7/27: The Takeout with Major Garrett
7/27: The Takeout with Major Garrett
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7/27: The Takeout with Major Garrett

Board packed with Trump allies votes to weaken protections for historic sites

Who dares ridicule Gianni Infantino as the World Cup boss creates global peace? Not me: is it you? | Marina Hyde

The father of a U.S. Marine killed in a 2017 hit‑and‑run crash is speaking publicly. Martin Martinez‑Ballinas, a Mexican citizen, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on July 22 after finishing a prison sentence for illegally re‑entering the United States. This arrest marks his third time facing deportation. He was convicted for the crash that killed the Marine.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani gave New York City homeowners more time to apply for an exemption from the new pied-à-terre tax. The deadline was moved from August 21 to September 18. The extension applies to anyone who received a notice from the Department of Finance that says they may be subject to the tax.

Trump visits Michigan in pre-midterm push

Trump delivers economic remarks in Michigan

Will Lawrence, a Michigan House candidate and member of the Democratic Socialists of America, called for a federal moratorium on new AI data centers. He spoke during an interview with Fox News Digital and at a campaign event in South Lansing. Lawrence said the pause would allow a national conversation about AI development and ensure it benefits everyone, not just a few tech billionaires. His remarks come as early voting is underway in Michigan.

The president of the Chicago Teachers Union, Stacy Davis Gates, said she will collect petition signatures for Mayor Brandon Johnson’s re‑election. She made the comment in an interview with WTTW News on Tuesday. Davis Gates said she hopes Johnson will become more active in his campaign, and if he does not, she will lead the petition drive herself. She also praised the mayor for giving schools a billion dollars in funding, contrasting it with the governor’s lack of support.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez criticized Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for reinstating border controls after a surge of migrants from Morocco reached Ceuta. He said the decision breaks Schengen free‑travel rules and called for an emergency meeting of European leaders. Sánchez urged cooperation to manage the migration situation.

Two Democratic candidates for Senate in Montana and South Dakota say they will stay in their races. Party leaders are urging them to step aside so independent candidates have a better chance. Polls and fundraising show the independents are currently stronger. The Democrats say they will only quit if something extraordinary happens, like a "lightning bolt from God."


A majority of MAGA supporters would still vote for a Republican candidate despite a scandal

Florida executes 2 men in one day, including ex-cop who killed girl

A federal judge in Massachusetts has blocked the Trump administration from ending Temporary Protected Status for people from Somalia. Judge Allison Burroughs, who was appointed by President Obama, issued a new administrative stay on Friday. The stay came after plaintiffs, including African Communities Together, filed an amended lawsuit that adds constitutional claims. This follows a recent appeals court decision that removed similar stays for Ethiopia and South Sudan.

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said Democrats are closing ranks around Joe Biden and not allowing other candidates to run in the primary. She made the comment in a podcast interview with Emma Vigeland. Ocasio-Cortez argued that this hurts the party's credibility on democracy, especially while talking about Gaza and Biden's re‑election bid. She warned that the lack of a real primary makes it harder to fight what she calls a fascist threat.

Maine Democrats chose Graham Platner to run for Senate. He is an oyster farmer and a Marine veteran. Platner has been in the news for scandals, including Nazi imagery and allegations of domestic violence.
Cartoonists in the US drew about politics this week. They made funny pictures about leaders and events. Some cartoons showed disagreements between politicians. These drawings help people understand current issues easily.

Officials say Iran is likely behind recent cyberattacks on Minnesota's water systems. The FBI, EPA and CISA have not officially named Iran, but experts think it is responsible. Former President Donald Trump said he does not believe Iran was involved and blamed Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. He made the comments after the FBI warned that similar attacks are spreading to other states.

The National Archives has lent its founding documents to the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) in Seattle. The exhibit runs until August 16. It shows the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. Visitors can see how these papers shaped U.S. freedoms.

David Hearn, a former Olympic athlete, was accused of damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C. He faced up to ten years in prison. On Friday, the U.S. Attorney for D.C., Jeanine Pirro, dropped the charges against him. The case has sparked debate about how the memorial is used and what it says about American politics.

Hunter Biden testified under oath that his family has no money. He said he cannot pay a $17 million legal bill from the law firm Winston Taylor. The firm claims he owes them for work on criminal cases, congressional investigations, and defamation suits. Hunter Biden argues the debt is not his family's responsibility.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for antisemitic remarks. He praised former US President Donald Trump. He warned that Iran poses a serious threat. He spoke in an exclusive interview with Fox News at his Jerusalem residence.

{"The Seattle Times editorial says the Blue Angels should keep flying.","It argues that the team must follow rules and be overseen.","When the Blue Angels obey their own standards, they are magnificent.","If they are excused from rules, they become just a stunt with government paint."}

House progressives introduced a bill to create a Green New Deal for public schools. This is a new version of a bill introduced five years ago. The bill aims to make public schools more environmentally friendly.

Senator John Thune, the Senate Majority Leader, said he will not follow President Trump's pressure. He told Trump to 'show me how this ends' before he will act. Thune's comment shows tension between the White House and Senate leadership. The remark came amid discussions about legislative priorities.

Halperin compares Fauci diary media coverage to Biden's mental decline, calls it another cover-up

Chuck Schumer, the leader of the US Senate Democrats, did not answer a question about the Democratic Socialists of America. He said Democrats will work together to defeat Trump. This is because the Democratic Party is a big group with different ideas.

Senator Josh Hawley questioned Dr. Anthony Fauci during a congressional hearing about his use of the Fifth Amendment. Hawley said Fauci refused to answer even simple questions, like what day it was or the color of his tie. Fauci, who is 85, invoked his right against self‑incrimination many times, according to Hawley. Hawley argued that Fauci does not have that right now and cited an 1896 Supreme Court case to support his claim.

A Republican governor in the US is in trouble online. He disagreed with President Trump's order to send some migrants back to their home countries. The governor said it's not safe for them to go back.
Senator Dick Durbin urged his colleagues to reject a proposal that would increase ICE's powers. He spoke after two fathers were killed in incidents involving ICE officers in Houston and Maine. Durbin said ICE abuses must be stopped before another life is lost. He called the move "sneaky" and warned it could lead to more harm.

The Trump administration is filling immigration courtrooms with many cases. It is giving people less time before their hearings. This fast pace is meant to reduce a long backlog of cases. As a result, more deportation orders are being issued.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani attended the funeral of Army Sergeant Angel Sarah Rampersad in Queens. She was one of three U.S. soldiers killed in an Iranian attack in Jordan on July 17. Mamdani had prepared remarks on an iPad, but his name was never called to speak. The family decided not to let him speak at the service.

Former Representative Cori Bush is trying to win back her seat in Missouri's 1st Congressional District. She lost to Democrat Wesley Bell in the November 2024 election. Bush is campaigning again, saying Bell is too supportive of Israel and too close to the party establishment. Her run is part of a larger effort by socialist Democrats to challenge party leaders.

Adam O'Neal, the opinion editor of The Washington Post, announced he will leave the paper after about one year. His last day will be August 31. He said he joined to lead the opinion section as it started a new chapter and made dramatic changes. Staff were reportedly blindsided by the news.

Hasan Piker, a far-left streamer, said there is a 0% chance the Democratic nominee for president in 2028 will be pro-Israel. He made the comment during an interview with CNN reporter Donie O'Sullivan. O'Sullivan asked if Piker would support the Democratic candidate if they were pro-Israel in a way he disagrees with. Piker replied he does not expect to face that choice because he believes no pro-Israel Democrat will win the nomination.

In 2020, New Jersey passed a law that allowed some prisoners to leave jail early because of COVID-19. The law was supported by Representative Nellie Pou, a Democrat from New Jersey. More than 7,000 inmates were released early under this rule. Later, some of those released people were charged with murder, which led to criticism of the law and Pou.

More than 2,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in ten days. Videos show groups of men, some with swimming flippers, walking and smiling in the streets. Republican Representative Brandon Gill criticized Spain's socialist prime minister, saying the situation results from offering amnesty. Ceuta's government asked for a national emergency declaration.