Political cartoonist Ted Rall and CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou read the tea leaves behind the Federal Reserve’s quarter-point rate cut, the FBI director’s testimony on the Epstein files, a new age-verification system for ChatGPT raises questions, men who spike drinks with abortion pills, and a widow’s claim that Alexei Navalny was poisoned.
- Is the Rate Cut a Warning?: The Fed approves a quarter-point rate cut, setting the overnight funds rate at 4.00%-4.25%, with two more cuts signaled for 2025 amid labor market concerns. Governor Stephen Miran dissents, pushing for a half-point reduction, while Fed Chair Jerome Powell notes rising downside risks to employment. Is a midterm-election recession imminent?
- FBI Director Denies on Epstein Files: Kash Patel testifies he never discussed the Jeffrey Epstein files with Trump. Is he credible?
- OpenAI’s Age-Prediction System: A new AI-driven age-prediction system will restrict ChatGPT access for users under 18, prioritizing teen safety. The move follows a lawsuit tied to a teen’s suicide after harmful chatbot interactions. Will it work? Is it smart?
- Abortion Pill Spiking: Men face charges for secretly slipping abortion pills to pregnant partners, exploiting relaxed FDA rules on mifepristone. Cases highlight coerced abortions, prompting states like Texas to tighten regulations. Advocates warn of rising risks to women and unborn children.
- Navalny Poisoned?: Yulia Navalnaya claims Alexei Navalny was poisoned in an Arctic prison, based on smuggled samples analyzed by two labs. She is accusing Putin of murder.