Attorney General Merrick Garland fielded some tough questions from the House Judiciary Committee.

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Attorney General Merrick Garland fielded some tough questions from the House Judiciary Committee.

What about?

The Justice Department’s investigations into former President Trump and Hunter Biden’s taxes and business dealings. The GOP is accusing Garland of “slow walking” the investigation into Hunter — all while going after Trump. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) has previously raised the possibility of launching an impeachment probe against Garland over the DOJ’s handling of the Hunter investigation. Meanwhile, Democrats asked Garland if Biden asked him to indict Trump, to which Garland said no one told him to. They also asked him about the Supreme Court, hate crimes, and gun violence.

What did he say?

He told the committee “I am not the president’s lawyer” and that his job is “to follow the facts and the law.” He insisted he hasn’t interfered in the probe into Hunter. As far as the investigation itself, Garland said he took steps to make sure it stays on the straight and narrow — including allowing Trump-appointed special counsel David Weiss to lead it. The White House called the Republican’s a “distraction.”

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This was Garland’s first appearance before the committee in two years. It comes as he oversees two unprecedented cases: criminal charges against a former president and another involving the sitting president’s son.

What decided not to shake things up on a Wednesday…

The Federal Reserve. Yesterday, it decided to keep its hands off of interest rates, leaving it at 5.25% to 5.5%. The benchmark lending rate remains at a 22-year high. It could stay that way — so good luck to those perusing Zillow like it's Instagram. The Fed said there could be another hike before the end of the year as the fight against inflation continues. By the end of the year, the Fed said it expects stronger growth and lower unemployment than it had projected. Wall Street didn’t jump for joy because it had been hoping for rate cuts. After the Fed's announcement, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq dropped by 0.9% and 1.5% respectively.

What we’re going to need time to ultra-process…

Ultra-processed foods. Yesterday, a new study found there could be a link between eating large amounts of ultra-processed foods and depression. While there's a lot of data linking such foods to physical health issues like strokes, heart attacks, and high blood pressure, this is the first significant study that suggests that eating ultra-processed foods and drinks could increase the chances of depression. Pour one out for the Diet Coke girlies because the study specifically calls out beverages with artificial sweeteners.

Who’s coming forward…

Cassidy Hutchinson. Yesterday, the former Trump aide — known for speaking at the Jan. 6 congressional hearing — accused Rudy Giuliani of groping her on the day of the Jan 6 insurrection. In an excerpt from her upcoming book, “Enough,” Hutchinson described the moment as “a wolf closing in on its prey.” She alleged that the Trump lawyer put his hand “under [her] blazer, then [her] skirt.” Giuliani’s team denied the allegations, calling them “a disgusting lie” made to promote her book.

Whose interview might not age well…

Adidas’ CEO. In a podcast, Adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden said he doesn’t believe that Ye “meant what he said” when making antisemitic comments last year. That includes threatening to go “death con 3 on Jewish people,” and accusing the CEO of LVMH of killing his best friend. The sportswear company dropped Ye after he made the comments, costing them millions, but says their stance has “not changed.”

What siblings are for...

Joking about the rumors you’re dating Taylor Swift.

What's worth $10 million...

Thirty minutes of Bob Ross's time. 

Who's saying 'they were on a break' …

Alix Earle.