Good morning, everyone—Apologies for the late update; I’m feeling a bit under the weather this morning, but the fight doesn’t pause, and neither will I.
In the past 24 hours, we've seen an outpouring of support—and it's no mystery why. While media giants like CBS bow to pressure from Trump, we stand our ground. At a time when corporate news outlets are retreating in the face of authoritarian threats, fearless, independent journalism has never been more essential.
I won’t back down. Not now. Not ever. With your support, we’re building something powerful—a people-driven movement that answers to no billionaires, no corporate boards, just truth.
Donald Trump’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein was even closer than many in the public knew. Photos from 1993 confirm Jeffrey Epstein attended Donald Trump’s wedding to Marla Maples; when asked about the photos, Trump told CNN, “You’ve got to be kidding me.”
Additionally, footage from a 1999 Victoria’s Secret fashion event in New York shows Trump and Epstein laughing and chatting together ahead of the runway event.
Sen. Thom Tillis called for the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, dismissing concerns about protecting the innocent as a weak excuse, stating, “Release the damn files … this nonsense of, ‘Well, we gotta protect the innocent.’ That’s called redaction. We do that all the time.”
The U.S. economy is expected to slow significantly, with GDP projected to grow just 1.1% annually through 2025 due to the inflationary impact of rising tariffs, which Goldman Sachs forecasts could hit an effective rate of 15%; consumer spending remains weak, inflation is projected at 3.3% for 2025, and recession risk is estimated at 30%.
After New Jersey judges refused to extend Trump ally Alina Habba’s interim appointment as U.S. Attorney, the DOJ—under Attorney General Pam Bondi—fired her replacement, sparking a legal and political showdown over judicial independence and Trump’s influence on the justice system.
A new Guardian report has shown massive changes in ICE activities this year: ICE arrests surged 268% in June 2025 compared to the same month in 2024, driven by Trump administration directives targeting all unauthorized immigrants, including many with no criminal records.On 4 June, ICE made nearly 2,000 arrests in a single day—the highest daily total in a decade—marking the first time non-criminal arrests outpaced those involving charges or convictions.Mass raids in cities like Los Angeles saw heavily armed agents detaining workers at car washes, factories, and public spaces; some were reportedly held without access to water, food, or medication.ICE detention centers are overcrowded by over 13,500 people, with detainees reporting inhumane conditions including lack of hygiene, moldy food, and inadequate care for children and infants.A judge temporarily barred ICE from conducting stops in LA without reasonable suspicion following allegations of racial profiling and unconstitutional sweeps.Trump’s $45 billion omnibus bill aims to double ICE’s detention capacity while new policy changes eliminate bond hearings, forcing immigrants to remain detained during lengthy court processes.Deportations have fluctuated but remain high, with over 127,000 people deported since January, including more than 8,100 sent to third countries they have no ties to.Venezuela, El Salvador, South Sudan, and Eswatini have received deportees under the new third-country deals; some were jailed in dangerous conditions, raising human rights concerns.Despite expanded internal arrests, border apprehensions have dropped over 50% since January due to the administration closing the southern border to most asylum seekers.
ICE arrests surged 268% in June 2025 compared to the same month in 2024, driven by Trump administration directives targeting all unauthorized immigrants, including many with no criminal records.
On 4 June, ICE made nearly 2,000 arrests in a single day—the highest daily total in a decade—marking the first time non-criminal arrests outpaced those involving charges or convictions.
Mass raids in cities like Los Angeles saw heavily armed agents detaining workers at car washes, factories, and public spaces; some were reportedly held without access to water, food, or medication.
ICE detention centers are overcrowded by over 13,500 people, with detainees reporting inhumane conditions including lack of hygiene, moldy food, and inadequate care for children and infants.
A judge temporarily barred ICE from conducting stops in LA without reasonable suspicion following allegations of racial profiling and unconstitutional sweeps.
Trump’s $45 billion omnibus bill aims to double ICE’s detention capacity while new policy changes eliminate bond hearings, forcing immigrants to remain detained during lengthy court processes.
Deportations have fluctuated but remain high, with over 127,000 people deported since January, including more than 8,100 sent to third countries they have no ties to.
Venezuela, El Salvador, South Sudan, and Eswatini have received deportees under the new third-country deals; some were jailed in dangerous conditions, raising human rights concerns.
Despite expanded internal arrests, border apprehensions have dropped over 50% since January due to the administration closing the southern border to most asylum seekers.
A deaf Mongolian asylum seeker held in U.S. immigration detention since February was released after a judge ordered officials to provide a Mongolian Sign Language interpreter; without one, ICE relied on Google Translate, misidentifying key details, and failed to conduct valid assessments—actions a federal judge ruled violated his civil rights under disability law.
An Afghan man who legally entered the U.S. after working as a military interpreter was seized by armed, masked immigration agents in Connecticut following a green card appointment, sparking concern from his attorney and members of Congress.
The U.S. deported five men to Eswatini under a Trump administration policy condemned by civil society and opposition groups as “human trafficking disguised as a deportation deal.”
Trump announced a sweeping U.S.-Japan trade deal that imposes 15% reciprocal tariffs on Japanese imports—including cars and auto parts—while securing a $550 billion Japanese investment in U.S. industries; the agreement boosts American jobs, lifts Japanese markets, and marks a major geopolitical win amid ongoing global trade tensions.
Bryan Kohberger, 30, pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree murder in Idaho, avoiding the death penalty in exchange for life in prison without parole, as families prepare to deliver victim impact statements.
China criticized the U.S. withdrawal from the UN’s Unesco agency, calling it irresponsible and voicing strong support for Unesco’s mission.
European stocks rose over 1%, led by automakers, after President Trump signaled progress on a trade deal with the EU following an agreement with Japan.
Nearly $10 million worth of U.S.-funded contraceptives are being sent from Belgium to France for incineration after the U.S. rejected international offers to distribute them to poor countries.
The U.S. announced PHP3 billion (£39 million) in foreign assistance to the Philippines, according to the U.S. embassy in Manila.
The dollar remained weak while the yen fluctuated after Trump’s Japan trade deal raised hopes for further agreements, with the dollar index hovering near its lowest level since July 10.
Good News:
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs partnered with the nonprofit Undue Medical Debt to cancel $429 million in private medical debt for 352,000 Arizonans using $10 million from the American Rescue Plan, targeting those most financially burdened and buying debts for pennies on the dollar to relieve struggling residents.
In a major conservation success, Tuvalu eradicated invasive rats and yellow crazy ants from six islands—thanks to community-led efforts supported by Island Conservation, New Zealand, and regional partners—resulting in the rapid return of native birds, crabs, and ecosystem health, while empowering locals with the tools and knowledge to maintain lasting environmental protection.
