The Newest: EPA desires to repeal a landmark environmental discovering, jeopardizing local weather laws

In a possible landmark motion, Environmental Safety Company Administrator Lee Zeldin has privately urged President Donald Trump’s administration to rethink a scientific discovering that has lengthy been the central foundation for U.S. motion in opposition to local weather change.

Zeldin referred to as for a rewrite of the company’s discovering that decided planet-warming greenhouse gases endanger public well being and welfare, in line with 4 individuals who had been briefed on the matter however spoke to The Related Press on situation of anonymity as a result of the advice isn’t public. The 2009 discovering underneath the Clear Air Act is the authorized underpinning of a number of local weather laws for motor automobiles, energy vegetation and different air pollution sources.

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VA halts contract cuts after issues about well being companies

The Division of Veterans Affairs has quickly suspended billions of {dollars} in deliberate contract cuts following issues that the transfer would damage essential veterans well being companies, lawmakers and veterans service organizations stated Wednesday.

The pause impacts lots of of VA contracts that Secretary Doug Collins described a day earlier as merely consulting offers whose cancellation would save $2 billion because the Trump administration works to slash prices throughout the federal authorities.

A partial record of contracts up for cancellation and reviewed by The Related Press exhibits the cuts would have affected all the things from most cancers care to the flexibility to evaluate poisonous publicity. It underscores how the administration’s strategy to broad spending cuts has instant and doubtlessly unintended penalties.

“We is not going to be eliminating any advantages or companies to Veterans or VA beneficiaries,” VA press secretary Pete Kasperowicz stated in a press release.

▶ Learn extra in regards to the pause to billions in contract cuts

Trump indicators government order looking for extra energy for Musk’s authorities effectivity workforce

Trump has signed an government order meant to increase the facility and attain of his governmental cost-cutting effort led by Elon Musk.

The prolonged order directs federal companies to develop new techniques for distributing and justifying funds so that they may very well be monitored by Musk’s representatives.

It additionally limits federal worker journey and freezes most company bank cards until they’re used for catastrophe reduction or supervisors create an exception.

The order intends a “transformation” in federal spending on contracts, grants and loans. It says it’s meant to make such transactions “clear” and that authorities workers “are accountable to the American public.”

Democratic senator asks FAA for paperwork on SpaceX deal to ensure it wasn’t because of political favoritism

Sen. Edward Markey, of Massachusetts, requested Wednesday in a letter to the company overseeing airplane security whether or not a deal to put in tools from SpaceX unit Starlink at a number of air visitors management services was a part of a aggressive bidding course of.

The senator additionally requested whether or not workers at Musk’s satellite tv for pc firm now deployed to FAA services had signed “ethics agreements” ensuring they weren’t utilizing their entry to reward their employer.

The Related Press has reported that at the least three SpaceX workers have gotten particular “ethics waivers” releasing them from regular guidelines requiring them to recuse themselves from authorities tasks that might assist Musk’s firm.

“I urge the FAA to be clear about this settlement and be certain that Musk doesn’t wrongfully steer federal funds to his firms,” Markey wrote.

▶ Learn extra in regards to the deal

Home Democrat urges Trump to rescind order looking for higher management of impartial regulators

A prime Democrat within the U.S. Home is urging Trump to reverse a latest government order looking for to offer the White Home direct management of impartial federal regulatory companies such because the Federal Election Fee and the Securities and Change Fee.

Rep. Joe Morelle from New York, a rating member of the Committee on Home Administration, referred to as Trump’s directive “an unprecedented violation of American rule of legislation” within the letter despatched Wednesday. Morelle stated Trump’s order ignores that Congress “particularly designed sure impartial regulatory companies to exist outdoors of White Home management.”

The order signed Feb. 18 by Trump says the change is required so the federal authorities may be “really accountable to the American folks.” It argues the president should be capable of supervise and management officers who “wield huge government energy.”

Head of EPA privately urges Trump administration to rethink discovering behind US motion in opposition to local weather change

In a possible landmark motion, the pinnacle of the EPA has privately urged the Trump administration to rethink a scientific discovering that has lengthy been the central foundation for U.S. motion in opposition to local weather change.

In a report back to the White Home, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin referred to as for a rewrite of the company’s discovering that greenhouse gases endanger public well being and welfare. 4 individuals who had been briefed on the matter spoke to The Related Press on situation of anonymity as a result of the advice isn’t public.

The 2009 discovering underneath the Clear Air Act is the authorized underpinning of a number of local weather laws for motor automobiles, energy vegetation and different air pollution sources.

A spokesperson for the EPA on Wednesday declined to disclose Zeldin’s advice, which was made final week underneath an government order from Trump.

The Washington Put up first reported that Zeldin had urged the White Home to strike down the endangerment discovering.

▶ Learn extra about Zeldin’s advice

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Related Press reporter Matthew Daly contributed to this report from Washington.

Musk stated USAID funds to battle Ebola are flowing. Company officers say that’s not true

No U.S. Company on Worldwide Growth funds for Ebola response have been launched since Trump froze overseas assist Jan. 20, a USAID official stated Wednesday.

Musk stated throughout Trump’s first Cupboard assembly that as his workforce rushes to chop spending, “one of many issues we by chance canceled very briefly was Ebola prevention.”

The administration has but to approve any launch of USAID funds for the present Ebola outbreak in Uganda, the official stated.

The official spoke on situation of anonymity for concern of retaliation after the administration banned workers from commenting publicly.

USAID staffers and companion organizations say all funds have stopped even after a decide quickly blocked the funding freeze.

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Related Press reporter Ellen Knickmeyer contributed to this report from Washington.

Democratic governors pitch state jobs to federal employees reduce by Trump

A few of America’s governors — largely Democrats — have a message for the wave of fired federal employees: We wish you.

The governors are welcoming former federal staffers who misplaced their jobs within the Trump administration’s widespread cost-cutting agenda to use for presidency jobs of their states. Some locations are holding job festivals, whereas Hawaii’s governor says the state is fast-tracking hiring for these candidates.

The hassle quantities to a small degree of resistance in opposition to the Republican president and doubtlessly a little bit of political maneuvering from the leaders in blue states, wanting to be seen because the occasion serving to employees in want. Usually, the governors are attempting to refill lengthy lists of job openings of their states, and in some the trouble concerned merely directing folks to a web-based jobs web page.

▶ Learn extra about governors and fired federal employees

Sen. Patty Murray calls Trump and Musk ‘out of contact billionaires’

Talking throughout a information convention with three fired federal employees, the Democrat from Washington state additionally stated Trump and Musk don’t care in the event that they “burn down one thing actually necessary.”

“The Trump/Musk firing spree continues to be as surgical as a wrecking ball,” Murray stated. “That’s no strategy to deal with individuals who have devoted themselves to our nation, usually for years. And lots of of them, by the way in which, are veterans. Almost a 3rd of our federal workforce are veterans, people who find themselves actually put their lives on the road for our nation, and now we’re all seeing what Trump and Musk take into consideration that.”

Emily Connor, a grants specialist for the Federal Transit Administration, was fired Feb. 14 together with about 10% of the employees of their regional workplace, which covers Washington, Oregon and Idaho.

“Whoever’s left is caught choosing up the items of what’s actually an unattainable workload with no transition plan in any respect,” she stated.

EU-US diplomatic talks are referred to as off as political tensions enhance

A deliberate assembly between European Union overseas coverage chief Kaja Kallas and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was abruptly canceled Wednesday.

Either side blamed scheduling challenges, however European officers stated they had been caught off-guard. Notably, Kallas had previewed her deliberate talks with Rubio to reporters in Brussels simply two days in the past.

Political tensions have elevated between Europe and the USA lately and the cancellation comes after the State Division instructed U.S. diplomats in a memo seen by The Related Press to step up calls for on Europe to guard free speech and finish what the Trump administration says are unfastened migration insurance policies.

Musk stated his workforce’s rush to chop spending mistakenly led to canceling Ebola virus prevention efforts

“We are going to make errors,” Musk stated throughout Trump’s first Cupboard assembly Wednesday.

He cited for example that, whereas hustling to dramatically shrink the U.S. Company on Worldwide Growth, “One of many issues we by chance canceled very briefly was Ebola prevention.”

U.S. officers acquainted with the matter had stated as of final week in courtroom filings, and interviews, that no USAID cash was flowing — together with for efforts to fight the unfold of Ebola.

China will attempt to affect Musk, a Republican lawmaker says

“I do imagine that (the Chinese language Communist leaders) will try to leverage any alternative,” stated Rep. John Moolenaar, Republican chairman of the Home Choose Committee on China, throughout a Tuesday speak on the Brookings Establishment in Washington.

Musk, a detailed Trump ally, has intensive enterprise connections in China, together with a gigafactory to make Tesla automobiles and a battery manufacturing unit in Shanghai.

Moolenaar went on to say of Musk: “Are folks going to be in search of that and be sure that his lane is one that isn’t influencing China coverage? I imagine that’s the case.” He didn’t elaborate.

Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, the Democratic rating member of the committee, stated Chinese language leaders would attempt to use Musk to bypass extra hawkish voices on China within the Trump administration.

“My hope is that the president goes to be listening to everyone very fastidiously,” stated Krishnamoorthi, who appeared with Moolenaar on the occasion.

Trump says Ukraine might ‘neglect about’ becoming a member of NATO as he prepares to host Zelenskyy for talks

Trump additionally stated Wednesday that he hopes to quickly communicate nose to nose with Russian President Vladimir Putin in hopes of reaching an settlement to finish the battle in Ukraine that started when Moscow invaded in February 2022.

The Republican president declined to element what concessions he would ask the 2 sides to make, however he underscored his administration’s place that Ukraine’s aspiration to hitch NATO, the Western navy alliance, isn’t tenable.

“NATO, you’ll be able to neglect about it,” Trump stated. “I believe that’s in all probability the rationale the entire thing began.”

Throughout Cupboard assembly, Trump says tariffs are coming, however struggles on particular timelines

The president had some confusion about his tariff timelines, however he appeared to recommend he’ll impose them broadly.

Requested if he deliberate to impose his tariffs on Canada and Mexico on March 4 after a 30-day suspension, Trump stated the tariffs would begin April 2. He seemed to be conflating these taxes on imports together with his separate plan to boost import taxes to match the charges charged by different nations, which might goal Europe, primarily based off the U.S. president’s statements.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick clarified for Trump on Canada and Mexico that they wanted to indicate progress on stopping unlawful immigration and drug smuggling. Trump claims border crossings have dropped due to his personal home insurance policies, not the actions of America’s two largest buying and selling companions.

“On the finish of that 30 days, they should show to the president that they glad him,” Lutnick stated of Canada and Mexico.

Senate confirms Jamieson Greer to be Trump’s prime commerce negotiator as battles loom

The Senate has confirmed Jamieson Greer, a veteran of Trump’s first-term financial battles with China, Mexico and Canada, to be America’s prime commerce negotiator.

As U.S. commerce consultant, Greer will work with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, a billionaire financier, to supervise Trump’s aggressive commerce agenda. Greer’s nomination cleared the Senate by a 56-43 vote Wednesday.

Economists warn that Trump’s deliberate tariffs will elevate costs and danger rekindling inflation whereas drawing retaliation from different nations.

Greer, a former Air Power lawyer, was chief of employees to Trump’s first-term commerce consultant, Robert Lighthizer. In that place, Greer was concerned in talks with China at a time when the world’s two largest economies had been hitting one another’s merchandise with tariffs within the greatest commerce brawl for the reason that Thirties.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. describes main measles outbreak as ‘commonplace’

The nation’s prime well being official was requested a few little one who died in Texas’ largest measles outbreak in 30 years.

The kid’s loss of life in West Texas, the place officers say at the least 124 folks have been contaminated by the lethal virus, is the primary U.S. measles loss of life in a few decade.

Kennedy was requested in regards to the unvaccinated little one’s passing throughout Trump’s first official assembly together with his Cupboard on Wednesday.

Kennedy stated his company is “watching” the outbreak, however didn’t present specifics on how.

Pair of Senate Democrats say layoffs threaten modernization of organ transplant system

Sens. Ron Wyden of Oregon and Bernie Sanders of Vermont wrote newly put in Well being and Human Providers Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Wednesday, saying he “dedicated to make sure correct staffing” for the congressionally mandated transplant overhaul throughout his affirmation hearings.

“You’ve gotten an obligation to meet your dedication,” the pair wrote.

Amongst hundreds of employees purged from U.S. well being companies in latest weeks are some specialists specifically employed by the Well being Sources and Providers Administration to implement the 2023 legislation. Affected person teams together with the Nationwide Kidney Basis are urging their reinstatement.

The senators requested Kennedy to reply by subsequent week to questions in regards to the dismissals, how he’ll guarantee enhancements to organ donation and transplantation and after they’ll be accomplished.

Supreme Court docket appears prone to rule for Ohio lady claiming job bias as a result of she’s straight

The end result of the case might take away an extra requirement that some courts apply when members of a majority group, together with those that are white and heterosexual, sue for discrimination underneath federal legislation.

Supreme Court docket Justice Brett Kavanaugh acknowledged a manner of resolving the case that appeared to get pleasure from broad assist amongst his colleagues. “Discrimination on the premise of sexual orientation, whether or not you might be homosexual or straight, is prohibited. The principles are the identical whichever manner it goes,” Kavanaugh stated.

The justices heard arguments in an attraction from Marlean Ames, who’s labored for the Ohio Division of Youth Providers for greater than 20 years. Ames contends she was handed over for a promotion after which demoted as a result of she is heterosexual. Each the job she sought and the one she had held got to LGBTQ+ folks.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 bars intercourse discrimination within the office. A trial courtroom and an appeals courtroom dominated in opposition to Ames.

▶ Learn extra in regards to the Supreme Court docket listening to

Cuts to federal companies might additionally imply shifting out of the Washington space

The Trump administration’s memo calling for companies to organize for sweeping cuts features a provision permitting them to contemplate shifting federal places of work to cheaper-rent areas.

That might open the door to a longtime Republican precedence of relocating a lot of the federal paperwork from Washington, D.C., to conservative elements of the nation.

Trump tried this in his first time period, shifting the headquarters of the Bureau of Land Administration to the mid-sized Colorado metropolis of Grand Junction, about 250 miles west of Denver. About 300 staffers give up or retired slightly than make the transfer, which, in fact, could also be precisely the result the brand new administration desires.

Biden moved BLM’s headquarters again to Denver in 2021 and its western headquarters stays in Grand Junction.

Justice Division nominee doesn’t decide to not firing attorneys over their political beliefs

Harmeet Dhillon, nominee for the Justice Division’s assistant legal professional common for civil rights, stated she “can not decide to any explicit personnel resolution” when requested if she would vow to not hearth or reassign profession attorneys within the division over who they voted for or their views on the 2020 election, which Trump has falsely claimed was stolen from him.

However she stated it’s her “common observe to not react to folks primarily based solely on their political beliefs.”

Dhillon, who has represented Trump a number of occasions in courtroom, additionally dodged questions asking what she would do if the president requested her to do one thing she believed was unlawful or unconstitutional.

“In all of these years in a number of circumstances in a number of jurisdictions, the president has by no means requested me to do something I discovered objectionable, immoral, illegal or unlawful, so I actually can’t fathom the circumstances you’re describing,” she informed the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary throughout an preliminary listening to Wednesday.

Trump thinks they’l l promote ‘rather a lot’ of ‘gold playing cards’ with a path to citizenship

The president stated he plans to begin promoting the so-called “gold playing cards” for $5 million, they usually’ll embrace a path to citizenship.

Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnik stated that will exchange the EB-5 program provided to buyers who spent about $1 million on an organization that employs at the least 10 folks.

“If we promote 1,000,000, that’s $5 trillion {dollars},” Trump stated, including he desires to make use of that cash to repay the nation’s debt.

“I believe we are going to promote rather a lot as a result of I believe there’s actually a thirst,” Trump stated. “No different nation can do that as a result of folks don’t wish to go to different nations. They wish to come right here. All people desires to come back right here, particularly since Nov. 5.”

Justice Division nominee pressed on birthright citizenship

Aaron Reitz, nominee for assistant legal professional common for the Justice Division’s authorized coverage workplace, was pressed a number of occasions over earlier feedback that birthright citizenship is “not a factor” throughout an preliminary Senate committee listening to Wednesday listening to.

“There are affordable debates available in regards to the that means and utility and scope about what is often referred to as birthright citizenship,” he stated.

Trump has tried to eradicate birthright citizenship, upending greater than a century of precedent.

Assistant legal professional common nominee speaks about DEI, anti-Semitism on faculty campuses

Conservative legal professional Harmeet Dhillon, Trump’s nominee for the Justice Division’s assistant legal professional common for civil rights, slammed variety, fairness and inclusion initiatives and anti-Semitism on faculty campuses throughout an preliminary Senate listening to Wednesday morning.

“The president and Legal professional Common Bondi have made clear that variety, fairness and inclusion because it’s been utilized to make use of racial quotas to disclaim folks equal entry to schooling, employment, even doubtlessly housing and different elements of civil life are inappropriate,” she stated. “So we’ll definitely be having a look in any respect of these and implementing the legislation equally for all People.”

When urged to “root out” DEI on faculty campuses and requested if “reverse racism continues to be racism,” Dhillon responded by saying, “I don’t even use the time period ‘reverse racism.’ It’s simply racism.”

Dhillon additionally dedicated to “defending folks of religion equally” when requested a number of occasions about harassment of usually religiously affiliated anti-abortion facilities generally known as being pregnant disaster facilities.

Trump says a deal on earth minerals with Ukraine can carry the US ‘nice wealth’

The president advised {that a} deal can assist make up for all of the navy assist the Biden administration despatched to Ukraine over time — whereas doubtlessly producing much more income.

Trump stated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is “coming to signal the dealt and it’s an incredible factor. It’s an incredible deal for Ukraine too.”

Trump informed members of his Cupboard they need to be seeking to make deep cuts at their companies

In a single instance, the president stated Lee Zeldin, head of the Environmental Safety Company, ought to reduce 65% of workers on the company.

Trump says, to date, he’s ‘impressed’ with all of his Cupboard

He famous that solely a month has handed since he took the White Home anew however, “Proper now, I’m impressed with everyone” in his Cupboard.

The president singled out for reward Secretary of State Marco Rubio. However he talked at size about Musk and his mass federal firings, saying “we’re reducing down authorities.”

“We’re reducing down the dimensions of presidency,” Trump stated. “We now have to.”

Trump says Zelenskyy will go to White Home to signal essential minerals deal

Trump made the announcement Wednesday at begin of his first Cupboard assembly.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated the framework of the financial cope with the USA is prepared but it surely doesn’t but supply U.S. safety ensures Kyiv views as very important for its battle in opposition to the Russian invasion.

Since returning to workplace final month, Trump let Ukraine know that he wished one thing in return for tens of billions of {dollars} in U.S. assist heading off the Russian forces that launched a full-scale invasion simply over three years in the past on Feb. 24, 2022.

Assistant legal professional common nominee questioned on election integrity

Harmeet Dhillon, a conservative legal professional who’s represented Trump and is now his nominee for the Justice Division’s assistant legal professional common for civil rights, was questioned over election integrity throughout a Wednesday morning Senate listening to.

Sen. Marsha Blackburn, a Republican from Tennessee, requested Dhillon about her views on voter roll challenges, which Democrats and voting rights advocates have referred to as unfounded makes an attempt to sow mistrust within the voting course of and disenfranchise voters as states are already required to take care of their rolls.

Dhillon responded by applauding Tennessee for “cleansing up your voter rolls” and stated she’s “100% in favor of fresh voter rolls.”

She additionally stated requiring proof of citizenship “can be an amazing enhance to voter confidence within the integrity of elections within the states if there may be an insurance coverage that solely residents are voting, equally that they’re solely voting as soon as.”

Trump’s convenes the primary Cupboard assembly of his second time period

Trump convened the assembly together with Musk, who isn’t a Cupboard member.

Lots of Trump’s prime picks have been confirmed by the Senate. Musk, a senior adviser who’s main an effort shrink the federal authorities, didn’t require affirmation.

“We’re gonna resolve loads of issues,” Trump stated on the prime of the assembly.

Trump invited Musk to talk first on the assembly, saying his cost-cutting work “appears to be of nice curiosity to everybody.” He stated there have been many People who’ve “such admiration” for the mass firings and authorities cuts Musk is main.

Musk, as he has up to now, described himself as easy “tech assist” for the federal government, saying “it’s ironic, but it surely’s true.”

Cupboard members had been requested in the event that they had been proud of Musk a couple of minutes into the assembly. Musk began to reply the query. However Trump interjected and stated he would possibly wish to let Cupboard members reply, earlier than joking that if anybody disagreed, he would possibly “throw them out.”

Trump posts a video selling his proposal for redeveloping the Gaza Strip

The video posted to the president’s Reality Social account late Tuesday exhibits images of what seems to be decimated Gaza streets and neighborhoods changed with photographs of seaside lodges, dancing girls and retailers promoting gold over a pulsating soundtrack.

Trump’s proposal to develop Gaza’s Mediterranean coast right into a Riviera replete with luxurious casinos and resorts has met with important criticism within the Center East.

The track lyrics, in English, seem supposed to attraction to Palestinians, many hundreds of which might be displaced by the plan and are completely against it, however there was no instant strategy to gauge response.

“Donald’s coming to set you free,” the track says.

The video closes with a photoshopped picture of Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reclining poolside and sipping brightly coloured drinks.

Trump administration units stage for large-scale federal employee layoffs in new memo

Federal companies should develop plans to eradicate worker positions, in line with a memo distributed by Trump’s administration that units in movement what might grow to be a sweeping realignment of American authorities.

The memo expands the Republican president’s effort to downsize the federal workforce, which he’s described as bloated and obstacle to his agenda. 1000’s of probationary workers have already been fired, and now his administration is popping its consideration to profession officers with civil service safety.

Businesses are directed to submit by March 13 their plans for what is called a discount in drive, which might not solely lay off workers however eradicate the place altogether. The consequence may very well be intensive adjustments in how authorities capabilities.

▶ Learn extra in regards to the authorities layoffs

US sanctions Iranian drone procurement corporations in China and Hong Kong

The Treasury Division’s Workplace of International Property sanctioned the six firms that are accused of serving to procure drone elements for sanctioned Iranian agency Pishtazan Kavosh Gostar Boshra and its subsidiary Narin Sepehr Mobin Isatis.

Treasury says the entities sanctioned Wednesday function as entrance firms for the good thing about the Iranian corporations.

“Iran continues to attempt to discover new methods to acquire the important thing elements it must bolster its UAV weapons program via new entrance firms and third-country suppliers,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated in a press release.

Trump earlier this month issued a memorandum which requires the U.S. to “drive Iran’s export of oil to zero.” It additionally states Iran “can by no means be allowed to amass or develop nuclear weapons.”

Not identified for political protection, Wired takes a number one position in monitoring Musk’s workforce

Shortly after changing into Wired’s world editorial director in 2023, Katie Drummond acted on an early morning concept. With a presidential election coming, the tech-focused information outlet wanted a workforce to report on expertise’s intersection with politics.

She couldn’t have predicted how a lot the choice would repay.

Wired has attracted broad consideration for its aggressive protection of the Trump administration, significantly Musk’s efforts at lowering federal employment. It has recognized and traced the backgrounds of Musk’s younger workforce and the way they’re burrowing their manner into authorities operations.

“I believe we had been very nicely positioned to leap on that protection,” Drummond stated.

▶ Learn extra about Wired and Musk

UK prime minister heads to Washington with protection spending pledge to assist sway Trump over Ukraine

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s journey Wednesday comes after asserting a giant enhance within the British protection funds, an funding he hopes will assist persuade Trump to take care of assist for Ukraine as Washington pushes to finish the battle.

Although Starmer is prone to tout the trans-Atlantic “particular relationship” that’s endured since World Warfare II, he faces an unsure reception. Trump has upended many years of U.S. overseas coverage throughout his first weeks in workplace.

Ukraine and its European allies are scrambling to reply after the Trump administration engaged instantly with Moscow on ending the battle in Ukraine. Starmer’s go to to the White Home on Thursday is a part of European efforts — following a visit to Washington by French President Emmanuel Macron earlier this week — to make sure Kyiv will get a voice in negotiations, and that the U.S. nonetheless backs Europe in coping with an aggressive Russia on its doorstep.

▶ Learn extra about British Prime Minister Keir Starmer

The Trump administration pronounces a plan to fight surging egg costs

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins rolled out the five-part plan Wednesday however acknowledged it might take a while earlier than shoppers see an impact on the checkout counter.

The plan requires $500 million funding to assist farmers bolster biosecurity measures, $400 million in assist for farmers whose flocks have been impacted by avian flu, $100 million to analysis and doubtlessly develop vaccines and therapeutics for U.S. rooster flocks and discover rolling again what the administration sees as restrictive animal welfare guidelines in some states.

The administration can be in talks to import about 70 million to 100 million eggs from different nations within the coming months, Rollins stated.

Rollins stated the administration is anticipating egg costs might nonetheless additional climb heading towards the Easter vacation, a time when demand has been traditionally excessive.

Cupboard picks with hearings Wednesday would have affect over entry to reproductive well being care

Three of Trump’s Cupboard picks — Dean John Sauer, the nominee for Solicitor Common; Harmeet Dhillon, nominee for the Justice Division’s assistant legal professional common for civil rights; and Aaron Reitz, nominee for assistant Legal professional Common for the Justice Division’s authorized coverage workplace — face preliminary hearings Wednesday and, if confirmed, would have affect over reproductive well being care entry nationwide.

All three even have lengthy anti-abortion histories.

Sauer has been concerned in a number of important anti-abortion circumstances, together with difficult a St. Louis reproductive fairness fund and has argued in opposition to the FDA approval of the abortion tablet mifepristone.

Dhillon has referred to as herself a “lawyer for the pro-life motion” in 2022 and has represented anti-abortion teams. She stated final 12 months that legal guidelines that shield abortion suppliers from prosecution for treating out-of-state sufferers are unconstitutional.

Reitz has repeatedly referred to as himself pro-life and stated life begins at conception. His authorized profession has included difficult medicine abortion entry, and he’s served as a fellow for the anti-abortion coalition Alliance Defending Freedom, which was behind makes an attempt to undo FDA approval of mifepristone.

Musk will attend Trump’s first Cupboard assembly Wednesday

Musk’s attendance highlights his affect over the administration.

“Elon is working with the Cupboard secretaries and their employees each single day to determine waste and fraud and abuse at these respective companies,” White Home press secretary Karoline Leavitt informed reporters. “The entire Cupboard secretaries take the recommendation and path of DOGE.”

Leavitt stated members of Trump’s Cupboard would offer updates on their work on the assembly, which is scheduled for 11 a.m. ET.

Emergency fundraisers supply a lifeline to teams who’ve misplaced overseas assist

Although they know they’ll by no means exchange all the cash misplaced as a result of Trump administration’s freeze on overseas help, nonprofits are fundraising to assist organizations fighting the cuts.

Unlock Help, which advocates for U.S. Company for Worldwide Growth reforms, began the International Help Bridge Fund final week. It should take donations and make grants to teams world wide to attempt to avert a number of the worst impacts of the coverage change.

Different teams together with Founders Pledge and The Life You Can Save have additionally launched fundraising campaigns. The Community for Empowered Help Response, a coalition of civil society organizations from creating nations, has opened a fund, although it’s not accepting donations from people. GlobalGiving, a nonprofit that fundraises for grassroots worldwide organizations, was one of many first to launch a marketing campaign to assist impacted teams.

▶ Learn extra about fundraisers for overseas assist

What’s happening with the Kennedy Heart underneath Trump?

Till a couple of weeks in the past, the most important information to come back out of the Kennedy Heart in Washington, D.C., was its annual celebration of notable American artists.

That has modified since Trump’s return

Within the first month of his second time period, the president has ousted the humanities establishment’s management, stuffed the board of trustees together with his supporters and introduced he had been elected the board’s chair — unanimously. Some artists have responded by canceling appearances.

In a press release this month to The Wall Road Journal, White Home press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated: “The Kennedy Heart realized the onerous manner that for those who go woke, you’ll go broke. Trump and the members of his newly appointed board are dedicated to rebuilding the Kennedy Heart right into a thriving and extremely revered establishment the place all People, and guests from world wide, can benefit from the arts with respect to America’s nice historical past and traditions.”

▶ Learn extra in regards to the Kennedy Heart underneath Trump’s management