A new people-smuggling route opens up crossing a lake into Kenya, but it is proving deadly for some Eritreans.
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MadAboutPolitics.com - Featured News
Featured News
Today's Political News Compilation - Monday, May 5, 2025
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The federal Bureau of Prisons has lots of problems. Reopening Alcatraz is now one of them
By MICHAEL R. SISAK and MICHAEL BALSAMOUpdated 9:03 PM CDT, May 5, 2025
Eleven inmate deaths in less than two months. More than 4,000 staff vacancies. A $3 billion repair backlog.
And now, a stunning directive from President Donald Trump for the crisis-plagued federal Bureau of Prisons to “REBUILD, AND OPEN ALCATRAZ!” — the notorious penitentiary on an island in San Francisco Bay that last held inmates more than 60 years ago.
Even as the Bureau of Prisons struggles with short staffing, chronic violence and crumbling infrastructure at its current facilities, Trump is counting on the agency to fulfill his vision of rebooting the infamously inescapable prison known in movies and pop culture as “The Rock.”
Trump declared in a social media post Sunday that a “substantially enlarged and rebuilt” Alcatraz will house the nation’s “most ruthless and violent Offenders.” It will “serve as a symbol of Law, Order, and JUSTICE,” he wrote on Truth Social. ...
READ THE FULL STORY - AP
Judge orders Trump administration to admit roughly 12,000 refugees
A judge has ordered the Trump administration to admit some 12,000 refugees into the United States. The court order on Monday partially blocks the president’s efforts to suspend the nation’s refugee admissions program.
apnews.com
'Shocking': Experts question Trump claiming 'I don't know' about upholding Constitution
Trump, months after taking the oath of office, questioned whether he had a duty to uphold the constitutional right to due process when it comes to mass deportations.
abcnews.go.com
Republicans squabble over Trump spending plan as Fiscal Year 2026 looms: 'Stay until we pass it'
The new Trump administration's first budget request comes with expectations of staggering spending cuts – and not all members of his party are on board.
www.foxnews.com
Trump administration asks judge to toss suit restricting access to abortion medication
The Trump administration on Monday asked a judge to toss out a lawsuit from three GOP-led states seeking to cut off telehealth access to abortion medication mifepristone.
apnews.com
U.S. seeking deportation deals with far-flung countries like Angola and Equatorial Guinea
The Trump administration has mounted an intense diplomatic campaign to convince distant countries to accept migrants who are not their own.
www.cbsnews.com
Trump hasn't said who funded his presidential transition effort despite pledging to disclose donors
The White House didn't respond to multiple questions about when the transition would disclose who funded it.
www.nbcnews.com
Federal judge says results of North Carolina court race with Democrat ahead must be certified
A federal judge has ruled that disputed ballots in the still unresolved 2024 race for a North Carolina Supreme Court seat must remain in the final count. U.S.
apnews.com
Netanyahu says Gaza population to be moved in intensive Israeli operation
Remarks come as reports say Israel now eyeing occupation of Gaza, control of aid and possible expulsion of Palestinians.
www.aljazeera.com
Donald Trump hosts a $1.5 million-per-person fundraiser, raising ethics concerns
The purpose of the fundraiser was unclear as the Constitution’s 22nd Amendment bars Trump from seeking a third term.
www.usatoday.com
GOP dealt a blow in the battle for the Senate: From the Politics Desk
Plus, the Trump administration spends big bucks on the airwaves touting its mass deportation campaign.
www.nbcnews.com
Regional strikes: Israel attacks Yemen, Lebanon, Syria and Gaza in one day
Israeli strikes killed 54 in Gaza as Netanyahu says the enclave’s population ‘will be moved’ in new ground invasion.
www.aljazeera.com
US bill to ban Israel boycotts faces right-wing backlash over free speech
Allies of Donald Trump voice opposition to bipartisan proposal that would expand a law that punishes boycotting Israel.
www.aljazeera.com
'They can't take a joke': Trump says he knew 'nothing' about AI image of him as the pope
President Donald Trump says he had nothing to do with artificially generated image of him dressed as the pope.
www.usatoday.com
19 states and D.C. sue Trump administration over mass HHS layoffs
Over a dozen states filed a lawsuit alleging RFK Jr. and the Trump administration are trying to "dismantle" the Department of Health and Human Services through sweeping cuts.
www.cbsnews.com
Deadline looms allowing left-wing court to select US attorney as state AGs urge confirmation of Trump pick
State attorneys general sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Sen. Chuck Grassley to confirm Ed Martin as U.S. attorney.
www.foxnews.com
Trump is acting like it’s his choice whether he obeys the Constitution | CNN Politics
Americans are learning what it’s like to live with a president who sees no constraints on his actions and who apparently fears paying no price for them.
www.cnn.com
Trump says he'll call CEOs when he disagrees with their business decisions
Retailers have increasingly offered warnings about the tariffs' impact on consumers.
www.nbcnews.com
Trump foe Letitia James leading charge on new multistate lawsuit over HHS cuts
New York is leading 20 states in suing the Trump administration over its HHS cuts, described as one the most "sweeping and unlawful assault on public health" in U.S. history.
www.foxnews.com
Europe launches a drive to attract scientists and researchers after Trump freezes US funding
The European Union is launching a drive to attract scientists and researchers with offers of grants and new policy plans.
apnews.com
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EU plans to end Russian gas imports by end of 2027
The European Union vowed to end energy relations with Russia after Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Continue reading...Merz's messy path to power raises questions for future government
Merz had been working to project strength and purpose but instead became mired in political intrigue and division.
Continue reading...Trump's Cabinet members warn FIFA World Cup visitors not to overstay their visas
Members of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet said Tuesday that while they look forward to the U.S. co-hosting next year’s FIFA World Cup, they want to make sure foreign visitors don’t stay longer than they’re allowed.
The quadrennial tournament, which the U.S. will host alongside Mexico and Canada, is expected to attract millions of fans from dozens of countries. The Department of Homeland Security has indicated it’s ready to handle the influx of international travelers.
“Of course, everybody is welcome to come and see this incredible event,” Vice...
Continue reading...The quadrennial tournament, which the U.S. will host alongside Mexico and Canada, is expected to attract millions of fans from dozens of countries. The Department of Homeland Security has indicated it’s ready to handle the influx of international travelers.
“Of course, everybody is welcome to come and see this incredible event,” Vice...
DHS says travelers with no REAL ID can fly for now, but with likely extra steps
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said travelers who have not obtained a REAL ID by the deadline can fly after additional identity checks
Continue reading...Trump expresses 'absolute confidence' as Steve Witkoff is sworn in as special Middle East envoy
President Donald Trump’s new special envoy to the Middle East was sworn in by Secretary of State Marco Rubio Tuesday in an Oval Office ceremony.
Speaking before the swearing-in, Trump praised Witkoff, who was instrumental in securing an extended ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and the return of 33 hostages, including two Americans, who were being held by Hamas.
Trump said Witkoff has "been with me, more or less, one way or the other, every step of the way," adding that he has "absolute confidence and support and trust" in his Middle East...
Continue reading...Speaking before the swearing-in, Trump praised Witkoff, who was instrumental in securing an extended ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and the return of 33 hostages, including two Americans, who were being held by Hamas.
Trump said Witkoff has "been with me, more or less, one way or the other, every step of the way," adding that he has "absolute confidence and support and trust" in his Middle East...
Trump says less than 2 dozen hostages believed to be alive in Gaza
President Trump said Tuesday that three hostages held by Hamas in Gaza have died, leaving only 21 believed to be still living.
"As of today, it's 21, three have died," Mr. Trump said of the hostages being held by Hamas, noting that until recently it was thought that 24 people were still alive. Speaking at the White House, he did not elaborate on the identities of those now believed to be dead, nor how he had come to learn of their deaths.
"There's 21, plus a lot of dead bodies," Mr. Trump said.
One American, Edan Alexander, has been among the 24...
Continue reading..."As of today, it's 21, three have died," Mr. Trump said of the hostages being held by Hamas, noting that until recently it was thought that 24 people were still alive. Speaking at the White House, he did not elaborate on the identities of those now believed to be dead, nor how he had come to learn of their deaths.
"There's 21, plus a lot of dead bodies," Mr. Trump said.
One American, Edan Alexander, has been among the 24...
Canada's new prime minister pushes back at Trump in Oval Office meeting
For months, President Trump has taunted Canada by claiming it should become America's 51st state. But the country's new prime minister pushed back in an Oval Office meeting. Weijia Jiang reports.
Continue reading...Trump touts $9 trillion in new U.S. investment. The numbers don't add up.
After President Trump was pressed on rising consumer prices and slowing economic growth, he defended his tariff policies by claiming they had spurred record investment in the United States.
"I think we probably have close to $9 trillion of investments coming into this country," Mr. Trump said in an interview on NBC's Meet the Press that aired Sunday. "If you look at other presidents, there's never been anything like that."
He has also repeatedly claimed that he secured more investment in his first two months than President Biden did in four years...
Continue reading..."I think we probably have close to $9 trillion of investments coming into this country," Mr. Trump said in an interview on NBC's Meet the Press that aired Sunday. "If you look at other presidents, there's never been anything like that."
He has also repeatedly claimed that he secured more investment in his first two months than President Biden did in four years...
Senate Democrats rally against crypto bill amid criticism of Trump's industry ties
Washington — Senate Democrats are rebelling against a crypto regulation bill, putting the first-of-its-kind legislation in jeopardy ahead of a possible key vote on it later this week.
The bill, known as the GENIUS Act, would create a regulatory framework for stablecoins, a type of cryptocurrency tied to the value of an asset like the U.S. dollar. It advanced out of the Senate Banking Committee in March with bipartisan backing, but has since bled Democratic support amid concerns about President Trump and his family's business ventures involving...
Continue reading...The bill, known as the GENIUS Act, would create a regulatory framework for stablecoins, a type of cryptocurrency tied to the value of an asset like the U.S. dollar. It advanced out of the Senate Banking Committee in March with bipartisan backing, but has since bled Democratic support amid concerns about President Trump and his family's business ventures involving...
The divides behind the scenes in the Vatican ahead of the conclave
There has been a growing coalescence around the idea Pope Francis's work to shake up the workings of the Church should be built on - but some of his critics are not convinced.
Continue reading...French hunter given suspended sentence for killing protected bear
The 81-year-old man said he had no choice but to shoot the animal after it attacked him during a hunt.
Continue reading...FDA names outspoken Covid vaccine critic as the new vaccine chief
The Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday named Dr. Vinay Prasad — a hematologist-oncologist who has been accused of spreading misinformation about Covid vaccines and was an outspoken critic of the agency’s decision to approve Covid shots in children — as its new vaccine chief.
The FDA commissioner, Dr. Marty Makary, announced Prasad would lead the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research to agency employees earlier Tuesday and later on X.
Makary called the appointment “a significant step forward,” saying Prasad would bring “scientific rigor...
Continue reading...The FDA commissioner, Dr. Marty Makary, announced Prasad would lead the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research to agency employees earlier Tuesday and later on X.
Makary called the appointment “a significant step forward,” saying Prasad would bring “scientific rigor...
US officials to meet with Chinese counterparts in Switzerland amid trade war
Top officials with the Trump administration are expected to meet with a high-level Chinese delegation this week in Switzerland, marking the first major talks between the two countries since President Donald Trump ignited a trade war based on tariffs on imports.
TRUMP SAYS HE WILL NOT DROP TARIFFS TO GET CHINA TO THE NEGOTIATING TABLE
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Jamieson Greer, a trade representative, are expected to represent the U.S. as they meet with their Chinese counterparts in Geneva.
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The...
Continue reading...TRUMP SAYS HE WILL NOT DROP TARIFFS TO GET CHINA TO THE NEGOTIATING TABLE
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Jamieson Greer, a trade representative, are expected to represent the U.S. as they meet with their Chinese counterparts in Geneva.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The...
Trump admin reinstates 9/11 survivors program staff following HHS reorganization
FIRST ON FOX: The Trump administration's Health and Human Services Department (HHS) sent out reinstatement notices to staff members who were part of a federal healthcare program for 9/11 survivors, following a reduction in force at HHS and its subagencies as part of Trump's efforts to optimize the federal government.
The administration announced in mid-February that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) would face cuts that would reduce the agency's workforce by roughly one-tenth. As part of that reduction in force, 16 workers at the...
Continue reading...The administration announced in mid-February that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) would face cuts that would reduce the agency's workforce by roughly one-tenth. As part of that reduction in force, 16 workers at the...