gender-based persecution since August 15, 2021, including barring girls from education and enforcing strict dress codes. The Taliban has dismissed the warrants as “nonsense,” and the ICC’s move comes after the UN expressed serious concern over the oppression of women and girls in Afghanistan. Rights groups have commended the warrants, stating it is a crucial step toward holding those responsible accountable.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood