Where America Stands This Weekend

Hey Small Biters,

This weekend arrives with un-shelved truths and unsettled skies.

---

1. Epstein Grand Jury Transcripts Set to Be Released

President Trump has directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to petition a Manhattan federal judge for the unsealing of Jeffrey Epstein’s 2019 grand jury transcripts. This decision follows a Wall Street Journal report alleging Trump contributed a bawdy sketch and message in Epstein’s birthday album—claims he denies and vows to sue over.

---

2. House Greenlights Trump’s Aid & Media Cuts

The House approved a $9 billion rescission plan, slicing foreign aid and public broadcasting funding, while the Senate protected $400 million earmarked for HIV/AIDS programs like PEPFAR. The stage is now set for a high-stakes Senate showdown.

---

3. MAGA Rifts Over Epstein File Release

Rumblings from Trump’s base intensified as MAGA stalwarts—including Tucker Carlson and Steve Bannon—publicly challenged Trump’s handling of the Epstein files. Some even burned MAGA hats in protest. In response, Speaker Mike Johnson distanced himself from Trump, urging full transparency.

---

4. Texas Floods Test Federal Disaster Plans

Deadly flash floods in Texas Hill Country killed over 100s of people and left another 70 unaccounted for. Critics warn these extreme weather events are the new normal—made worse by deep cuts to FEMA and the National Weather Service under Trump’s administration.

---

5. Tariff Confusion Shifts Global Markets

As the U.S. edges closer to a self-imposed Aug 1 deadline for higher tariffs, unpredictable messaging from Trump has unsettled international markets. The erratic tone has raised concerns that foreign partners may readjust current trade deals 

---

✍️

In buried records and broken levees,
we search for stewardship of consequence.
May what leaks into daylight
and what overflows be met with care.

---

🍽 A Small Bite to Carry

• Transparency vs. trust: The push to release Epstein’s grand jury files has fractured GOP unity and tested Trump’s control over his base.

• Budget battles: With cuts to foreign aid and public media poised to reach the Senate, the funding vote becomes a referendum on global engagement and domestic service.

• Climate & catastrophe: Texas floods underscore how environmental shocks collide with dismantled federal infrastructure—raising urgent questions about resilience.

---

We’re living in a moment where power is tested in small details: whose child gets preschool help, whose land is protected from ICE sweeps, whose home is insured against flood. These are not just policy choices—they are decisions about who we are and how we care.

Thank you for trusting Small Bite with your attention. For those considering becoming paid readers, know this: your support helps us stay rooted in stories that matter, where compassion meets context, and where shared humanity becomes our guiding light.

Thanks for paying attention and thanks for being a supporter—your presence makes space for thought that lasts longer than the scroll.

Warm regards,
Small Bites

Have a great weekend!!

Referral program:

When you use the referral link below, or the “Share” button on any post, you’ll get credit for any new subscribers. Simply send the link in a text, email, or share it on social media with friends.

When more friends use your referral link to subscribe (free or paid), you’ll receive special benefits.

• Get a 1 month comp for 8 referrals

• Get a 3 month comp for 18 referrals

• Get a 6 month comp for 28 referrals