The Weekly Report: July 12-19 2026
United States
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin continued to defend the administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration and said they would ensure the arrest rate is kept up. Secretary Mullin also said that he and President Trump are on the same page and that his department would continue mass deportations. This comment came only days after Mullin suspended ICE from conducting traffic stops, a move that was later reversed following a demand to do so by President Trump.
Asia
The Japanese Parliment passed a piece of legislation to ban the desecration of the nation’s flag in a move that intends to boost patriotism. This specific law was a core pillar of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s campaign last fall. Prime Minister Takaichi has stated on many occasions in the past that it is illegal to burn foreign nations' flags but not the Japanese flag. Many critics of the law have said that it goes against the idea of freedom of speech.
Europe
After Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the United Kingdom announced his resignation last month, his successor, Andy Burnham, is set to take the job on Monday. Before he officially becomes prime minister, a series of events will take place first. The first step was Labour announcing the winner of its leadership race and appointing Burham as party leader on Friday. Next, on Monday, outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer will take the ceremonial trip to Buckingham Palace to formally give his resignation to the king. Lastly, Burnham will go to Buckingham Palace, where the king will ask him to form a government, and finally he will move into 10 Downing Street.
Americas
President Trump threatened to place tariffs on Canada in response to the smoke from the Canadian wildfires, which has covered U.S. cities, including Chicago and New York. In a post on social media, President Trump said: “unnecessarily invaded by filthy, polluted, and unhealthy air, the quality of which is dangerous, and totally unacceptable.” He also said he planned to call Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada to discuss the ongoing issue.
Africa
A U.S. citizen volunteering for an aid group responding to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo tested positive for the deadly disease. This is the second case of a U.S. citizen being infected in this outbreak. The ongoing outbreak has already caused 600 people to die as efforts to contain the outbreak have been plagued by political and logistical issues.
Middle East
Strikes between the U.S. and Iran continued on Friday as the U.S. military struck bridges, rail lines, and other key pieces of infrastructure in Iran. In retaliation, Iran said it launched missiles at two U.S. military bases in the region. Iran reportedly also targeted Kuwaiti power and water plants, according to the Kuwaiti government. Friday’s strikes marked the seventh consecutive day in which the U.S. has launched strikes on Iran. Just over one week ago, President Trump said the ceasefire was over.
