The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information regarding an individual who allegedly fired a pistol at federal immigration agents during a protest near Los Angeles. U.S. officials reported the incident occurred during protests near a marijuana farm in Camarillo, California, where ten undocumented juveniles were found and are now under investigation for child labor violations. Following the incident, California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned any assault on law enforcement while other local officials have criticized the federal immigration operations. The Justice Department recently filed a lawsuit against Los Angeles over its sanctuary city policies, adding further tension to the situation.
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The USDA abruptly canceled the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program in April, which aimed to support farmers in implementing climate-friendly practices. The program, which had a $3 billion budget, awarded significant funds to Colorado ranchers and organizations like the Quivira Coalition to improve soil health. This unexpected cancellation has stalled planned expansions of regenerative agriculture efforts and created uncertainty for farmers who were relying on these grants. A replacement program, “Advancing Markets for Producers,” is in development but may offer less support and different requirements, leading to scaled-down initiatives.
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Comedian and podcaster Andrew Schulz, known for his large following of young men, has expressed disappointment with former President Donald Trump despite previously supporting him. Schulz, who predicted a Trump landslide victory, now criticizes Trump for actions that contradict his campaign promises, particularly regarding war funding and budget increases. Recent administration controversies have led Schulz to question Trump’s ability to enact meaningful change. He also acknowledged his initial support for Trump stemmed from a desire for change from the status quo, but now feels Trump has failed to deliver on many promises, as was previously warned by Pete Buttigieg.
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Federal funding cuts have led to the elimination of LGBTQ+-specific services on the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, resulting in layoffs for crisis workers in New York and New Jersey. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) ceased funding the 988 option, which routed callers to LGBTQ+ affirming counselors, citing a $33 million cost despite over a million people utilizing the service since its 2022 launch. The Trevor Project, a national nonprofit, was given short notice and notified its unionized staff of impending layoffs. This decision comes amid a broader rollback of federal support for LGBTQ+ programs and concerns that it will exacerbate existing strains on New York’s mental health infrastructure, potentially leading to increased suicide rates within the community.
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After saving for months, Carla Artese and her family embarked on a cross-country road trip to start a new life abroad, but their journey was cut short when police arrested Fernando, Carla’s undocumented immigrant father, for a warrant. He was subsequently detained and transferred to Alligator Alcatraz, a newly built, secretive immigration detention facility in the Everglades. Fernando describes the facility as a “Hispanic concentration camp,” citing the chaotic and unsanitary conditions he and other detainees are enduring. Facing limited access to legal representation, Fernando, who wants to self-deport, and his family are now working towards a way to get him out of the facility.
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A Goodyear, Arizona homeowner is in a dispute with his HOA after being fined for providing free water to neighbors and passersby. The HOA initially cited the homeowner for having a cooler in his driveway, and subsequently issued $100 fines. The homeowner, who says the water is for anyone in need, responded by starting a petition to remove three board members. A special HOA meeting is scheduled to vote on the removal of the board members.
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The Trump administration has ceased reporting the number of transgender people in immigration detention, a move that began in February amid a surge in overall detention numbers and the rescinding of protections for transgender individuals. This action, which appears to violate a congressional mandate, makes it difficult for advocates to monitor the safety of transgender immigrants, who are especially vulnerable to violence and neglect. Prior to this change, data showed an increase in self-identified transgender detainees, although experts acknowledged undercounting due to various factors. Furthermore, related documents, like a memorandum from 2015 on care for transgender people in ICE custody, are no longer available, raising concerns about the erasure of protections and the broader context of mistreatment faced by trans immigrants.
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Thomas Fugate, a 22-year-old with no counterterrorism experience and a background as a Trump campaign volunteer, now heads the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) terrorism prevention office, the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3). His appointment has raised concerns, especially given his prior investigation for allegedly sending threatening messages. The CP3, once led by experienced professionals, has been significantly altered under the current administration, leading to internal unease and criticism of Fugate’s leadership style. Although the DHS has labeled the appointment as temporary, insiders suggest limited support for Fugate’s long-term role.
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Reports indicate that Colonel Sergei Ilyin, commander of the Pacific Fleet’s 155th Guards Naval Infantry Brigade, was killed in Ukraine during the special military operation. The independent Telegram news channel Astra reported this, citing a now-deleted post from officials in Ilyin’s hometown, which included his birth and death dates. Furthermore, on the same day, reports surfaced about the death of 11 senior Russian military officers, including Navy Deputy Commander Mikhail Gudkov, in a Ukrainian missile strike. The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed Major General Gudkov’s death, but did not specify the cause or mention other reported casualties.
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After being missing for 12 days in Western Australia’s outback, German backpacker Carolina Wilga has been found alive. She was last seen on June 29th in Beacon, WA, before her abandoned vehicle was discovered in a nature reserve. Authorities conducted an extensive search, and a member of the public found her walking near Karroun Hill Nature Reserve. Wilga was airlifted to a Perth hospital for medical attention and was described as being in a fragile condition, having endured a traumatic experience in the harsh environment.
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John Q. Hosedrinker