For twenty-five years, I thought my spouse had saved my life while I was pregnant and young. However, I realised something was seriously amiss in my life when I saw my first love lurking in the shadows of my husband’s office, appearing too scared to even mention my name.

Angela is my name. When it eventually dawned on me at the age of 47, I realized that I had spent my entire adult life inside a story that I had not written. David and I were frequently described as the ideal couple, high school sweethearts who made it.

25 years of marriage. Two children. A peaceful, predictable life with matching pajamas, vacation pictures, and the kind of stability that makes others envious.

I had spent my whole adult life in within a narrative that I did not compose.

I also went along with it. grinned courteously. I nodded when someone referred to us as having “relationship goals.” It was easier to maintain stability than to recall the beginning of it all.

David and I were sitting in the living room a few months back, going through old picture boxes for our daughter’s college assignment.

He took out a photo of our eldest, our newborn daughter, who was wrapped in a hospital blanket and looked small and flushed.

On the card was her name: MICHAELA.

It was simpler to maintain stability than recalling how everything actually got started.

David poked the picture’s corner and stated, almost arrogantly,

“We chose the best name. Her destiny was always to be a Michaela.”

And a change occurred within me. since I didn’t choose that name. Yes, he did. And the night I told him the truth—that I was pregnant and the child wasn’t his—he made the suggestion.

Michael was her father. My first romantic interest. The young man who left me feeling scared, devastated, and carrying his child vanished a few days after graduating.

Michael was her father.

My first romantic interest.

I recalled freezing as I confessed everything while standing in David’s car following a downpour.

I anticipated rage. I thought he would go. “Angela, I will love this child as my own,” he replied, holding my shoulders instead. You’re safe with me, I swear.

And when you were young, alone, scared, and abandoned, safety was paramount. Days later, he proposed, and I accepted.

“Angela,

I will adore this child.

as if it were mine.”

They all said in whispers, “He’s such a good man.”

“That is such a noble thing to do.”

“How fortunate you are that he loves you so much.”

And I believed that for twenty-five years.

However, there was something odd about watching him gaze at the infant photo for an extended period of time. Off. heavy. As if the past weren’t as dusty and unimportant as I had persuaded myself.

“What a wonderful man he is.”

“Angie?” I was drawn back by David’s voice.

It had that tone, the one he used every time I strayed in a direction he didn’t want me to.

I apologies. simply recalling things.

He chuckled quietly. “Is it good or bad?”

It was a straightforward question, yet it hit hard.

Why put it that way? What does it matter which memories I went to?

“Is it good or bad?”

For years, I saw his many enquiries about my whereabouts, who I was meeting, and when I would return home as signs of love. Not compulsive. Not combative. Simply put, steady.

But something snapped in a way that had never happened before, just then and there, with that rehearsed smile on his face.

A pattern emerged. A soft one. A cautious one.

One I never asked because you don’t examine the man who “saved” you.

For many years,

I deciphered his continuous registering.

David grabbed my knee and gave it a squeeze. When we discuss the past, you invariably nod off. I don’t like that, you know.

It sounded like a joke. It didn’t feel like one, though, all of a sudden. For the first time in decades, I was curious about his particular dislikes. and the reason.

That little instant, that flash of unease, was the first crack in the narrative I had been living in for twenty-five years, even though I wasn’t aware of it at the time.

That crack would open up three weeks later.

In decades, for the first time,

I pondered what precisely

He disliked it.

I parked into David’s firm’s parking lot that day just like I had a hundred times before. Nothing special, simply dropping off the folder he left on the kitchen counter as part of a little errand.

“Be there in ten,” I even texted him.

He replied with the same thumbs-up emoji that he used for anniversaries and dinner plans.

The fragrance of coffee and printer ink filled the front lobby, as it always did. The receptionist smiled at me when I waved.

On that day, I arrived at the parking lot of David’s company.

Angela, he’s in his office. Go ahead and do it.

Something didn’t feel right when I entered the rear hallway.

I carried the folder close to my chest as I made my way down the slender hallway towards David’s office, passing the conference room, the copier, and the storage closet, which was always partially open.

I saw him at that point.

Something didn’t feel right.

Near the corner was a man who appeared to be attempting to shrink himself by standing half in shadow.

I didn’t give it much thought at first. Most likely someone searching for the loo or a customer waiting for a meeting.

I nearly said, “Hello, may I assist you?” “out of habit.”

Then he raised his head, though. Then everything simply stopped.

My stomach fell so hard I had to cling to the wall.

Then he raised his head, though.

Then everything simply stopped.

Michael was the one. But no. Not Michael as I knew him.

Not the boy who vowed to never let me go while holding my face in his palms. This man appeared to have been devoured for years by life.

He had thinner, gray-streaked hair. His cheeks were nearly sunken and hollow. His clothing draped off him as if it were someone else’s.

This man appeared to be He had been being consumed by life years.

Additionally, his eyes—the only aspect of him that I recognized—were worn out in a way that wasn’t related to ageing. He appeared scared.

Before I could stop, I muttered his name. “Michael?”

He winced as I struck him. His eyes darted throughout the hallway as his entire body trembled.

“You shouldn’t be here, Angela.”

I could hear the pounding of my heart in my ears.

He appeared scared.

“What are you discussing? Where have you been, exactly? What took place with you?”

He swiftly shook his head and took a step back.

“Please, Angela, just leave. No, no, no. Please.”

I stepped closer and muttered, “I’m not going anywhere.” “Not until you explain the situation to me.”

He spun around as if he were going to bolt. Run, really.

“Not until you let me know.”

what’s happening.

I extended my hand and took hold of his arm. He flinched so hard that I dropped my hand at once. It was like coming into contact with a live wire. I didn’t frighten him. He was afraid that people would see him with me!

Something cold shivered up my back.

“Hey Michael! Observe me.”

He continued to close his eyes tightly as if he were preparing for a blow.

“Please,” I said. “Just have a conversation with me.”

He was afraid of getting spotted with me!

He let out a long, trembling breath. He slumped his shoulders. At last, at last, he opened his eyes.

I simply knew that I wasn’t prepared for what he was going to say.

“Angela, you deserve to know the truth.”

He took another look in the direction of David’s office down the corridor.

“I didn’t abandon you,” he muttered at last. “I was coerced.”

The ground itself had moved beneath me, and my whole universe swayed.

“I was coerced.”

“Are you saying that it’s forced?”

“It was David,” he inhaled deeply. David was always the one. I lost everything to him. because I spent all these years battling for you.

The corridor seemed to tilt. as though the ground shifted beneath my feet.

“Why, Michael? Why would he—”

However, he interrupted me by moving in closer and reducing his voice to a quivering whisper.

David was always the one.

He stole everything I owned.

“Angela… you need to know more.”

Then he informed me. Not in a hurry. Not quite. But the words he had been carrying for 25 years came out in a disjointed, breathless rush. The kind of reality that makes you gasp for air.

When Michael was done, I was speechless and just stood there looking at him.

Michael… No. That can’t be—

“Angela, there’s more”

You must be aware.

Michael’s head snapped towards the shadow that had suddenly moved at the far end of the hallway. His expression was instantly filled with fear.

“Go,” he inhaled. “Please. before he witnesses you and me together.”

“Michael—”

“Go, Angela.”

With my body trembling and my pulse pounding in my ears, I slowly retreated. since I at last understood.

Abruptly,

A shadow moved at the distant end of the hallway.

Additionally, whatever I had thought about my marriage…

Whatever I believed David to be, I was mistaken.

So horribly, horribly wrong.

One thing was obvious when I arrived home that afternoon: I couldn’t believe what Michael was saying.

I had to make sure. I had to find out for myself if my spouse, whom I had referred to as my saviour for twenty-five years, had been telling me the truth or distorting it.

Whatever I believed

David was…

I had been mistaken.

The children remained in school. David continued to work.

The silence in the home was excruciating. And I was standing in front of the entrance to his office. The one location I had never been to. He laughed as he created the following rule years ago:

“Angie, it’s simply easier if I keep my work separate.”

Like so many other unspoken rules I never dared to challenge, I followed it. However, my hand turned the knob that day.

Additionally, I was in front of his office door.

The only location I had never gone inside.

His office was spotless. Everything is precisely lined up and positioned. Like a room made for a man who need more control than air.

I pulled open drawers. cabinets. Documents.

Nothing.

Next, the drawer at the bottom.

locked.

His office was spotless.

My heart leaped.

He kept extra keys for “house emergencies” in a small wooden box on the shelf, which I investigated. Inside was a small brass key.

It was appropriate.

The drawer opened with a click.

Inside was a single little brass key.

And there it was. a folder bearing the letterhead of David’s father’s legal practice.

A copy of the will was within. As I read it, my hands trembled.

“When a stable family unit is established, comprising a spouse and a biological or dependent child, inheritance will be granted.”

Michael was correct. David wasn’t in love when he married me. I was pregnant, which was the ideal way for him to get everything he wanted, so he married me. All his possessions.

David wasn’t in love when he married me.

With the page shaking in my fingers, I collapsed onto the chair.

My desperation had been the foundation of our entire existence. Regarding Michael’s absence. lying.

The front door then slammed.

David was at home.

He came into the doorway, grinning as usual, before I could even push the folder back.

He has created our whole existence.

on my plight.

“Hey sweetie. His eyes sharpened a little.” “You’re home early.” “Why did you enter here?”

I took a slow breath. “We must speak.”

“What’s not right?”

“I am aware.”

“You know what?”

“We must speak.”

“That the inheritance is the reason you married me.” that you secured your future by taking advantage of my pregnancy. that in order to make room, you destroyed Michael.

David sneered, “Angela, you don’t really think that—”

“David, I located the will.”

Quiet.

“You wed me.”

for the inheritance.

My voice was shaking as I said, “You needed a child.” “You required a spouse. You required a picture. Additionally, you used the first broken girl you came across as a prop.”

“No! I accepted accountability. While you drifted through life, I created this family. You wouldn’t have had anything without me.”

“I wasn’t saved by you. Michael did. He cherished me. He stood up for me. In an attempt to locate me, he spent all of his money on solicitors. You also ensured that he lost everything.”

“Without me,“

“There would have been nothing for you.“

David laughed. “Please. He would have pulled you down. I provided you with steadiness. You ought to feel thankful.”

“I’m done feeling thankful.”

Sharp and resentful, he laughed. “Where are you going to go? You? Not with me? Let’s be honest, Angie. Without—, you are nothing.”

Where are you going?

You?

“Not with me?”

“Everything you owe him will be taken by me! You built everything on his pain. And I’ll present it to the man who truly showed me love.”

David’s face was exhausted. “You wouldn’t.”

“I’m going to file for divorce. Tomorrow, you will be served.”

The first genuine sign of panic I had ever seen in him was when his breath caught. I didn’t stay to watch it, though.

I called my daughter to meet us, picked up my youngest from school, packed the necessities, and drove until my hands stopped shaking.

“Everything you owe him will be taken by me!”

Everything you created was based on his pain.

We sat in a quiet café that night. All four of us.

My son was eating a burger at the next table. With fries that she wasn’t really eating, my daughter sat across from him. They pretended not to pay attention. However, they both looked at me every few seconds. at us.

With his hands clasped over a cup of tea, Michael sat across from me. He appeared worn down, frail, yet genuine.

I moved the steaming dish of soup in his direction. “Eat.” Please.

He appeared worn out.

brittle, yet genuine.

Michael looked across at the next table, where my daughter was sitting and feigning to go through her phone.

She developed into such a lovely, kind woman. Even without me, Angela, you are a wonderful mother.

She will comprehend. The two of you will be close friends. “And the younger one—” I grinned despite the increasing heat in my chest. “He loves his sister too much to not understand.”

“Angela, you’re a wonderful mother.”

even in my absence.

Michael exhaled nervously. “I’ve got a spot. An old home. It requires a lot of work, but I’ll fix every inch if you want it and if you and the kids need it. I’ll keep it secure. I’ll get home. I promise.”

“I believe I have only ever loved you, Michael.”

He extended his hand across the table.

And I took it for the first time in 25 years.

“I believe, Michael”

You were the only person I ever loved.

Earlier this year, Ghislaine Maxwell revealed a previously unreported detail about former President Bill Clinton’s interactions with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. According to testimony transcripts released by the Justice Department, Maxwell told U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche that she does not believe Clinton ever received a massage while aboard Epstein’s private jet.

The DOJ released the transcript of Maxwell’s two-day interview with Blanche on Friday. During the discussion, Blanche asked whether Clinton had ever been given a massage, The Daily Caller reported.

“I don’t believe he did,” Maxwell responded. When pressed on why she thought so, she explained: “That’s a good question. From what I recall, the only time President Clinton and Epstein spent significant time together was during travel—specifically on the plane, which they used multiple times, maybe around 26 flights. I don’t think any massages happened on the plane. And that would’ve been the only opportunity for something like that to occur. It didn’t happen, because I was there.”

Photos from September 2002, however, appear to show Clinton receiving a shoulder massage from Chauntae Davies, an Epstein accuser, during a humanitarian trip to Africa on Epstein’s plane. Another accuser, Virginia Giuffre, told an attorney that Clinton had visited Epstein’s private island, though she did not accuse him of criminal behavior.

Clinton has denied knowing about Epstein’s crimes. A spokesperson said in July 2019 that Clinton was unaware of “the terrible crimes” linked to Epstein and reiterated that he never visited Epstein’s island.

Maxwell also discussed her involvement with the Clinton Global Initiative.

Blanche asked whether she played a role in launching the Clinton Global Initiative, which the organization describes as a gathering place for global leaders and prominent figures in philanthropy, business, and government, according to Fox News.

“I was,” Maxwell replied. “I would say I was very central to that.” She added that Epstein was “very enthusiastic” about her participation.

“[Epstein] supported me in helping them, but I think he may have tried to use that relationship to insert himself somehow. That wouldn’t have surprised me,” she said. “He could be irritating. I’d catch him on the phone disagreeing with me, and I’d remind him it wasn’t his idea and that I didn’t care what he thought. He didn’t like that.”

Maxwell said she traveled to Davos with Clinton at least once and insisted Clinton never visited Epstein’s private island. She said she first met Clinton at a White House event and later became friendly with him through former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine.

“Once for sure, maybe twice—I’m not certain,” she said about her Davos trips with Clinton. She stressed that Clinton was her friend, “not Epstein’s friend.”

She also recalled meeting former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton once on a flight—possibly from Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard to New York—and said she attended Chelsea Clinton’s wedding with a former boyfriend. Epstein, she noted, did not attend.

In a statement, Maxwell’s attorney David Oscar Markus defended her cooperation with investigators.

“Ghislaine Maxwell is innocent and should never have been tried, let alone convicted,” Markus said. “The newly released DOJ materials make this clear. Ms. Maxwell answered every question. She didn’t refuse or evade anything.”

Every morning, countless drivers follow a familiar routine: start the car, shift into gear, and head out almost immediately. It feels efficient, especially during busy mornings when everyone is racing against the clock. However, automotive experts warn that this seemingly harmless habit can quietly shorten the life of an engine. What many drivers don’t realize is that engines need a moment to prepare themselves after being started, and skipping this small pause can create unnecessary strain. Over time, the repeated stress of driving off too quickly can contribute to wear that only becomes noticeable years later, turning a simple oversight into a costly problem.

When a vehicle sits unused overnight, the engine oil naturally settles toward the lower parts of the system. Because of this, the upper components—such as pistons, bearings, and camshafts—do not have a full protective layer of lubrication the moment the engine turns on. Once the ignition starts, the oil pump begins circulating lubricant throughout the engine, but this process isn’t instantaneous. Mechanics explain that it typically takes around 30 to 40 seconds for oil to fully reach all the moving parts. Those few seconds may seem insignificant, but they are crucial for the engine’s longevity. Without complete lubrication, components experience more friction, which slowly leads to increased wear.

Driving away immediately after starting the engine means these important internal parts begin working at higher speeds before they are fully protected. Although this doesn’t cause sudden failure, the effects accumulate quietly. Over many months and years, this added friction results in subtle deterioration—scratched surfaces, weakened bearings, and early signs of breakdown. Many auto repair specialists can easily identify engines affected by this habit because the wear patterns are so distinctive. While modern engines are built to withstand a lot, they still benefit from gentler warm-up practices. Ignoring this small step can eventually lead to expensive repairs, including replacement parts and extensive labor that might otherwise have been avoided.

Fortunately, the solution is simple, practical, and requires almost no effort. Professionals recommend giving your car a brief moment to stabilize before driving—especially on cold mornings when oil thickens and takes longer to circulate. Allowing just half a minute for the engine to settle ensures proper lubrication begins before demanding movement. After you start driving, avoid heavy acceleration until the temperature gauge begins to rise. These small adjustments not only protect the engine but can also reduce long-term maintenance costs. A short pause at the beginning of each drive is a smart investment toward keeping your vehicle running smoothly for many years to come.

Judge Strikes Down Calif. Ban Newsom Signed On AI Political Ads

A federal judge struck down two California laws aimed at stopping artificial intelligence from being used to influence elections, ruling the measures violated constitutional speech protections and federal law.

Senior U.S. District Judge John Mendez, a George W. Bush nominee, on Friday barred enforcement of Assembly Bill 2839, which prohibited AI-generated “disinformation and deepfakes” in political ads 120 days before an election. The measure had been challenged by internet personalities and the satirical site The Babylon Bee, The Washington Times reported.

“To be sure, deepfakes and artificially manipulated media arguably pose significant risks to electoral integrity, but the challenges launched by digital content on a global scale cannot be quashed through censorship or legislative fiat,” Mendez wrote. “Just as the government may not dictate the canon of comedy, California cannot preemptively sterilize political content.”

Mendez also issued a judgment against Assembly Bill 2655, which required online platforms to remove such material. He had previously ruled the law conflicted with Section 230 of the federal Communications Decency Act, which shields platforms from liability over third-party content. That measure was challenged by platforms X and Rumble.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed both bills in September 2024, warning of the risks AI poses to democratic trust. “It’s critical that we ensure AI is not deployed to undermine the public’s trust through disinformation — especially in today’s fraught political climate,” he said at the time.

The court’s ruling halts California’s attempt to become the first state in the nation to regulate AI political content heading into the 2026 election cycle.

“California is entering its first-ever generative artificial intelligence (AI) election, in which disinformation powered by generative AI will pollute our information ecosystems like never before. In a few clicks, using current technology, bad actors now have the power to create a false image of a candidate accepting a bribe, a fake video of an elections official “caught on tape” saying that voting machines are not secure, or generate an artificial robocall in the Governor’s voice incorrectly telling millions of Californians their voting site has changed,” the state of California Assembly members who introduced the bill said in a “fact sheet” when they began promoting the legislation.

“Those trying to influence campaigns—conspiracy theorists, foreign states, online trolls, and even candidates themselves—are already creating and distributing deepfake images, audio, and video content, in the US and around the world,” the fact sheet noted.

“This generative AI-fueled disinformation can affect voter behavior and undermine faith in our elections. With this expected onslaught already starting, voters in 2024 will not know what images, audio, or video they can trust, and their faith in election integrity and our democracy will be significantly diminished,” it continued.

“AB 2839 will protect democracy by limiting the spread of disinformation and deepfakes in political campaign ads including mailers, television, robocalls, text, and radio,” said the sheet.

“In order to ensure California elections are free and fair, California must, for a limited time before and after elections, prevent the use of deepfakes and disinformation meant to prevent voters from voting or otherwise deceive voters based on fraudulent content. This must be done in a way that is narrowly tailored and consistent with the First Amendment,” it said.

“Consistent with these principles, AB 2839: Bans the distribution of specified AI-generated or manipulated political communications that portray misleading information about voting procedures, elections equipment, candidates. This would apply to robocalls, political mailers, TV ads, and other materials, within 120 days before an election and, for those regarding election officials or voting systems, within 60 days after the election,” the fact sheet went on.

“Requires candidates using AI to portray themselves doing or saying something they did not do or say to label the image, audio, or video as manipulated. 3. Provides a fast track for injunctive relief to stop violations of the bill,” it said, adding that the law “provides a fast track for injunctive relief to stop violations of the bill.”

Podcaster Jon Slavet joined Los Angeles anchor Elex Michaelson this week to talk about his recent interview with former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, a longtime political mentor to Vice President Kamala Harris.

According to a clip taken from the interview, Brown is seen telling Slavet, “She may not want to run for governor of the state of California. That may not be where she should be going. I think it’s going to be difficult for her to win that job.”

Michaelson went on to press Slavet on his conversation with Brown regarding his onetime love interest: “So what did Willie Brown say to you about Kamala Harris? Because there was a lot there.”

“Yeah, well, first of all, kudos to Willie—age 91, still going strong, still sharp. I mean, I think that’s amazing. You know, he, in effect, said he doesn’t think governor is a fit for her,” Slavet replied.

“He talked about her strengths in the legal world, but not as an executive, which to me was pretty stunning because this is a guy who knows her very well. He’s a legend in Democratic politics, right? He’s been a mentor to Kamala. And he actually cares about the future of California authentically, and he in effect said she should try something different,” Slavet added.

“And he also said to you that he told her that when Joe Biden offered her the vice presidency, that she should turn it down and try to be the attorney general instead,” Michaelson responded.

“He did. First, he chuckled. He’s got a great kind of knowing chuckle. And he said, ‘I got in trouble for this when I said it.’ But what he told me is that when she was one of the final five and Biden was reviewing the final candidates, he recommended to her when she asked him for his advice that he suggest that Biden nominate her as the attorney general,” Slavet said.

“And it goes back to this theme of he believes that Kamala is better in the legal world, not as an executive. And that’s so important right now in terms of what California needs, which he and I talked about further in the episode,” Slavet added.

Michaelson then said, attempting to solicit Slavet’s response on whether Harris has any political future: “And he said that as attorney general, she might end up on the Supreme Court, which is where he thinks that she would be a better fit. He also said after that conversation, she never called him again. So that was apparently not the advice she wanted to hear. Obviously, she took the vice presidency, tried to become president. You’ve been talking to people all over the state about Kamala Harris. What are you hearing from people?”

Slavet said, “Well, I mean, as of a few months ago, when she was still funded by the US government, right? The VP, I think, has six months of support from the US government…has a team, Secret Service, et cetera, protection, et cetera. Now that’s evaporated. But she was doing a lot of polling to understand her image and standing nationally in 2028. And my understanding from people close to her is that it does not look good.”

Slavet then said: “That national standing and running again nationally does not look good for her. So the obvious question is, what does she do next? And given that California is such a Democratic state, the machine is so strong, the logical question is will she throw her hat into the ring?”

Reports for weeks have speculated that Harris is weighing whether to run for California governor or hold off and make another bid for the White House. At the same time, her polling for both positions has been falling.

Imagine biting into a perfectly tender, buttery corn on the cob without ever standing over a hot stove. That’s exactly what cooking corn in a crockpot can do—it transforms ordinary corn into a juicy, flavorful delight while freeing you from constant stirring or monitoring. Whether you’re preparing a quick family dinner, hosting a summer party, or feeding a crowd, this method guarantees consistently delicious results with minimal effort.

Start by cleaning and husking 6–8 fresh corn cobs, arranging them neatly in your crockpot for even cooking. In a small bowl, melt ½ cup of butter and mix in your favorite seasonings—garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and even a pinch of chili powder if you like a subtle kick. Pour the seasoned butter over the corn, then add ½ cup of water or broth to keep it extra moist, allowing the flavors to soak deeply into every kernel.

Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 2–3 hours or low for 4–5 hours. For the best results, rotate the corn halfway through cooking so each cob is evenly coated with the buttery mixture. Be careful not to lift the lid too often, as this lets heat escape and can slow down the cooking process, preventing the corn from reaching maximum flavor and tenderness.

When the corn is done, carefully remove it with tongs and place it on a serving platter. For an extra touch, drizzle with additional melted butter or sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. The result is golden, juicy corn that bursts with flavor in every bite—a simple yet impressive side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

A hardworking mother says her young son completely destroyed every room in their home after she took his phone away as punishment. The damage is estimated at more than $70,000, leaving her devastated as she filmed the aftermath. From smashed windows to wrecked furniture, the entire home looked unlivable. Neighbors are shocked, and the video has sparked a heated debate online about parenting, discipline, and responsibility.

Six women who say they were trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein or his longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell made a public appeal on Tuesday in Washington, D.C., demanding the federal government release more investigative files. They also urged former President Donald Trump to publicly rule out a pardon for Maxwell. The women appeared alongside family members of Virginia Giuffre, a prominent Epstein accuser who died by suicide in April, and criticized what they called a long-standing failure to deliver justice.

Jess Michaels, who alleges Epstein raped her in 1991, described him as a “master manipulator” and said his behavior followed a calculated strategy that left young women and teenage girls defenseless. Michaels cited a “severe miscarriage of justice” and delays in accountability as her motivation for speaking out. Her remarks echoed the sentiments of other survivors who say they were also groomed and abused.

Wendy Avis and Jena-Lisa Jones, both of whom say they were 14 when Epstein abused them, condemned the silence of adults who may have witnessed the abuse. Jones stated that many people around Epstein “very clearly knew what was going on” but have refused to speak up. Avis, speaking publicly for the first time, stressed that victims like her still haven’t received justice, calling for broader recognition of the everyday people affected.

All six women, including Marijke Chartouni, Lisa Phillips, and Liz Stein, expressed deep frustration with the Justice Department. Stein accused officials of failing to protect or inform survivors and backed bipartisan efforts in Congress to force transparency. Their statements came just before the Republican-led House Oversight Committee released over 33,000 pages of Epstein-related documents.

Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie are leading a legislative push to investigate alleged mishandling of the federal probes into Epstein and Maxwell. Maxwell, currently serving a 20-year prison sentence, continues to deny wrongdoing. Phillips warned that if the system continues to fail them, survivors are prepared to take justice into their own hands: “We’ll compile our own list.”

In a significant move to advance the nation’s clean energy goals, the U.S. Senate has overwhelmingly approved legislation designed to revitalize and modernize the country’s nuclear energy sector. The bill passed with strong bipartisan support in an 88-2 vote and now heads to the president’s desk for final approval.

The newly passed legislation combines nuclear energy reforms with the reauthorization of programs that support the U.S. Fire Administration and local fire departments. This package is expected to streamline the process of launching new nuclear projects while supporting critical emergency services across the country.

One of the bill’s primary objectives is to accelerate the approval timeline for constructing new nuclear power plants, especially as many older reactors near retirement. The measure reduces licensing fees for power companies and instructs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to identify ways to make environmental review processes more efficient.

“This legislation helps expand our options to meet growing energy demands while addressing climate challenges,” said White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi.

Senator Shelley Moore Capito noted the bill’s forward-looking focus, particularly in supporting the development of small modular reactors (SMRs), a newer, more flexible form of nuclear technology. “This is about the future of nuclear,” Capito told reporters. “We need to be ready.”

Experts in the energy sector believe the legislation will help simplify regulatory pathways, making it easier for the industry to develop clean, reliable power solutions. Lesley Jantarasami, managing director of the Bipartisan Policy Center’s energy program, stated, “It’s a facilitator of the process by which industry gets approvals to build projects. That efficiency matters.”

Nuclear energy currently provides about 20% of the electricity generated in the United States. Supporters of the bill highlight the importance of this power source, noting that nuclear plants produce electricity without emitting carbon or air pollutants. With energy demand on the rise and environmental concerns growing, many believe nuclear energy can play a vital role in a diverse and resilient power grid.

However, the measure has also sparked discussion among safety advocates. Some experts caution that changing the NRC’s mission to avoid “unnecessary” regulation may raise questions about safety oversight. Edwin Lyman, director of nuclear power safety at the Union of Concerned Scientists, warned that certain provisions could limit the NRC’s ability to strengthen safety standards. “The intention may be efficiency, but it’s important to ensure safety remains a top priority,” he said.

Despite concerns, the bill has received widespread support in both chambers of Congress. In the House of Representatives, it passed by a vote of 393-13, with only a few lawmakers expressing reservations.

As of August 2023, the United States had 93 nuclear reactors operating at 54 facilities across 28 states. These plants have consistently supplied around one-fifth of the country’s electricity for over three decades. Globally, the U.S. remains the leading producer of nuclear power, with France ranking second in capacity and boasting the highest percentage of electricity generated by nuclear—approximately 68%.

Looking ahead, the newly passed legislation may serve as a catalyst for a new era of nuclear innovation in the U.S., helping meet growing power needs while supporting low-emission energy solutions.