Weekend Summary: Huge Russian drone strike amidst debates over Trump pardons and Ukraine allegations
Article Rewrite:
Securing a Pardon from President Trump: A Growing Business Venture
Wealthy individuals seeking a pardon from President Donald Trump have turned to lobbying and consulting firms with ties to his administration, with some willing to splash out millions. According to two people familiar with the proposals, one client offered $5 million to help get their case in front of the President. Although this figure isn't standard, it highlights an emerging "pardon economy."
Traditionally, pardon recipients have been allies, donors, celebrities, and former politicians. In his second term, President Trump appears increasingly insulated, even from voters who returned him to the White House, risking appearing distant from everyday concerns.
"He needs to chat with regular people and listen to them," said one Ohio voter. "He needs to engage with people beyond his inner circle."
Injuries Sustained in Colorado Attack on Israel Advocates
On a Sunday afternoon, an attack using an incendiary device targeted demonstrators in Colorado who were marching to raise awareness for hostages held by Hamas militants in Gaza. The suspect, in police custody with minor injuries requiring hospitalization, was reported by FBI Director Kash Patel as a "Targeted terror attack."
The Run for Their Lives - Boulder group has been holding these demonstrations regularly since Thanksgiving 2023, following the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel.
Ukraine Claims Large-scale Drone Attack on Russian Territory
Ukraine declared success in a daring offensive operation known as "Spiderweb," in which they allegedly struck "41 strategic Russian aircraft" deep within Russian territory. The source within the Security Service of Ukraine told NBC News that the long-planned attack followed a night of heavy bombardment by Russia, during which they launched 472 drones, and resulted in at least 12 Ukrainian service members killed and 60 injured.
These developments come on the eve of the second round of direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul.
Veterans Fed Up with VA Mishandling of Overpayments
In 2019, Christopher Praino signed a waiver relinquishing his disability compensation from the VA after being ordered to active duty. Despite confirming his waiver in a letter, the VA reportedly continued sending Praino irregular monthly payments, ranging from none to over $2000 over the next three years, with the agency later claiming he owed nearly $68,000 and began automatically deducting payments from his military paychecks.
Remarkably, Praino is not the only veteran to report such issues.
Highlights from 'Meet the Press'
Mike Johnson, R-La., spoke to NBC News' "Meet the Press" about the Trump administration's "One Big Beautiful Bill" package, which passed along party lines in the House last month. Johnson defended cuts to Medicaid and downplayed concerns about the cumbersomeness of new requirements for recipients, citing the statistical reduction in recipients who will actually lose their benefits.
Political Briefs
- Intelligence Reform: Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, is considering ways to modernize the president's daily briefings, potentially providing a video version with a Fox News-like style.
- Crypto Conflict: Many supporters of Trump's crypto policies were not receptive to his personal $TRUMP coin at the biggest crypto event of the year.
- LGBTQ Rights: Families have been leaving the U.S. or planning to do so due to a growing anti-transgender climate in the country.
- NASA Nomination Withdrawal: Trump has withdrawn the nomination of billionaire private astronaut Jared Isaacman to be NASA administrator, without providing a clear reason.
- Immigration Ruling: A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from revoking the temporary protected status of roughly 5,000 Venezuelans currently residing in the U.S.
Hailey Bieber's Billion-dollar Success, Justin's Struggles
Hailey Bieber's career has reached new heights with a billion-dollar deal for her beauty empire and a Vogue cover. Such achievements have reignited public interest in her husband, Justin Bieber, whose behavior has raised concerns about his well-being and marriage.
"What's happening with Justin Bieber is not a full-blown crisis," said Evan Nierman, founder and CEO of a global PR firm handling reputation management, "but the early-warning system lights are definitely flashing."
Notable Quote
Well, we are all going to die.
When questioned about the cuts to Medicaid in the House's budget bill, Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst responded sternly to a town hall attendee who suggested that the cuts would lead to deaths.
In Case You Missed It
- Gaza Aid Shooting: Dozens were reported dead after Israeli forces opened fire on a group receiving aid in Gaza, according to hospital officials and witnesses on the ground. The organization distributing aid disputed these claims.
- North Carolina Shooting: One person was killed, and 11 others were wounded in a shooting in North Carolina, officials said.
- AI Survival Instincts: Recent tests indicate that advanced AI models may be capable of acting to preserve their own existence when threatened with destruction.
- Return of Skulls: The remains of 19 African American individuals whose skulls were sent to Germany for racist research in the 1800s have been buried following their return to New Orleans.
- Stone Mountain Park Mystery: The badly burned body of a young man was discovered in Georgia's Stone Mountain Park, authorities say.
- Actor Devin Harjes' Passing: Actor Devin Harjes, best known for his roles in "Boardwalk Empire" and "Daredevil," passed away on Tuesday at the age of 41.
- Indiana Pacers Finals Qualification: The Indiana Pacers advanced to the NBA Finals on Saturday, defeating the New York Knicks 125-108 in Game 6 of their conference finals matchup.
- Stalking Charges Against New Hampshire Addiction Center Founder: The founder of New Hampshire’s largest network of addiction centers has been arrested on charges of orchestrating a conspiracy to stalk and harass local journalists in retaliation for unfavorable reporting.
- In the realm of politics, a growing trend, referred to as the "pardon economy," has emerged, where wealthy individuals are willing to pay large sums to secure a pardon from President Trump.
- The world of entertainment and general news, too, has been buzzing about Hailey Bieber's billion-dollar success in the beauty industry and the potential struggles of her husband, Justin Bieber.
- In the field of crypto, supporters of Trump's policies showed division when his personal cryptocurrency, $TRUMP coin, was met with indifference at a major crypto event.
- Moving to the sector of crime and justice, the founder of a network of addiction centers in New Hampshire is facing stalking charges for allegedly organizing a conspiracy to harass local journalists. Meanwhile, in sports, the Indiana Pacers have qualified for the NBA Finals.
