TIME is reporting that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have been asking airline gate agents for assistance in locating and detaining passengers at airports in Colorado, Texas and Arizona. It said these requests often lack the usual protocols, such as advance notification, visible uniforms, and judicial warrants, leaving airline employees to decide how to respond.
The magazine also reported on a significant battle over a 17-mile section of President Donald Trump’s planned border wall in Texas’ Big Bend National Park. It said this portion, which crosses challenging terrain, has faced strong opposition from public lands advocates, lawmakers and local residents. U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott announced a pause in all construction in the park for a personal evaluation. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott also stated that Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin committed to not building a wall or fence in Big Bend, suggesting "other tools" for border security.
Additionally, TIME is reporting on the growing public attention surrounding White House aide Natalie Harp, following comments made by Sen. Jon Ossoff. Ossoff criticized President Trump, suggesting he "wants to build his ballroom and travel with Natalie." Trump responded by likening Ossoff to "Pee-wee Herman."
New research published in the journal Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health suggests that rising carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere may be leading to changes in human blood chemistry, according to TIME. It noted that atmospheric CO2 levels have significantly increased since the Industrial Revolution, from 280 parts per million (ppm) to 425 ppm today.
TIME is also covering the surge in the democratic socialist movement, with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) seeing its membership exceed 120,000. It said DSA candidates and allies have achieved electoral success in congressional primaries and mayoral races across the country, with figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez gaining national prominence.
Finally, TIME reported on differing figures regarding North Korea's nuclear arsenal. It said President Trump told reporters that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un possesses "57 very powerful nuclear weapons," a precise number not publicly known. In contrast, South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back told lawmakers that North Korea is believed to have 80 to 120 nuclear warheads.