Good morning, everyone. It was a relatively quiet news night, but I still wanted to keep you informed with what matters.
A quick note: I won’t be covering the Robert Hur–Joe Biden interview — a story the White House conveniently handed to Axios and CNN in what looks like a clear attempt to distract from the real headline — Moody’s decision to downgrade the U.S. credit rating. Let’s be honest: Joe Biden isn’t President right now, and it’s frustrating to watch media figures like Jake Tapper use him as a vehicle to sell books instead of addressing the real challenges facing American families.
I’m not here to sell you anything. I’m here to bring you facts — not spin, not distractions, and definitely not propaganda. That’s why I’m skipping that story and focusing on what truly matters to you and your family. If you value independent, fact-based reporting, please consider subscribing to support this work.
With that, let’s get to the news:
The search continues into a second day for seven inmates who escaped from the Orleans Parish Jail in New Orleans early Friday. In total, ten inmates got out, but three have since been recaptured. Following the escape, the Orleans Parish Justice Center announced that three staff members have been suspended. It's not yet clear how they were involved, but Sheriff Susan Hutson mentioned that the inmates are believed to have had assistance from someone within the facility.
The Department of Homeland Security is reviewing a reality TV proposal in which immigrants would compete for U.S. citizenship — a concept that has sparked outrage and disbelief. The pitch, from reality TV producer Rob Worsoff, envisions a game-show-style competition with "heritage challenges" and public votes deciding who gets to become American. Critics have slammed the idea as dehumanizing and dystopian, but Worsoff defends it as a "love letter to America," likening it to The Biggest Loser — except instead of weight loss, the prize is citizenship. Despite the high stakes and potential to exploit vulnerable people, DHS has confirmed the show is still under consideration, raising serious ethical concerns.
A senior intelligence analyst was ordered to revise a report that challenged the White House’s claim linking a Venezuelan gang to the Venezuelan government — a claim used to justify deporting migrants under a wartime law. Intelligence agencies largely disagreed with the claim, but a political appointee allegedly pressured the analyst to change the assessment despite limited credible evidence.
Legal experts and former judges warn that harsh rhetoric from President Trump and his allies is fueling threats against U.S. judges who have pushed back on his administration’s hardline deportation policies and other MAGA initiatives. As courts have blocked over 100 of Trump’s executive actions, the administration’s growing conflict with the judiciary has sparked concerns about the safety of judges and the erosion of public trust in the legal system.
James Comey voluntarily met with the Secret Service at their Washington Field Office and was not detained. The interview concluded without any problems.
House Republicans have introduced legislation that would impose new fees on immigrants for services like seeking asylum, caring for a minor in custody, or applying for humanitarian parole. They argue the fees are needed to fund Trump-era immigration enforcement, but advocates warn the costs could create severe financial barriers and force vulnerable people into desperate situations or out of the country.
Powerful storms across the Midwest have killed at least 16 people, including nine in southeastern Kentucky, where a tornado caused a mass casualty event in Laurel County. Rescue crews have been searching through the night for survivors, as officials describe the situation as tragic and ongoing.
A new 100% mortgage deal has been introduced in the UK, allowing buyers to purchase a home without needing a deposit, according to The Times. This move is aimed at helping those struggling to save for a down payment, particularly first-time buyers.
Iran’s Supreme Leader declared that the United States must leave the region, adding that it eventually will. His statement underscores ongoing tensions between Iran and the U.S. over military presence in the Middle East.
A Russian drone strike on a minibus evacuating civilians in Ukraine killed nine people, most of them elderly women, and injured four others. President Zelenskyy condemned the attack as a deliberate targeting of civilians and called for stronger sanctions against Russia. The strike occurred shortly after inconclusive peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow, highlighting the ongoing challenges to any ceasefire efforts.
See you this evening.
— Aaron
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