Whittier to remove 80 ficus trees in bid to boost business

A US judge has denied the unsealing of grand jury materials from the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, citing Florida law, despite claims that US President Donald Trump’s name appears in related documents. The ruling, which emphasizes the need for grand jury secrecy, comes amid pressure on Trump for transparency in the case and ongoing political tensions surrounding Epstein's associates. Want More Context? 🔎

Idaho Killer Is Sentenced to 4 Consecutive Life TermsBrian Kohberger, who pleaded guilty to the murders of four Idaho college students, received a sentence of four consecutive life terms in a Boise courtroom. Family and friends of the victims expressed their grief through emotional impact statements during the proceedings. Want More Context? 🔎

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) reported that the Trump administration violated the Impoundment Control Act by withholding congressionally appropriated funds for the Head Start program, significantly reducing fund disbursement between January and April 2025. Despite requests for information, the Department of Health and Human Services failed to respond, leading GAO to conclude that federal law was breached. Want More Context? 🔎

House Energy and Commerce Chairman Rep. Brett Guthrie discussed his personal experience with organ transplantation and the need for public confidence in the system during a hearing on alarming organ procurement practices, which were revealed by a HRSA investigation showing 29% of patients had signs of life before procurement. Guthrie, whose mother died awaiting a liver transplant, emphasized the importance of maintaining donor participation and addressing these issues as a bipartisan concern. Want More Context?...

Washington — French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte have filed a defamation lawsuit against podcast host Candace Owens in Delaware, seeking damages for her claims that Brigitte was born a man and other false allegations. Despite multiple retraction requests, Owens continued to promote these unfounded theories, prompting the Macrons to pursue legal action to address the harm caused by her "campaign of defamation." Want More Context? 🔎

A patient at Prisma Health Children's Hospital-Midlands in South Carolina has died from primary amebic meningoencephalitis, a rare brain infection caused by the Naegleria fowleri amoeba, likely contracted at Lake Murray. This marks the state's first case since 2016, with over 97% of such infections resulting in death, highlighting the need for precautions during recreational water activities. Want More Context? 🔎