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Appeals court lifts blocks on Trump’s orders restricting diversity, equity and inclusion programs
WASHINGTON (AP) — An appeals court on Friday lifted a block on executive orders seeking to end government support for diversity, equity and inclusion programs, handing the Trump administration a win after a string of setbacks defending President Donald Trump’s agenda from dozens of lawsuits.The decision from a three-judge panel allows the orders to be enforced as a lawsuit challenging them plays out. The appeals court judges halted a nationwide injunction from U.S. District Judge Adam Abelson in Baltimore.
Two of the judges on the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals wrote that Trump’s anti-DEI push could eventually raise concerns about First Amendment rights but said the judge’s sweeping block went too far.
“My vote should not be understood as agreement with the orders’ attack on efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion,” Judge Pamela Harris wrote. Two of the panel’s members were appointed by President Barack Obama, while the third was appointed by Trump.
Abelson had found the orders likely violated free-speech rights and are unconstitutionally vague since they don’t have a specific definition of DEI. ...
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Vance discusses Elon Musk's 'mistakes' and 'incremental progress' on the economy in NBC News interview
In a wide-ranging interview with NBC News, Vance also sidestepped 2028 questions — and discussed what it was like to get booed at the Kennedy Center.
www.nbcnews.com'Scum,' 'crooked' elections and 'corrupt' media. What Trump said inside the Justice Department
President Donald Trump delivered what sounded like one of his typical meandering, grievance-laden campaign speeches on Friday, but it was where he did it — inside the U.S.
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What we know about the GOP government funding bill | CNN Politics
Congress has approved a stopgap bill to fund the federal government through September 30 and avert a shutdown ahead of a Friday deadline.
www.cnn.comDemocratic Party fractures in government shutdown fight, with anger running high
The Democratic Party appears fractured as a torrent of frustration and anger has been unleashed on Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer.
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With Democrats' help, Senate votes to avert a government shutdown
The Senate passed a House-approved government funding bill that averts a government shutdown that was set to be triggered at the end of the day Friday.
AP Exclusive: US and Israel look to Africa for moving Palestinians uprooted from Gaza
The U.S. and Israel have reached out to officials of three East African governments to discuss using their territories as potential destinations to move Palestinians from the Gaza Strip.
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Takeaways from Trump’s airing of grievances at the Justice Department | CNN Politics
President Donald Trump excoriated the Justice Department prosecutors who investigated him and vowed to use it to target his own enemies in a campaign-style speech at the department’s historic Great Hall on Friday.
www.cnn.com
Consumer sentiment sours amid trade war, recession fears: Survey
The Trump administration's tariffs last week set off a market slump.
Rubio says South Africa’s ambassador to the US 'is no longer welcome' in the country
Secretary of State Marco Rubio says South Africa’s ambassador to the United States “is no longer welcome” in the United States.
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Second federal judge orders Trump administration to rehire fired probationary government workers
The order from U.S. District Judge James Bredar came in a lawsuit filed by 19 states and the District of Columbia against multiple federal agencies alleging the mass firings are illegal.
www.cbsnews.com
'Deeply disturbing': Musk's 'Hitler didn't murder millions' repost draws outrage
Musk's repost, which now appears to be deleted, drew furious reactions from workers and the Anti- Defamation League.
www.usatoday.com
Trump overstepped his constitutional authority in freezing Congress' funding for USAID, judge says
A federal judge says President Donald Trump overstepped his authority in freezing almost all spending on U.S. humanitarian and development work abroad. Judge Amir H.
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'We have never been this close to peace' since Russia invaded Ukraine, Leavitt tells reporters
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt discussed the administration's moves to end the Russia-Ukraine war, saying that "we have never been this close to peace."
Democratic anger boils over as Schumer, 9 other Dem senators vote to avoid shutdown
House Democrats and activists are railing against Senate Democrats as they advance GOP funding bill.
www.usatoday.com
Tesla, in a letter, tells Trump administration it's worried about tariffs
In a letter to Trump officials, Tesla raised concerns about the president's tariffs -- but it's unclear if CEO Elon Musk was personally involved in sending the letter.
Fact check: Trump falsely claims ‘I invaded Los Angeles.’ His water releases didn’t go to LA | CNN Politics
The story, which Trump delivered in an especially colorful form at the White House on Thursday, is not true.
www.cnn.comTrump says he was being a 'bit sarcastic' when he promised to end Russia-Ukraine war in 24 hours
President Donald Trump says he was “being a little bit sarcastic” when he repeatedly claimed as a candidate that he would have the Russia-Ukraine war solved within 24 hours — and before he even took office.
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Biden White House turned over Trump, Pence government cellphones to FBI as part of anti-Trump agent's case
The Biden White House turned over government cellphones belonging to President Donald Trump and former Vice President Mike Pence to the FBI in May 2022.
Donald Trump says US had productive talks with Putin over Ukraine war
But Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accuses Russia of dragging out ceasefire talks so it can continue the war.
www.bbc.com
Vladimir Putin says Ukraine must surrender after Donald Trump calls for soldiers to be spared
The developments come a day after ceasefire talks between the U.S. and Russia in Moscow.
'Last trip in this car:' Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly says he's dumping his Tesla
Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona says he didn't think owning a Tesla would become political, so he's getting rid of his.
www.usatoday.com
Analysis: Putin’s stalling on the US plan for Ukraine looks like an attempt to play Trump | CNN Politics
President Donald Trump rarely stops bragging about his “great relationship” with Vladimir Putin.
www.cnn.comNorth Carolina GOP town hall gets rowdy as attendees hurl scathing questions on Trump
A town hall held by Rep. Chuck Edwards in Asheville, North Carolina, got rowdy as attendees asked a barrage of scathing questions about policies rolled out under President Donald Trump's administration.
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JD Vance booed by crowd at Kennedy Center concert after Trump takeover of arts venue
The vice president's arrival at the center Thursday comes one month after Trump launched a major, controversial overhaul.
www.usatoday.com
DHS arrests another student involved in Columbia university protests
According to the sources, it was part of the Trump administration’s crackdown on individuals it has described as espousing the views of Hamas.
AP Exclusive: DOGE may close hundreds of federal offices this summer
Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency is listing all the federal real estate leases it is ending, but new records obtained by The Associated Press show when those cancellations are expected to take effect.
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Irish prime minister says "tariffs are damaging" amid Trump trade standoff
Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin described the U.S. and Ireland's economic relationship as a "two-way street."
www.cbsnews.com
Vance expects a 'high-level' TikTok deal by the April 5 deadline
In an interview with NBC News, Vice President JD Vance said he believes the framework to create "a distinct American TikTok enterprise" will be in place, if not the final paperwork.
www.nbcnews.comWhat to know about tensions between Iran and the US as Trump sends a letter to its supreme leader
A letter U.S. President Donald Trump wrote to Iran’s supreme leader in an attempt to jump-start talks over Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program has arrived in the Iranian capital.
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Trump officials cheer 'self-deportation' of pro-Palestinian student protester
The unusual decision to post the video on social media reflects the attention Trump has given pro-Palestinian protesters at Columbia.
www.usatoday.com
Prospect of Ukraine ceasefire still uncertain despite Trump's optimism
Trump wants a fast end to the fighting, but Putin wants a "painstaking" discussion about details.
www.bbc.comSenate approves funding bill hours before shutdown deadline, sending to Trump for signature
The Senate has passed a Republican-led six-month spending bill hours before a government shutdown, overcoming sharp Democratic opposition to the measure.
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Trump rails against prosecutions, touts Jan. 6 hostages in visit to Justice Department
President Donald Trump is set to visit the Justice Department on Friday.
Hamas says it will release a US-Israeli hostage and 4 bodies, but Israel expresses immediate doubt
Hamas says it has accepted a proposal from mediators to release one living American-Israeli hostage and the bodies of four dual nationals who had died in captivity.
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Democrat Party infighting exposes struggle to unite against Trump
Sharp divides over how to push back against Trump and Republicans have been laid bare in Congress, writes Anthony Zurcher.
www.bbc.comWhipsawed by Trump's tariffs, the US public is getting a lot more nervous about the economy
President Donald Trump’s volatile tariff threats are unleashing historic jumps in public anxiety. This has the potential to undermine his pledges to strengthen a U.S. economy that is increasingly weakened.
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3 claims about the Department of Education and what it really does
President Donald Trump and his allies continue to make false claims about education in the country.
Judge rules against advocates trying to help migrants sent to Guantanamo and to stop more transfers
A federal judge has ruled against immigration and civil rights advocates attempting to help migrants who had been sent to the Guantanamo Bay military base and trying to prevent further transfers.
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Millions spent by Biden on COVID 'vaccine hesitancy' campaign slashed by Trump NIH: report
The Biden administration spent $267 million on research grants and contracts related to "misinformation" in 2021, a watchdog group found.
Philippines ex-leader Rodrigo Duterte appears before ICC by video link
Sounding frail and wearing a blue suit and tie, the 79-year-old speaks to confirm his name and date of birth.
Trump vows to 'expel rogue actors' in a political airing of grievances at the Justice Department
President Donald Trump used a speech at the Justice Department to air a litany of grievances about the criminal investigations he faced, decrying his adversaries in often profane terms and casting himself as a victim of unfair and biased prosecutions.
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Trump to speak at a Justice Department shaken by firings and dropped cases | CNN Politics
President Donald Trump is set to deliver what the White House calls a law-and-order speech on Friday at the Justice Department, the storied building from which the government pursued criminal investigations and prosecutions against him.
www.cnn.com
Dozens of schools face investigation by Trump administration, accused of 'racial preferences'
The Education Department announced the investigation Friday, naming dozens of schools under scrutiny.
www.usatoday.com
Europe's military personnel shortfalls exposed as Trump warns US security priorities lie elsewhere
The Trump administration’s warning last month that Europe must now take care of security in its own backyard raises troubling questions.
apnews.com
Johns Hopkins University to let more than 2,000 workers go after Trump's USAID cuts
It’s one of several universities laying off workers or implementing hiring freezes as they reckon with sweeping reductions to government funding.
www.nbcnews.com
Last living American hostage in Gaza may be released
The release of Israeli-American Edan Alexander, 21, is a top U.S. priority.
www.usatoday.com
Measles cases linked to Texas outbreak grows to 259, with just 2 among fully vaccinated people
The number of measles cases associated with an outbreak in western Texas has grown to 259, according to new data released Friday.
Putin says Russia will spare Ukrainian forces in Kursk if they surrender
Putin’s claim comes after US President Donald Trump urged him to avoid a ‘horrible massacre’ there.
SpaceX launches a new crew to the space station to replace NASA's stuck astronauts
The replacements for NASA's two stuck astronauts are on their way to the International Space Station.
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Education Dept launches widespread civil rights probe: A look at what the agency does as Trump eyes shutdown
The Education Department deals with managing loans, financial aid and some funding, but does not develop curriculum or accredit schools.
In Michigan, Vance says US manufacturing can rebound despite tariff jitters and falling markets
Vice President JD Vance has toured a Michigan plastics manufacturing facility while promoting a promised Trump administration industrial renaissance nationwide even as jitters about rising tariffs and steep drops in consumer confidence and financial markets point to the opposite.
apnews.com
Ovens and bone fragments - BBC visits Mexican cartel 'extermination' site
The BBC's Will Grant visits the site believed to have been used by drug cartels to dispose of victims' remains.
www.bbc.comTrump demands unprecedented control at Columbia, alarming scholars and speech groups
The Trump administration has delivered an extraordinary ultimatum to Columbia University, threatening to permanently end federal funding to the school unless it cedes control of an international studies department and implements sweeping changes to other policies.
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Analysis: Why Trump’s greatest first-term strength may be his biggest second-term weakness | CNN Politics
In President Donald Trump’s first White House term, public confidence in his handling of the economy was always among his greatest strengths. But in the early days of his second term, public views about his economic performance have quickly become his most conspicuous potential vulnerability.
www.cnn.comAllies preserve unity even as Trump's tariffs and Canada taunts overshadow G7 meeting
Top diplomats from the Group of 7 industrialized democracies are jointly expressing support for Ukraine and a U.S. ceasefire proposal in the three-year-old war.
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ICE arrests another individual who participated in anti-Israel Columbia protests
Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers arrested a second person who participated in the anti-Israel protests at Columbia University.
Gold rises to new heights as anxiety grips markets. Here's what you need to know
Amid widespread economic turmoil, the price of gold has soared to another record high. Gold futures surpassed the $3,000 per troy ounce mark for the first time this week, per FactSet.
apnews.com
RFK Jr. claims measles can be treated with vitamin A, linked to poor diet. Here's what science says
RFK Jr. has claimed measles can be treated with vitamin A and that severe infection is linked to poor diet. But many experts who spoke with ABC News disagreed.
Turkey says it will closely monitor a Syrian government deal with a Kurdish armed group
Turkey’s foreign minister says Ankara is closely monitoring an agreement between the Syrian government and a U.S-backed Kurdish-led armed group.
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Senate passes bill that seeks to keep D.C. government's use of local tax dollars intact
The government funding bill that’s headed to the White House limits Washington, D.C.’s ability to fully use its local tax dollars. The Senate-passed measure aims to fix that.
www.nbcnews.comEmerging from 2024 loss, Tim Walz holds a town hall in an Iowa Republican's district
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is reemerging from a public-facing lull that followed last year’s election loss.
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Foreign-born reach historic high amidst debate over immigration in US
There are now 53 million foreign-born people living in the US - nearly 16% of the population.
www.usatoday.com
National average wholesale price of eggs drops for 3rd week in a row
The combination of prices scaring off customers, slowed outbreaks and a later Easter this year is resulting in less demand.
More than 50 universities face federal investigations as part of Trump's anti-DEI campaign
More than 50 universities are being investigated for alleged racial discrimination as part of President Donald Trump’s campaign to end diversity, equity and inclusion programs his officials say exclude white and Asian American students.
apnews.com
Injunction lifted on Trump executive orders slashing federal DEI support
An appeals court on Friday overturned a previous judge's decision to block President Donald Trump's executive orders surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs.
Ukraine-Russia war: Does Kyiv think a ceasefire would work?
The BBC asks people in Kyiv whether a ceasefire deal could be a step towards ending war with Russia.
www.bbc.comTexas lawmaker introduces bill to clarify medical exceptions in state's abortion ban
A Texas lawmaker has introduced a bill to change the language in the state’s abortion laws to make it clearer when exceptions can be made to save the life of the patient.
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Shutdown showdown leaves Democrats deeply divided: From the Politics Desk
Plus, Trump leaves his mark on the DOJ. And an exclusive interview with JD Vance.
www.nbcnews.com
Hamas 'impractical' in hostage talks, Trump envoy says
Steven Witkoff, Trump's Middle East envoy, called Hamas' response to a hostage and ceasefire proposal 'impractical.'
www.usatoday.com
Another arrest made in vandalism at Colorado Tesla dealership
Authorities say second person suspected of using an “incendiary device” following a string of vandalism at a Colorado Tesla dealership has been arrested.
apnews.com
What is the Alien Enemies Act of 1798? What to know about the rarely used wartime law
Donald Trump is expected to invoke a rarely-used Alien Enemies Act of 1798 in an effort to ramp up deportations.
www.usatoday.com
Trump pledges to 'expose' his enemies in political speech at Justice Department
President Donald Trump used a visit to the Justice Department on Friday to air a litany of grievances about the criminal investigations that threatened to torpedo his political career.
apnews.com
Federal judge orders Trump administration to reinstate thousands of fired probationary employees across 18 agencies
A federal judge is ordering the Trump administration to reinstate thousands of previously terminated probationary employees across 18 different agencies.
Republican legislation seeks to ban Chinese nationals from studying in the US
A group of House Republicans has put forward legislation seeking to prevent Chinese students from studying in American schools, citing national security concerns. Rep.
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Gold prices hit $3,000 for the first time as investors push the panic button | CNN Business
Gold prices reached $3,000 an ounce for the first time in history Friday, boosted by demand for safe-haven assets as investors fret about President Donald Trump’s tariffs and geopolitics.
www.cnn.comWall Street rallies to its best day in months, but that’s not enough to salvage its losing week
U.S. stocks rallied to their best day since November's election, but that wasn't enough to keep Wall Street from a fourth straight losing week.
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Tulsi Gabbard launches investigation into leaks at spy agencies
During President Donald Trump’s first term, his administration referred more media leaks for criminal investigation each year than in any of the previous 15 years.
www.nbcnews.comVance hopeful 'high-level' TikTok deal will be completed by early April
Vice President JD Vance said Friday that he was hopeful a deal to keep TikTok operating in the U.S. will be wrapped up by the early April deadline.
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Grenell developing 'common sense' plan to turn Kennedy Center financials around
Interim Kennedy Center Director Richard Grenell, who was appointed by President Trump told Fox News Digital this week that he has a plan to get the institution out of debt.
Appeals court says Louisiana can carry out the state’s first nitrogen gas execution next week
Louisiana’s first execution using nitrogen gas is set to move forward as planned next week after a federal appeals court overturned a lower judge’s ruling Friday.
apnews.com
Mark Carney sworn in as first new Canadian prime minister in nine years
The economist and political newcomer takes office just days after being elected Liberal leader.
www.bbc.comFederal judge considers blocking DOGE from accessing Social Security data of millions of Americans
A federal judge is considering whether to temporarily block Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency from accessing Social Security Administration systems that hold sensitive data on millions of Americans.
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Trump calls for jailing his perceived opponents in Justice Department speech
Speaking from the Great Hall of the Justice Department, Trump targeted former special counsel Jack Smith and referred to Jan. 6 rioters as “hostages.”
www.nbcnews.comMichigan judge wanted Walmart shoplifters to wash cars. His boss stepped on the hose.
A Michigan judge came up with a creative way to punish Walmart shoplifters: wash cars for free in the community when spring arrives.
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Sean 'Diddy' Combs pleads not guilty to superseding indictment, jury selection to begin May 5
Sean "Diddy" Combs pleaded not guilty Friday to a superseding indictment that charges him with forcing one of his employees into sex acts.
How major US stock indexes fared Friday, 3/14/2025
U.S. stocks rallied to their best day since the election, but not by enough to keep Wall Street from a fourth straight losing week.
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FBI investigating rise in swatting incidents after several conservatives targeted, Kash Patel says
FBI Director Kash Patel on Friday said that the agency is investigating the recent surge in swatting incidents on conservative media figures and others.
Make room Starbucks and McDonald's. China's Mixue and other brands win fans in Southeast Asia
Chinese food and beverage brands are gaining fans across Southeast Asia, offering alternatives to big name American chains and expanding Beijing's commercial and cultural sway in neighboring economies.
apnews.com
Could President Donald Trump’s tariffs spur a recession?
An economist warns consumers about a potential economic downturn with President Donald Trump's trade war pressing on.
www.usatoday.com
FBI issues safety warning about counterfeit versions of weight loss drug semaglutide
The FBI warns counterfeit versions of weight loss drugs drugs can cause significant health issues.
Man describes cruelty during his two decades of captivity at his family home in Connecticut
Police in Connecticut are trying to determine how a man could have been held captive in his home for 20 years without anyone noticing.
apnews.com
Dr. Oz grilled over cuts at Senate hearing as he vies to lead Medicaid, Medicare
Dr. Mehmet Oz, Trump's pick to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, faced tough questions at his confirmation hearing from the Senate Finance Committee.
South Africa, Tanzania and Malawi will withdraw troops from conflict-torn eastern Congo
African leaders have announced the withdrawal of thousands of troops from South Africa, Tanzania and Malawi, who were sent to fight insurgents in mineral-rich eastern Congo, where M23 rebels have killed peacekeepers while overrunning the region this year.
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Appeals court rules Trump can implement anti-DEI executive orders for now
The decision from the three-judge panel allows the orders to be enforced as a lawsuit challenging them plays out.
www.cbsnews.comArrested Russian captain of a cargo vessel involved in North Sea collision charged
British police said the Russian captain of a cargo ship that collided with a U.S. tanker has been charged over the death of a crew member, who is missing and presumed dead.
apnews.com
Dr. Oz dodges questions on Medicaid cuts at Senate confirmation hearing
Oz, Trump's pick for Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator, also said he supports Medicaid work requirements.
www.nbcnews.comTrump environmental rollbacks would boost pollution and endanger lives, former EPA heads say
Three former Environmental Protection Agency leaders say rollbacks proposed by the Trump administration endanger the lives of millions of Americans and abandon the agency’s mission to protect the environment and human health.
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AOC, Sanders tell supporters to mask up for West Coast town halls
Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., are taking the "Fighting Oligarchy" rallies out West next week – and advising supporters to mask up to participate.
Visa fee hikes and delays hinder international artists from touring the United States
International artists hoping to perform in the United States are finding the visa process much more arduous and expensive.
apnews.com
Snag clothing gets 100 complaints a day that models are too fat, says boss
Snag clothing is cited in an online debate over whether adverts showing models who appear "unhealthily fat" should be banned.
www.bbc.comTrump administration moves to dismiss lawsuits against Iowa and Oklahoma over immigration laws
The Trump administration has moved to dismiss lawsuits against Iowa and Oklahoma for their immigration laws.
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‘I don’t regret anything I said’: Collin Morikawa fires back at media criticism over press conference no-show | CNN
After taking questions on a stellar second round performance that saw him surge into contention at The Players Championship, Collin Morikawa had a point to add regarding his absence from similar media duties last week.
www.cnn.comTrump's tariff wars forge rare bipartisan alliance in Kentucky as bourbon makers fear escalation
President Donald Trump’s use of tariffs has forged a rare bipartisan alliance among Kentucky’s top leaders — Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear and Republican Sens.
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Top House Democrat leaves Schumer in the cold amid left's disarray on shutdown drama
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., held a press conference ahead of a consequential Senate vote on averting a government shutdown.
FDA warns of misuse of laughing gas sold in colorful, flavored canisters
Federal health officials are tracking a rise in injuries tied to the misuse of laughing gas, including some brands sold in colorful, flavored canisters.
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'Big problems': USPS strikes deal with Elon Musk's DOGE team for reform help
U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy told Congress he signed an agreement with DOGE to provide assistance to address "big problems."
www.usatoday.com
Ron Nessen, press secretary to President Ford, dies at 90
Ron Nessen, the veteran broadcast journalist who served as press secretary for President Gerald Ford, has died at 90.
apnews.com
Consumer sentiment plunges to 2-year low amid tariff and inflation worries
Long-term inflation expectations jumped in March, showing intensifying consumer worries about President Trump's trade wars.
www.cbsnews.comCuba suffers another massive power outage leaving millions in the dark
Cuba has suffered a massive power outage affecting Havana and the country’s provinces that has left millions in the dark.
apnews.com
Federal workers say their future is uncertain even after court rulings call their firings illegal
Two judges on Thursday ordered the Trump administration to reinstate thousands of federal workers it fired across dozens of agencies.
www.nbcnews.comCalifornia regulator mulls State Farm's request for 22% premium hike for homeowners after LA fires
California's top insurance regulator says he will approve an emergency request from State Farm to raise home insurance rates for roughly a million customers if the company can justify the hike at a public hearing.
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Dr. Oz bats back Democratic attempts to paint him as a 'snake oil' salesman in Senate hearing
Dr. Mehmet Oz, President Donald Trump's pick to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, was slammed for promoting "snake oil remedies'" during a confirmation hearing Friday.
Trump administration demands widespread changes to Columbia University discipline policies
The Ivy League university has faced intense scrutiny from the Trump administration over its handling of pro-Palestinian student protests in 2024.
www.usatoday.com
Musk meets with head of National Security Agency to ensure it is aligned with Trump, spy agency says
Elon Musk met with the leader of the National Security Agency and U.S. Cyber Command this week, suggesting America's spy agencies won't escape the billionaire's efforts to reshape the federal government.
apnews.com
Medicaid cuts would decimate Native American programs, tribal health leaders say
As Congress mulls significant cuts to Medicaid, Native American tribes are bracing for potentially devastating financial fallout.
www.cbsnews.com
Iraq says ‘dangerous’ ISIL leader Abu Khadija killed
Prime Minister al-Sudani hails the killing of Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rufay’i as a major blow to ISIL remnants in Iraq.
Illinois votes on a new state flag design — and chooses the current one
The Illinois state flag is sometimes derided as an “SOB” — a state “Seal on a Bedsheet.” The white banner emblazoned with the state's eagle-themed emblem was adopted in 1915, so forward-looking lawmakers adopted a law creating a contest for a new one.
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Tariff timeline: How Trump turned global trade into an economic battlefield
Any doubt that the president was "all talk" about tariffs has been put to rest amid a flurry of tariffs, threats, and retaliatory duties going into effect in a matter of weeks.
www.nbcnews.comFormer US Sen. Alan Simpson of Wyoming, who bridged partisan gaps with his quick wit, dies at age 93
Former President George W. Bush is remembering former U.S. Sen. Alan Simpson of Wyoming for his accomplishments, friendship and sense of humor.
apnews.com
DOD closes think tank arm marred by 'inefficiency' and criticized by GOP for ties to Trump-Russia probe
The Department of Defense has dissolved its Office of Net Acquisition, an office that was meant to provide strategic analysis but allegedly got caught up in the Trump-Russia investigation.
Portugal is to hold an early election in May after minority government’s fall
Portugal's president has announced that the country will hold an early general election on May 18. His announcement Thursday came two days after a minority government lost a confidence vote in parliament and stood down.
apnews.com
Gene Hackman's dog likely died of starvation and dehydration, necropsy report finds
Gene Hackman, 95, died of cardiovascular and Alzheimer's disease likely around Feb. 18, about one week after his wife, officials said.
Senate passes bill that would increase penalties for fentanyl traffickers
The Senate has passed a bill that would result in more prison sentences for fentanyl traffickers. Democratic and Republican lawmakers on Friday were trying to show they can act to rein in distribution of the deadly drug.
apnews.com
Student loan borrowers confused by suspension of some repayment plans. Here's what to know.
Recent changes to student loans have caused confusion and uncertainty around recertification process for borrowers enrolled in repayment plans.
www.cbsnews.comAfter bitter defeats last year, Ohio Democrats are biding time as GOP moves full swing into 2026
The first television ads dropped this week in an Ohio governor’s race that’s still more than a year away.
apnews.com
Federal safety rule on baby cushions goes too far, contradicts Trump agenda, legal group claims
FIRST ON FOX: NCLA is challenging a CPSC regulatory rule as overly broad and contrary to Trump’s executive orders seeking to further regulate consumer products.
DOGE lease cancellations: Which government offices could be closed this year and when
The General Services Administration, working with Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, has notified landlords that federal agencies will be terminating hundreds of leases for offices and buildings in the coming months.
apnews.com
Jersey Shore couple shot by neighbor after yearslong feud, wife tells 911 'I'm bleeding to death'
The Berkeley Township couple was hospitalized with critical injuries and the neighbor, John Adamo, was found dead by a SWAT team from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
www.nbcnews.comOz pledges to fight health care fraud but makes no commitments on Medicaid funding cuts
Dr. Mehmet Oz is promising to fight health care fraud and push to make Americans healthier if he becomes the next leader of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
apnews.com
In address about vision for Justice Dept., Trump airs grievances about prior investigations into him
President Trump complained about the federal investigations into him and vowed retribution against his political foes.
www.cbsnews.comSome student loan repayment plans have been suspended. Here's what borrowers should know
The Trump administration’s recent changes to student loans are causing frustration and confusion for some borrowers.
apnews.com
Pakistan links train hijacking to ‘Afghan handlers’ and Indian mastermind
India and Afghanistan reject charges, as Pakistan reveals details of operation that freed hundreds of passengers.
Worries over Trump's promise to remake the economy showed up in a big way this week
The president and his advisers vow that any pain will be temporary. Consumers and markets are nervous, though.
www.nbcnews.comUS transfers immigrants out of Guantanamo Bay to Louisiana as court weighs legality
Authorities have removed U.S. immigrants from detention facilities at Guantanamo Bay as a federal court in Washington weighs a challenge by civil rights advocates to holding immigrants at the offshore military station.
apnews.com
Sununu says 'door is not closed' on '26 Senate run in battleground New Hampshire: 'I would win'
Former New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu is keeping the door open to a possible Republican run in the 2026 race to succeed retiring Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen.
Big March storm fans wildfires and kills 3 as forecasters fear weekend tornado outbreak
A sprawling storm system crossing the U.S. has caused deadly crashes, overturned semitrucks and fanned dozens of wildfires in several central states, prompting evacuation orders in some communities.
apnews.com
As Texas measles outbreak grows, U.S. cases quickly surpass total for all of 2024
The vast majority of this year’s cases have been in Texas, nearly all of them in people who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.
www.nbcnews.com
World’s biggest iceberg — a massive wall of ice named A23a - nears South Georgia
The trillion-ton slab of ice — called a megaberg — is currently aground near the South Georgia Island.
apnews.com
Hundreds of federal offices to start to empty this summer due to DOGE cuts: AP
Federal agencies will begin to vacate hundreds of offices nationwide this summer under a frenetic and error-prone push by DOGE to scrap leases it says waste money.
www.cbsnews.comSyrian leader signs constitution that puts the country under an Islamist group's rule for 5 years
Syria’s interim president has signed a temporary constitution that leaves the country under Islamist rule for five years during a transitional phase.
apnews.com
Senate passes GOP measure to avert shutdown as Democrats fume over choice
The Senate on Friday passed a Republican-led stopgap measure to keep the government funded ahead of a midnight deadline.
www.cbsnews.comOnce-routine immigration check-ins become high-stakes calculation as some are detained
Immigrants who are cooperating with officials while they apply to stay in the U.S. are now fearful of detention during routine appointments with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
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Donald Trump threatens opponents with jail in Justice Department speech
US president took aim at journalists, judges, prosecutors and Biden officials in a speech calling for ‘accountability’.
Helicopters permanently restricted on route near Washington airport where 67 died in midair crash
The Federal Aviation Administration says helicopters will be permanently banned from flying near Washington, D.C.’s airport on the route where an airliner and an Army helicopter collided in midair.
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Mark Carney sworn in as Canada’s new prime minister, replacing Trudeau
The former central banker has promised to deliver ‘action’ as country faces hostility on trade from the United States.
