What's going on: Of all President Donald Trump’s policies so far, few have generated more controversy among his base than his administration’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files. After the Justice Department announced last week that there’s no client list and no more information would be released, MAGA supporters have been furious. From far-right influencers (including some of the very podcast bros who helped elect Trump) to Republican lawmakers, like House Speaker Mike Johnson, Trump’s base wants more answers in the form of Epstein-related files. As for the president’s response? In a Wednesday post on Truth Social, he referred to some of his supporters as “weaklings” obsessed with the Democrats’ “Jeffrey Epstein Hoax” — remarks that only sparked more backlash, including from Elon Musk.
What it means: Trump is facing what appears to be his ultimate litmus test. His stance on the Epstein scandal, which he now calls “boring,” is a far cry from when he promised transparency. While some far-right supporters look to the Epstein files as a way to uncover the “deep state,” other Republican lawmakers say this could be a matter of bringing more people to justice for heinous sex trafficking crimes. Democrats have also seized on the moment, trolling the GOP in an uncharacteristically aggressive fashion. One thing is clear: It seems like Trump’s attempts at saying “case closed” are only fueling more questions.
What's going on: Over the past few months, the Supreme Court has issued 15 rulings on emergency requests from the Trump administration. Legal experts say the pace is certainly unusual (hi there, “shadow docket”), and the high court offered little to no explanation for seven of those decisions. The most recent example: Earlier this week, the Court gave President Trump the go-ahead to start dismantling parts of the Education Department. The majority’s opinion was slightly longer than an Instagram caption, with just four sentences focused solely on legal procedure. Similarly terse rulings cleared the way for the administration to prohibit transgender troops and pushed through mass federal layoffs.
What it means: With the Trump administration setting a record for emergency appeals, legal scholars are asking: Should the Supreme Court be explaining itself? When it does, judges and lawyers are tied to the precedents set. But at the same time, not giving an explanation can confuse the lower courts. As one legal expert told The New York Times, in a “highly polarized climate where the court is often accused of acting politically, the justices should feel a heightened obligation to explain their decision to the public.” The majority opinion might be brief, but the consequences aren’t.
What's going on: You might want to pay closer attention to the videos you’re coming across on social media. While it’s no secret that misinformation and deepfakes are rampant online, it might’ve just gotten even harder to spot what’s real from what’s fake.According to an NPR exclusive, researchers found new alarming deepfake technology that can now copy real creators’ speech — stumbles, filler words, natural pauses, and all. Same script, but totally new personas, faces, different accents, no credit. And even though the posts should have been tagged as AI, the creators initially dodged moderation — as if they trained for it.
What it means: Experts say we’ve entered a new phase of misinformation. AI-generated content now mimics real voices and scripts so convincingly that people scroll past without realizing they’re hearing someone else’s stolen words. And when bad actors get involved, it can be dangerous. Researchers say this could be a low-stakes test for more coordinated deception — the kind of strategy used in state-run disinformation campaigns. The UN has called for stronger tools to fight deepfakes, but platforms are already overwhelmed, and everyday users are the new front line.
When it comes to customer support, it’s pretty important that you actually feel, well, supported. That’s why Verizon built a new experience entirely around its customers. When you need help, Verizon gives you 24/7 access to the industry’s top reps, a dedicated team trained for the most complex issues, and a new My Verizon app designed to help you save time and money every single time you log in. (Yep, every time.) Oh, and if you’re someone who prefers to meet IRL, most Americans live within 30 minutes of a Verizon store. With support this good, Verizon can definitely hear you now.
Just Trust Us
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
On the hunt for your next summer book? Amazon First Reads is offering Prime members two free Kindle books this month and early access to new titles. Start reading.*
This couple's adventure game is a fun, nonintimidating way to switch things up in the bedroom. Your next date night just got a lot more interesting.
Our go-to, smooth-brain outfit: these linen pull-on pants + a basic white tee. Looks nice, requires zero thought.
Psst…love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).
Settle This
Psychologists say tapping into this underrated emotion daily will help you feel happier. Which is it?
Your favorite love triangle is officially back. Yesterday, The Summer I Turned Pretty — based on Jenny Han's bestselling YA novels — returned to Prime Video for its third and final season. Picking up nearly four years after the season 2 finale, Belly (Lola Tung) is now wrapping up her junior year of college and returning to the fictional town of Cousins Beach with her childhood friend turned long-distance boyfriend, Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno), in tow. The catch? Everyone, including Jeremiah, knows she’s still not over his older brother, Conrad (Christopher Briney). Expect another Taylor Swift soundtrack, even more emotional whiplash, and, fingers crossed, a final decision from Belly.
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Game Time
Brick Breaker meets word search in Spelltower, your new favorite game. For every word you find, letter tiles disappear. The fewer tiles left when you run out of words, the better your score. Try it.
