Breaking News Today
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Coca-Cola’s decision to stop using high-fructose corn syrup
This fall, one of the world’s leading soft drink companies will unveil a beverage sweetened with cane sugar instead of the high fructose corn syrup traditionally used. President Trump publicly encouraged them to make this change on social media and is scheduled to unveil their product shortly.
Pepsi’s rival Coke offers cane sugar-sweetened versions since 2009; for some U.S. fans who may prefer that option, Mexican Coke made with cane sugar can also be sold in glass bottles as an upscale alternative.
However, switching to cane sugar would pose a substantial logistical hurdle and likely wouldn’t alter the taste much; that is due to both being composed of simple sugars such as glucose and fructose that rapidly dissipate when added to acidic drinks; all this sugar would continue to add calories at an equivalent pace.
The House Oversight Committee releases 33,000 documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein
On Tuesday, the House Oversight Committee unveiled an extensive trove of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, who has been accused of sexually abusing underage girls. The documents include records pertaining to flights aboard Epstein’s private jet as well as luggage records that already are public knowledge. Democrats on the panel criticised it as mostly being recycled information that is already accessible publicly.
Uncertain is how much new information was contained within a trove of documents turned over by the Justice Department in August to Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer by way of Oversight Committee Chair James Comer’s Oversight Committee chairmanship James Comer by way of Oversight Committee. Nonetheless, both Democrats and some Republicans requested greater transparency on a case that has caused considerable uproar on Capitol Hill.
Release of documents could thwart efforts by those pushing a discharge petition that requires government disclosure of all case-related files with victims’ identities redacted, and may strengthen Trump administration arguments that such disclosure is unnecessary.
A federal appeals court reinstates Rebecca Slaughter
On Tuesday, a federal appeals court granted Rebecca Slaughter her seat back on the Federal Trade Commission after President Donald Trump fired her in March under pressure from Vice President Joe Biden who appointed her. A judge found that Trump administration violated Constitution by firing Slaughter without due process or lawful justification.
Loren AliKhan sided with Slaughter and fellow Democratic Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya who sued. AliKhan found that Trump’s dismissal breached Humphrey’s Executor ruling from 1935 which states FTC members can only be removed due to “cause,” rather than at his or her discretion.
AliKhan emphasized in her opinion that the Supreme Court would likely revisit how much power the FTC should exert over independent agencies like Consumer Product Safety Commission or National Labor Relations Board. With this ruling in place, Slaughter can resume her job until her Senate-confirmed term concludes in 2029.
The House is set to vote on a resolution to censure Rep. LaMonica McIver
McIver is proud to represent New Jersey’s 10th district, including parts of Essex, Hudson and Union counties. As a tireless public servant she strives to increase affordable housing options and educational opportunities for all her constituents.
Republicans have made good on their promise to punish her after she clashed with immigration agents at Newark’s Delaney Hall detention center, as Rep. Clay Higgins from Louisiana submitted a privileged resolution that could be considered as soon as the House resumes session in September. If approved, this resolution would censure McIver and strip her of her membership on the Homeland Security Committee.
McIver was elected to Congress to address the rising economic insecurity among families across her district, where rising costs for housing, healthcare and education are straining families to meet living expenses. She believes these challenges cannot be tackled singularly and will work toward finding comprehensive solutions in Washington. Furthermore, McIver pleaded not guilty to federal assault charges she is currently facing from acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba.
