July 16, 2025
Epstein Files: Speaker Mike Johnson and Other Officials Call for More Transparency
It’s a very delicate subject. We should put everything out there and let the people decide it.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) in a podcast interview on Tuesday, referring to the Justice Department’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Attorney General Pam Bondi has been criticized since last week’s Department of Justice memo released saying that Epstein did not have a client list and had committed suicide in prison. President Donald Trump has backed AG Bondi in Truth Social posts.
Learn More:
- Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republicans break with Trump on Epstein (The Washington Post Gift Link)
- Dems say voters were conned. Trump says it’s time to move on. Latest on Epstein conflict. (USA Today)
Apple Announces Deal with the Only U.S.-Based Rare Earth Producer
Rare earth materials are essential for making advanced technology, and this partnership will help strengthen the supply of these vital materials here in the United States.
Apple CEO Tim Cook on Tuesday, announcing the company will commit to a $500 million deal with MP Materials, the only U.S.-based rare earth materials company. Rare earth minerals are essential components in most technology, such as cars and smartphones, with China producing the vast majority of global rare earth materials. Apple’s announcement comes less than a week after MP Materials announced a deal with the Department of Defense, which bought $400 million worth of MP Material’s preferred stock. Also worth noting? The minerals are considered rare because of how complicated and environmentally hazardous it can be to extract and process them, not because of their scarcity.
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by Emily Hooker, based in Texas
