AP Photo
Unspent aid worth billions lacks oversight as Trump dismantles USAID, watchdog warns
By ELLEN KNICKMEYERUpdated 7:05 PM CST, February 10, 2025
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Agency for International Development has lost almost all ability to track $8.2 billion in unspent humanitarian aid following the Trump administration’s foreign funding freeze and idling of staffers, a government watchdog warned Monday.
The administration’s fast-moving dismantling of the agency has left oversight of the aid “largely nonoperational,” USAID’s inspector general’s office said. That includes a greatly reduced ability to ensure that no assistance falls into the hands of violent extremist groups or goes astray in unstable regions or conflict zones, the watchdog said.
The Trump administration’s actions have “significantly impacted USAID’s capacity to disburse and safeguard its humanitarian assistance programming,” it said, also citing the risk of hundreds of millions of dollars in commodities rotting after staff was barred from delivering it.
The inspector general, however, also noted that it has “longstanding concerns about existing USAID oversight mechanisms.”
Meanwhile, the administration and billionaire ally Elon Musk continued their unraveling of the aid agency. The General Services Administration, which manages government buildings, told The Associated Press that it had stripped USAID from the lease on its Washington headquarters. ...
READ THE FULL STORY - AP
With firings and lax enforcement, Trump moving to dismantle government's public integrity guardrails
In the first three weeks of his administration, President Donald Trump has moved with brazen haste to dismantle the federal government’s public integrity guardrails that he frequently tested during his first term.
apnews.comJudge finds Trump administration hasn’t fully followed his order to unfreeze federal spending
The Trump administration has appealed a judge’s ruling finding the White House had not fully followed his order to unfreeze federal spending and must release billions of dollars in funding.
apnews.com
The confirmation juggernaut: How Trump is getting everything he wants in building his Cabinet
Many of President Trump's picks have been confirmed, but some of the most controversial ones have yet to see a Senate vote.
As Musk works to slash federal spending, his own firms have received billions in government contracts
As Elon Musk has led an effort to slash government spending, his own companies have, over the last few years, received billions of dollars in government contracts.
DOGE's access to Treasury data risks US financial standing and raises security worries, experts warn
The Department of Government Efficiency’s embed into the federal government has raised a host of concerns, transforming a debate over how to cut government waste into a confrontation over privacy rights and the nation’s financial standing in the world.
apnews.com
What the polls can tell us about the early days of Trump's second term: From the Politics Desk
Plus, the legal fights over Trump's agenda are ramping up.
www.nbcnews.com
Analysis: Musk charges on with new targets in sight and Trump’s blessing | CNN Politics
The vast and opaque power of Elon Musk is only growing as he seeks new targets for his federal government shredding machine.
www.cnn.com
Schumer lays out Senate Democrats' strategy to push back against Trump
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer detailed Democrats' efforts to combat what he called a "coordinated assault" by President Trump.
www.cbsnews.comJudge orders fired head of whistleblower agency reinstated while fight continues over Trump removal
A federal judge has ordered the fired head of the federal agency dedicated to protecting whistleblowers to be reinstated while a court fight continues over his removal by President Donald Trump.
apnews.com
Trump 2nd term live updates: Google Maps renames Gulf of Mexico to 'Gulf of America'
Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that if the remaining hostages in Gaza aren't released by Saturday, "all hell is going to break out."
Increasing numbers of Democrats want their party to oppose Trump — CBS News poll analysis
Democrats express mixed confidence in Democratic congressional leaders' ability to oppose Trump.
www.cbsnews.com
Trump accused of leading a ‘multipronged’ attack on US media
While Trump regularly targets those critical of him, his attacks on the US press have escalated since he was elected.
Trump says Gaza ceasefire should end after Hamas suspends captives release
Hamas says it is delaying the release of captives as it accuses Israel of delaying aid to Gaza.
Donald Trump expresses trust in Elon Musk: 5 takeaways from the Super Bowl interview
President Donald Trump exuded confidence during his Super Bowl interview as the 2.0 administration sink its teeth into Washington
www.usatoday.com
Scientists warn Trump's medical research cuts endanger patients as judge blocks the move for now
Scientists warn the Trump administration’s drastic cuts for medical research endanger patients, will cost thousands of jobs and threaten America’s standing as a world leader in science and innovation.
apnews.com
Trump, Vance and Musk take aim at the courts as judges halt some of 2nd term agenda
President Donald Trump and key members of his administration are lashing out at judges who have halted some of his second-term agenda.
US cyber agency puts election security staffers who worked with the states on leave
Staffers at the nation’s cybersecurity agency whose job is to ensure the security of U.S. elections have been placed on administrative leave, jeopardizing critical support provided to state and local election offices across the country.
apnews.com
Trump appeals after judge orders him to undo federal spending freeze
The legal dispute stems from an executive directive by President Donald Trump that halted a wide range of federal expenditures.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Trump has paralyzed agency that safeguards worker rights, labor experts and advocates say
President Trump's firing of one of the National Labor Relations Board's five members has left the labor watchdog adrift, experts say.
www.cbsnews.com
What would happen if Musk tries to defy court orders?
With Musk flirting with defying court orders or targeting judges, the third branch of government might soon confront an unprecedented scenario in modern history.
Trump says Palestinians won't have the right to return to Gaza under his plan
President Donald Trump said Palestinians in Gaza would not have a right to return under his plan for U.S.
apnews.com
Russia says U.S. relations are on brink of collapse, refuses to confirm Trump call claim
Trump said that he and Vladimir Putin had spoken in his first officially acknowledged contact with the Russian leader since 2022, adding "I expect to have many more conversations."
www.nbcnews.com
New Hampshire judge blocks President Donald Trump's birthright citizenship executive order
The District Court in New Hampshire granted an injunction which prevents the executive order from being enacted.
www.usatoday.com
Refugee resettlement groups challenge Trump's program freeze
U.S. refugee resettlement organizations asked a federal judge on Monday to lift President Trump’s suspension of the U.S. refugee program
www.usatoday.com
Judge extends freeze on Trump's unprecedented plan to get millions of federal workers to resign
U.S. District Judge George A. O’Toole Jr. said the pause would continue until he rules on a preliminary injunction.
www.nbcnews.comWhite House officials ready to meet with Zelenskyy in Munich for talks on Russia's war on Ukraine
President Donald Trump’s senior advisers are expected to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy this week on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference to discuss the path toward ending Russia’s nearly three-year war in Ukraine.
apnews.com
Analysis: What Trump is doing to the US government is not a spoils system | CNN Politics
We will not know the extent or the success of President Donald Trump’s purge of the federal bureaucracy for some time. There will be lawsuits to fight some of his firings and delay or derail his effort to shut down departments and agencies.
www.cnn.comLabor unions sue to block DOGE access to sensitive information at US agencies
A coalition of labor unions filed a lawsuit Monday asking a federal court to stop Elon Musk’s team from accessing private data at the Education Department, the Treasury Department and the Office of Personnel Management.
apnews.com
Schumer reveals Dem counter-offensive against Trump's DOGE audit
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer detailed how Democrats in the Senate will fight against President Donald Trump and DOGE's audit of the government, which has already shaken up several areas of the executive branch.
Trump says no right of return for Palestinians under his Gaza proposal
Asked whether Palestinians would be allowed to return to Gaza under his plan, US president says, ‘No, they wouldn’t.’
Trump signs proclamation for 'Gulf of America Day' aboard Air Force One
During his flight to New Orleans on Sunday, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation declaring Feb. 9 "Gulf of America Day" as Air Force One flew over the body of water known as the Gulf of Mexico, that he renamed by proclamation.
apnews.com
Another Republican senator goes against Trump's 'poorly conceived' NIH funding cuts
Collins said Kennedy “promised” that as soon as he was confirmed he would “re-examine this initiative” that he says was “implemented prior to his confirmation.”
So long, penny! Trump orders US to ditch 1-cent coin after decades of complaints
President Donald Trump has ordered the U.S. to stop minting pennies. His surprise announcement comes after decades of unsuccessful efforts to phase out the 1-cent coin.
apnews.com
Trump administration to ban transgender people from military enlistment
The Republican leader has repeatedly sought to limit the ability of transgender people to serve in US armed forces.
What to know about Trump’s tariffs on steel and aluminum and reciprocal tariffs
President Donald Trump said he will announce on Monday that the United States will impose 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports, as well as other import duties later in the week.
apnews.com
Scoop: More than 100 lawmakers join Congressional DOGE Caucus
More than 100 House lawmakers have joined the Congressional DOGE Caucus even as Democrats push back against Elon Musk's efficiency efforts.
Donald Trump sides with plastic over paper in the straw wars
Trump has complained about paper straws and pledged to "go back to plastic."
www.usatoday.com
Judge says he will continue to pause Trump's federal buyout offer
A federal judge says he will continue to pause the Trump administration's federal employee buyout offer until he issues a ruling on a preliminary injunction.
Election official in Arizona’s largest county signals a shift away from combating disinformation
One of the top election officials in Arizona's largest county has drastically downsized a team whose responsibilities included combating false information about elections.
apnews.com
Trump should 'get rid' of FEMA, Homeland Security chief Kristi Noem says
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's remarks come as the administration seeks to pare down the size of the federal government.
www.usatoday.com
Judge finds Trump administration violated court order halting funding freeze
This is the first time in President Donald Trump’s second term that a federal judge has accused his administration of defying a court order.
www.nbcnews.com
Analysis: As Trump team overhauls government, a constitutional crisis looms | CNN Politics
Vice President JD Vance, Elon Musk and others in the Trump administration are openly challenging the centuries-old power of the nation’s judiciary, foreshadowing a possible constitutional breakdown of American government.
www.cnn.com
Trump orders 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum. Here's what experts say could become pricier.
President Trump on Monday ordered new tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports. Experts say some products could become pricier.
www.cbsnews.com
‘I was running out of money’: After quitting wartime Russia, some return
Russia’s war saw many flee due to fears of persecution or being drafted, but find some life abroad too challenging.
Bidenomics fallout: Highest electric costs ever - Washington Examiner
Bidenomics also saw the highest average electric price in history.
www.washingtonexaminer.comJudge set to rule on Justice Department's demands that Musk resume access to Treasury records
A federal judge is likely to quickly decide whether to let Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency resume accessing Treasury Department records containing sensitive personal data for millions of Americans after lawyers in the dispute could not resolve their differences.
apnews.com
Hamas suspends release of Israeli captives over ceasefire violations
Qassam Brigades’ Abu Obeida says Hamas committed to terms of ceasefire agreement as long as Israel adheres to deal.
Hegseth bans future trans soldiers, makes sweeping changes for current ones
Defense Sec. Pete Hegseth instituted a ban on allowing transgender people to join the military late last week, following a directive from President Donald Trump.
Tulsi Gabbard, Trump's pick to oversee US spy agencies, advances to Senate confirmation vote
Tulsi Gabbard, President Donald Trump’s pick to be director of national intelligence, is another step closer to Senate confirmation
Tulsi Gabbard, Trump's pick to oversee US spy agencies, advances to Senate confirmation vote
Tulsi Gabbard, President Donald Trump’s pick to be director of national intelligence, is another step closer to Senate confirmation.
apnews.com
US judge temporarily blocks Trump's research funding cuts
A U.S. judge has temporarily blocked Trump administration cuts to federal grant funding for universities, medical centers and research institutions.
www.usatoday.com
Hamas says it will postpone hostage release, blaming Israel
Israel's defence minister calls the Hamas announcement a "complete violation of the ceasefire agreement".
www.bbc.com
Elon Musk is igniting a fierce debate with moves at federal agencies | The Excerpt
Plus: The Philadelphia Eagles prevent the Kansas City Chiefs' three-peat in the Super Bowl. | Trump prepares tariffs on steel and aluminum.
www.usatoday.com
At least 51 killed as bus plunges into ravine in Guatemala
At least 51 people were killed in a bus crash early Monday in Guatemala City, officials said.
Trump steps up his 2018 tariffs on steel and aluminum, risking inflation on promise of more jobs
President Donald Trump on Monday removed the exceptions and exemptions from his 2018 tariffs on steel, meaning that all steel imports will be taxed at a minimum of 25%.
apnews.com
Trump puts 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports - Washington Examiner
A White House official noted that full implementation of the new tariffs won't kick in until early March.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Trump says ‘all hell is going to break out’ if Hamas doesn’t release hostages by Saturday at noon | CNN Politics
President Donald Trump on Monday urged Israel to cancel its ceasefire deal with Hamas and “let all hell break out” if Hamas does not return hostages still being held in Gaza by noon on Saturday.
www.cnn.com
Trump says the Gaza Strip for the United States is a 'real estate development for the future'
President Donald Trump provides more details about his proposal that the United States should take over the Gaza Strip in an exclusive interview on 'Special Report.'
Judge blocks Trump administration from cutting research funding after 22 states sue
The National Institutes of Health said it would limit indirect funding for research projects to 15%, dramatically slashing how much funding the federal government would provide to research agencies.
www.nbcnews.comTop Justice Department official orders prosecutors to drop charges against New York Mayor Eric Adams
The Justice Department has ordered federal prosecutors to drop corruption charges against New York Mayor Eric Adams and halt the ongoing investigation.
apnews.com
Why a China deal has set off a Cook Islands-New Zealand spat
The strategic agreement comes as Beijing moves to deepen its ties in the Pacific region.
Hegseth orders immediate pause on gender-affirming medical care for transgender service members
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered an immediate pause on gender-affirming care for all active duty service members in a memo to senior Pentagon and military leaders.
Dems flirt with government shutdown threat despite past furor over spending cliff
Democratic lawmakers are already positioning to blame House Republicans for a potential government shutdown in several weeks' time.
Steve Bannon reportedly in plea deal talks over charges he defrauded border wall donors
Steve Bannon has reportedly discussed with New York prosecutors a potential plea deal to resolve charges that he defrauded donors to a border wall.
www.usatoday.com
Trump administration orders list of new FBI recruits, deepening fears of cuts
The Office of Personnel Management asked the FBI for a list of probationary employees, sparking new fears at a bureau that has undergone major changes since Trump retook office.
www.nbcnews.comFEMA says it's halting payments for migrant housing in New York after Musk blasts money for hotels
The acting head of the federal agency responsible for responding to disasters says he’s suspending payments sent to New York City to house migrants and that staff who made them will be held accountable.
apnews.com
Trump nominee Tulsi Gabbard clears last hurdle, heads for final confirmation vote
Tulsi Gabbard faced her final procedural vote on Monday before moving onto a confirmation vote to serve as Trump's Director of National Intelligence (DNI).
DOJ seeks dismissal of corruption case against Eric Adams - Washington Examiner
The DOJ's No. 2 said, "There shall be no further targeting of Mayor Adams or additional investigative steps" until a review of the case is done.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Why the Israel Hamas ceasefire is under growing strain
The BBC's diplomatic correspondent looks at what is behind Hamas announcing a delay to new hostage releases.
www.bbc.comFEMA says it's halting payments for migrant housing in New York after Musk blasts money for hotels
The acting head of the federal agency responsible for responding to disasters says he’s suspending payments sent to New York City to house migrants and that staff who made them will be held accountable.
apnews.com
GOP Rep. Andy Barr to run for Mitch McConnell's Senate seat, though McConnell hasn't said he's retiring
McConnell is up for reelection in 2026, and he has not said whether he plans to run again for an eighth Senate term.
www.cbsnews.com
Trump bristles at the courts as White House pushes executive power
Trump administration officials have criticized federal court rulings over policies that could lead to showdown over executive power.
www.usatoday.com
Trump says ceasefire deal should be canceled if Hamas doesn’t release all hostages by Saturday
President Donald Trump says that a precarious ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas should be canceled if Hamas doesn’t release all the remaining hostages it is holding in Gaza by midday on Saturday — though he also acknowledged that such a decision would be up to Israel.
apnews.com
How a land law sparked Elon Musk's accusations of 'genocide' against his home country
Musk has described South Africa as having “racist ownership laws,” accusing its government of failing to stop what he has referred to as a “genocide” against white farmers.
www.nbcnews.com
'What a ripoff!': Trump sparks backlash after cutting billions in overhead costs from NIH research grants
As part of a wider move by the Trump administration to slash wasteful spending, the National Institutes of Health announced that it would be cutting $9 billion in overhead costs associated with federally funded research grants that go to various institutions.
Venezuela sends 2 planes to US to return migrants, signaling a potential improvement in relations
Two Venezuelan planes have flown to the U.S. and returned home with its citizens deported from the country.
apnews.comWatch the latest videos from the Washington Examiner
Watch the latest videos from the Washington Examiner, featuring in-depth analysis, commentary, and interviews. Get the latest news & issues affecting America.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Tracking Trump’s executive actions | CNN Politics
President Donald Trump has vowed to enact a sweeping agenda and reshape the federal government. CNN is tracking his executive actions posted by the White House.
www.cnn.com
Aid groups sue over Trump's order suspending federal refugee program and funding
Major refugee aid groups are suing the Trump administration over its order suspending the U.S. refugee resettlement program and funding for resettlement agencies.
apnews.com
Dozens arrested in Philadelphia after Eagles win the Super Bowl: Police
Philadelphia police reported nearly 50 arrests following the Eagles win against the Kansas City Chiefs in New Orleans on Sunday.
Man pleads guilty to role in SEC social media account hack that led the price of bitcoin to spike
An Alabama man has admitted to taking part in a January 2024 hack of a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission social media account designed to manipulate the price of bitcoin.
apnews.com
Judge grapples with whether to order health agencies to restore websites taken down under a Trump order
A group of doctors urged a federal judge to order the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to restore webpages taken down under a Trump order.
www.usatoday.com
Trump imposes tariffs on steel and aluminum; judge accuses administration of defying court order
Follow the latest news as President Donald Trump announces steel tariffs. Tulsi Gabbard receives a procedural vote, Vice President JD Vance heads to France and Pete Hegseth visits Europe.
www.nbcnews.com
Federal employees union files lawsuits over CFPB shutdown and DOGE access
A union representing employees across dozens of federal agencies filed two lawsuits on Sunday against the acting director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
www.cbsnews.com
Justice Department moves to drop case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams
Adams has spent time with President Donald Trump recently, including meeting with him in South Florida and attending his inauguration.
Elon Musk-led group proposes buying OpenAI for $97.4 billion. OpenAI CEO says 'no thank you'
A group of investors led by Elon Musk says it is offering $97.4 billion to buy the nonprofit behind OpenAI, escalating a dispute with the artificial intelligence company that Musk helped found.
apnews.com
To pay for Trump's tax cuts, House Republicans could raise student loan bills for millions of borrowers
The average borrower's monthly bill could swell to $288 from $95, according to an early estimate by the Institute for College Access & Success.
www.nbcnews.com
GOP rebels mutiny against House leaders as Trump budget bill talks hit impasse
House Freedom Caucus members released their own plan for the budget reconciliation process on Monday amid an impasse between Senate and House leaders.
Judge leaves pause on Trump's "deferred resignations" plan for federal workers in place for now
The Trump administration has offered more than 2 million federal workers the option of resigning their positions and retaining full pay and benefits until Sept. 30.
www.cbsnews.comNews influencers favored Trump over Harris during campaign, study finds
A study of news influencers reveals how Donald Trump had an edge over Kamala Harris in the presidential campaign.
apnews.com
‘I was raped’: Nancy Mace alleges sexual abuse at hands of ‘predators’ - Washington Examiner
Mace said she was naming the men as a way of “sounding the alarm on predators who are still roaming the streets of South Carolina.”
www.washingtonexaminer.com
UK must respect Trump's mandate, new US ambassador Peter Mandelson tells BBC
In his first day on the job, Lord Peter Mandelson says "we have to respect and understand what drives" the US president.
www.bbc.com
Trump’s military recruitment surge - Washington Examiner
The military has posted two consecutive months of phenomenal recruitment numbers. The credit goes to Trump for purging wokeness and using common sense.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Trump imposes 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum | CNN Politics
President Donald Trump on Monday imposed a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports into the United States with no exceptions or exemptions.
www.cnn.comHow major US stock indexes fared Monday, 2/10/2025
Wall Street is taking President Donald Trump’s latest threat on tariffs in stride, on the whole, and U.S. stock indexes rose.
apnews.com
Trump declines to endorse JD Vance for 2028 but says his VP is 'very capable'
President Trump thinks 'a lot of capable people' could be the Republican standard bearer in 2028 as early speculation begins on a successor.
www.usatoday.com
Vance triggers Dems by defending Trump's executive authority
Judges across the country took action to block President Donald Trump’s agenda. Vance created a social media frenzy on Sunday for supporting Trump’s executive authority.
A timeline of US-China tit-for-tat tariffs since Trump's first term
China’s tit-for-tat duties on U.S. imports have taken effect. The move on Monday came just hours after U.S.
apnews.com
US spy planes hunt for intel on Mexican drug cartels as surveillance flights surge near border | CNN Politics
The US military has significantly increased its surveillance of Mexican drug cartels over the past two weeks, with sophisticated spy planes flying at least 18 missions over the southwestern US and in international airspace around the Baja peninsula, according to open-source data and three US...
www.cnn.com
Iran's campaign trail threats against Trump more serious than publicly reported, book claims
Iran's threats of potentially assassinating President Donald Trump have loomed over the president and presented a more serious threat than publicly reported, a new book claims.
Another Florida university picks a former Republican lawmaker as its next president
Another former Republican lawmaker has been picked to lead one of Florida’s public universities. The board of trustees of Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton on Monday picked Adam Hasner to be the school’s next president.
apnews.com
Trump describes Gaza as a ‘big real estate site’ as he doubles down on plans to redevelop the enclave | CNN Politics
President Donald Trump on Sunday doubled down on his plans for the US to redevelop Gaza, saying that he viewed the war-torn enclave as a “big real estate site.”
www.cnn.com'Back to plastic': Trump signs order for plastic straws as he declares paper ones 'don’t work'
President Donald Trump says he is banning federal use of paper straws, saying they “don’t work” and don’t last very long.
apnews.com
Trump issues ultimatum to Hamas on hostage release, threatening fragile ceasefire
President Trump said he would give Hamas until noon Saturday to release all Israeli hostages.
www.cbsnews.com
Trump says Palestinians wouldn't be allowed back into Gaza under his plan
The president expanded on his plan for Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip, suggesting he would build a permanent home for them elsewhere.
www.nbcnews.comUS judge keeps Trump plan to push out federal workers on hold
President Donald Trump's plan to push out federal workers remains on hold. U.S. District Judge George O'Toole Jr. said the stay would remain in place until he issues a ruling.
apnews.com
Chances of asteroid striking Earth in the next decade has nearly doubled, NASA says
The chances of an asteroid striking Earth within the next decade has doubled in a matter of weeks, according to NASA astronomers.
House Freedom Caucus bypasses Speaker Johnson on budget plan
The Freedom Caucus unveiled part one of its two-step approach to reconciliation as Republicans argue over toplines and the best path forward.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Donald Trump fires the US government's top ethics official
The Office of Government Ethics said Monday that President Donald Trump had removed its director, David Huitema.
www.usatoday.com
'DOGE boys': Dems fume over spending cut spree at rally outside Trump's next potential target
Democratic lawmakers gathered outside the Social Security Administration headquarters to protest DOGE's potential probe of spending within the department.
Hawaii court rules against insurance companies in Maui wildfire, allowing $4B settlement to proceed
Hawaii’s Supreme Court has ruled that insurance companies can’t bring their own legal actions against those blamed for Maui’s catastrophic 2023 wildfire, the deadliest in the U.S. in more than a century.
apnews.com
Trump says Ric Grenell will be Kennedy Center’s interim executive director | CNN Politics
President Donald Trump said Monday he is naming Ric Grenell, a longtime confidant already serving in multiple administration positions, to lead the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on a temporary basis after declaring himself the institution’s chairman late last week.
www.cnn.com
President Trump officially pardons former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich
Blagojevich was commuted after serving nearly eight of his 14-year sentence in February 2020, during President Trump's first presidency.
www.cbsnews.com
NY Democrats blink as controversial state election bill affecting Rep. Stefanik seat declared dead: reports
The bill sought to give Gov. Kathy Hochul the power to merge election dates, leading minority party lawmakers like New York state Sen. Rob Ortt to rail against it as an affront to voters in the rural, red North Country.
New North Carolina governor sues over more laws meant to weaken him
New North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein is suing again over more recent laws from state Republicans that erode gubernatorial powers.
apnews.com
GOP fight over cuts stalls Trump agenda in the House as Senate forges ahead | CNN Politics
As GOP hardliners spent the weekend pushing party leaders to cut deeper into Medicaid in an effort to advance Donald Trump’s tax and border agenda, swing-district Republicans have been warning the president directly that it would cost him control of the House.
www.cnn.comTrump says he is considering tariff exemptions on Australian steel and aluminum
U.S. President Donald Trump says he has agreed to consider a tariff exemption on Australian steel and aluminum imports after a telephone conversation with Australia’s prime minister.
apnews.com
Trump fully pardons Rod Blagojevich - Washington Examiner
"He was set up by a lot of bad people," the president said.
www.washingtonexaminer.comLittle to no relief from high borrowing costs expected as Fed Chair Powell heads to the Hill
The odds of further interest rate cuts this year by the Federal Reserve dwindled last week as unemployment fell and more officials say they want to see how new policies from the White House affect the economy.
apnews.com
CDC confirms Nevada dairy worker infected with different bird flu strain
The strain, long circulating in wild birds, was detected last week for the first time in dairy cows.
www.nbcnews.com
USAID reportedly bankrolled al Qaeda terrorist's college tuition, unearthed records show
USAID reportedly fully funded al-Qaeda terrorist Anwar al-Awlaki's tuition in the early 1990s to attend Colorado State University, unearthed document purport to show.
Alabama's congressional map at stake in federal Voting Rights Act trial
Alabama's congressional map is the subject of a federal trial beginning Monday to decide if the state has to keep a new court-ordered district that led to the election of a second Black representative.
apnews.com
From immigration to DOGE, Stephen Miller is more powerful in the White House than ever | CNN Politics
Nearly every day since President Donald Trump entered office three weeks ago, he has convened a huddle in the West Wing with two of his senior-most aides to plot out the next steps dramatically reshaping the federal government.
www.cnn.comAP PHOTOS: Syrians returning to the town of Tel Rifaat find homes in ruins and underground tunnels
The long anticipated return home for residents of the Syrian town of Tel Rifaat, displaced since 2014, has collided with a painful reality — scars of war, streets lined with rubble and ruins standing in place of their homes.
apnews.com
World leaders react to President Donald Trump’s threat of new steel tariffs
President Trump said he would introduce a new tariff on steel and aluminum imports, as well as reciprocal tariffs. Here's how world leaders responded.
www.usatoday.com
Federal judge blocks Trump administration cuts to medical research funding
The National Institutes of Health says the cuts will save more than $4 billion a year, but critics say it puts potentially lifesaving research in jeopardy.
www.cbsnews.comSpring forward? Maybe not in Texas as lawmakers mull ending daylight savings time.
MCALLEN, Texas (AP) — Texas lawmakers are reviving efforts to eliminate the decades-long practice of changing the clocks twice a year.
apnews.com
How the ‘10th justice’ can help Trump’s agenda at the Supreme Court | CNN Politics
President Donald Trump named three justices in his first term, establishing a conservative supermajority on the Supreme Court. And now, even without an imminent vacancy, Trump is positioned to push the court farther to the right.
www.cnn.com
Passports with 'X' sex markers will be valid until they expire or are renewed, State Department says
The department issued the guidance after widespread confusion over whether passports with “X” sex markers would be valid for international travel.
www.nbcnews.comFifteen cases of measles reported in small West Texas county with high rate of vaccine exemptions
A small county in West Texas has 15 measles cases, mostly in school-aged children. Gaines County, which borders New Mexico, has one of the highest rates of vaccine exemptions in the state.
apnews.com
No, Walmart didn't cut price of food to 'pre-inflation' rates under Trump | Fact check
Walmart said the claim of an across-the-board price cut on all food items was false, contrary to a Facebook post by a former congressional candidate.
www.usatoday.com
Police investigating whether sports reporter at Super Bowl was drugged before he died
A woman who allegedly had Adan Manzano's cellphone and credit card in her home was arrested on property offenses, police said.
Ground Game: Trump's executive orders and Musk's DOGE uncertainty
This newsletter was originally sent out via email to our Ground Game subscribers on Feb. 10. You can subscribe at any time at apnews.com/newsletters.
apnews.com
Greece earthquakes: Aftershocks hit Santorini and surrounding islands
Three more quakes above 4.0 magnitude are registered on Monday near the Greek tourist hotspot.
www.bbc.comZelenskyy confirms a new Ukrainian offensive in Russia's Kursk region
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed a new Ukrainian offensive in Russia’s Kursk region and said that North Korean troops are fighting alongside Russian forces there.
apnews.com
New treatments are needed for alcohol addiction. Are drugs like Ozempic the answer?
There's growing evidence to suggest that GLP-1 drugs, which include semaglutide, may be useful for treating alcohol use disorder.
www.nbcnews.com
"City-killer" asteroid's odds of crashing into Earth go up as Webb telescope is tasked with studying massive space rock
Astronomers will use the Webb telescope to closely monitor the size and trajectory of an asteroid that has a slim chance of striking Earth in 2032.
www.cbsnews.com
House cats with bird flu could pose a risk to public health
More than 80 domestic cats have been confirmed to have had bird flu since 2022. Experts say there's a risk that cats could transmit the virus to people in the future.
What Mexico's richest man thinks Trump should do in his second term
Mexican businessman Carlos Slim, one of the world’s richest people, holds forth once a year on a wide range of topics.
apnews.com
Judge directs Trump officials to comply with earlier order halting funding freeze
A group of 22 states and the District of Columbia said the Trump administration was not complying with a judge's order blocking its freeze on federal assistance.
www.cbsnews.comSupreme Court that Trump helped shape could have the last word on his aggressive executive orders
President Donald Trump will need the Supreme Court, with three justices he appointed, to enable the most aggressive of the many actions he has taken in just the first few weeks of his second White House term.
apnews.com
Pentagon to restore Fort Liberty's name to Fort Bragg
The Pentagon announced Monday it would restore Fort Liberty's original name of Fort Bragg, but would honor a different Bragg than the base's original Confederate namesake.
www.cbsnews.com
Trump says Palestinians won't have the right to return to Gaza under his plan: "I would own this"
"No, they wouldn't," President Trump said when asked if Palestinians will have the right to return to the Gaza Strip.
www.cbsnews.comProsecutor says Salman Rushdie was too stunned to react when a man started to stab him
A prosecutor says Salman Rushdie was so stunned when a masked man started to stab him on a stage in western New York that the acclaimed author didn’t even try to fight back.
apnews.com
Hamas accuses Israel of ceasefire violations, says it will delay next hostage release
A Hamas spokesperson says the group will delay the next hostage release after accusing Israel of violating ceasefire agreement
Private jets collide at Scottsdale Airport in Arizona, killing at least 1 person, authorities say
Authorities say at least one person has died and others were injured when private jets collided at the Scottsdale Airport in Arizona.
apnews.com
