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Plane Passenger Prepares Tuna Salad Mid-Flight, Sparks Outrage and TSA Response

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Plane Passenger Prepares Tuna Salad Mid-Flight, Sparks Outrage and TSA Response

TikTok video of in-flight tuna salad preparation draws millions of views and widespread backlash

Atlanta, GA. (BN24) – A plane passenger preparing tuna salad at 30,000 feet has left social media users stunned — and sparked enough uproar to warrant a cheeky response from the Transportation Security Administration.

The incident, which unfolded on a June 10 flight from Nashville to Atlanta, was captured in a brief but widely shared TikTok video posted by a passenger named Katie. In the nine-second clip, a woman is seen methodically preparing tuna salad on her tray table using silverware, before the camera pans to Katie’s visibly disturbed expression. The video, set to the ROB49 track “WTHELLY,” has racked up over 1.3 million views, with many viewers calling the behavior “offensive” and “grounds for a no-fly list.”

“Tuna lover here: that’s an at-home food,” one commenter wrote, echoing a wave of disgusted reactions. Another simply declared: “Federal offense.” Some even joked the act deserved placement on a “no fly list.”

Speaking exclusively to People, Katie recalled the moment. “She pulled out her stuff and asked the flight attendant for silverware,” she said. “They told her they didn’t have any, so she put it all away, and I thought, ‘Thank God, that could’ve been wild.’” But minutes later, the passenger apparently obtained utensils elsewhere and proceeded to mix and eat the tuna salad — an act that reportedly took her 45 minutes.

“I was just thinking my friends aren’t going to believe this,” Katie said. “I got upgraded to comfort class and was so excited — then this happened.” Despite her visible discomfort, Katie added that she understood the woman’s possible dietary motivations. “I love tuna,” she said. “If you’ve ever dieted as a woman, you know it’s a solid protein with low calories.”

The viral moment even caught the attention of the TSA, which reposted the video to its official Instagram account on June 30 with a pun-filled caption. “Tuna be or not tuna be… Making tuna salad at 30,000 feet? That’s a reel bold move,” the post read. “Sure, your salad might be off the hook, but your seatmate’s face says, ‘I’m not reely loving this.’” The TSA ultimately confirmed that tuna salad is permitted on flights but gently advised travelers to consider their seatmates before diving into pungent snacks.

“Feel like a fish out of water?” the post continued. “Drop a line to AskTSA and they’ll tackle your travel questions, hook, line, and sinker.”

Though Katie’s video was meant to be shared with close friends and family, the unexpected viral fame brought a wave of humor — and divisiveness — over what is, essentially, a very fragrant inflight meal.

While there’s no official rule banning tuna at cruising altitude, many frequent flyers now agree: just because you can doesn’t mean you should.

people.com

Astronomer Launches Investigation After CEO Caught on Coldplay Kiss Cam

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Astronomer Launches Investigation After CEO Caught on Coldplay Kiss Cam

BOSTON (BN24) – Technology company Astronomer announced Friday it has launched a formal investigation after CEO Andy Byron was caught on a kiss cam at a Coldplay concert with the company’s chief people officer, creating a viral moment that has drawn millions of views across social media platforms.

The incident occurred Wednesday during Coldplay’s performance at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts when the venue’s kiss cam displayed couples in attendance. Andy Byron, the chief executive officer of New York-based Astronomer, was spotted on a Jumbotron screen at a Coldplay concert at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts on Wednesday, embracing Kristin Cabot, the company’s chief people officer, who oversees the organization’s human resources.

The awkward moment quickly went viral after the pair realized they were being filmed. The blonde-haired woman covered her face while the silver-haired man ducked out of frame, creating a reaction that captured widespread internet attention. Video clips of the incident have gained millions of views across platforms including X, TikTok and Instagram.

The tech company Astronomer issued a statement Friday announcing an investigation into the Kiss Cam video seen ’round the world of CEO Andy Byron in a warm embrace with a woman not his wife, but Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot, at a Coldplay concert at Gillette Stadium near Boston Wednesday

During the concert, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin appeared to comment on the situation from the stage. “Oh, look at these two. You’re all right,” he said, according to video footage that circulated online. “You’re OK. Oh, what? Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy.”

In its statement posted on X Friday, Astronomer addressed the viral incident directly. “Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding,” the company said. “Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability.”

The company’s board of directors has “initiated a formal investigation into this matter and we will have additional details to share very shortly,” according to the statement. Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and chief people officer Kristin Cabot have been put on leave pending an investigation, per a source familiar with the situation, as their employer has finally broken its own silence.

Internet users quickly identified Byron as the individual in the video, though the company noted that Byron has not issued a personal statement regarding the incident. The company stated that any “reports saying otherwise are all incorrect,” suggesting that fabricated statements may have circulated online.

The viral nature of the incident highlights the intersection of personal privacy and corporate accountability in the digital age. Concert attendees routinely capture moments on their phones, and kiss cams have become standard entertainment features at sporting events and concerts, though participants typically expect these moments to remain localized to the venue.

The incident has drawn particular attention because it involves senior executives from the same company, raising questions about workplace conduct and professional relationships. Cabot, as chief people officer, would typically oversee human resources policies including those related to workplace relationships and conduct standards.

The timing of Astronomer’s response, coming more than 24 hours after the video began circulating, suggests the company was carefully considering its approach to addressing the situation. The formal investigation indicates the company is treating the matter seriously, particularly given the executive positions of both individuals involved.

The investigation’s scope and timeline remain unclear, though the company has promised to provide additional details shortly. The incident represents a significant challenge for the New York-based technology company as it navigates the intersection of personal conduct, corporate leadership standards, and viral internet culture.

Neither Byron nor Cabot responded to requests for comment regarding the incident.

Trump Orders DOJ to Unseal Epstein Grand Jury Records as Political and Public Pressure Mounts

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Trump Orders DOJ to Unseal Epstein Grand Jury Records as Political and Public Pressure Mounts

WASHINGTON (BN24) — President Donald Trump has ordered the Department of Justice to seek the release of sealed grand jury transcripts tied to the Jeffrey Epstein case, intensifying the administration’s response to growing public and political demands for transparency. The decision, announced Thursday night and acted upon by Attorney General Pam Bondi on Friday, marks a sharp reversal following weeks of criticism over what many viewed as a botched handling of sensitive Epstein files.

The Justice Department filed a motion in Manhattan federal court Friday asking a judge to unseal the long-shielded testimony given before a grand jury during the criminal investigation into Epstein, the disgraced financier who died by suicide in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

“In light of continued public interest, and under the direction of Attorney General Bondi, the government moves to unseal grand jury transcripts associated with the Epstein indictment,” the DOJ filing reads. It notes that all victim-identifying information would be redacted prior to release, in accordance with federal privacy laws.

The move comes as the Trump White House faces increasing backlash from both critics and supporters who expected the president to fully declassify the Epstein files. Trump’s directive follows a Wall Street Journal report that described a bizarre birthday letter allegedly sent by Trump to Epstein in 2003 — featuring a crude sketch of a naked woman. Trump has denied any association with the letter, calling it “fake,” and has since sued the Journal’s parent company and reporters involved in the story.

“Based on the ridiculous amount of publicity given to Jeffrey Epstein, I have asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to produce any and all pertinent Grand Jury testimony, subject to Court approval,” Trump wrote Thursday night on Truth Social. “This SCAM, perpetuated by the Democrats, should end, right now!”

Bondi echoed Trump’s call in a post on X, saying the DOJ was “ready to move the court tomorrow.”

The lawsuit against the Journal’s publisher and the sudden DOJ filing mark a broader attempt by the Trump administration to wrest control of the narrative surrounding Epstein. The DOJ has been criticized for last week’s release of a heavily redacted memo that concluded there was “no credible evidence” Epstein maintained a “client list” or was murdered — conclusions that outraged many in Trump’s base, who had expected more explosive disclosures.

That memo also included the release of 10 hours of jailhouse footage showing no unauthorized access to Epstein’s cell on the day of his death. Still, the findings failed to quell speculation and anger among supporters who had hoped the Trump administration would expose a network of high-profile figures tied to Epstein.

The administration’s credibility took another hit after the Journal published its story on the birthday letter, allegedly signed “Donald” with a graphic drawing. The letter, the report said, ended with the words, “Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret.” In response, Trump lashed out, threatening legal action against the outlet and calling the article part of a political smear campaign.

Friday’s DOJ motion makes clear the administration’s pivot: it seeks to portray Trump as leading the charge for transparency, even as key documents remain under wraps. The motion, signed by Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, states that lawmakers, media, and the public “remain deeply interested and concerned about the Epstein matter.”

While federal judges have previously released some material related to Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell — who was sentenced in 2022 to 20 years for her role in Epstein’s sex trafficking scheme — much of the remaining evidence has been held back to protect victims and uncharged individuals.

Now, the release of grand jury testimony will depend on Judge Richard Berman, who presided over Epstein’s criminal case before his death. Before any material can be unsealed, Berman must consult with victims and any uncharged persons referenced in the transcripts. That process could take weeks or even months.

Legal experts say grand jury records typically remain sealed unless compelling public interest overrides privacy concerns. While the grand jury process is only a portion of the broader investigation, the Trump administration appears to be using the court motion as a legal avenue to offload responsibility — and avoid further redactions from the DOJ itself.

Trump’s move also coincides with his signing of unrelated legislation establishing federal cryptocurrency regulation and the conclusion of budget negotiations that saw congressional approval for deep cuts to NPR, PBS, and foreign aid — a string of political maneuvers likely intended to shift headlines away from the Epstein controversy.

While Trump praised Bondi for acting quickly, discontent remains high among Republicans, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Rep. Ralph Norman, who have urged Trump to go further. Bondi has yet to clarify whether the DOJ will pursue additional disclosures beyond the grand jury transcripts.

As the political stakes rise and legal processes play out in federal court, Trump is walking a narrow line — attempting to cast himself as a truth-teller on Epstein while navigating the fallout from past associations and the latest press scrutiny.

CNN

Trump Sues Wall Street Journal Publisher, Reporters Over Epstein Birthday Letter Claim

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Trump Sues Wall Street Journal Publisher, Reporters Over Epstein Birthday Letter Claim

Lawsuit filed in Florida denies report alleging Trump sent risqué 2003 note to Jeffrey Epstein

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (BN24) — President Donald Trump filed a lawsuit Friday against The Wall Street Journal’s parent company, its publisher, two reporters, and media mogul Rupert Murdoch, accusing them of defamation over an article claiming Trump once sent Jeffrey Epstein a birthday letter that included a drawing of a naked woman.

The lawsuit, submitted in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, comes less than a day after the Journal published a report alleging Trump had sent the letter to Epstein in 2003 to mark the financier’s 50th birthday. According to the article, the message included a hand-drawn outline of a nude woman, alongside Trump’s first-name signature.

Trump has strongly denied the claim, calling it “categorically false” and slamming the report as a politically motivated attempt to smear him during a heated election season.

The lawsuit names Dow Jones & Company, News Corp., Wall Street Journal publisher Almar Latour, and two unnamed reporters as defendants, in addition to Murdoch, the global media executive whose empire oversees the Journal.

None of the defendants had issued a public response to the lawsuit as of Friday afternoon, and the filing has yet to appear on the public court docket.

Trump’s legal team argues the Journal’s reporting is not only defamatory but timed to damage his reputation as he seeks re-election. The complaint also suggests the article is part of a broader pattern of what it describes as “reckless disregard for the truth” in coverage related to Trump’s past associations with Epstein, the disgraced financier who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting federal sex trafficking charges.

The Wall Street Journal article did not provide the original document it cited, and it remains unclear how or where the letter was obtained. The report quickly drew attention given Trump’s long-standing efforts to distance himself from Epstein, despite past social ties in the early 2000s.

While Trump has acknowledged knowing Epstein and appearing with him in photographs, he has repeatedly insisted he cut ties well before Epstein’s legal troubles came to light.

The lawsuit marks yet another legal front for Trump, who is simultaneously facing multiple criminal indictments and mounting civil litigation while running for a second term in the White House. It also underscores his escalating battle with media organizations he views as hostile, particularly as scrutiny around his past associations intensifies.

Israel Denies Conducting Overnight Airstrikes in Syria Following Deadly Clashes in Sweida

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Israel Denies Conducting Overnight Airstrikes in Syria Following Deadly Clashes in Sweida

JERUSALEM (BN24) — Israel on Friday rejected claims published by Syria’s state news agency that it carried out additional airstrikes near the southern city of Sweida overnight, amid a wave of sectarian bloodshed and rising regional tensions.

“The Israel Defense Forces are not aware of any overnight strikes in Syria,” a military spokesperson told AFP, pushing back against reports by the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) that suggested Israel had launched further attacks in the region late Thursday.

Earlier this week, Israel conducted airstrikes targeting Syrian army positions in both Sweida and the capital, Damascus. The strikes were aimed at forcing Syria’s Islamist-aligned government to withdraw its military presence from the largely Druze-populated Sweida region following deadly clashes involving Druze fighters, Sunni Bedouin tribes, and government forces.

The Israeli military said its operations were intended to prevent a buildup of Syrian forces near its borders and to protect the local Druze population, a minority community that has increasingly come under threat amid the spiraling violence. Syrian troops reportedly pulled out of Sweida on Thursday in the wake of the strikes.

Amid growing concern over the humanitarian fallout, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced Friday the urgent dispatch of aid to the Druze population in southern Syria. “In light of the recent attacks targeting the Druze community in Sweida and the severe humanitarian situation in the area, Foreign Minister Saar has ordered the urgent transfer of humanitarian aid,” the Israeli Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The aid package, valued at approximately two million shekels ($600,000), includes food parcels and medical supplies. The ministry noted this is not the first such effort, pointing to a similar aid mission to the Druze community in Syria back in March.

This week’s violence in the Sweida region has marked one of the most intense outbreaks of sectarian conflict in southern Syria since the civil war began over a decade ago. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that at least 594 people had been killed in the clashes, which pitted Druze factions against Sunni Bedouin militias, government troops, and allied forces.

On Wednesday, Israel reportedly shelled government buildings in Damascus as part of its pressure campaign on the Syrian regime. However, by early Friday, Israeli officials were distancing themselves from any suggestions of continued military operations, dismissing the Syrian state media reports as inaccurate.

While Israel has frequently targeted Iranian and Hezbollah-linked forces operating in Syria, its involvement in this latest episode represents a notable shift — aligning its strategic goals with humanitarian overtures toward the country’s Druze minority, many of whom have familial and cultural ties to Israel’s own Druze citizens.

The unfolding crisis in Sweida underscores both the fragility of Syria’s internal balance and the broader regional implications, as foreign powers cautiously navigate the complex and volatile dynamics on the ground.

Venezuela Releases 10 Jailed Americans in Three-Nation Deal Involving El Salvador Migrants

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Venezuela Releases 10 Jailed Americans in Three-Nation Deal Involving El Salvador Migrants

CARACAS, Venezuela (BN24) — Venezuela released 10 American citizens on Friday in a three-country diplomatic deal that also saw El Salvador send back hundreds of Venezuelan migrants who had been deported by the United States under President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.

The agreement marks a significant win for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who leveraged the fate of the detained Americans to force concessions from both Washington and San Salvador, while reaffirming his authority on the global stage despite widespread allegations of election fraud. For Trump, it represents another high-profile achievement in bringing Americans home from foreign prisons — a key goal of his administration.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the Americans’ release on social media. “Ten Americans who were detained in Venezuela are on their way to freedom,” Rubio posted on X, thanking President Trump and Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele for finalizing the complex agreement.

The deal involves El Salvador repatriating roughly 300 Venezuelan migrants who had been imprisoned in the country’s high-security Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), a sprawling mega-prison known for its brutal conditions and allegations of torture. The facility, part of Bukele’s hardline anti-gang campaign, became a temporary holding site after Trump invoked a rarely used 18th-century wartime law to remove migrants his administration had linked to the feared Tren de Aragua gang.

As part of the agreement, the Trump administration paid El Salvador $6 million to house the Venezuelans, a controversial arrangement that sparked international outcry. Human rights organizations condemned the conditions in CECOT, where hundreds of deaths and abuses have been reported since its opening.

Maduro had long used the plight of the Venezuelan detainees in El Salvador to criticize U.S. immigration policy, flipping the human rights narrative to his advantage. Even some of his political adversaries acknowledged the harsh treatment of their compatriots abroad, a dynamic that has allowed Maduro to bolster support among his shrinking base and further entrench his grip on power.

The freed Americans were among nearly a dozen U.S. citizens arrested by Venezuelan authorities in late 2024 during a sweeping crackdown that targeted dissidents, activists, labor leaders, and opposition figures following Maduro’s contested reelection. The U.S. and several Western countries do not recognize Maduro’s victory, citing credible vote tallies showing opposition candidate Edmundo González winning by a more than two-to-one margin.

In the months after the disputed July election, Venezuela detained over 2,000 people — mostly poor young men — while González fled into exile in Spain. The crackdown drew international condemnation but also opened channels for backdoor diplomacy between Caracas and Washington.

Friday’s deal follows a series of quiet prisoner swaps between the two nations. In May, Venezuela freed U.S. Air Force veteran Scott St. Clair, who had traveled to South America seeking treatment for PTSD. His release came after a meeting between Maduro and Richard Grenell, Trump’s envoy for special missions. Grenell also facilitated the earlier release of six other Americans during a visit to Caracas.

At that meeting, Grenell urged Maduro to take back Venezuelan migrants deported from the U.S., particularly those accused of criminal activity. Since then, hundreds of Venezuelans have been returned, though more than 200 remained detained in El Salvador’s prison system until this latest breakthrough.

Little was known about the Venezuelans’ fate inside CECOT until the swap. Attorneys had limited access, and public information was restricted to state-run media broadcasts showing inmates in dehumanizing conditions.

The sudden transfer came with little warning even to legal teams representing the migrants, who only learned of their departure as they boarded planes home.

The resolution of the detainee standoff signals a deepening, if unofficial, channel of negotiation between the Trump administration and Maduro’s government — one driven by humanitarian objectives, political maneuvering, and high-stakes diplomacy amid contested legitimacy.

AP

Explosion at Los Angeles Law Enforcement Training Facility Kills 3 Veteran Deputies

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Explosion at Los Angeles Law Enforcement Training Facility Kills 3 Veteran Deputies

LOS ANGELES (BN24) — A powerful explosion tore through a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department training facility early Friday, killing three veteran deputies from the department’s elite arson and explosives unit in what authorities are investigating as a possible training accident.

The deadly blast occurred around 7:30 a.m. at the Biscailuz Training Center, located east of downtown Los Angeles. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation, but early indications suggest it may have occurred during a training exercise, according to a law enforcement official briefed on the case who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

“This is an incredibly tragic day for our department,” Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said in an emotional press briefing. “These three deputies were among our most highly trained professionals. I lost three of my finest today.”

The explosion, which took place in a parking lot area filled with department vehicles and equipment, left no other injuries. Aerial footage from KABC-TV showed three bodies covered with tarps near a sheriff’s truck outfitted with a side ramp. A nearby patrol cruiser had its mirror blown off by the force of the blast.

Sheriff Luna said the three deputies collectively served a total of 74 years in the department and were all part of the arson and explosives detail — a unit that responds to more than 1,000 calls annually. Their names were not immediately released, as Luna had not yet notified one of the families.

“I have spoken to two of the three families, and those conversations were absolutely heartbreaking,” Luna said, visibly shaken. “This is the worst single loss of life in the history of this department since 1857.”

The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are assisting sheriff’s homicide detectives with the investigation. The scene remained sealed off for hours as bomb technicians and arson investigators worked to ensure there was no further danger.

California Attorney General Pam Bondi, posting on X, called the explosion a “horrific incident” and confirmed federal agents were at the site. “Please pray for the families of the sheriff’s deputies killed,” she wrote.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said the city’s fire and police bomb squads were also involved in the investigation. Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office confirmed he had been briefed and that the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and State Fire Marshal were coordinating closely with local and federal authorities at the scene.

The training facility, named after former Sheriff Eugene W. Biscailuz, is a hub for advanced law enforcement instruction and specialized tactical training. It remains closed as investigators examine the blast site.

The deaths sent shockwaves through the county’s law enforcement community, already strained by staffing shortages and growing public scrutiny. Officials have yet to confirm what type of material exploded or what specific training exercise — if any — was underway at the time.

“This department has endured loss before,” Luna said. “But nothing like this.”

Germany Deports 81 Afghans in First Mass Expulsion Under New Government

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Germany Deports 81 Afghans in First Mass Expulsion Under New Government

BERLIN (BN24) — Germany deported 81 Afghan nationals to their homeland on Friday, marking the country’s second repatriation flight to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan since 2021 and the first under Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s new right-leaning government.

The mass deportation underscores a significant shift in German migration policy, as Merz’s administration takes a harder stance on asylum seekers following his election victory in February. The Interior Ministry confirmed that all individuals on board were Afghan men who had previously come to the attention of judicial authorities. The flight was conducted with logistical support from Qatar.

The Interior Ministry also signaled that Friday’s removal was just the beginning. “We will continue these deportations,” the ministry stated, adding that more repatriation flights to Afghanistan are planned.

This latest operation comes more than ten months after the previous government carried out Germany’s first deportation to Afghanistan since the Taliban seized control in August 2021. Then-Chancellor Olaf Scholz, under mounting political pressure, had vowed to increase the deportation of rejected asylum seekers — a promise now being accelerated under his successor.

Merz, a longtime critic of Germany’s post-2015 migration policies, made border security and deportation reform a central theme of his campaign. Since assuming office in early May, his administration has deployed additional federal police to key border crossings and imposed tighter entry controls for asylum seekers. In one of its most controversial moves, the government also suspended family reunification privileges for many migrants, a measure human rights groups have sharply criticized.

The deportation flight took off just hours before Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt was scheduled to host a high-level migration summit with his counterparts from France, Austria, Poland, Denmark, and the Czech Republic, as well as European Union Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner. The meeting, taking place on Germany’s highest mountain — the Zugspitze, near the Austrian border — is expected to focus on strengthening joint border controls and streamlining asylum procedures across the EU.

The renewed expulsions come amid a broader push by several European governments to reduce irregular migration, with growing concerns over integration challenges and social tensions. While Germany had halted deportations to Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover citing security risks, critics of that decision argued it turned the country into a safe haven for criminals.

The current government now appears determined to reverse that policy — sending a message that Berlin is prepared to act unilaterally and decisively on migration enforcement.

The Associated Press

Trump Allegedly Told Epstein They Shared ‘Certain Things in Common’ in Lewd Birthday Letter

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Trump Allegedly Told Epstein They Shared ‘Certain Things in Common’ in Lewd Birthday Letter

President denies authorship of risqué note uncovered in 2003 Epstein birthday album compiled by Ghislaine Maxwell

WASHINGTON (BN24) — President Donald Trump is denying claims that he authored a provocative birthday message to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, after a Wall Street Journal report detailed the existence of a bawdy letter allegedly written by Trump and included in a photo album prepared by Ghislaine Maxwell for Epstein’s 50th birthday in 2003.

According to the report published Thursday, the album featured personal messages from Epstein’s inner circle, including one purportedly from Trump. The letter, described as “bawdy,” was reportedly typed over the outline of a naked woman, with Trump’s signature placed suggestively beneath the waistline to mimic pubic hair. The message concluded with: “Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret.”

In an imagined dialogue included in the note, Trump allegedly wrote, “We have certain things in common, Jeffrey,” to which Epstein responded, “Yes, we do, come to think of it.” The conversation continues with Trump remarking, “Enigmas never age, have you noticed that?” and Epstein replying, “As a matter of fact, it was clear to me the last time I saw you.”

According to the People.com, the letter was among a collection of personal contributions compiled by Maxwell, Epstein’s longtime companion who was convicted in 2022 for her role in a child sex trafficking ring and is now serving a 20-year prison sentence.

When contacted by the Wall Street Journal, Trump, 79, vehemently denied writing the message. “This is not me. This is a fake thing. It’s a fake Wall Street Journal story,” he said. “I never wrote a picture in my life. I don’t draw pictures of women… It’s not my language. It’s not my words.” Trump also threatened legal action against the outlet, saying he would sue “just like I sued everyone else.”

Neither the FBI nor the Department of Justice provided comment on the matter.

Trump’s alleged connection to the letter adds renewed controversy to a long-scrutinized relationship. His name has appeared in flight logs and other records tied to Epstein, though no charges have ever been filed against him. The same documents list numerous high-profile names, including former President Bill Clinton and Prince Andrew, but presence in those logs alone does not imply wrongdoing.

Epstein died in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. His death, ruled a suicide, and the failure to bring further co-conspirators to justice have fueled widespread public suspicion and bipartisan calls for transparency.

In Congress, Democrats have continued pressuring the Justice Department to release sealed files related to Epstein. A recent proposal sought to attach a disclosure amendment to cryptocurrency legislation, but Republicans blocked the effort.

Earlier this year, a Justice Department memo announced the closure of its investigation into Epstein. The department stated that no evidence existed of a “client list” or of Epstein using blackmail against influential figures. The memo reaffirmed the official finding that Epstein died by suicide.

Following the memo’s release, Trump dismissed renewed questions about the case. “Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein?” he said, according to ABC News. “This guy’s been talked about for years … are people still talking about this guy, this creep? That is unbelievable.”

While hundreds of pages of materials related to the case have been unsealed, including evidence logs and flight manifests, many questions remain unanswered — and the emergence of documents like the birthday letter only deepens the intrigue around Epstein’s ties to the powerful.

People.com

Heavy Rains Kill Nearly 150 in Pakistan as Disaster Officials Warn of More Flooding

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Heavy Rains Kill Nearly 150 in Pakistan as Disaster Officials Warn of More Flooding

ISLAMABAD (BN24) — Torrential monsoon rains have claimed nearly 150 lives and injured hundreds across Pakistan since late June, as disaster authorities brace for another wave of potentially deadly weather this week.

The country’s National Disaster Management Authority said Wednesday that the national death toll from seasonal downpours and flooding had risen sharply to 148, after 27 more fatalities were reported in Punjab province in the past 24 hours alone.

The latest update comes as officials issued fresh warnings of heavy rainfall and flash flooding expected between July 15 and 17. Monsoon rains, which typically arrive in Pakistan by late June and last through September, are critical for the region’s agriculture but often prove deadly due to poor infrastructure and widespread poverty.

“Due to this year’s monsoon rains, 77 citizens have died and 214 have been injured in Punjab alone,” the Provincial Disaster Management Authority said in a statement. “Most deaths have been recorded due to roofs collapsing in dilapidated buildings and old houses.”

Officials have urged residents, especially those living in mud structures or aging homes, to evacuate if possible and avoid low-lying areas prone to flooding. “Citizens are requested to take precautionary measures in view of the rainy season … Do not stay in old mud houses under any circumstances,” the statement warned.

Under orders from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, those injured are receiving emergency medical care while the families of the deceased will be provided financial compensation in accordance with provincial policy.

Children, in particular, are being warned to stay away from exposed electric wires, poles, and waterlogged zones. “By adopting precautionary measures, loss of life and property can be avoided,” the disaster authority added.

Pakistan faces mounting challenges as climate change intensifies the severity of seasonal weather. Though the country contributes less than one percent to global greenhouse gas emissions, it remains among the most vulnerable to climate-related disasters. In 2022, record-breaking monsoon floods submerged a third of the country, affected over 33 million people, and caused more than $30 billion in damages, according to government estimates.

This year’s monsoon has already left a trail of destruction, particularly in Punjab, the country’s most populous province. The disaster management agency continues to monitor rainfall and flood patterns closely as emergency responders brace for further casualties in the days ahead.

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