JQJO — Politics news · Page 847

Maine has reached an agreement with the Trump administration, restoring approximately $3 million in federal funding for school children. The funding, initially frozen by the Agriculture Department, supports school food programs and services for disabled adults. The agreement follows a dispute between President Trump and Maine Governor Janet Mills over a presidential executive order concerning transgender athletes in women's sports. Maine's Attorney General withdrew a lawsuit challenging the funding freeze.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance criticized Germany's designation of the far-right AfD party as extremist, calling it 'tyranny in disguise'. They argue the move suppresses opposition and harms democracy. The German Foreign Office countered, stating the decision followed a thorough investigation to protect its constitution and rule of law, emphasizing the independence of its courts. This follows previous instances of high-level US officials supporting the AfD, a party known for its controversial rhetoric and policies.

The family of Ashli Babbitt, who was shot and killed during the January 6th Capitol riot, has reached a preliminary settlement with the Trump administration in their wrongful death lawsuit. The terms of the settlement, which follows a Justice Department investigation clearing the officer involved, remain undisclosed. The lawsuit sought $30 million, alleging negligence and excessive force by Capitol Police. While the officer claimed self-defense, the lawsuit contended Babbitt posed no threat.

President Trump blamed President Biden for the recent stock market volatility, claiming it was "Biden's Stock Market." However, the market rebounded strongly on Friday, erasing losses incurred since Trump's tariffs. The S&P 500 and Dow Jones experienced significant gains, fueled by positive economic indicators like a better-than-expected jobs report and strong tech earnings. This positive market performance directly contrasts with Trump's claims and the poor performance during his first 100 days.

The US Army may retire its MQ-1C Gray Eagle drones as part of a force-structure overhaul. A joint memo from the Army Chief of Staff and Secretary calls for canceling procurement of "obsolete UAVs" like the Gray Eagle. This decision contrasts with the manufacturer, General Atomics, who emphasizes the drone's continued relevance, highlighting the modernized Gray Eagle 25M's enhanced capabilities and recent successful participation in Project Convergence. While the Army seeks leaner, more lethal forces, General Atomics argues that the Gray Eagle remains crucial for reconnaissance and attack missions, particularly in peer conflicts, and that its newer versions significantly improve upon the older models.

Radio Free Asia (RFA), a US-funded broadcaster, is laying off 90% of its staff and shutting down many language services due to funding cuts by the Trump administration. The cuts, initially ordered in March, were temporarily blocked by a federal judge but later reinstated by an appeals court. RFA, which broadcasts to millions in authoritarian countries, now fears the loss of vital information access to these regions. This impacts crucial reporting, such as coverage of the Uyghur crisis, and leaves a critical information gap vulnerable to state propaganda.

Former Illinois Governor George H. Ryan, known for his 2000 moratorium on death penalty executions due to concerns about wrongful convictions, passed away at 91. His decision, a notable shift from his prior support of capital punishment, followed revelations of significant errors in Illinois' death penalty system, including the exoneration of 13 death row inmates. Ryan, a moderate Republican, later served prison time for bribery during his tenure as Illinois Secretary of State.

Five former National Weather Service directors warn that staff cuts under the Trump administration could lead to loss of life. Hundreds of employees, about 10% of the agency's staff, have been terminated or took buyouts. The directors express concern that reduced staffing will compromise severe weather forecasting during the busiest season, impacting aviation, shipping, and agriculture.

Former cybersecurity official Chris Krebs, who refuted Donald Trump's claims of a rigged 2020 election, is under federal investigation. This led to his expulsion from the Global Entry program. The investigation follows a presidential memorandum ordering a review of Krebs' actions, accusing him of suppressing conservative viewpoints and falsely denying election fraud. Krebs' security clearance was revoked, and he resigned from his cybersecurity firm. Over 40 cybersecurity experts condemned the action as political persecution.

Prince Harry expressed his desire for reconciliation with the Royal Family in a BBC interview following a lost legal battle over UK security. He feels his family's safety is jeopardized without adequate protection, blaming the Royal Household for the situation. Harry stated he can't bring his family to the UK currently due to security concerns, and that the King hasn't spoken to him about the issue. He says he's 'devastated' by the court's decision, but won't pursue further legal action, hoping for a resolution with his family.