Pepper…and Salt

The Hotel Oloffson, a historic gem in Port-au-Prince that once hosted celebrities and symbolized Haiti’s cultural charm, was burned to the ground in early July. Locals believe armed gangs targeted it as payback after a nearby police operation. Its destruction isn’t just about losing a building—it’s a gut-wrenching metaphor for how gang violence is erasing Haiti’s identity and stability.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another property lost to chaos. The Oloffson was a living piece of Haiti’s history—a place where art, politics, and global visitors collided for over a century. Seeing it reduced to ashes hits Haitians hard because it mirrors what’s happening to their country: collapse, one landmark at a time. When even a sanctuary isn’t safe, what’s left?

The Wall Street Journal dropped a bombshell report alleging that Donald Trump once sent a crude birthday card to Jeffrey Epstein back in 2003—just as the president faces mounting pressure to unclassify government documents related to the late sex offender. Trump, predictably, is firing back with legal threats.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just tabloid fodder—it’s another layer in the ongoing scrutiny of Trump’s past ties to Epstein, a convicted pedophile. With calls for transparency growing louder, the story fuels questions about what else might be lurking in those sealed files. For Trump, it’s another reputational headache at a time when his political and legal battles are already piling up.

The House has now joined the Senate in approving a measure to cut $9 billion in federal spending, marking another step in President Trump’s push to roll back funding for certain government programs. It’s part of a broader effort to trim the budget, though critics argue it could impact key services.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about saving money—it’s a political move with real-world consequences. Supporters see it as fiscal responsibility, while opponents worry about cuts affecting everything from infrastructure to social programs. Either way, it’s a sign of the ongoing tug-of-war over how (and where) the government spends taxpayer dollars.

In a surprising move, Congress has protected PEPFAR—the widely supported U.S. program fighting HIV/AIDS worldwide—from President Trump’s latest budget cuts. While billions in spending reductions were approved, this critical health initiative survived intact.

Editor’s Note: PEPFAR has saved millions of lives since it was launched in 2003, so keeping it funded is a big win for global health efforts. Its survival signals that even in a divided political climate, some programs still have strong bipartisan backing. For countries relying on this aid, it’s a huge relief—and proof that advocacy works.

After a late-night vote, Congress has greenlit a $9 billion spending cut package—the first of its kind in decades—that trims international aid and public broadcasting funds. House Speaker Mike Johnson is touting it as a win, but critics argue it could hurt vital programs. The bill now heads to President Trump’s desk for final approval.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about saving money—it’s a political statement. These cuts signal a shift in priorities, and while supporters see fiscal discipline, opponents worry about the real-world impact on programs like NPR or foreign assistance. It’s also a test of how far Congress will go to tighten the belt, setting the stage for bigger budget battles ahead.