On Monday, federal agents in tactical gear and military-style uniforms conducted an enforcement operation at MacArthur Park in Los Angeles, drawing criticism from local officials. Mayor Karen Bass described the scene as a city under siege and condemned the action, which occurred near a summer day camp. Border Patrol officials stated they intended to continue these operations despite community opposition. This show of force, involving armored vehicles and military-grade weapons, was denounced by California Governor Gavin Newsom and Senator Alex Padilla, who criticized the prioritization of intimidation over emergency aid.
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In a recent video posted on X, Alex Jones expressed extreme distress over a Department of Justice memo concerning Jeffrey Epstein. The memo stated the DOJ found no evidence of a “client list” or that Epstein was murdered. Jones, along with other conspiracy theorists, believes Epstein was murdered to protect powerful figures connected to sex trafficking, and labeled the DOJ’s findings as “absolute horses**t.” The news caused Jones to feel physically ill, accusing the DOJ of covering for the CIA and Mossad.
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Recent protests in Mexico City, sparked by rising housing costs and the influx of foreign residents, particularly Americans and Europeans, have challenged the city’s welcoming reputation. Demonstrators marched on U.S. Independence Day, expressing anger towards gentrification and demanding restrictions on short-term rentals, with some protests turning to vandalism. Though Mexican leaders have condemned the violence and xenophobic rhetoric, they also acknowledge the legitimate concerns of residents. The protests highlight the ongoing debate over the causes of rising costs, with analysts pointing to various factors beyond the arrival of foreign residents.
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The IRS has proposed a policy change that would allow pastors to endorse political candidates from the pulpit without jeopardizing their church’s tax-exempt status, effectively creating an exemption from the Johnson Amendment. This proposed interpretation stems from a joint court filing with the National Religious Broadcasters Association, aiming to halt enforcement of the amendment against the plaintiffs. The Johnson Amendment currently prohibits tax-exempt organizations, including churches, from endorsing or opposing political candidates, but the IRS now suggests this should not apply to communications during religious services through regular channels. This stance, though largely mirroring existing IRS practices, could significantly increase political expression within churches, as noted by experts in nonprofit law.
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A newly released Department of Justice memo aimed at concluding the Jeffrey Epstein case has sparked outrage among conspiracy theorists. The memo states there is no evidence of a “client list” or that Epstein was murdered, despite a joint DOJ-FBI investigation uncovering extensive illegal child sex abuse material and identifying over 1,000 victims. However, the memo also claims no credible evidence of blackmail by Epstein or the involvement of uncharged third parties was found. This conclusion has prompted criticism and skepticism from several figures who question the DOJ’s findings, leading to renewed accusations of cover-up and calls for further investigation.
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The US Department of Defense, under President Trump’s direction, has initiated the delivery of additional defensive weapons to Ukraine, according to Chief Pentagon Spokesperson Sean Parnell. This move follows Trump’s earlier announcement of increased military assistance, with a focus on defensive capabilities. Previously, the Pentagon had paused certain deliveries due to concerns over US weapons stockpiles, a decision which prompted a call between Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and Trump. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has expressed support for continued military aid to Ukraine despite the US’s focus on its own interests.
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On July 7th, Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) released a document purporting to be a Russian army order to bolster its military presence at a base in Armenia, a claim that had been previously denied by Yerevan. The HUR alleged that Russia aimed to increase its influence in the South Caucasus and destabilize global security by expanding its forces at the Gyumri base. This development follows a decline in relations between Armenia and Russia, as Armenia has shifted its focus towards the West and suspended its membership in a Russian-led military alliance.
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China has significantly loosened its visa policies, now allowing citizens from 74 countries to enter for up to 30 days without a visa. This expansion aims to boost tourism, the economy, and China’s soft power. The changes have led to a surge in foreign visitors, with over 20 million entering without visas in 2024, and travel companies are preparing for even greater influxes. While the U.S. remains a significant source market, European travelers are increasing, and online travel agencies are reporting substantial booking increases. However, despite close ties, no major African countries currently qualify for the visa-free entry, while those from some other countries can enter for up to 10 days in transit.
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A Houston pediatrician and a former city official have drawn widespread condemnation for their insensitive social media comments regarding the Texas flooding. Dr. Christina B. Propst lost her job at Blue Fish Pediatrics after posting a controversial Facebook message wishing harm upon those with opposing political views and visitors, while Sade Perkins, a former city appointee, criticized the victims of the flood, specifically singling out the race and religious affiliation of a camp of victims. Due to Perkins’s comments, Houston’s mayor stated he would not reappoint her to any future positions. The backlash highlights the sensitivity surrounding the disaster and the impact of social media on public figures’ careers.
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Cuban reggaeton artist Leamsy La Figura, real name Leamsy Isquierdo, is currently detained at the Alligator Alcatraz immigration facility in the Everglades after being arrested in Miami-Dade and charged with aggravated assault. Detainees, including La Figura, are alleging inhumane conditions within the facility. These complaints include a lack of access to water, inadequate and unsanitary food, denial of religious rights, and insufficient medical care. Authorities have yet to respond to these claims.
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John Q. Hosedrinker