NPR News: 07-17-2026 2PM EDT

Lakshmi Singh· Host0:01

Live from NPR News, I'm Lakshmi Singh. Homeland Security Secretary Mark Wayne Mullins warning state officials that if they do not implement the Trump administration's election security measures, they could face penalties. NPR's Jude Joffe-Block reports his remarks follow the president's speech last night.

Jude Joffe-Block0:20

Mullins says DHS will roll out an updated election infrastructure plan for states, and they will lose access to grants if they don't follow it. The Trump administration wants states to use a federal data system known as SAVE to check voter rolls for noncitizens and deceased voters. Mullins had a warning for state officials that don't participate.

Mark Wayne Mullins· Soundbite0:38

Uh, we will make sure that we make those states a priority to look at who voted in their states and hold then the election officials accountable.

Jude Joffe-Block0:47

That could mean fines or even prison time, Mullins said. He says DHS found two hundred fifty thousand noncitizens on the public voter rolls of four states, but how DHS arrived at that number is unknown, and election experts say that figure is likely highly inaccurate. Jude Joffe-Block, NPR News.

Lakshmi Singh· Host1:05

China has launched a new multilateral organization on artificial intelligence, and Chinese leader Xi Jinping says countries need to collaborate to improve AI governance worldwide. More from NPR's John Ruwitch.

John Ruwitch1:18

Speaking at the start of the World AI Conference in Shanghai, Xi Jinping did not mention the US by name but made some targeted comments. He said AI development should not be a solo performance by a single country. Rather, he said it should