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Brazil’s Bolsonaro Placed Under House Arrest, Heightening Rift With Trump Administration

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Brazil’s Bolsonaro Placed Under House Arrest, Heightening Rift With Trump Administration

BRASILIA, Brazil (BN24) — Brazil’s Supreme Court on Monday placed former President Jair Bolsonaro under house arrest ahead of his trial for allegedly plotting to overturn the country’s 2022 election, deepening a political standoff that has drawn in U.S. President Donald Trump and prompted new trade sanctions.

The order was issued by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who has become a central figure in Bolsonaro’s legal troubles. Moraes — targeted by U.S. Treasury sanctions last week over allegations of human rights abuses — accused Bolsonaro of repeatedly defying court-imposed restrictions, including efforts to solicit Trump’s interference in the case.

Bolsonaro faces charges before Brazil’s highest court that he conspired with allies to violently contest his loss to leftist President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Trump has denounced the prosecution as a “witch hunt” and announced a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods set to take effect Wednesday, warning that even higher tariffs are possible.

In addition to confining Bolsonaro to his residence in Brasilia, Moraes’s order prohibits him from using a cell phone or receiving visitors other than his lawyers and individuals explicitly authorized by the court. Police seized his phone during the arrest, according to a spokesperson for the former president.

Bolsonaro’s attorneys said they would appeal, calling the order “unjust” and arguing he had complied with all court directives. The former president has long accused Moraes of abusing his authority, telling Reuters last month that the justice was a “dictator” whose rulings were acts of “cowardice.”

The U.S. State Department condemned the house arrest, accusing Moraes of weaponizing Brazilian institutions to “silence opposition and threaten democracy.” It vowed to “hold accountable all those aiding and abetting sanctioned conduct,” though it did not detail additional measures.

Bolsonaro’s arrest came as thousands of his supporters rallied in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday — the largest pro-Bolsonaro demonstrations in months. Addressing the crowd via a phone call to his son, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the former president appeared to test the boundaries of his court-imposed restrictions. Moraes wrote in his decision that Bolsonaro had “repeatedly” sought to circumvent the orders.

“Justice is blind, but not foolish,” the justice said.

Senator Bolsonaro called the arrest “a clear display of vengeance” over U.S. sanctions targeting Moraes. Another son, Congressman Eduardo Bolsonaro, has relocated to the United States, lobbying for his father’s cause and urging Trump to increase pressure on Brazil — a move he claims influenced the new tariff decision.

The charges against Bolsonaro stem from a two-year investigation into his alleged role in Brazil’s election-denial movement, which culminated in the January 2023 riots in Brasilia that drew comparisons to the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol after Trump’s defeat. While criminal cases against Trump have largely stalled, Brazil’s courts have moved quickly against Bolsonaro. In addition to the pending criminal trial, the country’s electoral court has already barred him from holding public office until 2030.

Analysts say the arrest could escalate tensions between Washington and Brasilia. Graziella Testa, a political science professor at the Federal University of Paraná, said Bolsonaro appears to be “consciously provoking escalation” in hopes of turning the case into a political battle with international repercussions.

Leonardo Barreto, a partner at the Think Policy political risk consultancy in Brasilia, warned that the move would likely be interpreted as retaliation for the U.S. Magnitsky sanctions on Moraes, which froze the justice’s assets and accused him of arbitrary detentions and suppressing free speech.

Trump, for his part, has doubled down on his support for Bolsonaro. In a letter shared publicly last month, he wrote: “I have seen the terrible treatment you are receiving at the hands of an unjust system turned against you. This trial should end immediately!”

With the trial looming and tensions flaring between the Trump administration and Brazil’s judiciary, Bolsonaro’s legal and political future appears increasingly uncertain — and the diplomatic fallout is far from over.

State Department Considers Visa Bond Requirement of Up to $15,000 for Some Travelers

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State Department Considers Visa Bond Requirement of Up to $15,000 for Some Travelers

WASHINGTON (BN24) — The U.S. State Department is proposing a new visa requirement that could force certain foreign travelers to post a bond of up to $15,000 before entering the United States, a measure officials say is aimed at curbing visa overstays but critics warn could put U.S. travel out of reach for many.

Under a 12-month pilot program outlined in a notice set for publication in the Federal Register on Tuesday, applicants for temporary business or tourist visas from countries with high overstay rates or inadequate document security systems could be required to post bonds of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000.

The proposal is part of a broader tightening of U.S. entry requirements under President Donald Trump’s administration. Just last week, the State Department announced that more visa renewal applicants would now need to undergo an additional in-person interview, reversing past practice. It is also advancing a rule requiring entrants to the Visa Diversity Lottery program to hold valid passports from their country of citizenship at the time of application.

According to a preview posted Monday on the Federal Register’s website, the bond pilot would take effect within 15 days of formal publication. The department said the measure is intended to ensure the U.S. government is not left financially liable if a visitor fails to comply with visa terms.

The notice specifies that the requirement could apply to travelers who are nationals of countries with both high visa overstay rates and deficiencies in screening or vetting systems, or to those who obtained citizenship through investment programs with no residency requirement. The final list of affected countries will be published when the program begins.

While the bond could be waived depending on individual circumstances, the State Department stressed it would not apply to travelers from the 42 nations participating in the Visa Waiver Program, which allows visits of up to 90 days for business or tourism without a visa. Most Visa Waiver countries are in Europe, with others in Asia, the Middle East and beyond.

Visa bond proposals have surfaced before but were never enacted. Historically, the State Department has discouraged such measures, citing the administrative burden of posting and releasing bonds and concerns about creating negative perceptions abroad. However, in its notice, the department said that previous opposition “is not supported by any recent examples or evidence, as visa bonds have not generally been required in any recent period.”

The move represents a significant policy shift in U.S. travel regulations and could reshape visitor flows from certain countries. The administration has framed the measure as a targeted tool to address compliance issues, while critics are likely to see it as an added barrier to legitimate travel and tourism.

78-Year-Old British Tourist Dies After Falling Ill in Hotel Pool in Greece

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78-Year-Old British Tourist Dies After Falling Ill in Hotel Pool in Greece

Hersonissos, Crete (BN24) — A 78-year-old British woman has died after reportedly falling ill while swimming in a hotel pool in Hersonissos, a popular resort town in Crete. The woman, whose identity has not been released, was pulled from the water but was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders.

Greek authorities have opened a criminal investigation into the incident. Three individuals — two hotel employees, aged 51 and 41, and a 21-year-old lifeguard who was allegedly not on duty at the time — were briefly detained for questioning. All have since been released on bail, but the investigation into the cause of the woman’s death is ongoing.

This incident is the latest in a series of troubling drownings involving British tourists. On July 29, a 52-year-old British man drowned in a hotel pool in Majorca, Spain, near the famed Love Island villa. Emergency responders, including an air ambulance, were dispatched to the scene, but the man was found floating face down in the pool and was declared dead shortly after being pulled from the water.

Both cases have raised concerns over the safety protocols at hotel pools. Greek and Spanish authorities are reviewing whether proper safety measures, including lifeguard coverage and emergency procedures, were in place during these incidents.

Chelsea Confirm Signing of Highly Rated Defender Jorrel Hato from Ajax as Summer Spending Hits £249m

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Chelsea Confirm Signing of Highly Rated Defender Jorrel Hato from Ajax as Summer Spending Hits £249m

London (BN24) — Chelsea Football Club has officially announced the signing of highly-rated Dutch defender Jorrel Hato from Ajax for a reported fee of £38 million. The 19-year-old will join the Blues on a seven-year contract, with an initial payment of £35.5 million, plus potential add-ons.

Hato’s move to Stamford Bridge marks another significant acquisition in Chelsea’s busy summer transfer window, which has seen the club invest heavily in strengthening their squad. The young defender joins a growing list of new arrivals, including Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, and others, as part of Chelsea’s efforts to build for the future.

“I’m very excited, I’m so happy to be here,” Hato said on Chelsea’s official website. “I thought a lot about my future and wanted to take the next step in my career. Chelsea is the best place for me to do that, so I’m very happy.”

Hato’s departure from Ajax has been met with regret from the Eredivisie club. Ajax’s technical director, Alex Kroes, praised the defender’s talent and character, acknowledging the challenge of losing such an important player. “With the transfer of Jorrel, we lose one of our pillars in defense,” Kroes said. “He is not only a very great talent and a good player, but he also has a very good character and personality. We would have preferred to keep him for at least another year, but we understand that he has now set his sights on this wonderful adventure in the Premier League. We wholeheartedly wish him this new challenge and are proud of what he has done for Ajax.”

Hato, who joined Ajax’s academy from Sparta Rotterdam in 2018, signed his first professional contract at the age of 16. His strong performances for the Eredivisie club have made him one of the most sought-after young defenders in Europe.

His arrival at Chelsea marks the club’s eighth summer signing, following a series of high-profile transfers. The Blues have spent significantly, with Hato joining a list that includes Joao Pedro (£60 million), Jamie Gittens (£51.1 million), Liam Delap (£30 million), Estevao Willian (£29.1 million), Dario Essugo (£18.5 million), Mamadou Sarr (£12 million), and Kendry Paez (£17.3 million).

Chelsea’s total summer spending now stands at over £249 million, making them one of the biggest spenders in the Premier League this window. Only Liverpool has spent more, with a total of £295.5 million.

Man Charged with Murder After Setting Girlfriend and Sister Ablaze in South Africa

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Man Charged with Murder After Setting Girlfriend and Sister Ablaze in South Africa

Emalahleni, Mpumalanga (BN24) — Two young women who were severely burned in a violent domestic attack in Emalahleni, Mpumalanga, have died after spending over a week in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The tragic incident, which occurred on July 23, 2025, has led to murder charges against the alleged perpetrator, Mpumelelo Ignitus Hills.

Nompumelelo Gumede, 21, and Antoinette Mbali Hills, 23, were both doused with petrol and set alight during a violent dispute between Nompumelelo and her boyfriend, Mpumelelo Hills, 35. The attack occurred in the midst of an argument over suspicions of infidelity. According to reports, Antoinette, who is also Mpumelelo’s biological sister, attempted to intervene but was tragically caught in the flames.

The two women were rushed to a nearby hospital, where they were admitted to ICU in critical condition. Sadly, after days of battling their injuries, Antoinette passed away on Friday, August 1, 2025, followed by Nompumelelo on Sunday morning, August 3, 2025.

Mpumelelo Hills was initially arrested and charged with two counts of attempted murder. He appeared briefly in Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court on July 30, 2025, where his case was postponed to August 7, 2025. Following the victims’ deaths, authorities confirmed that the charges against him have now been upgraded to two counts of murder.

The tragic events have shocked the local community and raised concerns over escalating domestic violence in the region. Mpumalanga police have vowed to pursue justice for the victims and are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Nigerian Troops Avert Tragedy, Detonate 14 IEDs Planted by Terrorists On Farmlands, In Borno State, Nigeria

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Nigerian Troops Avert Tragedy, Detonate 14 IEDs Planted by Terrorists On Farmlands, In Borno State, Nigeria

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (BN24) — Nigerian Army troops operating under Operation HADIN KAI have safely recovered and detonated 14 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted by terrorists in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, averting what military officials described as a potentially deadly tragedy.

The devices were uncovered during intensified clearance and counter-IED operations across farmlands and rural paths in Bitta and surrounding communities, where insurgents had strategically buried them to target both civilians and military personnel.

Security sources confirmed that the IEDs were deliberately placed along footpaths, farmland corridors, and access roads frequently used by locals and patrol teams, raising concerns over safety during the peak farming season. The targeted areas, crucial to local food production and military logistics, had become increasingly perilous before the Army’s intervention.

Military bomb disposal specialists safely detonated all recovered explosives in controlled operations, preventing casualties and restoring access to essential routes. Troops remain deployed across the region as further clearance operations continue to identify and neutralize additional threats.

The Nigerian Army’s ongoing operations in Borno are part of a broader strategy to dismantle terrorist infrastructure, protect civilians, and restore stability to insurgency-affected areas. Gwoza, once a stronghold of Boko Haram, has seen persistent threats from extremist groups despite military gains in the region.

Authorities have reiterated their commitment to securing rural communities and ensuring that farming and daily activities can proceed without the looming danger of hidden explosives.

Saudi Arabia Executes Three People in Three Days, Marking Sharp Rise in Capital Punishment

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Saudi Arabia Executes Three People in Three Days, Marking Sharp Rise in Capital Punishment

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (BN24) — Saudi Arabia has executed 17 individuals in the span of just three days, including two men put to death on Monday for terrorism-related offenses, marking the country’s fastest rate of capital punishment since 2022 and drawing renewed scrutiny from human rights advocates.

According to the state-run Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the two executions on August 4 followed a weekend wave in which 15 people—mostly foreign nationals—were executed for drug-related offenses. Thirteen of the individuals were convicted of smuggling hashish, and another was executed for smuggling cocaine. Monday’s executions were the first tied to terrorism since the weekend surge.

The recent spike mirrors a grim benchmark not seen since March 2022, when 81 people were executed in a single day for terrorism offenses, prompting international condemnation. With 239 executions already carried out in 2025—including 161 for drug-related crimes and 136 involving foreign nationals—Saudi Arabia is on course to surpass the 338 executions recorded in 2024, the highest since official data became publicly available in the early 1990s.

Jeed Basyouni of the UK-based rights group Reprieve expressed alarm at the intensifying use of capital punishment, particularly for drug offenses involving hashish. “This is particularly concerning given the global trend toward decriminalising the possession and use of hashish,” Basyouni told AFP, adding that foreign nationals continue to make up the majority of those executed in such cases.

Analysts attribute the surge to the kingdom’s aggressive anti-drug campaign launched in 2023. Many of those executed in recent days were arrested in the early stages of the crackdown and have since undergone legal proceedings culminating in capital sentences. Saudi authorities had previously suspended executions for drug-related crimes for nearly three years, but resumed the practice in late 2022.

While the government insists that each execution follows due legal process and serves the dual goals of deterring crime and maintaining national security, human rights advocates argue that the high volume of executions—particularly for non-violent drug offenses—undermines Saudi Arabia’s efforts to present a reformed image to the world.

The rise in capital punishment comes as the kingdom continues to promote Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030, an ambitious initiative aimed at modernizing the country’s economy and enhancing its global standing. Critics contend that the continued application of the death penalty, particularly against low-level offenders, remains at odds with those reformist goals.

Inter Miami Star Lionel Messi Sidelined Indefinitely with Minor Muscle Injury

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Inter Miami Star Lionel Messi Sidelined Indefinitely with Minor Muscle Injury

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (BN24) — Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi has been ruled out indefinitely due to a minor muscle injury in his right leg, the club confirmed in a statement Monday, casting uncertainty over the immediate future of one of Major League Soccer’s biggest stars.

The 38-year-old Argentine icon exited Saturday’s Leagues Cup match against Mexico’s Necaxa just 11 minutes into play after appearing to suffer discomfort in his upper right leg. Though he walked off the pitch under his own power and went straight to the locker room, subsequent scans revealed a muscle strain that will require ongoing assessment.

“The results confirmed a minor muscle injury in his right leg,” the club said. “His medical clearance will depend on his clinical progress and response to treatment.”

The indefinite absence comes at a crucial point in the season for both Messi and Inter Miami. Messi, who is tied for the MLS scoring lead with 18 goals and has tallied nine assists in 18 appearances, has been instrumental in Miami’s surge up the table. His injury not only puts his return timeline in question but also adds pressure to a squad pushing for success in both league and Leagues Cup competition.

Teammate Jordi Alba, who scored a dramatic equalizer in stoppage time to help force penalties in Miami’s 5-4 shootout victory against Necaxa, reflected on the emotional impact of Messi’s early exit. “It was a huge sadness for the whole team,” Alba said after the match.

Miami sits second in its Leagues Cup group with five points and is set to host Mexico’s UNAM Pumas on Wednesday. A win would secure a spot in the tournament’s quarterfinals, but they may now have to do it without their captain and talisman.

The club has not released an expected return date, and Messi’s availability will hinge on his day-to-day recovery.

Hamas Sets Conditions for Red Cross Access to Hostages Following Outcry Over ‘Appalling’ Video

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Hamas Sets Conditions for Red Cross Access to Hostages Following Outcry Over ‘Appalling’ Video

GAZA CITY (BN24) — Hamas said Sunday it is willing to allow Red Cross aid to reach Israeli hostages held in Gaza, but only under strict conditions, including the establishment of permanent humanitarian corridors and a suspension of Israeli aerial operations during aid deliveries.

The announcement came as international condemnation intensified over a recently released video showing an Israeli hostage in severely deteriorated condition. The footage, widely circulated online, depicts Evyatar David — a man abducted by Hamas during the October 7, 2023, attack on a southern Israel music festival — appearing gaunt and emaciated, with his ribs visibly protruding.

Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, called the images “appalling” and said they “expose the barbarity of Hamas.” Her remarks echoed a wave of outrage across Europe and North America as human rights organizations demanded immediate access to the hostages.

Abu Obeidah, a spokesman for the Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’s military wing, said the group was prepared to cooperate with the Red Cross if Israel met its terms. In a statement released late Sunday, Obeidah claimed the group does not deliberately withhold food from captives, insisting that hostages “eat from what our fighters and all our people eat.”

However, he made clear that no aid would be delivered unless Israel guarantees unimpeded access for humanitarian groups and suspends all forms of air traffic during the transfer of supplies. “Humanitarian corridors must be opened in a normal and permanent manner,” he said. “The cessation of enemy aerial sorties of all kinds during the times when the parcels for the captives are being received is also a requirement.”

Hamas’s response comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu steps up efforts to secure aid for hostages, many of whom are believed to be in declining health after nearly 10 months in captivity. Netanyahu said he had spoken with Julien Lerisson, the regional head of the International Committee of the Red Cross, and urged direct involvement in delivering food and medicine to those still being held in Gaza.

“The lie of starvation propagated by Hamas is spreading worldwide,” Netanyahu said. “Systematic starvation is being carried out against Israeli hostages.”

The hostages, taken during the October 7 attack, are at the center of an ongoing crisis that has deepened Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and drawn increased international scrutiny of Hamas’s actions. Over 1,200 people were killed during the attack, which involved coordinated raids by Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups. The hostages, including women and children, were dragged into Gaza amid scenes of chaos and bloodshed.

In a separate development, a senior Hamas official said the October 7 assault had served a broader political purpose by compelling the international community to acknowledge Palestinian statehood. Ghazi Hamad, a member of Hamas’s political bureau, told Al Jazeera the attack had “forced the world to open its eyes to the Palestinian cause.”

“Why are all these countries recognising Palestine now?” Hamad asked. “Had any country dared to recognise the state of Palestine prior to October 7?”

France, the United Kingdom, and Canada have each announced plans to support Palestinian statehood recognition at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly session. Israeli officials have sharply condemned these efforts, calling them a “reward for terrorism.”

The Israeli government maintains that Hamas is using civilians and hostages as leverage, while subjecting its own population to the consequences of the ongoing conflict. Netanyahu has vowed to continue military operations until all hostages are returned and Hamas’s military infrastructure is dismantled.

The debate over hostages and humanitarian aid now forms a critical fault line in the larger geopolitical struggle over Gaza, as calls for ceasefires and international mediation grow louder. With mounting pressure from Western allies and human rights observers, the question remains whether Israel and Hamas can find a temporary path to allow life-saving supplies to reach those caught in the middle.

Texas Governor Threatens Ouster of Democrats Who Fled State Over Trump-Backed Redistricting Plan

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Texas Governor Threatens Ouster of Democrats Who Fled State Over Trump-Backed Redistricting Plan

Abbott vows swift action as Texas Democrats flee to block congressional map aimed at expanding GOP edge

AUSTIN, Texas (BN24) — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Sunday threatened to seek the removal of dozens of Democratic lawmakers who left the state to prevent a vote on Republican-drawn U.S. House maps that President Donald Trump is backing ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

The warning from Abbott comes after more than 50 Democratic members of the Texas House fled to states like Illinois and New York in a dramatic bid to deny the GOP-controlled chamber a quorum. The walkout halts a scheduled Monday vote on a redistricting plan that would add five Republican-leaning congressional seats in Texas, potentially solidifying the GOP’s fragile majority in the U.S. House.

Abbott, a Republican, accused the lawmakers of abandoning their duties and warned that he would pursue their removal from office if they do not return by the time the House reconvenes Monday afternoon. He cited a 2021 non-binding legal opinion by Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton suggesting courts might rule such lawmakers have forfeited their positions. The governor also hinted that Democrats could face felony charges for fundraising efforts tied to paying fines associated with their absence.

“This truancy ends now,” Abbott said Sunday.

In a terse response, Texas House Democrats issued a defiant statement: “Come and take it.”

The unfolding political standoff centers on congressional maps drawn to favor Republicans in a state already dominated by the GOP. Texas currently has 25 Republican-held seats among its 38 total, and the proposed changes could further entrench GOP control by targeting areas where Democrats have made gains in recent years.

President Trump, looking to avoid the setbacks he suffered during his first term when Democrats seized control of the House in 2018, has personally pushed for new district lines that could increase Republican influence. His political advisers are also reportedly considering redistricting initiatives in other GOP-led states.

The Democrats’ exodus echoes a similar maneuver in 2021, when they fled to Washington to oppose a voting restrictions bill. They stayed away for more than five weeks but eventually returned, and Republicans passed the legislation without changes.

This time, Abbott appears less willing to wait.

Under Texas House rules, a quorum requires at least two-thirds of the 150-member chamber to be present. Democrats hold 62 seats, and at least 51 members have left the state, according to House Democratic Caucus spokesperson Josh Rush Nisenson.

Despite the exodus, Republican House Speaker Dustin Burrows said the chamber would still convene Monday as scheduled. He warned that if a quorum isn’t met, Republicans would consider “all options,” echoing language used by Democrats in the past.

Paxton, who is now running for U.S. Senate, posted on X (formerly Twitter) that Democrats should be “found, arrested, and brought back to the Capitol immediately.”

In 2021, the Texas Supreme Court upheld the House’s authority to compel absent members to return, but no lawmakers were physically forced back. Since then, the Legislature has approved a rule allowing daily fines of $500 for lawmakers who fail to appear, a penalty some Democrats have sought to cover through fundraising.

The standoff has broader implications, delaying action on other legislative priorities, including emergency flood relief and disaster warning systems following last month’s devastating floods that left at least 136 people dead. Democrats had urged votes on those measures before turning to redistricting, accusing Republicans of misplaced priorities.

Democratic lawmakers arriving in Chicago on Sunday were welcomed by Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, who has been quietly coordinating with Texas Democrats in recent weeks. Pritzker, widely viewed as a possible 2028 presidential contender, said he began contingency planning in June with Texas Democratic Chair Kendall Scudder. California Gov. Gavin Newsom has also voiced support, holding similar events to rally opposition to the redistricting efforts.

“This is not just rigging the system in Texas, it’s about rigging the system against the rights of all Americans for years to come,” Pritzker said.

Rep. Gene Wu, leader of the Texas House Democratic Caucus, declined to say how long the lawmakers intend to remain out of state, but emphasized their commitment to resisting the redistricting plan.

“We will do whatever it takes,” Wu said.

As tensions rise, both parties appear locked in a standoff that could shape the makeup of Congress for years. The political clash has spilled beyond Texas borders, drawing national attention to redistricting battles that are poised to intensify in the lead-up to the 2026 elections.

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