The Justice Department has stated that a judge does not have the authority to appoint a neutral expert to oversee the public release of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. This response was given in a letter to Judge Paul A. Engelmayer, rejecting a request from Representatives Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie, who co-sponsored the Epstein Files Transparency Act, citing concerns about the slow release of documents and potential criminal violations in the process. The Justice Department maintains that the representatives lack standing in the case to seek such relief, specifically because they are not parties to the criminal case. The Department expects to update the court soon about the progress of the release, attributing the slow down to the redactions of sensitive information.
Read More
The Trump administration secretly reinstated a policy restricting congressional access to immigration detention facilities just one day after an ICE officer fatally shot a woman in Minneapolis, according to attorneys for several Democratic lawmakers. These lawmakers were blocked from visiting an ICE facility near Minneapolis, prompting their lawyers to request an emergency hearing before U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb, who previously blocked ICE from enforcing similar policies. The lawyers argue that the reinstated seven-day notice requirement violates Cobb’s prior order and is particularly urgent due to ongoing negotiations over funding for the Department of Homeland Security and ICE. Cobb has scheduled a hearing on the matter for Wednesday.
Read More
The White House is claiming war powers restrictions do not apply to the recent military strikes on alleged drug traffickers, despite the 60-day window stipulated by the War Powers Resolution having closed. This assertion is based on the argument that the strikes do not constitute “hostilities,” a stance that could allow the government to continue these actions without congressional approval. Critics argue that this interpretation is a legal abuse, and further, could expand the scope of military action without congressional oversight, including potential action against Venezuela. Meanwhile, the Pentagon is moving to send troops into Mexico.
Read More
The Department of Defense, under Secretary Pete Hegseth, has issued new guidance requiring prior approval for Defense Department personnel before communicating with Congress on a wide range of topics. This list includes sensitive military operations, maritime activities in the Southern Command area of responsibility (including counternarcotics operations), and several other key areas. This policy follows an earlier memo restricting communication with lawmakers and has drawn criticism from some members of Congress who believe it hinders transparency and communication. Furthermore, the new policy comes amid increasing congressional frustration over a lack of information from the Pentagon regarding military operations, particularly in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.
Read More
Democrats excluded from briefing on US military strikes off South America, senator says, and the implications of this action raise serious concerns about transparency and the erosion of democratic principles. The revelation, attributed to Senator Warner (D) of VA, who is, notably, a member of the Gang of 8, a group privy to highly sensitive intelligence matters, is particularly alarming. The fact that even those senators with access to classified information are being shut out suggests a deliberate effort to conceal activities from a significant portion of the legislative branch, potentially indicating a disregard for established norms and oversight. This exclusion isn’t just a procedural matter; it raises questions about the legitimacy of these military actions and the motives behind them.… Continue reading
Due to resource constraints stemming from the government shutdown, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) stated it could no longer grant on-demand visits to its facilities for Democratic members of Congress. ICE attorneys cited a lack of funding for detention facility operations, including Congressional visitation protocols, as the reason for the policy change. This decision was revealed in court documents related to a lawsuit filed by Rep. Joe Neguse (D-CO) and comes amidst ongoing disputes over access to ICE facilities. Several Democratic officials have strongly criticized the agency, with one representative even comparing ICE to the Nazi Schutzstaffel.
Read More
The Justice Department’s initial document release to Congress regarding the Jeffrey Epstein investigation has drawn criticism. The ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee stated that the release primarily included materials that were already public knowledge. This suggests a lack of transparency and potential reluctance to fully disclose information. Further investigation and more comprehensive document releases may be needed to satisfy congressional inquiries.
Read More
mRNA vaccine technology, rapidly deployed during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowed for a quick response and was lauded for its effectiveness, even earning the 2023 Nobel Prize in medicine. However, its sudden introduction in the U.S. sparked suspicion from vaccine skeptics, including those in positions of power. These individuals have actively undermined public health recommendations by replacing medical experts with skeptics and promoting alternative treatments over proven vaccines. Despite these challenges, vaccines remain a cornerstone of modern medicine, having successfully eradicated or controlled numerous devastating diseases.
Read More
HuffPost’s unwavering commitment to truthful, fact-based journalism spans two decades. This dedication requires ongoing support to ensure its continued operation. Reader contributions have been crucial to HuffPost’s resilience, particularly during challenging periods. Continued support is vital to maintaining the newsroom’s strength and preserving its mission. The organization hopes readers will renew their commitment to its future.
Read More
Following a press conference in Los Angeles, Senator Alex Padilla was forcibly removed and handcuffed by federal agents after attempting to question Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem regarding recent immigration raids. Noem and her department contend Padilla acted disrespectfully and failed to identify himself, while Padilla’s office stated he was exercising Congressional oversight. The incident sparked outrage from California Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass, who condemned the actions as an attack on democratic processes. Secretary Noem’s press conference included criticism of Los Angeles’ leadership and statements considered controversial by legal experts.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood
Judge Asked for Emergency Hearing After ICE Blocks Congress Members
The Trump administration secretly reinstated a policy restricting congressional access to immigration detention facilities just one day after an ICE officer fatally shot a woman in Minneapolis, according to attorneys for several Democratic lawmakers. These lawmakers were blocked from visiting an ICE facility near Minneapolis, prompting their lawyers to request an emergency hearing before U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb, who previously blocked ICE from enforcing similar policies. The lawyers argue that the reinstated seven-day notice requirement violates Cobb’s prior order and is particularly urgent due to ongoing negotiations over funding for the Department of Homeland Security and ICE. Cobb has scheduled a hearing on the matter for Wednesday.
Read More