Good morning, everyone. Brace yourselves—today promises to be a major turning point in U.S. politics. Governor Greg Abbott is moving to oust Texas Democratic lawmakers over their redistricting walkout, while Donald Trump is expected to wade directly into the gerrymandering battle.
One of the Representatives who fled to Illinois is Rep. John Bucy III. I sat down to speak with him in an exclusive interview from Illinois this morning where he had a clear message to Governor Abbott that Texas Democrats are not caving to him our his threats. This interview is significant and I encourage you to watch it and share it.
I’ll be bringing you nonstop, in-depth coverage as these high-stakes developments unfold. Stay sharp and stay tuned. With institutions like the mainstream media caving to the White House, independent media is more important than ever to ensure the truth comes out, even as this White House fires those it disagrees with. I’ve committed my full energy to this work, and I’m expanding. Your support directly fuels investigations, coverage, and independence. Join us here — your subscription matters.
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Here’s the news you missed overnight:
Texas Democrats Flee the State:
Gov. Greg Abbott threatened to remove Texas House Democrats from office if they don't return to Austin to pass GOP-drawn congressional maps.
Dozens of Democrats fled the state to break quorum and block the maps, which could add five Republican seats in the 2026 elections.
Abbott warned Democrats may face felony charges for fundraising to pay the $500-a-day fines imposed under House rules.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker pledged support for the absconding lawmakers, saying he would protect them.
The proposed redistricting is criticized as racist and partisan, especially for its impact on Black and Hispanic communities.
Democrats' response to Abbott's threats: "Come and take it."
GOP lawmakers defend the mid-cycle redistricting as legally permissible for partisan advantage. But, the new maps, should they pass, would eliminate five Democratic held seats. This is being done with the support of President Donald Trump and is being urged by senior Republican leadership.
All other news:
Trump falsely claimed he cut drug prices by “1,500 percent,” a mathematically impossible figure, continuing a pattern of exaggerated statements about his policy achievements.
Swiss President Keller-Sutter is under fire after a mishandled call with Donald Trump led to a surprise 39% U.S. export tariff on Swiss goods, sparking market turmoil, political backlash, and fears of economic recession.
A United Airlines flight bound for Munich made an emergency landing at Dulles Airport after the pilot declared a mayday due to suspected engine failure shortly after takeoff; all 219 passengers and 11 crew members landed safely, and alternate travel arrangements were made.
Tesla awards Elon Musk a $29 billion pay package despite ongoing legal battles over his 2018 compensation plan, as the company seeks to retain his leadership amid falling sales, shareholder protests, and a strategic shift toward AI and robotics.
Venezuelan makeup artist Andry José Hernández Romero is seeking justice after being wrongfully deported by the U.S. under Trump-era immigration policy to El Salvador’s notorious Cecot prison, where he endured 125 days of abuse and inhumane conditions before a prisoner swap allowed his return home.
Trump is accused of turning the Department of Justice into a personal weapon, with Attorney General Pam Bondi leading efforts to oust prosecutors, launch politically motivated investigations, and demand loyalty over law—prompting legal experts to warn that the rule of law and justice system independence are under grave threat.
Republican Rep. Nancy Mace has launched her 2026 campaign for South Carolina governor, marking her shift from Trump critic to ally; the three-term congresswoman is known for introducing a resolution to ban transgender women from Capitol restrooms.
A Lancet report warns the world is in a $1.5 trillion plastics crisis, with plastic production harming human health from infancy to old age, polluting the planet, accelerating climate change, and causing irreversible damage that cannot be solved by recycling alone—calling for urgent global action and binding treaty measures.
US envoy Steve Witkoff will visit Moscow on Wednesday, just before Trump’s Friday deadline for Russia to agree to a Ukraine ceasefire or face sanctions; Kyiv is doubtful of a breakthrough but hopeful for stronger US action.
Ukraine’s Security Service reports major countermeasures, including foiling a Russian-linked terror plot in Dnipro and striking Russian jets and a weapons depot in occupied Crimea.
The Kremlin welcomes Witkoff’s visit as “important”, with a potential meeting with Putin; concerns remain over Witkoff’s closeness to Moscow and ability to deliver tough U.S. demands.
A pit bull is being hailed as a hero in Pittsburgh after braving traffic to lead a passerby to its unconscious owners in a secluded encampment, prompting a 911 call that likely saved their lives; the good Samaritan, himself in recovery, is now fostering the dog until the couple recovers.
