State Department Adds 12 Countries to Visa Bond Requirement Program, Expanding to 50 Total Nations

• President Trump issued a major endorsement in a competitive California congressional race, targeting a 'RINO' opponent and boosting Laura Loomer and Fox allies. • The endorsement highlights Trump's focus on maintaining House majority ahead of 2026 midterms in a state he won in 2024. • It underscores ongoing GOP infighting and could shift primary dynamics significantly.

• The Supreme Court issued a ruling clearing the way for the Department of Justice to erase Steve Bannon's January 6 conviction, reversing lower court obstacles to the administration's efforts. • The decision represents a significant legal victory for the Trump administration in its effort to address convictions related to the Capitol riot. • The ruling overturned a district judge's previous injunction that had blocked the administration's actions on the matter.

• Trump's border chief issued threats Tuesday to close customs operations at top U.S. airports as pressure intensifies on immigration enforcement and border security policies. • The threat represents an escalation in the administration's hardline stance on immigration and signals potential disruption to airport operations and international travel. • The move would significantly impact commerce and travel if implemented, prompting expected pushback from airline and business groups.

• Resistance groups have filed multiple lawsuits targeting President Trump's executive orders early in his second term. • The legal actions focus on policies enacted since his January 20, 2025, inauguration. • This wave of litigation could delay implementation and test judicial responses to executive actions.

• Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito was taken to a hospital last month after becoming ill during a public event, sources confirmed. • Incident raises concerns about court health amid major rulings on elections and national security. • No further details on condition released, but Alito resumed duties promptly.

• House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune unveiled a plan to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security, resolving a 48-day partial government shutdown. • The agreement bypasses prior splits between GOP leaders, aiming to restore pay for affected federal workers. • Trump endorsed the measure, signaling he will sign a related executive order soon.

• Following Darrell Issa's exit from Congress, Democrats are eager to flip his San Diego House seat, reshaping a key race in a swing district. • Democrats are clashing among themselves over candidacy while a stronger Republican challenger has emerged to compete for the seat. • The race in California's 48th congressional district is shaping up to be highly competitive, with both parties viewing it as a priority.

• The U.S. House of Representatives is conducting a historic floor debate on articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump, which could make him only the third president in American history to be impeached. • Democrats and Republicans are clashing intensely over the charges during live proceedings, with a vote expected later today that carries significant implications for the Trump administration. • The White House has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, labeling the inquiry a partisan witch hunt amid concerns about the political landscape ahead of the next election.

• President Trump signed an executive order last week to place tight federal controls on mail-in voting, claiming it enables widespread cheating in blue states like California. • Trump stated 'Mail-in voting means mail-in cheating' and 'Cheating on mail-in voting is legendary,' despite no evidence of fraud. • California and other states sued, arguing states have constitutional rights to administer elections; Trump insists Democrats register noncitizens, especially Latinos.

• President Trump threatened to destroy Iran's power plants and bridges if Tehran refuses a deal to end the war by Tuesday evening, amid a Pakistani ceasefire push. • Trump detailed a complex U.S. military operation that rescued the two-man crew of an F-15 shot down Friday in Iran, calling it one of the largest and most harrowing missions ever. • The threat looms over diplomatic efforts, including a 45-day ceasefire proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and avert major escalation.

• Federal judges blocked Trump administration actions that canceled asylum appointments for hundreds of thousands of migrants and terminated temporary legal status for up to 900,000 immigrants, ruling the administration acted unlawfully. • A federal judge threw out a Justice Department lawsuit against Denver and Colorado sanctuary laws, determining the federal government cannot override state and local decisions on resource allocation. • Judge Leon ruled Trump cannot restructure the White House ballroom without Congressional authorization, stating the president is a "steward" of the building, not its "owner"—a decision Trump disputed on Truth Social.

• President Trump gave Iran a 48-hour deadline to open the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions as search and rescue operations continue for a missing US airman following military confrontations. • Two US jets were downed by Iranian fire, and two Black Hawk helicopters were struck, prompting one of the most significant search and rescue operations in recent US military history. • The ultimatum represents a critical phase in the ongoing Iran conflict, with military officials warning of a potentially more destructive phase in the coming days.