Emergency Declared in Alaska as Glacier Basin Nears Record Flood Release

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Authorities in Alaska’s capital are bracing for what could be one of the largest glacial lake outburst floods on record, triggering state, local, and tribal disaster declarations before the waters even begin to surge.

On Sunday, Governor Mike Dunleavy issued a statewide disaster declaration in anticipation of a potentially catastrophic release from Suicide Basin — a glacial side basin perched above the Mendenhall Glacier. The move follows earlier declarations from the City and Borough of Juneau and the Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska.

Hydrologists with the National Weather Service (NWS) and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) have confirmed that Suicide Basin is now holding water volumes equal to or greater than those measured during the worst flooding events on record. The ice-dammed basin has already begun to overtop, with icebergs drifting toward an overflow channel — an ominous sign that floodwaters could soon pour into the Mendenhall River and surrounding neighborhoods.

“This year is different. We’re not just responding — we’re ready,” Juneau City Manager Katie Koester said. “The HESCO barriers are in place, and we believe they will perform as designed, but our job is to plan for every scenario — especially in the face of what could be another historic flood event.”

The August 2024 glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) devastated parts of the Mendenhall Valley, damaging homes, public infrastructure, and utilities. That disaster led to both state and federal emergency declarations. Officials say the proactive approach this year will allow state resources and personnel to be pre-positioned.

The NWS warned that in past years, overtopping has preceded major flooding by as much as six days. On Sunday, August 10, instruments began detecting slow drops in basin water levels — another sign the release could be imminent.

Residents have been urged to finalize flood preparations immediately. Emergency alerts have been sent to cell phones throughout Juneau, and printed evacuation preparation notices are being distributed to every home within the 17-foot inundation zone. A second alert will be issued when water begins its rapid descent from the basin.

Governor Dunleavy underscored the importance of acting early: “By issuing this declaration before the flood occurs, we can position resources in advance to reduce impacts and preserve community safety.”

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National Guard Takes to the Streets of DC in Support of Trump’s Crime Crackdown: ‘Reporting for Duty’

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National Guard troops began deploying to the streets of Washington, DC, Tuesday, one day after President Trump signed an executive order aimed at addressing crime concerns in the nation’s capital.

“DC National Guard reporting for duty,” the US Army posted on X, including photos of several military Humvees parked near the Washington Monument on the National Mall.

Guardsmen, activated under the president’s Title 32 authority, were even spotted posing for pictures with tourists on the first night of their deployment in the district.

Earlier, the White House indicated that the National Guard was expected to “begin being on the streets starting tonight,” according to the Washington Post, citing an anonymous official.

Only a small fraction of the 800 National Guard members expected to take part in the crime crackdown mission had been mobilized as of Tuesday afternoon, with more expected to deploy in the coming days, a Department of Defense official told the outlet. (Read more from “National Guard Takes to the Streets of DC in Support of Trump’s Crime Crackdown: ‘Reporting for Duty’” HERE)

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Schiff Accused Of Leaking Classified Info In ‘Treasonous’ Russiagate Plot, Memos Show

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A career intelligence officer who previously assisted House Intelligence Committee (HPSCI) Democrats repeatedly told the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in 2017 that then-Democrat California Rep. Adam Schiff allegedly approved leaking classified information in an effort to “indict President Trump,” memos from the FBI show.

The memo, exclusively obtained by Just the News, details the accusations made by the whistleblower.

The intelligence officer alleged that Schiff, as ranking member and then-chairman of HPSCI, announced the leaking of information that was, “derogatory to President of the United States Donald J. TRUMP” in an all-staff meeting, according to the documents.

When the whistleblower expressed concerns regarding the legality of the proposed leaks, the officer was allegedly reassured by members at the meeting that “they would not be caught,” according to the memo.

The whistleblower was allegedly approached in another meeting about leaking classified information, and the official described the proposal as “unethical and treasonous” to the FBI, the documents state. (Read more from “Schiff Accused Of Leaking Classified Info In ‘Treasonous’ Russiagate Plot, Memos Show” HERE)

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Jeffrey Epstein IDF Sweatshirt Photo Sparks Mossad Connection Theories; Former Butler Speaks Out

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A newly surfaced photograph of Jeffrey Epstein wearing an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) sweatshirt is reigniting speculation about the disgraced financier’s alleged ties to Israeli intelligence. The image—taken just months before his arrest in 2019—shows Epstein smiling aboard his private jet, a relaxed pose that sharply contrasts with the serious questions it raises. For years, rumors have swirled that Epstein may have worked with Mossad, Israel’s intelligence agency, a claim he reportedly laughed off.

The image, shared by Epstein’s longtime Paris butler Valdson Vieira Cotrin, was reportedly taken aboard Epstein’s private jet in January 2019. In the picture, Epstein appears relaxed, smiling, and noticeably puffy-faced. Cotrin, who worked for Epstein for 18 years as butler, chauffeur, and cook, claims it may be one of the last photographs of him before his arrest on July 6, 2019.

Cotrin, speaking to The Telegraph, insisted he did not believe Epstein died by suicide, stating his former employer “loved life too much” and was confident about securing bail before his death in August 2019. The butler also expressed fear for his own safety and suggested foul play in the April 2024 death of Virginia Giuffre, who had accused Prince Andrew of sexual assault. Authorities ruled Giuffre’s death a suicide.

In the same interview, Cotrin claimed that Epstein told him in 2016 he had been offered a position in Donald Trump’s first administration but declined. There is no evidence supporting the claim, and Trump has said he severed ties with Epstein in 2004 after a business dispute.

Cotrin remains in possession of multiple photographs with Epstein’s associates, including a shot of himself with former President Bill Clinton aboard Epstein’s notorious “Lolita Express,” the private plane prosecutors say was used to traffic underage girls.

The renewed attention to the IDF sweatshirt photo comes as pressure mounts on the Trump administration to make the Epstein files public.

Texas Redistricting Standoff Is Over: Democrats Will Reportedly Return to State House

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The Texas Democrats who fled the state to avoid a redistricting vote have decided to return, according to multiple sources that spoke to KTRK-TV.

Republicans had threatened to cut off their paychecks and even vacate their seats if they did not return to allow a quorum and proceed with official business. Democrats have been trying to shut down the approval of a redistricting map that some say would give Republicans a five-seat advantage in the U.S. House.

The KTRK report said the fleeing Democrats believe they have accomplished their goals of bringing national awareness to the redistricting effort and stopping a first special session.

After KTRK reported the development, it received a statement from a spokesperson for the Texas Democratic Caucus.

“Members are still assessing their strategies going forward and are in a private meeting to make decisions about future plans currently,” the statement reads. (Read more from “Texas Redistricting Standoff Is Over: Democrats Will Reportedly Return to State House” HERE)

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Pentagon Reports Increase in Female Military Recruits Across All Branches

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The Pentagon says female enlistment numbers have risen in every branch of the U.S. armed forces during Fiscal Year 2025, countering claims that recruitment among women has declined.

According to Pentagon data, 23,985 women have enlisted so far this fiscal year, compared to 16,725 at the same point last year — an increase of about 7,260 recruits. Female recruitment is rising alongside overall enlistment, with the U.S. Army surpassing its annual goal in June, four months ahead of schedule.

The upward trend follows record-low recruitment in 2022. Officials say numbers began to improve in 2024, with the armed forces bringing in 12.5% more personnel than the previous year.

Defense officials attribute the increase to a variety of factors, including leadership and a focus on core military readiness. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has previously stated that the department’s current emphasis is on “war fighting” and mission preparedness.

Members of Congress with military backgrounds have also noted the trend. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.), an Air Force veteran, said she believes the current administration’s priorities have played a role in renewed interest among both women and men in joining the military.

The Pentagon has not released projections for whether the momentum in female enlistment will continue through the end of the fiscal year.

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MULTI-GENDER BATHROOM? Parents Outraged Over High School’s New Layout

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When students return to Christiansburg High School for classes on Wednesday, they’ll find at least one large “open plan” gender-neutral and multiple-stall bathroom.

Parents are raising the alarm.

“I would have been mortified at that age,” Alecia Vaught, 49, who has two grandchildren at the southwestern Virginia school, told The Daily Signal about the bathroom situation.

The Daily Signal obtained photos of signs with symbols depicting a woman, a man, a half-man/half-woman, and a wheelchair. While the individual stalls have higher walls to increase privacy, the gender-neutral open concept means that teen boys and girls will share a handwashing space in view from the hallway.

While the architect in charge of the renovation plans defended the open bathroom as an attempt to prevent bullying and certain illicit activities, parents raised privacy concerns.

A Facebook user posted a photo of the bathroom in a Christiansburg High School Alumni group. (Read more from “MULTI-GENDER BATHROOM? Parents Outraged Over High School’s New Layout” HERE)

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California Bill Could Open “Legal Pathway” for Child Predators

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A bill moving through the California Legislature is sparking intense backlash from parental rights advocates who warn it could be exploited by child traffickers and other predators.

Assembly Bill 495, the Family Preparedness Plan Act of 2025, introduced by Assemblywoman Celeste Rodriguez (D–San Fernando), is being promoted as a way to help undocumented minors stay with a designated “caregiver” if their parents are detained. But opponents argue the bill’s broad language would allow almost any unrelated adult to assume control over a child’s care—without parental consent, court oversight, or background checks.

Attorney Erin Friday, president of Our Duty-USA, called AB 495 “a child trafficker’s and kidnapper’s dream bill,” noting that it requires only an affidavit and a form of ID to gain temporary parental authority. The bill allows a prospective caregiver to simply state they have “advised the parent(s)” or are “unable to contact the parent(s),” without needing a parent’s signature or a court seal.

Critics point out that the legislation applies to any child, regardless of immigration status, and permits the transfer of rights to individuals with no blood relation, including teachers, medical professionals, neighbors, or family friends. “We’re talking about a legal pathway for predators to operate in plain sight,” Friday warned.

Concerns also extend to medical authority. The bill grants caregivers power over a child’s schooling, residency, and healthcare—including mental health treatments. Opponents fear this could enable minors to receive gender transition services without parental knowledge, citing California’s 2022 SB 107 law, which already permits such treatments for minors from other states without parental consent.

Faith leaders have joined the opposition. Pastor Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills urged parents to consider leaving California if the measure passes. Gina Gleason, the church’s Real Impact ministry director, emphasized the urgency of public pushback, warning that Democrats’ supermajority makes passage likely unless citizens mobilize.

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Trump Seizes Control of D.C. Police, Deploys National Guard in Crime Crackdown

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In a dramatic move aimed at curbing Washington, D.C.’s soaring crime rates, President Donald Trump announced Monday that he is taking direct federal control of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department and activating the National Guard to restore order in the nation’s capital.

Speaking at a packed White House press conference, Trump said he was invoking Section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, a rarely used authority that allows the president to assume control over the city’s police force. He called the day “Liberation Day” for residents of the capital.

“This is Liberation Day in D.C., and we’re going to take our capital back,” Trump declared. “Under the authorities vested in me as the President of the United States, I’m placing the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department under direct federal control.”

The president said a new leadership team would be introduced soon, describing them as “very good people” who are “tough” and experienced in restoring public safety.

In addition, Trump announced the deployment of the National Guard to assist in law enforcement operations, vowing they would be allowed to “do their job properly.”

Not a Partisan Issue

Trump stressed that the decision was not politically motivated, noting that crime affects everyone in the city — including journalists covering his administration.

“I understand a lot of you tend to be on the liberal side,” Trump told reporters, “but you don’t want to get mugged and raped and shot and killed. You want to be able to leave your apartment or house and feel safe.”

He compared Washington’s murder rate to some of the most dangerous cities in the world, saying it now exceeds that of Bogotá, Colombia, and Mexico City.

“Our capital city has been overtaken by violent gangs, roving mobs, drugged-out maniacs, and homeless people,” Trump said. “We’re not going to let it happen anymore — just like we didn’t let it happen at our southern border.”

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Kim Davis Petitions Supreme Court to Overturn Same-Sex Marriage Ruling

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Former Kentucky county clerk Kim Davis — once jailed for refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples — is again asking the U.S. Supreme Court to revisit its 2015 landmark ruling legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide.

In a 90-page petition filed last month, Davis urged the Court to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges, calling it a “legal fiction” and arguing that it violates the religious liberty of Americans who hold traditional beliefs about marriage.

Davis, 59, made national headlines in 2015 when she refused to issue a marriage license to David Ermold and David Moore, a gay couple in Rowan County, Kentucky, shortly after Obergefell was decided. Her refusal led to a five-day jail sentence, and in 2022 a federal jury found she had violated the couple’s constitutional right to marry. She was ordered to pay $100,000 in emotional damages, plus $260,000 in attorneys’ fees.

Mat Staver, founder and chairman of the conservative legal group Liberty Counsel, which represents Davis, said in a statement that the case shows “why the U.S. Supreme Court should overturn the wrongly decided Obergefell v. Hodges opinion.” He argued that the First Amendment should protect public officials from being forced to choose between “faith and livelihood.”

“If ever a case deserved review,” the petition states, “the first individual who was thrown in jail post-Obergefell for seeking accommodation for her religious beliefs should be it.” The filing claims Davis’s actions were protected by her First Amendment rights and that the damages awarded to the couple were based solely on “purported emotional distress.”

The petition also directly asks the Court to reconsider Obergefell and the “legal fiction of substantive due process” on which it was based.

William Powell, attorney for Ermold and Moore, dismissed Davis’s arguments, expressing confidence the Court will not take up the case. “Marriage equality is settled law,” Powell said, adding that the lower courts were correct in rejecting Davis’s legal claims.

This is not Davis’s first appeal to the nation’s highest court. The Supreme Court declined to hear her case in 2020, leaving the Obergefell ruling intact.