Who’s looking for answers… A Texas sheriff’s office. Yesterday, Texas authorities opened an investigation into Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ (R) flights last week that carried about 50 migrants to Martha’s Vineyard, MA. The migrants were flown from Bexar County, TX, to Florida. And eventually to Martha’s Vineyard where they were "left to fend for themselves." Now, the Bexar County sheriff says he believes the migrants were “lured” to Martha’s Vineyard under false pretenses of finding jobs. And is investigating whether the migrants were victims of crime. The sheriff said the move was a political tool, but stopped short of naming any suspects. DeSantis said the migrants went willingly and were given the opportunity to “seek greener pastures in a sanctuary jurisdiction.” Record immigration: This all comes as a record number of people have been apprehended crossing the US-Mexico border this year. And as a reported nearly 750 people — also a record number — have died along the way. Who’s coming home… Mark Frerichs. Yesterday, the Biden admin said it exchanged the Navy vet and engineer for an Afghan heroin kingpin. In 2020, while working in Afghanistan, Frerichs was taken and held by a Taliban-linked org. Bashir Noorzai was serving a life sentence for drug trafficking charges and had been in US custody since 2005. As part of the deal, President Biden says he made the “difficult decision” to grant Noorzai clemency in exchange for Frerichs. The swap comes after months of negotiations with the Taliban. Frerichs’ sister said Biden did “what was right.” But critics said the country should not be “negotiating with terrorists.” Meanwhile, the Biden admin is under pressure to bring home other Americans detained in foreign countries (like Brittney Griner and former Marine Paul Whelan). What’s a real page-turner… Book bans. Yesterday, a new report found that more than 1,600 book titles were banned in schools over the past year. That’s because of at least 50 advocacy groups, like Moms for Liberty, which are pushing to ban books — including a large percentage of titles covering LGBTQIA+ topics or with protagonists of color. Supporters say this is about parents having control over what their children learn. But the report says the movement is “intertwined with political movements” that grew out of the pandemic and what some consider to be divisive topics (like critical race theory). Texas accounted for the most bans, with 801 in 22 districts, followed by Florida and Pennsylvania. What wasn’t a part of the game plan… This leak. Yesterday, Rockstar Games said hackers broke into its systems and leaked footage of its next “Grand Theft Auto” videogame. The alleged culprit is also taking credit for last week’s Uber hack. Rockstar Games said it’s “disappointed” but doesn’t expect any long-term disruptions. No word on when gamers will be able to hit ‘play’ just yet. What we're gearing up for... Final(e) roses. Who duped the papa-paparazzi... This drag queen. | 