The Supreme Court has agreed to expedite a case concerning President Trump’s authority to impose broad tariffs, with arguments scheduled for November. The case challenges the legality of these tariffs, which were implemented using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). A federal appeals court previously found the tariffs were illegally implemented, potentially leading to refunds. The outcome of the Supreme Court’s decision could have significant implications, potentially setting clearer boundaries on presidential trade actions and impacting the government’s ability to collect duties.
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Handwriting expert Emma Bache has analyzed the signature on a birthday message to Jeffrey Epstein and concluded that it is “absolutely” Donald Trump’s signature from the early 2000s. Comparing the signature with others from the time, Bache found the formation, pressure, and strokes to be identical to the former president’s official signature. The files, released by the US Congress, originated from a book compiled by Ghislaine Maxwell for Epstein’s 50th birthday. While the White House has denied Trump’s involvement, Bache stated that forging the signature would be “almost impossible” due to its confidence and speed.
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A shooting near Houston, Texas, at the Alas Locas sports bar resulted in one death and five injuries early Sunday morning. The Liberty County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident, which was captured on security footage, and reports the suspect was seen drinking at the bar before returning to open fire. The gunman fired approximately 20 shots before fleeing in a white van, leading authorities to release images of the suspect. Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect and are encouraging anyone with information to contact the sheriff’s office or Crime Stoppers.
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Following the release of a birthday letter from Donald Trump to Jeffrey Epstein, which Congress obtained and the Wall Street Journal published, right-wing figures have largely dismissed its authenticity. Despite initial outrage and denials of the letter’s existence, prominent conservatives, including the White House Press Secretary and Vice President J.D. Vance, are now attempting to discredit the signature, even in the face of evidence. These actions reflect a trend of prioritizing the protection of Trump over addressing any potential connection to Epstein, further exemplified by comments from House Speaker Mike Johnson and MAGA influencers like Charlie Kirk and Benny Johnson. This denial of reality is a familiar tactic, as conservatives continue to downplay the significance of the relationship between Trump and Epstein.
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The Supreme Court, in a 6-3 decision, has allowed the Trump administration to use racial profiling in its immigration raids, overturning an injunction against targeting Latinos. Justice Sotomayor dissented, warning of the unconstitutional implications and potential for violence against Latinos, including U.S. citizens. This decision, made without explanation, impacts the “Operation at Large” in Los Angeles, which targeted individuals based on their ethnicity, language, and work, thereby violating Fourth Amendment protections. The court’s silence and Kavanaugh’s misrepresentation of the situation highlights the far-reaching consequences for those affected by these raids.
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During a one-day working visit to Helsinki, Poland’s President Karol Nawrocki met with Finnish President Alexander Stubb to discuss security policies, particularly concerning Russia’s war in Ukraine. Nawrocki stated that Vladimir Putin is prepared to attack other countries, emphasizing that they do not trust Putin. The leaders, both with ties to Donald Trump, agreed on the need for increased pressure on Russia. Nawrocki also criticized Poland’s Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, for past comments regarding Trump.
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US brands are facing challenges in maintaining their reputation, prompting some to adopt new marketing strategies. Coca-Cola, for example, has launched a “Made in Germany” campaign to highlight its deep roots in the country and distance itself from US politics. Other US brands, like McDonald’s, are emphasizing their use of German sourcing to appeal to consumers. This shift comes amid growing skepticism toward US goods, with consumer boycotts and the use of “Made in” labels becoming more prevalent in countries like Canada and Denmark. The changing consumer sentiment has even impacted major companies like Tesla, highlighting the power of brand perception in today’s market.
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The Supreme Court has temporarily allowed President Trump to fire a Federal Trade Commission member, Rebecca Kelly Slaughter, despite a law meant to restrict the White House’s control over the agency. The court blocked a lower court’s ruling that reinstated Slaughter while the case continues, signaling the likelihood of granting the president broader firing authority. This action directly challenges a 1935 Supreme Court precedent limiting the president’s ability to remove FTC commissioners without cause, a restriction meant to protect the agency from political pressure. The Trump administration argues such restrictions unlawfully limit presidential power as defined by the Constitution.
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The emergence of Donald Trump’s alleged birthday letter to Jeffrey Epstein, featuring a crude illustration and signature, has created a setback for Vice President J.D. Vance, who initially dismissed the story as “complete and utter bulls–t” and questioned its authenticity. The House Oversight Committee has received a copy of the letter, which Trump denies writing and has resulted in a $10 billion lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal. Despite the letter’s release, Vance has not retracted his previous statements and has continued to attack Democrats, even after Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna called on Vance to take back his remarks.
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According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Russian President Vladimir Putin allegedly informed the White House and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff of his plan to occupy the Donbas region by the end of 2025. Putin’s aggressive timeline, as relayed by Zelensky, suggests a potential escalation of the conflict, with severe consequences including the loss of life. Earlier reports have indicated Putin’s demands for peace include ceding Donbas in exchange for a freeze on the current front lines, a proposal that has yet to be officially confirmed by the Kremlin. Despite these demands, sources suggest Putin believes Russia is succeeding in the battlefield.
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John Q. Hosedrinker