Roque Planas

Bulldozers are clearing ground near Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend National Park as the Trump administration advances plans for patrol roads and vehicle barriers along the Texas-Mexico border. Activists, local businesses, river guides and politicians argue that the work damages protected wilderness and is unjustified by the park’s low number of unlawful crossings. Customs and Border Protection initially described the activity as road repairs, then said it was surveying and design work rather than wall construction. Opponents dispute that characterization and point to the Department of Homeland Security’s waiver of environmental laws, a $1.7bn construction contract and concerns that the project could eventually expand into a full border wall. A lawsuit challenging the expedited construction is ongoing, while Republican officials have largely remained silent despite bipartisan local opposition.

The Justice Department moved to dismiss charges against former Olympic canoeist David Hearn after documents showed that damage to the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool resulted from a rushed, defective installation by Atlantic Industrial Coatings rather than vandalism. Hearn’s lawyers said the prosecution reflected an abuse of government power and demanded an apology. The live coverage also reported that the Treasury Department intervened to support the Japanese yen, apparently through the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was photographed with a note referring to a planned $5–10 billion yen purchase. Other major developments included Donald Trump’s renewed use of European migration footage to warn about US immigration, an interim federal plan requiring potentially major Colorado River water cuts for California, Arizona and Nevada, Democratic criticism of Republican congressional deference over the Iran war, scrutiny of the fast-tracked deportation of immigrant children, and Kamala Harris’s decision not to announce whether she will seek the presidency in 2028.

The Trump administration is allowing a contract providing legal services to tens of thousands of unaccompanied immigrant children to expire after the government stopped paying the Acacia Center for Justice, leaving about $65m in unpaid fees. Advocates and current and former prosecutors warn that reduced legal access and accelerated deportations could endanger trafficking and abuse survivors, discourage crime reporting and allow abusers to evade justice. The Department of Health and Human Services says its refugee-resettlement office remains legally compliant and that Acacia declined a second bridge contract. Lawsuits over unpaid services are pending, while nonprofit providers have laid off staff and Immigration and Customs Enforcement has sharply increased removal orders for unaccompanied minors.

The US Senate rejected a war powers resolution by 49-50, leaving President Donald Trump’s Iran hostilities unchecked; Republicans Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski and Rand Paul supported the measure, while Democrat John Fetterman opposed it. The live coverage also reports Trump’s threat to withdraw and later reappoint Todd Blanche as attorney general, legal setbacks for the administration’s immigrant-detention policy, criticism of expedited deportations of unaccompanied minors, and calls for an ethics investigation into Republican congressman Max Miller. Trump claimed Hamas had agreed to disarm under a Gaza plan, though Israeli strikes continued and the terms remained disputed. Polling showed widespread opposition to the Iran war and close Texas Senate and gubernatorial contests, while Elon Musk was reportedly preparing substantial spending to support Republicans in the midterm elections.

The Senate Judiciary Committee postponed its vote on Todd Blanche’s nomination as attorney general after Republican senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis demanded written assurances that the Justice Department would abandon a proposed $1.776bn Trump-related fund and limit the scope of tax protections for Trump and his family. The live coverage also reported Barack Obama’s endorsement of Iowa Democrat Josh Turek, the Senate’s symbolic opposition to a presidential pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell, and the political fallout from Marjorie Taylor Greene’s marriage to Brian Glenn. Trump renewed threats to strike Iran and urged Congress to add tariffs on Iran to Russia sanctions legislation, while Israel and the US discussed diplomatic, economic and military options for curbing Iran’s nuclear program. Other developments included the Federal Reserve holding interest rates at 3.5%–3.75%, legal challenges by James Comey and Trump in separate cases, and plans for a multibillion-dollar redevelopment of Washington Dulles airport.

Gabriel Perez, a White House teleprompter operator accused of using advance knowledge of Donald Trump’s speeches to earn more than $100,000 betting on Kalshi, no longer works for the federal government. A White House official declined to say whether he resigned or was fired after he had been placed on unpaid leave. Kalshi said it investigated and referred the trades to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. The case highlights growing concerns about insider trading as prediction markets expand, while supporters defend them as derivatives markets and critics call for stronger regulation.

A mass shooting during Seattle’s Bite of Seattle food festival killed two uninvolved attendees and one suspected shooter, wounded at least five people including a two-year-old boy, and caused additional injuries as the crowd fled. Police arrested a 15-year-old suspect, identified another suspect as being at large, and said at least three people may have been involved. Investigators recovered a Polymer80-based 9mm ghost gun, a Glock pistol modified with an auto sear and fitted with a 40-round magazine, and a .45-caliber pistol. Seattle police believe the shooting was likely linked to gang violence and are reviewing physical, digital and video evidence while tracing the firearms.

Betye Saar, the pioneering assemblage artist and leading figure in the Black arts movement, died at 99 at her home in Los Angeles. She became known for transforming discarded Jim Crow-era objects and memorabilia into works exploring Black liberation, family, spirituality and the African diaspora. Her best-known piece, the 1972 Liberation of Aunt Jemima, recast a racist advertising image as an armed symbol of resistance. Saar continued making art into her 90s, mentored artists including Kerry James Marshall, and was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters in spring 2026.

Sara Gilson, an Oklahoma social media influencer, was found dead alongside her husband, Jeremiah Duffey, after police heard a gunshot during an emergency call. Investigators suspect Duffey killed Gilson and then died by suicide. Gilson’s former husband, Lyle Landers, said she had struggled for years to leave Duffey despite repeated protective-order applications. Court records and police accounts detail allegations that Duffey threatened suicide, possessed a firearm, and engaged in inappropriate conduct toward a 15-year-old girl, including alleged sexual touching, messages and attempts to silence her. Gilson had recently obtained a protective order requiring Duffey to leave her home and stay away from her. Because the alleged conduct occurred on tribal land and Duffey was an Osage tribal member, the investigation was referred to federal authorities.

Bryan Kohberger, serving four consecutive life sentences for killing University of Idaho students Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin, has filed for post-conviction relief and seeks to withdraw his guilty plea and obtain a new trial. Representing himself, Kohberger says bad legal advice, false promises and misinformation led him to plead guilty, while asserting his innocence. Goncalves’s family rejects the challenge, and Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador says his office will work to ensure justice is carried out. The conviction was supported by DNA evidence, surveillance footage and cellphone evidence; no motive has been established.

Donald Trump ordered the Interior Department to work with the National Park Service and White House domestic-policy officials to install signs outside the National Museum of American History accusing its exhibits of inaccuracy and criticizing its treatment of the Declaration of Independence. The move follows attacks by Trump and congressional Republicans, who accuse the Smithsonian of politicizing American history. Historians and museum director Anthea Hartig defended the institution's commitment to evidence, scholarship and a full account of both American achievements and failures, warning that political interference could undermine public trust.

Bystander video shows the events surrounding the 22 July fatal police shooting of 38-year-old Corey Ruiz in Madison, Wisconsin. The incident has sparked large protests, and the footage is accompanied by a warning that some viewers may find it distressing.

Monterey County authorities said Joanna Ruth Shields, 37, died in California’s Ventana Wilderness from probable alcohol-withdrawal seizures linked to chronic alcohol use disorder. Hikers found her naked in a pool at the Sykes hot springs area in April, with marks on her neck and a forehead cut that initially fueled suspicions of an attack. Investigators determined the neck marks were insect bites, the forehead injury was superficial, and found no evidence that she was the victim of a crime.

New York City police are investigating two stabbings near Central Park as possible hate crimes after Raul Morales allegedly attacked a 57-year-old Asian man with a knife and a 50-year-old Jewish man with a screwdriver. Police said Morales allegedly yelled “Allahu Akbar” before the attacks, but are also assessing whether mental health problems contributed to his actions. Both victims were hospitalized in stable condition, and a witness helped police locate Morales at his apartment. Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the attacks, while Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said there was no known connection between the suspect and either victim.

A Madison police officer fatally shot a man in his 30s after officers responding to reports of attempted vehicle entry confronted him following a chase. Police Chief John Patterson said the man pulled a knife and injured the officer who fired three shots, while cellphone video shows officers struggling with the man before the shooting. The man's identity and the officers' races were not released, though Black community advocates said he was Black. Protests followed, with demonstrators demanding the officers' arrest. Wisconsin's Department of Justice will conduct an independent criminal investigation, while local officials and advocates called for transparency and accountability.

A three-year-old girl in Santa Clarita was hospitalized after a southern Pacific rattlesnake hiding under an Amazon package bit her hand. She received multiple doses of anti-venom and is recovering well. Rising temperatures in California have increased rattlesnake activity, with reported bites nearing annual totals and deaths exceeding typical numbers.

A US magistrate judge has ruled that Donald Trump must disclose detailed financial information from his businesses in his $10bn defamation lawsuit against the BBC over the documentary “Trump, A Second Chance.” The BBC may also subpoena members of Trump's family and inner circle, including Donald Trump Jr, Steve Bannon and Stephen Miller, to investigate his intentions surrounding the January 6 Capitol attack. Trump's lawyers are expected to appeal and may amend the lawsuit to claim reputational rather than business damage, but the BBC can currently pursue the financial records to test whether Trump's wealth increased after the documentary aired.

Elaine Forbes, Sausalito’s city manager, was arrested after police allegedly found her drinking aboard a 66-foot yacht in a marina. She initially faced felony burglary charges, but prosecutors reduced the case to misdemeanor counts of loitering, squatting and petty theft. Forbes had been placed on leave by the Sausalito City Council, which is reviewing her performance only weeks after appointing her, while her family’s spokesperson urged compassion as she seeks legal and healthcare support.

United Airlines is investigating a viral video showing an employee at San Francisco International Airport threatening to call Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Julio Varela, a Mexican American naturalized US citizen, during a dispute over a ticket-name correction. The employee also told Varela that he did not act like a citizen. Varela said he feared being detained when returning from Montreal, but he re-entered the United States without incident. United Airlines said it was reviewing the interaction but provided no further details.

Firefighters and police rescued a small dog that had been missing since the Fourth of July weekend after it was spotted swimming into San Francisco Bay near East Palo Alto. The Menlo Park Fire Protection District used trucks, boats, an airboat and a drone during the operation, recovering the dog about half a mile offshore. The local SPCA later identified the family and reunited the dog with its owners.

Lake Powell has fallen to critical lows after a historically poor snowpack and record heat, raising risks to hydroelectric power and intensifying stalled negotiations over Colorado River water use. Experts warn the reservoir is likely to reach unprecedented lows this fall, worsening pressures on the 40 million people across seven states who rely on the river. Cities such as Phoenix and San Diego are turning to alternative water strategies, including recycling wastewater and negotiating new supply agreements, while researchers argue that buying out water users may be necessary to stabilize the system. Though a total collapse to deadpool conditions is considered unlikely, authorities are expected to impose forced cuts and supplemental releases as both Lake Powell and Lake Mead remain severely depleted.

Mallory McMorrow ended her Michigan US Senate campaign, narrowing the Democratic primary to Abdul El-Sayed and Haley Stevens. El-Sayed has surged with backing from progressive leaders, while Stevens is supported by establishment figures and significant Super PAC spending, especially from pro-Israel groups. McMorrow's criticism of Hasan Piker failed to gain traction, and her polling declined sharply before her withdrawal. The race now reflects a broader national divide between the Democratic Party’s progressive and centrist wings, with high stakes as Democrats seek to retain the seat in November.

A prolonged warehouse fire in Boyle Heights prompted California’s governor to declare a state of emergency as smoke spread across Los Angeles, raising health concerns and disrupting daily life. Firefighters continued battling the blaze hindered by hazardous materials, including a ruptured ammonia line and burning foam. Residents reported respiratory issues and some evacuated, while community groups distributed masks and authorities opened relief centers. Officials are preparing to address biohazards created by millions of pounds of rotting food once the fire is extinguished.

Body-camera video released by the Los Angeles police department shows an officer shooting a woman’s dog in a Canoga Park apartment hallway after responding to what was mistakenly believed to be a disturbance. The footage captures the officers drawing their weapons as the dog barked and stepped toward them despite the owner saying it was not aggressive. Edited video with blurred officer faces drew scrutiny, and the mayor requested an investigation into the use of force.

A federal judge ordered the release of Salah Sarsour, president of Wisconsin’s largest mosque, ruling that immigration officials likely detained him in retaliation for his advocacy for Palestinian rights. The judge found that actions by Homeland Security and Marco Rubio probably violated his First Amendment protections, noting that past convictions from Israel had long been known to authorities and did not justify his incarceration. The ruling highlighted reporting that federal officials targeted prominent Muslim and Palestinian-rights advocates. Sarsour was released without bond but must remain in Wisconsin as his case continues.

A fire at a 500,000‑sq‑ft cold storage warehouse in Los Angeles sent up smoke and ammonia, prompting officials to order residents in Boyle Heights to shelter indoors. Solar panels on the roof had ignited, and an ammonia line burst as firefighters attempted to contain the blaze, forcing a temporary retreat. Helicopters were used to douse the fire due to hazardous conditions. The roof later sagged, raising concerns about possible lithium ion battery involvement. Fire crews from the city and county responded, and by evening the fire was largely contained while air quality was monitored.

Air Force officials released the names of eight men killed when a Boeing B-52 crashed during a test flight at Edwards Air Force Base in California, including active-duty airmen, a reservist and civilian employees. The cause of the crash remains undetermined, and investigators expect the inquiry to take months. The aircraft had recently undergone radar modernization work and was being used as a test platform for long-term upgrade decisions. Operations at the base were temporarily halted, and aviation experts noted that potential causes range from mechanical failures to issues related to the aircraft’s age.

The Trump administration has issued waivers to bypass major environmental and historic preservation laws to enable border security construction across Big Bend national park, prompting strong bipartisan backlash in Texas. Customs and Border Protection has signaled shifting plans for the park, currently proposing vehicle barriers, road construction and surveillance infrastructure, though the waivers grant broad authority for more expansive development. Critics argue that border crossings in the region are minimal and that the measures threaten sensitive wildlife, cultural sites and one of the country’s most remote national parks. Legal challenges have been filed, and efforts in Congress to block the waivers have so far failed, heightening concerns about precedent and environmental damage in protected federal lands.

California’s slow vote count stems from extensive verification procedures and opportunities for voters to correct ballot errors, creating a system that prioritizes accuracy over speed. Claims from Donald Trump and other Republicans alleging election theft are contradicted by experts who explain that mail-in voting, signature verification, and election-day ballot drop-offs naturally extend the timeline. Specialists note that California could shorten curing periods or provide more resources to accelerate processing, while maintaining voter access and confidence. Despite possible improvements, the state remains vulnerable to recurring misinformation due to competitive races and polarized national politics.

Stadium workers at SoFi Stadium are voting on whether to authorize a strike ahead of the 2026 World Cup as contract negotiations with operator Legends Global stall. Workers demand higher wages, protection from ICE during the World Cup, and safeguards against invasive data collection, which unions and civil rights advocates say forces them to relinquish sensitive personal information. Complaints emphasize cost-of-living pressures and safety concerns for both employees and international visitors. FIFA and Legends Global did not respond to requests for comment, while tensions over ICE’s past enforcement actions in Los Angeles frame the workers’ concerns.

Three mule deer were recorded using California’s first major highway wildlife overpass on Route 97 even before construction is fully complete, marking a milestone for Caltrans’ $20m project designed to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions. The crossing, supported by fencing that guides animals to the bridge, aims to protect migrating species and improve driver safety. Researchers highlight the significant toll of vehicle collisions on deer, mountain lions, and other wildlife, and view the new structure as a critical step toward mitigating preventable deaths. Additional wildlife crossings, including the large Wallis Annenberg bridge, are expected to open soon.

An unidentified man who barricaded himself in a Bakersfield Chase bank with hostages and claimed to have a bomb was shot and killed by FBI agents after a roughly 12‑hour standoff. All hostages were released unharmed. Police evacuated the surrounding area, enforced road closures, and placed several city buildings on lockdown during the incident. Local officials, including a congressional candidate, canceled events in response, while JPMorgan Chase stated it was working with authorities. An investigation into the shooting and bomb threat remains ongoing.

Federal prosecutors charged four suspects with trafficking more than a ton of cocaine through a sophisticated tunnel connecting a fake San Diego retail store to Tijuana. Agents uncovered the 55ft-deep, 1,000ft-long passage equipped with rail, ventilation and electrical systems, following surveillance of suspicious activities at the storefront. More than 2,250 pounds of cocaine were seized during coordinated vehicle stops. Officials described the discovery as a major setback for the Jalisco New Generation cartel and noted it was the first such tunnel found in southern California since 2022, bringing the total number of detected cross-border tunnels since 1993 to 99.

Reports suggest Donald Trump may reconsider pursuing a $1.8bn “anti-weaponization” fund facing legal and political backlash, including a temporary court block and bipartisan concerns about oversight and potential payouts to January 6 rioters. Senate Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, plan to force votes and pursue legislative and procedural strategies to shut the fund down, while several states propose taxing any distributions. Republicans including John Thune and Mike Pence have also expressed reservations, citing transparency issues and offensive implications of compensating rioters.

Recent chemical tank incidents in California and Washington have renewed attention on industrial hazards, but experts emphasize that major chemical disasters in the US remain rare. Data from the Chemical Safety Board shows only a handful of serious incidents in recent years despite thousands of regulated industrial sites. Modern safety standards, shaped in part by reforms following the Bhopal disaster, have significantly reduced risks. While recent events illustrate the severe consequences when failures occur, experts stress that the likelihood of such disasters is extremely low, though public fear persists due to the unfamiliarity and potential severity of chemical hazards.

A US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent, Christian Castro, was arrested in Texas after being charged in Minneapolis with assault and falsely reporting a crime for shooting Julio Cesar Sosa Celis during an immigration crackdown. Video evidence contradicted officers’ accounts, prompting prosecutors to dismiss their earlier case and triggering investigations by the justice department. The incident is part of broader scrutiny of ICE conduct during the Trump administration’s Operation Metro Surge, which included multiple controversial shootings and clashes between federal officers and Minnesota authorities over jurisdiction and accountability.

A natural gas explosion triggered a major fire that collapsed a Dallas apartment building, killing two women and a child and injuring four others. Nearly 100 firefighters worked to contain the blaze and search the debris using hoses, ladders and drones. Residents described hearing a powerful blast and fleeing as smoke rose from the structure. Dallas’s mayor said he was monitoring the situation and offered condolences to those affected, while fire officials continued search and recovery efforts.

A California judge sentenced Shannon O’Connor to 35 years in prison for hosting alcohol-fueled parties where she encouraged sexual activity among teenagers. Convicted of dozens of crimes including child endangerment and facilitating sexual assault, she must also register as a sex offender. Prosecutors detailed how she supplied alcohol and condoms to minors and placed intoxicated teens in situations where they could not consent. Victims testified about resulting trauma. O’Connor apologized in court, while her lawyer argued she acted in an attempt to help her son’s social life during the pandemic.