Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega Declares His Nation Will No Longer Hold Elections

In Nicaragua, President Daniel Ortega has declared his nation will no longer hold elections. Ortega made the announcement during a Sunday evening speech in Managua commemorating the 1979 Sandinista Revolution that overthrew the U.S.-backed dictatorship of Anastasio ⁠Somoza. President Daniel Ortega: “There won’t be ⁠⁠any more elections here for them to try to seize the government and seize power. … The days when parties backed by the Yankees and the Somocistas would return to power are over. Never again.” It was Ortega’s first public appearance in two months. In 2021, he secured a fourth term as president following a monthslong crackdown on dissent, during which dozens of opposition figures, including seven presidential hopefuls, were arrested. A United Nations report earlier this year found President Ortega and his wife Rosario Murillo, whom he named co-president, eliminated all checks and balances on their power to build an authoritarian state in Nicaragua. www.democracynow.org

Trump Announces 50% Tariff on Imports from Canada

President Trump said Monday he would impose tariffs of 50% on a wide range of goods imported from Canada. The duties are set to take effect in 30 days, with exemptions for Canadian fuel, fish, fertilizer and critical minerals. Trump announced the tariffs after threatening to sanction Canada for wildfire smoke drifting over much of the U.S., and after declaring that Canada unfairly discriminated against U.S. autos, alcohol and dairy products. www.democracynow.org

Open Letter by 120 Prisoners Alleges Human Rights Abuses at Arizona’s Eloy Detention Center

In Arizona, an open letter signed by 120 prisoners at the Eloy Detention Center alleges a range of human rights abuses, including severe medical neglect, verbal and physical abuse by guards, and poor mental healthcare. Prisoners say anyone complaining about poor conditions is sent to solitary confinement — called “The Hole.” www.democracynow.org

Justice Department Activates Alien Terrorist Removal Court for First Time Ever

The Trump administration has activated the Alien Terrorist Removal Court for the first time since it was established by law in 1996. Congress approved the five-judge court for extraordinary cases when normal proceedings could expose classified material. It allows for the rapid deportation of foreign nationals deemed by the court to be “alien terrorists,” along with their immediate family members. Last week, the Justice Department submitted the first-ever application to the court, which has remained dormant for three decades. Details of the July 15 application are sealed, with a cover sheet marking its contents as classified. U.S. District Judge Joan Ericksen, a George W. Bush appointee, subsequently issued an order asking the Trump administration to make a more “thoughtful” application. www.democracynow.org

State Department Alleges Cuba Infiltrated U.S. Politics Through Left-Wing Groups

In a new report, the State Department has accused the Cuban government of waging a “sustained campaign of subversion against the United States.” The report claims Cuba has backed a number of groups in the United States, including the National Lawyers Guild, CodePink, Pastors for Peace and the National Network on Cuba. In a statement, CodePink said, “This latest attempt by the State Department is just one of many politically motivated witch hunts designed to silence antiwar voices who dare to challenge U.S. militarism. It’s about justifying even more aggression against Cuba while turning advocates for peace into suspects.” The 100-page report also includes quotes from earlier New York Times reporting, including a reference to Amy Goodman and Democracy Now! www.democracynow.org

Trump Administration Sought Phone Records of New York Times Reporters and Their Families

The Trump administration is seeking to uncover the confidential sources who spoke to journalists at The New York Times about security concerns relating to President Trump’s new plane donated to him by Qatar. The Justice Department issued subpoenas to phone service providers to obtain several journalists’ phone and text messaging records, and their relatives’ phone records, including from one reporter’s mother and two of the reporters’ spouses. The Times has asked the judge to quash the requests. www.democracynow.org

Judge Halts Paramount Skydance’s $110 Billion Takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery

A federal judge has paused the $110 billion merger of Paramount Skydance with Warner Bros. Discovery, granting a request from a coalition of 12 state attorneys general. The judge scheduled an August 3 hearing on the states’ motion for a preliminary injunction to halt the merger. The Writers Guild of America filed its own lawsuit against the merger, claiming that it would negatively impact union members’ wages and lead to job losses. www.democracynow.org

Israeli Drone Strike Kills Family of 6 in Gaza City

In Gaza, health officials say an entire Palestinian family was wiped off the civil registry overnight in an Israeli strike on their home. The attack on Gaza City’s Sabra neighborhood came without warning around 2 a.m., sending shrapnel flying into the tents of displaced Palestinians living nearby. It killed Firas al-Masri along with his wife, Salsabeel, their three daughters and son. This is the children’s grandfather, Abu Yusuf al-Masri. Abu Yusuf al-Masri: “We were unable to save our grandchildren and children from the flames and the devastation. Six people were martyred, most of them children and women, without mercy and without any prior warning. All these are crimes by the Israelis. When the world thinks there is a ceasefire or relative calm, there is no relative calm, and there is no safe place at all.” www.democracynow.org

U.S. Bombs Iran for 10th Consecutive Night

The United States has carried out a 10th consecutive night of strikes on Iran, with reports of explosions in Sirik, Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island, Shiraz and Isfahan. In response, Iran’s military launched retaliatory strikes on U.S. assets in Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait, claiming hits on U.S. radar, communications and air defense systems. Meanwhile, at least three oil tankers erupted in flames after coming under Iranian fire while attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. On Monday, the Pentagon identified two U.S. soldiers killed in an Iranian strike on their base in Jordan. Private Isabella Gonzales of Carrollton, Texas, was just 19 years old. She was killed alongside First Lieutenant Tyler James Feehan of Hawaii. They’re among at least 17 U.S. service members killed in action supporting President Trump’s attacks on Iran. This comes after The New York Times reported the Pentagon failed to disclose nearly 100 injuries to U.S. troops since July 7. www.democracynow.org

“A Company That Trades Privacy for Profit”: ACLU on Flock’s Growing Nationwide Surveillance Network

https://www.democracynow.org/2026/7/21/flock_aclu_chad_marlow

As the U.S. Commits War Crimes in Iran, Trump Admin Vows to Dismantle Int’l Criminal Court: Reed Brody

https://www.democracynow.org/2026/7/21/reed_brody_icc_rubio_trump_admin

NYC Mayor Mamdani Seeks to Arrest Israel’s Netanyahu: “He’s a War Criminal”

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani says he’s still looking into arresting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu when he visits New York for the U.N. General Assembly in September. Mamdani spoke with The New York Times’s “The Interview” podcast. Mayor Zohran Mamdani: “I believe that Prime Minister Netanyahu belongs in The Hague. He’s a war criminal who has been charged by the International Criminal Court. And what you will find is that is an opinion that is held by many purely because of what his actions have wrought over these last many years. I’ve also said that I will follow the laws that we have here in New York City, because I believe that there is an importance in following the law as a leader who presides over our city. And that’s something that I plan to do.” Lulu Garcia-Navarro: “Meaning? I’m sorry, I don’t understand what that means.” Mayor Zohran Mamdani: “Meaning that whatever the law allows me to do in New York City, that’s what we will do, but we won’t be writing our own laws to that end.” www.democracynow.org

Trump Threatens Canada with Tariffs as Millions Suffer from Hazardous Wildfire Smoke

Millions of people across North America face another day of hazardous air pollution as nearly 1,000 active wildfires continue to rage in Canada. “Hazardous” air quality alerts are once again in effect today for major cities including Chicago, Detroit, Columbus and Minneapolis. Here in New York, air quality has improved — at least for now — following what officials are calling the second-worst smoke event in the city’s modern history. On Friday, President Trump threatened to impose new tariffs on Canada over the record levels of hazardous air. www.democracynow.org

ICE Agent Responsible for Fatal Shooting of Joan Sebastián Durán Guerrero Once Told Court of Head Injury

Meanwhile, records show the ICE agent behind the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Joan Sebastián Durán Guerrero once told a court a head injury had left him with impaired cognitive functioning and memory. David Brouillette filed a lawsuit against the Maine Community College System in late 2023, alleging post-concussive injuries after a steel beam fell on his head during a firefighting training course. Just two years later, Brouillette went to work as an ICE officer — despite his injury and his documented history of domestic violence against two previous wives and his daughters. www.democracynow.org

Colorado Prison Guard Faces Multiple Charges After Shooting Protesters Outside ICE Jail

A Colorado prison guard faces multiple charges, including attempted murder, after he allegedly shot a protester outside the for-profit ICE jail where he works. Witnesses say 42-year-old Brandon Booth responded to demonstrations last Thursday outside the GEO Group’s Aurora ICE Processing Center by firing a single shot at protesters, then fleeing the scene. The bullet struck 21-year-old Emma Landis in the heel, sending her to the hospital. In the wake of the shooting, Booth’s former sister-in-law told The Denver Post that Booth was “not a good person at all.” She said he’d previously slammed her into a wall, giving her a concussion, adding, “This is not a person who does the right thing or respects boundaries, especially of women and kids.” www.democracynow.org

Israel Strips Crocodiles of Protected Status to Pave Way for Crocodile-Infested Moat

Israel has revoked the protected status of Nile crocodiles to pave the way for a new prison modeled after the Trump administration’s “Alligator Alcatraz” ICE jail in the Florida Everglades. The proposal by Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir would see Palestinians held in a prison surrounded by a crocodile-infested moat. Israeli researcher and political commentator Shaiel Ben-Ephraim said on X, “The fact that Israel is trying to surround a prison with [crocodiles] tells you all you need to know about these camps, which are designed to torture, rape, and murder Palestinians, often held as hostages without charges.” www.democracynow.org

Dozens of Israeli Settlers Storm Palestinian Village in Occupied West Bank

In the occupied West Bank, dozens of Israeli settlers stormed a Palestinian village near the southern town of Yatta on Sunday, setting fire to a mosque and buildings. Footage obtained by Reuters showed the settlers attacking a Palestinian home, starting fires near the property and spraying graffiti on its walls. Eyewitnesses called it a coordinated attack. Juma Ribee: “It was an attack on the entire village. The settlers came from the nearby settlement of Havat Ma’on. They were around 40 settlers. Six were attacking here. They directly attacked this house to prevent anyone from getting out of the house. And the others went toward the mosque, and they tried to set fire to the mosque.” Elsewhere, Israeli settlers deliberately set fire to Palestinian farmland and olive groves in the village of Tel, south of Nablus. In June, Amnesty International accused Israel’s government of carrying out a campaign of “ethnic cleansing” in the occupied West Bank amid a steep rise of state-backed violence and forced displacements by Israeli settlers. www.democracynow.org

Israeli Strikes in Gaza Kill Several Palestinians Over the Weekend

In Gaza, Israeli strikes in Gaza City on Saturday killed at least nine Palestinians, including three children, according to local health officials. Separately, an Israeli attack on a tent sheltering displaced families in southern Gaza killed at least one Palestinian and wounded several others on Sunday night. This is Huda al-Lahham, whose building was destroyed in an Israeli strike. Huda al-Lahham: “Our message to the world is to stop this war on us. We can’t stand it. We don’t have anything. We can’t find food to eat. Why are they doing this? We haven’t done anything. We were staying safely in our homes. We want to eat. We want to live like everyone else.” Israeli attacks have killed more than 1,100 Palestinians in Gaza since October, when Israel agreed to a U.S.-brokered so-called ceasefire. www.democracynow.org

U.S. Continues Strikes Against Iran After Three U.S. Service Members Killed

The United States is continuing to strike Iran for a ninth straight day, after two U.S. service members from Hawaii and Texas were killed in an Iranian attack on a base in Jordan; a third soldier was killed in northern Iraq during a “controlled detonation” of a downed Iranian drone. On Saturday, the U.S. struck a water desalination plant in the village of Bonji, disrupting drinking water for about 10,000 people in nearly two dozen villages in southern Iran. According to Drop Site News, U.S. attacks have also targeted nine bridges, two airports, a railroad junction and a road tunnel since Wednesday. And the International Atomic Energy Agency is looking into reports of an attack on the construction site of a planned nuclear power plant in Darkhovin. Over the weekend, the State Department issued a warning to Americans abroad, calling on them to remain cautious. This comes as Axios reports that the U.S. is sending dozens of refueling planes to Israel ahead of increased military operations against Iran. Iranian authorities report U.S. attacks so far this month have killed at least 41 people and wounded more than 400 others. This is the adviser to Iran’s supreme leader. Mohsen Rezaee: “If in the next two or three days the Americans continue the war, we will enter a phase of complete offense and destruction. … Should they try to seize any part of our territory, we might enter that same phase of offense, abandoning our defensive posture, abandoning our deterrence and reciprocal measures.” www.democracynow.org

U.S. Tightens Visa Rules for Foreign Students, Journalists and Cultural Exchange Visitors

The Trump administration has moved to tighten visa rules for foreign students, journalists and cultural exchange visitors. Student and cultural exchange visas would be limited to four years. Visas for journalists, which previously lasted for years,​ would now last up to 240 days. In the case of Chinese nationals, journalist visas would last up to 90 days. www.democracynow.org

So-Called Border Czar Tom Homan Warns ICE Critics That “Bloodshed” Will Continue

The White House’s so-called border czar, Tom Homan, has issued a warning to Democrats who are critical of ICE, its mass deportation campaign or its violent encounters with the public: Shut your mouth or the “bloodshed” will continue. Homan issued the threat during an appearance Wednesday on Fox News. Tom Homan: “I said if the hateful rhetoric didn’t stop, there will be bloodshed. And I’m saying it right now. There’s still going to be more bloodshed, unless they shut their mouth and let ICE enforce the laws that they enacted.” www.democracynow.org

Rights Groups Demand Probe of ICE Violently Attempting Arrest of Elderly Man in Nevada

In Nevada, rights groups are demanding an investigation into the violent attempted arrest of an elderly man by plainclothes ICE agents at the Las Vegas international airport. Video of Monday’s incident shows two people in plain clothes — one masked, the other hooded — pushing a man to the floor and handcuffing him as he cries out for help. One of the agents then tries to swat away an observer’s camera as he approaches. Phu Nguyen: “I don’t know what they’re doing!” Eyewitness: “What’s going on?” Phu Nguyen: “They say [inaudible]” TSA agent: “Back up.” Eyewitness: “What’s going on?” TSA agent: “It’s law enforcement.” Eyewitness: “What’s going on? We still have a right to know what’s going on.” Phu Nguyen: “Hey! Where are you going?” TSA agent: “Everyone, back up.” Phu Nguyen: “Hey!” Eyewitness: “Are you OK?” Phu Nguyen: “What are they doing?” Eyewitness: “Are you OK?” Responding to the video, Nevada Democratic Senator Jacky Rosen called for ICE to follow the same guardrails as other law enforcement agencies. She wrote, “Plain clothes. No uniforms. No body cameras. No identification.” www.democracynow.org

ICE Agent Who Fatally Shot Joan Sebastián Durán Guerrero Identified as David Brouillette

In Maine, the ICE agent who fatally shot Joan Sebastián Durán Guerrero during a traffic stop in Biddeford last Monday has been identified as David Brouillette, a former police officer and U.S. Army veteran. His ex-wife, Ashley Brouillette, told the Portland Press Herald he called her and admitted he was the officer behind Monday’s shooting. Ashley Brouillette described abusive behavior both during and after her marriage to David Brouillette. She said she wanted to speak out publicly because she’d previously reported concerns about her husband’s mental health to his superiors in the military. Separately, the Associated Press reports several of David Brouillette’s close relatives say he struggled with serious mental health issues since early childhood and never should have been given access to a badge and gun. Speaking anonymously, one relative said, “Afghanistan destroyed him — trained him to be a killing monster, a machine. They took someone who was extremely mentally ill and turned him into a killing machine.” On Thursday, the widow of Joan Sebastián Durán Guerrero spoke publicly for the first time since her husband was killed as he set off for work Monday morning. Karolina Rojas Alvarez said the loss of her husband has been devastating for their 3-year-old daughter. Karolina Rojas Alvarez: “The day before, he took her to the park, and they had a wonderful time. That Monday afternoon was supposed to be her day with her dad, but he never came home. And now my daughter is asking about her father, and I don’t have the strength to tell her that he’s not coming, that she can’t hug him anymore or say, 'Daddy, I love you.'” www.democracynow.org

Iranian Official Claims Kushner and Witkoff Sought to Exploit Negotiations for Personal Gain

Meanwhile, a senior Iranian official told Drop Site News that Iran had informed Vice President JD Vance that Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and his Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff were more interested in exploiting insider knowledge of the ceasefire negotiations to potentially profit than they were in reaching a deal. Iran provided Drop Site written documentation of evidence that Kushner and Witkoff were using diplomatic developments to manipulate financial markets. The White House flatly denied the allegations. www.democracynow.org

Truth Social Plans to Sell Priority Access to Trump’s Posts

President Trump’s company Truth Social has announced plans to charge for special high-speed access to Trump’s social media posts, including statements on national security and financial topics. In response Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal wrote, “The President’s social media posts — covering war & peace & government regulations — move markets. Truth Social selling preferential access is yet another example of flagrant corruption, trading access to the White House for Trump’s self-enrichment.” www.democracynow.org

Trump’s Teleprompter Operator Reportedly Earned Over $100K Betting on Presidential Speeches

Federal investigators have found that President Trump’s longtime teleprompter operator Gabriel Perez made more than $100,000 by betting on Trump’s speeches. He allegedly used the prediction market Kalshi to place the bets. The company alerted the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to Perez’s suspicious activity on its “Mentions” market, where users can bet on whether specific words or phrases are uttered during public remarks. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was questioned Thursday about the scandal. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt: “Obviously, I’m aware of the report. The president is, too. I spoke with him about it. He believes it’s deeply unfortunate and, frankly, a disgrace.” www.democracynow.org

Trump Accuses China of Interfering in 2020 Election, Without Providing Evidence

President Trump used a primetime address Thursday to accuse China of interfering in the 2020 election. That’s despite a U.S. intelligence assessment finding no ​evidence to support his claim. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said President Trump’s accusations were “totally fabricated and a malicious smear.” President Trump also urged Republicans in Congress to pass the SAVE America Act, which requires IDs at the polls and proof of citizenship during voter registration. President Donald Trump: “Tonight I’m announcing the immediate declassification and release of critical intelligence revealing shocking vulnerabilities in our election infrastructure. This evidence shows that the election system we have dangerously exposes, and really exposes, like levels never thought possible, to hacking, exploitation and foreign interference.” www.democracynow.org

Wildfires Cause Dense Smoke and Hazardous Air Quality in More Than 20 States

Here in the United States, dense smoke from Canadian wildfires brought air quality alerts to people in more than 20 states in the northeast and upper Midwest on Thursday, with more smoke in the forecast this weekend. The Air Quality Index in Toledo, Ohio, climbed to over 600 — that compares to a “good” air quality score of 50 or less. In Detroit, Michigan, it topped 720 — more than double what’s needed to trigger a “hazardous air” alert. Here in New York, Mayor Zohran Mamdani spoke as readings topped 250, a level he said posed a health risk for everyone, regardless of their health status. Mayor Zohran Mamdani: “Whether we’re speaking about the heat, whether we’re speaking about the air quality, or whether we’re even speaking about the levels of rainwater and flooding in our city, I am concerned. And I’m concerned because what we see is that the climate crisis exacerbates so much of what our city is facing.” Meanwhile, in Texas, at least two people died as dangerous flooding swept through the central part of the state, the same area where more than 130 people, including 25 children at a summer camp, died in flash floods last summer. www.democracynow.org

Iran Claims Eight People Killed as U.S. Bombards Civilian Infrastructure

Iran’s government says at least eight people were killed as the United States carried out a sixth straight day of attacks. Targets included a railway station, six bridges and other civilian infrastructure. Iran’s Energy Ministry is calling on citizens to reduce their electricity use after Iran’s energy grid came under attack — that’s despite sweltering summer heat with temperatures well into triple digits. In another bombing, the U.S. struck near a children’s cancer hospital in the southwestern city of Ahvaz. The attack sparked the panicked evacuation of more than 200 people, including young patients undergoing chemotherapy. In response, Iran claimed a 13th wave of retaliatory strikes against U.S. bases. Missile and drone attacks were reported in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Syria and Qatar, where officials say a child was injured by falling missile debris. www.democracynow.org

“Disrupt, Identify, Defund, Debank, Arrest & Prosecute”: Trump Admin Threatens Leftist Groups

https://www.democracynow.org/2026/7/17/trump_leftist

Trump’s Election Integrity Speech Lays Groundwork for Midterm Interference: Ari Berman

https://www.democracynow.org/2026/7/17/trump_election_claims

Pro-Palestinian Activists Demand Release of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya from Israeli Custody

Here in New York City, dozens of pro-Palestine activists gathered for a vigil to demand the release of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, the director of Gaza’s Kamal Adwan Hospital, who has been held in Israeli detention without charge since his abduction by Israeli troops 18 months ago. International calls to free Dr. Abu Safiya have been mounting over the past month, as his family and lawyer say he is facing possible death due to torture and medical neglect. This is Pam Sporn, a member of New York City Jewish Elders and Jewish Voice for Peace. Pam Sporn: “We’re out here today, along with Doctors Against Genocide, to demand the release of Dr. Abu Safiya, but also all Palestinian healthcare workers that are imprisoned in Israel, Israeli prisoners, and also all Israeli — all Israeli detainees who are Palestinian.” www.democracynow.org

100 Million People in North America Face Air Quality Alerts

About 100 million people in North America are under air quality alerts today as a thick blanket of smoke descends on cities from the upper Midwest to northeastern states. Overnight, air quality readings reached “hazardous” levels in cities including Minneapolis, Detroit and Toronto. Forecasters warn New York and many East Coast cities will spend another day under hazy orange skies. More than 1,000 active fires are burning in Canada, and dozens more in Minnesota. Meanwhile, more than 100 million people from the Plains to the East Coast face heat advisories or extreme heat warnings today, with a massive heat dome bringing triple-digit heat and record temperatures to many areas. www.democracynow.org

45-Year-Old Venezuelan Immigrant Dies in ICE Custody in Georgia

In Georgia, another prisoner has died in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. On Wednesday, ICE announced that 45-year-old Venezuelan immigrant Jesús Manuel Arenas-Silva was found “unresponsive” in a bus that was transporting him from one ICE jail to another, with a “suspected” cause of death listed as cardiac arrest. It’s at least the 22nd such death this year. It comes as the Department of Homeland Security said Wednesday it would reverse plans to halt traffic stops, following the shooting deaths of two immigrants by ICE agents in less than a week. The U-turn came after President Trump wrote on social media, “we CANNOT give up one of I.C.E.’s most important and effective Crime Fighting tools, THE TRAFFIC STOP!” adding, “it won’t happen on my watch.” www.democracynow.org

New York Times Files Motion to Quash Subpoenas of Its Journalists

The New York Times filed a motion to quash subpoenas that Jay Clayton and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Manhattan served on its journalists after they reported on security concerns involving President Trump’s new plane donated to him by Qatar. In a statement, the Times’s Senior Vice President David McCraw said, “We are going to court to defend our journalists’ rights to report freely on the administration and to provide the public with stories that matter.” The subpoenas were delivered to four Times journalists at their homes last Friday to testify before a federal grand jury in the Southern District of New York. www.democracynow.org

Trump’s Nominee for Director of National Intelligence Refuses to Say Whether Biden Won 2020 Election

President Trump’s pick to replace Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence refused to say Wednesday whether Joe Biden won the 2020 election. Jay Clayton was testifying to the Senate Intelligence Committee at his confirmation hearing. Here he is being questioned by Georgia Democrat Jon Osoff. Sen. Jon Ossoff: “You refuse to answer a simple matter of fact about the 2020 election. Is that right?” Jay Clayton: “No, that’s not right.” Sen. Jon Ossoff: “Then answer the question. Who won the 2020 election?” Jay Clayton: “I have answered. I have answered the question.” Sen. Jon Ossoff: “Answer it. What is your answer?” Jay Clayton: “I’ve given you my answer.” Sen. Jon Ossoff: “What is your answer? You refuse to answer a basic question about who won a presidential election.” Jay Clayton: “No, I” — Sen. Jon Ossoff: “But you ask to lead America’s intelligence community? Isn’t it humiliating to be unable to answer this question, to have to indulge the president’s delusions?” www.democracynow.org

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche Grilled During Senate Confirmation Hearing

The Senate Judiciary Committee heard testimony Wednesday from Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, whom Trump has nominated to fill the role permanently. Democrats grilled Blanche over the Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein files, the Trump administration’s so-called anti-weaponization fund and President Trump’s settlement with the IRS. Blanche was also questioned about serving as President Trump’s personal lawyer. Sen. John Kennedy: “Are you and President Trump friends?” Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche: “I’m his lawyer — was his lawyer, and now I’m the deputy attorney general. So, I met him as his criminal defense attorney. I’m not sure there’s very many people who have ever had a criminal defense attorney who calls that person their friend.” Republican Senator John Cornyn of Texas signaled that he was undecided on Blanche. A “no” vote from Senator Cornyn would effectively sink Blanche’s confirmation for attorney general. www.democracynow.org

Half of All Democrats on Capitol Hill Support Measure Slashing Military Funding to Israel

On Capitol Hill, half of all House Democrats voted Wednesday to support a measure slashing military funding to Israel. The amendment was proposed by Republican Congressmember Thomas Massie. It would have eliminated $3.3 billion in annual U.S. military assistance to Israel. The measure was ultimately defeated by House Republicans, along with Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and caucus chair Pete Aguilar, who vowed to continue funding for Israel. But the House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark supported Massie’s amendment. She wrote in a statement, “We should not provide a blank check for military aid to any country that does not comply with U.S. law, interests, and values. The Netanyahu government has failed to meet that standard.” The former speaker of the House, Congressmember Nancy Pelosi of California, also voted to cut off funding to Israel, saying that Americans “are rightly demanding an end to a perpetual cycle of war, and the Netanyahu government cannot maintain its current course.” www.democracynow.org

Israeli Forces Kill Four People in Gaza, Including 6-Year-Old Girl

In Gaza, Israeli forces have killed four more people, including a child. Palestinian officials say an Israeli strike hit an apartment building in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, killing Omar Abu Qassem, his wife Asma and their 6-year-old daughter Habeeba. Their 3-year-old son Sami was injured. This is a relative of the family. Anas Abu Sahin: “This poor, innocent civilian family that has no connection to any military action is a neutral family who was sleeping. The children were sleeping in their mother’s lap. This is how innocent civilians are bombed on these nights, which are said to include a truce and peace.” Since last October’s so-called ceasefire, Israeli forces have killed more than 1,100 Palestinians in Gaza. www.democracynow.org

Earthjustice Sues to Block Trump’s Move to Gut Endangered Species Act

https://www.democracynow.org/2026/7/16/change_to_endangered_species_act

Victor Salgado Araujo Saw ICE Agent Kill His Brother in Texas. He Is Now Detained, Faces Deportation

https://www.democracynow.org/2026/7/16/brother_of_lorenzo_salgado_araujo_shooting

Cuba’s National Electric Grid Collapses Again Amid U.S. Oil Blockade

Cuba’s national electric grid has collapsed for the third time this month. The island’s latest blackout came as the U.S. continued to impose the oil blockade it’s maintained since January, soon after U.S. forces abducted former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Cuba had depended on Venezuela for fuel imports. The U.S. also pressured Mexico to halt oil shipments to the island. This is Julia Valdes, a resident of Havana. Julia Valdes: “I feel terrible. It’s awful news. Just imagine: Without electricity, the food spoils. My mother is bedridden with senile dementia. And because of these blackouts, I’ve had to throw out meat and fish. I’ve had to throw it all away because it had rotted. It is unfair that we are going through this situation.” www.democracynow.org

Sister of Late GOP Senator Lindsey Graham Sworn In to Fill His Senate Seat

On Capitol Hill, the sister of the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham was sworn in to fill his Senate seat on Tuesday. Darline Graham Nordone has never held public office. She was selected by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster to complete her brother’s term, which expires in January. Lindsey Graham died Saturday night at age 71 due to an aortic tear after returning from a trip to Ukraine. On Tuesday, Darline Graham cast her first vote as a U.S. senator to advance the $1.15 trillion annual defense authorization bill, which ultimately failed in a 50-46 vote. www.democracynow.org

New York Becomes First State to Impose Data Center Moratorium

New York has become the first state to halt the construction of large new data centers, imposing a one-year moratorium. Governor Kathy Hochul announced the suspension on Tuesday. Gov. Kathy Hochul: “This pause will remain in place for up to one year while New York establishes the strongest possible framework to protect our communities, guardrails to reduce the risk to our energy grid, minimize land disruption, noise pollution, and protect our natural resources, especially our water supply.” New York currently has 130 data centers, compared with more than 600 ​in Virginia and about 500 in Texas. Meanwhile, a Reuters analysis finds that trillionaire Elon Musk’s company xAI has installed far more gas turbines without federal permits at its data center project in Tennessee than publicly acknowledged, and the pollution is mostly impacting Black neighborhoods. Patrick Anderson, an attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center, said, “The scale of it is astonishing. This is an absolutely huge Clean Air Act violation that threatens public health.” www.democracynow.org

Report: U.S. Law Enforcement Responsible for Over 400 Misuse of Force Cases Against Civilians

A new report by Physicians for Human Rights warns law enforcement agencies have used excessive force and wielded crowd-control weapons in dangerous ways against people protesting the Trump administration’s mass deportation policies. The report documented over 400 misuse of force cases against protesters, journalists and bystanders, finding victims suffered blindings, traumatic brain injuries and permanent disabilities. www.democracynow.org

The Guardian: 12 People Detained at Colorado Immigration Jail Contracted Tuberculosis

In more immigration news, The Guardian reports at least 12 people detained at a federal immigration jail in Colorado have contracted tuberculosis. Dozens of prisoners have been quarantined without air conditioning, despite a heat advisory with outside air temperatures approaching 100 degrees. The Aurora ICE Processing Center is run by the GEO Group, a for-profit private prison company based in Florida. www.democracynow.org

Texas DA Opens Independent Criminal Probe Into ICE Killing of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo

In Houston, Texas, the Harris County district attorney says he may ask a court to order the Department of Homeland Security to release evidence regarding the killing of 52-year-old Mexican immigrant Lorenzo Salgado Araujo by ICE agents last week. So far, the Trump administration has refused to cooperate with local investigators. The DA is also seeking to secure visas for witnesses to the fatal shooting to prevent ICE from deporting them during the probe. www.democracynow.org

Minnesota Prosecutors Finally Receive Evidence in Killings of Renee Good, Alex Pretti

In Minnesota, state prosecutors say the Trump administration has turned over evidence related to the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. The evidence includes police body-camera video, witness statements and physical evidence including the badly damaged SUV Renee Good was driving when ICE agent Jonathan Ross shot her in the head, forearm and chest. Prosecutors had been requesting the evidence since January. This is Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty. Mary Moriarty: “I have been consistent that we have not prejudged any of these instances, and also that we need transparency. We need cooperation. Our community needs it. Alex Pretti and Renee Good’s families deserve it. Julio Sosa-Celis deserves it. Our democracy requires it.” www.democracynow.org

ICE Says It Will Halt Traffic Stops After Deadly Shootings by Agents

Florida state troopers report a person was struck and killed by a semi-truck on Tuesday morning as he ran from federal immigration agents in the parking lot of a gas station in St. Augustine. The Department of Homeland Security reported few details, saying only that a Mexican national had died. The New York Times reports the unnamed man was 28 years old. He’s at least the third person in just the last week to die during immigration enforcement operations. His death follows Monday’s killing of Joan Sebastián Durán Guerrero, the 25-year-old Colombian man shot dead by ICE agents on Monday morning in Biddeford, Maine, during a traffic stop on the block where he lived. His wife was home with the couple’s 3-year-old daughter and witnessed the immediate aftermath of the shooting. Durán held a valid work authorization and a Social Security number. According to Maine officials, he was not the person the agents were looking for. In a statement, ICE said, “The vehicle attempted to flee the scene and fearing for public safety an officer discharged his weapon.” The FBI and state authorities say they’re investigating. In the wake of Durán’s killing, ICE ordered its agents to halt most traffic stops. In response, President Trump wrote on social media, “we CANNOT give up one of I.C.E.’s most important and effective Crime Fighting tools, THE TRAFFIC STOP!” Trump added, “it won’t happen on my watch.” Meanwhile, protests continue across Maine. On Tuesday, hundreds of people rallied outside an ICE facility in Scarborough. This is Democratic Maine state Representative Sophie Warren. Rep. Sophie Warren: “This is an organization that is absolutely out of control. Just yesterday, of course, they killed one of our neighbors here in our state, and that’s completely inconsistent with our values. We want ICE out of our state. We want them defunded at the national level. And we want safety and peace for our communities and for fathers to know that they can be driving with their beloved wife and little baby daughter and know that they’re safe on our streets. And ICE is making that impossible.” www.democracynow.org

Israeli Forces Kill More Children in Gaza

In Gaza, health officials say Israeli forces killed at least 10 Palestinians on Tuesday, including a child. Ten-year-old Muataz Abu Shaar was shot by Israeli gunfire in Rafah, in southern Gaza. More than 1,100 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli attacks since last October’s so-called ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect. More than 260 of them are children. On Sunday, 9-year-old Tala Abu Matar died when Israel attacked the al-Bureij refugee camp. She was among six Palestinians killed in Gaza that day. www.democracynow.org

Senate Democrats Block $1.15 Trillion Pentagon Budget Bill over Iran War

On Capitol Hill, Senate Democrats blocked debate on Republicans’ $1.15 trillion annual National Defense Authorization Act Tuesday. Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, a member of the Armed Services Committee, said she opposed advancing the measure unless Congress agreed to her amendment prohibiting funding for the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran. This is Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland. Sen. Chris Van Hollen: “This bill lays the groundwork for a bloated Pentagon budget that would further embolden President Trump’s reckless and illegal war against Iran. It represents a huge increase in taxpayer-funded and debt-financed Pentagon spending at a time when families across the country are struggling to afford groceries, rent, gas and other necessities.” www.democracynow.org

Trump Threatens to Attack Civilian Infrastructure as U.S. Continues Attacks on Iran

The Pentagon says it has carried a fourth straight night of attacks against Iran, bombing dozens of targets near the Strait of Hormuz and along Iran’s coast. In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched fresh drone and missile strikes targeting a U.S. military logistics hub in Kuwait, an air base in Jordan that hosts U.S. forces, and the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, where Iran claims to have destroyed command and control centers, communications gear, aircraft hangars and fuel depots. Iran’s military warned the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed indefinitely if the U.S. continues its attacks. Meanwhile, Iran’s government says recent U.S. strikes have killed more than 30 civilians, while wounding more than 260 people. On Tuesday, President Trump told Fox News he’s prepared to attack Iran’s civilian infrastructure “next week.” President Donald Trump: “Next week comes the power plants. Next week comes the bridges. We’re going to knock out all their power plants, we’re going to knock out all their bridges, unless they get to the table and negotiate.” President Trump said in a social media post that he’d canceled plans to charge a 20% toll on all commercial ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. In the same post, Trump claimed “oil is flowing like never before.” His comments came as the price of oil surged by nearly 10% as the U.S. reimposed its blockade of Iran’s ports. www.democracynow.org

Keystone Pipeline Operators Agree to Pay Nearly $27 Million over 2022 Oil Spill

The operator of the Keystone Pipeline, a company based in Canada called South Bow, has agreed to pay nearly $27 million in civil penalties over the 2022 oil spill, which dumped nearly 13,000 barrels of heavy crude oil into a creek in rural Kansas. Under the agreement with the federal government, the company would also spend about $40 million to prevent future accidents. The EPA’s assistant administrator for its enforcement office said, “The oil spill blanketed land and water, rendering the waterway lifeless and useless and requiring extensive cleanup and remediation. The substantial penalty reflects the seriousness of the environmental harm.” www.democracynow.org

National Weather Service Forecasts Dozens of Temperature Records Will Be Tied or Broken This Week

In climate news, the National Weather Service is forecasting that dozens of temperature records in cities across the U.S. will be tied or broken today and tomorrow. Meanwhile, a new study finds that a heat wave in England and Wales last month killed about 2,700 people. During a three-day peak, an estimated 440 people died per day due to heat-related causes. This is Clair Barnes, a research associate at the Imperial College in London. Clair Barnes: “I think the first important thing to take away from this study is that we are now seeing really dangerous levels of heat. This is not 'go out and play in the sun' weather. This is something we all need to be aware of the risks of. And the other thing we really need to remember is that this is not naturally occurring heat. This has been supercharged by human-caused warming.” www.democracynow.org

U.S. Border Agents Seize Devices of Journalist Max Blumenthal After He Returned from Reporting Trip to Iran

In other press freedom news, U.S. border agents seized the electronic devices of journalist Max Blumenthal after he flew home from a reporting trip to Iran, where he covered the funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Blumenthal, who is the founder of The Grayzone, said agents also interrogated him. Blumenthal said, “The seizure of my devices was a clear act of intimidation aimed at deterring me and others from doing further critical reporting from Iran about the illegal war ravaging the country.” www.democracynow.org

Federal Judge Blasts Trump’s $10 Billion Lawsuit Against the IRS

A federal judge has blasted President Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS, saying it was filed for “improper purposes” and that it was an attempt to use the court “to earmark billions of dollars from American taxpayers.” The judge also penalized Trump’s lawyers, including Attorney General Todd Blanche, for manipulating the judicial process by filing the lawsuit against the IRS over Trump’s leaked tax returns. The lawsuit ended in a settlement that granted President Trump immunity from future tax audits and initially created a nearly $1.8 billion so-called anti-weaponization fund to compensate Trump’s allies. An audit would have hit President Trump with a $100 million tax bill if the IRS found wrongdoing. After substantial public outcry, including from Republican officials, the Trump administration eventually abandoned the anti-weaponization fund. On Monday, Federal Judge Kathleen Williams stated in her ruling that the government cannot claim that its settlement with President Trump was conducted as a part of a legitimate legal process. Judge Williams also requested that a copy of the order be sent to the New York Bar, where Attorney General Blanche is a member and is currently facing multiple ethics complaints. www.democracynow.org

Immigration Agents Fatally Shoot Colombian Man in Maine

Immigration agents fatally shot a 26-year-old Colombian man on Monday as he was driving to work in Biddeford, Maine. The man has been identified as Joan Sebastián Durán Guerrero. He was the father of a 3-year-old daughter. One witness reported seeing agents dragging Guerrero from the car after the shooting. One eyewitness said, “He was bleeding profusely from the head. He was talking. He said, 'I tried to stop.'” At least four bullet holes were seen in the car’s windshield. After the shooting, another neighbor said she heard a woman screaming at immigration agents, “You took her dad, you took her dad!” The woman was with a young girl dressed in Bluey pajamas who is believed to be Durán Guerrero’s 3-year-old daughter. Another neighbor said, “I watched a wife fall to her knees looking at her husband’s dead body on the ground. I watched a little girl crying with a little pink backpack on because she’s never going to see her father again.” Senator Angus King’s office said the Department of Homeland Security had confirmed Joan Sebastián Durán Guerrero was not the target of any warrant. The Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition said Durán Guerrero was authorized to work in the United States and had been issued a Social Security number. His death prompted protests across Maine, including outside the offices of Republican Senator Susan Collins. Protesters: “What do we want? ICE out! When do we want it? Now! Vote her out! Vote her out! Vote her out! Vote her out! Vote her out! Vote her out! Vote her out!” The killing of Joan Sebastián Durán Guerrero comes just a week after an ICE agent in Houston fatally shot Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a 52-year-old Mexican father who had lived in the United States for decades. The killings come amid a major surge in activity by ICE agents. ICE reported making 10,000 arrests over a five-day period in late June — that’s 2,000 arrests a day. www.democracynow.org

Civil Rights Leaders Call for Independent Probe of Black Teen’s Death in Mississippi

Civil rights leaders are backing an independent investigation into the mysterious death of Nolan Xavier Wells, an 18-year-old Black college athlete whose body was found last week on a barrier island in Mississippi. Wells had taken a boat to the island with a group of white friends to celebrate the July Fourth holiday. The friends say Wells chose to stay on the island when they returned home. Authorities say Wells may have accidentally drowned, but his family has questioned the official story in part because Wells’s cellphone was found not with his body, but in the possession of one of his friends who returned home. Wells’s mother spoke at a press conference on Friday. Christine Wonsley: “Nolan was — is the kindest soul. He never met a stranger. He loved everybody. He didn’t care if you were Black, white, purple, green, looked like a marshmallow. Like, he just wanted everyone to be in peace with one another. He just — he loved life, and God gave him this big heart, which always scared us. Me and his dad had conversations with him all the time, not just about the importance of understanding our history as Black people, but also the importance of how you have to move in certain spaces.” The family of Nolan Wells is being represented by civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who also spoke at Friday’s press conference. Benjamin Crump: “It is because the family has distrust of the Mississippi law enforcement officials giving them a fair investigation where their Black son ended up dead after going out on a boat with three young white men. The history of Mississippi is something that they don’t just read about in books, but it’s a lived experience for many Black Americans.” www.democracynow.org

Justice Department Probes Yale’s Admissions Practices

The Justice Department is investigating Yale’s admissions practices for its medical school, law school and undergraduate college. Now Yale Law School’s dean, Cristina Rodríguez, and several other law school faculty members are urging Yale’s leadership not to settle with the Trump administration, saying that it would be damaging to the rule of law and would compromise the university’s reputation. According to the Yale Daily News, the university’s first settlement offer was rejected by the Trump administration; Yale has since offered a second proposal. Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut said, “As I’ve told top Yale officials, Trump’s word means nothing. An agreement with these corrupt bullies is only an invitation to more lawbreaking abuse.” www.democracynow.org

Protests Continue in Houston After ICE Fatally Shot Mexican Father Lorenzo Salgado Araujo

Protests are continuing in Houston, Texas, after an ICE agent fatally shot Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a 52-year-old Mexican father who had lived in the United States for decades. He was shot after being stopped while driving to a construction site with three other men who were detained. Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz is expected to meet with the FBI on Tuesday in an attempt to access evidence gathered by federal investigators. On Friday, the family of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and lawmakers gathered to call for an independent investigation after eyewitnesses disputed claims made by ICE agents. Hugo Baldera-Ibarra is a lawyer for the family. Hugo Baldera-Ibarra: “After speaking with these men, I have no doubt that what they’re saying is the truth. I know that these agents — the agency is going to try to cover it up. This is not the first time that it happens. This has become a pattern, where ICE agents claim that they use their vehicle as a deadly weapon, that they tried to run over the agents and the agents shot in self-defense. But all three of my clients reiterated that at no point was there ever an agent standing in front of the vehicle, nor was an agent ever placed in the line of danger. That is simply false, and I believe my clients are telling the truth.” www.democracynow.org

Federal Judge Approves DOJ Request to Dismiss Charges Against Five Members of the Proud Boys

A Trump-appointed federal judge has approved a request by the Justice Department to dismiss seditious conspiracy charges against five members of the far-right group the Proud Boys in connection with the January 6 insurrection. In his order, Judge Timothy Kelly said he did not agree with President Trump granting clemency to the rioters, but that he had no choice but to comply. After taking office, President Trump pardoned all of the nearly 1,600 rioters for taking part in the attack on the Capitol, which injured more than 100 police officers. www.democracynow.org

Wildfires Rage in Greece, Spain and France During Europe’s Record Heat Wave

In Europe, a group of scientists warned that extreme heat led to 10,000 excess deaths in the last month. Germany recorded nearly 100 deaths by drowning. Over the weekend, wildfires raged in Spain, killing at least 12 people, in one of the deadliest wildfires in the country’s history. In Greece, authorities have urged residents in the country’s second-largest city, Thessaloniki, to stay indoors and secure their windows and doors because of toxic smoke caused by a recycling plant engulfed by a wildfire. Meanwhile, in France, hundreds of firefighters are battling a wildfire south of Paris. www.democracynow.org

NYT: U.S. Secretary of State Rubio Serving as De Facto Viceroy of Venezuela

The New York Times has revealed U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has become the de facto viceroy of Venezuela, effectively controlling Venezuela’s finances, the distribution of its natural resources and its government. Rubio’s informal role began after U.S. forces attacked Venezuela in January and abducted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. Maduro’s former vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, has since served as Venezuela’s acting president, but the Times reports Rubio has essentially been running the country from afar, even controlling Rodríguez’s public appearances and statements, as well as her governmental appointments. The Times likened Rubio’s role to that of Paul Bremer, who was installed by George W. Bush to run Iraq after the 2003 U.S. invasion. www.democracynow.org

Justice Department Subpoenas Four New York Times Journalists

The Justice Department has subpoenaed four journalists at The New York Times after they reported President Trump’s new Air Force One lacked key security features, including advanced anti-missile capabilities. The Boeing aircraft had been donated to Trump by Qatar and then refurbished. Trump flew on the plane last week to the NATO summit in Turkey but then took the old Air Force One home due to security concerns. The Times reported subpoenas were issued to the reporters Julian Barnes, Eric Lipton, Tyler Pager and Eric Schmitt. The subpoenas were issued by Jay Clayton, the U.S. attorney in Manhattan, who was recently nominated by Trump to serve as director of national intelligence. Clayton’s confirmation hearing is set for Wednesday. A lawyer for The New York Times said, “This brazen act should be seen as nothing more than an attempt to prevent the public from knowing what is happening in their country by intimidating journalists from doing their jobs.” The head of the Committee to Protect Journalists, Jodie Ginsberg, said, “The subpoenas are an extraordinary escalation in President Trump’s efforts to threaten and intimidate independent news organizations, and have a chilling effect on the work of journalists across the country.” www.democracynow.org

Armed Israeli Settlers in the Occupied West Bank Detain Congressman Ro Khanna

In the occupied West Bank, armed Israeli settlers have carried out a number of attacks in recent days targeting local Palestinians, as well as foreign journalists and even a U.S. congressmember. On Wednesday, armed settlers carrying U.S.-made M4 rifles surrounded a van carrying Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna, who was visiting a Palestinian village that had been destroyed by settlers. Khanna said his delegation was blocked for about 90 minutes. Rep. Ro Khanna: “I am certainly, probably, the first American politician who’s been detained by the IDF and Israeli settlers. I mean, we were at a village that Israeli settlers had destroyed. They had destroyed the school. They had destroyed that village. And we were just looking at it, and these hoodlums come in with machine guns, an M4, an American-made machine gun, and they detain us. They block off the road. And then they call the IDF, and the IDF is on their side, not on the side of the Americans.” In a separate incident, on Saturday, Israeli settlers armed with clubs, rocks and a knife attacked a group of journalists including CNN’s Jeremy Diamond. One of the journalists posted video of the attack on Instagram. Adele Shoko: “He’s going at our car.” Jasper Nathaniel: “Go. Drive. Drive.” Adele Shoko: “No! No! No!” Jasper Nathaniel: “Drive. Move! Move!” Gabriele Micalizzi: “Move.” Jasper Nathaniel: “Get the [bleep] out of the way! Move! Move! Move!” Gabriele Micalizzi: “Move. Move.” Andrey X: “Drive. Drive. Drive. Drive. Drive.” Jasper Nathaniel: “Move!” Andrey X: “Go. Go. Go.” Jasper Nathaniel: “Watch out! Watch out!” Israel reportedly arrested four individuals in the attack on the journalists. The incident occurred at the same location where a mob of settlers beat U.S. citizen, 20-year-old Saif Musallet to death exactly one year earlier. To date, no one has been arrested for the death of Musallet. www.democracynow.org

Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division Warns State Election Officials They Could Be Prosecuted

The Trump administration has threatened election administrators across the United States with criminal prosecution if they knowingly leave noncitizens on their voter rolls or allow them to receive or cast ballots. In a letter sent to all 50 states and the District of Columbia, the Justice Department warns state and local election officials could face fines and imprisonment. The letter concludes, “We encourage you to contact us to discuss what steps your state should take to maintain clean voter lists as required by law.” The letter was sent on Tuesday by Harmeet Dhillon, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. That same day, she announced plans to send election monitors to 15 jurisdictions in six states during upcoming primary elections. Harmeet Dhillon: “So, this is an important goal that increases voter confidence, and it’s also important to make sure that our voting is accurate, so that every citizen who votes has their vote counted equally, without being canceled out by somebody who shouldn’t be voting.” Meanwhile, FEMA has announced it will withhold Homeland Security funding from states and cities until they provide proof of compliance with the Trump administration’s election requirements. In response, Washington Congressmember Pramila Jayapal wrote, “The Trump Administration is using fear and funding to control who gets to vote and who counts it. Elections belong to the people, not whoever is afraid of losing one.” www.democracynow.org

With Midterms Looming, Trump Completes Purge of Election Assistance Commission

President Trump has forced out the last remaining members of the Election Assistance Commission, a bipartisan independent agency tasked with certifying voting systems and helping local election officials. On Thursday, the White House fired Democratic commissioners Thomas Hicks and Benjamin Hovland; a third commissioner, Republican Christy McCormick, resigned. The committee’s remaining member, Republican Donald Palmer, stepped down in April to join the Heritage Foundation. Trump’s dismantling of the Election Assistance Commission comes less than four months before midterm elections; it follows last month’s Supreme Court ruling granting the president more power to fire members of ⁠independent agencies. www.democracynow.org

Housing Bill Sidelined by Trump Is Set to Become Law, Barring Last-Minute Veto

In Washington, D.C., a bipartisan bill aimed at lowering the cost of housing is set to become law today, barring a last-minute veto by President Trump. Last month, Congress voted overwhelmingly to approve the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which would cap the number of single-family homes major investors can purchase, while loosening federal regulations to allow for new home construction. Trump has refused to sign the legislation unless lawmakers first approve the SAVE America Act to rewrite U.S. election laws while imposing new voter ID requirements. If Trump takes no action, the housing bill will become law even without his signature. On Thursday, the National Association of Realtors reported the median home sales price of existing U.S. homes soared to over $440,000 — a record high. www.democracynow.org

Eyewitness and Video Evidence Contradicts ICE Claims in Killing of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo

In Texas, more details have emerged in the fatal shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, the 52-year-old Mexican father killed Tuesday by ICE in Houston during his early-morning commute to work in construction. Home surveillance video shared by Araujo’s oldest son, Ronaldo Salgado, captured the final moments of his father leaving their family home and getting into his white van. A separate, newly released surveillance video appears to show Araujo’s white van being followed by two unmarked black SUVs. At one point during the pursuit, a black SUV is seen driving on the wrong side of the road in a construction zone, before cutting off Araujo’s van. ICE agents then approach the passenger side of the vehicle. The footage, however, does not show Araujo’s van ramming into any ICE vehicles or attempting to run over an agent, as the Department of Homeland Security alleged after Araujo was killed. Statements by three immigrants who were aboard Araujo’s van and witnessed the shooting have also refuted the claims. The three men, one of whom is Araujo’s younger brother, were rounded up after the shooting and are now in ICE detention facing deportation. In accounts obtained by The Washington Post, their lawyer reports the men said ICE agents fired at them almost immediately without warning from the side of Araujo’s vehicle and that Araujo never could have attempted to run over an agent because there were never any ICE officers in front of his van. Meanwhile, a DHS spokesperson has admitted federal immigration agents targeted Araujo by mistake and were in fact searching for a different person. Several Democratic congressmembers are demanding the release of all video footage and to preserve evidence in the case, but DHS has said the ICE agents involved in the fatal shooting were not wearing body cameras. This comes as the Harris County Medical Examiner has reportedly ruled Araujo’s manner of death a homicide. Harris County prosecutors say they plan to investigate, but cautioned the federal government ultimately controls access to the evidence. As Araujo’s family mourns, they say they’ve been unable to claim his body because immigration agents reportedly removed all of Araujo’s personal identifications after he was shot in the abdomen and transferred to the hospital, which led to Araujo being classified as “John Doe.” In the days after Lorenzo Salgado Araujo’s death, hundreds of people have gathered for vigils at the site of Araujo’s killing, placing candles, balloons and flowers to honor his life and continue demanding justice. www.democracynow.org

Former Wisconsin Judge Is Spared Prison Time for “Obstructing” ICE Agents at Her Courthouse

A former Wisconsin county judge has been spared prison time after she was convicted in federal court of obstructing federal agents from arresting an undocumented immigrant. Hannah Dugan was accused of helping the immigrant leave her courtroom in April 2025 to avoid arrest by agents waiting in the hallway. Instead of serving prison time, Dugan was fined $5,000. www.democracynow.org

Man Shot in Memphis Is Fourth to Be Killed by Federal Task Force Agents

In Tennessee, a DEA agent shot and killed a man at a Memphis motel on Wednesday as members of a federal task force attempted to serve an arrest warrant. The U.S. Marshals Service alleges the suspect had pointed a gun at agents. The victim has not been identified. It’s the fourth deadly shooting by agents with the Trump administration’s so-called Memphis Safe Task Force, which includes members of the Tennessee National Guard and officers from more than a dozen federal agencies. On Monday, two National Guard soldiers fatally shot 20-year-old Tyrin Johnson as he was being pursued by Memphis police. His family is demanding video evidence corroborating police claims that Johnson first attempted to fire a gun at the soldiers. Just weeks earlier, a Homeland Security special agent shot 25-year-old Jonah Neal in his Memphis home. Neal’s family had called 911 to report he had a gun and was threatening to harm himself. He was pronounced dead at the scene. And on May 13, a DEA agent fatally shot 41-year-old Darrin Pigram as he worked his shift at a Memphis Burger King. Authorities say the officer opened fire after Pigram reached into his waistband for a gun. His family says he was unarmed and shot in the back. www.democracycnow.org

“He Did Not Deserve to Die”: Family Demands Justice for Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, Shot Dead by ICE

The family of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo is demanding an independent investigation into his death. The Mexican father was fatally shot in Houston, Texas, on Tuesday by an ICE officer who was driving an unmarked vehicle. Lorenzo Salgado Araujo had lived in the United States for decades and was driving a construction crew to a job site. His son, Ronaldo, spoke on Wednesday. Ronaldo Salgado: “He did not deserve to die. He did not deserve to be reduced to a headline of 'Mexican man shot and killed by ICE.' He deserved to live a quiet life as Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a husband, a father, and a job creator for dozens of men who also wanted the American dream. I would be doing his memory a disservice if I didn’t recognize the other three men who were with him, one of which was my uncle. All three men were rounded up. I have not heard from them.” www.democracynow.org

Judge Orders Release of Trump’s $5M Payment to E. Jean Carroll for Sexual Abuse and Defamation

A federal judge has ruled that E. Jean Carroll can collect $5.8 million from President Donald Trump. The money has been held in escrow since a jury found that Trump had sexually abused and defamed her. The judge’s ruling comes a week after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Trump’s appeal of the verdict. E. Jean Carroll had sued Trump for sexually assaulting her in a department store dressing room in the 1990s. www.democracynow.org

Israeli Soldier Shares Evidence of Torture on Social Media

Human rights groups say a photo apparently taken by an Israeli soldier and shared on social media corroborates widespread reports of torture. The image shows a man stripped to his underwear, blindfolded and bound facedown to a pole, with his arms tied painfully behind his back. The soldier captioned the photo “Good Morning” in Hebrew, and later deleted the post. www.democracynow.org

Israeli Strikes on Gaza Kill 9, Including Driver Delivering Food for U.S. Charity

In Gaza, health officials report at least nine Palestinians have been killed by Israeli airstrikes and gunfire over the last 24 hours. Among the victims is Ahmad Nasser Saleem, a driver who was delivering food for the U.S.-based nonprofit World Central Kitchen. In Khan Younis, an Israeli missile hit a tent for displaced people in the al-Mawasi area, killing at least four people, including a 10-year-old child. One survivor said he was asleep when the strikes hit. Oday Abu Nahel: “We were staying in the tents on the understanding that this area was safe, and people live in tents. By God, I was asleep when suddenly a missile struck. We came here and found the impact. There were martyrs and wounded. People were carrying them to ambulances, and they loaded them onto carts and took them all to the hospitals. A friend of mine, whose tent was next to mine, was injured, and his mother was injured, too.” www.democracynow.org

Israel Kills School Principal, Her Mother and Two Other Civilians in Lebanon Strike

Israel is continuing attacks on southern Lebanon, with reports of heavy bombings in the town of Taybeh. On Wednesday, Lebanon’s national news agency reported two men were killed in an Israeli drone strike in Nabatieh — Israel’s latest violation of its ceasefire deal with Lebanon. This follows an Israeli strike on Monday that killed four people, including public school principal Esperanza Ghandour and her mother. Ghandour had returned to Nabatieh to check on repairs at her war-damaged home following months of displacement, when Israel bombed her vehicle. www.democracynow.org

Trump Renews Threat to Commit War Crimes as U.S. Bombs Iran for Second Day

The United States bombed Iran for a second consecutive night after President Trump declared the ceasefire to be over. Blasts were reported near the Bushehr nuclear power plant and in multiple cities across Iran, with the U.S. saying it had struck 90 targets, including near the Strait of Hormuz. According to the Iranian Health Ministry, at least 14 people have been killed since the U.S. resumed bombing. Meanwhile, Iran says it has retaliated by attacking “U.S. bases and strategic centers” in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar, and Jordan’s military said it intercepted eight missiles in its airspace. Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, says the United States “still hasn’t learned that bullying and breaking promises are no longer cost-free.” On Wednesday, President Trump spoke at the NATO summit in Turkey and threatened to strike Iran’s civilian infrastructure, saying, “They really deserve it.” President Donald Trump: “Their electric manufacturing facilities, right? Their electric plants, where they make their electricity, and their — we will — if we have to, we’ll take them out. I don’t want to do that, but if we have to, we’ll take them out. They have desalinization plants. We’ll take them out if we have to. I hate to do that. That’s probably the one I would like not to do least. We attacked Kharg Island last night. We knocked out a piece. I said, ’Don’t touch the oil.’” President Trump was speaking alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. During the same press conference, Trump mistakenly confused Iran and Japan. President Donald Trump: “I told this story yesterday. We had 111 missiles shot by the Islamic Republic of Japan.” www.democracynow.org

Senior ExxonMobil Lawyer Retires, Joins Trump Administration

A top attorney at ExxonMobil is joining the Trump administration. Robert Levy, executive counsel at the fossil fuel giant, recently announced he’s retiring after 17 years at ExxonMobil and will join the Justice Department’s newly renamed Energy and Natural Resources Division. It was previously the Environment and Natural Resources Division. In November, Levy was one of a few major oil company executives to attend the COP30 United Nations climate talks in Brazil, where he promoted the continued burning of fossil fuels. Darren Woods: “Crude, crude oil, and hydrocarbons are going to play a critical role in everybody’s life for a long time to come.” In response, Robert Weissman, co-president of Public Citizen, wrote, “Big Oil’s capture of the U.S. government is now complete. … The Justice Department that should be fighting to protect clean air and water and avert catastrophic climate change will now work on behalf of polluters to advance the poisoning of people and the planet.” www.democracynow.org

Extreme Weather Rocks China, Europe and U.S. Amid Searing July Heat Wave

In China, at least 21 people are dead after heavy wind and rain triggered a landslide in the western province of Gansu. The disaster was caused by the remnants of Typhoon Maysak, which spawned rare tornadoes in central China, leaving tens of thousands of people displaced from their homes. In the Pacific, recovery efforts are underway in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands from severe damage caused by a Category 5-equivalent typhoon that made landfall on Monday. In France, more than 10,000 people have been ordered to evacuate their homes as a fast-moving wildfire sweeps across the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains. Firefighters are also battling blazes in Portugal, Spain, Greece and the Balkans. Here in the U.S., more than 1,200 firefighters are battling the Babylon Fire, which has consumed over 100,000 acres, becoming the largest wildfire in Utah in nearly a decade. According to Climate Central, July is the hottest month for most of the United States, and it’s getting hotter as the planet warms. U.S. cities have seen average temperatures rise by more than two-and-a-half degrees since the 1970s. www.democracynow.org

85-Year-Old German National Becomes 21st to Die in ICE Custody This Year

Deaths in ICE custody also continue to rise under President Trump’s second term in office. In the latest reported case, Adrian Andreas Florian, an 85-year-old man from Germany, died in late June while hospitalized in Texas. According to immigration researcher and data analyst Austin Kocher, ICE had transferred Florian to the hospital in November over signs of dementia and other health issues. He was then pronounced dead on June 24 after about 10 months in ICE custody. He is at least the 21st person to die in ICE custody this year alone. In more immigration news, the GEO Group, one of the nation’s largest private prison and immigration detention contractors, has agreed to pay a fine of more than $100,000 in a landmark case over the company’s abusive and dangerous treatment of immigrant workers detained in at least five of its California ICE jails. The case had been ongoing for more than four years. www.democracynow.org

ICE Agent Fatally Shoots Mexican Father During Houston Traffic Stop

In Texas, immigration and civil rights advocacy groups are demanding an independent investigation into the fatal shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a Mexican father who was killed by ICE during an attempted arrest in Houston Tuesday morning. Araujo’s son, Ronaldo Salgado, said in a statement his father was driving to work and was in Magnolia Park, a historically Latino neighborhood in Houston, picking up workers in the area, when ICE agents targeted him. His son added, “My father has been in this country for nearly 35 years, working in construction to provide for myself, my two brothers, and my mother. … My father did not deserve this.” ICE claimed — as it has in previous shootings — that Araujo had attempted to drive away, ramming an agency vehicle when he was shot in the abdomen. This is Cesar Espinosa, executive director of FIEL, a Houston-based immigration advocacy group. Cesar Espinosa: “We are calling for an independent — fully independent — investigation from the authorities. We are calling for transparency from ICE. And we are calling for justice for this person. ICE does not get to be judge, jury and executioner whenever they want to.” Advocates are also demanding the release of video footage. Lorenzo Salgado Araujo’s fatal shooting came on the six-month anniversary of the ICE killing of Renee Good in Minneapolis. www.democracumpw.org

Israeli Strike Kills Gaza Aid Official Who Organized World Cup Screening

In Gaza City, an Israeli strike on the Sabra neighborhood Tuesday evening killed Palestinian aid official Mohammed al-Wahidi, along with a taxi driver and two children — 10-year-old Hamza al-Deri and his 8-year-old brother Fari. Al-Wahidi was director of public relations for the Egyptian Relief Committee in Gaza and had just organized a public screening of the Egypt-Argentina World Cup match. Israel killed him less than an hour before kickoff. Since October, when Israel agreed to a so-called ceasefire, it has killed at least 1,027 people in Gaza, including 258 children. www.democracynow.org

U.S. Renews Attacks on Iran and Reimposes Oil Sanctions

The United States has renewed its attacks on Iran, with multiple explosions reported in southern regions, including the port city of Sirik, Qeshm Island, Bandar Abbas and Kharg Island. U.S. Central Command said the strikes were in response to Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels that were transiting the Strait of Hormuz. In response, Iran’s military pledged a “crushing response.” Soon after, air raid sirens sounded in Bahrain and Kuwait as U.S. military sites came under Iranian drone and missile fire. The U.S. strikes came hours after the Treasury Department revoked a temporary sanctions waiver that allowed Iran to sell oil on the open market. That led to a surge in oil prices and a steep decline in Asian stock markets, which shed more than $700 billion in value during a broad sell-off. www.democracynow.org

Family of Cuban Who Died of “Likely Homicide” at Texas ICE Jail Sues for Wrongful Death

The family of Geraldo Lunas Campos, a 55-year-old Cuban immigrant whose death in ICE custody was ruled a likely homicide, is suing four guards and the companies that oversaw Camp East Montana — a sprawling immigration detention tent camp at the Fort Bliss military base in El Paso, Texas — at the time of Campos’s death. The Washington Post reports his family is seeking more than $1 million in damages from Acquisition Logistics, the company that oversaw Camp East Montana when Campos was killed; Akima, which employed the guards accused of killing Campos; and NANA Regional Corp., Akima’s parent company. Earlier this year, an autopsy report released by the El Paso County Medical Examiner’s Office concluded Campos had died from asphyxia caused by neck and torso compression, ruling his death a homicide. Before his death, Campos had complained of not getting the right dosage of medication to treat his bipolar disorder and anxiety. He had also expressed having suicidal thoughts. But instead of receiving proper care, Campos was placed in solitary confinement, where guards shackled and handcuffed him, repeatedly “putting pressure on his neck and chest until his body went limp.” www.democracynow.org

U.S. Surges Troops to Venezuela in Wake of Devastating Earthquakes

In Venezuela, the death toll from last month’s devastating earthquakes has topped 3,500 and is expected to continue rising, as the United States seeks to expand its military presence in the wake of the disaster. U.S. Southern Command recently announced the deployment of at least 2,000 military personnel to Venezuela, alongside drones, combat helicopters and other hardware. That’s in addition to U.S. Marines and Air Force officials already in Venezuela. The U.N. Development Program estimates June’s earthquakes caused $6.7 billion in damage in Venezuela. Despite that toll, the United States has provided just $300 million in recovery aid, while it sits on some $8 billion worth of Venezuela’s oil wealth, seized after the U.S. abduction of former President Nicolás Maduro and first lady Cilia Flores. www.democracynow.org

Palestinian Baby Dies as Israeli Forces Block Ambulance at Checkpoint

In the occupied West Bank, a 4-month-old Palestinian baby died after Israeli forces blocked his evacuation to receive emergency medical care. The family of Ahmad Marouf Zeid had reportedly called the Palestinian Red Crescent, which sent an ambulance to the entrance of Deir Ammar refugee camp, where the family resides, but Israeli soldiers at a checkpoint prevented the baby’s transfer to a hospital for more than an hour. Haaretz reports the main entrance to the village has been closed since January, shutting down the only direct route to and from Ramallah. The Palestinian Red Crescent says Israeli soldiers stationed there routinely block residents from passing through. Israeli forces also shot dead a 16-year-old boy from the Qalandiya refugee camp, near Ramallah, in a raid Sunday. During the same raid, security camera video footage shows an Israeli soldier throwing a stun grenade into a car carrying Palestinians, before appearing to force the door shut as it detonated. www.democracynow.org

Trump Pardons Clean Air Act Violators and Ex-Partner of Jack Abramoff

President Trump has issued pardons to 11 more people, including nine who faced criminal charges for violating the Clean Air Act by tampering with emissions monitoring systems on vehicles. Trump also pardoned Adam Kidan, a former business partner of the disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff. Kidan pleaded guilty in 2005 to fraud and conspiracy related to the purchase of a fleet of gambling boats. His pardon came just months after he co-hosted a fundraiser at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort for a Long Island Republican congressional candidate. www.democracynow.org

At Least 25 Die from Record U.S. Heat Wave Over Fourth of July Weekend

Here in the U.S., at least 25 people are dead due to extreme heat and humidity after a massive heat dome brought record temperatures to the central and eastern U.S. over the Fourth of July holiday. Some 185 million people — or more than half of U.S. residents — were under heat alerts over the weekend, with extreme weather forcing the cancellation of Independence Day events in states from Alabama to Connecticut. Meanwhile, Super Typhoon Bavi has brought devastating 175-mile-per-hour winds and storm surge to the Pacific Ocean U.S. territories of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. After headlines, we’ll speak with David Wallace-Wells, a New York Times opinion writer whose recent piece is headlined “We Need to Retrofit the Planet. The Heat Wave Proves It.” www.democracynow.org

Family Says Palestinian Doctor Hussam Abu Safiya Was Left Disfigured by Israeli Torture

The family of the prominent Palestinian doctor Hussam Abu Safiya says his health has sharply deteriorated after more than 555 days in Israeli prisons. Dr. Abu Safiya had served as a pediatrician and director of the Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza until he was abducted by Israel in December of 2024. He’s been held without charge ever since. In a video message, Dr. Abu Safiya’s son Elyas says his father showed clear signs of torture and medical neglect during a recent meeting with his lawyer in which Dr. Abu Safiya described being beaten with a hammer. Elyas Abu Safiya: “My father was unable to breathe. My father was unable to speak. His face was disfigured from the marks of torture and pain, especially after the last court session held in Jerusalem at the Supreme Court. … We still call out, plead and appeal and beg to all the free people of the world and to everyone with an atom of humanity in their heart, to save my father’s life before it’s too late.” Palestinian officials say Israeli attacks have killed about 1,700 healthcare workers in Gaza since October 2023; at least 83 medical workers remain in Israeli prisons. www.democracynow.org

Texas Lawmaker Condemns ICE for Attempting to Deport Families to Venezuela After Massive Quakes

Congressmember Joaquin Castro is condemning ICE officials for attempting to deport more people to Venezuela in the aftermath of back-to-back earthquakes. In a social media post, Castro said ICE had tried to deport Venezuelan children and families currently detained in Texas’s Dilley ICE jail. The families were ultimately returned to Dilley after being flown to Arizona. He said, “It is unthinkable to send children and families, who have committed no crimes, into a country plunged into chaos by natural disaster.” This comes after the Trump administration deported more than 100 immigrants back to Venezuela just hours before the earthquakes. The vast majority now assumed dead. www.democracynow.org

Rights Groups Demand End to Venezuela Sanctions as Earthquake Death Toll Passes 2,000

A coalition of human rights and antiwar groups are calling on President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to lift all U.S. sanctions on Venezuela as the death toll from last week’s devastating twin earthquakes continues to rise and as humanitarian aid advocates warn of a widening health and hunger crisis. In a letter obtained by the publication Common Dreams, the groups write, “As long as sweeping economic sanctions remain in place and Venezuelan assets remain frozen abroad, reconstruction will be unnecessarily delayed, and millions of people will continue to suffer.” The letter has been signed by dozens of organizations, including the Center for Economic and Policy Research and the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. The U.N. Development Program has estimated the earthquakes have caused $6.7 billion in damage. On Wednesday, the death toll had already surpassed 2,000, which is believed to be a vast undercount, with tens of thousands of people still unaccounted for. www.democracynow.org

Trump Defends Financial Report Showing His Personal Income Soared to $2.2 Billion in 2025

President Trump faces a growing backlash after financial disclosure forms revealed his personal income soared to $2.2 billion in the first year of his second term. That includes $635 million from a licensing agreement for Trump-branded cryptocurrency “meme coins” and $590 million from the Trump family’s World Liberty Financial crypto project. Trump earned another $575 million from his real estate holdings. Trump’s financial disclosure report sprawled over more than 900 pages; by comparison, President Obama’s last such disclosure was just eight pages. Editorial boards, including The Wall Street Journal, and Fox News have criticized Trump’s latest business ventures. On Wednesday, Trump defended his windfall profits. Reporter: “To critics who say you’re profiting off the presidency, Mr. President?” President Donald Trump: “Well, you know why I’m profiting? Because the stock market is going up. Everybody’s profiting. If you have a — you have a 401(k)? How has your 401(k) done? It’s about up 85%. Thank you, President Trump.” Trump was speaking to reporters before boarding the new Air Force One, a Boeing 747 jet donated to the U.S. by the royal family of Qatar. The Air Force expedited a retrofit of the luxury plane, reportedly at a cost of $400 million. Trump plans to keep the jet after leaving office, saying he’ll donate it to his presidential library. Democrats have accused him of receiving a foreign emolument — or bribe — which is prohibited under the Constitution. www.democracynow.org

Over 400,000 Children Appeared in U.S. Immigration Courts Without Lawyers

In immigration news, hundreds of thousands of immigrant children facing deportation orders are having to represent themselves in court. That’s according to the Vera Institute of Justice and Drop Site News, which looked at federal immigration data that showed more than 400,000 immigrant children have been forced to appear in court without legal representation. In related news, a federal court in Denver, Colorado, is the latest to oppose the Trump administration’s efforts to indefinitely imprison immigrants, most of whom have no criminal records, without access to a bond hearing. This is at least the fourth time a federal court has rejected Trump’s mass detention policy. www.democracynow.org

Trump Bought Stock in Taser Company Before ICE Announced $220 Million Contract

President Trump purchased up to $5 million worth of stock in the corporation that makes Taser weapons, just two weeks before ICE solicited a $220 million contract for the devices. Trump’s investment in Axon Enterprise was first reported by CNBC. This comes as House Democrats are pushing for passage of the No Getting Rich in Congress Act, a bill that would prevent public officials, including the president, from profiting from conflicts of interest. www.democracynow.org

SCOTUS Declines to Hear Trump’s Appeal of $5 Million Sex Abuse and Defamation Case

The Supreme Court declined on Monday to consider President Trump’s appeal of a $5 million verdict in a civil suit that found that he sexually assaulted writer E. Jean Carroll in a department store dressing room in the 1990s — and later defamed her. The court dismissed the case without explanation. Trump’s lawyers have indicated they’ll ask the Supreme Court to consider a second defamation case successfully brought by E. Jean Carroll after Trump called her a liar, following the first verdict. Trump was ordered to pay more than $83 million in that case. www.democracynow.org

Rights Group Says Israel Is Killing Palestinian Children in West Bank at Fastest Rate Since 1967

In news from the occupied West Bank, Israeli soldiers killed a 15-year-old Palestinian boy in the city of al-Bireh, near Ramallah, Monday. Amir Ahmad Jawad Jaber was reportedly shot in the head and chest during a raid. This comes as a new report by the Israeli human rights group B’Tselem found Israeli soldiers killed at least 54 Palestinian children and teens in the West Bank last year, in 2025, the highest rate since Israel occupied the West Bank in 1967. www.democracynow.org