August 19, 2026 - Gov Brief Today

What Happened Today – August 18, 2026

August 19, 2026 by George Bounacos

Judge Tomoko Akane, president of the International Criminal Court, in judicial portrait

Tomoko Akane, president of the International Criminal Court, was sanctioned by Secretary of State Rubio as the State Department pursues its declared campaign to dismantle the court (© European Union, 1998-2026 / Laurie Dieffembacq).

Governor Greg Abbott turned Texas into a sanctuary state for one ICE agent. Christian Castro shot a Venezuelan man through the front door of a Minneapolis home in January, then lied about it so thoroughly that federal prosecutors charged the man he shot. Minnesota later charged Castro with felony assault, Texas Rangers arrested him, and … Read more