Immigration: Florida Gov. DeSantis announced plans for a second migrant detention center, following in the footsteps of "Alligator Alcatraz," which is facing legal hurdles from environmentalists. Dubbed "Deportation Depot," the new center is part of a broader crackdown on undocumented immigration under the Trump administration.
West Bank: As more nations move to recognize Palestinian statehood, an Israeli minister vowed to "bury" the idea of a two-state solution with fresh settlement construction east of Jerusalem. Two separate plans, each for more than 3,000 units, are under way and one could get final approval Aug. 20. Critics say building in the so-called E1 area would effectively divide the West Bank in two.
Redistricting: California is moving forward with a plan that would sideline its nonpartisan approach and redraw congressional maps in favor of Democrats, in response to Republican gerrymandering efforts in Texas. Other states have threatened to do the same. We look today at whether the battle is working for either side.
Inflation: Following a better-than-expected consumer price report on Tuesday, a Thursday report measuring producer prices showed wholesale inflation rose by 0.9%, the biggest jump in three years. That suggests businesses have so far borne the brunt of President Trump's tariffs, and consumers may soon feel the sting.
Poverty drop: Over 8.3 million people climbed out of poverty in Mexico between 2022 and 2024, according to data released Wednesday, with extreme poverty falling by 23%. Experts credit new cash-transfer programs and a minimum wage that has tripled, though some worry the unprecedented social spending is not sustainable.
Flood relief: New river barriers in Juneau, Alaska, held back record levels of flooding after a melting ice dam released a huge surge of rainwater and snowmelt. Annual flooding has gotten worse in recent years as temperatures rise. Last year, over 300 home were flooded - damage that was avoided this week.