INTERNACIONAL
Missouri’s redistricting mess created an election problem Supreme Court has days to untangle
Missouri’s congressional map fight is hurtling toward another potential Supreme Court showdown, with courts at odds over which districts should govern the November election after more than 1.2 million Missourians voted in the August primary under a different map.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit ruled Monday that Missouri must use its 2025 congressional map in November, finding that switching to the state’s 2022 districts after the primary would violate the U.S. Constitution. But the appeals court paused its order until Sept. 28, 2026, opening a narrow window for another visit to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Abhishek Kambli, a partner at Holtzman Vogel and former deputy associate attorney general at the Justice Department, told Digital the Supreme Court’s previous intervention does not necessarily signal how the justices will handle the latest ruling.
«It’s unpredictable how they’ll rule, mostly because we didn’t get their reasoning in the last order,» Kambli said. «So, we don’t know the precise reason why they decided to stay at that time.»
ELECTION CHAOS IN THIS RED STATE JUST GOT EVEN STRANGER FOR REPUBLICANS AFTER SUPREME COURT RULING
The Supreme Court previously stayed a federal district court’s temporary restraining order requiring Missouri to use the 2025 map. The Eighth Circuit has now directed the lower court to enter a permanent injunction requiring the newer districts, putting the dispute in a different procedural posture.
«So unless the Supreme Court steps in again, the state will be required to use the seven-one map for this election,» Kambli said.
Missouri held its Aug. 4, 2026, primary under the 2025 map. Roughly a month later, the Missouri Supreme Court ruled that voters could challenge the map through a referendum, leaving the 2022 districts in place for the November election.
Kambli said switching congressional maps between the primary and general election raises serious constitutional concerns.
«You would have had a large number of Missourians who would have been disenfranchised because they voted for one set of candidates in the primary and will be voting for another set in the general,» Kambli said.
MISSOURI AG FILES PETITION ASKING SUPREME COURT TO REVIVE TRUMP-BACKED REDISTRICTING MAP
«And what’s even more concerning is sometimes those candidates are unopposed so that they miss their only chance to vote as a result of what the Missouri Supreme Court did here,» Kambli continued. «So that’s what’s really at issue — is whether everyone gets an equal voice in a situation where the primary election is integral to the electoral system of the state.»
But Yale law professor Akhil Amar and University of California, Davis, law professor Vikram Amar have argued the opposite. After the Supreme Court’s earlier stay, Vikram wrote on SCOTUSblog that using the 2025 map in November would not protect anyone’s right to vote if those lines were never legally in effect. Akhil agreed with his analysis.
«HB1’s district lines lack the force of law, full stop,» Vikram wrote. «These lines cannot be used wrongly in November just because they were previously used wrongly in the primary. Two wrongs do not make (or vindicate) a right (to vote).»
Meanwhile, Kambli placed much of the blame for the eleventh-hour legal scramble over which map to use on the Missouri Supreme Court, arguing the turmoil was «entirely preventable.»
VIRGINIA GOP, DEMS BATTLE IT OUT OVER REDISTRICTING BEFORE STATE SUPREME COURT
Kambli argued that the Missouri Supreme Court could have resolved the map dispute earlier, noting that the issue remained unsettled even after the candidate filing deadline passed.
Alicia Bannon, senior director of the Judiciary Program at the Brennan Center for Justice, pointed instead to delays by Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins as a key reason the dispute dragged on.
Opponents of the 2025 map submitted more than 300,000 signatures in December 2025, but Hoskins did not formally reject the referendum petition until Aug. 4, the day of the primary.
«Time passed. And passed further,» Bannon wrote for State Court Report. «As early as December 2025, Hoskins asserted in separate federal litigation that a referendum on redistricting was not authorized by the state constitution. But he held off on issuing a certificate on that basis — which would have triggered judicial review — instead going through a lengthy process of verifying petition signatures.»
Bannon wrote that the Missouri Supreme Court’s criticism of Hoskins’ delays stood out, particularly the court’s rejection of his argument that it had waited too long to intervene.
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The Missouri Supreme Court ultimately ruled that the referendum could proceed and faulted Hoskins for the delay, saying he had «created the confusion, expense, and practical difficulties of which he complains.»
Kambli argued the Purcell principle, under which federal courts generally avoid changing election rules close to Election Day because of the potential for disruption, weighs in favor of keeping the 2025 map because Missouri already used it for the primary.
«The Eighth Circuit said that the Purcell principles support the injunction, not go against it,» Kambli said.
Bannon also warned that courts being too cautious can create its own problems.
«It’s an approach that’s understandable in some circumstances but can also incentivize shenanigans to evade judicial review while harming voters’ rights,» Bannon wrote.
Bannon suggested earlier court action in Missouri could have helped avoid the last-minute dispute, including by moving the primary or setting a firm deadline for the referendum petition.
But regardless of whether the Supreme Court decides to weigh in, the referendum will still be on the ballot.
«If the Supreme Court does not stay the Eighth Circuit injunction, there’s no doubt that the 7-1 map is what will be in effect for this election. There’s still going to be a referendum on the ballot deciding that issue for future elections, but for this one, that’s how it’ll be decided,» Kambli said.
federal courts, midterm elections, elections disputes, elections state and local, voting, missouri, congress, judiciary
INTERNACIONAL
Dems shamed as DHS brings ICE shooting receipts after politician called ICE officers ‘liars with masks’
The Department of Homeland Security called out dozens of Democrats and members of the media for «spreading lies» about a recent ICE officer-involved shooting in Austin, while a former agency director suggested the political response may be by design.
Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, a 28-year-old Venezuelan national whom DHS says is an illegal immigrant in the U.S., was shot by an ICE agent during a chase Sunday. Perez was arrested and taken to a nearby hospital, where he was treated and listed in stable condition. The shooting has prompted protests in Austin and criticism from Democrats.
On Tuesday, more than 100 Democratic members of Congress signed a letter demanding Perez’s release and saying he «is not receiving the care he needs in detention» and «still has the bullet lodged in his body.»
In a separate statement, Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, said «despite losing movement on his left side and having a bullet lodged next to his spine, ICE has forced Wilber Rafael Garcés Pérez out of the hospital and back to the South Texas ICE Processing Center.» Rep. Greg Casar, D-Texas, called ICE «liars with masks» and demanded the agency leave Austin.
DEM REACTIONS WITHIN MOMENTS OF AUSTIN ICE SHOOTING SPARK VIRAL OUTRAGE LOCALLY, ONLINE: ‘DISQUALIFYING’
In response, DHS posted on X that «sanctuary politicians and the media wasted no time in spreading lies» and that «no amount of smears and false narratives will slow down ICE from doing its job to arrest illegal aliens from our communities.»
DHS called the claim that ICE refused to remove the bullet from Perez’s body «false.» The agency said ICE «does not and would not advise, nor be the authority on, a medical procedure for an illegal alien at a hospital.» Addressing reports that Perez was denied pain medication and made to sleep on the floor, DHS said Perez is «receiving medical care around the clock, including pain medication,» and that after being released from the hospital, he slept on a bed a few hours after arriving at ICE’s detention facility.
The agency also disputed statements from Perez’s lawyer that Perez entered the country legally and has a work permit. DHS said he «entered the country illegally under the Biden Administration» and «had no valid work permit, had no protective status, and had a final order of removal from a Department of Justice (DOJ) Immigration Judge.»
FEDERAL JUDGE TEMPORARILY BLOCKS DEPORTATION OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT SHOT BY ICE OFFICER IN AUSTIN, ATTORNEY SAYS
DHS said ICE «will not be slowing down nor leaving Austin.»
«DHS is tasked with enforcing the laws passed by Congress. We do not pick and choose which laws to enforce or where to enforce them. We will continue to enforce our nation’s laws,» the agency said.
Former acting ICE Director Jonathan Fahey, who served toward the end of President Donald Trump’s first term, suggested some of the political pushback was by design.
«The irony of it all is, with these ICE incidents, it’s not just coincidental that the Democrats are against ICE performing their function of enforcing immigration laws… they don’t want them actually doing their jobs,» Fahey said in an interview with Digital.
«They try to build these situations up to try to get negative attention toward ICE and more political pressure on them and advance their political agenda.»
Fahey suggested the Democratic Party’s «whole goal» is an open Mexican border and mass amnesty. He argued that Democrats’ response to the Austin incident shows they do not want what he considers responsible enforcement, but no enforcement.
«They seem to have doubled down on [the ‘mass amnesty’ agenda] after the 2024 election, which in some respects is surprising,» he said. «My opinion is their motive is… for the people here open the border because they think that will help them electorally currently and in the future – and all the other stuff is just noise to help achieve that.»
BRANDON GILL UNLOADS ON DEMOCRATS OVER ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT CHARGED WITH RAPING TEEN: ‘COLLATERAL DAMAGE’
Asked about Casar’s demands that DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin «preserve every piece of evidence,» suspend the agent in question and brief Congress, Fahey said it would be irresponsible for DHS to brief Congress before the investigation is complete.
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«That’s mostly going to be a distraction,» he said. «Congress wants to exercise oversight over this particular instance. I think the more appropriate thing would be after DHS has concluded their investigation [for] all of that [to be] done. I don’t think the secretary would have any issue preserving evidence. I think they’ll be doing that anyway.»
«I don’t think that’s a concern. But turning stuff over for hearing this early seems premature at the least,» he said.
immigration, illegal immigrants, homeland security, sanctuary cities, deportation, texas, austin
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UNITED NATIONS — Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs warned Wednesday that military cooperation between Russia and Iran poses a growing security concern, telling Fox News Digital in an on-camera interview that Iranian drone technology has helped Moscow wage war in Ukraine as Latvia prepares to contribute to a U.S.-led effort in the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, Rinkēvičs said Latvia, a country of approximately 1.84 million and still a core member of NATO’s eastern flank, has already made the political decision to send military specialists to support international operations in the Middle East in response to President Donald Trump’s request for European assistance.
«Yes, I am concerned. Actually, we have already seen Iran helping Russia a lot, especially at the very beginning of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine,» Rinkēvičs said when asked about the growing cooperation between Moscow and Tehran.
PUTIN AND IRAN ‘NEED EACH OTHER DESPERATELY,’ EXPERT SAYS, AS RUSSIA VOICES SUPPORT FOR REGIME
Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs speaks with reporters during U.N. General Assembly High-Level Week in New York City. (Brooke Curto/Fox News Digital)
«The first drones Iranian made, or Iranian-designed drones, were used by Russia. Now Russians are actually modernizing them, making completely new technologies. But, actually, the design is still Iranian.»
Earlier this week, Fox News Digital revealed documents obtained from the Russian Foreign Ministry detailing a roadmap between Russia and Iran for cooperation between 2024-2026 in multiple fields, including nuclear, finance and aviation, as well as infrastructure.
Asked whether Europe should take a more active role in countering Iran’s military activities and respond to Trump’s call for support, Rinkēvičs confirmed that Latvia has already taken steps toward joining an international effort in the Strait of Hormuz.
BATTLE-TESTED ZELENSKYY SOUNDS CHILLING ALARM ON WHERE PUTIN’S WAR COULD HEAD NEXT
Soldiers walk along a road near a training range in Pabradė, north of the capital Vilnius, Lithuania, March 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis)
«From our side, we have already made a parliamentary decision. That our EOD (explosive ordnance disposal) diver specialists could be sent to the Strait of Hormuz or to the Middle East to help out the United States, the coalition that is being formed,» he said.
Rinkēvičs said Latvia hopes military activities will give way to a political solution and the restoration of global energy supplies, while expressing skepticism about the prospects for negotiations with Tehran and Moscow.
«It’s very, very difficult to have diplomacy with Iran. It’s very difficult with Russia,» he said.
Turning to the security situation in Europe, Rinkēvičs said Latvia does not see evidence of an imminent Russian military invasion despite growing concerns about Moscow’s intentions toward NATO’s eastern flank.
«If Russia were able to attack us … that would have happened already,» he said. «The Russian military is not the same as it used to be back in 2022. Remember they tried to take Kyiv in three days. They are still trying to take some certain small pieces of Ukrainian territory 4½ years after the full-fledged.»
IRAN’S DRONE HUNT ESCALATES AS TEHRAN TARGETS US SPY TECH TO EXPOSE BATTLEFIELD SECRETS
Iran conducts joint military exercises with Russia in the Strait of Hormuz after the U.S. deployed surveillance drones. (Iranian Army/Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Explaining the immediate threat to Latvia comes instead from sabotage, cyberattacks and information campaigns, which he described as intensifying, adding that European leaders face the difficult task of preparing their populations for potential threats without creating unnecessary panic.
Rinkēvičs also warned that NATO must accelerate its adaptation to the rapidly changing nature of warfare, particularly the growing role of drones and missile technology.
While traditional military equipment, including tanks and armored personnel carriers, remains essential, the president said the war in Ukraine has demonstrated how quickly new technologies are transforming the battlefield.
The president welcomed increased NATO defense spending, crediting Trump’s push for greater investment, but cautioned that additional funding alone would not resolve the alliance’s military readiness challenges.
«You have money, but not always you can buy the stuff immediately, or at least you can order things. And they are delivered soon enough,» he said.
U.S. Army soldiers march during a military parade on Armed Forces Day in Vilnius. Armed Forces Day honors the restoration of the Lithuania armed forces on Nov. 23, 1918. (Yauhen Yerchak/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Rinkēvičs said he plans to meet with U.S. defense companies during his visit to the U.S., saying, «When it comes to the U.S. support, let me just say that the United States does an amazing job already. We do have U.S. troops, not big numbers, but I think sufficient numbers are now stationed in our airbase in Lielvārde.
«U.S. presence in the Baltics is very important, and we are working with our U.S. partners about further rotations.»
united nations, war with iran, middle east, ukraine, foreign affairs, russia, nato
INTERNACIONAL
Guatemala extradita a cuatro presuntos narcotraficantes para que enfrenten procesos por tráfico de cocaína en Estados Unidos
Guatemala extraditó a cuatro presuntos narcotraficantes hacia Estados Unidos, donde enfrentarán procesos por delitos vinculados con el tráfico de cocaína. Juan Carlos Cruz Ovalle, Rudy Leonel Grijalva García, Ronald Alexys Morales Guerra y Manuel Ignacio de Jesús Velasco Gómez fueron entregados a la Administración para el Control de Drogas de Estados Unidos tras cumplirse las instancias judiciales requeridas.
Los cuatro permanecían recluidos en el Centro de Detención Preventiva para Hombres Mariscal Zavala, en la zona 17 de la capital guatemalteca, y en el Centro de Detención Preventiva para Hombres Reinstauración Constitucional, conocido como Pavoncito, en Fraijanes. La entrega fue ejecutada por guardias del Grupo Élite del Sistema Penitenciario, con apoyo de unidades especiales de la Policía Nacional Civil.
Procesos por cargamentos de cocaína hacia Estados Unidos
Cruz Ovalle, alias “Hielero”, era requerido por el Tribunal Distrital de Estados Unidos para el Distrito Este de Texas. Fue capturado el 7 de abril de 2020 durante un operativo en Tecún Umán, Ayutla, en el departamento de San Marcos.
La investigación lo vinculó con una organización que habría coordinado la recepción de cargamentos de cocaína en Guatemala y su posterior traslado hacia México, dentro de una ruta que atravesaba América del Sur, Central y del Norte. El Ministerio Público indicó que esa estructura utilizaba recursos para “producir, adquirir, almacenar, transportar y distribuir varias toneladas de cocaína destinada a los Estados Unidos”.
Su presunta actividad estaba relacionada con Los Pochos, una organización que operó durante años en la frontera entre Guatemala y México. El grupo comenzó a desarticularse en 2019, cuando su fundador, el entonces alcalde de Ayutla, San Marcos, Érick Salvador Súñiga Rodríguez, inició su proceso de extradición hacia Estados Unidos.
Las investigaciones de la Fiscalía del Distrito Este de Texas y del Departamento del Tesoro de Estados Unidos señalaron que Los Pochos almacenaba, trasladaba y distribuía cocaína desde Guatemala hacia México para abastecer al cartel de Sinaloa. Súñiga Rodríguez, requerido por la justicia estadounidense, se entregó a las autoridades en diciembre de 2019.
Velasco Gómez fue detenido cuando viajaba en un tuk tuk por una calle de Malacatán. La acusación sostiene que integraba una estructura que, desde 2011, transportaba, dirigía y administraba actividades vinculadas con el tráfico de cocaína.
El requerido enfrenta cargos por conspiración para fabricar y distribuir cocaína, con conocimiento de que la sustancia sería importada ilegalmente a Estados Unidos. Las autoridades lo señalan además por participar en la producción y distribución de cinco kilogramos o más de esa droga.
El tribunal determinó que ya no había asuntos pendientes por resolver en Guatemala y ordenó informar a la Cancillería para coordinar la entrega con las autoridades estadounidenses.
Capturas en San Marcos y Petén
Grijalva García, conocido como “Caballo”, fue detenido el 10 de marzo de 2022 en San Marcos. Deberá comparecer ante la Corte Distrital del Distrito Este de Texas por cargos de fabricación y distribución de cinco kilogramos o más de una mezcla que contenía cocaína.
Su captura formó parte de un despliegue con 30 allanamientos en San Marcos, a cargo de la Subdirección General de Análisis e Información Antinarcótica y fiscales del Ministerio Público. El Ministerio de Gobernación informó entonces que también fueron detenidas otras cuatro personas y que se localizaron vehículos, armas de fuego y paquetes con posibles sustancias ilícitas.
Las diligencias respondieron al plan operativo Emperador, ejecutado en Ocós, Ayutla y La Blanca, municipios de San Marcos. Las autoridades describieron aquellas acciones como parte de una coordinación entre el Ministerio Público, la Policía Nacional Civil y el Gobierno de Estados Unidos contra estructuras transnacionales dedicadas al tráfico de drogas.
Morales Guerra, detenido el 20 de febrero de 2026, fue requerido por conspiración para fabricar y distribuir cinco kilogramos o más de cocaína destinada al mercado estadounidense. La acusación lo relaciona con una estructura que trasladaba grandes cantidades de droga y administraba parte de las operaciones en Honduras, Guatemala y México.
El hermano del alcalde de Dolores, Petén, Francisco Morales, aceptó el 29 de julio ser extraditado durante una audiencia celebrada en el Tribunal Quinto de Sentencia Penal. Con su decisión se convirtió en el segundo de tres hermanos del jefe edil que resolvió enfrentar su situación judicial ante tribunales estadounidenses.
El Ministerio Público informó que los hermanos Morales Guerra fueron capturados en Petén junto con Ottoniel Obeniel, quien aceptó ser extraditado el 29 de abril. A los integrantes de ese grupo se les atribuyen operaciones de conspiración para fabricar y distribuir cocaína destinada a Estados Unidos entre 2006 y 2024.
Las autoridades elevaron a 34 el número de personas capturadas con fines de extradición en Guatemala durante 2026. Entre ellas figura Mauro Ismael Morales Martínez, detenido la última semana de agosto con fines de extradición a Estados Unidos en Teculután, Zacapa
detenidos,custodia policial,Mando Aéreo,Guatemala
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