Cross-Examination

• High cost of inflation on Americans: A recent analysis from the Joint Economic Committee Republicans found that the 40-year-high inflation is costing the average American $717 a month. Thanks to inflation hovering at 8.5% annually, the cost of everything has risen and, as a result, Americans are finding themselves poorer. The JEC report notes that “while prices did not change from June to July 2022, prices increased 13.3% from January 2021 to July 2022.” That sustained inflation rate is now costing the average American family $8,607 annually. And despite rising wages, inflation has risen faster, creating an average hourly wage decrease of 0.5%. Even as energy costs have begun to decrease, investor strategist Seema Shah predicts that “inflation will only decline at a painfully slow pace” amidst the current recession.

• There are now 14 FBI whistleblowers: Representative Jim Jordan (R-OH) recently noted that 14 “FBI agents have come to our office as whistleblowers” reporting on the politicization of the agency. This growing number of FBI whistleblowers is concerning as it indicates that problems are widespread throughout the bureau. These whistleblowers allege that the agency is actively engaging in an effort to “purge” FBI employees who hold conservative viewpoints. Jordan emphasized that “there are lots of good people in the FBI” and that “it’s the top that is the problem.” As the Left has done with many of America’s institutions, only certain ideological views will be permitted, and it appears a similar effort is underway at the FBI.

• Baldwin pulled the trigger by accident: On Monday, the shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on a movie production set last October by actor Alec Baldwin was determined to be accidental by New Mexico’s medical investigator. So far, no charges have been filed. The FBI’s recent analysis of the weapon concluded the .45 revolver could not have been fired without the trigger having been pulled, challenging Baldwin’s claim that he never pulled the trigger. Baldwin’s attorney asserted that this was the third investigation done by New Mexico authorities that found the actor “had no authority or knowledge of the allegedly unsafe conditions on the set.” The medical investigator cited “the absence of obvious intent to cause harm or death” as well as “no compelling demonstration” that the firearm was intentionally loaded with live ammunition for the conclusion reached. The more salient question as to whether Baldwin acted negligently remains unanswered.

Headlines

• Trump gives first interview since FBI’s Mar-a-Lago raid, vows to “help country” (Fox News)

• DOJ offers Trump his passports back (Washington Examiner)

• DOJ objects to public disclosure of Trump raid affidavit (National Review)

• Southern border saw nearly 200,000 migrant encounters in July as border crisis rolls on (Fox News)

• Bari Weiss: New York Times editor wanted to “check with” Chuck Schumer before running Tim Scott op-ed (National Review)

• New York Times asked CCP-aligned TikTok to censor Americans (The Federalist)

• Democrats finally found election signatures they don’t trust: Los Angeles County DA George Gascon recall petition found “insufficient” to qualify for ballot (Fox News)

• Starbucks makes surprising admission about mail-in ballots (Townhall)

• Minneapolis teachers union agreement stipulates white teachers be laid off first, regardless of seniority (Fox News)

• Back-to-school blues: Droves of Americans ditching public school (Daily Signal)

• It’s happening: “LGB drop the T” keeps trending on Twitter as gay activists turn on transgender activists (Not the Bee)

• Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla tests positive for COVID (NBC News)

• First Lady Jill Biden tests positive for COVID (CBS News)

• Policy: The incompetence of the botched Afghanistan withdrawal is on display in every area of Biden’s presidency (The Federalist)

• Humor: Biden changes nuclear codes to “password” to be more secure following Trump raid (Genesius Times)

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