Epstein roils Washington from beyond the grave

A Texas official is pointing fingers at weather forecasts for the state's sluggish response to recent deadly floods, claiming models underestimated the rainfall. Instead of the predicted few inches, Central Texas got hammered by catastrophic downpours—highlighting how inaccurate predictions can delay life-saving preparations.

Editor’s Note: When forecasts miss the mark, it’s not just an academic error—it can cost lives. This story underscores the high stakes of weather modeling and emergency planning, especially as climate change makes extreme weather harder to predict. Texans (and the rest of us) deserve systems that adapt faster when nature doesn’t follow the script.

French President Emmanuel Macron is taking legal action against U.S. commentator Candace Owens over her repeated claims that his wife, Brigitte Macron, was born male and transitioned. The lawsuit calls Owens' allegations "far-fetched fictions," including the idea that Brigitte stole someone else’s identity. This isn’t just a personal spat—it’s a high-profile clash over misinformation, privacy, and the limits of free speech.

Editor’s Note: This story isn’t just about celebrity gossip—it’s a test case for how public figures handle baseless conspiracy theories in an era where viral lies can spread unchecked. Macron’s lawsuit signals a pushback against harmful misinformation, but it also raises questions about where legal boundaries should be drawn in global media. For ordinary readers, it’s a reminder of how quickly wild claims can escalate into real-world consequences.

A federal judge just shut down a push by the Trump administration to make public the sealed grand jury records from the investigations into Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes in Florida. This means the details of what happened behind closed doors—potentially including witness testimonies and evidence—will stay hidden for now.

Editor’s Note: This ruling keeps a lid on a case that’s been a magnet for conspiracy theories and public outrage. While transparency advocates might be frustrated, the decision underscores how tightly courts guard grand jury secrecy—even in high-profile cases involving powerful figures. It also leaves lingering questions about whether there’s more to uncover in Epstein’s network.

Democratic Congressman Jason Crow pushes back against Karl Rove’s gloomy outlook for the party, arguing that Democrats do have a path forward—especially since, in his view, Republicans are dropping the ball on tackling America’s biggest challenges. It’s a mix of defiance and strategy talk, with Crow framing the GOP’s struggles as an opportunity for Democrats to step up.

Editor’s Note: Political insiders love a good "doom and revival" narrative, and Crow’s rebuttal adds fuel to that fire. With midterms looming, this isn’t just insider baseball—it signals how Democrats plan to pitch themselves to voters: "Sure, we’ve got problems, but have you seen the other guys?" Whether that sticks depends on who voters blame more for gridlock.

This article dives into the housing affordability crisis, pointing fingers at a mix of culprits—from SALT deductions and rising crime rates to inflation-driven interest rate hikes. It critiques short-sighted policies and economic pressures that leave homeowners vulnerable, framing the issue as a cautionary tale about relying on shaky foundations (like subsidies) in an unstable market.

Editor’s Note: If you've ever wondered why buying or keeping a home feels impossible lately, this story connects the dots. It’s not just about high prices—it’s about how tax policies, crime, and the Fed’s inflation fight are squeezing everyday people. For anyone worried about their rent or mortgage, this explains why the system feels rigged—and who’s (arguably) to blame.