A Louisiana judge has ordered the return of electronics seized from former priest Travis Clark, who pleaded guilty to obscenity. As a precaution against the videos becoming public, the judge also mandated the erasure of all data from the devices. The case involved Clark and two dominatrices, where videos of their encounter on a church altar were taken. The videos depicted several disturbing acts including urination into a communion chalice, which is one of the many details known about them. Clark served jail time after violating probation, and the dominatrices pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges as well.
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The United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) announced the elimination of 532 positions across multiple international broadcasting outlets, including Voice of America (VOA), as part of a reduction in force. This decision follows a previous order from Donald Trump’s administration to reduce federal funding and streamline operations. The move comes despite a federal judge blocking the acting CEO’s attempt to remove the VOA director and ordering the administration to comply with previous orders to restore VOA’s operations. Agency employees have condemned the job cuts and are seeking further legal action.
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The Texas House recently passed Senate Bill 8, a “bathroom bill” mandating individuals use bathrooms in government buildings aligning with their biological sex. An amendment significantly increased the fines for violations, making it the most financially punitive bathroom bill in the nation. The bill now faces one final vote in the House before being sent back to the Senate for consideration. If passed and approved by the Governor, it could become law by September 13th.
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The Powerball jackpot has soared to $1 billion, making it the sixth-largest in the game’s history. This follows 39 drawings without a winner, and the last $1 billion prize was claimed in April 2024. Players must match all six numbers, with odds of 1 in 292,201,338, to win the grand prize. Winners can choose between an annuity paid over 30 years or a lump-sum cash option, both subject to federal and, in most cases, state income taxes.
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Following state guidelines, CVS and Walgreens are implementing changes to their COVID-19 vaccine offerings, which now require a prescription or are unavailable in certain states. The FDA has approved vaccines for seniors and younger individuals with health conditions, leading to these adjustments. CVS has specified states where vaccines are available without a prescription and those where a prescription is needed based on patient age. Walgreens has announced its preparedness to offer vaccines in accordance with the recent FDA approval.
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State Representative Ty Burns pleaded guilty to domestic abuse and assault charges after investigations revealed he attempted to run his van off the road with his daughter inside and tried to gouge out his wife’s eye. The incidents occurred in November 2024 and April 2025, with his daughter expressing fear that he would kill her during the vehicle chase. Burns received a one-year suspended sentence and was ordered to complete a batterer’s intervention program, also stepping down from his role as chairman of the House Appropriations and Budget Finance Subcommittee. Following the guilty plea, Burns expressed regret and took responsibility for his actions, citing treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder.
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July’s inflation, as measured by the Federal Reserve’s preferred personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index, edged higher, with core inflation reaching a 2.9% annual rate, the highest since February. The all-items index also hit the consensus outlook at a 2.6% annual rate. While the Fed targets a 2% inflation rate, markets still anticipate the Fed to resume lowering its benchmark interest rate, with experts like Ellen Zentner emphasizing the importance of labor market data. Despite rising prices, consumer spending increased 0.5%, alongside a 0.4% rise in personal income, indicating economic strength.
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Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay revealed on Instagram that he was diagnosed with and had undergone the removal of basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. The 58-year-old TV personality shared images of his recovery, emphasizing the importance of sunscreen. This type of skin cancer, often linked to sun exposure, typically manifests on areas like the head and neck. Ramsay, known for shows such as “Hell’s Kitchen,” and his numerous restaurants worldwide, has encouraged sun protection following his diagnosis.
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Las Vegas tourism officials maintain the city remains competitive despite a 12% drop in July visitors. Though convention attendance saw fluctuations, future bookings appear strong, and casinos continue to generate revenue from gamblers. Resorts are implementing promotions and the tourism agency is publicizing budget-friendly options to combat negative perceptions about high costs. While international travel presents a mixed bag, with declines from Canada but increases from other countries, officials remain optimistic about fall and December’s bookings.
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Spirit Airlines filed for bankruptcy protection again, just months after emerging from Chapter 11 in March, due to continued high costs and weak demand. The airline plans to reduce its network and fleet to cut costs, aiming to save “hundreds of millions of dollars” annually. Spirit’s previous restructuring focused on debt reduction, but this new filing indicates the need for more significant changes. Labor unions anticipate further adjustments, including potential furloughs and voluntary leave, while the carrier’s shares have plummeted.
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John Q. Hosedrinker