We are witnessing a historic and explosive showdown in Texas. Republican lawmakers are escalating efforts to arrest Democratic legislators who broke quorum and fled the state—blocking the GOP’s attempt to ram through a deeply gerrymandered congressional map. This is a pivotal moment for democracy, and it demands relentless, unfiltered coverage.
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With that, here’s the news:
Governor Greg Abbott has ordered the Texas Department of Public Safety to arrest Democratic House members who fled the state to block legislation, accusing them of abandoning their duties and holding up critical bills on flood relief and property taxes; the order will remain in effect until all members return.
Texas House Democrats fled the state to block a GOP redistricting plan, denying the chamber a quorum; over 51 members relocated to states like Illinois and New York, prompting Governor Abbott to threaten arrest and fines, while Illinois Governor JB Pritzker offered them free lodging.
The Texas House passed a motion to issue arrest warrants for Democratic lawmakers who fled the state, locking chamber doors to compel their return. This video is obtained from Daniel Perreault from KVUE News. This warrant applies within state lines, so thus far, largely a symbolic move. Texas Governor Greg Abbott is set to speak this evening.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker vowed to protect Texas Democratic lawmakers who fled the state to block GOP redistricting efforts, stating they are “doing the right thing” and acting within the law.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has threatened legal action against any Democratic lawmakers who use campaign donations to pay the $500-per-day fines for fleeing the Capitol during the legislative session.
The new mid-decade congressional map in Texas, redrawn early at Donald Trump’s urging, could give Republicans five additional congressional seats in 2026, prompting Democratic countermeasures.
In response, California Governor Gavin Newsom is pushing for a special election to empower the state legislature to redraw its own map and offset GOP gains.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced she’s exploring “every option” to redraw New York’s congressional lines, though this would require amending the state constitution. Hochul said: "This is a war. We are at war. And that's why the gloves are off and I say, bring it on."
The Trump administration has tied $1.9 billion in federal disaster preparedness funds to an anti-BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) pledge, requiring states and cities to certify they will not boycott Israeli companies in order to qualify for FEMA aid—marking the latest move to link routine federal funding to the administration’s political agenda.
The Trump administration plans to impose visa bonds of up to $15,000 on some tourists and business travelers from countries with high overstay rates, reviving a 2020 initiative; visitors would recover the bond upon departure, naturalization, or death, as part of a 12-month pilot program aimed at enforcing visa compliance.
Following the firing of BLS Commissioner Erika McEntarfer, Donald Trump has continued pushing baseless claims that the most recent jobs report was “rigged” and that he wants “his own people” at the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Trump also announced new, undisclosed tariffs on India in retaliation for its continued purchase and sale of Russian oil, claiming it supports Russia’s war in Ukraine; India called the move “unjustified and unreasonable.”
Eagles running back Saquon Barkley declined President Trump’s invitation to join the new Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition, saying he was “shocked” his name was included and opted out due to time constraints, despite previously spending time with Trump and also golfing with former President Obama.
Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp announced it will launch the California Post in early 2026, a Los Angeles-based version of the rightwing New York Post, aiming to expand its reach in California with a daily print edition and digital presence amid declining local journalism and ahead of key elections and international events.
Harvard President Alan Garber denied reports of a $500 million settlement with the Trump administration, saying no deal is imminent as the university continues to fight funding freezes and enrollment restrictions in court; meanwhile, Harvard has taken steps such as eliminating diversity offices and cutting ties with a Palestinian university in efforts to appease the administration without compromising academic freedom.
Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is set to visit Moscow this week ahead of the U.S. president’s August 8 deadline for Russia to show progress toward ending the war in Ukraine or face new sanctions, including possible secondary tariffs targeting Russian trade partners; doubts remain about Witkoff’s ability to pressure Putin given his close ties to the Kremlin.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene criticized GOP leadership, saying the Republican Party has lost touch with its base and abandoned “America First” values, though she ruled out leaving the party; she voiced frustration with Speaker Mike Johnson, accused the GOP of reverting to “neocon” politics.
Israel vs. Gaza:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly decided to fully conquer and occupy the Gaza Strip, escalating tensions within Israel’s military and government.
According to Kan News, Israeli Chief of General Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir canceled his U.S. trip and has reportedly threatened to resign if Prime Minister Netanyahu proceeds with plans to fully occupy the Gaza Strip.
Israeli Army Radio reported that the Israel Defense Force opposes a full occupation or takeover of the Gaza Strip.
Israel’s Netanyahu government voted to fire the attorney general overseeing Netanyahu’s corruption trial and probes into his advisers’ alleged ties to Qatar; the Supreme Court has indicated it will issue an injunction if the dismissal proceeds.
UN food expert Michael Fakhri has accused Israel of committing genocide through deliberate mass starvation in Gaza, calling it a war crime and crime against humanity, and warning that famine is now widespread due to Israel's long-standing control over food and blockade enforcement.
Hundreds of former Israeli security officials, including ex-leaders of Mossad and the military, have urged Donald Trump to pressure Netanyahu to end the war in Gaza, saying Hamas is no longer a strategic threat and hostages’ lives are at risk.
See you this evening again.
— Aaron
