Desmond Milligan

President Trump is set to welcome Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the White House on Monday for the first time since their disastrous meeting in February. Trump appears set to pressure Zelensky into accepting a peace agreement based on terms he discussed with Russian President Vladimir Putin during their summit in Alaska on Friday. Zelensky will seek to avoid the type of fireworks that erupted during his last visit, without making painful concessions that reward Putin’s war efforts. European leaders, who have staunchly backed Ukraine throughout the more than three-year conflict, will join a second meeting later in the day. Here’s what Trump and Zelensky want out of the talks: TrumpThe president wants a peace agreement as soon as possible, and he is set to pressure Ukraine to make major concessions to Russia to secure it. Trump has backed off demands for a short-term ceasefire, as Ukraine has demanded, and is instead focused on a broader agreement to permanently end the war. But Trump has indicated territorial concessions will need to be part of the deal, and it’s unclear what exactly Putin would accept. U.S. officials have suggested Putin is willing to halt the war along the current “contact line” between Russian and Ukrainian forces, rather than the boundaries of four regions Russia illegally annexed in 2022. Another open question is whether the U.S. will officially recognize Crimea as Russian territory, a designation Ukraine and Europe have adamantly opposed since it was occupied in 2014. “President Zelenskyy of Ukraine can end the war with Russia almost immediately, if he wants to, or he can continue to fight,” Trump wrote Sunday night on his social platform Truth Social. “No getting back Obama given Crimea (12 years ago, without a shot being fired!), and NO GOING INTO NATO BY UKRAINE. Some things never change!!!” he added. Ukraine has until now insisted on its right to self-determination on its security partnerships, pushing for eventual ascension into NATO, while Russia has pointed to Ukraine’s potential membership in the security alliance as justification for its war. Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff told CNN on Sunday that the U.S. was prepared to offer Ukraine security guarantees that were “like” NATO’s Article 5, which compels alliance members such as the U.S. to defend each other. Witkoff said Putin has signed off on the idea, though it’s unclear what that arrangement might look like and whether it will be acceptable to Ukraine and Europe. The White House is lobbying hard for Trump to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, and a peace deal in Ukraine would be the ultimate feather in his peacemaker cap. ZelenskyIn an ideal world, Zelensky wants robust U.S. military support and harsh sanctions on Russia, measures he will certainly encourage in Monday’s meeting. But he is likely to be more focused on avoiding commitments that undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and security — without infuriating Trump in the process. Trump has regularly said Zelensky shares the blame for Russia’s invasion, and following his meeting with Putin on Friday, the U.S. president said it was largely up to Ukraine’s leader to make a deal. Zelensky will seek to appear open to a peace agreement, most likely without agreeing to territorial concessions or restrictions on its military and security alliances. He will also try to convince Trump that it’s Putin who stands in the way of peace. “Russia can only be forced into peace through strength, and President Trump has that strength. We have to do everything right to make peace happen,” Zelensky said after meeting with Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine, retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, earlier Monday. Trump has agreed to allow the continued flow of U.S. weapons to Ukraine, as long as other NATO allies foot the bill. But he has apparently dropped his threat to impose crushing “secondary sanctions” on Russia’s trading partners after the Alaska summit — at least for now. Prior to the Alaska summit, Trump had grown increasingly frustrated with Putin’s refusal to stop his attacks on Ukraine. Zelensky and European leaders will remind Trump that this is Putin’s war and seek to nudge him back into alignment with their negotiating principles: no formal peace talks without a ceasefire, no restrictions on Ukraine’s future security arrangements, and maximum pressure on Putin to strengthen Kyiv’s hand in negotiations. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. View the full article

President Trump is scheduled Monday to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and a host of European leaders at the White House. The Ukrainian leader said he expects to discuss “key issues” at the meeting, which comes days after a historic summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Since that summit, Trump has ditched his demand for Putin to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine and appears ready to pressure Kyiv to cede territory to Moscow as part of a peace deal that also includes U.S. security guarantees. European leaders are expected to arrive Monday at the White House at noon EDT. Trump is expected to greet Zelensky at 1 p.m. and participate in a bilateral meeting with the Ukrainian leader shortly thereafter. Trump is then expected to participate in a photo-op with European leaders at 2:30 p.m. and join a multilateral meeting with them at 3 p.m. Watch the events live above. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. View the full article

Two days after Donald Trump’s failed summit with Russia’s Vladimir Putin, Secretary of State Marco Rubio appeared on Fox News and raised a familiar point about the Trump administration’s position. “Both sides are going to have to make concessions,” he said, referring to Russia and Ukraine. Rubio added, “Ukraine is going to have to accept things it doesn’t like, and Russia is going to have to accept things that it doesn’t like.” On CBS News’ “Face the Nation,” the secretary made a similar point, though host Margaret Brennan pressed him on a key detail that too often goes unsaid. Brennan asked about the potential for a “dangerous precedent” that the United States “now accepts this concept that it is OK to seize land by force.” Rubio responded that Putin “has already seized land by force,” which was true, but which was also beside the point. “Are you demanding withdrawal?” the host asked, leading Rubio to respond: “In order to have a deal here to reach the end of this conflict, both sides are going to have to make concessions. That’s just a fact.” Well, maybe, but it doesn’t have to be a fact. Olga Rudenko, the editor in chief of the Kyiv Independent in Ukraine, has a new opinion piece in The New York Times with a straightforward headline: “All Russia Needs to Do Is Go Home.” From the column: The meeting between Mr. Putin and President Trump on Friday was a stark reminder of a simple truth: that the real barrier, the only real barrier, between Mr. Trump and peace in Ukraine (and his coveted Nobel Prize) is Mr. Putin. Russia could end the war in Ukraine at any moment by stopping its attacks and withdrawing its forces. By simply going home. Mr. Putin could end it with a phone call. I’m mindful of the fact that this might be obvious to the point of being reductive, but this seems like it’s a detail that’s too often left out of the public conversation. For all of the complexities surrounding possible territorial “swaps,” security guarantees and diplomatic partnerships, there’s a far more straightforward solution just sitting there, waiting for attention: Putin could withdraw his forces from Ukraine. That’s it. That’s the whole solution. When Iraq’s Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait in 1990, the United States’ position was simple: Countries cannot expect to seize other countries, in whole or in part, by force. It didn’t occur to George H.W. Bush and his team to say that “both sides” would have to “make concessions,” since that would necessarily entail punishing the victim for having been invaded. Rather, the United States’ position was simple: Iraqi forces needed to withdraw from Kuwait, at which point the war would be over and there would be peace. It was a simple solution, that Hussein ultimately accepted. There’s no reason for the White House to avoid adopting this same approach now. Russia launched an unprovoked attack against its neighbor. And if Putin brought his forces home, the war would end. Trump has spent months insisting that Putin wants “peace,” and the Republican reiterated the point to Fox News’ Sean Hannity after his failed summit in Alaska, saying that he genuinely believes that the Russian dictator wants to “solve the problem.” But this doesn’t have to be complicated: All Putin has to do is decide to stop fighting the war he started. He picked the fight, assuming it’d be easy. Ukraine proved to be far more formidable than Russia expected; Russia has paid a heavy price for its miscalculation; and Russia could decide — literally at any time — to simply end the unprovoked conflict. “Russia could just go home,” Rudenko’s New York Times piece concluded. This would end the war quickly, without additional bloodshed, and without investments. If the White House doesn’t see this a goal worth pursuing, perhaps it should explain why not. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com View the full article

WASHINGTON (AP) — Zelenskyy arrives at White House for talks on the Russia-Ukraine war with Trump and other European leaders. View the full article

CIUDAD DE MÉXICO, agosto 17 (EL UNIVERSAL).- Cuando anunciaron esta pelea, el morbo, las risas y lo hilarante brotaron en redes sociales. Dos mundos distintos pero un mismo objetivo, vencer de risas a su rival en el ring de Supernova Orígenes 2025. Franco Escamilla y el Escorpión Dorado no decepcionaron en el cuadrilátero. Este minuto de Franco Escamilla y Escorpión supera por todo a cualquier evento completo. EL MVP es el pelon que no detuvo la pelea pic.twitter.com/ua6OsLDSt8 — SMICHO15 (@Smicho15) August 18, 2025 Mientras el Dios del internet mostraba sus entrenamientos, el comediante regio dejó todo a la imaginación hasta el momento que sonara la campana. Foto: Medios y Media/Getty ImagesLos dos mexicanos "pesos pesados" de la comedia, se vieron cara a cara y desde el primer asalto mostraron sus mejores condiciones y golpes… bueno, solos uno. PUBLICIDADEscamilla dio el primer derechazo, al no ver la reacción del Escorpión, lo retaba a que lo golpeara, pero el boxeador Dorado no podía conectar más de dos golpes. Para el segundo asalto, Franco dio una serie de golpes, pegándole un par en la cara al hermano de Werevertumorro y obligándolo a detener la pela por el juez, el conteo fue obligatorio. Por suerte pudo continuar. Foto: Medios y Media/Getty ImagesEn el tercero, el "comediante del sombrero" sufrió y no pudo por el cansancio extremo, fue en este episodio en el que Escorpión recuperó la pelea y obligó a los jueces a que fuera la decisión dividida. "No es fácil a subirse a pegarse en el ring y mucho menos con sobrepeso. Te admiro y tu familia es mi familia, te quiero un chingo", comentó Franco al finalizar y recibir el cinturón y darle un abrazo al boxeador Dorado. Síguenos en WhatsAppTAMBIÉN TE PUEDE INTERESAR | EN VIDEO México es bicampeón de Flag Football tras vencer a EE.UU. en la final View the full article

A repair box is a system for booking and managing repair services. Where can customers submit defective devices and the technician can take them to the workshop to repair and fix physical issues with the device. It is a very clean and simple interface, where every technician can go to the workshop to handle repair orders assigned to that particular technician. In the workshop, the technician can update the repair log with customer notification on each update while repairing. Demo: https://codecanyon.net/item/repair-box-repair-bookingtracking-and-workshop-management-system/33436740 https://workupload.com/file/7uc5472wBCx https://www.upload.ee/files/18491024/repairbox-128nulled.rar.html https://pixeldrain.com/u/KFRGr9RV https://www.mirrored.to/files/HIITNYSF/repairbox-128nulled.rar_links https://krakenfiles.com/view/1gjJuovwGn/file.html https://katfile.com/30jyoj6x8xwz https://ddownload.com/gjmf5mzrqpc5 https://bowfile.com/Lw1o https://1fichier.com/?jxhzid9qo0fqk6l7aqyv https://1cloudfile.com/29um0 View the full article

Looking for a powerful eCommerce platform with advanced features and top performance? YOORI PWA eCommerce Script is your all-in-one CMS, offering dedicated apps for users, sellers, and delivery personnel across popular shopping platforms. Demo: https://codecanyon.net/item/yoori-laravel-vue-multivendor-pwa-ecommerce-cms-php-script/37142846 https://workupload.com/file/ewnntdbxJr7 https://pixeldrain.com/u/1kpJM2xy https://www.mirrored.to/files/1ZPGGW0Z/yoori-20nulled.rar_links https://krakenfiles.com/view/Yi8GAjxeiE/file.html https://katfile.com/ec8irjz593ao https://ddownload.com/31a1kbaz1gsa https://bowfile.com/Lw1p https://1fichier.com/?5ad1rajqiop0mhhtautb https://1cloudfile.com/29um1 View the full article

Autoblog aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. Walmart's 'Powerful' Mini Chainsaw Is on Sale for $29, and It's 'Worth Every Cent' originally appeared on Autoblog. Checking off your to-do list can sometimes be exhausting. Between running errands and completing chores, there isn't always enough time to get everything done. That's why you need efficient and useful power tools and equipment to help you be your most productive self. One of these particular products is the Reloive 6-Inch Mini Chainsaw, which has over 1,700 five-star ratings. Now on sale at Walmart for just $29, this handy and portable device will help you tackle all of your yard work with ease. Reloive 6-Inch Mini Chainsaw, $29 (was $74) at WalmartGet it!Weighing less than 4 pounds, this power tool uses an all-copper core 1200W powerful motor. It has the ability to cut a 6-inch diameter log in just 6 seconds with its 19.8 foot per second chain speed. Your purchase also includes a carrying case, goggles, gloves, three chains, a guide plate, two batteries, a battery charger, one screwdriver, and an oil bottle. One shopper wrote, "Very lightweight. Easy to use. I trimmed some small, low hanging limbs at the edge of my property in a very short time." Related: Walmart Is Selling a 'Useful' $130 Cordless Weed Wacker for Just $65 "Best money spent," said a second shopper. "Very happy with this small, yet powerful little saw. [The] kit came with goggles, gloves, two battery packs, and three chains. Easy to use. I completed my work in about an hour with one battery." The included two 21V 2000mAh rechargeable lithium batteries can last up to 65 minutes after two hours of charging. You won't have to worry about safety as the mini chainsaw has a ton of security features. Some of these include a protective baffle, a safety lock, non-slip rubber handle, a guide plate fixing knob, and heat dissipation air vents that protect the device from overheating. "Tough mini chainsaw!" wrote another reviewer. "Worth every cent! Makes it easier and faster for trimming up small branches and overgrowth around the yard area and fence. Highly recommended." Grab this versatile $29 mini chainsaw and get started on your yard work. You can trim and cut anything from shrubs and small trees to plants and grass. Walmart's 'Powerful' Mini Chainsaw Is on Sale for $29, and It's 'Worth Every Cent' first appeared on Autoblog on Aug 18, 2025 This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Aug 18, 2025, where it first appeared. View the full article

Detroit is nicknamed the Motor City, and never is that more evident than during the annual Woodward Dream Cruise. Hundreds of thousands of car enthusiasts congregate along one of Detroit's main thoroughfares to watch the slow-moving car show, as everything from vintage muscle cars to modern exotica cruise up and down Woodward Avenue. Nearly every microcosm of automotive passion is represented at Woodward, making it the best place to spot cool cars from every walk of life. Here were some of our favorites from this year's edition of the Woodward Dream Cruise. The Dream Cruise runs through Birmingham, Michigan, one of Detroit's wealthiest suburbs, where we found this orange McLaren Senna. The Senna, named for three-time Formula 1 champion Ayrton Senna, is a track-focused supercar with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 producing 789 horsepower. Built between 2018 and 2020, Sennas regularly fetch well over $1 million on the used market. Caleb Miller - Car and DriverCall it the Kendrick Lamar effect, but there seemed to be more Buick Grand Nationals and GNXs at Woodward than in past years. Lamar, the Pulitzer Prize–winning rapper, released his sixth studio album, GNX, last year, on which he announced, "All I ever wanted was a black Grand National." We're sure K.Dot would have enjoyed his time at Woodward. Caleb Miller - Car and DriverSeveral Dodge Vipers were prowling Woodward Avenue, but this white example with blue racing stripes caught our eye. The classic color scheme is paired with aggressive aerodynamics, as it appears to be a standard third-generation Viper fitted with the front bumper, hood, and rear wing from the track-focused ACR. The 8.4-liter V-10 engine under that vented hood sounded mean as the American sports car slinked past. Caleb Miller - Car and DriverWoodward celebrates car customization, and there were plenty of crazy hot rods driving around. This one was our favorite, the massive grille and chopped roofline giving it a sinister look while the exhaust sprouts off the engine like a pair of swept-back wings. Caleb Miller - Car and DriverThere typically isn't much vintage Italian metal at Woodward, so this old-school Maserati Ghibli stood out. Built from 1967 to 1973, the Ghibli has dramatic proportions with a long hood and fastback roofline, and it packs a V-8 engine under its sophisticated bodywork. Fewer than 1300 were produced. Caleb Miller - Car and DriverWoodward is full of gleaming, chrome-laden 1960s American cars, but we were especially enamored by this 1964 Plymouth Belvedere wagon. The two-tone red-and-white paint looks splendid, and the matching surfboard on the roof is a nice touch. The front plate indicates that this Belvedere is packing the potent 426 Hemi V-8 engine, which joined the Belvedere lineup in 1964. Caleb Miller - Car and DriverCadillac is trying to recapture the magic that once made it the "Standard of the World," as its old slogan declared, with the electric Celestiq. This electric flagship stretches over 18 feet long and is decadently adorned, and buyers are invited to customize their Celestiqs to their heart's content. Prices start at around $340,000 for this hand-built luxury cruiser, which looked resplendent on Woodward. Caleb Miller - Car and DriverNot only is the Ferrari 488 Pista an achingly beautiful machine, especially in red with gold wheels, but it's incredibly quick, packing a twin-turbocharged 3.9-liter V-8 producing 711 horsepower. That shoots this mid-engined supercar to 60 mph in just 2.7 seconds and up to a top speed of 211 mph. Caleb Miller - Car and DriverMany of the classic cars at Woodward have been modified, but this 1955 Buick Super stayed faithful to its original, distinguished look. The Super paired its stylish bodywork with a 5.3-liter V-8 and was one of several full-size offerings from Buick in the 1950s. Caleb Miller - Car and DriverThis isn't the first time we've spotted this Ford GT at Woodward, but it looks so good, especially with its adjustable rear wing raised, that we just had to include it on our list again. The GT served as Ford's halo car from 2017 to 2022, with a 660-hp twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 tucked into its sinewy bodywork. Caleb Miller - Car and DriverThere were also plenty of cool trucks at Woodward, including this clean Dodge Power Wagon. We love the deep shade of green paint on this capable hauler. Caleb Miller - Car and DriverSticking to the truck theme, this Jeep Convoy was a surprise appearance, given that it was created as a concept for the Easter Jeep Safari this year and wore manufacturer license plates. Based on the Gladiator pickup, the Convoy features a unique front end inspired by the J-series truck sold in the 1970s and '80s. It's packed with off-road goodies, including a snorkel, a Warn 12,000-pound winch, and 40-inch BFGoodrich tires. Caleb Miller - Car and DriverThis Porsche 918 Spyder is a regular at Woodward, but it's always exciting to spot this sleek hybrid supercar, especially when it's sporting the iconic Martini livery. The 918 was a revelation when it debuted in 2013, with 887 horsepower from its combination of a V-8 engine and two electric motors. Caleb Miller - Car and DriverWhile American cars dominate Woodward, some Japanese machines show up too, including this iconic duo. This Supra and RX-7 both sport tasteful modifications and would look right at home in Fast & Furious. Caleb Miller - Car and DriverDespite looking like something out of Europe, this smoothly styled convertible is actually an under-the-radar American muscle car. Built by Panoz, based in Georgia, the Esperante packed a Ford Mustang V-8 under the hood and was offered with a manual transmission. Caleb Miller - Car and DriverThe wedge shape of the Lotus Esprit is iconic and was a nice break from boxy 1960s muscle cars. The Esprit had a long run, built from 1976 to 2004, and this Series 4 car is a later example that was introduced in 1994 and was sold with a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-8. Caleb Miller - Car and DriverThis Audi S8 is a subtle luxury sedan, but that low-key bodywork hides a truly special engine: a 5.2-liter V-10 derived from the heart of the Lamborghini Gallardo. With 450 horsepower, this 4600-pound luxo-barge blasted to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds and could cover the quarter-mile in 13.7 seconds. Caleb Miller - Car and DriverWe'll close it out with one of the most capable performance cars on sale today, the Porsche 911 GT3 RS. While the GT3 RS only produces 518 horsepower, the motorsport-inspired aerodynamics help it carve up racetracks with ease. It set a lap time of 2:37.2 at our annual Lightning Lap competition, becoming the third-quickest car we've ever run around Virginia International Raceway. Caleb Miller - Car and DriverYou Might Also Like Car and Driver’s 10 Best Cars through the Decades How to Buy or Lease a New Car Lightning Lap Legends: Chevrolet Camaro vs. Ford Mustang! View the full article

In an iconic episode of Top Gear that aired 20 years ago, Sabine Schmitz once clocked a Nurbürgring Nordschleife lap time of 10:12 in a Ford Transit van. On Monday, Ford announced that its Transit SuperVan 4.2 Pikes Peak racer beat that time by over three minutes. The lap was run by Romain Dumas, Ford's usual EV demonstrator driver and the winner of the 2024 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in the brand's F-150 Lightning racer. Dumas ultimately finished the run in 6:48.42, slotting the van right in between the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X and the last-generation Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series. While the lap is impressive for something shaped like a van, it is an apples-to-oranges comparison with production cars because the 2000 hp SuperVan 4.2 ran on slick tires. The Mustang GTD, by contrast, completed its official lap of 6:52 with a set of road-legal tires. Because of the slicks and the van's status as a purpose-built racing vehicle, it is most directly comparable to the Volkswagen ID.R that currently holds the all-time electric record of 6:05 at the Nordschleife. Notably, Romain Dumas also set that record behind the wheel of Volkswagen's electric racer. The overall 'Ring record remains the unbelievable 5:19 run by Porsche's 919 Hybrid Evo in 2018. Ford's electric SuperVan may not be in the same range as those dedicated prototypes, but neither the Volkswagen nor the Porsche share their shape with a delivery vehicle, either. You Might Also Like You Need a Torque Wrench in Your Toolbox Tested: Best Car Interior Cleaners The Man Who Signs Every Car View the full article

In the summer of 1978, two children digging in a residential yard hit something that didn’t sound like plumbing. Within hours, sheriff’s deputies and tow operators were peeling plastic sheeting and tar paper off a mud-caked Ferrari Dino 246 GTS — a discovery that ricocheted from local newscasts to national headlines and has since become one of California’s most enduring automotive legends. Investigators confirmed the car matched a prior theft claim filed years earlier. The mid-engine targa-top had been interred nose-down, wrapped to keep water out and packed in the soil with surprising care. Detectives at the time said the burial method suggested an attempt to preserve the car rather than destroy it; how the Italian exotic migrated from a theft report to a suburban grave was never publicly resolved. Garage Lighting for Collectors: How to See Swirls, Not Just Your Car Authorities documented the chassis, notified insurers and winched the Ferrari from the pit as neighbors gathered at the curb. Photographs from the scene showed a once-sleek Dino emerging like a time capsule, its signature curves obscured by clay and its signature “chairs and flares” silhouette barely visible. What followed was a tug-of-war familiar to stolen-property cases: paperwork, possession questions and, ultimately, a path to a restorer willing to bet that steel, aluminum and fiberglass could be coaxed back from a backyard burial. That wager paid off. After a comprehensive rebuild — the body stripped and repaired, the V-6 engine overhauled, the interior re-trimmed — the car reappeared years later on manicured grass, trading dirt for concours detailing. The unlikely survivor became a fixture at shows and museums, wearing its past as a backstory rather than a blemish. Collectors sought it out not because it was the rarest Dino, but because it was the one that somehow went underground and came back. 10 Must-Have Tools and Gear for the Modern Car Collector (Amazon Edition) The episode remains a case study in how theft, insurance and myth can collide. The Dino’s journey from stolen property to buried artifact to restored showpiece underscored both the vulnerability and the resilience of valuable classics. For law enforcement, it was an unusual recovery that ended without a tidy narrative arc. For enthusiasts, it became a parable about provenance: documentation matters, but so do the stories that cling to the metal. Nearly five decades on, the “buried Ferrari” still surfaces in retellings every time a new barn-find makes waves. Few discoveries can match the image of deputies hosing earth from a plastic-wrapped sports car as children look on — a reminder that sometimes the most astonishing barn-finds aren’t found in barns at all. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter View the full article

BMW Rolls Out Killer 2025 X3 Lease Offer for August originally appeared on Autoblog. A luxury SUV with staying powerThe BMW X3 has carved out a solid place in the crowded compact luxury SUV segment since its debut more than two decades ago. It blends performance, refinement, and everyday usability in a way that’s kept it competitive against rivals like the Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and Lexus NX. For 2025, BMW sharpened the formula once again, giving the X3 a sleeker look, more advanced tech, and lease offers that could catch the attention of loyal BMW drivers and newcomers alike. BMW’s August lease offers add to the appealThis August, BMW is offering a 2025 X3 M50 xDrive lease for $769 per month for 39 months with $5,799 due at signing. Qualified current or former BMW owners can also take advantage of a loyalty credit of up to $1,000, which sweetens the deal further. The offer runs through Sept. 2, and is available at participating BMW Centers through BMW Financial Services. 2025 BMW X3 30e xDriveBMWWhile the numbers are higher than what you’ll see on mass-market SUVs, the X3 sits in the premium space where performance, luxury appointments, and strong residual values carry extra weight. The loyalty incentive is especially compelling for drivers already in the BMW ecosystem. What’s new for 2025The 2025 X3 wears a redesigned front end with slimmer headlights and a more sculpted kidney grille, bringing it in line with BMW’s latest styling cues. Out back, new taillight designs and sharper creases add a modern edge. Inside, the cabin gets BMW’s curved display setup, combining a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 14.9-inch central touchscreen running iDrive 9. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and voice controls. 2025 BMW X3BMWMaterials also get an upgrade, with richer trim options and a more minimalist design that feels both modern and upscale. Even base trims include sport seats, ambient lighting, and advanced driver assistance features. Why the X3 makes sense in 2025The M50 xDrive trim is where the X3 really flexes. Powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with mild-hybrid technology, it delivers 393 horsepower and standard all-wheel drive. That’s enough to send this family-friendly SUV from 0–60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, putting it in genuine performance SUV territory. Despite the speed, the X3 still offers over 62 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, making it as practical for road trips as it is fun on back roads. BMW X3 30 xDriveBMWThe luxury SUV market has grown crowded, but the X3 continues to stand out with a balance of performance, tech, and everyday livability. Add in BMW’s extensive dealer network, available loyalty credits, and this summer’s lease offer, and it’s a compelling option for buyers weighing their next move in the premium space. Final thoughtsBMW’s X3 has always been a well-rounded choice for drivers who want a compact SUV with luxury credentials and sporty character. With its updated design, powerful M50 trim, and current lease incentives, the 2025 X3 offers even more reasons to take a closer look. For shoppers in the market before Sept. 2, this deal could make the leap into BMW ownership — or loyalty — more attractive than ever. *Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information presented herein is based on manufacturer-provided lease offer information, which is subject to frequent change and may vary based on location, creditworthiness, and other factors. We are not a party to any lease agreements and assume no liability for the terms, conditions, availability, or accuracy of any lease offers mentioned. All terms, including but not limited to pricing, mileage allowances, and residual values, require direct verification with an authorized local OEM dealership. This article does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any particular lease or vehicle. BMW Rolls Out Killer 2025 X3 Lease Offer for August first appeared on Autoblog on Aug 18, 2025 This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Aug 18, 2025, where it first appeared. View the full article

Several top Senate Democrats are urging President Trump to walk back a deal with Nvidia and AMD that would allow the companies to sell artificial intelligence (AI) chips to China after they agreed to share 15 percent of revenue from sales. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Democratic Sens. Mark Warner (Va.), Jack Reed (R.I.), Jeanne Shaheen (N.H.), Chris Coons (Del.) and Elizabeth Warren (Mass.) argued in a letter sent Friday that the move runs counter to U.S. national security interests and could violate the law. Warner is the vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, while Reed, Shaheen and Warren are the top Democrats on the Senate Armed Services, Foreign Relations and Banking panels, respectively. “This ‘negotiated deal,’ allowing American semiconductor manufacturers to pay a 15 percent fee for the ability to sell critically sensitive technology to our adversary, blatantly violates the purpose of export control laws,” they wrote. Nvidia and AMD have each agreed to share 15 percent of revenue from the sales of their H20 and MI308 chips in order to secure export licenses from the Trump administration, which had imposed new licensing restrictions effectively blocking sales earlier this year. The deal has raised legal questions, as federal law prohibits fees on export licenses, while the Constitution bars export taxes. However, it’s unclear whether the agreement would be considered a formal fee or tax and whether anyone would challenge the move. It has also provoked national security concerns, as the U.S. seeks to outpace China on AI and prevent Beijing from using the technology to boost its military capabilities. “Our national security and military readiness relies upon American innovators inventing and producing the best technology in the world, and in maintaining that qualitative advantage in sensitive domains,” the senators said. “The United States has historically been successful in maintaining and building that advantage because of, in part, our ability to deny adversaries access to those technologies.” “The willingness displayed in this arrangement to ‘negotiate’ away America’s competitive edge that is key to our national security in exchange for what is, in effect, a commission on a sale of AI-enabling technology to our main global competitor, is cause for serious alarm,” they added. An Nvidia spokesperson pushed back on these concerns, arguing its H20 chip “would not enhance anyone’s military capabilities, but would have helped America attract the support of developers worldwide and win the AI race.” “Banning the H20 cost American taxpayers billions of dollars, without any benefit,” they said in a statement. The Democratic lawmakers pressed Trump for information about who participated in the negotiations, what legal standards were applied, how the 15 percent will be determined and collected, what the funds will be used for and what other companies are under consideration for such a deal. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt suggested last week that the administration could pursue similar agreements in the future, even as the legality and mechanics of the Nvidia and AMD deal are “still being ironed out” by the Commerce Department. “Right now, it stands with these two companies. Perhaps it could expand in the future to other companies,” she said. “I think it’s a creative idea and solution.” This story was updated at 12:13 p.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. View the full article

A coalition of Democratic-led states sued the Trump administration Monday over its bid to condition federal funding for crime victims on cooperation with immigration enforcement. The lawsuit claims the Office for Victims of Crime, housed within the Justice Department, established a policy barring access to Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funds unless the states go along with President Trump’s efforts to crack down on immigration. The conditions, the Democratic states say, are “unprecedented.” “The challenged conditions would force these States into an untenable position: either forfeit access to critical resources for vulnerable crime victims and their families, or accept unlawful conditions, allowing the federal government to conscript state and local officials to enforce federal immigration law and destroying trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities that is critical to preventing and responding to crime,” their complaint reads. VOCA was enacted by Congress in 1984 to boost support for crime victims and survivors, providing them with resources and services spanning emergency shelter and forensic exams to medical, funeral and burial services. This year, those funding streams have totaled more than a billion dollars, the attorneys general said, aiding states in their “fundamental duty” to protect public safety and assist crime victims. In 2024, a total of nearly $83 million in Victim Compensation Formula Grant funds were allocated to the 20 Democratic-led states and Washington, D.C., that sued. Since 2021, the federal VOCA funds have assisted on average more than 8.5 million victims annually, according to the suit. Now, the states could lose out on that funding if they reject immigration enforcement requests — a move in line with Attorney General Pam Bondi’s policy that “sanctuary jurisdictions” should not receive federal funds if they don’t cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The states asked a judge to block the administration from enforcing the new policy, claiming it is stepping on Congress’s power of the purse by placing conditions on the funds. “In enacting these grant programs, Congress’s focus was crystal clear: the funds must be used to help victims,” the complaint reads. “Indeed, Congress mandated the distribution of nearly all VOCA funds to States based on fixed statutory formulas. “Yet the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), an agency housed within the U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) that is charged with administering VOCA grants, has now declared that States will be unable to access VOCA funds unless they accede to the Executive Branch’s immigration enforcement priorities,” it continues. The Hill reached out to the Justice Department for comment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. View the full article

Who needs Geneva, Tokyo, or even Detroit? Carmakers know they have a captive audience at Monterey Car Week, and that’s why they choose it to reveal some of their best new concepts and performance production cars. With the demise of the traditional “car show,” events like those at Monterey take on more significance. Manufacturers spend millions on concepts and cool new production cars, and they can get the most flying eyeballs on them at Pebble Beach and other spots around the peninsula. Plus, almost everyone who writes about—or claims to write about—cars will be there. Here are our favorites among the many revealed over the course of another great week in Monterey. Corvette CX and CX.R Vision Gran TurismoFirst of all, these are just concepts, they’re not for production. It even says “Not Available For Sale” on every photo Chevrolet provided. But they are “a glimpse of the high-performance future,” Chevy said. The two cars “will serve as inspiration to inform Corvette design language for years to come.” Should be a nice future. “Drawing on more than 70 years of performance innovation, these Corvette concepts honor the heritage of America’s sports car—and propel it into the future.” Unbound by the limits of a production car or the rules of any racing sanctioning body, designers got to show off a shape they’d really like to see—if there was no FMVSS, no ground clearance requirements, and no worries about solar gain. One example is not just gullwing doors, but an entire power-operated, automatically opening roof that lifts off as you approach to allow ingress to the futuristic cockpit. The two cars—the grey CX for the street and the Corvette-yellow and black CX.R Vision Gran Turismo for the track—are the last of three Corvette ideations coming from GM studios around the world. Designers in the UK released their ‘Vette earlier this year, followed by an aerodynamically efficient two-tone model from GM’s new design studio in Southern California. The roofline itself is just 41 inches high (GT41?). Big sucker fans produce “massive downforce,” while trimming the airflow over the active front diffuser and active rear wing to refine aerodynamic balance in real-time, GM says. Power comes from four torque-vectoring electric motors, one at each wheel, and tops out at 2,000 hp, Chevy claims. They’re fed by a 90-kWh lithium-ion battery. The interior is finished in “red ballistic textile and carbon fiber, with silicone leather and milled aluminum. The entire windshield functions as a sort of full-screen HUD, too. Pity it won’t go on sale. Which aspects would you like to see on a future production Corvette? Let us know in the comments. Chevrolet Lexus Sport ConceptLexus is saying almost nothing about its Lexus Sport Concept that debuted at The Quail on Friday. Aside from stating that it exists, the luxo division of Toyota said only, “The progressively styled, future-focused yet truly authentic sports car signals the way forward for Lexus design. “This inspiring concept car features a wide, low-profile two-door form that blends dynamic and emotional elements into a vision for a next-generation sports car.” In the absence of hard information, that means we can speculate! The design looks like a two-door version of the battery-powered LF-ZC sedan revealed at the Japan Mobility Show 2023. Or like the Electrified Sport Concept revealed in 2022. The latter car came with a promised 60-mph time in the low-two seconds and a range of 430 miles thanks to solid-state batteries. What will the Sport Concept be? We’ll have to wait and see. Chevrolet Lamborghini FenomenoAlso at The Quail, Lamborghini unveiled its limited-edition Fenomeno, a car of which only 29 will ever be made. That creates what is known as “demand,” and owners will no doubt clamor for it. Fenomeno means”phenomenon” in both Italian and Spanish, and the wild-looking supercar is certainly that. With 1,065 hp total output from its hybrid drivetrain—824 hp from the naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 and 242 from the three electric motors—the Fenomeno accelerates to 62 mph in just 2.4 seconds and hits a top speed of over 217 mph. That’s phenomenal. “The Fenomeno introduces the most advanced technical solutions in our history, pushing the boundaries of performance and design, while honoring the values and achievements that are a fundamental part of our DNA,” said Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Automobili Lamborghini. “Unveiling the Fenomeno at The Quail, a prestigious celebration of automotive excellence in our largest global market, offers the perfect setting for our customers to experience this few-off masterpiece in person.” The Fenomeno follows other limited-edition specials from the Raging Bull like the 2007 Reventón, Sesto Elemento (2010), Veneno (2013), Centenario (2016), Sián (2019), and Countach LPI 800-4 (2021). Among these, two have debuted at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering: the Roadster version of the Centenario and the Countach LPI 800-4. El Fenomeno is based on the Revuelto but with nine more horsepower, making it the most powerful V12 in the company’s history. The battery for the three electric motors also grows from 3.8 kWh to 7.0. Pricing wasn’t released but the Revuelto stickered for a tad over $600k. Lamborghini Ford Bronco Roadster Concept“It’s like a birthday present to Bronco,” said Bronco design chief Robert Gelardi. It’s Bronco’s 60th birthday this month, and Ford celebrated with this minimalist Bronco concept. “We wanted to see how far reduced we could make it,” said Gelardi during a walkaround of the big brute on the Concept Lawn at Pebble Beach. “So it has no roof, no doors, no floor mats. We made everything as simple as we could make it.” If you’ve ever spent time among early Bronco enthusiasts and their rigs, you will notice familiar themes on this new take using a modern Bronco. The concept is inspired by the 1966 U13 model. There was a U13, U14, and U15. When Ford introduced the Bronco on August 11, 1965, it was marketed as “the world’s first four-wheel-drive sports car,” Ford said. The Bronco team’s brief back then was to make “a Mustang for off-road.” The result captured the same element—fun comes through simplicity—that made the pony car such an overwhelming success, Ford said at the concept’s introduction last weekend at Pebble. “Fun through simplicity” was central to all three of the original Bronco body styles. But where the U14 half-cab pickup and the U15 wagon (which is most similar to the Bronco SUV Ford sells today) were unquestionably fun, the U13 Bronco Roadster was the closest in execution to an off-road Mustang. Will Ford offer something like this in production? “It’s a one-of-one,” said Gelardi. Then we suggested Ford make another model, the Oly Bronco with the paint scheme of Parnelli Jones’ Baja winner. That idea got no response from the designer. Mark Vaughn Nichols N1AIf you remember the great sports racing cars of the 1960s, you’ll love the Nichols N1A. The car you see here was on the Concept Lawn at Pebble, shown in “final, pre-production” form. The plan is to sell them in the US under the small manufacturers law for $600,000 apiece. What is a Nichols? It was penned by former McLaren F1 designer Steve Nichols, who is in something of a dispute with the great Gordon Murray as to who designed the McLaren MP4/4 F1 car, the vehicle in which Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost won 15 out of 16 races in the 1988 F1 season (it would have been all 16 had not Jean-Louis Schlesser cut off Senna at Monza while Senna was lapping him and taken him out of the race). Murray vehemently denies Nichols designed that car. The controversy is a whole ‘nuther story. Right now, Nichols is making these, and they look pretty fun. It’s powered by your choice of Chevy engines. The company’s website says the choices are a 460-hp LT1, an upgraded 520-hp (assumed LT1, doesn’t say), or a 7.0-liter 650-hp “unit with throttle bodies and trumpets.” On the concept lawn, Nichols CEO John Minett said the car there was a 7.0-liter, 700-hp LS3-based block. “We’re going to custom blocks,” Minett added. The car comes with traction control and ABS selectable to your choice. Minett has put 15,000 miles on it and says it’s “surprisingly docile.” The website is more prone to hyperbole: “Acceleration is brutal—grip and handling familiar only to those who have driven racing cars of the highest calibre,” reads the sales literature. We wish them luck. Looks like it would be a blast. Mark Vaughn Lucid GravityXThe name is pronounced “Gravity Cross,” not “Gravity eX.” There was some discussion about that within Lucid. Calling it “A grand new concept of electric exploration,” Lucid revealed the GravityX the Thursday before Pebble on the very ramp the show winners would cross days later. The concept sports a raised suspension, new off-road-ready wheels and tires, wider wheel arches, tow hooks, and a uniquely styled new roof rack that incorporates LED lights on the front rail. The Gravity X concept also features redesigned front and rear fascias to improve approach and departure angles and a wider track to go with that lifted ride height, 21/22” all-terrain tires, and protective skid plates. That’s Astral Drift paint, too, but you can call it “sand.” On the hood are topographic maps of Death Valley and Big Sur, keeping with a California Road Trip theme. The concept is based on the Lucid Gravity Grand Touring model that’s been in showrooms since December. Specs for that model include up to 450 miles of EPA-estimated range, all-wheel drive, and a 0-60 mph time of 3.4 seconds, as well as seating for up to seven. No production plans were announced. Mark Vaughn Shelby American Super Snake-RShelby American took the wraps off its new Super Snake-R at Motorlux the Wednesday before Pebble. The car is based on the Ford Mustang Dark Horse. Claimed horsepower is listed at “850+” by Shelby American. The company says it starts with the 500-hp Dark Horse and supercharges the 5.0-liter V8, giving those 850+ “dependable” horsepower (on 93-octane gas). Shelby American adds that the supercharger is “available for post-title sales only.” “We’re unlocking the reliable 5.0-liter Coyote’s great potential by supercharging it, making well over 850 hp in a vehicle effortlessly maintained at any Ford dealership,” promises company president Gary Patterson. Shelby American claims the fully adjustable coilover suspension, wider stance, flowing metallic bodywork, and Shelby specific chassis stiffening system “really sets the new car apart.” At 4,004 pounds it’s 116 pounds heavier than the Dark Horse, despite what SA says is liberal use of carbon fiber and magnesium. Price is listed at $224,995. Shelby American Ford Mustang GTD Liquid CarbonThere’s a lot of carbon fiber in the new and mighty Ford Mustang GTD, and to show it off Ford unveiled the Mustang GTD Liquid Carbon during the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. Ford said Laguna Seca was the perfect venue “to highlight how race-inspired lightweight carbon-fiber technology plays a critical role in GTD’s body, looks, and performance.” The car is unpainted, which shows off the carbon fiber like a muscle bodybuilder’s T-shirt at the beach. But shaving the paint off also saves 13 pounds on the GTD’s curb weight compared to the already spartan Mustang GTD Carbon Series with the Performance package. “Mustang GTD Liquid Carbon is the ultimate expression of the Mustang GTD’s high-tech, high-performance construction and is a reminder of the race-derived, cutting-edge capability that sits beneath the surface of every Mustang GTD,” said chief program engineer Greg Goodall. “(It’s) a great-looking car and now it stands out even more with its striking exposed carbon body and functional aero elements.” As with the Carbon Series, you can see the carbon weave of the hood, roof, rear deck, and rear wing, where the weave matches up perfectly down the midline of the vehicle, Ford pointed out. Additionally, fenders and side panels match up to the dorsal elements of the vehicle, presenting a cohesive pattern in the carbon-fiber bodywork. The car also features unique black Brembo brake calipers, matching an anodized body with gloss-black “GTD” script. Inside is a combination of black leather and something called Dinamica microfiber suede and Hyper Lime stitching on the seats, door panels, center console, instrument panel, and steering wheel. There’s even a reflective center gradient down the middle of the seats that adds an additional bright spot to the purposeful and focused interior. Look for the first Mustang GTD Liquid Carbon delivery in October. Ford View the full article

By Brad Brooks and Maiya Keidan (Reuters) -Democratic lawmakers in Texas returned to the state on Monday, ending a two-week walkout that broke quorum and temporarily blocked Republican efforts to redraw congressional maps at the behest of U.S. President Donald Trump. Texas House of Representatives Minority Leader Gene Wu, chairperson of the Texas House Democratic Caucus, said in a statement that Democrats returned because they had achieved their two main goals. The first was to block a vote on new congressional maps in a first special legislative session that ended Friday. The second goal was to prompt California and other Democratic-led states to consider redrawing their own maps to offset any seats Republicans might gain in Texas. "We're returning to Texas more dangerous to Republicans' plans than when we left," Wu said. "Our return allows us to build the legal record necessary to defeat this racist map in court, take our message to communities across the state and country." Speaker of the House Dustin Burrows, a Republican, gaveled in the session at 12 p.m. local time on Monday, with enough Democrats present to have a quorum. "We are done waiting. We have a quorum. Now is the time for action," Burrows said on opening the session. Burrows said that the Democrats who had left the state but whom were present on Monday would only be allowed to leave the House chambers if they agreed to be released into the custody of an agent from the Texas Department of Public Safety, who would ensure they are present at House sessions going forward. More than 50 Texas House Democrats left the state on August 3 and most headed to Illinois, aiming to deny Republicans enough lawmakers in attendance to hold a vote on redistricting legislation - a tactic used several times in the past, mostly without success. Republican leaders in Texas issued civil arrest warrants for the Democrats, which could only be acted on within the borders of the state, and sought their extradition from Illinois, which a judge in that state rejected. Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Friday called a second special legislation session in another attempt to rework the state's congressional maps in an effort to give Republicans another five seats in Congress. With Republicans dominating the Texas House and Senate, quick passage of the new maps is almost certain. Abbott didn't immediately respond to a request for comment on the Democrats' return. Trump believes redistricting would help maintain Republicans' slim control of Congress in midterm elections next year. But Democrats are threatening retaliation, launching what could build into an all-out national redistricting war across several states. Gavin Newsom, California's Democratic Governor, on Thursday unveiled his own redistricting plan that he said would give Democrats there five more congressional seats. Legislation that would allow California voters to approve new maps is expected to be introduced on Monday. (Reporting by Brad Brooks and Maiya Keidan; Editing by Frank McGurty and Aurora Ellis) View the full article

(NewsNation) — As the federal government continues large-scale deportations of undocumented migrants, the Trump administration has opened what it calls the largest federal immigration detention center in the country’s history. The facility, dubbed “Lone Star Lockup,” opened Sunday in Fort Bliss, Texas, under a $1.2 billion Defense Department contract. The detention center holds 1,000 beds with a plan to expand to 5,000 beds by 2027. Inside are legal access areas, medical treatment areas and recreational space — amenities that Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials say make it like a “traditional” facility. NYC student, 7, and family detained by ICE: ‘Should be getting ready for school’ Supporters of the detention center, like Republican Congressman Tony Gonzales, say it will help ease overcrowding at other facilities and serve as a processing hub, sending migrants with final removal orders directly onto ICE air flights back to their home countries. “Fort Bliss is an amazing military facility,” Gonzales said. “Everything thrown their way, they’ve handled. We should be supporting this, not attacking it.” An entrance to Fort Bliss is shown on June 25, 2018 in Fort Bliss, Texas. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)The project does have its critics, including U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-Texas). “That money will enrich private contractors,” Escobar said. “Imagine what one billion could do for health care or law enforcement here in El Paso. The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas called the opening of the facility a “shameful” milestone in Trump’s “dystopian agenda.” “People detained there will almost certainly have their basic rights violated while caged in tents under the brutal West Texas sun, with extreme heat that puts their lives at risk,” Savannah Kumar, a staff attorney at the ACLU of Texas, remarked of the opening. “This is not just dangerous — it’s cruel.” Last week, the El Paso County Commissioners Court also unanimously approved a resolution opposing the facility, Nexstar’s KTSM reported. The measure calls for more transparency, including formal briefings from federal agencies and access for local officials and community advocates. Democrats allege abuse of women by ICE and ICE impersonators The new Fort Bliss facility joins Florida’s “Alligator Alcatraz” as the latest migrant detention facility to get pushback. Critics have alleged that facility suffers from flooding, unsanitary conditions, and even deaths. Officials insist no one has died there and deny reports of worms in food or sewage flooding, asserting that the facility meets federal detention standards. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has already unveiled a second site he’s nicknaming the “Deportation Depot.” The facility is inside a former state prison and staffed in part by the Florida National Guard. It is expected to hold up to 2,000 detainees. Diana Castillo of Nexstar’s KTSM contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. View the full article

I was a mayor for 10 years. All mayors deal with crime, and we have learned a lot about what works to make cities safer for everyone. That’s why so many cities, including Washington, D.C., are safer today than they were 10, 20, or 30 years ago. And that’s why we know President Trump’s send-in-the-troops stunt in Washington, D.C., is not really about public safety. People sometimes argue about whether Trump’s actions are actually dangerous or merely efforts to distract people from news he wants to minimize. The truth is that all too frequently they are both. I believe Trump taking control of D.C.’s police department and calling out the National Guard, based on false claims about crime, is both an attempt to distract voters from bad news about the extraordinary harm he is unleashing on the American people and an effort to further test the limits of his own power. Let’s not forget how much of Trump’s second-term agenda — including the idea of undermining home rule for the citizens of Washington, D.C. and the deployment of troops against Americans — was envisioned and laid out in advance by the right-wing architects of Project 2025. Trump’s ambitions to rule like the dictatorial strongmen he admires in other countries made him the perfect vehicle for a movement that wants to reverse a century of progress and legal protections regardless of how many workers, consumers, families and communities are harmed. And they’re willing to use the military to quash inevitable protests. “It’s pretty clear that the president wants his own domestic police force, and step by step he’s trying to create it,” Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) observed. Smith called Trump’s maneuver “a huge step toward an autocratic government.” Washington’s unique status as a federal district — not a state or part of any state — makes it especially vulnerable to the abuse of presidential power. But no city is safe. Trump made it clear in Los Angeles that he will deploy National Guard troops over the objections of state and local officials. He has explicitly threatened to expand his tactics in D.C. to other cities where he has far less constitutional legitimacy to intervene. And just to clarify how much contempt the MAGA movement has for urban voters, Kevin Roberts, president of the Heritage Foundation and primary sponsor of Project 2025, recently called on right-wing state legislators to gut democracy in their own capitals and turn them into “state municipal districts.” Trump and the movement behind him, the MAGA activists and the institutional muscle represented by the Heritage Foundation and the more than 100 organizations endorsing Project 2025, seem eager to dismantle the checks and balances that are meant to keep a corrupt and abusive president in line. And that is proving to be extremely dangerous. The deployment of American troops against American citizens is illegal except in extraordinary emergencies. It can’t be done to intimidate dissenters. It can’t be done to make Trump feel good. It can’t be done to shift public attention from news that is unflattering to the president. To be sure, Trump would like to distract us from scrutiny of his relationship with the late sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein — and the sweetheart treatment his regime is now giving Epstein’s accomplice and convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell. The president would like to distract us from bad economic news on jobs and the price of groceries. And, certainly, the president would rather that we not pay much attention to the astonishing levels of shady dealing that have made Trump and his family billions of dollars richer. Trump abusing his power to shift the narrative is an aspect of his authoritarian rule. It’s not going to make the residents of D.C. or any other city safer. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, whose city has been another Trump target, noted in a CNN interview that his city has had the fewest homicides in 50 years this year. That kind of progress takes a thoughtful, collective effort — not just “get tough” rhetoric and more militarized cops. It takes smart strategic investments in communities and stronger relationships between communities and police. “Mayors across the country have brought together law enforcement, the legal community, the actual community through community violence intervention work, to reduce violence across this country in cities to lows that we have not seen in decades,” Scott told viewers. “The president could learn a lot from us instead of throwing things at us,” he added. Listening and learning is not exactly the president’s strong suit. Throwing things — smears, tantrums, distractions — is much more his style. That’s bad for America and all Americans, not just those of us who live in the cities Trump likes to vilify. Svante Myrick is president of People For the American Way. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. 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Multiple Republican-led states are sending their own National Guard troops to the District of Columbia to bolster President Trump’s sweeping anti-crime clampdown in the nation’s capital. West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine all announced over the weekend that they would send hundreds of soldiers from their states in the coming days to nearly double the 800 D.C. National Guard members already mobilized. All three GOP governors noted in their advisories that they were acting on requests from the Trump administration. “West Virginia is proud to stand with President Trump in his effort to restore pride and beauty to our nation’s capital,” Morrisey said in a statement. “The men and women of our National Guard represent the best of our state, and this mission reflects our shared commitment to a strong and secure America.” The president announced a massive crime-fighting effort in Washington last week, with a federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department and infusion of federal agents and National Guard troops. “Until 4 days ago, Washington, D.C., was the most unsafe ‘city’ in the United States, and perhaps the World,” Trump wrote in an update on Truth Social early Monday. “Now, in just a short period of time, it is perhaps the safest, and getting better every single hour!” National Guard troops already in D.C. have been largely stationed on federal properties in the District, including parks and federal buildings. In a news release Sunday, the D.C. National Guard said its presence at the National Mall “has drawn positive attention from civilians.” Meanwhile, officers from the FBI; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Immigration and Customs Enforcement; and other agencies in the Department of Homeland Security have been among those spotted in popular areas. Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote on the social platform X on Monday morning that federal authorities made 137 arrests over the weekend, bringing the total arrests since the initiative began to more than 400. “We are not slowing down,” she wrote. “We are committed to making DC safe again!” Trump has set his sights on tackling crime in the capital, even as local officials have pushed back on characterizations of violent surges. According to the District’s statistics, which Trump has deemed “fake,” violent crime is down about 26 percent compared to this point last year. “American soldiers and airmen policing American citizens on American soil is #UnAmerican,” D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) wrote on social media Saturday night. The news of deployment from other states comes as national weather forecasters have warned that Hurricane Erin, the first major hurricane of the Atlantic season, could strengthen and cause high winds and flooding along the East Coast this week. “Our National Guard will work to assist President Trump’s mission, and should a hurricane or natural disaster threaten our state, they can and will be immediately recalled home to respond,” McMaster posted on social media Saturday evening. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. View the full article

President Trump spent the morning leading up to his critical meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders railing against his critics and skeptics who have questioned his approach to ending the war in Ukraine. Trump posted multiple times on Truth Social bemoaning that he was not getting proper credit for his ability to settle conflicts and suggesting nothing he did would ever satisfy his opponents. “I am totally convinced that if Russia raised their hands and said, ‘We give up, we concede, we surrender, we will GIVE Ukraine and the great United States of America, the most revered, respected, and powerful of all countries, EVER, Moscow and St. Petersburg, and everything surrounding them for a thousand miles, the Fake News Media and their Democrat Partners would say that this was a bad and humiliating day for Donald J. Trump, one of the worst days in the history of our Country,’” Trump wrote in one post. In a subsequent post, Trump complained that The Wall Street Journal and others were not taking into account his track record in mediating conflicts during his second term so far. “I’ve settled 6 Wars in 6 months, one of them a possible Nuclear disaster, and yet I have to read & listen to the Wall Street Journal, and many other who truly don’t have a clue, tell me everything that I am doing wrong on the Russia/Ukraine MESS, that is Sleepy Joe Biden’s war, not mine,” Trump posted. “I’m only here to stop it, not to prosecute it any further. It would have NEVER happened if I was President,” Trump continued. “I know exactly what I’m doing, and I don’t need the advice of people who have been working on all of these conflicts for years, and were never able to do a thing to stop them,” Trump continued. “They are ‘STUPID’ people, with no common sense, intelligence, or understanding, and they only make the current R/U disaster more difficult to FIX. Despite all of my lightweight and very jealous critics, I’ll get it done — I always do!!!” The president is set to host Zelensky at 1 p.m. EDT in the Oval Office. It will be the first time Zelensky has been at the White House since a disastrous February meeting when Trump and Vice President Vance accused the Ukrainian leader of being ungrateful for U.S. support. After that meeting, Trump and Zelensky will meet with a group of European leaders who made the trip to Washington to discuss the path forward on ending the war in Ukraine, which has been raging since Russian forces invaded in February 2022. Monday’s high-stakes talks come after Trump met Friday in Alaska with Russian President Vladimir Putin. That meeting ended with both leaders citing progress, but without any concrete commitments. Trump’s critics have argued the president handed Putin a win by hosting him for a summit on U.S. soil and by appearing to move away from language calling for a cease-fire before any larger negotiated peace agreement. Trump late Sunday also shut down the idea that Ukraine would gain membership in NATO or reclaim Crimea, which was seized by Russia in 2014. The president has been involved in a number of peace deals during his second term, including agreements between Israel and Iran, Armenia and Azerbaijan and India and Pakistan. But a deal to end the war in Ukraine, which Trump claimed on the campaign trail he would accomplish before even taking office, has proved elusive. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. View the full article

La única petición que Arturo Suárez le hizo a los guardias al llegar al Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (Cecot) en El Salvador fue que le permitieran conservar sus lentes. Pero cuenta que se los rompieron en una golpiza. Y que luego se desmayó y dos custodios lo llevaron cargado hasta el módulo 8, el pabellón del Cecot que albergó, entre marzo y julio de 2025, a 252 migrantes venezolanos deportados desde Estados Unidos por el gobierno de Donald Trump. Los venezolanos quedaron separados de los pandilleros salvadoreños para los que fue diseñada esta cárcel de máxima seguridad, inaugurada en 2023 por el presidente Nayib Bukele como emblema de su política contra las maras. Durante años, las maras atemorizaron con asesinatos y extorsiones a la población de El Salvador, que llegó a ser uno de los países más violentos del mundo. PUBLICIDADLa política de mano dura de Bukele redujo drásticamente los homicidios y se convirtió en un ejemplo para otros países, pero también ha recibido numerosas denuncias de violaciones de los derechos humanos. Cuando Suárez abrió los ojos, todo a su alrededor lucía borroso. Sin embargo, recuerda que alcanzó a escuchar las palabras de Belarmino García, el director de la prisión: "El famoso Tren de Aragua… Bienvenidos al infierno, bienvenidos al cementerio de hombres vivos. Ustedes sólo salen de aquí muertos. Aquí están en calidad de condenados". El Tren de Aragua surgió en Venezuela en 2014 y ha extendido sus operaciones por varios países del continente americano. La Casa Blanca lo considera una "organización terrorista extranjera", con "miles de miembros infiltrados ilegalmente en Estados Unidos". En marzo, el gobierno de El Salvador distribuyó imágenes de los migrantes deportados desde Estados Unidos.Confundido y sin visión nítida, Suárez no entendía lo que pasaba. PUBLICIDADEl cantante venezolano cuenta que había solicitado en EE.UU. el Estatus de Protección Temporal (TPS), una figura que protegió de la deportación a casi 600.000 venezolanos durante el mandato del expresidente Joe Biden. Pero el gobierno de Trump eliminó esta protección para los venezolanos el 5 de febrero (y posteriormente la retiró para otras seis nacionalidades que se beneficiaban del programa). Tres días después, Suárez fue arrestado por las autoridades migratorias en Carolina del Norte, mientras grababa un videoclip musical. Edwuar Hernández es recibido por su familia al retornar a Venezuela.Edwuar Hernández, quien cuando fue detenido vivía en Dallas y trabajaba en una fábrica de tortillas, también recuerda claramente la charla de bienvenida del director del Cecot. "Dijo que nunca volveríamos a probar pollo ni carne. Y que nosotros éramos del famoso Tren de Aragua. Le gritamos que éramos inocentes y él dijo: 'Yo no soy nadie para juzgarlos, el que los juzgará es Dios'". PUBLICIDADEl gobierno de Trump justificó el traslado de los migrantes a El Salvador por su supuesta pertenencia a la banda criminal venezolana. La deportaciónCuando Suárez y Hernández abordaron el vuelo en el que serían deportados desde EE.UU., pensaban que iban a Venezuela. Es lo que les habían dicho, aseguran. Sin embargo, aterrizaron en El Salvador esposados de manos y piernas hasta la cintura. Hernández indica que cuando llegaron a la capital salvadoreña, los migrantes fueron expulsados del avión a patadas y empujones. Desde ahí los llevaron al Cecot. Al entrar en la prisión, dice que fueron obligados a hincarse frente a hombres que les afeitaron las cabezas. Luego tuvieron que desnudarse para ponerse un pantalón blanco, un suéter blanco y unas sandalias croc del mismo color. Mervin Yamarte, uno de los migrantes deportados a El Salvador, en una imagen después de que le raparan el pelo al poco de llegar al Cecot.Mervin Yamarte, cuatro meses después, al llegar a su casa en Venezuela.Estuvieron en el Cecot alrededor de cuatro meses. PUBLICIDADEl viernes 18 de julio, los 252 venezolanos fueron enviados de regreso a su país, tras un acuerdo entre los gobiernos de El Salvador, Venezuela y Estados Unidos. Desde sus casas, rodeados de familiares y amigos, BBC News Mundo habló con ocho de ellos para reconstruir el día a día en el interior de la famosa megacárcel, un lugar del que pocos han salido y de cuya rutina apenas se conocen detalles por el hermetismo que la rodea. Edwuar Hernández (23 años), Mervin Yamarte (29), Andy Perozo (30) y Ringo Rincón (39) compartieron en conjunto sus experiencias desde el barrio Los Pescadores en la provincia de Zulia, en el oeste de Venezuela. Los cuatro emigraron y llegaron juntos a Estados Unidos. Y fueron detenidos juntos en el apartamento que compartían en Texas. Mervin Yamarte, Andy Perozo, Ringo Rincón y Edwuar Hernández conversaron con BBC News Mundo desde el estado Zulia, en Venezuela.También conversamos con Andry Hernández (31), quien vive en el estado Táchira, cerca de la frontera con Colombia; con Arturo Suárez (34) y Joén Suárez (23), en sus respectivos hogares en Caracas; y con Wilken Flores (24) en Guatire, una ciudad cercana a la capital venezolana. Unos habían entrado a EE.UU. de forma legal y otros de manera irregular y los ocho fueron señalados allí como criminales. El gobierno estadounidense ha reconocido que muchos de los venezolanos deportados no tienen antecedentes penales. La BBC le preguntó al Departamento de Seguridad Nacional (DHS por sus siglas en inglés) qué evidencia hay de que pertenecen al Tren de Aragua, pero no recibió respuesta. Tampoco obtuvimos acceso a información que permitiera verificar de forma independiente sus antecedentes. Uno de ellos, Joén Suárez, fue acusado de conducir sin licencia, seguro y con placas irregulares en Colorado en 2024, pero registros judiciales muestran que luego el caso fue desestimado. Ellos niegan tener vínculos con la banda criminal y afirman que no les dieron la oportunidad de responder a las acusaciones. La llegadaTodos los migrantes con los que habló BBC Mundo coinciden en que los abusos en el Cecot comenzaron el primer día. "Al llegar, cuando me quitan toda la ropa y quedo en cuero, ellos me pegaron un tablazo por debajo de las nalgas, me pegaron por las costillas, no me dejaban ni colocarme la ropa", cuenta Mervin Yamarte, empleado de la construcción en Venezuela y quien al igual que Edwuar Hernández trabajó en una fábrica de tortillas en Texas. Gráfico con una foto de Mervin Yamarte en la parte inferior y una frase que dice: "'¡Apúrate, cerote!' (mierda), me decían. ¿Cómo me pongo la ropa si me están golpeando?". BBC News Mundo envió peticiones de comentarios sobre las denuncias de abusos dirigidas a la Presidencia, el Ministerio de Seguridad de El Salvador y la dirección del Cecot. Hasta el momento de la publicación de este artículo, ninguna de las tres entidades había respondido. Sin embargo, en el pasado el presidente Bukele ha rechazado cualquier violación de derechos tanto en la megaprisión como en el resto de cárceles del país. Y el reciente reporte anual de derechos humanos del Departamento de Estado de EE.UU. asegura que en El Salvador "no existen reportes creíbles de abusos significativos", un giro radical respecto a lo que decía el informe previo a la llegada de Trump al poder. La cárcel"Es un lugar supremamente frío e inmenso, es una ciudad completa", le cuenta a BBC News Mundo Andry Hernández, maquillador que pidió asilo en Estados Unidos apenas cruzó la frontera con México, pero fue detenido de inmediato. No vivió ni un día en libertad. Su descripción de la cárcel coincide con una investigación publicada por BBC Mundo en julio de 2023, poco después de la apertura del Cecot. Plano del Cecot hecho sobre una imagen de Google Earth del 3 de marzo de 2025.Aunque los migrantes venezolanos no interactuaron con los pandilleros salvadoreños, comparten que sí tuvieron contacto con otros presos comunes. "Nos daban la comida, limpiaban el módulo, recogían la basura". Como iban vestidos de amarillo los llamaban "los minions", como los personajes de la película animada. El gobierno de Bukele tiene un programa llamado Plan Cero Ocio, por el que 48.000 presos comunes, no pandilleros, son considerados "en fase de confianza" y realizan trabajos a cambio de algunos beneficios como reducción de condenas. En todos los módulos existen celdas de aislamiento y castigo que los migrantes del módulo 8 llaman "la isla". "Son varias celdas oscuras donde a uno lo llevan para torturarlo. Te dicen: 'Cállate, mierda; cállate, cerote; cállate hijueputa'. Te hincan, te pisan, te dan cachetadas, golpes en la oreja, te patean", acusa Joén Suárez, quien era barbero en Venezuela y trabajó como pintor en Denver y repartidor en Nueva York. Aseguran que en el techo hay un agujero, la única fuente de luz que se cuela dentro de la celda de castigo. Reconstrucción de "La isla" de acuerdo a los testimonios de los detenidos.El Cecot alberga a muchos de los pandilleros que durante años controlaron las calles de El Salvador. Muchos fueron detenidos antes de marzo de 2022, cuando se declaró el estado de excepción actual que, según organismos de derechos humanos, no garantiza el debido proceso. Esta denuncia de falta de garantías concuerda con la que hacen los migrantes venezolanos que fueron deportados por EE.UU. y confinados en la misma cárcel salvadoreña. Para ejecutar las deportaciones sin esperar decisiones administrativas o judiciales, Trump recurrió a la Ley de Enemigos Extranjeros de 1798, que otorga al presidente el poder de detener y expulsar a ciudadanos de países con los que Estados Unidos esté en guerra. Pero el sábado 15 de marzo, el mismo día que despegó el primer vuelo de deportación a El Salvador, un juez del Distrito de Columbia ordenó suspender los traslados al considerar que esa ley no podía aplicarse a estas expulsiones. Los ocho están convencidos de que fueron arrestados por tener tatuajes que las autoridades estadounidenses vinculan con el Tren de Aragua. Andry Hernández, por ejemplo, fue sometido a un sistema de puntos por el que fue calificado como sospechoso de pertenecer a la banda debido a dos coronas tatuadas en sus muñecas. Los tatuajes de Andry Hernández en sus muñecas.BBC News Mundo consultó a la Casa Blanca sobre el polémico envío de venezolanos a El Salvador y sus denuncias de abusos en el Cecot. "El gobierno de Trump agradece nuestra colaboración con el presidente Bukele para ayudar a expulsar a los peores inmigrantes ilegales, violentos y criminales de las comunidades estadounidenses", respondió la vocera Abigail Jackson a través de un comunicado. De los ocho testimonios recogidos por BBC Mundo, sólo dos migrantes tenían órdenes de deportación a su país antes de ser enviados a El Salvador. Otros ingresaron a Estados Unidos tras pedir una cita oficialmente o gozaban o habían solicitado mecanismos que protegían de la deportación como el asilo, el parole o el TPS (Estatus de Protección Temporal). Los ocho acabaron entre las rejas del Cecot sin posibilidad de defensa legal, denuncian. Las celdasRingo Rincón, trabajador de la construcción y padre de tres hijos, señala que antes de cerrar la puerta de la celda que le asignaron al llegar, el custodio les dijo: "Ya lo saben: aquí no existen abogados, no existen llamadas, no existen jueces, aquí no hay nada" Recuerda que el guardia les indicó que lo único que tenían era lo que llevaban puesto y lo que había dentro de la celda. "'Ustedes no cuentan con más nada', nos dijo". Desde entonces dicen que estuvieron incomunicados de sus familiares y equipos legales de defensa. "Al entrar hay dos tanques de agua, uno a mano derecha y otro a la izquierda", explica Andry Hernández desde Capacho, un pueblo de Los Andes venezolanos. Imagen del interior de una de las celdas del Cecot."En cada esquina de esos tanques había dos tubos de cañería de cloacas, y al lado dos sanitarios, uno para orinar y otro para hacer necesidades. Teníamos un pote rojo para echarnos agua, usarla en los sanitarios y consumirla". Los detenidos bebían el agua de los tanques y afirman que nunca tuvieron privacidad, pues los sanitarios estaban descubiertos. "El olor era horrible, eso era pura cloaca porque son pozos sépticos. Es demasiado hediondo dentro de la celda", afirma Wilken Flores, quien entró a EE.UU. con una cita de acuerdo al procedimiento oficial, pero fue detenido apenas ingresó al país. "No había ventilación, el viento no corría. El calor era asfixiante y nos prendían las cinco luces del techo", cuenta Arturo Suárez, quien intentaba acostumbrarse a una visión reducida debido a la pérdida de sus anteojos. Arturo SuárezSi una celda tiene capacidad para 80 personas, en el módulo 8 había entre 10 y 19 detenidos por celda, coinciden los entrevistados. "En mi celda había 19 cuerpos, 19 olores, 19 pH. Era difícil vivir así", afirma Andry Hernández. "Pero ya con el tiempo nuestro olfato y nuestro cuerpo se adaptó". En los módulos de los pandilleros se agrupan más de 100 reclusos por celda, según constató una periodista de BBC Mundo que visitó la prisión en febrero de 2024 y los videos y fotografías publicados por otros medios y por el propio gobierno salvadoreño. Dormir sobre metalLos ocho hombres afirman que había cuatro filas de literas en cada celda. "La mayor parte del tiempo dormimos en latón, como mesas de lata, sin sábanas, sin nada". "En la cama que colindaba con nuestros ojos escribíamos: 'Familia, los extraño, los amo'", relata Andry Hernández, quien además de maquillador era actor de teatro en Venezuela. "Escribíamos palabras de aliento que nos ayudaban a conciliar el sueño, entre comillas, porque en realidad ninguno dormía". Andy Perozo asegura que los guardias hacían ruido de noche para impedir que los migrantes durmieran.Andy Perozo, quien trabajaba como panadero en Venezuela y en una fábrica de tortillas en Estados Unidos, afirma que había un guardia conocido como el "líder del módulo" que hacía ruidos por las noches. "Le daba a las paredes o a las puertas para que no pudiéramos dormir. Cada momento era una tortura". Todos indican que no salían al exterior. "Permanecíamos 24 horas encerrados, sin asomarnos a los barrotes, en la zozobra de si nos iban a pegar, si nos iban a gritar, cuándo íbamos a salir", explica Andry Hernández "Veíamos la claridad pero no sentíamos el sol", añade Arturo Suárez. Sin relojesEl día comenzaba a las 4:00 de la mañana. O al menos eso calculan, dado que no había relojes en las paredes y los guardias se negaban a decirles el día y la hora. Cuando lo hacían, los detenidos no les creían. "Primero gritaban: '¡Hora de conteo!'. Ese era nuestro despertador", recuerda Andry Hernández. "Los guardias se dirigían a cada celda, anotaban en un papel, contaban los que había". Luego debían lavarse. "Teníamos que levantarnos y bañarnos. Si no lo hacías, eso traía represalias. La celda completa tenía que bañarse y ya no había más baño en el día, aunque hacía mucho calor", recuerda Joén Suárez desde su casa en San Agustín, una barriada de Caracas. Todos se desnudaban y se bañaban juntos al lado de los tanques, dentro de la misma celda donde pasaban el resto del día. "Había dos perolas (recipientes) para 19 personas: mientras uno se echaba agua, el otro se enjabonaba, porque sólo nos daban 10 minutos de baño para todos", cuenta Arturo Suárez. Wilken Flores junto a su madre en la casa familiar en Venezuela.En los cuatro meses que estuvo detenido, Suárez asegura que recibió crema dental en tres oportunidades. "Cuando venía visita (de la Cruz Roja o de políticos estadounidenses), nos daban pasta de dientes, la mitad de un jabón y los cepillos, que los cortaban". "Llegamos a cepillarnos los dientes con jabón Ace", asegura Wilken Flores en referencia al detergente que les daban para lavar ropa. Para hacer cualquier movimiento debían recibir autorización. De lo contrario, se arriesgaban a ser castigados si los custodios se daban cuenta. "Para ir al baño teníamos que pedirle permiso a ellos", explica Flores. "O nos daban palo". Aunque querían "respirar aire fresco", estaba prohibido acercarse a los barrotes de la celda. "Si nos descuidábamos y poníamos las manos en ellos, nos daban y nos dañaban las manos", recuerda Flores. Bañarse fuera de hora requería una estrategia. "Teníamos que decirles a los de la celda de al lado que vigilaran. Entre todos nos ayudábamos: tú ves para allá, el otro para acá y así, cada uno veía cierto límite". Dados de tortillaLos detenidos suponen que alrededor de las 7:00 de la mañana les servían el desayuno: un plato de arroz, frijoles negros (caraotas) y tortillas, a veces con natilla o alguna galleta. Al mediodía despachaban el almuerzo de pasta, arroz y tortilla. Cerca de las 5:00 de la tarde recibían la cena: arroz, caraotas y tortilla. No disponían de cubiertos, describen. Debían comer con las manos. "Los frijoles de la mañana a veces olían mal", afirma Edwuar Hernández. "Como no estábamos acostumbrados a comer tortillas, los primeros días las botábamos por el desagüe". Edwuar HernándezPero cuando los guardias descubrieron lo que ocurría, amenazaron con castigarlos. "Nos estaban supervisando. Cuando el guardia tenía bombas lacrimógenas o gas pimienta, nos decían que si no comíamos, nos iban a echar eso", asegura Andy Perozo. Con el tiempo, el ingenio los llevó a darle otro uso a la comida. Mientras algunos hacían ejercicio -incluso si luego no podían bañarse-, otros jugaban dominó o parqué, un juego de mesa con fichas y dados que hacían con masa de tortilla. "Apretábamos la masa, hacíamos el cuadro de la forma de los dados, nos subíamos a la última cama y pasábamos la masa por el polvo, que le daba una textura dura y quedaban los dados", explica Edwuar Hernández, aficionado al fútbol. "Luego hacíamos los puntos y marcábamos el piso o la lata (de la cama) con jabón para dibujar el parqué y ahí jugábamos". A veces los custodios les quitaban los dados. O les exigían hablar a un volumen muy bajo o mantener "total silencio". En esos casos, conversar con otros compañeros podía desencadenar nuevos castigos. "Si volvíamos a hablar, nos decían: 'Todos para el fondo en posición de requisa'", dice Ringo Rincón, quien anhelaba volver a Venezuela para estar con sus tres hijos, especialmente con la más pequeña, que nació días antes de que él se marchara a Estados Unidos. "Ahí nos dejaban dos, tres, cuatro horas". Edwuar Hernández junto a su madre, tras ser liberado del Cecot, desde Los Pescadores, en el estado Zulia en Venezuela."Era tanto el maltrato psicológico que hay un detalle sorprendente: en ese lugar uno no podía hablar como estamos hablando aquí", afirma Mervin Yamarte, rodeado por sus compañeros en el estado Zulia. "Ellos querían que habláramos por señas porque los maras lo hacían, los maras se comunican por señas". Huelga de sangreTodos reconocen que si se sentían enfermos podían pedir una consulta en el servicio médico, pero aclaran que no les daban medicamentos, a excepción de 9 pastillas (6 rojas y 3 blancas) que recibían todos los lunes para prevenir la tuberculosis, según les decían las autoridades del penal. "Eso te lo tenías que tomar delante de ellos (los guardias)", explica Edwuar Hernández. "Esas pastillas te ponían a orinar rojo como cuatro días y con el olor fuerte". Hernández y Andy Perozo, amigos del barrio Los Pescadores, en Maracaibo, cuentan que durante una temporada los golpeaban todos los días. Cuando los sacaban de la celda para maltratarlos, les decían que iban al servicio médico, denuncian. "A la enfermera la metían en un cuartico y a nosotros en otro", dice Hernández. "Después de que nos daban la golpiza, la llamaban y ella entraba y te curaba". A veces, las agresiones que sufrían desencadenaban reacciones de protesta individuales o colectivas. Joén Suárez denuncia que en una ocasión los custodios sacaron a los detenidos de sus celdas, los obligaron a arrodillarse y los rociaron con gas pimienta. "Uno de nuestros compañeros al parecer sufría de asma. Él se desmaya y se golpea fuerte en la cabeza", dice. "Tres compañeros lo llevaron al área médica y ahí ya nos levantamos contra ellos". Joén Suárez sostiene en brazos a su hija desde la casas de su familia a las afueras de Caracas.Suárez asegura que lanzaron trozos de jabón y agua contra los guardias, quienes respondieron a golpes. "Nos decían que no éramos nadie". Los reos decidieron hacer una huelga de hambre y una huelga de sangre. "Teníamos una sábana blanca. Los compañeros se rompían (cortaban) y con la misma sangre escribían: 'La sangre de Cristo tiene poder, somos inmigrantes, no somos terroristas, ayuda, SOS, queremos un abogado'". Wilken Flores relata que él fue uno de los detenidos que se hizo cortes en las piernas y los brazos con el filo del borde de su cama de metal. "Me hice como ocho cortes y había tres heridas en las que me cabía un dedo", cuenta. "Ya se me cerraron, pero me quedaron al rojo vivo". "Nosotros queríamos que mejorara el trato", indica Flores al explicar por qué decidió cortarse. "Queríamos médicos, queríamos comer bien, bañarnos, hacer nuestras necesidades tranquilos, queríamos baño, queríamos champú". Joén Suárez recuerda que en una ocasión los detenidos rompieron las tuberías de su celda, engancharon en ellas las sábanas y las sacaron por los barrotes como una bandera. "Los oficiales llegaron a ver el mensaje", asegura. Wilken Flores"¡A la isla!"Ese tipo de rebeliones conllevaba castigo. Arturo Suárez asegura que estuvo más de diez veces en "la isla" del módulo 8, la mayoría de ellas por romper el silencio y cantar. "Encontré en el canto una distracción para mí y mis compañeros. Allí te apretaban las esposas y te pegaban con la mano. Cuando las golpizas eran masivas, nos daban con los rolos" (porras o macanas). "Teníamos que hacer silencio total. Hasta por respirar te mandaban a la isla". A pesar del amedrentamiento, Suárez compuso una primera canción dentro del Cecot: Tres paredes y una reja, me roban la libertad. La mentira de unos hombres, ocultando la verdad. Dicen que soy un peligro para esta sociedad. No he cometido delito, solamente emigrar. El cantante sostiene que después de las palizas, los llevaban al servicio médico. "Viendo la golpiza que nos dieron, el médico tenía el descaro o el sarcasmo de preguntarte: '¿Qué le duele?'". Relata que una de las tantas veces que salió de "la isla", no podía sentarse porque le dolían las costillas y los riñones. "Dos veces escupí sangre. La cabeza era una perita de boxeo". Pese a todo, logró componer una segunda canción: Desde la celda 31, Papá Dios me habló, Dijo: "Hijo, ten paciencia, pronto viene tu bendición. Solo quiero una cosa, nunca te olvides de mí, porque ya falta muy poco, para que salgas de aquí". Durante la conversación en Caracas, Suárez revela que un compañero fue abusado sexualmente. Ese compañero es Andry Hernández. El miedoComo los guardias siempre llevaban los rostros cubiertos y la isla era un espacio totalmente oscuro, Hernández no sabe quiénes fueron los cuatro custodios involucrados en la agresión que denuncia haber sufrido dentro de la celda de castigo. "Me llena de orgullo pertenecer a la comunidad (LGBTQ), pero el precio de hacerlo público en esa cárcel fue ser abusado sexualmente por la misma autoridad". Asegura que no se atrevió a denunciar lo que ocurrió ante la dirección del Cecot. "Sentí mucho miedo de que me llegara a pasar algo mucho peor y por eso entre todos tomamos la decisión de permanecer callados". "Le doy gracias a Dios porque eso no se repitió y gracias a mis compañeros he logrado sobrellevarlo". Además de la violencia física, Hernández denuncia haber sido hostigado por ser homosexual. "Lo que sí se repitió a diario, aparte de los golpes, eran las morbosidades, ver cómo se mordían los labios y me decían: 'Mira, cásate con un salvadoreño para darte los papeles'; 'mira, él te va a dejar embarazada'; 'mira, tómate las anticonceptivas para que no salgas preñada'". Andry Hernández al llegar a Capacho, su pueblo en Los Andes venezolanos, tras ser liberado.Las visitasTodos los entrevistados dicen que las comodidades que obtenían cuando llegaban visitas solo duraban lo que duraba la cita. Varios aseguran que llegaron a servirles pollo y carne o les entregaron sábanas y colchones cuando políticos estadounidenses o trabajadores de la Cruz Roja visitaron la prisión. "Sentimos el sol en nuestros cuerpos dos veces nada más, las dos veces en las que fue la Cruz Roja", dice Arturo Suárez. "Si venía alguien, nos sacaban a jugar fútbol o al culto solamente para tomar la foto", cuenta Andy Perozo. "Nos dejaban de dar golpes, nos trataban bien, nos daban la comida y tomaban fotos solo en ese momento para hacer el simulacro". Pero afirman que una vez que las autoridades de la prisión fotografiaban la dotación y los visitantes se marchaban, les retiraban la comida o los implementos de uso personal. Los migrantes del barrio de Los Pescadores, en Maracaibo, agradecen especialmente la visita de los trabajadores de la Cruz Roja. "Ese fue el primer apoyo que sentimos en ese lugar", asegura Ringo Rincón. "Mediante ellos pudimos dejar algún mensaje, aunque conversábamos con ellos y siempre había un custodio al lado". El Comité Internacional de la Cruz Roja (CICR) confirmó a BBC News Mundo a través de un correo electrónico que visitó a "todas las personas venezolanas" en dos oportunidades. "Pudimos ponernos en contacto con la mayoría de sus familias para que supieran su paradero", precisó CICR. Sin embargo, aclaró que la organización "no comparte públicamente información sobre el estado o las condiciones de las personas detenidas al momento de la visita". "Cualquier inquietud, observación o recomendación derivada de nuestras visitas fue transmitida a las autoridades responsables de la detención", añadió. La secretaria de Seguridad Nacional de EE.UU., Kristi Noem, durante su visita al Cecot.Otra de las visitantes fue la secretaria de Seguridad Nacional de Estados Unidos, Kristi Noem, quien hizo un recorrido por el Cecot el 26 de marzo acompañada por el Ministro de Justicia y Seguridad Pública de El Salvador, Gustavo Villatoro. El despacho de Noem coordina el Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas de Estados Unidos, conocido en inglés como ICE, que ejecuta las redadas de detención de migrantes y opera los vuelos de deportación. Todos los migrantes que estuvieron en el Cecot fueron arrestados, procesados y deportados desde Estados Unidos por ICE. Arturo Suárez asegura que Noem no pudo grabar un video con los migrantes de fondo porque todos abrieron las palmas de sus manos y ocultaron los pulgares bajo los dedos, una señal de auxilio. "Nosotros no la dejamos hacer la propaganda, porque empezamos a pedir auxilio a través de las cámaras y empezamos a gritar: 'Libertad'. Por eso, todos los que salen detrás de ella son maras, no venezolanos". En un video grabado desde el Cecot y publicado por DHS, Noem agradece al gobierno de Bukele por mantener a "los terroristas" en esa prisión. Detrás de ella se ven presos con tatuajes en cara y cuello que coinciden con los que suelen llevar los pandilleros salvadoreños, no los migrantes deportados. En el mensaje, la secretaria afirma: "Si vienen a nuestro país ilegalmente, esta es una de las consecuencias que podrían enfrentar. En primer lugar, no vengan a nuestro país ilegalmente. Serán expulsados y procesados". Respecto a la declaración de Arturo Suárez sobre el video de Noem, la subsecretaria de Asuntos Públicos de DHS, Tricia McLaughlin, le dijo a BBC News Mundo por correo electrónico: "DHS deportó a casi 300 terroristas del Tren de Aragua y la MS-13 al Centro de Confinamiento de Terroristas (CECOT) en El Salvador, donde ya no representan una amenaza para el pueblo estadounidense". "El video de la secretaria Noem envió un mensaje claro a los inmigrantes ilegales delincuentes: si no se van, los perseguiremos, los arrestaremos y podrían terminar en esta prisión salvadoreña", señaló McLaughlin. DHS remitió a BBC Mundo al gobierno de El Salvador para que respondiera las preguntas sobre "las condiciones y el trato en el Cecot", ya que los migrantes "no son ciudadanos estadounidenses ni se encontraban bajo su jurisdicción". "Aún estamos en el Cecot"Los ocho entrevistados para este reportaje coinciden en que no creyeron que serían enviados de regreso a Venezuela hasta que el viernes 18 de julio abordaron el autobús que los condujo al avión y escucharon el acento venezolano de los funcionarios del gobierno del presidente Nicolás Maduro. "Fue una cosa impresionante, todos llorábamos, nos veíamos las caras, nos abrazábamos en el autobús", recuerda Wilken Flores. "Una alegría inexplicable". El 18 de julio, 252 migrantes salieron del módulo 8 del Cecot rumbo a Caracas tras un acuerdo entre los gobiernos de Venezuela, El Salvador y EE.UU.Una vez que Arturo Suárez aterrizó en Venezuela, sus parientes le compraron unos anteojos nuevos. "Duré cuatro meses sin usar mi vista de forma adecuada, no podía leer". Andry Hernández no sólo se reencontró con los suyos, sino con todos los vecinos del pueblo de Capacho que se movilizaron por él para denunciar su detención en Estados Unidos y pedir su liberación. Mientras restablecen la convivencia con sus parientes, los venezolanos que estuvieron en el Cecot aseguran que no tienen planes de volver a emigrar. Ahora sólo quieren disfrutar de la compañía de sus familias. A partir de ahora, Arturo Suárez y Andry Hernández tienen un proyecto en común: harán un documental llamado "Módulo 8, el arte tras las rejas", para recrear lo que vivieron en El Salvador. Andry Hernández posa abrazado a sus padres en Venezuela.Hernández también planea abrir una fundación para ayudar a personas en situación de calle o que necesiten algún tipo de ayuda médica. Es su manera de superar las secuelas del trauma. "Cuando escucho unas llaves, me pongo como en alerta. ¿Será que vienen por mí? ¿Será que van a abrir la celda? ¿Será que me van a castigar?", cuenta Hernández. "Físicamente estamos libres, pero mentalmente aún estamos en el Cecot. Aún nuestras cabezas están dentro de esas celdas". * Edición: Daniel García Marco, Tamara Gil y Carolina Robino. Gráficos: Caroline Souza, Daniel Arce López y Carlos Serrano, del Equipo de Periodismo Visual Síguenos en WhatsAppTAMBIÉN TE PUEDE INTERESAR | EN VIDEO El Salvador prolonga la detención de presuntos pandilleros de cara a juicios masivos View the full article

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — A new study has revealed that Louisiana is the deadliest state in America for child hot car deaths. The study was conducted by Houston car accident lawyers, Goldenzweig Law Group. It analyzed data from a research company called No Heat Stroke on child heatstroke deaths in vehicles from 1998 to the latest data available in 2024. Figures were totaled for each state and compared with the population ages 14 and under. The states were then ranked from highest to lowest based on the rate of hot car deaths. Louisiana ranked as the deadliest state in the country for child heatstroke deaths in vehicles. Approximately 36 deaths were recorded from 1998, averaging 4.11 per 100,000 people. The latest death was reported in August 2022 in Lake Charles. Mississippi took second place in the ranking, averaging 3.82 deaths per 100,000 children. Since 1998, 21 children have died from heatstroke in vehicles, with the victims aged from three months to 13 years. Oklahoma and Arkansas were the third and fourth-worst states in the country for hot car deaths. LSU students create life-saving car seat alert system Latest NewsWant to ensure a Powerball jackpot win? How many tickets you’d need to buy Zelenskyy brings Europe’s top leaders with him to meet Trump A mansion for under $1M? It’s still the norm in 4 major cities Study: Louisiana households likely to see reduced tax liability after tax reform changes Woman arrested on felony charges, accused of threatening school bus driver in Assumption Parish Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. View the full article

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Months after an endangered rattlesnake was found killed at a University of Michigan garden, a new brood of the species was found there. The Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum announced that an eastern massasauga rattlesnake was first found in June and her brood was found in late July. Snake covered by Endangered Species Act killed at Michigan park The female snake was first found at the edge of a drain, using it for shade. Staff noticed that the snake, dubbed Gertrude or Gertie, was a steady presence there, so they put up signage and construction cones to keep visitors at a safe distance. In July, a trail cam set up by a volunteer spotted two snakes at the culvert, and then several more. Gertie, an eastern massasauga rattlesnake, pokes her head out of a drain at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens in Ann Arbor. (Courtesy University of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum)Unlike most snakes lay eggs, massasaugas give birth to live young. It’s a process called ovoviviparity, where the mothers hold the eggs within their bodies until they are ready to hatch. “If you’re at the Matthaei, stop by for a respectful look from a safe distance behind the cones,” the gardens said in a blog post. Gertie, an eastern massasauga rattlesnake, and her new brood of snakelets live at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens in Ann Arbor. (Courtesy University of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum)The eastern massasauga rattlesnake is Michigan’s only venomous snake, but it isn’t much of a threat. The snakes are quite skittish and will rattle as a warning to keep people away. They typically only bite as a last resort. The eastern massasauga rattlesnake is native to the lower peninsula of Michigan and several other Great Lakes states, but has lost much of its habitat — wet meadows and floodplain forests. The snakes seek out drier sites in the summer. John Ball Zoo launches effort to preserve venomous snake The snake was listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 2016. A rattlesnake was found dead in March inside the gardens. It was believed to have been killed with a blunt object. A person found liable of violating the Endangered Species Act could be sentenced up to a year in prison and a fine of $50,000. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. View the full article

Ghislaine Maxwell’s move to a minimum-security federal prison camp in Bryan, Texas, has rattled the facility’s otherwise quiet environment, allegedly raising concerns about safety, fairness, and the unusual circumstances surrounding her transfer. The 63-year-old female, convicted in 2021 of sex trafficking minors in connection with Jeffrey Epstein, as previously reported by DX, was relocated earlier this month from a low-security prison in Florida to a prison camp in Bryan, Texas. The decision has drawn national attention, in part, because federal prison camps typically house non-violent offenders, often women serving shorter sentences for white-collar crimes. In contrast, Maxwell is serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking children, in one of the most viral criminal cases in human history, with more than a decade left before her projected release. Maxwell’s presence has already created unease inside the camp, according to people familiar with the facility. Inmates were reportedly instructed to be cautious about discussing Maxwell, and at least one woman who voiced frustration about the transfer has since been removed from the prison and reassigned elsewhere. “She’s not making any friends. Radioactive,” Sam Mangel, a prison consultant who works in Bryan, told CNN. “Nobody’s going to rock the boat there. They want to serve the remainder of their sentences with whatever modicum of comfort Bryan provides,” Mangel added. Life at Bryan is less restrictive than at traditional correctional institutions. Prisoners live in dormitory-style units and may have access to programs like nursing assistant training or the opportunity to participate in service-dog training classes. However, restrictions on sex offenders mean Maxwell will apparently not be eligible for many of these privileges, including the popular puppy training program run in partnership with Canine Companions. An inmate at Bryan who called Maxwell’s transfer “disgusting” was removed from the dog training program and later relocated to a federal detention center in Houston, according to her attorney and prison records. “Every inmate I’ve heard from is upset she’s here. This facility is supposed to house non-violent offenders. Human Trafficking is a violent crime.” Inmate Julie Howell told The Telegraph, before she was removed. “Nobody’s going to say anything about Ghislaine Maxwell now, are you kidding?” Howell’s lawyer, Patrick McLain, later told reporters. Beyond inmate concerns, Maxwell’s transfer has caught the eye of politicians and prison officials around the country. Federal prison policy typically does not allow sex offenders with long sentences to be placed in camps. However, her move followed meetings with top Justice Department officials, fueling further speculation on Capitol Hill. Democratic Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse has formally requested more information from the Bureau of Prisons on the transfer, though no explanation has yet been offered as of the time of publication. Maxwell’s attorney has said she was moved for her own safety, citing prior “risks” she faced in Florida. View the full article

香港教育局上月31日宣布收緊入讀資助專上課程的申請門檻，明確持受養人簽證的學生須居港兩年，方可享有本地生學費資助。香港高才通人才服務協會創會會長、選委界立法會議員尚海龍當時表示，不少人才家長稱會盡快今年來港叩門插班，估計未來兩至三年的高中插班需求增多。 教育局周一（8月18日）發文指出，由2025/26學年起，教育局區域教育服務處的學位安排支援服務將延伸至15歲或以上有需要的學生，以滿足高中階段的就學需求。 圖為教育局。（政府新聞網圖片）教育局指出，如15歲或以上學生（包括新來港學童和各項人才入境計劃來港人士的受養人）欲向教育局尋求中四或以上級別學位安排支援服務，目前教育局區域教育服務處會提供相關地區有學額空缺的學校資料，以便家長為子女向心儀學校直接遞交入學申請。 局方一直與各主要學校議會和地域校長會保持聯繫，並密切留意學校收取「插班」生情況，以及向公營中小學重申，如學校在相關級別有學額空缺，須積極取錄「插班」生，以確保合資格學生接受教育的權利；並會定期在網頁發放各區公營中學學額空缺情況的資訊，以增加透明度及便利專才家長為子女申請高中「插班」。教育局強調，會持續檢視各項措施的推行情況，保障學生學習及升學的福祉。 圖為DSE試場。（資料圖片）教育局又稱，受養人子女家長需明白，香港中小學實行兩文三語（即能書寫中英文，操粵語、普通話和英語）政策，兩地課程內容亦不盡相同。與本地家長無異，其子女與其他本地兒童競爭入讀心儀中學的同時，並需達到學校的要求（包括語文）；因此，在選校時家長需同時考慮心儀中學的學額數目和其子女的語文水平，為其子女提供最合適的學習環境 修訂大學資助門檻｜人才子女高中插班料需求增　議員憂難獲取錄升中派位2025叩門位削　派直資名校仍到皇仁叩門：唔得下年試插班11.8萬人才子女來港　議員稱未解殺校危機　大多插班僅緩官津縮班人才子女湧港　王錦輝中小插班申請翻倍　小一報名競爭未減小學插班25/26學年｜熱門50+直私小學插班報名/面試日期/所需文件 View the full article