12 Wounded in Toledo Festival Gunfire, Suspects Still at Large","description":"A chaotic gunshot incident at the Old West End Festival in Toledo left 12 people injured; authorities investigate as police search for suspects.","summary":"Gunfire at Toledo's historic district festival wounded 12 attendees while police suspect a shoot‑out between two parties. The event was canceled for the rest of the weekend and emergency responders transported all injured within an hour.","image":"https://dims.apnews.com/dims4/default/07d977e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5410x3606+0+0/resize/599x399!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fab%2Fac%2Ffd89ed10ed7b12fe814d5321c51e%2Fa03566fa5e32433197419658f87441f9","text":"<img src=\"https://dims.apnews.com/dims4/default/07d977e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5410x3606+0+0/resize/599x399!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fab%2Fac%2Ffd89ed10ed7b12fe814d5321c51e%2Fa03566fa5e32433197419658f87441f9\" alt=\"Toledo festival shooting\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" style=\"display:block;margin:0 auto;\"> <p style=\"font-size:18px; line-height:1.6;\">At least 12 people were wounded when gunfire erupted Saturday near the Old West End Festival in Toledo’s historic district.</p> <p style=\"font-size:18px; line-height:1.6;\">Police say the shooting appears to have been an accidental shooting between two parties, with the two parties shooting each other.</p> <p style=\"font-size:18px; line-height:1.6;\">The festival, which usually runs for two days featuring live music and food vendors, was canceled for the rest of the weekend after the incident.</p> <p style=\"font-size:18px; line-height:1.6;\"><strong>“We are heartbroken about those that were injured at the Old West End Festival,”</strong> the festival organizers said in a statement.</p> <p style=\"font-size:18px; line-height:1.6;\">Two victims are in critical condition while others range in age from 14 to 61. The majority of wounded were in their early 20s.</p> <p style=\"font-size:18px; line-height:1.6;\">Toledo Deputy Police Chief Joe Heffernan said none of the assailants were in custody more than an hour after the shooting. “It probably was a shoot‑out, a shoot‑out between the parties,” he added.</p> <p style=\"font-size:18px; line-height:1.6;\">“Officials urged anyone who was at the festival to come forward with any photos or videos, as the investigation is still ongoing.”</p> <p style=\"font-size:18px; line-height:1.6;\">Fire Chief Allison Armstrong mentioned that the influx of distracted traffic made it hard to reach hospitals, though the responders managed to transport everyone to the nearest medical center within an hour.</p> <p style=\"font-size:18px; line-height:1.6;\">“Everybody hit the deck,” said Kevin Berry, a member of the audience who was playing music at the arbor when the gunfire rang. He saw a gun tossed to the ground less than 50 feet away.</p> <p style=\"font-size:18px; line-height:1.6;\">The city’s safety director, George Kral, called the incident a sad twist on what is one of Toledo’s most iconic festivals.</p>

Tony Awards 2026: Pink Hosts, Record‑Breaking Nominees, and Spectacular Performances","description":"A look at this year’s Tony Awards, featuring Pink as host, the competitive lineup of new musical and play nominees, and special performances by Broadway legends.","summary":"This year’s Tony Awards promise drama and delight. Pink steps up as host for a live CBS broadcast; 24 shows vie for 26 nominees across best musical, best play, and revival categories. Performances include a star‑studded lineup from “The Lost Boys” to “Ragtime,” plus special appearances by former stars and senior nominees, including the oldest ever nomination for June Squibb and Nathan Lane’s chase for a fourth Tony.","image":"https://dims.apnews.com/dims4/default/0ef9923/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5129x3421+0+0/resize/599x400!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F28%2Fd7%2F90581b4819a6c1421457e55dfec5%2F410962e0ebec4480980c1553bfd4b450","text":"<h2 style=\"font-weight:bold;font-size:1.8rem;margin-bottom:0.5rem\">Tony Awards 2026</h2><p style=\"line-height:1.6;margin-bottom:1rem\">In New York, the 75th annual Tony Awards are set to air live on CBS, with Paramount+ streaming on the U.S. coasts from 8‑11 p.m. Eastern. Grammy‑award winner Pink will host, promising a high‑energy opening number that will feature a massive cast and daring costumes.</p><p style=\"line-height:1.6;margin-bottom:1rem\">Twenty‑four shows are contending in 26 categories, giving their creators a chance to keep Broadway’s doors wide open or have them shuttered. Among the nominees: \"The Lost Boys,\" \"Schmigadoon!\",\"Titanique,\" and \"Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)\" for best new musical; \"Giant\" and \"Liberation\" for best new play; and revival contenders include \"Death of a Salesman\" led by Nathan Lane, \"Oedipus\" directed by Marc Strong, and \"Every Brilliant Thing\" starring Daniel Radcliffe.</p><h2 style=\"font-weight:bold;font-size:1.6rem;margin-bottom:0.4rem\">Performances & Special Guests</h2><p style=\"line-height:1.6;margin-bottom:1rem\">Highlights will showcase the seven nominated shows in performances, from the rom‑com “Two Strangers” to the revival of \"Cats\" reimagined as a high‑energy competition. Ruby‑red tribute acts will include the original cast of \"The Book of Mormon\" celebrating its 15th anniversary, and Leslie Odom Jr. will perform \"Without You\" from \"Rent\" during the In Memoriam segment to mark the show’s 30th anniversary.</p><p style=\"line-height:1.6;margin-bottom:1rem\">Additional guests include Pink and alumni such as Queen Latifah, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and Dylan Mulvaney during \"Chicago\"’s 30th‑year performance, while Rachel Zegler will honor \"A Chorus Line\"’s 50th year.</p><h2 style=\"font-weight:bold;font-size:1.6rem;margin-bottom:0.4rem\">Historic Award Milestones</h2><p style=\"line-height:1.6;margin-bottom:1rem\">June Squibb becomes the oldest Tony‑nominated actor in history at age 96 and could break Lois Smith’s record as the oldest winner if her name is called. Nathan Lane is pursuing a fourth win for \"Death of a Salesman,\" which would tie him with Boyd Gaines and Frank Langella for most Tony awards by a male performer.</p><p style=\"line-height:1.6;margin-bottom:1rem\"><a href=\"https://apnews.com/hub/tony-awards\" style=\"color:#0066cc\">More coverage of the 2026 Tony Awards</a></p>

Peru’s Election Fuels Around Crime and Calamity

Rob Sand’s First Rally Signals Democrats’ Drive to Flip Iowa","description":"Iowa governor candidate Rob Sand kicks off his campaign with a rally, backed by Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, as the state’s gubernatorial race becomes a national contest.","summary":"Rob Sand returned to the public stage for the first time as the official Democratic nominee for Iowa governor, drawing support from Kentucky governor Andy Beshear and setting the campaign against Republican Zach Lahn in a battle over a budget deficit and agricultural woes. The race, seeing widespread national attention and a 200‑k voter deficit for Democrats, promises a highly competitive showdown.","image":"https://dims.apnews.com/dims4/default/297fcee/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1801x1200+0+0/resize/599x399!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F16%2F0c%2F23d8340be283258e2e7bc2f4c4b1%2F20a95e38af8b46d19553d942a724ecfa","text":"<p>Des Moines, Iowa – Rob Sand stepped onto the podium for the first time as the official Democratic nominee for governor, drawing a crowd of supporters and the backing of Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear. The rally marks the start of a national spotlight on Iowa’s gubernatorial campaign, as the state faces a budget deficit, a struggling agricultural economy, and a cancer crisis.</p>\n\n<p>The contest is shaping up to be one of the most competitive races in the country, pitting Sand against Republican Zach Lahn, who ran in a five‑way primary and emerged as the GOP nominee. With Democrats on a 200,000‑person registration deficit and outnumbered in every House district, the Democratic back‑bone for Sand is turning up as a serious contender to flip the state.</p>\n\n<p>Even as Sand tries to downplay party politics, Democrats are banking on him to \"blaze a trail\" in a state that has struggled electorally in recent cycles. Beshear, chair of the Democratic Governors Association, said, \"I am all in on flipping Iowa, and I think the people of Iowa know that Rob Sand will always put them first and lead in a way that lifts families up and doesn’t leave them out.\"</p>\n\n<p>Sand was unopposed in the Democratic primary and learned that Lahn would be his opponent after the GOP’s primary was settled. Lahn, a relatively unknown business owner before his run, criticized farm consolidation and corporate tax breaks, citing the “Make America Healthy Again” movement and his role as a former political operative.</p>\n\n<p>Sand says a divided government is a good thing. \"I’m not here to tell you that the answer to ten years of one‑party control is to give the other party ten years of one‑party control. I don’t think that’s right,\" he said. \"But I do think it’s time for balanced government in Iowa.\"</p>\n\n<p>Both candidates reject their parties’ traditional colors in favor of green, claiming they are independent from party establishments. Sand has donated about $750,000 to the Iowa Democratic Party this cycle, funding a state‑party‑run campaign that supports him and other candidates. In contrast, Lahn’s Republican Party has held a state‑house trifecta for nearly a decade.</p>\n\n<p>Beshear’s national support adds weight to the campaign as he considers a potential presidential run in 2028. He will also attend a \"Beers with Beshear\" fundraiser for congressional candidate Sarah Trone Garriott, who seeks to unseat Republican Rep. Zach Nunn. The Democratic Governors Association has so far donated $140,000 to the Iowa Democratic Party.</p>\n

Toledo Street Festival Tragedy: Multiple Victims Shot in Old West End Celebration","description":"Shots fired near Toledo’s Old West End Festival left several injured, police are searching for suspects.","summary":"Authorities responded to a shooting at a community festival in Toledo, Ohio; hospitals treating victims; investigation underway.","image":"https://example.com/image.jpg","text":"<div style=\"font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;max-width:800px;margin:auto;line-height:1.6;\"><p style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:12px 0;\">Multiple people were shot near the Old West End Festival in Toledo, Ohio, on Saturday afternoon, police said.</p><p style=\"margin:12px 0;\">Toledo police responded to a report of a shooting around 5:30 p.m., finding several victims on site, the department stated.</p><p style=\"margin:12px 0;\">Many injured individuals have been transported to nearby hospitals, but police have not released details on the severity of injuries or the exact number of people shot.</p><p style=\"margin:12px 0;\">Authorities are actively searching for suspects and pursuing leads to determine how the incidents unfolded.</p><p style=\"margin:12px 0;\">The Old West End Festival, a two-day celebration featuring live music, food vendors, tours and shopping in Toledo’s historic district, was the backdrop of the tragedy.</p><p style=\"margin:12px 0;\">Police spokesperson Sgt. Mohamad Nasser announced that more information would be posted soon on the department’s Facebook and X accounts.</p></div>

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Becerra Advances to General Election for California Governor","description":"Former U.S. Health Secretary Xavier Becerra secured a place in California’s gubernatorial race, citing extensive public‑service experience and a promise to confront state challenges.","summary":"With 35 years in public office, Becerra outpaced rivals after Rep. Eric Swalwell’s exit. He faces Republican Steve Hilton and billionaire Democrat Tom Steyer in the upcoming general election.","image":"https://dims.apnews.com/dims4/default/07f56ca/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5366x3890+0+0/resize/599x434!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F6d%2Faf%2F6470587f33f3d465b12d815db60d%2F2577b7613963412aa0acaaee0a29e96d","text":"<p style=\"margin:0 0 16px;\">SACRAMENTO, Calif. – On election night, Democrat <a href=\"https://apnews.com/article/california-governor-becerra-race-campaign-393a6526b42c1be9ef523b7edae6d452\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;\">Xavier Becerra</a> advanced to the general election for California governor, presenting himself as the most qualified choice to lead the nation’s most populous state and succeed Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom.</p>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 16px;\">Becerra emphasized his more than 35 years in public office – including roles as state attorney general and the U.S. health secretary – to argue he was the top candidate among a crowded field.</p>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 16px;\">“I am ready to lead the fight to uphold California’s promise to make sure we have the governance worthy of our gifts,” he said following the night’s results.</p>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 16px;\">It remained unclear who Becerra would face in the general election. His main rivals turned out to be Republican <a href=\"https://apnews.com/article/california-governor-hilton-republican-becerra-8bfb56b7938205687de5248a380c9ace\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;\">Steve Hilton</a>, a former Fox News commentator backed by President Donald Trump, and Democrat <a href=\"https://apnews.com/article/california-governor-steier-501f841f0e8c202c41a546172a53c5a4\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;\">Tom Steyer</a>, a billionaire climate activist who poured $215 million of his own money into his campaign.</p>\n<img src=\"https://dims.apnews.com/dims4/default/07f56ca/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5366x3890+0+0/resize/599x434!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F6d%2Faf%2F6470587f33f3d465b12d815db60d%2F2577b7613963412aa0acaaee0a29e96d\" alt=\"Steve Hilton speaking to reporters\" style=\"display:block;margin:0 0 16px;width:100%;height:auto;\">\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 16px;\">Becerra’s campaign had early struggles, but the shift began when Rep. Eric Swalwell was accused of sexual assault and withdrew from the race, opening space for Becerra to consolidate Democratic support.</p>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 16px;\">He pledged to keep California as a chief opponent to President Trump. As attorney general, Becerra filed more than 120 legal actions against the first Trump administration on issues ranging from immigration to climate policy.</p>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 16px;\">Campaign opponents scrutinized his leadership as health secretary during the COVID‑19 pandemic and the unaccompanied migrant children crisis of 2021, when Becerra’s Department of Health and Human Services ran shelters for the children.</p>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 16px;\">Critics highlighted inadequate living conditions in some shelters and concerns that authorities did not fully vet sponsors for the children.</p>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 16px;\">If elected, Becerra said he would declare states of emergency to tackle high energy costs and housing shortages, and freeze home insurance rates.</p>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 16px;\">California, one of the nation’s most diverse states, has historically elected mostly white male governors; Becerra would be the first Latino to hold the office since the late 1800s.</p>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 16px;\">Gov. Newsom is barred by term limits from running for a third term.</p>

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U.S. Inflation Rises to 3.8% – Regional Trends and Core‑Inflation Debate","description":"Quarterly CPI data shows a recent uptick to a three‑year high, with 3.8% in April. The article examines regional differences, the role of gasoline prices, and the debate over core versus headline inflation numbers.","summary":"Consumer prices in the United States climbed to a 3.8% annual rate in April, the highest in three years. While the headline CPI metric reflects that spike, core measures and regional data paint a nuanced picture. Analysts note that high gasoline prices, driven by the Iran‑related conflict, are a major contributor across both blue and red states. A look at the Pacific and East South Central regions shows how projected figures vary with state politics, but the trend of rising prices runs nationwide. Debates over the importance of core inflation—excluding food and energy—highlight the complexity of interpreting CPI versus the Fed’s preferred PCE metric. Experts such as Omair Sharif and Dallas and Cleveland Federal Reserve economists weigh in on the limits of alternative measures like trimmed means, underscoring that the latest data remain a concern for policy makers and consumers alike.","image":"https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1524494138455-826b5a3ab59f?auto=format&fit=crop&w=600&q=80","text":"<h1 style=\"font-size:1.6em; font-weight:bold; margin-bottom:0.5em;\">U.S. Inflation Rises to 3.8% – Regional Trends and Core‑Inflation Debate</h1>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:1em;\">After a period of easing in 2024 and early 2025, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has climbed to a 3.8% annual rate for April, the highest level in three years. The rise has squeezed most American budgets, impacting everything from fuel costs to grocery loads.</p>\n<h2 style=\"font-size:1.4em; font-weight:bold; margin-top:1.2em; margin-bottom:0.6em;\">What Is Driving the Numbers?</h2>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:1em;\">Fuel prices alone account for a large share of the inflation lift. The Iran‑related conflict has pushed gasoline costs up more than 40% nationwide, according to AAA, which in turn raises shipping and airfares. The effect reaches both blue and red states: gas in Texas rose 36% from a year ago, while California saw a 26% jump.</p>\n<h2 style=\"font-size:1.4em; font-weight:bold; margin-top:1.2em; margin-bottom:0.6em;\">Regional Variations</h2>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:1em;\">The inflation story differs by region. The Pacific region—primarily blue states such as California, Washington, and Oregon—reported a 3.5% CPI rise in April, below the national average. In contrast, the East South Central region—red‑state dominated by Mississippi, Alabama, Kentucky, and Tennessee—exceeded the national rate with a 4.5% increase. Even a traditionally low‑inflation region like West South Central (Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana) saw a jump to 3.2% from the pre‑pandemic 1%.</p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:1em;\">An analyst from Inflation Insights, Omair Sharif, argues that “it’s not a blue‑state story; gas is going up in every state.” Indeed, the inflation mix reflects nationwide price moves, not partisan alignment.</p>\n<h2 style=\"font-size:1.4em; font-weight:bold; margin-top:1.2em; margin-bottom:0.6em;\">Core Inflation vs. Headline – The Core Debate</h2>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:1em;\">Core CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy, rose from 2.5% in January to 2.8% in April. In the Federal Reserve’s preferred measure, the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index, core inflation climbed to 3.3% in April from 3.1% in January. While headline CPI is high, the Fed and many economists focus on core figures as a more stable gauge.</p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:1em;\">Kevin Hassett, Director of the National Economic Council, has cited a trimmed‑mean measure that suggests a “deep downward dive.” However, experts caution that this alternative index, the trimmed mean, can misrepresent inflation surges because it excludes large price changes. The Dallas Fed’s trimmed mean for PCE fell slightly from 2.5% to 2.3% at the start of the year, but the Cleveland Fed noted a recent uptick to 2.8%.</p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:1em;\">The White House’s earlier report, using data from November 2024, found higher inflation in blue states, but that snapshot predates the Iran war and its gasoline spike, making the findings outdated.</p>\n<h2 style=\"font-size:1.4em; font-weight:bold; margin-top:1.2em; margin-bottom:0.6em;\">Policy Implications</h2>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:1em;\">With inflation hovering above the Fed’s 2% target and regional spikes driven by supply‑chain pressures, policymakers face a dilemma between moderating price growth and avoiding job‑market damage. The dissonance between headline and core rates complicates monetary‑policy decisions, as the Fed must gauge whether market inflation expectations are firmly anchored.</p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:1em;\"><strong>Key Takeaways:</strong></p>\n<ul style=\"margin-top:0; margin-left:1.5em;\">\n<li style=\"margin-bottom:0.4em;\">April CPI reached 3.8%, up from 3.5% in March.</li>\n<li style=\"margin-bottom:0.4em;\">Gasoline costs drive the rise across both blue and red states.</li>\n<li style=\"margin-bottom:0.4em;\">Core CPI and PCE show a moderate increase, but trimmed‑mean figures are contested.</li>\n<li style=\"margin-bottom:0.4em;\">Regional variation highlights that no single state group dominates the inflation picture.</li>\n<li style=\"margin-bottom:0.4em;\">Policy makers must weigh the trade‑off between curbing inflation and supporting employment.</li>\n</ul>\n<p style=\"margin-top:1em;\">For further analysis of inflation data and its implications, consult the latest reports from the Federal Reserve, the Department of Labor, and independent economists, many of whom are increasingly leveraging quantum‑enhanced data science to parse the complex web of price signals.</p>

Putin Rejects Zelensky’s Call for Face‑to‑Face Talks, Stakes His Position on War’s Outcome

Colorado Court Orders New Trials for Paramedics Convicted in Major Police-Paramedic Incident

Federal Judge Strikes Down Trump Administration Immigration Policy","description":"A district court invalidates executive action that barred immigrants from 39 countries following the National Guard shooting.","summary":"A U.S. district judge ruled that a Trump‑era policy that stalled asylum, work permits, green cards and citizenship applications for immigrants from dozens of countries was unlawful. The decision reaffirms that the federal government cannot arbitrarily restrict lawful immigration pathways.","image":"https://assets.apnews.com/be/f8/b6e03475d10f72fed1454b37b36d/dfd40743be8c42ee883cb2ab9aed564a","text":"<p>Boston (AP) – A federal judge on Friday struck down a Trump administration policy enacted after the shooting of two National Guard members that made it harder for immigrants from dozens of countries to stay and enter the U.S.</p><p>U.S. District Chief Judge John McConnell Jr. said the policy “threw the lives of countless immigrants living in the United States into indeterminate legal limbo,” and accused the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services of ignoring the law.</p><p>He wrote that USCIS “claims statutory and regulatory authority that it does not possess; makes decisions without the reasoned explanations that it must provide; acts without regard for the reliance interests of applicants that it must consider; and justifies its actions with pretextual concerns of ‘national security’ that mask anti‑immigrant sentiments that it is forbidden from letting influence its decision‑making.” He added that these actions were “contrary to law and arbitrary and capricious.”</p><p>A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment.</p><p>The policies enacted after the National Guard shooting meant that immigrants from 39 African, Asian, Latin American, and Middle Eastern countries have been “categorically barred” from receiving final decisions on asylum, work permits, green cards, and citizenship applications.</p><p>“This ruling reaffirms a basic principle: the federal government cannot shut down lawful immigration pathways or discriminate against people based on where they come from,” said Skye Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward, which represented the plaintiffs in the case. “These unlawful policies caused enormous harm to families, workers, asylum‑seekers, and communities across the country who were left in limbo, unable to work, access protections or move forward with their lives.”</p><p>The policies apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which is within the Homeland Security Department and approves applications for immigrants to work and become citizens. The agency often grants asylum only to those already in the United States when they apply. Immigration judges grant asylum to those who are stopped at the border; the ruling does not affect them, nor the policies that sparked the lawsuit.</p><p>It is part of an ongoing effort by the administration to tighten U.S. entry standards for travel and immigration, in what critics say unfairly prevents travel for people from a broad range of countries. The administration suggested it would expand the restrictions after the arrest of an Afghan national suspect in the <a href=\"https://apnews.com/article/national-guard-shooting-dc-c5785dd8920d2d1ac7d71fab769faf5f\">shooting of two National Guard</a> troops over Thanksgiving weekend.</p><p>In its motion to dismiss, which the court denied, the government argued that Congress gave the executive branch broad authority over immigration policy, including “the entry of aliens into the United States as well as discretion within the statutory scheme to confer as well as withdraw various discretionary benefits.”</p><p>“This case rests on a remarkable premise: that a federal court should prevent an agency from issuing the very policy guidance that provides government personnel with the guardrails necessary to ensure consistent, non‑arbitrary, and individualized decision‑making consistent with federal law,” the government wrote in its brief.</p><p>Immigration groups celebrated the ruling.</p><p>“This ruling sets a powerful precedent that the administration cannot ignore the law as laid down by Congress and cannot arbitrarily bar immigration benefits on the basis of national origin by fiat,” said Jamal Abdi, president at the National Iranian American Council. “Fortunately, this is still a nation of laws, and those who uphold America’s values have recourse to challenge and push back on such discriminatory, arbitrary policies.”</p><p>Shawn VanDiver, a Navy veteran who heads a coalition that supports Afghan resettlement efforts called #AfghanEvac, said the ruling was a “significant victory for the rule of law and for thousands of Afghan allies and other immigrants who followed every requirement asked of them.”</p><p>“Just this week in Dallas and Fort Worth, we met people who feared losing jobs because delayed work‑permit renewals threatened their livelihoods, families who postponed education, travel and homeownership because they did not know when their cases would be resolved, and future Americans who had expected to become citizens only to see their applications stall without explanation,” VanDiver said.</p>