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Europe Pays Up: Trump Strikes Historic Trade Win with EU

Key Takeaways:

  • Massive Energy & Investment Wins: The EU will purchase $750B in U.S. energy and invest $600B more into the American economy, fueling jobs and growth.
  • Tariff Rebalance: European imports face a new 15% U.S. tariff, while U.S. goods enter the EU at a 0% rate—closing a decades-long trade gap.
  • Military & Market Leverage: Europe committed to “hundreds of billions” in U.S. defense spending, proving Trump’s tough stance pays off at the negotiation table.

President Donald Trump just delivered a win for American workers and businesses, sealing a sweeping trade agreement with the European Union that rebalances a historically one-sided relationship. Announced Sunday from his Turnberry property in Scotland, the deal imposes a 15% baseline tariff on European imports — including autos — while keeping the existing 50% steel and aluminum duties intact. In return? The EU will buy $750 billion in American energy, zero its tariffs on U.S. goods, and invest another $600 billion directly into the U.S. economy.

Trump didn’t mince words: “We have the opening up of all of the European countries, which I think I could say were essentially closed… and now it’s open.”

That’s not all. The EU also agreed to a massive purchase of American military equipment — “hundreds of billions of dollars,” according to Trump — further cementing the U.S. as Europe’s defense backbone.

When asked what the U.S. gave up in exchange, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made it clear: the EU had the surplus, and it was time to level the playing field. “We hit exactly the point we wanted to find: rebalance, but enable trade on both sides,” she said.

Translation: Trump didn’t cave — Europe did.

For decades, EU countries milked the transatlantic trade imbalance. This deal puts America first without shutting down global commerce. It’s pro-trade, pro-growth, and unapologetically pro-American. Exactly how free-market leadership is supposed to look.

Ticking Clock: Massie Warns Epstein Vote Coming Whether Congress Likes It or Not

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Key Takeaways:

  • Rep. Thomas Massie plans to force a House vote to release Epstein files using a discharge petition after the August recess.
  • He’s calling for full transparency, including financial records, plea deals, and sealed documents.
  • With bipartisan support growing, Massie says leadership won’t be able to dodge a floor vote much longer.

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) is done playing defense. On Sunday’s This Week on ABC, the Kentucky congressman made it clear: when Congress returns from August recess, he’s forcing a vote to unseal the Epstein files—whether House leadership likes it or not.

“I think we should get a lot more than just the book,” Massie said. “Let’s get the financial records of the estate… follow the money. We should look at the plea bargain… see what was the deal that was cut.”

No more sealed letters, redacted names, or “trust us” excuses from government insiders. Massie and Democrat Rep. Ro Khanna are invoking a rare discharge petition—a move that sidesteps leadership and puts power back in the hands of the people’s representatives. If they gather 218 signatures, the vote must happen. And according to Massie, they’re almost there.

“I have 12 Republican co-sponsors and I only need six more,” he said, signaling growing bipartisan pressure. “I think the pressure will build over August recess. I don’t think it will dissipate like the Speaker hopes it will.”

This isn’t about left or right—it’s about transparency, accountability, and equal justice under the law. The American people are tired of elites skating by with sealed records and sweetheart deals. If Congress can’t unseal the truth about Epstein’s web of corruption, what else are they protecting?

Massie’s drawing a line—and freedom-minded Americans are watching.

Rolling the Dice: Chicago Mayor Open to Video Gambling Despite Political Heat

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Why it matters:
Chicago’s potential embrace of video gaming could unlock significant revenue streams for the city, addressing fiscal challenges while promoting entrepreneurship and economic growth. This shift reflects a broader conversation about local governance and the importance of maximizing available resources for community development.

Key Takeaways:
– Mayor Brandon Johnson is now open to video gambling in Chicago, despite previous skepticism from his administration.
– State Rep. Michael Kelly’s House Bill 2990 aimed to allow Chicago to opt out of video gaming but failed to progress in the legislature.
– Lawmakers argue that video gaming terminals (VGTs) could generate substantial revenue, with estimates of $250 million for the state and $50 to $70 million for the city.

The Big Picture:
The ongoing debate over video gaming in Chicago highlights a critical intersection of local governance and economic opportunity. With many Chicago restaurants struggling, the introduction of VGTs could provide a lifeline, helping to keep businesses afloat and generate much-needed tax revenue. Lawmakers have pointed out that cities like Rockford and Peoria have successfully utilized VGTs to bolster their economies, leaving Chicago at a disadvantage by not participating in this revenue-generating opportunity.

Moreover, the reluctance to embrace video gaming reflects a broader ideological struggle over fiscal responsibility and the role of government in facilitating economic growth. As state representatives emphasize the importance of accepting new revenue streams, the conversation underscores the need for Chicago’s leadership to prioritize financial innovation and entrepreneurship to secure a prosperous future for its residents.

What They’re Saying:
“If the city of Chicago needs financial support from the state as much as it seems to suggest it does by its leadership’s comments in the media, try to work towards taking ‘yes’ for an answer.” — State Rep. Daniel Didech, D-Buffalo Grove.

Go Deeper:
Original source: The Center Square

‘Tower of Terror’: Southwest Pilot Dodges Midair Collision After ATC Failure

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Key Takeaways:

  • Near-Collision Chaos: A Southwest pilot had to nosedive mid-flight from Burbank to Vegas to avoid a collision after reportedly losing contact with air traffic control.
  • Passenger Panic: The sudden drop launched passengers into the ceiling, with one describing it as a real-life “Tower of Terror” experience.
  • Regulatory Red Flags: The incident highlights serious concerns about FAA inefficiency and fuels renewed calls to modernize or privatize air traffic control systems.

A Southwest Airlines flight from Burbank to Las Vegas turned into a near-death rollercoaster ride this weekend after a terrifying midair incident sent passengers airborne—literally.

Roughly ten minutes after takeoff, the pilot was forced to nosedive the aircraft to avoid what passengers say was a potential head-on collision. The maneuver slammed people into the ceiling, with several comparing it to Disney’s infamous “Tower of Terror” ride—minus the fun and safety restraints.

“About 10 minutes into the flight, we plummeted pretty far, and I looked around, and everyone was like, ‘OK, that’s normal’,” one passenger told reporters. “Then, within two seconds, it felt like the ride Tower of Terror… The screaming, it was terrifying. We really thought we were plummeting to a plane crash.”

According to passengers, the pilot later informed them that the plane had “almost collided with another plane,” adding that “they had lost air traffic control signal.” At least one flight attendant was reportedly injured during the dive.

laneLet’s be clear: this isn’t a freak storm or random turbulence. This is a failure of government-run air traffic control—yet another reminder that bloated, bureaucratic systems are no match for accountability and innovation. Our skies shouldn’t be managed like the DMV. If this doesn’t reignite the push for privatizing and modernizing ATC systems, what will?

The free market can fly circles around government inefficiency—and when American lives are at stake, it’s time to let common sense take the cockpit.

Trump Targets Drug Dens, Squatter Camps with Homelessness Order

Key Takeaways:

  • Cracking Down on Chaos: Trump’s order empowers states to commit violent or mentally ill individuals and bans taxpayer funding for drug injection sites.
  • Funding With Conditions: Cities must enforce bans on open drug use, squatting, and loitering to qualify for key federal grants.
  • Compassion with Boundaries: Homeless sex offenders won’t be housed near children, and new care centers will provide long-term treatment, not sidewalks and tents.

President Donald J. Trump is drawing a hard line on public disorder, signing a sweeping Executive Order aimed at restoring safety and dignity to America’s cities—starting with removing violent vagrancy from the streets and redirecting federal resources toward real, results-driven solutions.

The order empowers the Attorney General to reverse outdated judicial precedents and end consent decrees that tie the hands of states and cities when it comes to committing individuals who are a danger to themselves or others. No more legal gymnastics to protect chaos.

The directive goes further: it prioritizes federal grants for states and municipalities that actually enforce laws—targeting open-air drug use, urban squatting, and loitering. It also redirects funds to treatment centers, assisted outpatient care, and recovery programs—not injection sites or “safe use” zones.

Trump’s approach rejects the failed compassion theater of the past. “We want to take care of them, but they have to be off our streets,” he said. Instead of allowing encampments to take over parks and sidewalks, the policy promotes humane, long-term institutional care for the mentally ill and addicted.

Sex offenders receiving homelessness assistance will no longer be housed near children, and shelters will have the option to protect women and children with exclusive housing.

The data speaks for itself: under Biden, street homelessness hit a record 274,224 in a single night. Billions wasted, cities overrun, and safety compromised. Trump’s order flips the script—putting public safety, accountability, and common sense first.

Compassion with backbone. That’s leadership.

Terrorism Charges on Table After Michigan Man Stabs 11

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Why it matters:
A violent attack at a Walmart in Traverse City, Michigan, raises concerns about public safety and the implications for community resilience. As the nation grapples with issues of crime and security, this incident underscores the importance of individual responsibility and the role of law enforcement in maintaining order.

Key Takeaways:
– A Michigan man, 42-year-old Bradford James Gille, faces terrorism charges after allegedly stabbing 11 people in a seemingly random attack at a Walmart.
– Two victims remain in serious condition, but all are expected to survive; the victims range in age from 29 to 84, including a Walmart employee.
– Gille is charged with 11 counts of assault with intent to murder and one count of terrorism, potentially facing life in prison if convicted.

The Big Picture:
This incident highlights the critical need for communities to remain vigilant and proactive in the face of random acts of violence. The swift response from local citizens and law enforcement demonstrates the power of individual action and community solidarity. In a free society, the ability of citizens to step up in times of crisis is a testament to American exceptionalism and the spirit of entrepreneurship that thrives on personal responsibility.

Moreover, the charges of terrorism reflect a growing recognition that such acts are not just isolated incidents but can have far-reaching effects on community morale and economic stability. As we navigate these challenges, it is essential to uphold the values of liberty and security, ensuring that our communities remain safe havens for free enterprise and innovation.

What They’re Saying:
“Any time there is a mass incident like this, where it is something that appears to be a very random act of violence… it is, we believe, in some ways done to affect the entire community, to put fear in the entire community,” said Grand Traverse County Prosecutor Noelle Moeggenberg.

Go Deeper:
Original source: The Center Square

Crow Melts: Calls Tulsi a ‘Weapon of Mass Distraction’ Over Obama Allegations

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Key Takeaways:

  • Rep. Jason Crow blasted Tulsi Gabbard’s allegations against Obama, calling her a “weapon of mass distraction.”
  • Crow refused to support a special counsel, brushing off calls for an investigation despite newly surfaced documents.
  • The D.C. establishment is circling the wagons—but Americans still want answers and accountability.

The D.C. establishment is sweating—and Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO) made it crystal clear on Fox News Sunday. When pressed about Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard’s recent allegations against former President Barack Obama, Crow didn’t offer facts—he launched into character assassination.

“Tulsi Gabbard’s conspiracy theories would be sad if they weren’t so dangerous,” Crow said, accusing her of trying to “curry favor” with Donald Trump. His zinger? Calling her a “weapon of mass distraction.”

Let’s translate: A former Democrat turned independent thinker is exposing skeletons in the Obama-era closet, and the Left is panicking. Instead of engaging with the content of Gabbard’s allegations—outlined in newly surfaced documents—Crow simply dismissed them out of hand.

Host Shannon Bream kept it balanced, asking if the public deserves a special counsel or investigation to ensure accountability. “I’ve pored through these documents,” she said. “Do you think a special counsel is warranted… to reassure people… that top officials are not going to be up to no good?”

Crow’s answer? Deflect and defend. He touted the “four investigations” into Russian election interference, including the one led by Sen. Marco Rubio. But here’s the thing: rehashing old talking points doesn’t excuse fresh allegations—or dismiss the right of the American people to demand transparency.

If Gabbard’s claims are so ridiculous, let’s test them under the light of a real investigation. Because truth doesn’t fear scrutiny—only bureaucrats do.

From Capitol Hill to Club Fed: George Santos Begins His Final Act

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Key Takeaways:

  • George Santos begins a 7-year sentence for fraud and identity theft tied to his 2022 campaign.
  • He threw a farewell party on X, calling prison an “upgrade” and blaming political enemies.
  • A judge denied leniency, citing zero remorse; Trump clemency remains unlikely.

The rhinestones are packed, the curtain has fallen, and George Santos—the most fabulously fraudulent freshman Congress has seen in decades—is officially headed to prison.

The disgraced New York Republican, once hailed for flipping a blue-leaning district on Long Island, is set to begin serving a seven-year sentence for federal wire fraud and identity theft after pleading guilty last summer. He has until 2 p.m. Friday to report, likely to a cushy minimum-security facility—an upgrade from the medium-security unit originally assigned, according to Santos himself in an interview with Al Arabiya. Because of course, even his prison time needs a glow-up.

Santos, 37, celebrated his farewell with a self-hosted “going away” bash on X (formerly Twitter), where he wrote: “From the halls of Congress to the chaos of cable news… Was it messy? Always. Glamorous? Occasionally. Honest? I tried… most days.”

Let’s not forget: this is the same man who faked working at Goldman Sachs, claimed he was a volleyball star at a college he never attended, and called himself “Jew-ish.” The real story? He was stealing identities to bankroll his campaign while hawking a fake resume.

In April, a federal judge rejected Santos’ request for a reduced two-year sentence, stating she wasn’t convinced his remorse was genuine. Though Santos claimed to be “profoundly sorry” in the lead-up to sentencing, he undercut his own apology by repeatedly whining about being the target of a political witch hunt and so-called prosecutorial overreach.

Since being expelled by his own GOP colleagues, Santos has kept busy with a podcast and Cameo gigs, even hoping his loyalty to President Trump might score him clemency. No dice—at least not yet.

He told Tucker Carlson, “I’m not built for this,” calling prison a “practically a death sentence.” But let’s be real: it’s accountability, not assassination.

Fraud meets consequences. Even if they’re minimum-security chic.

Trump Brings Receipts: Schools Powell in Hard Hat Showdown (WATCH)

President Donald J. Trump isn’t just talking about accountability—he’s bringing the receipts. In a tense, made-for-TV moment, Trump confronted Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell during a site visit, both men sporting hard hats for the occasion.

“So we’re taking a look and it looks like it’s about $3.1 billion,” Trump said, referring to recent financial data. Powell, clearly caught off guard, replied, “I’m not aware of that.”

Trump didn’t miss a beat: “Yeah, it just came out.”

Powell doubled down: “Yeah, I haven’t heard that from anybody.”

Then came the mic-drop moment. Trump reached into his suit pocket, pulled out an official report, and handed it over—complete with the numbers Powell claimed didn’t exist.

WATCH:

The exchange underscored Trump’s trademark style: prepared, combative, and unafraid to challenge the so-called experts. While Powell squirmed, Trump leaned into his reputation as a dealmaker who knows the numbers and won’t hesitate to expose Washington spin.

This public clash isn’t just political theater—it highlights a deeper debate over transparency, fiscal responsibility, and whether unelected bureaucrats are truly accountable to the American people. One thing is certain: Trump came ready, and Powell wasn’t.