President Donald Trump will approve sending offensive weapons to Ukraine on Monday, July 14. But who’s paying for it?
Plus, the Epstein backlash grows louder. Political figures on both the left and right demand full disclosure. Trump even intervened to defend his attorney general.
Also, directly from another planet to the auction block, the largest piece of Mars ever discovered is now up for sale.
Trump to announce offensive weapons plan for Ukraine, patriots included
President Donald Trump told reporters on Sunday, July 13, that the U.S. will send Patriot missile systems to help Ukraine defend against ongoing Russian attacks.
Trump has taken a more assertive stance on Russian President Vladimir Putin in recent weeks, growing frustrated over failed ceasefire negotiations and ongoing strikes on civilians. The president, previously cautious about U.S. involvement, now says Putin “talks nice, but bombs civilians at night.”
Trump believes Ukraine needs better protection. However, he also made clear this won’t be a free handout, claiming European allies will foot the bill.
“We basically are going to send them various pieces of very sophisticated weapons, and they’re gonna pay us 100% for them,” Trump said. “We’re in for about $350 billion, Europe is in for $100 billion. So, we send equipment. They’re going to reimburse us for that equipment. Doesn’t that sound good?”
Trump will also unveil a broader plan to send more offensive weapons to Ukraine on Monday, July 14, a significant shift from his earlier stance. He’ll likely outline that plan in a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Washington.
Recovery efforts paused as heavy rain brings renewed flood threat to Texas
Texas braces for more flooding as rescue and recovery efforts continue after the deadly Fourth of July storms. However, new rounds of heavy rain hitting Kerr and Gillespie counties have put those efforts on hold.
Kerr County took the hardest hit on Independence Day, with officials now confirming more than 130 people died in that flooding.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott posted to X on Sunday night, July 13, that rescue crews have already rescued dozens of Texans from this latest flooding in the Lampasas area, about an hour north of Austin.
Epstein controversy reignites: Dems, MAGA figures demand transparency
The political battle over the Jeffrey Epstein files has once again come into focus, sparking controversy on both sides. Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., said he plans to introduce an amendment on Tuesday, July 15, to compel a vote on releasing all Epstein-related documents.
He posted on X, “Why are the Epstein files still hidden? Who are the rich and powerful being protected?”
This comes after a DOJ memo claimed there’s no evidence Epstein kept a client list or was involved, setting off backlash across the “Make America Great Again” movement.
Trump defended Attorney General Pam Bondi over the weekend, despite facing criticism from his own supporters. The president posted on Truth Social, saying, “LET PAM BONDI DO HER JOB — SHE’S GREAT!” He also referred to Epstein as “somebody nobody cares about.”
Trump also pointed fingers, asking why the “Radical Left” didn’t release the files during the Obama or Biden years.
Meanwhile, Elon Musk weighed in online, echoing calls for full transparency. Conservative voices like Steven Bannon and Tucker Carlson have accused Bondi of a cover-up.
European Union delays countermeasures after Trump threatens 30% tariffs
The European Union paused its response to Trump’s tariff threats after a new letter from the president warned of 30% tariffs on EU goods. In that letter, Trump said that unless the nations can reach a deal, the U.S. will impose higher tariffs starting on Aug. 1.
On Sunday, July 13, EU President Ursula von der Leyen announced the bloc would suspend its planned countermeasures — set to take effect Monday, July 14 — to allow more time for negotiations.
“We have always been very clear that we prefer a negotiated solution. This remains the case, and we will use the time that we have now until the first of August,” von der Leyen said. “And on the second track, since the very beginning, we have worked and now are ready to respond with countermeasures. We have prepared for this and we can respond with countermeasures if necessary. So, this two track approach pays off because we are prepared.”
Trump sent a similar letter to Mexico’s president, warning that if either country retaliates with higher tariffs, it will be added on top of the 30% charge, regardless of the increase amount.
Air India CEO: Crash probe ‘far from over’ as questions remain
The CEO of Air India stated that the investigation into the June’s deadly crash is still ongoing, despite the release of a preliminary report on Friday, July 11. On Monday morning, July 14, he urged the public not to jump to conclusions.
In an internal memo to staff, obtained by Reuters, CEO Campbell Wilson said the preliminary report released over the weekend raises serious questions. But it didn’t assign blame or identify a cause. He called speculation at this point “unwise.”
The report showed that both engine fuel switches were flipped to cutoff just after takeoff, starving the engines of fuel and causing the plane to descend fatally. However, it remains unclear how that occurred — whether by accident, mechanical failure or another cause.
The crash of Flight 171 resulted in 260 fatalities, including 19 on the ground, making it the deadliest aviation accident globally in more than ten years.
Largest piece of Mars ever found could fetch up to $4M at auction
How about owning a piece of space right here on Earth? That is, if you can afford it. A 54-pound rock going up for auction may seem ordinary, but it’s the largest piece of Mars ever found on Earth.
According to Sotheby’s, which is auctioning it off on Wednesday, July 16, the meteorite is believed to have been ejected from Mars by a massive asteroid impact. It then traveled 140 million miles through space before crashing into Africa’s Sahara Desert.
The one-of-a-kind Martian rock is estimated to sell for between $2 million and $4 million.
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Author: Devan Markham
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