A federal judge reluctantly dismissed the January 6th prosecution of four Proud Boys members, acknowledging that existing law provided no authority to block the Justice Department’s request after their convictions were vacated. The judge emphasized that charging decisions rest solely with the executive branch, preventing him from compelling the Justice Department to continue a prosecution it chose to abandon. Despite this, the judge strongly condemned the actions of the rioters, characterizing the event as an assault on democracy and the peaceful transfer of power.
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In response to Iran’s attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, new U.S. strikes were launched earlier this week. These actions occur amidst reports that the Iranian regime is targeting the U.S. president for assassination, prompting President Trump to state that the American military is prepared to “completely decimate and destroy all areas of Iran” should threats to his life materialize. Trump further declared that “1000 Missiles are Locked and Loaded and aimed at the Islamic Republic of Iran” in such a scenario.
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The 80-year-old president sparked fresh health concerns after a confusing post on Truth Social on Saturday, where he claimed to have “just” completed a physical exam at Walter Reed Medical Center. This announcement followed a tirade against a reporter whose book he disparaged. The article notes that his last physical was in late May, and his doctor at the time reported him to be in “excellent health,” though he had gained weight and concerns about his hands persisted. Trump has frequently boasted about his “perfect” physicals and his perfect scores on cognitive tests, which are designed to detect cognitive decline.
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According to a report, Iran’s president and central bank chief conveyed the dire state of the nation’s economy to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, citing a crippling U.S. naval blockade. Facing potential resignation and a severe budget crisis, the president and central bank head warned of the depletion of essential supplies by late August if the blockade was not lifted. These stark assessments reportedly persuaded Khamenei to approve a memorandum of understanding concerning the Strait of Hormuz, despite his principled opposition. The situation remains volatile as the U.S. and Iran engage in renewed military skirmishes, impacting ship traffic and reinforcing Iran’s control over the critical energy chokepoint.
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Four New York Times journalists have been subpoenaed to testify before a federal grand jury regarding their reporting on security concerns surrounding a Qatari-gifted jet intended for use as Air Force One. The news outlet has stated it will fight the subpoenas, deeming them an unusual threat to the press’s ability to gather information in the public interest. The subpoenas suggest an effort by the Trump administration to identify leaks concerning the President’s decision to use the older Air Force One due to security concerns with the newly gifted plane. The Justice Department, while confirming investigations into leaks of national security information, stated that reporters are not the targets of these investigations.
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Despite President Trump’s refusal to sign, the 21st Century Road to Housing Act has become law without his signature, marking the largest housing affordability bill in decades. This bipartisan legislation, aimed at making homeownership more accessible, includes over 40 provisions designed to encourage homebuilding and increase market competition for individual buyers. While the law introduces measures like capping corporate home purchases and streamlining construction processes, its ultimate impact on housing markets remains to be seen, given the significant influence of local regulations, builder sentiment, and fluctuating mortgage rates.
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The president has issued a dire warning to Iran, declaring that “1000 Missiles are Locked and Loaded” and ready to decimate the country should an assassination attempt be made on his life. He further stated that orders have been given for these strikes, which would be in effect for one year and extendable. This threat follows intelligence shared by Israel regarding an alleged Iranian plot to assassinate him, coupled with reports of anti-Trump banners in Tehran and mourners calling for his death. These events coincide with his expressed concerns about his own mortality and his belief that he may not reach Heaven.
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The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, a significant bipartisan housing reform aimed at increasing supply and lowering costs, automatically became law due to President Trump’s inaction. The president declined to sign the bill in protest of the Senate’s failure to pass the SAVE America Act, legislation focused on election reform. Despite the president’s personal disinterest in the housing bill, it passed both houses with wide margins and enacts numerous provisions, including limiting institutional investors’ purchase of single-family homes and facilitating the conversion of commercial buildings into affordable housing.
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Following calls for his assassination during Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral, U.S. President Donald Trump issued online threats of immense military retaliation against Iran, stating “a thousand missiles are locked and loaded.” These threats stem from escalating tensions and Iran’s insistence on controlling the Strait of Hormuz and charging passage, a stance that challenges decades of international precedent. The situation is further complicated by an interim deal to end the war, now strained by repeated crossfire and Iran’s accusation that the U.S. violated the agreement by ending oil sale waivers. Concurrently, U.S. officials emphasize that any nuclear deal would necessitate Iran relinquishing its enriched uranium stockpile, with military options available if negotiations fail.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reduced its foodborne illness surveillance program, FoodNet, from monitoring eight pathogens to two, a year before a significant outbreak of cyclosporiasis occurred. This reduction, which made monitoring specific pathogens optional, took place as cyclospora infections surged across the U.S., with states like Michigan reporting hundreds of cases. Concurrently, the CDC dissolved its Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, which had previously handled work on such infections, leading to a reallocation of staff and responsibilities within the agency. Investigators are actively working to identify the source of the current cyclosporiasis outbreak, which has affected at least 18 states, though a definitive link to a specific food product has not yet been established.
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John Q. Hosedrinker