Following controversial comments made by Jimmy Kimmel regarding Charlie Kirk, ABC has indefinitely suspended *Jimmy Kimmel Live!*. Former President Donald Trump celebrated the suspension, taking to Truth Social to express his approval and criticize Kimmel’s talent and ratings. The Federal Communications Commission chair, Brendan Carr, condemned Kimmel’s remarks, suggesting they violated the public interest obligations of broadcasters and hinting at potential regulatory action against ABC affiliates. Nexstar, which owns numerous ABC affiliates, was the first to preempt the series, followed by the network’s official indefinite suspension announcement.
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President Trump identified 23 countries, including China, Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan, as major drug transit or illicit drug-producing nations, citing the threat they pose to the U.S. due to illicit drug manufacturing and trafficking. The “Major’s List” was delivered to Congress, designating these countries as responsible for sourcing and transporting drugs into the U.S. The State Department noted that Afghanistan, Bolivia, Burma, Colombia, and Venezuela have notably failed to make substantial efforts in counternarcotics. The listing considers various factors enabling drug transit or production, even if a government has taken counter-drug measures, with specific concerns raised about China’s role in precursor chemicals and Afghanistan’s ongoing drug production.
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In an ironic twist, the British government’s attempts to appease Donald Trump have inadvertently placed King Charles at the center of the Epstein scandal. MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell highlights this connection, drawing attention to a dinner where Trump was present, amidst allegations of inappropriate relationships. The article emphasizes the king’s presence at a table, where Trump was also seated, implicating them both in the scandal. Former Ambassador Peter Mandelson and Prince Andrew were notably absent from the conversation.
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The article contends that the cancellation of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” is a symptom of a broader threat to free speech and democracy. Kimmel’s remarks about the politicization of Charlie Kirk’s death were met with criticism from the right, but were quickly defended by the host himself, and were not deemed to be offensive. However, in response, the FCC and media conglomerates like Disney and Nexstar seemingly colluded to silence Kimmel, citing unprecedented threats from FCC chairman Brandon Carr. These actions, including the preemptive suspension of Kimmel’s show, are seen as a strategic move by media companies to appease the FCC and maintain business interests, especially given pending regulatory approvals. The author views this as a dangerous precedent, representing the further erosion of free speech and the suppression of dissenting voices.
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FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has threatened to revoke ABC’s broadcasting license in response to a Jimmy Kimmel joke about the suspected shooter of Charlie Kirk, Tyler Robinson. Carr accused Kimmel of spreading misinformation by playing into a narrative that Robinson was a “MAGA or Republican motivated person”. Carr suggested that if Disney and ABC did not take action against Kimmel, the FCC would intervene, citing their obligation to operate in the public interest. Legal experts and FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez have since condemned Carr’s statements, noting the FCC lacks the authority to control content and that such actions could suppress free speech.
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In a recent interview with the BBC, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva stated he has “no relationship” with former US President Donald Trump. Lula criticized Trump’s imposition of 50% tariffs on Brazilian goods, deeming them “eminently political” and detrimental to US consumers. Despite Trump’s claims of openness, Lula revealed the two leaders have never spoken directly and asserted that the Trump administration was unwilling to communicate civilly. Lula contrasted his strained relationship with Trump with his successful diplomatic ties globally, highlighting his continued alliances with Russia and China.
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During a state dinner at Windsor Castle, Donald Trump delivered a speech that included factual inaccuracies. He claimed to be the first American president welcomed to the castle, a statement contradicted by multiple prior visits from other presidents. Trump’s attempt to reference his unprecedented second state visit to the UK, which no other world leader has done, resulted in a confusing and factually incorrect statement. The speech, met with polite chuckles in the room, sparked amusement and embarrassment on social media.
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Democrat Xp Lee secured victory in a special election to fill the seat of the late Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman, defeating Republican Ruth Bittner. The election, held in a Democratic district, restored a legislative tie in the state house, following the assassination of Hortman and her husband in June. Lee, a former city council member and Hortman mentee, vowed to carry forward Hortman’s legacy amid national concern over political violence, which spurred the election. The accused perpetrator, Vance Boelter, is facing charges for the murders of Hortman and her husband, as well as attempted murder of other Democratic lawmakers.
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Director Kash Patel faced accusations of concealing information regarding Jeffrey Epstein and President Trump during congressional inquiries. Patel deflected questions about Trump’s involvement in Epstein files, citing legal limitations despite previous promises of transparency. He also sidestepped queries about meeting with Epstein’s victims and their credibility. Republicans countered by accusing Democrats of political grandstanding, highlighting a lack of prior concern during previous administrations.
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Documents reveal that Donald Trump’s Aberdeenshire golf course has violated sewage contamination limits 14 times since 2019, with eight incidents categorized as “upper tier” events. These breaches, identified by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (Sepa), involved exceeding limits for contaminants such as biochemical oxygen demand, suspended solids, and ammoniacal nitrogen. While Trump International maintains their system has not caused environmental damage, Sepa reports that the breaches have happened. The golf course, which includes a hotel and restaurants, built the course in 2012 despite Sepa’s initial objections.
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John Q. Hosedrinker