THE DAILY DEAN — Tuesday, August 5, 2025 Canada Leads. Trump Censors. Texas Arrests Lawmakers. Welcome to Tuesday. A wild day in North American democracy: from Gaza aid to Epstein redactions and GOP authoritarian cosplay. Dean Blundell Aug 5 Good Morning! Here are the top five headlines democracy lovers need to know today. *Truth over tyranny isn’t just a slogan—it’s a mission. We’re powered by you and work for no one else. Your subscription fuels fearless, independent journalism committed to defending democracy from rising authoritarianism…🙏 1. DOJ Grand Jury Targets Obama-Era Intelligence Officials The Department of Justice has impaneled a grand jury to investigate whether members of former President Obama’s administration manipulated intelligence reports related to Russia’s interference in the 2016 election. This move - highly political and timed with Trump’s re-election campaign and another BS distraction from the Epstein Files - is being framed by critics as yet another authoritarian play to criminalize political opposition and rewrite history. Sources say subpoenas are being issued for communications tied to early intelligence briefings and talking points delivered in 2016. Legal experts are warning that this sets a dangerous precedent: criminalizing routine inter-agency intelligence assessments to score partisan points. Context: This comes just days after Trump reportedly demanded new DOJ loyalty oaths and floated criminal charges against “disloyal” diplomats and bureaucrats. 2. Texas Republicans Issue Arrest Warrants for Fleeing Democrats The Texas GOP is going full banana republic. Republican House members voted to issue civil arrest warrants for Democratic legislators who fled the state to block a GOP redistricting bill. That’s right—civil arrest warrants, like it’s 1855. Republicans claim they’re enforcing duty; Democrats say they’re resisting an authoritarian legislative takeover. Democratic lawmakers are hiding out of state while Republican leaders ask Texas law enforcement to track them down and bring them back to the chamber in handcuffs. You know, like lawmakers do in healthy democracies . 3. 🍁 Canada Delivers First Aid Airdrop into Gaza In a major humanitarian milestone, Canada completed its first official airdrop of food and medical aid into Gaza, becoming the first Western country to do so independently. Prime Minister Mark Carney authorized the operation after direct talks with Egyptian and UN officials stalled, citing the urgent need to bypass blockade delays and respond to soaring civilian casualties. The aid—consisting of emergency food, trauma kits, and pediatric supplies—was dropped overnight in coordination with Jordanian logistics teams and monitored by drones to ensure safe delivery. Carney’s office said this act “reinforces Canada’s role as a sovereign humanitarian leader unwilling to be bullied by regional strongmen or paralyzed by multilateral gridlock.” 💡 Meanwhile, the U.S. remains absent, with Trump refusing to comment when asked about Gaza aid during yesterday’s briefing. 4. New Report Confirms 2024 Heat Wave Killed Over 1,000 in U.S., 150+ in Mexico A just-released retrospective study reveals that the 2024 North American heat wave was even deadlier than reported, with 1,016 deaths in the U.S. and over 150 in Mexico. The worst-affected areas? Texas, Nevada, and New Mexico—where AC access was sparse and heat shelters were underfunded. Most victims were elderly or low-income residents with pre-existing health conditions. Public health advocates are now demanding federal funding for heat emergency infrastructure, especially in underserved communities. The study comes as climate scientists warn 2025 could be worse. 🌍 Reminder: Trump cut all funding for climate adaptation programs in 2024. 5. Bloomberg: FBI Ordered to Scrub Trump’s Name from Epstein Files 100,000 Times In a damning scoop, Bloomberg and The Daily Beast confirm that Attorney General Pam Bondi ordered the FBI to pre-flag and redact Donald Trump’s name or likeness from over 100,000 documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. Roughly 1,000 FBI agents combed through files in March, tagging Trump's name before documents were released under FOIA. Critics, including Senate Judiciary Chair Dick Durbin, say the FBI’s redaction spree was "a disgrace to transparency and a betrayal of Epstein’s victims." 📂 Why it matters: Trump was a documented close associate of Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. The decision to redact him—under the excuse of “protecting a private citizen”—is being seen as a corrupt political shield, especially since Epstein’s victims are still waiting for accountability. 🧵 Victims' lawyers are preparing court motions demanding unredacted access. Pressure is building for Bondi’s resignation. Why It All Matters This newsletter is called The Daily Dean—but it could just as easily be called “The Daily Gaslight.” We’re watching Trump’s regime sanitize crimes, criminalize opposition, and starve diplomacy, all while America’s weather is killing people. Thank God Canada’s still standing tall. Mark Carney just dropped literal food and medicine into a war zone while Donald Trump drops subpoenas and redactions like candy. One leads. One hides. We’re not just watching a difference in leadership—we’re watching a difference in values. Today’s Quote “Democracy is not something you inherit. It’s something you defend.” — Justice Sonia Sotomayor Stay Informed. Keep Sharing. 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