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Trump promised a sex-trafficking crackdown. His Justice Department hasn't delivered

Trump promised a sex-trafficking crackdown. His Justice Department hasn't delivered

By Dan Rosenzweig-Ziff, Brad Heath and Kristina Cooke WASHINGTON, Aug 13 (Reuters) - The Trump administration has repeatedly said the fight against sex trafficking is one of its top priorities.

NM AG Supports Legislation for Legal Action Against DOJ Over Epstein Files

NM AG Supports Legislation for Legal Action Against DOJ Over Epstein Files

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez is backing a legislative proposal that would allow state attorneys general and Epstein survivors to sue the U.S. Department of Justice for withholding or redacting documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. The proposed 'Epstein Transparency Files Act Two', co-sponsored by Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández, aims to address the DOJ's failure to fully comply with the original Epstein Transparency Act. Critics argue that the redactions hide politically sensitive information, while the DOJ cites victim privacy as a reason for withholding unredacted files. Torrez has already filed a lawsuit against the DOJ, claiming that the lack of transparency is hindering the state's investigation into Epstein's activities at Zorro Ranch.

Leger Fernández and Torrez Announce Key Provisions in Epstein Transparency Act

Leger Fernández and Torrez Announce Key Provisions in Epstein Transparency Act

Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández and New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez have announced key transparency provisions included in the 'Epstein Files Transparency Act II'. The proposed amendments aim to strengthen the original act by ensuring state law enforcement has meaningful access to federal investigative records. The legislation seeks to prevent federal agencies from using procedural barriers to withhold information and clarifies that the act applies to ongoing investigations. The amendments are designed to ensure that victims of Jeffrey Epstein receive justice without unnecessary delays caused by federal non-compliance.

Federal Judge Rules NFA Registration Unconstitutional After Tax Elimination

Federal Judge Rules NFA Registration Unconstitutional After Tax Elimination

U.S. District Judge James Wesley Hendrix has ruled that the National Firearms Act's (NFA) registration requirements for certain firearms are unconstitutional following Congress's decision to eliminate associated taxes. The ruling affects suppressors, short-barreled rifles, shotguns, and any other weapons, as the tax reduction removes the constitutional basis for these registration requirements. The decision marks a significant challenge to the NFA, which has been in place since 1934. The ruling includes a permanent injunction against the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Department of Justice (DOJ), although the injunction is currently stayed pending potential appellate relief.

Jeffrey Epstein's Network of Public Relations and Reputation Management Revealed

Jeffrey Epstein's Network of Public Relations and Reputation Management Revealed

A detailed investigation has uncovered the extensive network of public relations executives, crisis specialists, and media advisers employed by Jeffrey Epstein to manage his reputation following his 2008 conviction for felony solicitation of prostitution and procuring a person under eighteen for prostitution. The network included prominent figures such as Dan Klores, Howard Rubenstein, and Mike Sitrick, among others. These professionals were involved in creating favorable media content, manipulating search results, and providing media coaching to Epstein. The goal was to present Epstein as a financier, philanthropist, and intellectual, overshadowing the negative press surrounding his criminal activities.

King Charles Retains Ceremonial Funeral Privilege for Prince Andrew

King Charles Retains Ceremonial Funeral Privilege for Prince Andrew

Despite being stripped of his royal titles, Prince Andrew remains on a confidential government list for high-profile ceremonial funerals. This list, known as 'bridge plans,' includes arrangements for Andrew's funeral to be held at St George's Chapel in Windsor, with potential involvement from Royal Navy officers. The revelation has sparked backlash, with critics arguing that public funds should not support a royal funeral for Andrew, given his association with Jeffrey Epstein. Survivors of Epstein's crimes and public figures have voiced their opposition, questioning the appropriateness of such honors.

U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez Criticizes ICE Policy Change on Detainee Death Reporting

U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez Criticizes ICE Policy Change on Detainee Death Reporting

U.S. Representative Rob Menendez, a Democrat from New Jersey, has voiced strong criticism against a recent policy change by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The policy, which was announced earlier this year, no longer requires ICE to report deaths that occur within 30 days of a detainee's release from custody. This change reverses a 2021 policy implemented by the Biden administration. Menendez argues that this creates a loophole allowing ICE to release individuals and subsequently avoid responsibility for investigating their deaths or informing Congress and the public. The issue gained attention following the death of a Guatemalan man, Jose Chajon-Raxon, who suffered a seizure at a New Jersey detention center and died shortly after being released from ICE custody. Menendez disclosed this incident, highlighting the potential for ICE to evade accountability under the new policy.

FEMA's 'Shadow Administrator' Under Scrutiny for Alleged Contract Influence

FEMA's 'Shadow Administrator' Under Scrutiny for Alleged Contract Influence

Kara Voorhies, described as a 'shadow administrator' at FEMA, is under scrutiny for allegedly influencing contract awards while being paid by a startup linked to a Department of Government Efficiency member. Court filings reveal her involvement in FEMA's operations, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest and the legality of her role. The situation has drawn attention from Congress and the Department of Homeland Security's inspector general.

Mysterious Deaths of Epstein Associates Continue to Raise Questions

Mysterious Deaths of Epstein Associates Continue to Raise Questions

The mysterious deaths of individuals linked to Jeffrey Epstein continue to fuel speculation and conspiracy theories. Since Epstein's death in 2019, several people connected to him have died under various circumstances, including suicide, overdose, and undetermined causes. These deaths have maintained an air of suspicion around Epstein's case, as many of these individuals held key information about his activities. The lack of clear answers and the failure of security measures at the time of Epstein's death have contributed to ongoing public interest and concern.

USDA Ordered to Revise GMO Labeling Rules by 2028 Following Court Decision

USDA Ordered to Revise GMO Labeling Rules by 2028 Following Court Decision

A federal district court has mandated that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) revise its National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard rules by January 1, 2028. This decision follows a lawsuit filed by the Center for Food Safety and other advocacy groups, challenging the USDA's 2018 regulations that allowed significant loopholes for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to avoid labeling. The court's ruling requires the USDA to eliminate exemptions that permitted up to 80% of GMO foods, including ultra-processed items, to bypass labeling requirements. The court also criticized the use of QR codes as a labeling method, which was deemed discriminatory as it did not provide accessible information to all consumers.

Bexar County Approves Jail Medical Screening Reforms and Public Dashboard Plan

Bexar County Approves Jail Medical Screening Reforms and Public Dashboard Plan

Bexar County commissioners have approved a series of reforms aimed at improving medical care and oversight at the county jail. This decision follows months of scrutiny over inmate deaths. The reforms include a $250,000 agreement with University Health to expand clinical screening at the Bexar County Adult Detention Center. This will involve constructing a modular medical screening room at the jail intake area. Additionally, a public-facing dashboard will be developed to track jail deaths, inmate population data, and medical referrals. The redesigned intake process will allow clinicians to identify acute medical conditions and behavioral health crises earlier, ensuring immediate treatment if necessary. These measures are part of a broader effort to address issues such as overcrowding and the increasing number of medically vulnerable inmates.

House Oversight Program's Closure Raises Concerns Over Missing Historical Records

House Oversight Program's Closure Raises Concerns Over Missing Historical Records

The closure of the House Appropriations Committee's Surveys and Investigations (S&I) program in 2024 has led to concerns over missing historical records. The program, which operated for over 80 years, was responsible for investigating waste, fraud, and abuse in government programs. Its closure resulted in the disappearance of valuable records, prompting the American Governance Institute and over 250 organizations to request the transfer of these materials to the National Archives. The S&I program was known for its bipartisan approach and played a crucial role in oversight, particularly during periods of increased federal spending.