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Top Story with Tom Llamas - July 16 | NBC News NOW
NBC Newsยท2025-07-17 01:45

Politics & Government - President Trump lashed out at his own supporters, calling them "weaklings" for their interest in the Jeffrey Epstein files, amidst growing calls for the Justice Department to release related documents [1][4][5][8][9] - The Justice Department and FBI released a memo stating they found no incriminating client list of Epstein's and no credible evidence he blackmailed prominent individuals [6][12] - Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego introduced a resolution calling for the DOJ to release its Epstein files, potentially forcing a divided GOP to take a public stance [7] - A majority of Americans (63%) disapprove of the Trump administration's handling of the Epstein files, with 36% of Republicans disapproving [26][27] - US Capitol Police arrested a man near the Capitol building with multiple guns, knives, a bow and arrow, and a sword; motive is unclear, but police do not believe Congress was targeted [2][43][44][45][47] Weather & Natural Disasters - Tornadoes touched down in the Midwest, with drone video capturing funnel clouds and debris [2][29][30][31] - 28 million people are under flood watches from Wisconsin to Louisiana, with states along the Gulf Coast bracing for a tropical disturbance [3][33] - A strong earthquake struck off the coast of Alaska, prompting tsunami alerts that were later canceled [36][37][38] - A volcano erupted in Iceland near the Blue Lagoon, forcing the evacuation of 100 people from the nearby town of Grindavik [109] International Affairs & Conflict - Israeli missiles struck Syria's Defense Ministry in Damascus [3][53][54] - A deadly stampede occurred at a Gaza food distribution site, with reports of tear gas being used [3][60][61][62] - The Trump administration deported five immigrants to Eswatini, who will be held in correctional facilities until they can be sent to their countries of origin [107] Social Trends & Culture - The "Gen Z stare" is a new trend on TikTok, sparking a generational debate over reactions from younger Americans [3][110][111][112][113][114][115][116][117][118] - The Obamas addressed divorce rumors in a podcast appearance, lightheartedly dismissing the speculation [4][89][90][91][92][93][94][95][96][97][98][99][100][101][102][103][104][105]