Police departments across the United States have faced disciplinary actions after officers used automated license‑plate reader (ALPR) cameras, such as Flock, to track individuals in personal relationships, with dozens of cases reported in 2025. Flock cameras, solar‑powered ALPR devices, are installed at about 80,000 locations nationwide and record billions of plates each month, supporting a business valued at $8.3 billion. Their use has expanded since 2013, when the ACLU noted that only a tiny fraction of scanned plates related to serious crimes. In Milwaukee, officer Josue Ayala searched the plate of a romantic partner more than 200 times and also looked up his partner’s ex, leading to criminal charges, resignation and a one‑year probation sentence. Officer Tehrangi Chapman, tasked with the investigation, was later charged with misuse of GPS information for similar conduct. The libertarian Institute for Justice identified at least 24 comparable incidents across 24 states in the previous two years, most resulting in criminal charges and job loss. Six new cases were reported this month alone in Illinois, South Carolina, Texas, California, Georgia and Wisconsin. Chad Marlow, senior policy counsel at the ACLU, said the cameras can reveal “deeply personal and private information” about individuals and their movements. Flock Safety, the company that operates the cameras, has provided comment through press releases about its audit assistance tool. Mother Jones previously reported on California counties using ALPRs to collect data on people not suspected of crimes, and the ACLU noted in 2013 that only 47 of every million plates scanned in Maryland were linked to serious crimes. The company’s CEO, Garrett Langley, previously said he wanted cameras “on every corner,” and apologized after labeling activists “terroristic.” Grassroots groups such as DeFlock have mapped camera locations, and at least 30 municipalities have ended contracts with Flock in 2025. Marlow expects public opposition to government surveillance to continue growing as the technology’s potential for abuse becomes more evident.
Congress, the White House, elections, and the policies shaping the country.
The United States, together with Mexico and Canada, was selected in 2018 to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the final will be played in East Rutherford, New Jersey, a town of about 10,000 residents.
The arrangement places the responsibility for security, transportation and other operational costs on host municipalities, which must cover expenses that can reach $150 million per city, while expected revenue gains are uncertain.
East Rutherford Mayor Jeffrey Lahullier said the town must allocate more than $100,000 for police overtime from a $34 million municipal budget, describing the event as “hosting eight Super Bowls” without a clear profit outlook.
Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor, who helped secure a $937 million stadium deal for the San Francisco 49ers in 2010, noted that the city expected no direct cost to the municipality, but later observed declining revenues from concert-related taxes and rising security expenses.
In Foxborough, Massachusetts, the town with a population of 19,000 withheld a permit for World Cup matches at Gillette Stadium until the Patriots owner pledged $7.8 million for security, after which the town filed a counterclaim asserting that the venue’s private operator is contractually required to fund public safety.
Inglewood Mayor James Butts reported that his city’s annual event count has risen to about 400 and that stadium‑related tax revenues now represent nearly 10 percent of the general fund, helping the city improve its bond rating from BBB‑ to AA+.
Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel explained that his city declined to bid on World Cup matches because the hosting agreement treated taxpayers as a “dumb money” source, a stance he said reflected a recognition of a bad financial deal.
Political disputes also emerged in New York and New Jersey, where officials contested FIFA’s requirements for fan transportation funding and the sale of stadium grass as memorabilia, prompting FIFA to modify its policy after local pressure.
Historical precedent shows that professional sports franchises have relocated from city centers to suburban venues since the 1960s, often after contentious negotiations with local officials, as seen with the Boston Patriots, New York Giants and Miami Dolphins.
The small‑town mayors face logistical challenges, including traffic management for half‑million‑person event attendance and the need to expand police and emergency services, while the economic benefit to the host community remains contingent on longer‑term revenue streams.
Although FIFA promises publicity and economic impact, the transactional nature of the hosting agreement means that municipalities must weigh upfront expenditures against uncertain returns, a dynamic that has been repeated across multiple World Cup host cities worldwide.
David Jolly, a former U.S. congressman running for Florida governor as a Democrat, addressed attendees at the Florida Democratic Party’s Leadership Blue conference in Orlando on Saturday, urging Democrats to win the November gubernatorial race and criticizing Republican Rep. Byron Donalds.
The three‑day Leadership Blue conference, held at Disney World, featured speeches from Jolly and his running mate, Lt. Gov. candidate Gwen Graham, as well as remarks from other Democratic figures.
Jolly said that if the election were held immediately the Democrats would win, drawing applause from the crowd. He warned that continued control by the same interests that have dominated Tallahassee for 30 years would prevent change, and described Donalds as a “vessel” for deep‑pocketed interests, saying Donalds had chosen to be “bought.” He also noted that Donalds supports data centers and for‑profit schools.
Jolly, who previously served as a Republican, said the problem in politics is not switching parties but refusing to change, and asserted his home is now the Democratic Party. He said Democrats must attract independent voters and disaffected Republicans, acknowledging that Florida’s registered‑voter advantage belongs to Republicans.
Graham introduced Jolly, noting her lifelong affiliation with the Democratic Party and joking about Jolly’s claim that she was a Democrat “in the womb,” which drew laughter. Jolly added that math is math, referring to the registration numbers.
The conference highlighted the need for a broader coalition to defeat the incumbent party in November, with Jolly emphasizing coalition building and the practical realities of Florida’s electoral landscape.
Lt. Gov. Jay Collins said he is frustrated that the November ballot amendment to increase homestead exemptions does not include a grant program for fiscally constrained counties. The amendment would raise the homestead exemption on non‑school levies to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, with future increases tied to the consumer price index. Under the proposal, local governments would limit ad valorem revenue use to categories such as public safety, infrastructure, schools, natural resource projects, debt service, pensions and government operations, and would fund county constitutional officers and commissions. Collins said the grant was intended to help counties with low industry and home values reset their property tax rolls without providing long‑term subsidies. He noted that the 29 constrained counties, which include Baker, Bradford, Calhoun, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Glades, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Okeechobee, Putnam, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Wakulla and Washington, could lose 20% to one third of their revenue if the amendment passes, according to the Florida Association of Counties. Governor Ron DeSantis supports the amendment but said he will not campaign for it because of changes made in the legislative process, and other candidates, including U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, share similar concerns about the impact on poorer rural counties. The amendment lacks a grant provision, but supporters said a program could be created during the implementation session after voter approval.
Bale Dalton’s campaign reported more than $500,000 in contributions during the second quarter, bringing his total fundraising to over $1.2 million and leaving him with $763,000 in cash on hand at the end of June, according to his campaign filings. Mills, the incumbent Republican who won the seat in 2022, reported $81,000 cash on hand at the close of the quarter and has previously self‑funded nearly $2 million in other races, as stated in his comments to Florida Politics. Dalton has added endorsements from state Representative RaShon Young and Maitland Mayor John Lowndes, and received the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s Red to Blue endorsement in June, making him the only Democrat in the district to secure DCCC backing before the primary. His fundraising breakdown includes $385,000 from individual donors and $125,000 from PACs, including the Blue Dog PAC, Fair Shot PAC, and contributions from the campaigns of former Representatives Stephanie Murphy, Jared Golden, and Hakeem Jeffries, as well as the JEFF PAC and Frontline Fighters. Dalton holds six times the cash of any other Democrat in the race, compared with former Representative Alan Grayson, who reported $34,000 in contributions and $121,000 cash on hand after loaning himself more than $30,000, and Marialana Kinter, who raised $175,000 and ended June with $114,000 remaining. Dalton will face a Democratic primary on August 18 and, if nominated, will contest Mills in the November general election. The fundraising lead may affect the competitiveness of the race, which could determine control of the House seat in a district that turned Republican in 2022. Mills said he will fund the campaign as needed based on opponent fundraising and polling data, and has indicated he is prepared to self‑finance if necessary.
In Wiscasset, Maine, on July 18, 2026, Maine Democrats began the process to select a successor to former nominee Graham Platner.
In Wiscasset, Maine, on July 18, 2026, Maine Democrats began the process to select a successor to former nominee Graham Platner. The two-day delegate-selection process involved meetings in eight counties and resulted in 319 of 500 open delegate slots being chosen on Saturday. Jackson-aligned candidates won a majority of the slots, while supporters of Nirav Shah and Shenna Bellows each received a small number of slots. In Cumberland County, Jackson-aligned candidates secured all delegate positions, and the final alternate delegate was selected by drawing names from a baseball cap. Observers view the race as an important opportunity for Senate Democrats, as Republican Susan Collins is the only Republican seeking reelection in a state that Donald Trump lost in 2024. Jackson said the contest is likely the biggest in the country and noted that Collins is a different type of opponent. Jackson's campaign mobilized volunteers from more than a dozen unions and made extensive phone outreach to recruit delegates. Flyers with delegate slates were distributed, and many volunteers wore "Jackson for Maine" shirts from his previous gubernatorial run. Jackson previously received Bernie Sanders' endorsement in the gubernatorial race and had campaigned with Platner before calling for Platner's withdrawal after reports of sexual assault allegations, which Platner denied and then withdrew his candidacy. Some voters reported receiving numerous calls and texts from multiple campaigns and expressed concerns that advance-slated delegate slates limited their participation. Richard Zandler, an uncommitted delegate, said his lack of affiliation with a candidate reduced his chances of being selected. Shah said his campaign would keep up pressure and continue persuading undecided delegates. Jackson posted a social media video thanking supporters and indicating that the campaign was moving forward.
In March, a Zoom meeting of two detectives, an Ohio DCFS caseworker and a Cleveland Clinic physician examined the broken collarbone suffered by Rep. Max Miller's two-year-old daughter. The bruising around the clavicle led the investigators to question whether the injury resulted from a high-impact event. The child's father and mother have denied knowledge of the cause. Moreno said she feared the child's injuries might have been inflicted while under Miller's care. Investigative records show that she reported Miller had previously thrown hot water at her, shoved her, and held a gun to her head.
Medical experts described the bruising near the fracture as resembling a handprint, and the child told investigators that Miller's house was "scary," according to a Bay Village police report.
More than 2,000 pages of court filings and police reports obtained by Mother Jones detail additional allegations, including drug use, misogynistic remarks, and violent behavior toward multiple women, as well as an implicit threat directed at Sen. Bernie Moreno.
Miller's defense has repeatedly objected to the relevance of many accusations, citing procedural rules, and has denied involvement in the alleged incidents.
Legal filings reveal that Miller has been charged in the past with drug possession and a traffic incident in 2011, during which toxicology reports indicated the presence of MDMA and Klonopin, though those charges were not pursued.
Emily Moreno has not filed a police report for injuries she says Miller caused, and she told investigators she feared no one would believe her.
Cuyahoga County's child protective services concluded its investigation was "unsubstantiated," finding insufficient evidence to support a finding of abuse.
Miller's ongoing defamation lawsuits against Moreno and former White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham remain pending, as does his campaign for reelection in Ohio's 7th District, where a recent poll shows him leading his Democratic opponent by a single percentage point.
Political analysts note that the legal controversies may affect Miller's reelection prospects, though no formal charges have been filed.
As of now, the matter remains unresolved, with both parties continuing to dispute the allegations in court.
FTX’s bankruptcy proceedings have continued for more than three years after the exchange collapsed. Founder Sam Bankman‑Fried was convicted of fraud and sentenced to prison. The court appointed a law firm to serve as lead counsel, a choice that a bipartisan group of senators and several legal experts said could create conflicts of interest. The bankruptcy judge and an independent examiner approved the appointment. Customers are receiving compensation in cash rather than the cryptocurrency they held. The value of each claim is tied to the price of crypto when FTX filed for bankruptcy, which was near its lowest point. Lidia Favario, an Italian artist, told the court that the plan tramples on her contractual and ownership rights. The second episode of the Reveal podcast examines the decisions that shaped what may become one of the largest U.S. bankruptcies. The estate’s written statement to Reveal is available for review.
Darline Graham was appointed this week to fill the remainder of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham's term, which ends in January 2027. She has worked in vocational rehabilitation and public programs that help people with disabilities obtain employment. She has never held elected office. Colleagues and disability advocates say she is a dedicated civil servant who avoids the spotlight and possesses extensive knowledge of disability issues. They note her involvement in the 2022 South Carolina law that ended subminimum wage for people with disabilities, which passed unanimously in the state Senate and House. Graham has served as head of the state Commission for the Blind since 2019, overseeing employment and training programs for the blind and visually impaired. David Houck, executive director of the Federation Center of the Blind, said her experience gives the blind community useful connections. The appointment occurs amid proposals to cut Medicaid funding and to move special education oversight from the Department of Education to the Department of Health and Human Services, changes that could affect disability services. Graham said she will work to support the president and continue her brother’s efforts for South Carolina and the United States. She contributed $100 to Katrina Shealy’s 2020 Senate re‑election campaign, the only political donation she has made since 1990. She will serve until the 2026 election, when a full term will be decided.
David Crowley re-entered the Wisconsin Democratic primary on Saturday, receiving an endorsement from former Governor Tony Evers. The primary is scheduled for August 11 and will decide the party's nominee for governor. Democrats are seeking to win the governor's office for the first time since 2010 and to potentially flip the state legislature, which Republicans have controlled since 2011. Crowley, 40, had paused his campaign two weeks earlier before returning after Evers' support. Evers, who was traveling in Africa, posted on social media that he was "all in" for Crowley, citing his executive experience. At a campaign event in Milwaukee, Crowley said he would run a more aggressive primary campaign and emphasize his ability to build a broad coalition and work across partisan lines. He noted that Evers' endorsement demonstrated confidence in his experience. Crowley faces opponents including former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes, state Senator Kelda Roys, and Joel Brennan, a former aide to Evers. Democratic socialist Francesca Hong also remains in the race. Republican Tom Tiffany, who has minimal primary opposition, criticized Crowley as "asleep at the wheel" and linked his comeback to a "socialist" platform. The Republican Governors Association described the Democratic contest as chaotic.
Yolanda, a luxury suite runner at SoFi Stadium since 2021, said she saw federal immigration agents patrolling the venue and parking area, and she offered extra “Kick ICE Out” buttons to an agent who looked at them and walked away. About 2,000 food and beverage workers at the stadium voted and ratified a contract in early June that raises wages and includes a provision allowing workers to stop work if immigration officers threaten safety. The agreement bars the stadium’s employer and owner Stan Kroenke from subcontracting the work to other firms and eliminates future requirements for workers to provide personal data such as driver’s licenses, social security numbers, and home addresses for accreditation. Cesar, a bartender at SoFi for five years, said the data request was “a little disturbing” because the information could be shared with immigration officials, but the workers wanted to keep their jobs. Kurt Petersen, co‑president of UNITE HERE Local 11, said FIFA’s contract permits sharing worker information with intelligence and law enforcement agencies, a practice the union learned about only after the accreditation process began. The new contract also prevents similar data collection requirements for future events, including the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and follows terms used in more than 100 other stadium, airport and hotel concession agreements that expire before the Olympics. The contract’s safety clause is intended to protect workers from intimidation, and union officials say it sets a precedent for future large‑scale events in the United States.
Ralph Norman, a Republican representative from South Carolina, announced on Saturday that he will seek the U.S. Senate seat vacated by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, which will be decided in a special primary on August 11 with a possible runoff on August 25. The announcement followed former President Donald Trump's statement that he had asked Graham's sister, Darline Graham, to run for the seat and pledged his endorsement.
Graham died on July 11 at age 71 after a brief illness, prompting a Republican scramble for the seat he had held since 2003. Governor Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham as an interim senator on Tuesday, the first sibling to serve temporarily and the first woman to represent South Carolina in the Senate. Candidates may file for the election next week; former Graham challenger Mark Lynch, attorney Duke Buckner, and Representative Nancy Mace have indicated interest.
Norman, 73, a member of the House Freedom Caucus, said he would focus on passing the Save America Act and eliminating the filibuster, describing his campaign as a continuation of Graham's legacy while emphasizing President Trump's agenda. He told Fox host Kayleigh McEnany that he would be laser-focused on the legislation and the filibuster vote on day one. Although he sought Trump's support, he said the president's decision to back Darline Graham did not deter him, adding that he remains committed to winning the primary. Former Senator Rick Scott of Florida and Senator Mike Lee of Utah issued statements of support for Norman's bid on Friday.
The special primary will determine the Republican nominee who will face Democrat Annie Andrews in the November general election. The outcome of the primary remains undecided, and the filing deadline for candidates is set for next week.
Rick Scott and Donald Trump have expressed differing views on the South Carolina Republican Senate primary. In a Fox News interview, Scott endorsed Representative Ralph Norman, citing Norman's fiscal conservatism and experience. The primary, scheduled for next month, will select the Republican nominee to replace the late Lindsey Graham. Trump had previously endorsed Darline Graham, the sister of the late senator, urging her to run and pledging his full support. Scott's endorsement represents a divergence from Trump's choice.
LJ Holloway filed a fundraising report covering April, May and June that showed $12,447 in total receipts from 17 donations, led by a $2,000 contribution from the Chiweenie Trust, and $8,001 in expenditures, leaving $24,450 in cash on hand after transfers from previous campaigns.
Brit Robinson, another Democratic candidate in the district, retained $5,019 at the end of the period.
The Democratic Socialists of America candidate raised $29,446 all‑inclusive, out‑raising Holloway for the cycle.
Michael Kirwan, a former Jacksonville Ethics Commission chair, reported $719,151 in receipts and $291,690 in cash on hand.
Holloway said she has refused money from big business and developer donors, emphasizing that she has no PAC and contributes only from small individuals, while noting that she remains “for the people, not the powerful.”
A Tyson Group poll placed Holloway 31 points ahead of Kirwan, citing her higher name recognition in the district that includes Jacksonville’s Northside and Westside, Clay County and all of Nassau County.
Kirwan’s campaign said its own polling shows a different race with the candidate ahead, and questioned why a Republican‑aligned polling firm would be involved in a Democratic primary.
Incumbent Republican Aaron Bean, who entered Congress after serving in the Florida Senate, has raised more than $2 million this cycle and retains over $1.5 million, having won 57 % of the vote in 2024 and performed strongly outside Duval County.
The district’s partisan registration is roughly 41 % Republican and 34 % Democratic, and the Democratic primary winner will face Bean in the general election.
All major Republican candidates for Florida's August 18 gubernatorial primary spent more than they raised during the week ending July 10, according to campaign finance reports.
Rep. Byron Donalds' campaign and his affiliated political committee spent approximately $6.95 million, including $5.8 million on an advertising purchase from Del Cielo Media, and raised about $810,000 from donors such as two DeSantis allies, University of Florida Board members, Patrick Zalupski's Dream Finder Homes and Mori Hosseini's ICI Homes.
Lt. Gov. Jay Collins raised less than $9,300 and spent more than $2.1 million, with $2 million allocated to media placement by Red Line Media, leaving him with roughly $1.1 million in cash reserves.
Businessman James Fishback raised under $6,500 and spent more than $75,000, primarily on travel and lodging, ending the week with less than $50,000 on hand.
Former House Speaker Paul Renner recorded minimal activity, raising just over $9,200 and spending just over $2,100, and maintaining about $2 million in available funds.
With one month remaining before the primary, the varying cash positions may influence campaign tactics as candidates prepare for the August 18 vote.