Thursday, July 24th, 2025 - Trump named in Epstein files; ICE scrutinized;, AI burn through cash; “Corn Sweat”; US quits UNESCO (Again)

Today’s Headlines: Attorney General Pam Bondi reportedly told President Trump that his name appeared multiple times in a “truckload of documents” related to Jeffrey Epstein, according to the Wall Street Journal . The news broke just after a Florida judge denied the DOJ’s request to unseal Epstein’s 2005 grand jury transcripts, citing legal limitations. Meanwhile, Roy Black—the attorney behind Epstein’s infamous 2007 plea deal—has died, likely taking key secrets with him. ICE is under scrutiny for detaining Zia, a former Afghan interpreter who legally moved to the U.S. after working with American forces. He was seized during a green card appointment despite being approved for protection. In AI news, OpenAI is seeking $40 billion in funding, Anthropic is eyeing controversial Gulf investments, and Elon Musk’s xAI wants $12 billion more for data centers—raising questions about the costs of AI ambition. A brutal heat wave in the Midwest is being made worse by “corn sweat,” the seasonal humidity spike during corn pollination. And lastly, the U.S. has pulled out of UNESCO again, citing anti-Israel bias from Gulf state members. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: WSJ: Justice Department Told Trump in May That His Name Is Among Many in the Epstein Files NYT: Judge Denies Request to Unseal Epstein Grand Jury Transcripts in Florida AP News: Prominent Miami defense attorney Roy Black dies, represented William Kennedy Smith in rape trial NBC News: Masked ICE agents detain former Afghan interpreter who helped U.S. military Wired: OpenAI Seeks Additional Capital From Investors as Part of Its $40 Billion Round Wired: Leaked Memo: Anthropic CEO Says the Company Will Pursue Gulf State Investments After All WSJ: Musk Allies to Raise Up to $12 Billion for xAI Chips as Startup Burns Through Cash Axios: A heat dome and "corn sweat" are driving this week's dangerous heat wave AP News: The US decision to leave UNESCO again puts a spotlight on what the agency does Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices