It’s Monday. Have you seen people trying to use their Costco membership cards instead of actual IDs? Apparently, there’s a lot of confusion, and the TSA has made it clear that isn’t acceptable. I guess some folks just think it’s funny or something. *Nervous laughter for society*
In today’s headlines:
- Trump mobilizes National Guard in Los Angeles
- New travel restrictions apply to 12 countries
- Plans for “big and beautiful bills” are underway
- Original cast of “Hamilton” to perform at Tony Awards
In Los Angeles
What’s happening in California?
Los Angeles is gearing up for more protests after several days of demonstrations against the Trump administration’s efforts on immigration raids and deportations.
President Trump announced on Sunday that he would deploy around 2,000 National Guard members to the city, labeling the demonstrators as a “violent, rebel mob.” This decision has clearly heightened tensions, reminiscent of past controversies when National Guard troops were sent out against the wishes of state governors — the last notable instance being in 1965.
During the protests, demonstrators blocked the 101 freeway and set self-driving cars on fire, leading to clashes with police. The situation grew tense as law enforcement responded with tear gas and rubber bullets, resulting in numerous arrests, according to reports.
The Mayor of Los Angeles, Karen Bass, condemned the deployment of the National Guard, calling it “chaotic escalation.” She expressed concern that raids by ICE would rip families apart and instill fear in communities.
California is also considering legal action: Governor Gavin Newsom announced plans to sue the Trump administration over the National Guard’s deployment.
Military readiness from Trump’s side: Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth suggested that active marines may be sent in if protests escalate.
Trump seemed to endorse this approach, posting early on social media that “it looks really bad in LA!!!”
💡 Context: It’s significant for the presidency to send active-duty forces for domestic protests. Historically, such actions were mostly avoided; it’s a topic highlighted by the Wall Street Journal recently.
📹 Representative Maxine Waters was denied entry to a detention center in LA. You can find more details about that incident.
🗞️ Related Reading: New York Times’ Tyler Pager discusses Trump’s eagerness for conflict in California surrounding immigration, noting how it aligns with his agenda against political rivals in a blue state.
🗺 At the White House
On immigration issues:
President Trump enacted travel restrictions affecting 12 countries overnight.
The restrictions fully prohibit entry from these countries into the U.S., with additional limits for seven others. 📝 List of affected countries
How is this ban different from the previous one? Notably, Syria and North Korea are absent from this list, and this time, the administration seems better prepared for legal scrutiny.
🐦 In related news: The White House faces challenges in finding qualified candidates for top positions, with reports indicating several potential appointments being declined
The reporting suggests Vice President Vance‘s Chief of Staff is actively working to fill these vacancies.
Capitol Hill Highlights
A fresh push for legislation?
Senate Majority Leader John Thune is attempting to regain momentum regarding Trump’s forthcoming “big, beautiful bill” as the July 4 deadline looms.
What’s Thune’s strategy? He’s gathering a small group to tackle objections within the Republican party per Hill’s Alexander Bolton.
Though Democrats are likely to oppose the bill, Republicans can still afford a few dissenting votes to pass it. Some GOP members have already expressed opposition, adding to the urgency.
Thune has mentioned keeping an eye on Trump’s July deadline, although he noted that August might be more realistic.
Check Bolton’s report: “Republicans are looking for a reset with Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’.
🚫In other news
Gaza aid ships intercepted by Israel:
Swedish climate activists, including Greta Samberg, were taken into custody by Israeli forces early Monday.
Upcoming in Washington
President Trump is in town. (All Times EST)
2 PM: Trump participates in the Invest America roundtable. 💻 Live stream
2 PM: Secret Service logistics briefings for a military parade. Live stream
5:30 PM: Two Senate votes are anticipated. 📆 Today’s Agenda
6:30 PM: Final house votes expected. 📆 Today’s Agenda
Saturday: The military parade in Washington.
🐝 Internet topics
🍓 Celebrate: Today is National Strawberry Rhubarb Day.
🦓 Lastly: A zebra that escaped was dramatically rescued after a week. This whole event has gone viral for, well, obvious reasons.
🎤 The original cast of “Hamilton” performed! They wowed crowds during the Tony Awards. A delightful surprise was Cynthia Erivo gifting Oprah Winfrey.
👋 To wrap up…
And just to make your day brighter, here’s a video of a turtle receiving help. Take a look!
