Edward Helmore

The first US deportation flight to Haiti since the Trump administration ended Temporary Protected Status for Haitian nationals carried more than 160 people to Cap-Haïtien. The flight avoided Port-au-Prince because of severe gang violence, while deportees reportedly faced safety concerns and received limited money for onward travel. The removals followed a Supreme Court ruling and a lower-court decision allowing the TPS termination to proceed. Human-rights and immigrant advocates condemned sending people to a country the US itself considers too dangerous for Americans to visit, while the administration defended the policy as requiring Haitians either to self-deport or face arrest.

A surprise federal hearing has been scheduled in Luigi Mangione’s stalking case, fueling speculation that he may pursue a plea deal related to the December 2024 killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to state and federal charges. His lawyers previously discussed a possible federal plea with prosecutors and withdrew plans for a psychiatric defense, while New York prosecutors warned that a federal agreement could undermine the state murder case. The state trial is scheduled to begin on 8 September, with anonymous jurors and an overflow courtroom planned amid heavy supporter interest.

Yolanda Olejniczak Marodi pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for stabbing her wife, Rebecca “Becky” Marodi, a decorated California fire captain who had recently fought the deadly Eaton wildfire. Investigators said Rebecca was attacked after telling her wife she wanted to leave, and surveillance footage showed her fleeing and pleading for her life before Marodi crossed into Mexico. Marodi, who previously served prison time for the voluntary manslaughter of her first husband, was arrested in Mexicali and later returned to California. She is scheduled for sentencing on 2 September and faces 36 years to life in prison.

An administrative law judge found probable cause to believe Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Mike Lindell violated campaign finance law by distributing free MyPillow pillows at a Fourth of July parade event to influence voters. The case will proceed to an evidentiary hearing before a three-judge panel; the ruling does not establish that Lindell broke the law. Lindell denies wrongdoing, says the pillows cost $4.90 each wholesale, and claims the campaign finance board approved the giveaway. The complaint comes as he competes in the Republican primary and steps down as MyPillow CEO amid legal and financial difficulties.

TikTok creator Sydney Towle has died at 26, nearly three years after being diagnosed with stage 4 cholangiocarcinoma, a rare bile duct cancer. After graduating from Dartmouth and moving to Los Angeles, she documented her treatment, everyday life and efforts to maintain optimism for more than a million followers. Her candid posts challenged assumptions about how cancer patients should look or live, raised awareness of young adults with serious illness and highlighted the need for research funding. Towle’s family announced her death after she entered hospice care, prompting an outpouring of condolences.

A US Senate committee says it obtained a backup copy of Anthony Fauci’s iPhone as it considers whether to hold him in contempt for invoking his Fifth Amendment rights during a Republican-led hearing. The device was transferred by the Department of Health and Human Services under Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Senator Ron Johnson says it may answer questions Fauci declined to address. The confrontation centers on pandemic health measures, COVID-19’s origins and the disputed lab-leak theory, while Fauci says Senator Rand Paul is trying to generate grounds for criminal charges against him.

Forensic toxicologist Justin Brower testified that four psychiatric medications found in Lindsay Clancy’s blood were generally at prescribed levels, with quetiapine only slightly elevated and not at a toxic or suicidal concentration. The defense argues that Clancy was overcome by postpartum psychosis and undiagnosed bipolar disorder, while prosecutors contend that she intentionally killed her three children. Testimony from the family nanny and earlier evidence from Clancy’s journals and relatives described her worsening insomnia, anxiety, despair and psychotic thoughts. If convicted, Clancy faces life without parole; a verdict of not guilty by reason of lack of criminal responsibility could result in commitment to a state mental-health facility.

The House Ethics Committee opened an investigation into Ohio Republican Representative Max Miller over allegations of domestic violence, abuse and illegal drug use. Miller denies the accusations, rejects calls to resign and says he welcomes the inquiry, while his former father-in-law, Senator Bernie Moreno, and several Republican colleagues argue that he is unfit to remain in Congress. The live coverage also reports that Todd Blanche’s attorney general nomination advanced after he said a proposed $1.8bn fund for Donald Trump’s allies was cancelled; Jay Clayton was sworn in as the country’s top intelligence official; ICE detained University of Maryland instructor Berhanu Kibret over an expired visa; and the Trump administration was reportedly considering restrictions on Chinese data-center components. Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary and other midterm developments were also covered.

Prosecutors dropped the felony vandalism charge against former Olympic canoeist David Hearn after documents from the Interior Department indicated that faulty, rushed installation caused the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool’s liner to peel. Hearn’s attorneys say the case should never have been brought and are seeking dismissal with prejudice, while considering civil suits, sanctions, fee reimbursement and investigations. Donald Trump continues to blame vandalism and has criticized Washington DC US Attorney Jeanine Pirro for abandoning the prosecution, creating tensions within his administration.

A federal judge in Albany, Mae D’Agostino, temporarily blocked New York’s law banning ICE officers from wearing masks and requiring visible identification, finding that the state measures likely violate the Constitution’s supremacy clause by regulating federal officers. The ruling prevents local police from arresting masked ICE agents, while allowing New York’s separate ban on 287(g) cooperation agreements between local law enforcement and ICE to take effect. Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James said they were reviewing an appeal and maintained that masked agents do not improve public safety. The decision comes amid broader legal challenges to similar laws and heightened political debate over immigration enforcement ahead of Hochul’s reelection campaign.

A coalition of 25 US states sued the Trump administration in the US Court of International Trade, seeking to block tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on goods from 59 countries and the European Union and obtain refunds for duties already paid. The states argue that the administration is improperly using Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 and forced-labor concerns to revive broad tariffs after earlier measures were struck down by the Supreme Court. The administration maintains that the tariffs lawfully address foreign countries' failure to prevent imports made with forced labor. The lawsuit, which covers trading partners accounting for 99.4% of US imports, follows a separate challenge brought by two small businesses.

Healthcare worker Jordan Salinas returned fire after seeing Chad Williams shoot at people and vehicles outside a newly opened In-N-Out Burger in Twin Falls, Idaho. Salinas, who had undertaken serious firearms training after a 2021 Boise mall shooting, said his response was automatic and followed the steps of observing, orienting, deciding and acting. Police credited Salinas and an off-duty officer with diverting Williams and preventing further casualties. Williams killed three people, wounded seven others and died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound; two victims remained in critical condition. The incident has renewed debate over how bystanders should respond to mass shootings and over the lack of stronger federal firearms restrictions in the United States.

Paul Rivera, author of the Democratic Party’s 2024 election autopsy, says a chapter titled “What Happened in 2024” was removed from the version released by the Democratic National Committee. He says the missing section examined Joe Biden’s decision to seek re-election, Democrats’ loss of support among several demographic groups, and the influence of wealthy party officials and consultants. DNC chair Ken Martin disputes that the chapter was ever included in the materials he reviewed. The section reportedly concluded that Democrats misread their electoral strength, misunderstood voter frustrations and relied too heavily on identity-focused messaging. The controversy comes as the party faces a reported $2m cash deficit ahead of the midterms and the 2028 presidential race.

Bryan Kohberger is seeking to withdraw his guilty plea for murdering four University of Idaho students and obtain a new trial through a post-conviction relief petition. He claims his defense attorneys misled him about the death penalty, advised him to enter a false plea and withheld potentially exculpatory evidence. A judge has granted his request for new court-appointed counsel, but Kohberger must prove that his attorneys’ representation was objectively unreasonable. A successful petition could restore the possibility of a death sentence, while victims’ families remain distressed by the renewed litigation. Legal and psychological experts suggest the move may reflect attempts to regain control and public attention, although a new trial would still not necessarily reveal his motive.

A rushed renovation of the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool escalated from an estimated $1.5m–$2m project into a $14m–$16m failure involving algae, peeling blue liner and repeated draining. After former Olympian David Hearn was arrested and charged with vandalism, prosecutors acknowledged that flawed contractor installation—not vandalism—caused the damage and moved to dismiss the case. Trump continues to blame vandals, while Hearn’s attorneys and critics accuse the administration of abusing government power and mishandling the project.

Nancy Guthrie’s family has renewed its desperate appeal for information six months after the 84-year-old disappeared from her Tucson home. The appeal followed the release of two purported ransom notes: one demanding $4m in bitcoin while claiming Guthrie was alive, and another saying she had died shortly after being taken and was buried in nature. The FBI and Pima County sheriff’s department remain involved, but no suspects have been arrested. Two men detained and questioned soon after the disappearance are pursuing a potential wrongful-arrest claim against Sheriff Chris Nanos and a detective.

The Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to reconsider Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general after the confirmation process stalled over his refusal to provide written assurances that a proposed $1.8bn anti-weaponization fund would not be created. Donald Trump, who had previously said the fund was dead, now says he will revive it and has attacked Republican senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis for opposing it. Supporters describe the fund as compensation for people allegedly targeted by government agencies, while critics call it a politically motivated payout and object to a related IRS arrangement. Tillis says Trump’s reversal could prevent Blanche’s confirmation, although Blanche may continue as acting attorney general while his nomination remains pending. His handling of investigative files related to Jeffrey Epstein is also drawing opposition from Epstein’s victims.

The Justice Department has moved to dismiss the felony case against former Olympian David Hearn, who was accused of deliberately damaging the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool. Newly disclosed Interior Department documents indicated that the liner had failed during a rushed, flawed installation before Hearn visited the pool. Testimony also showed substantial pre-existing damage, including leaks, an aging expansion joint and a rip, making it impossible to quantify damage caused by Hearn. His attorneys said the prosecution should never have been brought and demanded an apology, while the dismissal ends a case that could have carried a 10-year prison sentence.

Australian hiker William Standish, 28, was found dead in Wyoming’s Teton mountains after losing contact with his family during a Continental Divide Trail hike. Rescuers located his remains below a steep ridgeline in the Wigwams after spotting his orange backpack from a helicopter, and investigators believe he died in a fall. His family’s Garmin check-ins and Facebook Messenger activity helped guide the search. The report also notes several other recent hiking-related deaths in the United States and Canada.

Carlos Palazuelos and Daniel Maddox plan to seek a combined $3.25m in damages from Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos and related parties, alleging wrongful detention, reputational harm and property damage after Nancy Guthrie disappeared. Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show anchor Savannah Guthrie, was last seen at her Tucson home on 1 February 2026, and authorities believe she was kidnapped. The investigation remains unresolved six months later, despite blood evidence, leads and two purported ransom notes, one demanding $4m in bitcoin and another claiming Guthrie had died. The case has also produced a dispute between Nanos and FBI director Kash Patel over the sheriff's handling and sharing of evidence.

Lenita Moreno, 25, was arrested after authorities alleged that she started a fire in a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building in Kaysville, Utah, one day before her scheduled wedding. The blaze, allegedly started beneath a chair with flammable materials including a tampon, caused an estimated $108,000 in damage but was extinguished by people at the scene. Investigators said surveillance footage showed Moreno stealing cigarette lighters from Ace Hardware earlier that day. She faces aggravated arson, retail theft and providing false information to a peace officer, and was reportedly being held without bail. Authorities also said she had not obtained a marriage license despite claiming that she had.

US Secret Service agent Marquez Christopher Pinder and Jared Lamar James and Elijah Delano Dyous were arrested in Miami over alleged fraternity hazing in April. Prosecutors say two victims endured repeated beatings with canes and paddles over several days, suffering injuries that required hospitalization, skin grafts, kidney treatment and intubation. The men face felony charges including hazing with a deadly weapon, aggravated battery and attempted manslaughter. Pinder’s attorney called the case grossly overcharged, while the Secret Service said it would address any misconduct after the judicial process. Miami-Dade officials cited previous Florida hazing deaths to underscore the risks of such rituals.

A National Park Service witness reportedly testified that the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool had substantial pre-existing damage, including leaks, worn expansion joints and a torn liner, before former Olympic canoeist Davey Hearn allegedly touched it. Hearn’s lawyers argue that the testimony undermines his felony property-destruction indictment because the witness could not identify additional damage or repair costs caused by him, and they are seeking broader access to grand jury materials. Hearn has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled for trial on 28 September. The case stems from a troubled $16m renovation initiated by Donald Trump, whose administration blamed vandals as the pool’s liner separated and algae returned.

Authorities say Kristopher Karolkiewicz fatally shot his wife, Amanda, and their six children, aged five to 15, before setting multiple fires in their Grand Haven Township home and killing himself. Autopsies found gunshot wounds in all eight family members, and investigators are treating the case as a murder-suicide while examining possible preceding circumstances. The killings are among at least 13 mass murders and more than 270 mass shootings recorded in the United States in 2026, renewing attention to family annihilation, domestic violence, financial stress and calls for stronger federal gun controls.

Matthew Wolfe’s book examines the Earth Liberation Front, a loosely organized Pacific Northwest eco-anarchist network that carried out arson and economic sabotage against businesses it regarded as contributing to environmental destruction. Active mainly from 1995 to 2001, the ELF targeted timber, meatpacking, fur, energy and automotive interests, most notably causing more than $12m in damage at Colorado’s Vail ski resort. The movement’s leaderless structure and refusal to harm people distinguished its stated philosophy, but prosecutions, prison sentences and up to $45m in government-estimated damages exposed its strategic and organizational failures. The article argues that the ELF’s warnings about ecological destruction appear prescient amid worsening climate disasters, while its tactics remain controversial and largely disconnected from mainstream political movements. Contemporary groups including Sunrise Movement, Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oil continue to debate how far protest should go without alienating public support.

Lindsay Clancy’s Massachusetts murder trial will center on whether postpartum psychosis and alleged overmedication left her legally not responsible when she killed her three children in January 2023 and attempted suicide. Prosecutors contend the killings were premeditated, while the defense argues that Clancy heard a commanding voice and had lost touch with reality after inadequate psychiatric treatment. The case is drawing attention to postpartum psychosis, treatment standards, insanity-law alternatives and proposed Massachusetts legislation prioritizing care over punishment. A successful defense would result in commitment to a psychiatric hospital; otherwise, Clancy faces a life sentence.

New York City Council members are preparing to vote in August on “Romanch’s Law,” which would phase out Central Park’s horse-drawn carriage trade by June 2028. Support for the ban has grown after 18-year-old Indian tourist Romanch Mahajan died in a carriage accident involving a horse that bolted while the driver was taking a photograph. Animal-rights advocates, including Edie Falco, argue that the industry is inherently cruel, lacks retirement plans for horses and has little practical purpose. Carriage drivers and Transport Workers Union Local 100 oppose the bill, saying the horses are well treated and that the measure would destroy the livelihoods of mostly immigrant workers. Mayor Zohran Mamdani supports the legislation’s aims but is concerned about employment alternatives, while supporters have proposed workforce-development assistance. The debate also includes disputed claims about horse sanctuaries, real-estate interests and whether electric carriages could replace the existing trade.

Heavy rains in south Texas have washed out highways, stranded motorists and prompted at least two dozen rescues, with forecasters warning that more severe weather could bring additional dangerous flooding. Storms dropped up to 16in of rain in rural areas and more rainfall of up to a foot is expected, placing San Antonio and surrounding regions under high flash‑flood risk. Governor Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for 59 counties and deployed rescue teams and helicopters as the National Weather Service warned of potentially catastrophic impacts through Thursday.

A British Columbia pilot, Nicholas Dale, died when his Kaman K‑1200 helicopter crashed into the Silver Jack reservoir while fighting the Gold Mountain fire in Colorado. Authorities recovered his body and offered condolences as tributes were paid by local residents and officials, including Representative Jeff Hurd and Governor Jared Polis, who ordered state flags to half‑staff for an upcoming memorial. The FAA reported the aircraft inverted before impact, and the NTSB opened an investigation. The incident occurred amid widespread wildfires across the western US, following extreme heat and dry conditions, and shortly after three other firefighters died battling a separate blaze near the Utah border.

A bull bison in Yellowstone National Park seriously injured a tourist after charging through a campground during rutting season. Photographer Mike MacLeod captured video of the incident and described the animal as unusually agitated and attacking anything nearby. The victim was tossed several feet into the air while trying to keep distance with his grandson. Bystanders intervened to distract the bison until it fled. Park officials reiterated warnings for visitors to maintain prescribed distances from wildlife, noting this was the second bison-related injury in the park in 2026.

US and international leaders issued tributes following the sudden death of Senator Lindsey Graham at age 71, highlighting his influence on US foreign policy, conservative judicial appointments and strong support for Ukraine. Donald Trump, senior US officials and foreign leaders including Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Benjamin Netanyahu and Nato’s Mark Rutte praised his advocacy for security alliances and resistance to global threats. Graham had recently worked on new sanctions against Russia, which allies now aim to advance in his honor.

Florida congressman Carlos Giménez urged the Trump administration to reconsider ending temporary protected status for Haitians following a Supreme Court ruling that allows the program’s termination. He argued Haiti’s instability made deportations dangerous and also called for TPS reinstatement for Venezuelans after recent earthquakes. Ohio governor Mike DeWine and New York representative Mike Lawler echoed concerns, warning that removing Haitian workers would harm healthcare, manufacturing and community stability. A bipartisan House bill extending TPS for Haiti until 2029 passed and awaits Senate action.

Federal authorities have seized more than 600 drones flown illegally in restricted airspace over World Cup venues across 11 US host cities since 10 June. The FBI and Department of Homeland Security have enforced FAA temporary flight restrictions, warning of significant civil and criminal penalties. Arrests include operators flying unregistered or uncertified drones over stadiums. Cities including Miami, Atlanta and Dallas recorded the highest numbers of intercepted aircraft. Security preparations also involve FEMA funding and a special federal security designation for the final in New Jersey, while counter‑drone systems and coordinated federal‑local law‑enforcement operations continue throughout the tournament.

A gunman opened fire at a family gathering in Coney Island, injuring eight people including four children, with one woman in critical condition. Police recovered a pistol with an extended magazine but reported no arrests, and are examining potential links to a recent gang-related homicide on the same block. New York officials condemned the violence as the US marked multiple mass shootings over the holiday period, including another in Pensacola, Florida. The incidents occurred as the NYPD reported record-low shooting and murder numbers for the first half of the year.

Lawyers for Donald Trump sought additional time to pay the nearly $5.8m civil judgment owed to E Jean Carroll after the US supreme court declined to hear his appeal. His new attorney argued for more time to review the case following the departure of Trump’s former counsel to a judicial post. Carroll’s lawyer opposed the request as another delay tactic, noting Trump had months to secure new representation. Trump continues to deny Carroll’s claims and is expected to pursue further appeals, including an effort to combine the $5m judgment with a separate $83m defamation award that may raise issues of presidential immunity.

A major pickle producer withdrew from the Great American State Fair in Washington DC after discovering that North Carolina’s exhibit included a video briefly showing a Confederate flag. The company cited its commitment to human dignity as the reason for leaving. Another participating company said it neither created nor approved the video, which was later removed. The fair, aligned with the Trump administration’s semiquincentennial celebrations, has faced low attendance, extreme heat and reduced state participation. Broader political themes surfaced during the holiday, including Donald Trump’s remarks at Mount Rushmore and comments by New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani referencing authoritarianism.

Washington DC’s Independence Day parade was canceled after the National Weather Service issued an extreme heat warning, with temperatures expected to exceed 102F and a heat index as high as 115F. The hazardous conditions disrupted multiple semiquincentennial events, including closures at the Great American State Fair, where dozens of visitors were treated for heat-related illnesses. Organizers coordinated with the National Park Service, city officials, and the Trump administration before calling off the parade. Despite disruptions, Donald Trump is scheduled to speak at the fair following military flyovers and a large fireworks display.

Fans gathered outside Madison Square Garden in intense heat hoping to be near Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding festivities, expressing enthusiasm for the couple and approval of the private yet symbolic venue choice. Visitors from various ages and locations celebrated the event despite limited access and uncertainty about details, highlighting Swift’s connection to New York and her relationship with Kelce.

Louisiana’s supreme court halted the criminal indictment of Attorney General Liz Murrill, citing defects in the grand jury process and the trial court’s handling. The stay allows Murrill to file motions challenging the charges, which stem from accusations she intimidated New Orleans officials opposing a court restructuring law. The indictment process drew controversy after a New Orleans judge sealed the courtroom, leading to media being escorted out and two WWL Louisiana staff members being handcuffed. The closure was later deemed to violate state law requiring public grand jury returns. Political tensions between state Republicans and New Orleans officials underpin the case, which also involves disputes over the elimination of a court clerk position won by Calvin Duncan and potential conflicts of interest involving the special prosecutor. The supreme court’s order enables further motions, including potential recusals, and directs the withdrawal of an arrest warrant issued for Murrill.

Zohran Mamdani delivered a pro-immigrant, historically grounded address for the US semiquincentennial, positioning New York City as a symbol of American inclusivity and contrasting this vision with Donald Trump’s restrictive immigration agenda. He highlighted generations of immigrants who shaped the city, praised recent Supreme Court affirmation of birthright citizenship, and urged new citizens to help define America’s future. Mamdani rejected exclusionary nationalism, framed dissent as patriotism, and spoke amid recent electoral gains by democratic socialists. Trump was scheduled to present a contrasting message at Mount Rushmore later in the day.

A whistleblower claims DEA agents allowed major fentanyl shipments into Albuquerque to build cases against higher-level traffickers, prompting investigations by federal and state authorities. The DEA denies knowingly enabling fentanyl distribution, citing surveillance operations and legal protocols, while New Mexico officials condemn the alleged actions as reckless amid rising overdose deaths. Political leaders, including the governor and attorney general, demand accountability as scrutiny increases over federal handling of the fentanyl crisis.

Authorities in Alabama reported that Daniel Robbins died of a heart attack while attempting to dispose of the body of his girlfriend, Jessica Folds, whom investigators determined he had fatally strangled. Deputies found both bodies near Robbins’s still‑running truck in a wooded area in Lanett. Evidence at the scene suggested Robbins was dragging Folds’s body into the woods. Officials classified the killing as an act of domestic violence, and autopsies confirmed the cause of death for both individuals.

The US supreme court declined to hear Alan Dershowitz’s appeal seeking to reinstate his $300m defamation lawsuit against CNN over its editing of comments he made during Donald Trump’s impeachment trial. The decision leaves intact the current legal standard requiring public figures to prove actual malice in defamation cases, with Justices Neil Gorsuch and Clarence Thomas dissenting. Dershowitz argued the network misrepresented his remarks and urged a reconsideration of the New York Times v Sullivan precedent, while CNN defended the ruling as essential to free speech protections.

A Tennessee woman, Mary Evelyn Nicole Manning-Kellione, drowned while attempting to rescue her son from high floodwaters after he was swept into a culvert. Her death was among at least five reported across Tennessee and Kentucky following intense rainfall and flash flooding. Kentucky authorities reported multiple fatalities, including minors, as counties declared states of emergency. The National Weather Service elevated the flood risk to a moderate level amid forecasts of heavy rainfall. Kentucky governor Andy Beshear warned of destroyed infrastructure, urged residents to avoid travel, and authorized emergency measures to support affected communities.

A newborn infant was found dead in a portable bathroom at the Electric Forest music festival in Michigan, prompting an investigation by state police. Festival organizers expressed grief and urged attendees to report any relevant information. Authorities asked the public to avoid speculation while confirming that an employee discovered the body during routine maintenance. The festival temporarily shut down due to severe weather but later resumed.

A lawsuit by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints seeks to stop excommunicated member John Dehlin from using the term Mormon and imagery similar to church branding for his Mormon Stories podcast. The church argues that continued use of the name causes confusion and undermines efforts to emphasize its official title, while Dehlin contends the term is public domain and that the church is using trademark law to silence criticism. The dispute highlights long-running tensions over the term Mormon, past rebranding efforts, and broader questions about the church’s Christian identity and associations with fundamentalist sects.

Donald Trump announced he will nominate Lance Schroyer, a former Oklahoma state trooper and Marine with extensive law enforcement experience, as director of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin voiced strong support and urged the Senate to confirm the nominee, highlighting Schroyer’s operational experience in deportation efforts under the 287g program. The announcement aligns with Trump’s intensified immigration crackdown, which has drawn criticism from rights groups following controversial enforcement actions, including fatal shootings by ICE agents that triggered national protests.

The White House released images of a new commemorative US passport featuring a prominent portrait of Donald Trump and additional patriotic elements for the nation’s 250th anniversary. The updated design replaces earlier artwork and includes Trump’s signature and historical imagery. Democratic lawmakers criticized both the passport and a planned gold coin bearing the president’s likeness, calling them inappropriate and raising concerns about gold sourced from illegal mining. Additional political figures, including Gavin Newsom, mocked the initiative, while senators Elizabeth Warren and Ron Wyden urged the administration to halt the coin project.

JD Vance argued on Bill Maher’s show that the United States maintains leverage over Iran, claiming Iran’s nuclear program is effectively destroyed and that the US benefits whether or not a final agreement is reached. His comments came amid renewed military exchanges in the Strait of Hormuz. He defended ongoing negotiations, pointed to lower oil prices as evidence of progress, and offered that the US would transform its relationship with Iran if it abandoned nuclear ambitions. Vance also remarked on Nixon’s legacy and declined to concede that the administration’s immigration enforcement policies had overreached.

Bipartisan criticism intensified over Donald Trump’s provisional agreement with Iran as negotiators in Switzerland encountered disruptions after new threats from the US president prompted the Iranian delegation to walk out. Republicans and Democrats, including John Cornyn, Susan Rice and Cory Booker, condemned the memorandum of understanding for offering major concessions to Iran before securing commitments on its nuclear program. Trump threatened renewed military action if Iran failed to rein in Hezbollah, while JD Vance emphasized early progress in the peace talks. US officials said recent military actions had weakened Iran’s leverage, though energy markets were stabilizing as oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz returned to normal.

Donald Trump said repairs on the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool would begin immediately, blaming alleged vandalism for algae blooms and peeling paint following recent renovations. He claimed arrests had been made, though details remained unclear. Authorities confirmed citations for vandalism, while the National Park Service continued chemical treatment to curb algae growth. Reports described multiple police incidents, including claims of a long gash in the pool’s surface, as officials pledged full prosecution for anyone damaging the site.