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Mother Jones

DHS Acquires Two Detention Facilities for $1.5 Billion

The Department of Homeland Security has purchased two detention facilities from CoreCivic for $1.5 billion, which may limit state oversight due to federal ownership. Concerns have been raised by civil rights advocates about potential evasion of accountability and worsening conditions for detainees. The acquisition aligns with a trend of increasing federal control over detention facilities amid ongoing legal challenges and scrutiny.

texastribune.org

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's Voting Registration Under Scrutiny

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is facing scrutiny over his voter registration, as records suggest he may have voted using an address where he does not reside. Despite his office's warnings about election laws, legal experts indicate he may have violated these regulations. Paxton's campaign has not provided specific responses to inquiries regarding his residency status.

detroitnews.com

Department of Justice to Send Election Monitors to Three Michigan Cities

The Department of Justice plans to send election monitors to Detroit, Lansing, and East Lansing for the August 4, 2026 primary election, as part of its assessment of the federal election process. Michigan officials, including Attorney General Dana Nessel and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, have raised concerns about the DOJ's actions, asserting that states manage their own elections and emphasizing the need for a secure voting process.

The Hill

Allegation Against Graham Platner Affects Senate Campaign

Graham Platner, a Senate candidate from Maine, is facing a credible rape allegation that may lead to his withdrawal from the race. He has denied the charges, stating they are untrue, while the situation is increasing tensions within the Democratic Party.

Washington Examiner

Maryland General Assembly to Address Redistricting in August Special Session

The Maryland General Assembly plans to hold a special session in August to discuss constitutional amendments for congressional redistricting. This session follows a Supreme Court ruling affecting the Voting Rights Act and aims to enable mid-decade changes to district lines. The proposal requires a three-fifths majority for passage and will be presented to voters in November.

Fox News — Politics

New ICE Holding Facility Planned Near Alexandria, Louisiana

The Trump administration plans to open a new migrant holding facility in Alexandria, Louisiana, with 528 beds, aimed at expediting deportations. The facility will operate as a staging area for migrants awaiting deportation flights and will be managed by a nonprofit arm of LaSalle Corrections. Concerns have been raised about the operational history of LaSalle Corrections in managing similar facilities.

Washington Examiner

Appeals Court Reviews Religious Exemptions in Contraceptive Mandate Case

A federal appeals court is reviewing the Trump administration's expansion of religious exemptions to the Affordable Care Act's contraception mandate. The case involves arguments from Pennsylvania and New Jersey against the exemptions, which they claim could limit contraceptive coverage for thousands of women. The court's decision is anticipated in the coming months.

The Hill

Netanyahu criticizes Mamdani's comments on Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has responded to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's comments about Israel's treatment of Jewish citizens. Netanyahu defended Israel as a democracy and highlighted the presence of Muslim citizens within the country.

Washington Examiner

Graham Platner Faces Pressure to Withdraw from Senate Race Amid Allegations

Graham Platner, the Democratic Senate nominee from Maine, is facing pressure to withdraw from the race following a sexual assault allegation. He has until July 13 to decide, and if he withdraws, the Maine Democratic Party will have until July 27 to select a replacement. The process for selecting a new candidate is currently unclear, with party officials considering various options.

Fox News — Politics

Hochul Suggests Stefanik Would Have Been a Stronger GOP Opponent Than Blakeman

Governor Kathy Hochul indicated that Representative Elise Stefanik would have been a more formidable Republican opponent than Bruce Blakeman in the upcoming gubernatorial race. Blakeman responded by criticizing Hochul's record and comparing her to a Disney villain. Hochul is seeking reelection after first taking office in 2021.