Republicans are holding an unusual midterm convention in Dallas, as reported by multiple news outlets. Dubbed a “Trumpapalooza,” the event is being closely watched in the context of the 2026 midterm elections. Central to the convention are discussions on immigration, with reports suggesting that this issue is a key focus of the Republican Party's strategy. As polling numbers show signs of decline, the influence of former President Donald Trump on the party's direction is being scrutinized more than ever. A new book titled Profiles in Cowardice: A Study of Collaboration in the Trump Era, written by journalist and political analyst Jacob Weisberg, delves into the dynamics of political collaboration during the Trump administration. The book discusses topics such as the “Dartmouth Exception,” a term referring to a legal and political loophole, and the code of silence that surrounded the George W. Bush administration. Analysts note that deference to Trump is evolving into defiance, both within the United States and on the global stage. The 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terror attacks has sparked reflection on its long-term impact on American politics. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll shows that Americans now fear domestic extremists more than foreign threats—a shift that has influenced current political debates. While the unity that followed 9/11 is often viewed as a defining moment in American history, some analysts suggest that this shared experience also contributed to the deepening political divisions seen today. Other recent reports include confirmation from a U.S. Attorney that no methamphetamine was found in the van of a Texas man shot by immigration officers. Separately, a researcher who resigned from the AI company Anthropic expressed concerns about the rapid development of artificial intelligence and its potential risks to humanity. These concerns were discussed in a bonus episode of a podcast, which highlighted the need for collaboration between governments and the tech industry to manage these emerging risks responsibly.