Elon Musk and X have reached a settlement with four former Twitter executives who alleged they were owed $128 million in severance pay following Musk’s acquisition of the company in 2022. The executives, including the former CEO, claimed Musk falsely accused them of misconduct to avoid paying the promised severance. While the terms of the settlement remain undisclosed, this agreement follows a similar settlement with rank-and-file employees over unpaid severance. These legal battles are a part of a larger set of challenges Musk has faced since acquiring and restructuring the social media platform.
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Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov warned the United States of “severe consequences” should it provide Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles, urging a responsible approach. Ryabkov’s statement emphasized that using such systems would necessitate direct American involvement. He implored the White House and Pentagon to consider the implications “soberly, prudently and responsibly.” This statement followed President Trump’s reported decision on potential Tomahawk missile supplies, adding to prior concerns from Russian leadership regarding the potential for strained relations.
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Authorities have charged 29-year-old Jonathan Rinderknecht with starting the destructive Palisades Fire, which was one of two blazes that broke out in January, causing widespread damage. Rinderknecht allegedly started a small fire on New Year’s Day that smoldered before reigniting and spreading through Pacific Palisades. He was arrested in Florida and faces charges including malicious destruction by fire, with the potential for a lengthy prison sentence. Investigators found evidence linking him to the initial fire, as well as his presence at the scene and attempts to cover up his actions.
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During a recent Oval Office meeting focused on trade, former President Donald Trump veered into culture war politics, mocking transgender people in the presence of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The meeting, which was intended to be a display of cooperation between the two countries, instead saw Trump attack Democrats, the media, and transgender individuals, boasting about his policies on gender and sports. Carney, whose child identifies as nonbinary, remained silent throughout Trump’s remarks, reflecting the high stakes of the trade relationship between the two nations. Trump’s comments align with his established pattern of targeting transgender and nonbinary people, a recurring theme of his political messaging.
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Following her victory in a special election, Adelita Grijalva of Arizona awaits being sworn in to the House of Representatives. Despite having been duly elected, Speaker Mike Johnson has delayed her swearing-in, which is thought to be related to her intent to sign a discharge petition requiring the Justice Department to release Epstein files. This delay has prompted criticism, especially since it is contrasted with the Speaker’s swift action for Republican members in the past. Grijalva emphasizes that she is unable to represent her constituents fully until she can officially take office.
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In a surprising turn of events, photographic evidence revealed the contents of a folder used by Bondi during questioning. The folder contained notes that appeared unrelated to official Department of Justice matters. Inside, Bondi had gathered social media screenshots, pre-written responses, and handwritten notes. These were designed to help her prepare “gotcha” moments during her interaction with Whitehouse, including a response to a post about Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.
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Governor JB Pritzker criticized President Trump’s decision to deploy National Guard troops to Chicago and Portland, attributing it to a mental impairment and “something stuck in his head.” Pritzker announced that the state will address Trump’s actions in court. Trump, however, is exploring options to circumvent legal challenges, including using the Insurrection Act. Pritzker also threatened to leave the National Governors Association, citing its silence on Trump’s mobilizations, and defended the timing of the lawsuit against the National Guard deployments.
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Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego confronted House Speaker Mike Johnson in the Capitol regarding the delayed swearing-in of Representative-elect Adelita Grijalva. Johnson initially stated Grijalva would be sworn in “as soon as she wants,” but later linked the swearing-in to the end of the government shutdown. Democrats believe the delay is due to Grijalva’s intention to sign a petition forcing a vote on the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files. The petition requires 218 signatures to force the vote and Grijalva would make that the number.
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Reports indicate a gasoline shortage in Russia is nearing 20% due to the effects of long-range sanctions and strikes on oil refineries, forcing the country to utilize its diesel reserves. Several regions have implemented gasoline sales restrictions, limiting purchases and leading to gas station closures. The fuel crisis has prompted Russia to extend its ban on gasoline exports until the end of October, reflecting the severity of the situation.
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A Chicago pastor, Rev. David Black, injured during a protest outside a Broadview ICE facility, is now a plaintiff in a federal lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s response to demonstrations. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed the lawsuit on behalf of journalists, media organizations, clergy, and local residents, alleging that federal agents used excessive force, including tear gas and pepper balls, against peaceful protestors. The plaintiffs argue that these actions violated First Amendment rights and are seeking to restrict federal tactics at the facility. The court is currently considering a temporary restraining order while the case proceeds.
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John Q. Hosedrinker