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Robert Prevost Elected Pope Leo XIV: First American Pope Faces Challenges
Robert Prevost, an American missionary with extensive experience in Latin America, has been elected as Pope Leo XIV. His election marks a historic moment as the first American to hold the papacy. He faces immediate challenges including navigating differing views within the Church on social issues, addressing past comments regarding LGBTQ+ Catholics, and dealing with ongoing clergy abuse scandals.
Axios
The Guardian
CNN
BBC
US Military to Remove Up to 1,000 Transgender Service Members Immediately
Following a Supreme Court decision allowing the Trump administration to enforce a ban on transgender military members, the Pentagon is removing up to 1,000 openly transgender service members and giving others 30 days to self-identify. This move, influenced by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, occurs amid concerns about military recruitment and healthcare for LGBTQ+ veterans.
Axios
The Guardian
Reuters
U.S. Department of Defense (.gov)
Trump Fires Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden, Sparking Outrage
President Trump fired Carla Hayden, the Librarian of Congress, via email. The move drew immediate condemnation from Democratic leaders, who criticized Trump's decision and questioned his motives. Hayden was the first woman and African American to hold the position, having served since 2016. The firing has raised concerns about the politicization of federal appointments.
CBS News
Trump Appoints Jeanine Pirro as Interim DC US Attorney After Martin Withdrawal
Donald Trump nominated Jeanine Pirro, a Fox News host and former prosecutor, as the interim US attorney for the District of Columbia after facing Republican opposition to his initial pick, Ed Martin. Martin's nomination faltered due to his views on the January 6th Capitol attack and other controversial statements. Pirro's appointment has sparked discussions regarding her past statements and close ties with Trump.
BBC
The Guardian
CNN
Raleigh News & Observer
Trump Taps Fox News' Jeanine Pirro as D.C. Federal Prosecutor
Donald Trump announced that Fox News host and former judge Jeanine Pirro will be the top federal prosecutor for Washington, D.C., replacing Ed Martin Jr. after his nomination faced opposition. Pirro's qualifications and past controversies, including her connection to election fraud conspiracy theories and a libel suit, are also highlighted.
AP News
US House Approves Bill to Rename Gulf of Mexico 'Gulf of America'
The US House of Representatives passed a bill, largely along party lines, to officially rename the Gulf of Mexico as the 'Gulf of America'. Sponsored by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, the bill aims to codify a Trump administration policy. Democrats have criticized the bill as a waste of time, while Republicans argue it's a matter of national pride.
Axios
CNN
NBC News
The Guardian
US and UK Reach Tariff Deal: Cars, Steel, Beef, and Digital Trade
The US and UK have agreed on a tariff deal that reduces or removes tariffs on goods like cars, steel, and aluminum. The deal cuts car tariffs to 10% for up to 100,000 UK cars, scraps tariffs on steel and aluminum, and increases the quota for US beef exports. The agreement also addresses digital trade, aiming to streamline exports for British firms.
NBC News
WSJ
Fortune
BBC
Trump Proposes Tax Hike on Wealthy, Rattling Republicans Amid Budget Negotiations
President Trump has suggested raising taxes on the wealthiest Americans to House Speaker Mike Johnson as part of budget negotiations. This proposal includes creating a new tax bracket for those earning over $2.5 million and closing tax loopholes. The move has created tension within the Republican party, with some supporting the idea to protect social programs like Medicaid, while others strongly oppose it, advocating for spending cuts instead.
Financial Times
The New York Times
The Washington Post
Fox News
Trump Administration Announces Plan to Modernize US Air Traffic Control System
The Trump administration unveiled a plan to modernize the aging U.S. air traffic control system, aiming to enhance safety, reduce delays, and accommodate future air travel demands. The plan involves replacing outdated technology with modern infrastructure, including new telecommunications, radar systems, and air traffic control facilities. Congressional approval and funding are crucial for the plan's success.
The New York Times
Fox News
NPR
NBC News
Acting FEMA Chief Ousted After Disagreeing with Trump on Agency's Future
Cameron Hamilton, the acting administrator of FEMA, was removed from his post a day after testifying before Congress, where he disagreed with President Trump's proposal to eliminate FEMA. His removal, initiated by the Trump administration, occurred shortly before hurricane season. David Richardson has been appointed as his replacement. The incident highlights the administration's push to overhaul FEMA and its approach to disaster management.
NPR
The New York Times
Fox News
WSJ
VOA to Utilize Pro-Trump OAN Content, Sparks Controversy and Legal Challenges
Kari Lake's announcement that VOA will utilize content from OAN has ignited controversy, sparking concerns about journalistic integrity and political influence. The move follows a period of turmoil at VOA, including staff furloughs and legal battles, raising questions about the future of the agency's mission and independence. The decision has drawn criticism from VOA staffers, press freedom advocates, and former agency officials.
The New York Times
The Washington Post
NPR
Reuters
Pro-Palestinian Protesters Arrested at Columbia After Library Occupation
Dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested at Columbia University after occupying Butler Library. The university called in the NYPD following the protesters' refusal to leave and alleged injuries to security officers. The event occurred amidst ongoing tensions related to the Israel-Gaza war and previous Trump administration crackdowns on campus activism.
Al Jazeera
BBC
The Guardian
ABC7 New York
US and UK Announce Trade Deal Aiming to Reduce Tariffs and Ease Trade Tensions
The US and UK are expected to announce a trade agreement to lower tariffs, a move seen as a potential win for both countries. The deal follows a period of steep tariffs imposed by the Trump administration and could ease trade tensions, though details remain unclear. This agreement is part of broader efforts by the US to reshape global trade relationships.
NPR
CNN
The New York Times
BBC
Federal Review Initiated After Anti-Semitic Violence at University of Washington Protest
Following a pro-Palestinian protest at the University of Washington that resulted in over $1 million in damages and multiple arrests, federal agencies have launched a review into alleged anti-Semitic violence. The protest, organized by Students United for Palestinian Equality and Return (SUPER UW), demanded UW cut ties with Boeing. UW has suspended and banned 21 students. The Trump administration has also warned of potential funding cuts.
Axios
HHS.gov
KING5.com
MyNorthwest.com
Chief Justice Roberts Defends Judicial Independence Amid Criticism from Trump Officials
Chief Justice John Roberts emphasized the importance of an independent judiciary, responding to criticisms from the Trump administration. Speaking at an event in Buffalo, New York, Roberts highlighted the judiciary's role as a check on Congress and the executive branch. His comments followed similar remarks by Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and come amid numerous legal challenges to the administration's policies.
The New York Times
The Washington Post
NBC News
ABC News
Judge Blocks Trump Admin. from Deporting Migrants to Unsafe Third Countries
A federal judge has cautioned the Trump administration against deporting immigrants to countries where they are not citizens without due process, specifically citing Libya and Saudi Arabia. This follows reports of a planned deportation flight to Libya and raises concerns about violating court orders intended to protect immigrants from being sent to dangerous locations. The administration's aggressive deportation policies are facing increasing legal challenges.
Axios
The New York Times
The Washington Post
CNN
GOP Divided Over Trump's Bill: Medicaid Overhaul Sparks Internal Conflict
House Republicans are struggling to unite behind President Trump's legislative agenda, particularly concerning Medicaid reforms within a larger spending and tax package. Moderates resist cuts impacting beneficiaries, while hardliners demand deeper spending reductions. This internal strife jeopardizes the bill's passage and raises questions about party unity.
Axios
CNN
The New York Times
Politico
Texas Police Search for Missing Girl After Sister Found Starving in Closet
Ava Marie Gonzales, 9, disappeared in 2017 when she was two years old. Her disappearance was discovered after her 7-year-old sister was found locked in a closet and starving in April 2024. Their mother, Virginia Marie Gonzales, has been arrested and charged with serious injury to a child. Police are seeking information from the public regarding Ava's whereabouts.
USA Today
NBC News
New York Post
People.com
Woman's Racist Slur Against Black Child Sparks Backlash and Crowdfunding Debate
A Minnesota woman's use of a racial slur against a 5-year-old Black child has ignited a firestorm of controversy. While the act has been widely condemned, a crowdfunding campaign for the woman has raised over $700,000, fueling debates about racism, cancel culture, and the appropriate consequences for hateful speech. Meanwhile, a counter-campaign for the child's family raised $340,000 before being closed at the family's request for privacy.
AP News
Trump Nominates Casey Means, Health Influencer Linked to RFK Jr, as Surgeon General
Donald Trump has nominated Dr. Casey Means as the US Surgeon General, replacing Janette Nesheiwat. Means, a wellness influencer connected to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., aligns with the 'Make America Healthy Again' agenda. This decision follows concerns regarding Nesheiwat's credentials and skepticism towards vaccines. Means' nomination signals a shift towards holistic health perspectives within the administration.
The Guardian
CNN
BBC
Yahoo
