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Fox News’ Laura Ingraham and Maria Bartiromo Mislead Viewers on U.S. Oil Production Despite Historic Highs
On the August 13 episode of The Ingraham Angle, Fox News host Laura Ingraham, along with Fox Business anchor Maria Bartiromo, presented misleading narratives regarding U.S. oil production and the fossil fuel industry's impact on the economy. They claimed that the Biden administration had "banned more drilling and exploration on federal lands," suggesting that this was negatively affecting job creation and the economy.
However, these claims are contradicted by the latest data. According to Politico, the United States is producing more oil than any country in history, with an abundance of natural gas driving down prices. Moreover, oil production on federal lands has seen a significant increase during the Biden administration, with an uptick of approximately 530,000 barrels per day since 2020, as reported by E&E News.
Politico also highlighted that U.S. oil production recently set a new record, averaging 13.4 million barrels per day. This represents a 5% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
Interestingly, despite this surge in production, employment in the oil and gas extraction sector has dropped by nearly 20% since 2019. This decline isn't due to a lack of drilling or government restrictions, but rather the industry's increasing reliance on efficiency and automation. As Greg Upton, executive director of Louisiana State University's Center for Energy Studies, explained, "You just need fewer workers to produce more oil."
These facts not only challenge but dismantle the narrative pushed by Fox News. The reality is that record-breaking oil production and declining job numbers coexist due to technological advancements, not government policy. Ingraham’s and Bartiromo’s assertions fail to account for the rapidly changing dynamics of the energy workforce.
Furthermore, their narrow focus on expanding fossil fuel production ignores the urgent necessity of transitioning to renewable energy sources, a shift that is crucial for addressing the escalating climate crisis and could pave the way for new, sustainable job opportunities.
Harris Proposes Major Tax Relief for Families Welcoming a New Baby
Vice President Kamala Harris is set to introduce an ambitious economic plan aimed at easing the financial burden on American families by addressing key expenses such as housing, groceries, and child-rearing costs.
A central feature of the plan is a significant expansion of the child tax credit. Under Harris's proposal, low- and middle-income families could receive up to $6,000 for each new baby, alongside the restoration of the pandemic-era benefit that provided up to $3,600 per child. This move aligns with Republican proposals, including one from Vice Presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance, who has suggested a $5,000 child tax credit.
While President Joe Biden has faced challenges in gaining recognition for his economic policies, particularly in reducing prices, polls indicate that Harris fares better in voter confidence on economic issues. During a campaign stop in Las Vegas on August 10, Harris acknowledged the ongoing issue of high grocery prices, stating, "While our economy is doing well by many measures, prices for everyday things like groceries are still too high. You know it and I know it."
Harris's plan also targets housing affordability. In Raleigh, North Carolina, she will deliver her campaign's first major policy address, where she plans to propose tax incentives that could lead to the construction of 3 million new housing units within four years. This exceeds the Biden administration's current proposal of 2 million new and renovated homes. Harris's proposal includes unspecified tax breaks for homebuilders focusing on first-time buyers and affordable rentals, along with a $40 billion fund to support local governments in financing housing developments, doubling the Biden administration's $20 billion proposal.
Additionally, Harris will advocate for a $25,000 down payment assistance program for first-time homeowners, which could benefit over 4 million buyers. This plan is more generous than Biden's State of the Union proposal, which offered a $10,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers.
On the corporate front, Harris will emphasize her commitment to challenging corporations that profit excessively from consumers. Drawing from her experience as California's attorney general, she will pledge to fight corporate price gouging, particularly by landlords and pharmaceutical companies. Harris plans to propose an extension of the $35 insulin price cap to all Americans, not just seniors, and a $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs.
Harris's campaign also indicates she will support legislation restricting tax breaks for corporate investors purchasing homes and banning the use of algorithmic data by rental property owners to increase rent prices. Regarding grocery prices, Harris will advocate for a federal ban on price gouging in the food sector, with a particular focus on meat prices. She will argue that the concentrated meat processing industry is a significant factor driving up grocery costs and commit to more aggressive investigations and prosecutions of price-fixing in the meat supply chain.
The plan also proposes empowering the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general with the authority to investigate and penalize corporations that keep grocery prices high instead of passing savings to consumers. Additionally, Harris's administration would scrutinize mergers in the food sector to ensure they do not lead to higher grocery prices.
Columbia University President Steps Down Amid Controversy Over Israel-Gaza Protests
Minouche Shafik, Columbia University’s President, has resigned, marking the end of a brief and contentious tenure characterized by significant unrest and criticism over her management of pro-Palestinian protests on campus earlier this year.
Shafik’s decision to bring New York police onto campus twice during the protests—once to dismantle a Gaza solidarity encampment and again to clear students occupying a building—sparked widespread backlash. In May, a group of faculty expressed a vote of no confidence in her leadership, accusing her of infringing on students' rights and academic freedom.
In an email to the Columbia community on Wednesday night, Shafik announced her immediate resignation, citing the challenges of navigating a deeply divided campus environment. She noted that recent events had taken a heavy toll on her family, as well as the broader community.
Reflecting on her decision, Shafik wrote, “I have concluded that stepping aside at this juncture is the best way for Columbia to move forward in addressing the challenges ahead.”
The Board of Trustees, in a separate communication, stated that they had “reluctantly” accepted Shafik’s resignation and named Katrina Armstrong, the CEO of Columbia’s Irving Medical Center, as the interim president. The trustees expressed confidence in Armstrong’s ability to lead the university through this transitional period.
Shafik, an economist originally from Egypt, was the first woman to serve as Columbia’s president since its founding. Her tenure, however, quickly became fraught with difficulties. Just a few months into her presidency, the October 7 Hamas attack ignited the Israel-Gaza conflict, leading to widespread protests on Columbia’s campus, mirroring similar demonstrations across the country.
Columbia’s handling of these protests drew intense scrutiny. Congress launched an investigation into the university’s alleged failure to protect Jewish students, compelling Shafik to testify before a House committee on issues related to antisemitism. The U.S. Department of Education also initiated an inquiry into claims of both Islamophobia and antisemitism on campus.
The situation further escalated when three Columbia deans resigned earlier this month after Shafik reprimanded them for sending text messages containing what was described as “ancient antisemitic tropes” during an event focused on Jewish life.
Shafik’s departure marks the third resignation of an Ivy League president since the House Education and Workforce Committee began its hearings on university leaders’ responses to campus pro-Palestinian protests. These hearings saw intense questioning of university policies, rule enforcement, and public statements.
At Columbia, Shafik faced a difficult balancing act: Some students and faculty urged her to protect protesters’ rights to free expression, citing Columbia’s long-standing tradition of student activism, from Vietnam War protests to more recent movements like divestment from private prisons. After Shafik’s initial call for police intervention, 70 students and faculty members signed an open letter accusing her of “violating our community’s values.”
On the other side, Republican lawmakers pressured Shafik to crack down on what they described as hateful and hostile protests against Jewish students. Representative Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) criticized Shafik in a May letter, accusing her of allowing the campus to be overrun by “mob rule” and appeasing “antisemitic radicals.” Following Shafik’s resignation, Stefanik issued a statement celebrating the news, calling her presidency “untenable.”
Jelani Cobb, Dean of Columbia’s Journalism School, acknowledged the extraordinary challenges Shafik faced, describing this past year as one of the most tumultuous in the university’s recent history. Cobb noted that Armstrong, the interim president, is highly regarded within the Columbia community for her straightforward leadership style.
Jeanine D’Armiento, a professor at Columbia’s medical school and chair of the University Senate’s executive committee, expressed confidence in the university’s future, saying, “We were preparing all summer collaboratively, and she [Shafik] is just one individual. We’re looking forward to the semester and getting back to the academic work.”
As news of Shafik’s resignation spread, reactions among students were mixed. Cameron Jones, a junior and lead organizer with Jewish Voice for Peace, viewed the resignation as a victory for student activism and vowed to continue advocating for the Palestinian cause.
Conversely, Elisha Baker, a co-chair of the pro-Israel group Aryeh, hopes Columbia’s new leadership will enforce stricter regulations on campus protests, potentially including rules on where and when demonstrations can occur and policies to prevent protesters from masking their identities.
As Columbia prepares for the upcoming academic year, the university community remains in a state of reflection and anticipation, with many hoping for a smoother path forward under new leadership.
2.9 Billion Records, Including Social Security Numbers, Compromised in Massive Data Hack: Key Details
A staggering number of Social Security numbers and other sensitive information belonging to millions of people may now be in the hands of a hacking group following a significant data breach. The Los Angeles Times reported this week that the compromised data might have been sold on an online marketplace.
The hacking group, known as USDoD, allegedly stole personal records of 2.9 billion individuals from National Public Data, according to a class-action lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, as reported by Bloomberg Law. The breach is believed to have occurred around April 2024, according to the lawsuit.
Here’s what you need to know about the alleged data breach:
What Information Was Compromised?
The law firm Schubert, Jonckheer & Kolbe, which filed the class-action suit, stated in a press release that the stolen data file is 277.1 gigabytes in size and contains names, address histories, family connections, and Social Security numbers dating back at least three decades.
According to a cybersecurity expert’s post on X (formerly known as Twitter), the group USDoD claims to be selling the 2.9 billion records of U.S., U.K., and Canadian citizens on the dark web for $3.5 million.
Since the data was put up for sale in April, other versions of the data have surfaced, according to the cybersecurity and technology website Bleeping Computer.
In August, a hacker known as "Fenice" reportedly released the most comprehensive version of the data for free on an online forum, Bleeping Computer reported.
What is National Public Data?
National Public Data is a background check company based in Florida and operated by Jerico Pictures, Inc.
While National Public Data has not publicly confirmed the breach, The Los Angeles Times reported that the company has been responding to inquiries via email, stating, "We are aware of certain third-party claims about consumer data and are investigating these issues."
Multiple Individuals Charged in Connection with Actor Matthew Perry’s Overdose Death
Several individuals have been charged in connection with the accidental overdose death of actor Matthew Perry, according to law enforcement sources who spoke with NBC News on Thursday.
Perry, 54, was discovered unresponsive in the heated section of his pool at his Pacific Palisades residence on October 28, 2023. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that his death was due to the acute effects of ketamine, a powerful anesthetic with hallucinogenic properties.
Sources reported that at least one arrest was made in Southern California early Thursday. Federal prosecutors are expected to unseal an indictment later today, detailing the charges against this individual and others involved.
The family of Keith Morrison, a “Dateline” correspondent and Perry’s stepfather, expressed their relief at the recent developments.
“We were and continue to be devastated by Matthew’s passing, but it brings some solace knowing that law enforcement has treated his case with the seriousness it deserves,” the family stated. “We look forward to seeing justice served.”
In May, the Los Angeles police confirmed their collaboration with federal authorities to investigate the source of the ketamine found in Perry’s system.
Ketamine, long popular as a recreational drug, has recently gained attention for its potential in treating depression. An increasing number of clinics offer ketamine infusions or injections for various mental health conditions.
Perry had been receiving ketamine infusion therapy for depression and anxiety, though his last session occurred over a week before his death. The medical examiner noted that the ketamine detected in Perry’s body “could not be from that infusion therapy” due to its short half-life.
The ketamine levels in his system were significantly high, comparable to those used for general anesthesia in surgical procedures, according to the medical examiner’s findings.
Ultimately, Perry’s death was ruled accidental, with contributing factors including drowning, coronary artery disease, and the presence of buprenorphine, a medication used to treat opioid dependence.
Perry, beloved for his role as Chandler Bing on the hit TV show “Friends,” had been candid about his struggles with opioid addiction and alcoholism, which he detailed in his 2022 memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing.” The medical examiner’s report noted that Perry had been sober for 19 months at the time of his death.
It’s not unusual for law enforcement to investigate and, in some cases, charge those responsible for supplying drugs that lead to high-profile fatalities.
For example, after Michael Jackson’s death in 2009, his personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter for administering a fatal dose of potent drugs. More recently, federal prosecutors in New York charged four individuals who provided actor Michael K. Williams with the fentanyl-laced heroin that resulted in his 2021 death.
Hamas Declines Participation in Gaza Ceasefire Talks, Senior Official Confirms
A senior Hamas official has informed the BBC that the group will not be taking part in the upcoming indirect talks on a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release, which are scheduled to resume in Doha on Thursday.
The official stated that Hamas is seeking a concrete roadmap for the implementation of any agreements and is unwilling to engage in talks merely to "provide cover for Israel to continue its war." He emphasized that the roadmap should be based on the proposal put forward by U.S. President Joe Biden at the end of May, and accused Israel of introducing "new conditions" to the negotiations.
In response, Israel’s Prime Minister has denied making any new demands, instead asserting that it is Hamas who has been pushing for changes.
Despite Hamas's refusal to participate, the talks are still expected to proceed, with U.S., Egyptian, and Qatari mediators aiming to develop a plan to resolve the outstanding issues. The negotiations have faced multiple setbacks, particularly after the assassination of Hamas's political leader and chief negotiator, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran. The U.S. hopes that finalizing a deal might deter Iran from retaliating against Israel—whose involvement in the assassination has neither been confirmed nor denied—and help prevent a broader regional conflict.
Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza following an unprecedented attack on southern Israel by Hamas on October 7, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages being taken. Since then, over 39,960 people have been killed in Gaza, according to figures from the Hamas-run health ministry.
Last week, the leaders of the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar issued a joint statement urging Israel and Hamas to urgently resume talks to secure a deal that would bring relief to the people of Gaza and address the situation of the remaining 111 hostages, 39 of whom are presumed dead. The leaders indicated that a framework agreement is "now on the table with only the details of implementation left to conclude," and they expressed their readiness to present a bridging proposal if necessary.
Israel responded by agreeing to send negotiators to Thursday’s talks, while Hamas requested that mediators present a plan based on discussions from a month and a half ago, rather than initiating new rounds of negotiations. On Wednesday, a senior Hamas official confirmed that their representatives would not attend the meeting, despite many being based in Doha.
“We want a roadmap to implement what we have already agreed upon, based on President Biden’s ceasefire plan and the Security Council resolution, which guarantees Israel’s withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, particularly from the Philadelphi corridor [along the border with Egypt], and allows for the return of displaced persons to northern Gaza without restrictions, as well as the flow of humanitarian aid,” the official told the BBC. He also claimed that Israel had added new conditions and had not honored previous agreements.
The initial phase of the deal proposed by President Biden on May 31, and supported by the UN Security Council, included a "full and complete ceasefire" lasting six weeks, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas of Gaza, and the exchange of some hostages, including women, the elderly, and those who are sick or wounded, in return for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. The subsequent phases involved the release of all remaining hostages and a "permanent end to hostilities," followed by a significant reconstruction plan for Gaza and the return of deceased hostages' remains.
On Tuesday, the New York Times reported that unpublished documents revealed Israel had introduced five new conditions in a letter dated July 27, adding to the principles set out in the May proposal presented by President Biden. The July letter reportedly included a map showing that Israel would maintain control over the Philadelphi corridor, contrary to the earlier proposal, which suggested withdrawing Israeli forces from densely populated areas along Gaza’s borders.
The report also mentioned that the July letter stipulated a mechanism to ensure that only unarmed civilians returning to northern Gaza would be allowed through the Israeli-controlled Netzarim corridor, effectively dividing the territory.
In response to the report, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office issued a statement denying the addition of new conditions, calling them "essential clarifications" instead. The statement accused Hamas of demanding 29 changes to the May 27 proposal, which Netanyahu had refused to accept, although no details about Hamas's demands were provided.
Later on Tuesday, President Biden acknowledged that the negotiations were becoming increasingly difficult but vowed not to give up. He also expressed hope that an agreement would prevent Iran, Hamas’s primary backer, from retaliating against Israel for Haniyeh’s assassination.
When asked whether Iran might halt its actions if a ceasefire deal were reached, President Biden responded, "That's my expectation, but we'll see." Israel, which has not confirmed its involvement in Haniyeh's killing, has warned Iran that it would "exact a heavy price for any aggression." Iran, meanwhile, has dismissed Western calls for restraint, insisting that a punitive response against an aggressor is a "legal right."
Haniyeh has been succeeded by Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in Gaza, who was a key figure behind the October 7 attack. On Monday, Netanyahu stated that Sinwar "has been and remains the only obstacle to a hostage deal."
Expected Increase in Social Security Payments for 2025: What You Need to Know
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has just released the first of three key figures that will determine the 2025 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), and it suggests that next year’s increase in monthly benefits may be more modest than in previous years.
In July, the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) saw a 2.9% rise compared to the same month last year. This index is a critical factor in calculating the COLA, which is based on the changes in this inflation measure from July through September each year. The final COLA for 2025 will be announced in October.
For 2024, the COLA increased monthly Social Security benefits by 3.2%, following a period of heightened inflation. Alicia Munnell, director of the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, notes that if inflation continues to cool, the 2025 COLA could range between 2.6% and 2.9%. “People are still frustrated by high prices,” she observes, “but it appears we’re slowly moving past the worst of the inflation.”
Sri Reddy, Senior Vice President for Retirement and Income Solutions at Principal Financial Group, echoes this cautious optimism. “Both general and core inflation have seemed to stabilize at around 3% in the first half of this year,” Reddy states. “Unless significant economic events disrupt this trend, the 2025 Social Security COLA is likely to fall between 2.75% and 3.25%.”
A COLA aligned with the July CPI-W figure of 2.9% would mean an increase of about $54 per month for the average Social Security retirement benefit, which was approximately $1,870 in June 2024. Similarly, the average monthly survivor benefit ($1,508 in June) would rise by $44, and the average Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payment ($1,538 in June) would increase by $45.
The 2024 COLA had provided an extra $59 per month for the average retiree, reflecting a sharp decrease from the previous year’s 8.7% COLA — the largest increase since 1981 — which was driven by a significant spike in consumer prices.
David Certner, AARP’s Legislative Counsel and Policy Director, emphasizes the importance of the COLA for retirees: “Social Security is often the only income that adjusts for inflation, making it crucial for seniors. Whether the increase is large or small, AARP has long fought to preserve the COLA, ensuring seniors can keep up with rising costs throughout their retirement.”
The CPI-W tracks the price changes in a specific basket of goods and services, including essentials like food, energy, and medical care. This index, reported monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is a subset of the broader Consumer Price Index (CPI), which serves as the main indicator of inflation. In July, the broader CPI also rose by 2.9% year over year, down slightly from 3% in June.
To determine the COLA, the SSA compares the average CPI-W for the third quarter of the current year to the same period from the previous year.
In 2023, the CPI-W rose 2.6% in July, 3.4% in August, and 3.6% in September. This led to an average increase of 3.2% for the quarter compared to the same period in 2022, resulting in the COLA that took effect in January 2024.
While a 3% COLA in 2025 would be the smallest since 2021, it is consistent with pre-pandemic trends, when inflation was relatively stable. Between 2001 and 2020, the average COLA was around 2.2%. In years without inflation, such as 2009, 2010, and 2015, there was no COLA. The highest adjustment on record was 14.3% in 1980.
Social Security benefits may lag behind inflation during periods of rapid price changes, depending on the direction of the CPI, but “over the long term, it does offer protection,” says Munnell, who has extensively researched the issue.
For instance, beneficiaries experienced a loss of purchasing power in 2021 when the 1.3% COLA — based on low inflation in 2020 — was overtaken by surging consumer prices. This pattern continued in 2022, with a 5.9% benefit increase being outpaced by 9% inflation. However, beneficiaries have mostly caught up as inflation has decreased over the past two years.
“The COLA directly reflects national inflation data, ensuring it offsets price increases since the last adjustment,” explains Emerson Sprick, Associate Director of Economic Policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center. “Because of relatively stable prices this year, beneficiaries should expect only a moderate adjustment in 2025 — a welcome change from recent years.”
It’s also important to note that Medicare costs can impact the COLA’s effectiveness as a hedge against inflation. For instance, if Medicare Part B premiums increase in 2025, it could reduce the net COLA benefit for recipients who have these premiums deducted from their Social Security payments, which is the case for most Medicare enrollees.
In their 2024 annual report, Medicare trustees estimated that the standard Part B premium could rise from $174.70 per month to $185 in 2025, potentially reducing the COLA increase by $10.30 per month for those affected. However, this estimate is preliminary, and the final premium will be announced in the fall.
Social Security trustees have also highlighted a looming financial challenge for the program, projecting that without congressional intervention, benefits could be reduced by 17% by 2035. Sprick cautions that while COLAs are important, the program’s long-term financial stability is the bigger concern. “We sometimes place too much emphasis on COLAs,” he says. “The real threat to older Americans’ financial security is the potential funding shortfall in Social Security.”
WHO Declares Mpox Outbreak in Africa a Public Health Emergency, Echoing Early HIV Crisis
An ongoing mpox outbreak in Africa has been likened to the early days of the HIV crisis, with the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring it a public health emergency. Scientists warn that the situation mirrors the initial struggles with HIV, emphasizing the urgent need for increased access to testing, vaccines, and treatments in the affected regions.
Medical experts are calling for a swift response, urging not only the acceleration of resources but also campaigns to combat the stigma surrounding the virus. The outbreak, particularly severe in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has resulted in 38,465 cases and 1,456 deaths across Africa since January 2022. Of these, over 14,000 cases and 524 deaths have occurred in the DRC this year alone.
The virus includes clades I and II, along with a newly identified variant, clade Ib, which seems to be driving the outbreak in the DRC and neighboring countries. Children, in particular, appear to be at higher risk from this new strain.
The WHO's declaration of a “public health emergency of international concern” puts mpox in the same category as past global threats like Ebola, Covid-19, and the 2022 mpox outbreak in Europe. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed deep concern over the situation, noting that the emergence of clade Ib in eastern DRC and its spread to nearby countries is especially alarming.
To address the crisis, the WHO has already allocated $1.5 million from its contingency fund and plans to secure the remaining $15 million needed for ongoing efforts in the region. Tedros has called on international donors to contribute more resources.
Trudie Lang, a global health research professor at Oxford University, highlighted the similarities between this outbreak and the early days of HIV, particularly the spread of the virus through sexual networks. Vulnerable groups, such as young, exploited sex workers, are at high risk, and public health campaigns will be crucial to reduce stigma and encourage treatment-seeking behavior.
Lang also noted reports from frontline workers of pregnancy complications and babies born with mpox lesions, raising concerns about transmission in the womb. There are still significant unknowns about the virus, including the number of undiagnosed cases in the community.
“What worries me most,” Lang said, “is the potential for mild, hidden infections, particularly those transmitted sexually. We still don’t know when the virus is most infectious or how it spreads.”
She added that while the virus might be quickly contained if it reached Europe or the U.S., similar success is unlikely in impoverished regions of Africa.
Dr. Ayoade Alakija, chair of the Africa Vaccine Delivery Alliance and the diagnostics non-profit Find, argued that if this outbreak occurred in Europe, it would already be considered a major international health emergency. She urged that the WHO’s declaration should spur action and funding to address the crisis more effectively.
“There’s a critical need for deeper research into mpox transmission to guide control efforts,” Alakija said, stressing the importance of equitable access to vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments. She pointed out that most of these resources have been pre-ordered by wealthier countries, with only one diagnostic test available.
Alakija also expressed concern that without adequate testing, the interplay between mpox and other viruses like HIV remains unclear, potentially exacerbating the outbreak’s severity and spread. She warned that delays in addressing the virus in the DRC have almost inevitably led to its spread to neighboring countries, increasing the risk of a broader outbreak.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) had already declared mpox a public health emergency, with its director general, Dr. Jean Kaseya, calling for aggressive efforts to contain and eliminate the virus. Responding to this, Dr. Boghuma Titanji, an assistant professor of medicine at Emory University, expressed hope that the declaration would prompt African governments to allocate necessary funds to combat the outbreak.
In early August, the African Union approved $10.4 million for Africa CDC’s response, but Kaseya estimates that the continent will need around $4 billion to effectively tackle the crisis.
Trump's Chaotic Musk Interview: A Public Relations Nightmare
For a billionaire with a fascination for flirting with far-right ideologies, Elon Musk has an uncanny talent for making conservative figures look foolish.
Former President Donald Trump eagerly promoted his upcoming Monday night interview with Musk, which was set to stream on X (formerly Twitter). However, much like the rocky launch of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ presidential campaign on the same platform, the Trump-Musk interview turned into a social media debacle, inviting widespread mockery over the glaring technical glitches and lack of preparedness.
Since Kamala Harris secured the top spot on the Democratic ticket last month, Trump’s campaign has been struggling. His immature attacks on Harris have fallen flat, and his racist remarks about her mixed-race background have alienated all but his staunchest supporters. His choice of JD Vance as his running mate has also backfired, with Vance becoming increasingly unappealing with each public appearance.
In an odd and likely misguided attempt to regain his footing, Trump decided to sit down with Musk for a chat with an audience that skews heavily online and does not reflect the broader electorate. Even if the interview had gone smoothly, it would have been a strange and ineffective move in Trump’s efforts to counter Harris’ growing momentum.
But the interview did not go smoothly. It went off the rails almost immediately. As the scheduled start time came and went, X users were left in the dark, either laughing or fuming as the broadcast failed to begin. It took over 40 minutes before the interview finally started, adding another layer of embarrassment to a campaign already struggling to maintain a veneer of competence.
Trump, who had previously ridiculed DeSantis for his Twitter interview disaster in May 2023, writing, “Wow! The DeSanctus TWITTER launch is a DISASTER! His whole campaign will be a disaster. WATCH!”, found himself in a similar, if not worse, predicament.
Once the interview finally got underway, things didn’t improve for Trump. His speech was disjointed, jumping from topics like crowd sizes and immigration to President Joe Biden and other random thoughts. Worse still, his slurred speech raised further concerns about his health and did nothing to dispel growing worries about his age and fitness for office.
Musk, who lacks the ability to steer a conversation or challenge his guest, merely echoed Trump’s bizarre statements, occasionally veering off on his own right-wing tangents, much like a man too wealthy to be told he’s wrong.
Quoting anything from the interview would be pointless, as Trump’s remarks were either too incoherent to transcribe or recycled from his usual rally rhetoric.
Trump's message has become tiresomely predictable: build a wall, drill for oil, bash Marxists and socialists, and make racially insensitive remarks about Harris. His latest attempt to revitalize his campaign by teaming up with a tech mogul known for social media missteps resulted in what Trump himself might call a "DISASTER!"
Musk, with his clumsy handling of social media and inflated sense of self-importance, first made DeSantis look inept. Now, he’s done the same to Trump.
At this rate, Musk’s continued blunders might even win him some unlikely fans.
Trump Campaign Confirms Hack After Anonymous Emails Surface
The campaign for former President Donald Trump confirmed on Saturday that some of its internal communications had been compromised by a hacker. This announcement followed the receipt of emails by POLITICO from an anonymous sender who shared documents purportedly from within Trump’s campaign.
The Trump campaign attributed the breach to “foreign sources hostile to the United States,” referencing a Microsoft report released on Friday. The report highlighted a spear phishing attempt in June by Iranian hackers targeting a senior official in a U.S. presidential campaign, though Microsoft did not specify which campaign was targeted. When asked for details, a Trump campaign spokesperson, Steven Cheung, declined to provide further information supporting the claim that Iran was responsible for the breach.
“These documents were obtained illegally from foreign sources hostile to the United States, intended to interfere with the 2024 election and sow chaos throughout our Democratic process,” Cheung stated. He also mentioned Microsoft’s report, noting that the timing of the cyberattack coincided with Trump’s selection of a vice-presidential nominee.
Cheung did not disclose whether the campaign had engaged with Microsoft or law enforcement regarding the breach, citing the sensitivity of such discussions.
The anonymous emails began arriving at POLITICO on July 22, sent from an AOL account by someone identifying themselves only as “Robert.” Over the past few weeks, “Robert” shared what appeared to be internal communications from a senior Trump campaign official, including a research dossier on Trump’s running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, dated Feb. 23. According to two individuals familiar with the documents, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the documents are authentic. One source described the dossier as an early draft of Vance’s vetting file.
The 271-page dossier compiled publicly available information about Vance’s record and statements, highlighting some, like his past criticisms of Trump, as “POTENTIAL VULNERABILITIES.” Another document provided by “Robert” included a portion of a research file on Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, who was also considered for the vice-presidential nomination.
When asked how they obtained the documents, “Robert” cryptically replied, “I suggest you don’t be curious about where I got them from. Any answer to this question will compromise me and legally restrict you from publishing them.”
The full extent of the breach remains unclear, but it represents a significant security lapse for the Trump campaign.
In recent weeks, reports have surfaced indicating that the U.S. intelligence community is increasingly concerned that Iran is plotting retaliation against Trump for ordering the 2020 assassination of Iranian military officer Qassem Soleimani. Although no evidence links the hacker to these plots, the situation has raised alarms.
Cheung alluded to these reports in his statement on Saturday, asserting, “The Iranians know that President Trump will stop their reign of terror just like he did in his first four years in the White House.”
Iranian officials were not immediately available for comment.
This breach recalls the 2016 hacking of top Democratic Party officials ahead of the presidential election. That cyberattack, later attributed to Russia, resulted in the leak of damaging emails that exposed the inner workings of Hillary Clinton’s campaign. The Justice Department’s subsequent investigation into Russian interference in the election did not find sufficient evidence to charge Trump or his campaign with collusion, though Special Counsel Robert Mueller did document the campaign’s enthusiasm for exploiting the hacked materials.
Mar-a-Lago Employee Speaks Out About Moving Classified Documents
A butler at Mar-a-Lago revealed to CNN how he unknowingly assisted Nauta in transporting boxes of classified information from the estate to the former president's plane in June 2022. This occurred on the same day that Trump and his attorney were meeting with the Justice Department at Mar-a-Lago to discuss the classified documents.
Vice Presidential Race for Harris Turns Increasingly Bitter
The contest to become Vice President Harris's running mate is becoming more contentious as the decision approaches, with Democrats rallying behind their preferred candidates.
Progressives, upset by Israel's actions in Gaza, have increasingly targeted Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro (D) due to his stance on Israel and his handling of pro-Palestinian protests. According to Politico, Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) has also raised concerns about Shapiro with Harris's team.
The left wing of the Democratic Party is pushing for Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to be Harris’s pick. Several House Democrats are advocating for Walz, according to a source familiar with the discussions.
Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), another leading contender, has faced public questioning from some union leaders about his suitability for the role, although the criticisms have not reached the same level of intensity as those against Shapiro.
Some strategists liken the vice presidential battle to a Democratic primary fight.
“This is probably the closest thing to a primary that Democrats get this cycle, explaining why it has become so high-stakes,” said a Democratic strategist who has worked on recent presidential campaigns. “Many Democrats see this as the last opportunity to impact the ticket and possibly influence the White House until 2028 or 2032, which is why there's so much campaigning.”
When President Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed Harris, both Democrats and Republicans were surprised by how quickly the party united around her. Many had expected a fierce battle post-Biden, but no challengers emerged, allowing the party to breathe a sigh of relief.
However, the vice presidential race has since taken on a more bitter tone.
“Veepstakes is usually a months-long process, but the surprise of picking new talent for the ticket has excited Democrats, creating a pressure-cooker environment over just two weeks,” said a second strategist. “All opposition research and critiques that would normally have time to develop are being rushed out.”
“In the closing days, the fractures have grown more intense, but their durability is unclear. The guiding principle for the Harris campaign remains the same: Do no harm, show good judgment with your pick, and potentially sway key states.”
A Harris ally agreed that the condensed timeline, following recent fractures within the Democratic Party, is contributing to the “intensity of the moment.”
“No one wants to make a mistake here,” the ally said. “The window is small and the stakes are high.”
Shapiro has borne the brunt of the criticism, particularly from progressives. Critics from the left-leaning wing of his party point to what they see as a heavy-handed approach to pro-Palestinian protests during his tenure as governor and attorney general.
One debate became so intense that activists argued over whether calling Shapiro “Genocide Josh” was antisemitic, according to The New York Times.
Some Democrats believe much of the criticism Shapiro has received is from the “overly online left” and predict that progressives will support him if Harris picks him.
“These internal squabbles might seem significant online because they evoke strong emotions, but they don’t reflect what’s happening in the real world. The average voter is not paying attention to this,” said Keith Edwards, a digital Democratic strategist.
However, one progressive strategist told The Hill that the criticism extends beyond online spaces and could affect turnout among Arab American and Muslim voters.
“There will be issues if he is the VP for the Arab vote, the progressive vote,” the strategist said. “This could be a defining moment for her campaign.”
Progressives and pro-Palestinian activists take particular issue with a recently resurfaced op-ed from Shapiro’s undergraduate years at the University of Rochester, where he predicted that “peace will never come” to the Middle East and described Palestinians as “battle-minded.”
The Institute for Peace and the Institute for Middle East Understanding issued a statement on Friday calling Shapiro’s comments in the op-ed “virulently racist.”
Shapiro’s spokesperson responded, noting that the governor's views have evolved since he wrote the op-ed at age 20.
Shapiro’s allies highlight his support from the Arab community, including a recent op-ed from a member of the Philadelphia Arab American Development Corp praising Shapiro for his outreach to the community following Oct. 7.
Supporters and critics of progressives argue that Shapiro’s current positions on Israel-related issues are not significantly different from those of the other contenders, suggesting that much of the criticism is rooted in antisemitism. Shapiro supports a two-state solution and has been a vocal critic of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the war.
“Those in the overly online left who attack Josh Shapiro’s pro-Israel positions differently from how they attack non-Jewish veep contenders are revealing their antisemitism,” Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-Mass.), who is Jewish, told CNN.
A Democratic strategist predicted that the progressive backlash would not heavily influence Harris’s decision, pointing to her moderated stances on issues like “Medicare for All” and fracking.
“She’s had many opportunities to cater to their demands and hasn’t,” the strategist said.
Edwards also questioned how long voters will focus on the veepstakes news cycle given the recent political chaos.
“The news cycle is very short,” he said. “There was an assassination attempt three weeks ago, and no one talks about that. This issue we’re discussing now is even smaller.”
Woman Fatally Punches Husband After He Refuses to Take Her to Dubai for Birthday
In a tragic incident in Pune, 36-year-old businessman Nikhil Khanna died after being punched in the nose by his wife. The altercation occurred when Khanna refused to take her to Dubai for her birthday celebration.
Millions of residents in northern Nigeria are under 24-hour curfews amid nationwide protests against the high cost of living. Authorities in Kano, Jigawa, Yobe, and Katsina have instructed locals to stay home on Friday to prevent participation in the protests. The government claims that "hoodlums" have hijacked the demonstrations, leading to looting and vandalism.
A strong security presence is evident nationwide as nine more "days of rage" are scheduled by the protest organizers. On the first day, Kano saw the largest demonstrations. Police used live bullets, tear gas, and hot water to disperse the crowds, resulting in three fatalities and multiple injuries. Looters targeted a warehouse near the governor's residence, leading to 269 arrests and the recovery of stolen goods.
Amnesty International reported that 13 protesters were killed by security forces across Nigeria on the first day. In Borno State, an explosion during a protest killed four people and injured 34. This led to a curfew in the state capital, Maiduguri. The explosion in the rural community of Kawori, suspected to be the work of Boko Haram, killed 16 people at a teashop.
Despite curfews, protests continued in major cities. In Abuja, police used tear gas to prevent demonstrators from reaching the city center. In Lagos, some banks and shops reopened, but the internet remained unstable. Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun put police on "red alert" to respond swiftly to any threats.
The protests, organized on social media with the hashtag #EndBadGovernance, were inspired by recent successful protests in Kenya. Demonstrators, particularly in the south, chanted slogans like "We are hungry," protesting President Bola Tinubu’s removal of a fuel subsidy, which has led to increased prices for fuel and other goods. They also demand wide-ranging reforms to the electoral system and judiciary.
Kano’s governor's spokesperson described the protests as largely peaceful but justified the curfew due to "rampant looting, destruction of property, and violence" by "thugs." Yobe State imposed curfews in Potiskum, Gashua, and Nguru due to vandalism and looting by "hoodlums." Katsina's government reported that "miscreants" had "hijacked the protests."
Divers Find 25 Bricks of Suspected Cocaine with Fake Nike Logos off Key West Coast
Divers exploring off the coast of Key West, Florida, initially mistook what they found on the ocean floor for trash. However, it turned out to be over two dozen packages of suspected cocaine, authorities reported Wednesday.
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office said deputies were called to the Rainbow Reef Dive Center in Key Largo after scuba divers reported the discovery. The images released by the sheriff's office revealed a torn garbage bag next to the packages, which were marked with fake Nike SB logos.
The 25 packages, each weighing approximately one kilogram (2.2 pounds), were found about 100 feet underwater in the Atlantic Ocean. The stash has been handed over to U.S. Border Patrol for further investigation.
This find follows a recent incident in which a beachgoer discovered around $1 million worth of cocaine washed ashore in the Florida Keys. That package contained 65 pounds of cocaine, according to CBS Miami.
Drug traffickers often transport cocaine across international waters using various vessels, and it's not uncommon for them to mark their packages with distinctive designs. In January, the Colombian Navy intercepted a "narco sub" carrying over 1,000 pounds of cocaine, with some packages marked with scorpion insignias or names like "Winnie" and "Carnal."
Last year, several Florida beaches saw packages of cocaine, worth over $100,000 in total, washed ashore, some featuring designs mimicking luxury brands like Chanel. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor also made headlines when she found 70 pounds of cocaine emblazoned with butterfly designs during a family fishing trip.
In 2023, nearly 150 pounds of cocaine washed up on Big Pine Key, and in 2019, bricks of cocaine were discovered on two beaches following Hurricane Dorian's impact on the Florida coast.
Colombia remains a major source of the world's cocaine production.
