Trump to attend opening of "Alligator Alcatraz" in Florida today

Trump to attend opening of "Alligator Alcatraz" in Florida today

Washington— President Trump will be paying a visit Tuesday to a new immigration detention center in South Florida that state officials are calling "Alligator Alcatraz." Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced plans for the visit on Monday and  White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed it Tuesday, saying DeSantis, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Republican Rep. Bryon Donalds of Florida will also attend. The controversialdetention facilityis at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport in the Florida Everglades, about 50 miles west of Miami, and has its own runway. DeSantis said the site has been modified "within a matter of days" to also function as a detention center, and he expects the site to be operational Tuesday. "When the president comes tomorrow, he's going to be able to see," DeSantis told reporters in a press conference in Florida on Monday. The Florida governor said he spoke with the president over the weekend and that Mr. Trump is "very excited" to visit. DeSantis called the center an "effective way" to increase the numbers of removals and deportations of unauthorized immigrants as the state seeks to help the federal government's deportation efforts. Protesters have gathered outside the gates as work proceeded on the site in recent days. The facility will have up to 5,000 beds to house, process and deport individuals in the country illegally, the Trump administration said. "There is only one road leading in and the only way out is a one-way flight," Leavitt said. "It is isolated, and surrounded by dangerous wildlife in unforgiving terrain." "They ain't going anywhere once they're there, unless you want them to go somewhere," DeSantis said Monday. "Because good luck getting to civilization. So the security is amazing — natural and otherwise." Last week,environmental groupsfiled a lawsuit to block the opening of the facility until it undergoesan environmental reviewas required by federal law. Saving money vs. saving lives The true cost of the Senate spending bill New Tennessee laws make it illegal to shelter undocumented immigrants

byAlpha World

in

July 01, 2025

Trump to attend opening of "Alligator Alcatraz" in Florida today

Trump to attend opening of "Alligator Alcatraz" in Florida today Washington— President Trump will be paying a visit Tuesday to a n...

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Hundreds of National Guard forces in L.A. could be returned to wildfire duty

Hundreds of National Guard forces in L.A. could be returned to wildfire duty

A military commander has discussed shifting some California National Guard troops away from the Trump administration's weekslong deployment to deal with protests in Los Angeles so they can help fight wildfires, two U.S. officials told CBS News. Gen. Gregory Guillot, the leader of U.S. Northern Command, made the request to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, proposing that 200 out of roughly 4,000 California National Guard members be returned to wildfire duty in California. The request to shift some troops to wildfire duty was first reported by TheAssociated Press. The purpose of the possible move is to help prepare for wildfire season, one U.S. official said. The other official said the 200 Guard members could be returned to the California National Guard and placed on standby to respond to wildfires. Wildfires can happen at any time of year in California, but they usually peak in the summer and fall. The stateexpectsan "early and active season" this year, with above-average activity in July and August, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire. The Los Angeles deployment has been controversial and subject to legal challenges. President Trump called up around 4,000 Guard members — and deployed around 700 Marines — over California Gov. Gavin Newsom's objections, moves Mr. Trump argued were necessary to protect federal buildings and immigration agents from chaotic protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Newsom argued the deployment was illegal and unnecessary. When Mr. Trumpinitially called upthe California National Guard to deal with protests, the state had warned the move could interfere with its wildfire response. Guard forces often work alongside Cal Fire crews — and as wildfires become more frequent and severe,state officialshave said more resources are needed. Newsom's officesaid last weekthe Guard's firefighting force was only at 40% capacity due to the Los Angeles deployment. "This deployment comes when California is in the midst of peak wildfire season for both Northern and Southern California and may need to rely on their crucial support," the state of California wrote in a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the deployment. A federal district court judge initially sided with the state in its lawsuit, but a panel of appellate court judges paused that ruling, allowing Mr. Trump to maintain control of the Guard. The troops were shifted to federal service earlier this monthunder a law known as Title 10, which lets the president call up National Guard forces during a "rebellion" or if "the president is unable with the regular forces to execute the laws of the United States." The Trump administration argued those conditions were met due to threats of violence against immigration agents who carried out arrests in the Los Angeles area. Newsom objected to the move, and the statequickly filed a lawsuitcalling it a "power grab." The state argued that under the law cited by the administration, Mr. Trump does not have the legal authority to call up the Guard without permission from the governor. A three-judge panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit ultimately sided with the Trump administration, allowing troops to remain in Los Angeles while the state's lawsuit is heard. The courtwrotethat Mr. Trump most likely "lawfully exercised his statutory authority" to federalize the Guard, and that the law "does not give governors any veto power." Saving money vs. saving lives The true cost of the Senate spending bill New Tennessee laws make it illegal to shelter undocumented immigrants

byAlpha World

in

July 01, 2025

Hundreds of National Guard forces in L.A. could be returned to wildfire duty

Hundreds of National Guard forces in L.A. could be returned to wildfire duty A military commander has discussed shifting some California Nat...

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Steelers' trade for Jalen Ramsey improves key aspect of secondary: 'Versatility'

Steelers' trade for Jalen Ramsey improves key aspect of secondary: 'Versatility'

Like most people who had their smartphones or computers in front of them as theMiami DolphinsandPittsburgh Steelersswung a June 30 trade that sent cornerbackJalen Ramsey (and tight end Jonnu Smith) to the Steel Cityand safety Minkah Fitzpatrick back to South Beach, Jason McCourty's reaction changed once the full details became known. Because at first, the ESPN analyst assumed Ramsey would be fitting into a secondary that included Fitzpatrick. Then McCourty's twin brother and former NFL teammate Devin texted him with the update that Fitzpatrick was the primary compensation returned to the Dolphins. Which leaves the Steelers without a three-time All-Pro at free safety but an upgrade at cornerback – and some added flexibility when it comes to lining up against the high-powered offenses in the AFC North. "I love this addition for the Steelers, just because it adds a ton of versatility," Jason McCourty told USA TODAY Sports. After Devin's text update, Jason started to think about where Ramsey – who is receiving a $1.5 million raise and making $26.6 million total in 2025 – would line up for Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. Free safety is a possibility because of that patented aggressiveness and instincts, along with experience playing inside and outside cornerback. But the Steelers are losing Fitzpatrick's experience within the role as the center fielder of the defense and the communication that comes along with it. "I think those are big shoes to fill," McCourty said. "That's why I'm so curious to see exactly where they see Ramsey to fit – because when you're paying this much money, I don't know if you're going to just stick a guy like that at free safety. You typically want him covering the other team's best wide receivers. "It says a lot about what (the Steelers) felt about Minkah Fitzpatrick. Because you make this trade and you give Jalen Ramsey a bit of a pay bump as well. So if (Ramsey) is playing free safety, that says a lot about it. But I am excited for the Steelers with this move." The Fitzpatrick-Ramsey trade was the most recent revamping of the Steelers' secondary. The team signed cornerback Darius Slay and safety Juan Thornhill this offseason. Joey Porter Jr. is a starting outside corner, while Beanie Bishop Jr. had a nice rookie season in 2024 as the nickel corner. Even though Slay, 34, and Ramsey, 30 "aren't in the prime of their careers, both are still playing at a high level," said McCourty, who posted on social media about the trade and the replies immediately referenced the age of Ramsey and Slay. "You're like, 'These guys can't play anymore' but I think guys like Slay and Ramsey are still playing at a high level," he added. Steelers-Dolphins trade: Who won and lost as Jalen Ramsey, Minkah Fitzpatrick get moved? Multiple secondary lineups is why a guy like Ramsey can be a "chess piece" for the Steelers' coaching staff. Slay and Porter Jr. are more entrenched in their roles as sideline corners. Ramsey can be moved anywhere. "Now you have the opportunity to do so much with that secondary, especially when you have versatile pieces and guys who can play multiple roles," McCourty said. Under general manager Chris Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel, the Dolphins made it to the postseason in 2022 and 2023 but fell off late in those campaigns. The organization hasn't won a playoff game since the 2000 season. Now they've parted with Smith, who arguably had the best season of his career in 2024, and Ramsey, who leaves behind a largely unproven secondary (aside from Fitzpatrick). Jalen Ramsey trade grades: Who won deal between Steelers, Dolphins? "They don't have a lot of guys who have been proven year after year that have had success in this league," McCourty said. "You look at the trade from their standpoint, and you're like 'What direction are they going in as a team?'" But Fitzpatrick is back in the fold – this time without a position change forced on him by the coaching staff as Brian Flores tried to in 2019, which precipitated his trade to the Steelers two games into that season. "It worked out for both parties, because Minkah went to Pittsburgh and became a monster," McCourty said. Now the "monster" is back in Miami. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Jalen Ramsey gives Steelers 'versatility' after Dolphins trade

byAlpha World

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July 01, 2025

Steelers' trade for Jalen Ramsey improves key aspect of secondary: 'Versatility'

Steelers' trade for Jalen Ramsey improves key aspect of secondary: 'Versatility' Like most people who had their smartphones or c...

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Happy Bobby Bonilla Day! Why infamous contract became beloved MLB holiday

Happy Bobby Bonilla Day! Why infamous contract became beloved MLB holiday

The first day of July marksBobby Bonilla Day, an annual celebration of one of the strangest deals in the history of Major League Baseball. Bonilla, a six-time All-Star who played his last game in 2001, has been receiving a $1.19 million check from theNew York Metsevery year since 2011, the result of a decision 25 years ago to delay paying the $5.9 million they owed him. Looking to dump Bonilla after the 1999 season, the Mets opted to defer his payment – with 8% interest – giving him $1,193,248.20 annually on July 1 from 2011-2035 – adding up to nearly $30 million. "It's bigger than my birthday,"Bonilla told USA TODAY Sports. "When that day comes, I get texts all day long, and couple of days after and maybe a day or two before. Everybody just seems to love that day and have fun with it. It's become a pretty big thing." Contract deferrals weren't new in baseball at the time and have been deployed heavily in the 25 years since Bonilla left the Mets, but the fact that he will be getting seven-figure checks until he's 72 years old is what most captivates the baseball world. "There'll be plenty of other deferred contracts," Bonilla's former agentDennis Gilbert told USA TODAY Sportsin 2023, "but for a guy to be paid that long into his life, into his 70s, I don't think we'll ever see that again. "That's why Bobby Bonilla Day should be celebrated." Bonilla signed a four-year, $23.3 million contract with the Marlins prior to the 1997 season and helped the team win its first World Series that year, but was traded to the Dodgers in 1998 as part of the club's infamous fire sale. Before the 1999 season, the Dodgers traded Bonilla to the Mets, who were looking for a new right fielder at the time – with New York assuming the remaining two years and $11.65 million on Bonilla's contract. Then 36 years old, Bonilla played just 60 regular season games for the Mets in 1999, batting .160. He was constantly booed by fans and clashed with manager Bobby Valentine over his playing time and was relegated to the bench for the team's postseason run. The Mets released Bonilla after the 1999 season but still owed him $5.9 million for 2000. The team worked with Bonilla's agent (Gilbert) to defer the $5.9 million – with 8% interest – to annual payments of $1,193,248.20 on July 1 from 2011 to 2035. "It's funny how the Bobby Bonilla thing has blown up,"agent Nez Balelo told USA TODAY Sports in 2023, months before negotiating Shohei Ohtani's historic$700 million deal with $680 million deferred. "I just think it's because someone has been out of the game for so long, making that much money every year, it fascinates people." The Mets' final "Bobby Bonilla Day" payment is set for 2035, when the six-time All-Star will be 72 years old. Though Bobby Bonilla Day remains something of a punchline and opportunity to laugh at the Mets, the team has embraced the situation since Steve Cohen bought the team. New York's new owner immediately joked about holding a Bobby Bonilla Daycelebration at Citi Field, complete with an oversized check. Bonilla played 2,113 career games in 16 seasons from 1986 to 2001, finishing with 287 home runs, a .279 average and an .829 OPS. Bonilla's best years came with the Pirates from 1987-1991, averaging 23 home runs and 97 RBIs per season. He was an All-Star four years in a row, winning three Silver Slugger awards, and was the 1990 NL MVP runner-up and finished third in MVP voting in 1991, his final year in Pittsburgh. He was also named an All-Star in 1993 and 1995 during his first tenure with the Mets. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:What is Bobby Bonilla Day? Contract earned itself an MLB holiday

byAlpha World

in

July 01, 2025

Happy Bobby Bonilla Day! Why infamous contract became beloved MLB holiday

Happy Bobby Bonilla Day! Why infamous contract became beloved MLB holiday The first day of July marksBobby Bonilla Day, an annual celebratio...

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Explainer-Thailand's political chaos: what happens next?

Explainer-Thailand's political chaos: what happens next?

BANGKOK (Reuters) -Thailand's Constitutional Court suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Tuesday as it considers a petition filed by 36 senators seeking her dismissal. The senators have accused the 38-year-old premier of dishonesty and breaching ethical standards in violation of the constitution over a leaked telephone conversation with Cambodia's former premier Hun Sen. WHO WILL LEAD THE GOVERNMENT NOW? With the Prime Minister suspended, Suriya Juangroongruangkit, the deputy prime minister and minister of transport, will become the caretaker leader. Suriya, 70, is a veteran of Thai politics, having entered the fray in the 1990s and served in various cabinet positions for multiple parties since, including the predecessor of the ruling Pheu Thai party. WHAT HAPPENS WITH THE COURT CASE? The court has ordered Paetongtarn to stop performing her duties until it makes a decision. In a statement, the court said the premier will have 15 days to respond to the allegations made by the petitioners, following which proceedings will continue. WHAT CAN PAETONGTARN DO IN THE INTERIM? As part of a cabinet reshuffle announced earlier on Tuesday, ahead of the court's statement, Paetongtarn was appointed as the minister of culture. Once she is sworn into the position on July 3, she will be able to attend cabinet meetings in her capacity as a minister, despite the suspension from the Constitutional Court. WHAT ABOUT PARLIAMENT? Thailand's parliament will reconvene on July 3. The Bhumjaithai party, a former member of Paetongtarn's ruling alliance, had previously threatened to straightaway move a no-confidence motion against the premier and her cabinet on Thursday. But such a move cannot take place with the premier now suspended. In any case, for the motion to succeed, Bhumjaithai would need the support of the People's Party, the largest opposition group that is yet to decide on its position. ARE THERE ANY OTHER CASES UNDERWAY? The National Anti-Corruption Commission, which has a wide remit, is also probing Paetongtarn for any ethical violations emanating from the leaked phone call between her and Hun Sen. This is based on a petition filed by the same group of 36 senators who also moved the Constitutional Court. It is unclear when the NACC will conclude its investigation, but this process could lead to another case at Thailand's Supreme Court, which may rule to ban Paetongtarn from politics. WHAT ABOUT PUBLIC PROTESTS? Several thousand people gathered in the Thai capital on Saturday in the largest anti-government protest since the Pheu Thai party took power in 2023. The organisers, who have called on Paetongtarn to step down, have threatened to escalate protests if she does not quit. Some of those who led Saturday's demonstration are veterans of previous protest movements that played a role in bringing down governments led by Paetongtarn's father, Thaksin Shinawatra, and her aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra. IS THAKSIN UNDER PRESSURE? Former premier Thaksin, who remains one of Thailand's most influential but divisive politicians, is currently facing a criminal court case, in which he is accused of violating the country's strict lese majeste law during a media interview in 2015. Thailand has one of the world's harshest lese majeste laws, setting jail terms of up to 15 years for anyone convicted of defaming, insulting or threatening King Maha Vajiralongkorn and his close family. The Supreme Court is also holding a series of hearings on Thaksin's prolonged hospital stay, in lieu of prison, following his return to Thailand in 2023 after years in self-exile. An adverse verdict in this case could see Thaksin, 75, sent to jail. (Reporting by Panu Wongcha-um, Editing by Devjyot Ghoshal and Saad Sayeed)

byAlpha World

in

July 01, 2025

Explainer-Thailand's political chaos: what happens next?

Explainer-Thailand's political chaos: what happens next? BANGKOK (Reuters) -Thailand's Constitutional Court suspended Prime Minister...

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