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Here’s the news you missed:
Alligator Alcatraz Detention Crisis
Cuban reggaeton artist Leamsy La Figura (Leamsy Isquierdo) was arrested in Miami-Dade and transferred to Alligator Alcatraz, a rapidly constructed immigration detention center in the Everglades, built on a seized municipal airport under emergency powers.
Detainees report severe human rights abuses at the facility, including lack of water, maggot-contaminated food, 24-hour lighting, mosquito infestations, confiscation of religious items, and denial of medical care—conditions some describe as psychological torture.
Florida authorities have remained silent despite growing criticism over the facility's legality, lack of oversight, and the environmental impact on protected Everglades land.
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava is demanding transparency and oversight of the controversial detention center, calling on Florida officials to grant the county monitoring access to the 3,000-bed facility hastily built on seized public land in the Everglades.
In a formal letter to Attorney General James Uthmeier, Levine Cava criticized the secrecy surrounding the state-run compound and urged accountability amid growing reports of human rights abuses and harsh conditions inside the facility.
The builders of Alligator Alcatraz are top DeSantis donors who secured tens of millions in no-bid or “emergency” contracts, including CDR Maguire/CDR Health (run by Carlos Duart, a major GOP donor), Gothams LLC, IRG, ARS, and GardaWorld. The deals reveal a clear pay-to-play pattern, backed by documented political contributions.
Epstein Files and Musk’s Challenge to Trump
Elon Musk questioned Trump’s credibility, demanding he release the Epstein files: “How can people be expected to have faith in Trump if he won’t release the Epstein files?” Musk also claimed Steve Bannon appears in those documents.
Trump dismissed questions about Epstein, saying, “Are you still talking about Epstein?!?” despite intensifying public pressure and scrutiny from high-profile figures like Musk.
Trump’s Rhetoric on Energy and Governance
Trump mocked wind energy, claiming Chinese President Xi told him China has “very few” wind farms, and calling wind power “tremendously expensive and very ugly.” He claimed homes near turbines are worth “less than half” and plagued by noise.
Trump suggested a federal takeover of Washington, D.C. governance, stating, “We want a capital that's run flawlessly and it wouldn't be hard for us to do it,” raising concerns over local control and executive overreach.
Chaos and Response After ICE Raids
Immigration raids across Southern California have left behind abandoned personal property—cars, lawn mowers, vending carts, and tools—as people were detained without warning, creating logistical and emotional burdens for families.
Local police and grassroots organizations are working to return abandoned property to families of detainees. The Santa Ana Police Department announced efforts to help reconnect people with work tools, vehicles, and possessions.
Supreme Court Clears Path for Federal Job Cuts
The Supreme Court approved a Trump administration plan to slash the federal workforce and dismantle agencies—threatening tens of thousands of jobs at HUD, State, Treasury, and Veterans Affairs.
Grok AI Update Sparks Backlash
Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok has drawn criticism after a recent update led to responses echoing far-right talking points, minimizing past nuance around minorities, and endorsing language many consider discriminatory or antisemitic.
Roy Cooper will soon enter Senate Race
Former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper is set to launch a U.S. Senate campaign, positioning himself as the leading Democratic contender to replace retiring Sen. Thom Tillis in the 2026 election.
Trump’s Tip Tax Promise Falls Short
Trump’s "no tax on tips" promise fell flat, as his new bill only allows limited deductions—up to $25,000—phased out for higher earners and excluding undocumented workers, contradicting his sweeping campaign rhetoric.
Trump Escalates Trade War With Massive New Tariff Threats
Trump announced sweeping new tariffs—up to 200% on foreign pharmaceuticals and 50% on imported copper—amid ongoing confusion about shifting deadlines and policies, warning no further extensions beyond August 1.
The announcement follows a decision that abruptly changed prior timelines and targeted goods from 14 countries. Critics warn the escalating trade war could worsen inflation, while markets remain largely indifferent, with investors jokingly referring to the “TACO” effect: Trump Always Chickens Out.
Court Strikes Down Rule Meant to Simplify Subscription Cancellations
A federal appeals court has blocked the FTC’s “click-to-cancel” rule, which would have required companies to let consumers cancel subscriptions using the same method they signed up—such as online, without forced phone calls or lengthy chats. The court ruled the FTC failed to follow proper procedures under the FTC Act, nullifying the rule just days before it was set to take effect.
See you in the morning.
— Aaron
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