The Justice Department on Tuesday expanded the agreement it reached this week with President Trump to resolve his extraordinary lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service to include a provision that would bar the agency from pursuing tax claims against the president, his family or his businesses. In a one-page document signed by acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and quietly posted on the department's website, officials vowed not to pursue any matters, including those involving Mr. Trump's tax returns, that are currently pending. read more
Trump on Tuesday endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in his primary challenge to Sen. John Cornyn, dealing a massive blow to the incumbent with major implications in the fight for the Senate majority. Cornyn has spent over a year courting Trump's support, while Paxton has run to Cornyn's right and pitched himself as a stronger ally of the president. Cornyn and Senate GOP leaders argued that he is a stronger general-election candidate as Democrats look to win statewide office in Texas for the first time since 1994. The runoff is a week away, and early voting began Monday.
Trump will be joined in China this week by 16 chief executives, including Elon Musk and Tim Cook. read more
Whether it's Bigfoot, the Big Muddy Monster, creatures from the watery deep among urban legends, Southern Illinois University Carbondale's Sharp Museum wants all artists to put their best work on display in celebrating hidden or unknown animals and creatures. "Spooks or Spoofs," a national juried cryptid-themed exhibition will run Aug. 11 through Dec. 21 in the museum. All media are eligible, but artificial intelligence-generated images will not be allowed. read more
According to International Business Times, more than half a million people ponied up, pouring an estimated $59 million into Trump Mobile's coffers. But no phones have arrived, the "made in America" promises have vanished, the launch date keeps sliding back, and this week, Moneywise.com reported on a quiet change made last month to the company's terms of service. read more
As part of the settlement between the president and the IRS, the DOJ "forever barred and precluded" the IRS from pursuing Trump, his family members, and his companies over any unpaid taxes.
"DOJ Quietly Bans IRS From Ever Investigating Trump Again"
newrepublic.com
Authorities recovered more than 30 guns at suspects' residences, FBI says
Law enforcement seized more than 30 guns, including numerous pistols, rifles and shotguns, as well as a crossbow while executing three search warrants at residences associated with the suspects in yesterday's shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, said Mark Remily, the special agent in charge of FBI San Diego.
Tactical gear, ammunition and electronics were also seized, said Remily.
www.cnn.com
According to Politico:
The timing of the last-minute endorsement comes as a surprise, months after he [Trump] was initially expected to jump in: Just on Monday, Cornyn said "the ship has finally sailed" regarding Trump's stamp of approval.
"Ken is a true MAGA Warrior who has ALWAYS delivered for Texas, and will continue to do so in the United States Senate," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "John Cornyn is a good man, and I worked well with him, but he was not supportive of me when times were tough."
Cornyn and his supporters fear that nominating scandal-plagued Paxton, a figure of the far right with significant personal baggage, would put control of the Senate at risk and cost the party hundreds of millions of dollars to defend the seat this fall.
www.politico.com
Here's a list of things Zohran Mamdani has done in just four months
Note to politicians: you can just do stuff regular people actually need and want and it's OK
www.theguardian.com
"When we understand string theory, we will know how the universe began. It won't have much effect on how we live, but it is important to understand where we come from and what we can expect to find as we explore."
Stephen Hawking
www.theguardian.com
Personally, I'm still stuck at the shave and a haircut two bits stage.
Trump will readily stretch the already wretched decision SCOTUS issued in Trump v United States (2024), and claim what amounts to sovereign immunity. Extending it to his family is quite a stretch, but MAGAts won't mind, the Republicans in coats and ties are cool with it, and the march over the cliff continues apace.
Happy 250th!