N.J., N.Y. under severe weather threat as storms bring heavy rain

The family of Virginia Giuffre, a victim of Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking ring, is urging former President Donald Trump not to pardon Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's associate. Their plea follows a meeting between Maxwell and U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche at a Florida prison, sparking concerns about potential leniency.

Editor’s Note: This story highlights ongoing tensions around accountability for Epstein's associates, as victims' families fear political interference could undermine justice. Maxwell's prison meeting adds fuel to speculation about her legal fate, making this a high-stakes moment for survivors and the public.

President Trump has ordered the firing of Erika McEntarfer, the head of the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, shortly after the release of a disappointing jobs report showing sluggish employment growth. The news coincided with a sharp drop in US stock markets as investors reacted to the weak economic data.

Editor’s Note: This story highlights the Trump administration's aggressive response to unfavorable economic news, raising concerns about political interference in nonpartisan government agencies. The abrupt firing could undermine confidence in official economic data, which businesses and investors rely on to make decisions. It also signals potential volatility ahead as markets digest both the weak jobs numbers and the administration's reaction.

Ghislaine Maxwell, who was closely linked to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, has been moved from a high-security federal prison in Florida to a lower-security facility in Texas. This transfer follows her recent interview with a senior Justice Department official.

Editor’s Note: Maxwell's prison transfer could signal a shift in her legal situation, possibly indicating adjustments in her security needs or ongoing cooperation with authorities. Given her high-profile connection to Epstein’s crimes, any developments in her case remain significant for those following the broader fallout of the Epstein scandal.

Anti-Israel protesters were arrested by the NYPD after they forcefully entered the lobby of the New York City offices belonging to Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand. The incident occurred on Friday, highlighting escalating tensions over U.S. policy toward Israel.

Editor’s Note: This story matters because it reflects growing activism and division over U.S. support for Israel, with protesters taking bold—and sometimes disruptive—actions to make their voices heard. It also raises questions about how lawmakers will respond to such demonstrations moving forward.

Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl has criticized former President Barack Obama for his policies, claiming they made "everything black and white." This comes just days after Pearl slammed Obama's stance on Palestinian aid, adding to his recent public critiques of the former president.

Editor’s Note: When a high-profile sports figure like Bruce Pearl weighs in on political issues, it often sparks debate—especially when targeting a polarizing figure like Obama. This story matters because it highlights how sports and politics continue to intersect, drawing attention to how public figures use their platforms to voice divisive opinions.