Democrats Demand Release of $39.6 Million for Election

Two senior Democrats are demanding the Trump administration release more than $39.6 million in congressionally mandated funds for election security. Senator Alex Padilla of California and Representative Joseph Morelle of New York wrote to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and acting CISA head Nick Anderson, urging the distribution of money outlined in the fiscal year 2026 DHS Appropriations bill passed last April.

NPR obtained an exclusive copy of the letter. In it, the lawmakers express a "grave concern that time is running out" to help state and local officials protect elections from cyber threats and mis- and disinformation. The Trump administration has historically treated election security as a political issue. It has also cut federal funding and jobs in this area, including at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).

Funding Delay Raises Alarm

The funds in question, exceeding $39.6 million, were specifically allocated for election security efforts. The delay in distributing this money comes as the election cycle advances. Padilla and Morelle oversee federal elections in their committee roles. Their letter directly questions why the administration has not followed the directive from Congress.

Chevron's Venezuela Expansion Criticized

In other world news, Chevron is expanding its operations in Venezuela under a new joint venture. The company plans to invest $7 billion over five years, aiming to boost production to roughly 600,000 barrels of oil per day. Chevron's CEO made the announcement in Caracas alongside U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright and Venezuelan acting President Delcy Rodriguez.

The deal follows a Trump administration agreement granting the U.S. Access to 65 billion barrels of Venezuelan oil. Critics argue such oil agreements may be illegal and could hinder Venezuela's democratic transition. This comes after U.S. Troops captured Rodriguez's predecessor, Nicholas Maduro, in January.

Oil is an intensely emotional issue in Venezuela, accounting for over 90% of the country's export income. Reporter John Otis, speaking to NPR's Up First, noted that during its socialist revolution, the government expelled many foreign oil companies. Otis, who was in Venezuela in 2007, witnessed massive public support for then-President Hugo Chávez's plan to nationalize U.S.-operated oil fields. He says this history is why many Venezuelans now find it unsettling to see their interim president forming close ties with companies like Chevron.

Heat Deaths Undercounted in U.S.

An NPR investigation finds heat kills thousands of Americans annually, but official records radically undercount the toll. Heat often exacerbates underlying health conditions, but conclusive proof is needed for death certificates. Because evidence is often invisible, heat is frequently left off certificates even when it is a contributing factor.

The death of Adam Wilson was officially recorded as from "unknown natural causes." His mother insists heat killed him. Wilson had a genetic disorder causing heart problems and a high sensitivity to heat. In his home state of Arizona, heat can be unavoidable. Some counties, like Pima County where Adam lived, have trained death investigators to look for clues of heat's influence. Yet, stories like his illustrate how thousands of heat-related deaths go unreported each year.

AI Boom Strains San Francisco Housing

San Francisco's artificial intelligence boom is intensifying competition in its already expensive housing market. AI companies like Anthropic and OpenAI are expanding rapidly as the tech industry pulls workers back to the office. This influx of wealth comes with growing concerns about displacement and a chronic housing shortage.

The median home sales price in San Francisco has surged 25% from a year ago, according to Compass brokerage. Real estate agent Paul Kitchen says all-cash offers exceeding $25 million have been outbid. Price spikes are currently concentrated in a few upscale neighborhoods. Historical patterns suggest these increases will likely create a ripple effect throughout the Bay Area as people are priced out. The rental market is also affected, with agents reporting more high-earning individuals in their 20s who can afford $10,000 in monthly rent.