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Every Thursday, we bring you the top 10 stories from the past week—because in a media landscape flooded with noise, it’s easy to miss the headlines that actually matter. Here’s your ICMYI round-up for July 14–20, 2025:
New internal memos leaked from the Department of Justice show that President Trump allegedly urged top officials to curtail ongoing investigations into Jeffrey Epstein’s financial backers. The documents, dated just weeks before AG Maureen Comey was forced out, suggest interference at the highest level.
🔎 Google it: Trump Epstein DOJ leak July 2025
An unrelenting heatwave across the American South and Midwest saw temperatures topping 115°F, leading to blackouts in several states. Emergency rooms were overwhelmed, and climate scientists called it “a glimpse of our new normal.”
🔎 Google it: US heatwave July 2025 record temperatures
A bombshell campaign finance report revealed that Trump’s re-election committee funneled hundreds of thousands of dollars to a legal firm previously linked to the defense team of Trump and Epstein in the 2016 underage rape lawsuit. Critics call it a blatant cover-your-bases move.
🔎 Google it: Trump campaign pays Epstein law firm July 2025
In a dramatic battlefield shift, Ukrainian forces launched a coordinated counteroffensive that reclaimed the strategic port city of Skadovsk, cutting off a key Russian supply line. The move is being hailed as one of the most significant advances since early 2023.
🔎 Google it: Ukraine Skadovsk counteroffensive July 2025
A federal judge ruled that Neuralink must halt all human trials immediately, citing violations of informed consent procedures. The decision casts serious doubt on Musk’s promises of a near-future brain-computer interface.
🔎 Google it: Neuralink human trials halted court ruling July 2025
A pipeline rupture off the coast of Louisiana released over 4 million gallons of crude oil, devastating marine ecosystems and threatening the fishing industry. Critics say regulatory rollback under the Trump administration directly contributed to the disaster.
🔎 Google it: Gulf Coast oil spill July 2025
Trump’s newly rebranded social media platform, TRUTH FORCE, began charging a $5/month “free speech access fee”—leading to a mass exodus of users and high-profile defections. Former allies have criticized the move as “grifting, plain and simple.”
🔎 Google it: Trump Truth Force $5 fee July 2025
The FDA greenlit “Contral,” the first once-daily birth control pill for men, after years of trials. Experts say it could revolutionize reproductive health and shift cultural dynamics around family planning.
🔎 Google it: FDA male birth control pill Contral approved July 2025
An anonymously leaked audio clip allegedly features Donald Trump discussing “insurance files” that Epstein kept on high-profile guests—including himself. While the recording’s authenticity is under review, it has reignited public and legal scrutiny of Trump’s long-suspected ties to Epstein’s blackmail network.
🔎 Google it: Trump Epstein insurance files leaked audio July 2025
A U.S.-made autonomous drone used by Israeli forces mistakenly targeted a civilian medical convoy, killing 17, including aid workers. Global leaders are condemning the strike, while human rights groups demand new restrictions on autonomous weapons.
🔎 Google it: AI drone strike Gaza civilian casualties July 2025
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The Puerto Vallarta Food Scene: Best Tacos, Seafood, Street Eats & Hidden Gems
Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico’s most exciting food destinations — a place where smoky al pastor tacos, beachside ceviche, modern Mexican tasting menus, and bustling local markets come together in one unbeatable eating city. Here’s a full guide to the flavors, dishes, and spots that make PV unforgettable.
Trump Hits Swalwell With Mortgage-Fraud Accusations
President Trump’s team is accusing Rep. Eric Swalwell of mortgage and tax fraud — but the allegations closely mirror the financial misrepresentations Trump himself was found liable for in New York’s civil fraud case. This article breaks down the accusations, the political motives, and how the two situations differ in scale, credibility, and legal posture.
Thursday Night Football Recap: Patriots vs Jets
The Patriots powered past the Jets 27–14 on Thursday Night Football behind TreVeyon Henderson’s three touchdowns and another sharp outing from Drake Maye. Here’s the full quarter-by-quarter breakdown of how the game unfolded.
Today’s Top Sports Stories — November 13, 2025
MLS unveils a massive 2027 schedule overhaul, Lukas Wenig delivers the biggest darts win of his career, Kansas State suffers a heartbreaking last-second loss, and Paris honors the victims of the 2015 attacks during a moving moment at Parc des Princes. Here’s your full recap of today’s top sports stories.
The Smoking Chair Daily: Top Political Stories You Need to Know — November 13, 2025
A comprehensive breakdown of today’s major political developments — from the government’s reopening and the new Latin America military mission to escalating battles over Epstein files and a major U.S. investment announcement from Toyota.
Healthcare Should Be Free ⎯ For You And Me
America’s healthcare system costs more and delivers less. This cornerstone article launches a 100-part series explaining why free, universal healthcare is the moral and economic evolution we can no longer afford to ignore.
