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Contractors building border wall ordered to stop drilling wells in drought-stricken New Mexico

Contractors building border wall ordered to stop drilling wells in drought-stricken New Mexico

Customs and Border Protection has ordered construction crews building Trump’s second border wall to stop drilling wells in drought-stricken New Mexico after ranchers said pumping the groundwater needed to mix cement could threaten their livestock
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Customs and Border Protection Halts Well Drilling for Trump Border Wall in New Mexico Amid Drought Concerns

Customs and Border Protection Halts Well Drilling for Trump Border Wall in New Mexico Amid Drought Concerns

Construction crews working on the Trump border wall in New Mexico have been ordered to stop drilling new wells. This decision follows concerns raised by local ranchers about the impact of groundwater pumping on their livestock during a severe drought. The wells were being drilled to supply water for concrete production and other construction needs. The New Mexico state engineer's office reported that several wells were under development without the necessary permits. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has stated its commitment to working with local landowners to ensure construction does not adversely affect their water needs.
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New Mexico Ranchers Protest Illegal Well Drilling Amid Drought

New Mexico Ranchers Protest Illegal Well Drilling Amid Drought

Ranchers in New Mexico have raised concerns over illegal well drilling by contractors building the U.S.-Mexico border wall. The New Mexico Office of the State Engineer reported that at least six wells were drilled without permits, with some pumping up to 200 gallons per minute. The water is being used for concrete production and dust suppression, but ranchers argue that this unregulated extraction threatens their water supply during a severe drought. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has since ordered contractors to stop drilling new wells and pledged to work with local stakeholders to address the issue. The drought has already forced ranchers to reduce herd sizes, exacerbating the economic strain on the region (The Guardian, 2026-08-03).
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Severe Drought in New Mexico Halts Border Wall Well Drilling

Severe Drought in New Mexico Halts Border Wall Well Drilling

Construction crews working on the U.S.-Mexico border wall in New Mexico have been ordered to stop drilling new wells due to concerns over groundwater depletion in the drought-stricken region. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued the directive after local ranchers raised alarms about the impact of water extraction on their livestock and livelihoods. According to the New Mexico Office of the State Engineer, at least eight wells were drilled without proper permits, with some pumping up to 200 gallons per minute. The water is primarily used for concrete production, road construction, and dust suppression. The region, already grappling with severe drought, has seen ranchers forced to reduce herd sizes due to water scarcity. The federal government has pledged to collaborate with state agencies to address the issue (AP News, 2026-08-03).
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25 states sue over Trump's new tariffs, calling them 'pretext' to replace his old ones

25 states sue over Trump's new tariffs, calling them 'pretext' to replace his old ones

Twenty-five states sued the Trump administration Monday over its latest tariffs, calling them a pretext for replacing import taxes the Supreme Court struck down in February
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Divided federal appeals court says Trump administration was wrong to terminate climate funds

Divided federal appeals court says Trump administration was wrong to terminate climate funds

A federal appeals court has ruled that the Trump administration improperly ended a multi-billion-dollar program for clean energy projects
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A federal judge lets DHS proceed with a border wall through a small Texas town’s levee system

A federal judge lets DHS proceed with a border wall through a small Texas town’s levee system

A federal judge has ruled that the Department of Homeland Security can proceed with building a border wall through a levee system in a small Texas town
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Cubans struggle to bounce back after 6th nationwide blackout this year

Cubans struggle to bounce back after 6th nationwide blackout this year

Cubans are recovering from the sixth islandwide blackout this year
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Breakneck Pace in Immigration Courts Increases Deportation Orders

Breakneck Pace in Immigration Courts Increases Deportation Orders

The Trump administration's efforts to expedite immigration court proceedings have led to a significant increase in deportation orders. The administration has been scheduling 'mega' master hearings, where judges handle dozens of cases in a single day, often with little lead time for preparation. This approach has resulted in a higher number of immigrants missing court dates and being ordered deported in absentia. Data from Mobile Pathways indicates that the number of such hearings has tripled compared to the previous year. Critics argue that the rapid pace undermines due process, while supporters claim it addresses long-standing backlogs.
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President Trump Expands Ratepayer Protection Pledge Amid Rising Electricity Costs

President Trump Expands Ratepayer Protection Pledge Amid Rising Electricity Costs

President Trump announced the expansion of the 'Ratepayer Protection Pledge,' a nonbinding commitment aimed at preventing U.S. consumers from bearing the costs of AI data center expansions. The pledge, initially signed by seven tech companies, now includes entities delivering 80% of U.S. power. The announcement comes amid rising utility prices and concerns over the environmental impact of data centers. Critics, including environmental groups, argue that the pledge lacks substance and fails to address the root causes of high energy bills.
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NY sues Trump administration over new tariffs as 'a tax' on Americans

NY sues Trump administration over new tariffs as 'a tax' on Americans

New York is joined by 43 other states in suing the Trump administration over their newly announced tariffs affecting 60 trading partners.
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Wildfire Veterans Warn Against Federal Fire Suppression Tactics Amid Extreme Conditions

Wildfire Veterans Warn Against Federal Fire Suppression Tactics Amid Extreme Conditions

Wildfire veterans are expressing concerns over the federal government's aggressive fire suppression tactics, which they believe could endanger firefighters amid extreme fire conditions. The Trump administration's directive for a 'full suppression' strategy has been criticized for potentially pressuring crews to engage in risky operations. This approach is reminiscent of the outdated '10 a.m. policy' that aimed to suppress all fires by the morning after they were reported. Recent incidents, including a devastating wildfire in Spokane, Washington, highlight the dangers of such tactics. The fire destroyed over 600 structures and forced 60,000 residents to evacuate. Despite no reported deaths, the situation underscores the challenges faced by fire crews in managing fast-moving blazes.