President Donald Trump speaks to reporters as he signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)2025-01-24T05:05:04Z WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump is heading to hurricane-battered western North Carolina and wildfire-ravaged Los Angeles on Friday, using the first trip of his second administration to tour areas where politics has clouded the response to deadly disasters. The Republican president has criticized former President Joe Biden for his administrations response in North Carolina, and hes showered disdain on California leaders for water policies that he falsely claimed worsened the recent blazes.Trump is also considering overhauling the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Some of his conservative allies have proposed reducing how much the agency reimburses states for handling floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and other calamities. The White House has asked California congressional members, including Democrats, to hold a roundtable at an airplane hanger in Santa Monica during Trumps visit, according to a person briefed on the plans who demanded anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss them. Any meeting could be contentious. Trump has suggested using federal disaster assistance as a bargaining chip during unrelated legislative negotiations over government borrowing, or as leverage to persuade California to change its water policies. Southern California and California has always been there for other regions of the country in their time of crisis, and we expect our country to be there for us, Sen. Alex Padilla, a Democrat from the state, said this week. Trump has a history of injecting politics and falsehoods into disaster response. During his first term, he talked about limiting help for Democratic states that didnt support him, according to former administration officials. While running for president last year, he claimed without evidence that Democrats were going out of their way to not help people in Republican areas of the battleground state of North Carolina. More recently, hes falsely insisted that California water policies, specifically fish conservation efforts in the northern part of the state, contributed to hydrants running dry in the Los Angeles area. I dont think we should give California anything until they let the water run down, Trump said in an interview with Fox News Channels Sean Hannity on Wednesday. The president also suggested shifting more responsibility to individual states for managing disasters.Id rather see the states take care of their own problems, he told Hannity, adding that FEMA is getting in the way of everything.Michael Coen, who served as chief of staff at FEMA during the Biden administration, said Trump was misinformed about an agency that provides critical help to states when theyre overwhelmed by catastrophe. In addition, Coen criticized the idea of attaching strings to assistance. Youre going to pick winners and losers on which communities are going to be supported by the federal government, he said. I think the American people expect the federal government will be there for them on their worst day, no matter where they live. The last time Trump was president, he visited numerous disaster zones, including the aftermaths of hurricanes and tornados. But he also often sparked controversy, like when he tossed paper towels to survivors of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico.If youre a disaster survivor, no matter who you voted for, its always good when the president comes to town, said Pete Gaynor, who headed FEMA during the first Trump administration between 2019 and 2021. You can see him and hopefully talk to him about what you need in your community. Laurie Carpenter, a 62-year-old retiree in Newland, North Carolina, said shes looking forward to Trump visiting because shes been disappointed by the federal response. She said theres still debris and trash strewn around her part of the state months after Hurricane Helene. If anybodys going to do something about it, I think he will, Carpenter said.Trump tapped Cameron Hamilton, a former Navy SEAL with limited experience managing natural disasters, as FEMAs acting director. He also said that individual states should be in charge of directing response to natural disasters rather than FEMA, and that the federal government should only step in subsequently to provide funding. Biden vowed before leaving office that the federal government would cover all the costs of responding to the wildfires around Los Angeles, which could end up being the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history. However, that promise wont be kept unless Congress comes up with more funding. Fridays trip could prompt some uncomfortable conversations about climate change, which Trump has played down and denied. Both Hurricane Helene and the Los Angeles wildfires were exacerbated by global warming.In Helenes case, a study by international climate scientists at World Weather Attribution found that climate change boosted the storms rainfall by 10%. In California, the state suffered a record dry fall and winter its traditional wet season which made the area around Los Angeles more vulnerable to blazes. This is just breaking our comfort zone of what is supposed to be normal, said University of Oregon researcher Amanda Stasiewicz. After visiting North Carolina and California, Trump plans to hold a Saturday rally in Las Vegas. Advisers said he will offer details on keeping a campaign promise to exclude tips from federal taxes, while reveling in having won Nevada in an Election Day upset.Im going to go to Nevada to thank them, Trump said. He was the first Republican candidate to win the state since 2004, when George W. Bush beat John Kerry. Las Vegas 24-hour economy is fueled by the hospitality and service industries, where everyone from restaurant waiters to valet parkers to hotel maids relies on gratuities. However, exempting them from taxes would likely be difficult to implement and require an act of Congress to remain permanent. ____ Associated Press writers Stephen Groves, Seth Borenstein and Makiya Seminera contributed to this report. WILL WEISSERT Weissert covers national politics and the White House for The Associated Press. He is based in Washington. twitter mailto CHRIS MEGERIAN Megerian covers the White House for The Associated Press. He previously wrote about the Russia investigation, climate change, law enforcement and politics in California and New Jersey. twitter mailto

Water is dropped by helicopter on the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon, Jan. 11, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer,File)2025-01-24T05:09:50Z As President Donald Trump prepares to tour wildfire damage in California, hes zeroing in on one of his frequent targets for criticism: State water policy. Since the fires broke out Jan. 7, Trump has used social media and interviews to accuse the state of sending too much water to the Pacific Ocean instead of south toward Los Angeles and highlighted how some hydrants ran dry in the early hours of the firefight in Pacific Palisades. In the first hours of his second term, Trump called on federal officials to draft plans to route more water to the crop-rich Central Valley and densely populated cities in the southern part of the state. Two days later he threatened to withhold federal disaster aid unless California leaders change the states approach on water.Heres a look at the facts behind Trumps comments and what power the president has to influence California water: Where does Southern Californias water come from?In general, most of the states water is in the north, while most of its people are in the drier south. Los Angeles, the nations second largest city, depends on drawing water from elsewhere. Meanwhile the relatively dry Central Valley is home to fertile land where much of the nations fruits and vegetables are grown. Two complex systems of dams and canals channel rain and snowmelt from the mountains in the north and route it south. One is managed by the federal government and known as the Central Valley Project, while the other is operated by the state of California and known as the State Water Project. Both transport water through the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, an estuarythat provides critical habitat to fish and wildlife including salmon and the delta smelt, one of Trumps fascinations. Southern California gets about half its water from local supplies such as groundwater, according to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, a regional water wholesaler. Metropolitan provides the rest of the water from state supplies and the federally managed Colorado River system. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power also manages its own aqueducts that draw water from the eastern Sierra Nevada. What does Washington have the power to do?Federal officials guide how much is routed to the delta to protect threatened species and how much goes to Central Valley Project users, mostly farms. That project does not supply water to Los Angeles.State officials are expected to follow the same environmental guidelines, said Caitlin Peterson, a research fellow at the Public Policy Institute of Californias Water Policy Center. Federal and state officials typically coordinate how they operate those systems.The delta connects inland waterways to the Pacific, and keeping a certain amount of water flowing through helps support fish populations and the waterway itself. But Trump and others say the state lets too much water go to the ocean rather than cities and farms. What measures did Trump take on California water policies in the past?His prior administration allowed more water to be directed to the Central Valley and out of the delta. Environmental groups opposed that, saying it would harm endangered species.Gov. Gavin Newsom filed a lawsuit saying the rules would drive endangered fish populations to extinction. There were concerns about the tiny delta smelt, which is seen as an indicator of the waterways health, as well as and chinook salmon and steelhead trout, which return annually from the Pacific to spawn in freshwater rivers. Then-President Joe Bidens administration issued its own rules in December that environmental groups said provided modest improvements over those of the first Trump administration.What is Trumps position now?He has continued to question how Californias water managed. Last year on his Truth Social platform, he criticized the rerouting of MILLIONS OF GALLONS OF WATER A DAY FROM THE NORTH OUT INTO THE PACIFIC OCEAN, rather than using it, free of charge, for the towns, cities, & farms dotted all throughout California.Such comments buoyed the spirits of many farmers and water managers in the Central Valley who say federal water allocations have been too limited in the past two years since ample rain boosted reservoir levels. A series of major storms in 2023 helped California emerge from a multi-year drought, but dry conditions have started to return in the central and southern parts of the state. Trump has now directed the federal government again to route more water in the system it controls to farmers and cities. What does all this have to do with the Los Angeles fires?Not much. The farms-versus-fish debate is one of the most well-worn in California water politics and doesnt always fall along party lines. Some environmentalists think Newsom is too friendly to farming interests. But that debate is not connected to fire-related water troubles in Los Angeles.Trump has suggested that state officials turn the valve to send more water to the city. But state water supplies are not to blame for hydrants running dry and a key reservoir near Pacific Palisades that was not filled.The problem with the hydrants was that they were overstressed, and the Santa Ynez Reservoir was empty because it was undergoing maintenance. Newsom has called for an investigation into how the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power managed both issues. The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California has enough water in storage to meet roughly three years of water demand, said Deven Upadhyay, the agencys interim general manager. We can deliver what our agencies need, he said.If the Trump administration chooses to route more water to system users, that wont necessarily benefit Los Angeles, Upadhyay said. Unless there is coordination between the federal and state systems, greater draws from the delta on the federal side could lead California officials to cut allocations to cities and farms to protect waterway, he added.

Water is dropped by helicopter on the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon, Jan. 11, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer,File)2025-01-24T05:04:53Z SEATTLE (AP) President Donald Trumps executive order denying U.S. citizenship to the children of parents living in the country illegally faced the first of what will be many legal tests on Thursday. It didnt fare well.A Justice Department lawyer had barely started making his arguments in a Seattle courtroom when U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour began blistering him with questions, calling the executive order blatantly unconstitutional. Coughenour went on to temporarily block it pending further arguments.Here are some things to know about the decision and the lawsuits challenging Trumps order.What is birthright citizenship?Birthright citizenship is the principle that someone born in a country is a citizen of that country. In the United States, its enshrined in the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, which states: All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. It was ratified in 1868 to ensure the citizenship of former slaves after the Civil War.Critics of unfettered immigration have argued that provides an incentive for people to come to, or remain in, the U.S. illegally: They know that if they have children in the U.S., those children will be citizens, who might later petition for them to become legal permanent residents.In an effort to curb unlawful immigration, Trump issued the executive order just after being sworn in for his second term on Monday. Trumps order drew immediate legal challenges across the country, with at least five lawsuits being brought by 22 states and a number of immigrants rights groups. A lawsuit brought by Washington, Arizona, Oregon and Illinois was the first to get a hearing. Whats next for the legal challenges?The judges ruling Thursday was a temporary restraining order. It blocked the administration from enforcing or implementing Trumps order nationally for the next 14 days. Over the next two weeks, the sides will submit further briefings on the legal merits of the executive order. Coughenour scheduled another hearing Feb. 6 to hear arguments on whether to issue a preliminary injunction, which would block the executive order long term while the case proceeds.In the meantime, some of the other cases challenging the order are also getting underway.The next hearing is in a case brought in Maryland by CASA, a nonprofit that supports children who have been abused or neglected in foster care. Thats set for Feb. 5 at U.S. District Court in Greenbelt.Another lawsuit, led by New Jersey on behalf of 18 states, the District of Columbia and San Francisco, and a challenge brought in Massachusetts by the Brazilian Worker Center do not yet have hearings scheduled.Aside from arguing the executive orders constitutionality, the states say the order would subject all the children affected by it to deportation and make many of them stateless. It would strip them of their rights and render them unable to participate in economic or civic life, the states argue. Why did the judge block Trumps order?Coughenour did not detail his reasoning during Thursdays hearing, but his assertion that the order is blatantly unconstitutional, as well as point-blank questioning of DOJ attorney Brett Shumate and his lack of questions for Washingtons assistant attorney general, Lane Polozola suggested he agreed with the states arguments.The states say its well-settled that the 14th Amendment guarantees birthright citizenship and that the president lacks authority to determine who should or should not be granted U.S. citizenship at birth.Ive been on the bench for over four decades. I cant remember another case where the question presented was as clear as this one is, Coughenour told Shumate.The Department of Justice later said in a statement that it will vigorously defend the presidents executive order.We look forward to presenting a full merits argument to the Court and to the American people, who are desperate to see our Nations laws enforced, the department said. Who is the judge?Coughenour, 84, got his law degree from the University of Iowa in 1966 and was appointed to the bench by President Ronald Reagan in 1981. Hes been a federal judge for more than four decades; he has taken semi-retired senior status but continues hearing cases. He has a reputation as a tough, independent and sometimes cantankerous jurist.Newly elected Washington Attorney General Nick Brown a former Seattle U.S. attorney said after Thursdays hearing that he wasnt surprised by Coughenours reaction to the absurdity of the executive order.Ive been in front of Judge Coughenour before to see his frustration personally, Brown said. But I think the words that he expressed, and the seriousness that he expressed, really just drove home what we have been saying. ... This is fairly obvious.Among the thousands of cases Coughenour has handled, covering everything from criminal to environmental law, probably the most famous was that of millennium bomber Ahmed Ressam. Ressam was arrested entering the U.S. in December 1999 with a trunk full of explosives and plans to bomb Los Angeles International Airport on New Years Eve. Coughenour repeatedly butted heads with federal prosecutors during Ressams sentencing, disagreeing about how much credit Ressam should receive for cooperating with them after his conviction. Twice Coughenour sentenced Ressam to 22 years far less than prosecutors were seeking and twice the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned him. Coughenour finally sentenced Ressam to 37 years in 2012. At the time, he said Ressams case was the only one he could think of in which the appeals court deemed him too lenient.___Catalini reported from Trenton, New Jersey. MIKE CATALINI Catalini covers government, elections and news primarily in New Jersey for The Associated Press. He focuses on accountability and how policy affects people. twitter

Samir al-Baghdadi, 46, left, stands on his brother Fayez outside his family's home that was destroyed during the civil war in the Qaboun neighborhood of Damascus, Syria, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Omar Sanadiki)2025-01-24T05:20:18Z DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) Samir al-Baghdad grabbed his pickax and walked up a wobbly set of stairs made of cinderblocks and rubble.He is rebuilding his destroyed family house in the Qaboun neighborhood near Damascus, Syria s capital.The traditional building, which once housed his family, parents and some relatives, had a courtyard decorated with plants and tiled floors where guests were received. But the house, like scores of others nearby, has been reduced to heaps of rubble during years of civil war.Al-Baghdadi cant afford to hire workers or rent a bulldozer to clear the debris and fix the house. He makes just about enough money as a mechanic to feed his family. But hes desperate to rebuild it because he is struggling to pay skyrocketing rent for an apartment.Economic opportunities are basically nonexistent, al-Baghdadi said, sitting on a pile of rubble and debris where the houses entrance used to be. So were going to slowly rebuild with our own hands. Although Syrian President Bashar Assad was toppled last month in a lightning insurgency, the countrys dire economic conditions that protesters decried have not changed. The economy has been battered by corruption and 13 years of civil war. Coupled with international sanctions and mismanagement, inflation skyrocketed, pulling some 90% of the country into poverty. Over half the population -- some 12 million people -- dont know where their next meal will come from, according to the U.N. World Food Program. With no sign of a full-scale withdrawal of international sanctions and continuing caution among potential overseas investors, the honeymoon period for the countrys new rulers could be short-lived.Qaboun, just a stones throw away from the city center, and other eastern Damascus neighborhoods became rebel strongholds in 2012, when the countrys mass protests against Assad spiraled into all-out war. It suffered government airstrikes and artillery fire, and at one point Islamic State group extremists. In 2017, government forces reclaimed the neighborhood, but when al-Baghdadi tried to return in 2020, security forces kicked him out and forced him to sign a pledge to never return, saying it was a security zone that was off limits.After Assads fall, al-Baghdadi was finally able to return. Like many, he was euphoric and hoped it would pave the way for better times despite the many challenges that lay ahead, including rampant power cuts and fuel shortages.For years, Syrian families have relied on humanitarian aid and remittances from family members living abroad to survive. On top of the gargantuan costs of rebuilding the countrys destroyed electricity, water and road infrastructure, money is needed to restore its battered agriculture and industrial sectors to make its hobbled economy productive again.The United Nations in 2017 estimated that it would cost at least $250 billion to rebuild Syria. Some experts now say that number could reach at least $400 billion.Wealthy Gulf countries have pledged to build economic partnerships with Syrias new interim rulers, while Washington has eased some restrictions without fully lifting its sanctions. The U.S. Treasury Department issued a six-month license authorizing some transactions with Syrias interim government. While it includes some energy sales, Syrians say it isnt enough. Sinan Hatahet, an economic researcher at the Washington-based Atlantic Council think tank, said the U.S. actions were the bare minimum needed to show good faith to Damascus and arent enough to help Syria jumpstart its economy.It doesnt help the private sector to engage, Hatahet said. The restrictions on trade, the restrictions on reconstruction, on rebuilding the infrastructure are still there.While countries are hesitant to make more impactful decisions as they hope for a peaceful political transition, many Syrians say the economy cant wait.Without jobs, without huge flows of money and investments these families have no way of making ends meet, Hatahet said. The executive director of the World Food Program echoed similar sentiments, warning Syrias neighbors that its food and economic crisis is also a crisis of security.Hunger does not breed good will, Cindy McCain said in an interview during her first visit to Damascus.In the Syrian capitals bustling old marketplace, crowds of people pack the narrow passageways as the countrys new de facto flag is draped over the crowded stalls. Merchants say the atmosphere is pleasant and celebratory, but nobody is buying anything.People stop to smell the aromatic and colorful spices or pose for photos next to masked fighters from the ruling Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group guarding the markets entrances.Were very happy with our liberation, thank God, but there are few jobs, said Walid Naoura, who works with his father at a clothing shop. Yes, weve been relieved of thuggery and oppression, but all these people here have come to celebrate but not to buy anything because things are expensive. Nearby, Abou Samir, a carpenter, saws a piece of wood as he assembles a chest of drawers. There is no electricity to power his machinery, so hes doing it by hand.Im working at a loss and you cant make larger workshops work because there is no electricity, he said.His sons live abroad and send money to help him get by, but he refuses to stop his carpentry work which has been his livelihood for 50 years.In Qaboun, al-Baghdadi sips tea on a makeshift porch overlooking his neighborhood, which has turned into empty plots and a gathering point for local buses and minivans. It was a successful day because he managed to connect an electric cable to power a single light bulb but part of his roof collapsed.He still hasnt been able to secure running water but hopes that he and his family can move into the house with its many memories before summer, even if it is far from completion because of his financial situation.I prefer that to living in a palace elsewhere, al-Baghdadi said. KAREEM CHEHAYEB Chehayeb is an Associated Press reporter in Beirut. twitter instagram mailto RSShttps://feedx.net https://feedx.site

Holocaust survivor Naftali Frst pauses during an interview at home in Haifa, Israel, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)2025-01-24T05:08:43Z HAIFA, Israel (AP) Naftali Frst will never forget his first view of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, on Nov. 3, 1944. He was 12 years old.SS soldiers threw open the doors of the cattle car, where he was crammed in with his mother, father, brother, and more than 80 others. He remembers the tall chimneys of the crematoria, flames roaring from the top.There were dogs and officers yelling in German get out, get out! forcing people to jump onto the infamous ramp where Nazi doctor Josef Mengele separated children from parents.Frst, now 92, is one of a dwindling number of Holocaust survivors able to share first-person accounts of the horrors they endured, as the world marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazis most notorious death camp. Frst is returning to Auschwitz for the annual occasion, his fourth trip to the camp. Each time he returns, he thinks of those first moments there.We knew we were going to certain death, he said from his home in Haifa, northern Israel, earlier this month. In Slovakia, we knew that people who went to Poland didnt return. Strokes of luckFrst and his family arrived at the entrance to Auschwitz on Nov. 3, 1943 one day after Nazi leader Heinrich Himmler ordered the cessation of the use of the gas chambers ahead of their demolition, as the Soviet troops neared. The order meant that his family wasnt immediately killed. It was one of many small bits of luck and coincidences that allowed Frst to survive.For 60 years, I didnt talk about the Holocaust, for 60 years I didnt speak a word of German even though its my mother tongue, said Frst.In 2005, he was invited to attend the ceremony to mark the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Buchenwald, where he was liberated on April 11, 1944, after being moved there from Auschwitz. He realized there were fewer and fewer Holocaust survivors who could give first-person accounts, and decided to throw himself into memorial work. This will be his fourth trip to a ceremony at Auschwitz, having also met Pope Francis there in 2016. Some 6 million European Jews were killed by the Nazis during the Holocaust the mass murder of Jews and other groups before and during World War II. Soviet Red Army troops liberated Auschwitz-Birkenau on Jan. 27, 1945, and the day has become known as International Holocaust Remembrance Day. An estimated 1.1 million people, mostly Jews, were killed in Auschwitz-Birkenau. Just 220,000 Holocaust survivors are still alive, according to the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, and more than 20 percent are over 90. A meeting place after the warFrst, originally from Bratislava, then part of Czechoslovakia, was just 6 when the Nazis first started implementing measures against the countrys Jews. He spent ages 9 to 12 in four different concentration camps, including Auschwitz. His parents had planned to jump off of the cattle car on the way to the camp, but people were packed so tightly they couldnt reach the doors. His father instructed the entire family, no matter what, to meet at 11 ulekova Street in Bratislava after the war. Frst and his brother were separated from their mother. After numbers were tattooed on their arms, they also were taken from their father. They lived in Block 29, without many other children. As the Soviet army closed in on the area, so close they could hear the booms from the tanks, Frst and his brother, Shmuel, were forced to join a dangerous journey toward Buchenwald, marching for three days in the cold and snow. Anyone who lagged behind was shot. We had to prove our desire to live, to do another step and another step and keep going, he said. Many people gave up, longing to end the hunger and thirst and cold, and just sat down, where they were shot by the guards. We had this command from my father: You must adapt and survive, and even if youre suffering, you must come back, Frst recalled.Frst and his brother survived the march, and an open-car train ride in the snow, but they were separated at the next camp. When Frst was liberated from Buchenwald, captured in a famous photo that included Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel in the bunkbeds, he was sure he was alone in the world. But within months, just as Frsts father had instructed, the four family members reunited at the address they memorized, the home of family friends. The rest of their family grandparents, aunts, uncles, were all killed. His family later moved to Israel, where he married, had a daughter, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, with another on the way. We couldnt imagine this tragedyOn Oct. 7, 2023, Frst awoke to the Hamas attack on southern Israel, and immediately thought of his granddaughter, Mika Peleg, and her husband, and their 2-year-old son, who live in Kfar Aza, a kibbutz on the border with Gaza where scores of people were killed or kidnapped.No one in the family could get in touch with the family.It just kept getting worse all day, we couldnt get any information what was happening with them, said Frst. We saw the horrors, that we couldnt imagine this type of horror is happening in 2023, 80 years after the Holocaust.Toward midnight on Oct. 7, Pelegs neighbors sent word that the family had survived. They spent almost 20 hours locked inside their safe room with no food or ability to communicate. Her husbands parents, who both lived on Kfar Aza, were killed.Despite his close connection, comparisons between Oct. 7 and the Holocaust make Frst uncomfortable. Its awful and terrible and a catastrophe, and hard to describe, but its not a Holocaust, he said. As awful as the Hamas attack was for his granddaughter and others, the Holocaust was a multi-year death industry with massive infrastructure and camps that could kill 10,000 people a day for months at a time, he said.Frst, who was previously involved in coexistence work between Jews and Arabs, said his heart also goes out to Palestinians in Gaza, although he believes Israel needed to respond militarily. I feel the pain of everyone who is suffering, everywhere in the world, because I think I know what suffering is, he said.Frst knows that he is one of very few Holocaust survivors still able to travel to Auschwitz, so its important for him to be present there to mark the 80th anniversary. These days, he is telling his story as many times as he can, taking part in documentaries and movies, serving as the president of the Buchenwald Prisoners Association and working to create a memorial statue at the Sered concentration camp in Slovakia. He feels a responsibility to be the mouthpiece for the millions who were killed, and people can relate to the story of a single person more than the hard numbers of 6 million deaths, he said.Whenever I finish, I tell the youth, the fact that you were able to see living testimony (from a Holocaust survivor) puts a requirement on you more than someone who did not: you take it on your shoulders the obligation to continue to tell this. MELANIE LIDMAN Lidman is an Associated Press reporter based in Tel Aviv, Israel.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., puts his signature on the Laken Riley Act with members of the Georgia congressional delegation attending, at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)2025-01-24T05:02:19Z President Donald Trump is poised to sign the first bill of his new administration, and it is named after a slain Georgia nursing student whose name became a rallying cry during his White House campaign.If signed into law, the Laken Riley Act would require the detention of unauthorized immigrants accused of theft and violent crimes. The bill won bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. Here are some things to know about the Laken Riley Act: Who was Laken Riley?Riley, 22, was a student at Augusta University College of Nursing when she went out for a run on Feb. 22, 2024. Prosecutors said she was encountered by Jose Antonio Ibarra, who killed her during a struggle. Ibarra waived his right to a jury trial and was found guilty in November of murder and other crimes by a judge, who alone heard and decided the case. He was sentenced to life without parole.Trump and other Republicans blamed former President Joe Biden for her death because Ibarra had been arrested for illegal entry in September 2022 near El Paso, Texas, amid an unprecedented surge in migration and released to pursue his case in immigration court. If this act had been the law of the land, he never would have had the opportunity to kill her, said Rep. Mike Collins, a Georgia Republican.Biden mentioned Riley during his State of the Union address last year as he spoke about border security and after U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene shouted at him, Say her name! What does the bill do?Under the new law, federal officials would be required to detain any migrant arrested or charged with crimes like shoplifting or assaulting a police officer or crimes that injure or kill someone.If you come into this country illegally and you commit a crime, you should not be free to roam the streets of this nation, said Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., who helped push the bill through the Senate.The bill also empowers state attorneys general to sue the federal government for harm caused by failures or decisions in immigration enforcement that harm states or people. That includes releasing migrants from custody or failing to detain migrants who have received deportation orders. The provision gives states some power in setting immigration policy when they have been trying to push back against presidential decisions under both the Trump and Biden administrations.While Republicans control both chambers of Congress, 46 Democrats in the House and 12 Democrats in the Senate supported the measure.Why did most Democrats oppose it?Some have raised concerns that the bill would strip due process rights for migrants, including minors or recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.In the wake of tragedy we are seeing a fundamental erosion of our civil rights, said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, a New York Democrat. In this bill, if a person is so much as accused of a crime, if someone wants to point a finger and accuse someone of shoplifting, they would be rounded up and put into a private detention camp and sent out for deportation without a day in court.Most Democrats criticized the lack of funding in the bill, arguing the new law would not solve immigration problems but would impose new requirements on federal authorities. Democrats on the Appropriations Committee estimate the bill would cost $83 billion over the next three years, according to a memo obtained by The Associated Press.Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., said the bill is a totally unfunded mandate. Why did some Democrats back it?Democrats who supported it were mostly from five battleground states and said their constituents demanded more border security and supported deportations of migrants accused of crimes. Anyone who commits a crime should be held accountable. Thats why I voted to pass the Laken Riley Act, Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., said on social media after its passage. New Hampshire Democratic Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan and Virginia Sen. Mark Warner also supported the bill. Shaheen and Warner are each up for a fourth term next year.Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., who also backed the bill because he wants a secure border, was the first Senate Democrat to meet with Trump after the election. He has met with many of Trumps Cabinet picks and broken with his own party on some policy. Sen. Ruben Gallego, whose parents are immigrants from Mexico and Colombia, was just elected in November and became Arizonas first Latino senator. He said he supported the bill.We must give law enforcement the means to take action when illegal immigrants break the law, to prevent situations like what occurred to Laken Riley, he said in a statement. ADRIANA GOMEZ LICON Gomez Licon writes about national politics for The Associated Press. She is based in Florida. twitter mailto

White House staff secretary Will Scharf talks with President Donald Trump after he signed executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)2025-01-24T05:01:10Z WASHINGTON (AP) Those binders full of executive orders that President Donald Trump has been signing with a flourish and a wide-tipped Sharpie during his first week in office dont just magically appear before him. White House staff secretary Will Scharf has been a prominent part of the tableau, standing at Trumps side and teeing up the leather-bound folders, one by one, for the president. With the cameras rolling, Scharf provides running narration on what Trump is signing, at times leaning into a nearby microphone at the presidents direction. He was by Trumps side Thursday as the president signed orders and memoranda at the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office. And in the first hours of Trumps return to power, he was there with Trump at the Capitol, at a nearby rally and the White House as the president scrawled his name on stacks of orders implementing his agenda. Scharf doesnt just act the straight man as Trump talks up his orders, cracks jokes and fields questions from reporters. He also plays a key role in the White House, overseeing the flow of information and business coming to and from the president. A look at Scharf and his new job: The presidential in-boxThe staff secretarys job has traditionally involved managing the papers that cross the presidents desk. It serves almost as air traffic control for the West Wing tracking the drafting and approval of memos and statements as they work their way to the presidents desk and then out to the world.The StaffSec coordinates the work of the White House policy, communications and legal teams as information flows around the building, and traditionally is a neutral arbiter in policy debates.The staff secretary has nearly unparalleled visibility to the goings-on of the West Wing and leads one of the least-known but most impactful teams in a well-functioning White House. Who is Will Scharf?Scharf was a member of Trumps legal team before joining the new administration. He previously worked as a policy director for former Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens and on the campaign of 2016 Republican gubernatorial candidate Catherine Hanaway.He graduated from Princeton and Harvard Law School before moving to Missouri in 2011 to clerk for Judge Raymond Gruender on the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals. He also worked as an assistant U.S. attorney.Trump tapped Scharf to be his staff secretary in November, citing his experience as a lawyer on the future presidents criminal cases and Scharfs work during the first Trump presidency getting judges and justices confirmed. They included U.S. Supreme Court Justices Brett Kavanaugh who himself served as White House staff secretary for President George W. Bush and Amy Coney Barrett.He helped Trump fight his legal battlesScharf joined Trumps legal team in October 2023 and was one of the presidents lawyers in the election interference case brought by special counsel Jack Smith. The case went before the Supreme Court, which ruled that presidents enjoy sweeping immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts.Scharf is among several of Trumps lawyers who have been rewarded with spots in his new administration. Todd Blanche and Emil Bove, who defended Trump at his hush money criminal trial in New York, both got high-ranking Justice Department posts.Will Scharf is a brilliant legal mind who has extensive experience defending President Trump from the witch-hunts against him, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. Will is perfectly suited to help execute President Trumps agenda in this important role. Its not Scharfs first time in the public eyeScharfs spot by Trumps side as he rolled out his Day One executive actions was not his first time in public view. He has appeared on cable news and has written opinion columns discussing Trumps legal cases.In 2023, Scharf and Newsweek senior editor Josh Hammer co-founded a group called Jews Against Soros, launching a campaign arguing that criticism of George Soros, the billionaire Democratic donor and philanthropist, is not antisemitic.Scharf ran unsuccessfully for Missouri attorney general in 2024, losing to incumbent Andrew Bailey. His campaign included a memorable ad in which the mild-mannered lawyer appears to use a grenade launcher to fire on a pile of boxes that were labeled to look like they contained legal documents related to Trumps criminal cases.___Associated Press writer Eric Tucker contributed to this report. MICHELLE L. PRICE Price is a national political reporter for The Associated Press. She is based in New York. twitter mailto

Dania Hanatsheh, right, a former Palestinian prisoner who was released from an Israeli prison as part of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, poses for a photo at a reception for released prisoners, West Bank city of Ramallah, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)2025-01-24T05:22:21Z RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) When Dania Hanatsheh was released from an Israeli jail this week and dropped off by bus into a sea of jubilant Palestinians in Ramallah, it was an uncomfortable dj vu. Dania Hanatsheh, right, a former Palestinian prisoner who was released from an Israeli prison as part of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, poses for a photo at a reception for released prisoners, West Bank city of Ramallah, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean) Dania Hanatsheh, right, a former Palestinian prisoner who was released from an Israeli prison as part of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, poses for a photo at a reception for released prisoners, West Bank city of Ramallah, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean) Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Read More After nearly five months of detention, it was the second time the 22-year-old woman had been freed as part of a deal between Israel and Hamas to pause the war in Gaza.Hanatshehs elation at being free again is tinged with sadness about the devastation in Gaza, she said, as well as uncertainty about whether she could be detained in the future a common feeling in her community. Palestinian families are prepared to be arrested at any moment, said Hanatsheh, one of 90 women and teenagers released by Israel during the first phase of the ceasefire deal. You feel helpless like you cant do anything to protect yourself.Nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners are to be released as part of a deal to halt the fighting for six weeks, free 33 hostages from Gaza, and increase fuel and aid deliveries to the territory. Many of the prisoners to be released have been detained for infractions such as throwing stones or Molotov cocktails, while others are convicted of killing Israelis. Palestinian female prisoners, who were released from an Israeli prison as part of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, wave from inside a bus as they arrive in the West Bank city of Beitunia, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa, File) Palestinian female prisoners, who were released from an Israeli prison as part of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, wave from inside a bus as they arrive in the West Bank city of Beitunia, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa, File) Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Read More Hanatsheh was first arrested in November 2023, just weeks into the war triggered by Hamas deadly attack on Israel. She was freed days later during a weeklong ceasefire in which hundreds of Palestinians were released in exchange for nearly half of the roughly 250 hostages Hamas and others dragged into Gaza. She was detained again in August, when Israeli troops burst through her door, using an explosive, she said. On neither occasion was she told why shed been arrested, she said. A list maintained by Israels justice ministry says Hanatsheh was detained for supporting terror, although she was never charged or given a trial and doesnt belong to any militant group. Dunya Shtayyeh, center, was released from an Israeli prison as part of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, in the West Bank village of Salem, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed, File) Dunya Shtayyeh, center, was released from an Israeli prison as part of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, in the West Bank village of Salem, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed, File) Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Read More Her story resonates across Palestinian society, where nearly every family in Gaza, the West Bank and east Jerusalem has a relative who has spent time in an Israeli jail. This has left scars on generations of families, leaving fewer breadwinners and forcing children to grow up without one or both parents for long stretches. Since the start of the war 15 months ago, the number of Palestinians in Israeli jails has doubled to more than 10,000, a figure that includes detainees from Gaza, and several thousand arrested in the West Bank and east Jerusalem, according to Hamoked, an Israeli legal group. A female Palestinian prisoner in a wheelchair is greeted following her release from an Israeli prison, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa, File) A female Palestinian prisoner in a wheelchair is greeted following her release from an Israeli prison, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa, File) Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Read More Many prisoners are never told why they were detained. Israels administrative detention policy allows it to jail people as it did with Hanatsheh based on secret evidence, without publicly charging them or ever holding a trial. Only intelligence officers or judges know the charges, said Amjad Abu Asab, head of the Detainees Parents Committee in Jerusalem. Under the terms of the ceasefire, the Palestinian prisoners released by Israel cannot be later rearrested on the same charges, or returned to jail to finish serving time for past offenses. Prisoners are not required to sign any document upon their release. The conditions for Palestinian prisoners deteriorated greatly after the war in Gaza began. The countrys then-national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, boasted last year that prisons will no longer be summer camps under his watch.Several of the prisoners released this week said they lacked adequate food and medical care and that they were forced to sleep in cramped cells. Khalida Jarrar, 62, a leading member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, is greeted after disembarking from a bus following her release from an Israeli prison, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa) Khalida Jarrar, 62, a leading member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, is greeted after disembarking from a bus following her release from an Israeli prison, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa) Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Read More Men and women prisoners in Israel are routinely beaten and sprayed with pepper gas, and they are deprived of family visits or a change of clothes, said Khalida Jarrar, the most prominent detainee freed.For years, Jarrar, 62, has been in and out of prison as a leading member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a leftist faction with an armed wing that has carried out attacks on Israelis. Human Rights Watch has decried Jarrars repeated arrests she was last detained late in 2023 as part of an unjust Israeli crackdown on non-violent political opposition. At an event in Ramallah to welcome home the newly released prisoners, Jarrar greeted a long line of well- wishers. But not everyone was celebrating. Some families worried the ceasefire wouldnt last long enough for their relatives to be freed.During the ceasefires first phase, Israel and Hamas and mediators from Qatar, the U.S. and Egypt will try to agree upon a second phase, in which all remaining hostages in Gaza would be released in exchange for more Palestinian prisoners, a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a sustainable calm. Negotiations on the second phase begin on the sixteenth day of the ceasefire. A Palestinian prisoner is greeted after being released from an Israeli prison, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa) A Palestinian prisoner is greeted after being released from an Israeli prison, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa) Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Read More For Yassar Saadat, the first release of prisoners was a particularly bittersweet moment. His mother, Abla Abdelrasoul, was freed after being under administrative detention since September, according to the justice ministry, which said her crime was security to the state - other. But his father one of the most high-profile prisoners in Israel remains behind bars. We dont know if hell be released, but we dont lose hope, he said. His father, Ahmad Saadat, is a leader of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine who was convicted of killing an Israeli Cabinet minister in 2001 and has been serving a 30-year sentence.Its unclear if hell be released and, even if he is, whether hell be able to see his family. The ceasefire agreement says all Palestinian prisoners convicted of deadly attacks who are released will be exiled, either to Gaza or abroad, and barred from ever returning to Israel or the West Bank.The release of some convicted murderers is a sore spot for many Israelis, and particularly those whose relatives were killed.Micah Avnis father, Richard Lakin, was shot and stabbed to death by a member of Hamas on a public bus in 2015 and his killers name is on the list of prisoners to be freed in phase one. While Avni is grateful that more hostages in Gaza are beginning to come home, he doesnt believe itll lead to long-term peace between Israel and Hamas. A female Palestinian prisoner, facing the camera, is greeted after her release from an Israeli prison, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa, File) A female Palestinian prisoner, facing the camera, is greeted after her release from an Israeli prison, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa, File) Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Read More These deals come with a huge, huge cost of life and there are going to be many, many, many more people murdered in the future by the people who were released, he said.Israel has a history of agreeing to lopsided exchanges. In 2011, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to release more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for a single Israeli soldier, Gilad Schalit, taken hostage by Hamas. One of the prisoners released during that deal was Hamas former top leader, Yahya Sinwar, a mastermind of the Oct. 7 attack who was killed by Israeli troops in Gaza last year.Some Palestinians said the lopsided exchanges of prisoners for hostages is justified by Israels seemingly arbitrary detention policies. Others said, for now, all they want to focus on is lost time with their families. Amal Shujaeiah, a former Palestinian prisoner who was released from an Israeli prison as part of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, poses for a photo at her home in Dayr Jarir, West Bank, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean) Amal Shujaeiah, a former Palestinian prisoner who was released from an Israeli prison as part of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, poses for a photo at her home in Dayr Jarir, West Bank, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean) Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Read More Amal Shujaeiah, a former Palestinian prisoner who was released from an Israeli prison as part of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, embraces relatives at her home in Dayr Jarir, West Bank, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean) Amal Shujaeiah, a former Palestinian prisoner who was released from an Israeli prison as part of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, embraces relatives at her home in Dayr Jarir, West Bank, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean) Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Read More Amal Shujaeiah said she spent more than seven months in prison, accused by Israel of partaking in pro-Palestinian events at her university and hosting a podcast that talked about the war in Gaza.Back home, the 21-year-old beamed as she embraced friends and relatives.Today I am among my family and loved ones, indescribable joy ... a moment of freedom that makes you forget the sorrow. SAM MEDNICK Mednick is the West and Central Africa reporter for the Associated Press. She focuses on conflict, humanitarian crises and human rights abuses. twitter

A girl from the Mexican state of Morelia sleeps in front of a sign for Tijuana as her family's CBP One application appointments to apply for asylum in the United States were declared not valid on the application Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Tijuana, Mexico, shortly after President Donald Trump was sworn-in. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)2025-01-24T05:05:02Z ATOTONILCO DE TULA, Mexico (AP) When Dayana Castro heard that the U.S. asylum appointment she waited over a year for was canceled in an instant, she had no doubt: She was heading north any way she could.The 25-year-old migrant, her husband and their 4- and 7-year-old children had nothing left at home in Venezuela. They already had trekked the perilous Darien Gap jungle dividing Colombia and Panama and criminal groups that prey on migrants like them.Castro was one of tens of thousands of migrants across Mexico with appointments to apply for U.S. asylum at the border scheduled out through February until President Donald Trump took office and issued a series of executive orders to beef up border security and slash migration. One ended the use of the CBP One app that had allowed nearly 1 million people, many seeking asylum, to legally enter the U.S. since January 2023. Were going to keep going. We cant go home after all weve been through, after all the countries weve fought our way through, only to give up now, she said from a small shelter in central Mexico beside a freight train line they were riding north. Now, migrants like her are adjusting to a new and uncertain reality. Many remain determined to reach the U.S. through more dangerous means, riding freight trains, hiring smugglers and dodging authorities. Some lined up in Mexicos refugee offices to seek asylum in that country, while others contemplated finding a way back home. Trump on Monday declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border and announced plans to send U.S. troops and restrict refugees and asylum, saying he wants to halt illegal entry and border crime. The measures follow a drop in illegal crossings in recent months.Supporters of the CBP One app that people like Castro used to try to enter legally say it brought order to a chaotic border. Critics say it was magnet for more people to come. Adam Isacson, defense oversight analyst for the human rights organization Washington Office on Latin America, said Trumps crackdown on illegal immigration will surely deter migrants in the short term but will also have cascading humanitarian consequences. People with valid asylum claims may die in their own countries, he said, while migrants fleeing countries like Venezuela, Cuba and Haiti who cannot easily return home may end up floating around the Americas completely unprotected. Isacson and other analysts expect Trumps policies will lead to increased demand for smugglers and push migrants many of whom are children and families to more dangerous terrain to avoid capture. By Tuesday, Castro was wrapping her mind around the fact that continuing on after her Feb. 18 appointment with U.S. authorities was canceled would likely mean putting her life, and the lives of her family, at risk as cartels are increasingly extorting and kidnapping vulnerable migrants. Theres the train, the cartels, migration police, and they all make you pay them, she said as she fed her children bread beside a small shelter where they slept. But if we dont put ourselves at risk, well never arrive. Along Mexicos southern border with Guatemala another group of migrants in Tapachula took a different approach.Cuban migrant Rosal Martnez waited in line outside the Mexican Commission for Refugee Aid in the sweltering southern city. Traveling with her child, she had hoped to reunite with her husband in the U.S.Now, she was biding her time, joining an increasing number of migrants who have sought asylum in Mexico in recent years, either temporarily due to shifting American restrictions or more permanently.Like many Cubans in recent years, Martnez was fleeing a spiraling economic crisis. Im going to stay here and see what happens, she said. But Im not going back to Cuba. Ill become a Mexican citizen, but theres no way Im going back to Cuba.Others like 42-year-old Jomaris Figuera and her husband want to throw in the towel after years trying to build a life outside Venezuela, where economic and political crises have prompted nearly 8 million people to flee in recent years. They spent more than four years picking coffee in neighboring Colombia, but struggling to make ends meet, they decided to traverse the Darien Gap. They waited nearly a year and a half for a legal pathway to the U.S. in a wooden shelter in a crime-riddled migrant camp in the center of Mexico City.But due to Venezuelas crises, they have no passports. And without money, they fear their only pathway back will be traveling south through Mexico and Central America, and walking days through the same rugged mountains of the Darien Gap.Anything would be better than staying in Mexico, said Figuera.Its like abandoning everything after everything thats happened to us, she said. But after trying to get an appointment, and this happens, weve given up.Clemente reported from Tapachula, Mexico. Janetsky reported from Atotonilco de Tula and Mexico City.

Elon Musk reacts as President-elect Donald Trump speaks at a rally ahead of the 60th Presidential Inauguration, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)2025-01-24T12:06:59Z WASHINGTON (AP) Americans see the federal government as rife with corruption, inefficiency and red tape but theyre less sure about whether Elon Musk is the right person to fix it. A new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows that only about 3 in 10 U.S. adults strongly or somewhat approve of President Trumps creation of an advisory body on government efficiency, which Musk is helming. About 4 in 10 disapprove, while the rest were neutral or didnt know enough to say. (The poll was conducted before Vivek Ramaswamy announced he would no longer be involved in the group.)The goal of the advisory body, the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, is to expose fraudulent and wasteful spending across the federal bureaucracy, and its leaders have floated a range of possible ways to cut costs, including eliminating entire agencies. But although most agree that the federal government is facing major problems, many Americans also have an unfavorable view of Musk and are hesitant about the Republican president relying on billionaires for advice about government policy. As the plans take more concrete shape, the poll shows that Americans are ambivalent about some of the changes that Trump and his team have mentioned in the past few months including eliminating large numbers of federal jobs and moving federal agencies outside Washington. Substantial shares dont have an opinion, indicating that theres plenty of room for opinion to shift in either direction.A return-to-office policy for federal workers which was one of Trumps first executive actions on Inauguration Day is fairly popular. Americans see a broken federal government but arent as concerned about the deep stateAs Trump sweeps into his second term with promises to cut regulations and reduce the role of government bureaucrats, most Americans think the federal government has serious problems. About two-thirds of U.S. adults say corruption and inefficiency are major problems in the federal government, and roughly 6 in 10 say the same about red tape, such as government regulations and bureaucracy. Republicans are more likely than Democrats to think these are major problems but a majority of Democrats still agree that corruption and inefficiency are significant challenges for the government.But despite Trumps claims that career federal workers resisted his policies during his first term, concern about civil servants who are unwilling to implement the presidents agenda is not as high. Only about one-third of Americans say this is a big problem in the government.Many dislike Musk and mistrust billionaires influence broadlyMusk was a prominent part of Trumps inauguration ceremonies given a seat inside the Capitol Rotunda for the event, then speaking at a rally shortly after Trump was sworn in.About one-third of Americans have a favorable view of Musk a billionaire and the worlds richest person which is down slightly from December. Americans views of Musk and Trump have a fair amount of overlap: About 8 in 10 Americans share the same view of both men, whether positive or negative. About half of Americans have an unfavorable view of both Musk and Trump. Some Americans may also be wary of Musks prominence. U.S. adults broadly think its a bad thing if the president relies on billionaires for advice about government policy, according to the poll. About 6 in 10 U.S. adults say this would be a very or somewhat bad thing, while only about 1 in 10 call it a very or somewhat good thing, and about 3 in 10 are neutral.Return-to-office for federal workers is more popular than cutting federal jobsOne of Trumps first executive orders on Monday was a broad directive for federal employees to return to the office. That was one of several policies aimed at increasing government efficiency that Trump and Musk floated before his inauguration, including a broader push to eliminate federal jobs.A sizable share of Americans dont have an opinion on either proposal, which means theres plenty of room for views to shift as Trump begins to take action. But firings are less popular than a broad return-to-work mandate. About 4 in 10 Americans oppose eliminating a large number of federal jobs, according to the poll, while about 3 in 10 are in favor. But about 4 in 10 favor requiring federal workers to return to the office five days a week, and only about 2 in 10 are opposed. Trump has said moving agencies outside Washington will help him shatter the deep state, a supposed network of mainly nonelected government officials influencing government policy, and he began moving some federal jobs out of the area toward the end of his first term. But he may need to attempt this on a larger scale before Americans decide what they think about it. Nearly half of U.S. adults in the poll were neutral on moving federal agencies outside Washington, while about one-quarter were in favor and a similar share were opposed.___The AP-NORC poll of 1,147 adults was conducted Jan. 9-13, using a sample drawn from NORCs probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for adults overall is plus or minus 3.9 percentage points. LINLEY SANDERS Sanders is a polls and surveys reporter for The Associated Press. She develops and writes about polls conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, and works on AP VoteCast. twitter RSShttps://feedx.net https://feedx.site

A banner announcing Dad's Place is displayed on the church's back entrance, in Bryan, Ohio, Dec. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Patrick Aftoora-Orsagos, File)2025-01-24T05:05:15Z BRYAN, Ohio (AP) For more than a year, a pastor who opened his church around the clock to shelter and give hope to homeless people has been at odds with an Ohio city over the building housing his ministry.On Tuesday, a city judge found Pastor Chris Avell guilty of violating zoning and fire codes in a criminal case. But his battle is not over. His attorneys, who last year filed a federal lawsuit accusing the city of harassing and humiliating the church and its congregants, have vowed to appeal the conviction.The church, called Dads Place, remains open to temporarily shelter people while it also appeals a separate civil case allowing the city of Bryan to enforce its zoning and fire codes on the building. Why did the city take on the church?Bryan Fire Chief Douglas Pool says the citys main concern is that the building does not have the proper permits for people to be sleeping inside Dads Place.Inspectors first noticed people sleeping in the church a year ago after earlier finding a mix of code violations. Some of the issues have been fixed, but the city says the church still lacks a permit that would allow people to stay overnight. Securing the permit would require costly improvements, including fire sprinklers. The fire chief says the city is obligated to enforce the codes, otherwise it could be at fault if disaster strikes.If we dont do anything, whos going to get blamed? Pool said. Were in a position where we need to enforce the code. How has the church responded? Attorneys for the church argue the Constitution protects churches helping those in need and that a federal law shields religious institutions from being discriminated against in zoning decisions. Dads Places lawyers also say the city has unfairly singled out the church, carrying out a string of surprise inspections to intimidate the people who are seeking shelter. They say the citys three hotels and two other shelters are not required to have sprinklers. The city says those places were in operation before the state fire code began requiring sprinklers in residential buildings.In a very real way, this city is trying to criminalize compassion, said Jeremy Dys, a lawyer with First Liberty Institute, which is representing the church. If this place goes away, people are very much going to be out in the cold. How many people stay at the church?This week as temperatures dipped into the single digits, about 14 people stayed at the church, which sits next to another shelter and a block from Bryans town square and county courthouse.The city is home to just under 9,000 residents. The surrounding county has low unemployment along with some of the areas lowest rents, according to a 2023 housing study.But there is a scarcity of available housing across all income levels and the number of new homes and apartments has not kept up with demand over the past two decades, said Dawn Fitzcharles, who works on housing issues for the county. Its compounded the issue of homelessness as well as the working homeless, she said. What comes next for the shelter?The judge in the case has issued a 30-day stay in his $200 fine against the pastor because of the expected appeal. Avell anticipates the church will continue operating the shelter while the legal fight continues.Our calling and our mission hasnt changed so far throughout this process. Nothing has changed it, he said Thursday. We just continue to do the work Gods called us to do, and trust him with the outcome.The people they serve, he said, dont just need a place to lay their head, but where they can actually find hope and transformation.___Seewer reported from Toledo, Ohio. PATRICK AFTOORA-ORSAGOS Aftoora-Orsagos is a video journalist covering breaking news for The Associated Press. He is based in Columbus, Ohio. twitter mailto JOHN SEEWER Seewer covers state and national news for The Associated Press and is based in Toledo, Ohio. twitter mailto

People participating in the March for Life walk past the Supreme Court, Jan. 19, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)2025-01-24T05:03:24Z Thousands of anti-abortion activists are coming to Washington Friday for the annual March for Life, seeking to build momentum after a string of victories and maintain pressure on legislators. After decades of fighting to overturn Roe v. Wade, organizers are seeking to focus on the multiple state-by-state battles taking place over abortion rights. Heres what to know about the 52nd March for Life:Whats the expected turnout?Organizers have estimated around 150,000 marchers and previous years in the March for Lifes 52-year history have certainly drawn those kinds of numbers. But the turnout may be limited by continued harsh winter weather that already forced President Donald Trumps inauguration indoors Monday. Attendance may also be impacted by a natural relaxation among abortion opponents after the historic June 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade which had guaranteed a nationwide right to abortion. Whats the post-Roe v. Wade focus?Following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, organizers and activists are focusing on the multiple state-level battles over abortion rights. As in the past, the march will start with a rally on the National Mall and end in the space separating the Capitol building from the Supreme Court. For decades, the protesters focus was on the courthouse, but now the main target is the domed complex across the street. Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life of America, said there is still work to be done, despite the Supreme Court decision. Theres no silver bullet to ending abortion, she said. The march now ends on the backside of the U.S. Capitol to remind our representatives that abortion is not only a state issue, but also a local issue and also a federal issue.Looking forward, Hawkins added that she would like to see Trump defund Planned Parenthood and put more government focus on making sure women with unplanned pregnancies have the resources to have the child, such as paid family leave and expanded child tax care credits. Where does the Trump administration stand?Trump disappointed some hardcore abortion advocates in the campaign last year by refusing to back the idea of a federal abortion ban and opposing some of the harsher state-level bans. But Trump has claimed credit for the fall of Roe v. Wade since his three Supreme Court nominees in his first term swung the balance. This should be a victory lap for Trump, who was out of office by the time Roe v. Wade was overturned. Hell be out of town but is expected to address the rally via prerecorded video message, and Vice President JD Vance will be a featured speaker. Among his flurry of initial actions and orders this week, Trump on Thursday pardoned several activists who had been jailed for blockading a Washington abortion provider. This is a significant moment in history, said Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the national anti-abortion group SBA Pro-Life America. Yes, we have a march every year, but this one is pretty special. We have just been through the first presidential election since the Dobbs decision. There is a trifecta of pro-life Republicans in the White House and the House and the Senate.___ ASHRAF KHALIL Khalil writes about local issues in Washington, D.C., for The Associated Press and covers the social safety net around the country. twitter instagram mailto

A man walks through a street affected by floods in Valencia, Spain, Nov. 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez, File)2025-01-24T11:00:36Z Economic losses from hurricanes and other natural disasters soared in the U.S. last year and were above average globally, reflecting another year of costly severe storms, floods and droughts.Damage caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton helped push total economic losses from natural disasters in the U.S. to $217.8 billion last year, according to insurance broker Aon PLC. That figure represents an 85.3% increase from 2023, when losses totaled about $117.5 billion. Its also the largest annual tally of economic losses from natural disasters since 2017.Insured losses, or the portion of economic losses that are covered by insurance, also rose last year. They climbed 36% to $112.7 billion, the most since 2022.Hurricane Helene tore across six southeastern states last fall, costing $75 billion in economic losses, mainly due to inland and coastal flooding. according to Aon. Less than two weeks later, Hurricane Milton made landfall on the west coast of Florida, causing some $25 billion in economic losses. In 2024, one of the big differences is we had significant U.S. hurricane events that happened, said Liz Henderson, global head of climate risk advisory at Aon. When those events happen, they affect a large area and they affect areas with large values in terms of properties and people and content. So the losses from those events tend to be significantly higher.At least two other hurricanes, several severe convective storms and a draught contributed to the losses from natural disasters in the U.S. last year. In addition to the severe storms in the U.S., deadly floods in the Valencia region of Spain and other natural disasters drove worldwide economic losses from natural disasters to $368 billion last year, according to Aon. Thats a 7.3% decline from 2023, but about 14% higher than the annual average going back to 2000. Global insured losses, meanwhile, climbed 15.1% to $145 billion. While its impossible to predict the timing, location and losses from natural disasters, 2025 is not off to an encouraging start. The devastating wildfires that erupted in Los Angeles County on Jan. 7, killing at least 28 people and destroying more than 14,000 structures, are already projected to be among the costliest natural disasters.In a separate report last week, Aon estimated that total economic and insured losses for the two largest wildfires the Palisades fire and the Eaton blaze burning just outside Los Angeles could reach into the lower tens of billions of dollars, likely making them the costliest wildfires in U.S. history. RSShttps://feedx.net https://feedx.site

Rev. Mariann Budde leads the national prayer service attended by President Donald Trump at the Washington National Cathedral, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)2025-01-24T14:47:30Z WASHINGTON (AP) The Right Rev. Mariann Budde made headlines this week after she angered President Donald Trump with her sermon during an inaugural prayer service.It was not the first time the cleric has publicly disagreed with Trump, but it became a striking moment in what is usually a staid and scripted event.Heres more about the Episcopal bishop of Washington, who has continued to speak out in the wake of the presidents derision.What did Bishop Budde and President Trump say?Let me make one final plea, Mr. President, the soft-spoken bishop said from the pulpit of Washington National Cathedral.I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now, she said.There are gay, lesbian, and transgender children in Democratic, Republican, and independent families, some who fear for their lives, Budde preached.She said the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals, calling them good neighbors and faithful members of religious communities. The Trump administration has already issued executive orders rolling back transgender rights and toughening immigration policies.Trump and Vice President JD Vance looked visibly disgruntled at times as they sat in the front pew with their wives. Vance raised his eyebrows and said something to second lady Usha Vance, who stared straight ahead. At the White House afterward, Trump said he didnt think it was a good service.He later called Budde a Radical Left hard line Trump hater on his Truth Social site and demanded an apology for her inappropriate statements. In an interview with The Associated Press on Wednesday, Budde said she would continue to pray for the president, as is custom in Episcopal worship.I dont agree with many of his values and assumptions about American society and how to respond to the challenges of our time, she said. I strongly disagree, actually. But I believe we can disagree respectfully. She is the first woman to hold her church position Budde, 65, is the first woman to lead the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, a position she has held since 2011. She oversees 86 churches across Washington, D.C., and Maryland, with 38,000 members. National spokespeople for the Episcopal Church called Budde a valued and trusted pastor. They said, We stand by Bishop Budde and her appeal for the Christian values of mercy and compassion.Before her current post, she served as a parish priest at St. Johns Episcopal Church in Minneapolis for 18 years.Budde grew up in New Jersey and Colorado, and for a time as a teenager, she identified as an evangelical. Later she returned to the Episcopal Church, the mainline Protestant denomination of her childhood.She graduated from the University of Rochester and Virginia Theological Seminary, an Episcopal institution just outside Washington.Im a mom. Im a grandmother. I really care about the people in our communities, Budde said. A different kind of prayer serviceShe revised her sermon over and over again.Budde knew last summer that the theme of the inaugural service would be unity after a divisive election season.Couldnt we just acknowledge that we cant paint whole groups of people in one broad stroke? Thats the stuff of political campaigning. I understand that. But were running the country now, she said. And as she watched the inauguration the day before she was set to preach, she noted Trump-supporting clergy offered a different Christian perspective in their prayers than her own. She hoped to show another way to interpret the world through the lens of faith.More than a dozen religious leaders spoke during the cathedrals interfaith service, including those from Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu traditions.Notably absent from the invited clergy with speaking roles were conservative evangelicals, who are among Trumps strongest supporters and now among Buddes loudest critics.The strong reactions to Buddes sermon largely fell along predictable political and religious lines. Progressive people of faith found in her an inspiring example of speaking truth to power. Some conservative religious voices found her plea confrontational and disrespectful. Others took issue with a woman in a powerful church leadership role, which their traditions reserve for men. Pastor Robert Jeffress of First Baptist Dallas, a prominent Trump supporter, was at the service and posted on X that Budde insulted rather than encouraged our great president and there was palpable disgust in the audience with her words.Budde felt some of that pushback when she processed down the aisle of the cathedral after the service. The president did not acknowledge her when she passed.She thought phrasing her words to the president as a plea for mercy was a very gentle way to do it because I was acknowledging his authority and his power.I guess I had that wrong, she said. Budde has clashed with Trump beforeThe national cathedral has long been the ceremonial home of high-profile political events. But in 2017, it faced criticism from liberal-leaning Episcopalians for hosting Trumps first inaugural prayer service. While Budde spoke at the service, there was no sermon that year at Trumps request.The content of Buddes words this time should come as no surprise to those who have watched her career.Budde has joined other cathedral leaders in rebuking Trumps racialized rhetoric and blaming him for inciting violence on Jan. 6, 2021, when a mob of his supporters attacked the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to keep him in power.Most notably, she said she was outraged in 2020 after Trump staged an appearance in front of St. Johns Episcopal Church, which is near the White House. He held up a Bible after the area had been cleared of peaceful protesters.In 2023, Budde published a book that reflected on that summer of 2020 after George Floyds death, when she criticized the sitting president. Its titled, How We Learn to Be Brave.The capacity to respond in such a moment doesnt drop from the sky, nor is its significance measured by a weeks worth of media coverage, Budde wrote.That kind of boldness, she argued, is preceded by countless, smaller decisions that summon bravery.Its ultimate significance is determined by how we live after the moment passes.___Associated Press reporters Darlene Superville and Gary Fields in Washington contributed to this report.___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. TIFFANY STANLEY Stanley is a reporter and editor on The Associated Press Global Religion team. She is based in Washington, D.C. twitter mailto RSShttps://feedx.net https://feedx.site

Rev. Mariann Budde leads the national prayer service attended by President Donald Trump at the Washington National Cathedral, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)2025-01-24T14:26:53Z LONDON (AP) A London judge on Friday rejected a U.S. mothers challenge to be extradited to Colorado to face murder charges in the deaths of two of her young children. Judge John Zani said in Westminster Magistrates Court that it would now be up to the British Home Secretary to order Kimberlee Singler returned to the U.S.Singler, 36, is accused of two counts of first-degree murder in the December 2023 shooting and stabbings of her 9-year-old daughter and 7-year-old son, and one count of attempted murder in the slashing of her 11-year-old daughter with a knife. She also faces three counts of child abuse and one count of assault.Singlers attorney had argued that sending her back to the U.S. would violate European human rights law, in part, because she faces a sentence of life in prison without parole in Colorado if convicted of first-degree murder. Such a sentence would be inhumane because it offers no prospect for release even if she is rehabilitated, attorney Edward Fitzgerald said. Fitzgerald said that despite an option for a Colorado governor to commute her sentence at some point, it was political suicide to do so. Experts for the defense had originally said that a life sentence had never been commuted in Colorado. But prosecutors later found that Gov. John Hickenlooper in 2018 commuted life sentences of five men convicted of murder.The defense countered that three of those sentences were not life without parole and two were for men who committed their crime between the ages of 18 and 21, which is sometimes considered a mitigating factor at sentencing because of their relative youth. This defendant, Kimberlee Singler, has no real prospect of release no matter what progress she makes behind bars, Fitzgerald said.Prosecutor Joel Smith said the judge only had to consider if there is a mechanism that could allow Singler to be freed someday. Prospect of release that is not your concern, Smith told the judge at a hearing in December.Singler has denied that she harmed her children. She told police that her ex-husband had either carried out the killings or hired a hitman.Singler had superficial knife wounds and was initially treated as a victim.But that changed when her surviving daughter, who initially said she had been attacked by an intruder, told police her mother tried to kill her.The girl said her mother gave the children milk with a powdery substance to drink and told them to close their eyes as she guided them into a siblings bedroom, prosecutors said.Singler cut her neck and, as the girl begged her to stop, she slashed her again. The girl said her mother had a gun.The defendant told her that God was telling her to do it, and that the childrens father would take them away, Smith said at a previous hearing.Police found Aden Wentz, 7, and Elianna Ellie Wentz, 9, dead when they entered the Colorado Springs apartment on Dec. 19. They had been shot and stabbed.Smith said her husband had a solid alibi. He had been driving a truck at the time that had GPS tracking.

President Donald Trump supporter Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes, convicted on charges relating to the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol, talks to reporters after meeting with lawmakers on Capitol Hill, in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025 (AP Photo Nathan Ellgren)2025-01-24T15:45:18Z WASHINGTON (AP) A federal judge on Friday barred Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes from entering Washington, D.C., without the courts approval after President Donald Trump commuted the far-right extremist group leaders 18-year prison sentence for orchestrating an attack on the U.S. Capitol four years ago.U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta issued the order two days after Rhodes visited the Capitol, where he met with at least one lawmaker, chatted with others and defended his actions during a mobs attack on Jan. 6, 2021. Rhodes was released from a Maryland prison a day earlier. Mehtas order also applies to other Oath Keepers members who were convicted of charges that they participated in a violent plot to attack the Capitol. RSShttps://feedx.net https://feedx.site

Novak Djokovic of Serbia gestures as he leaves Rod Laver Arena after retiring in his semifinal match against against Alexander Zverev of Germany at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025.(AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)2025-01-24T05:22:00Z MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) Spectators booed an injured Novak Djokovic as he left the court in Rod Laver Arena after quitting one set into his Australian Open semifinal against Alexander Zverev on Friday.Dealing with what he said was a torn muscle, Djokovic lost the opening set 7-6 (5) when he put a forehand volley into the net, then began shaking his head and immediately walked over to tell Zverev the match was over. The 37-year-old Djokovic packed up his equipment and walked off toward the locker room, pausing to respond to the jeers by giving two thumbs-up. Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts during his semifinal match against Alexander Zverev of Germany at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake) Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts during his semifinal match against Alexander Zverev of Germany at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake) Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Read More At his news conference, Djokovic said the pain in his taped left leg was getting worse and worse. He hurt it during his quarterfinal victory over Carlos Alcaraz on Tuesday night.I knew, Djokovic said, even if I won the first set, it was going to be a huge uphill battle for me. He was bidding for an 11th championship at the Australian Open and record 25th Grand Slam title overall. Instead, it will be No. 1 seed and defending champion Jannik Sinner facing No. 2 Alexander Zverev in Sundays final.Sinner overcame some third-set cramping and beat No. 21 Ben Shelton of the United States 7-6 (2), 6-2, 6-2 in Fridays second semifinal to return to the Australian Open final as he seeks a third Grand Slam title. Zverev is 0-2 in major finals; this will be his first at Melbourne Park.Everything can happen, said Sinner, who is on a 20-match unbeaten run. Hes an incredible player. Novak Djokovic wipes the sweat from his face during his semifinal match against Alexander Zverev in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup) Novak Djokovic wipes the sweat from his face during his semifinal match against Alexander Zverev in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup) Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Read More Alexander Zverev, right, embraces Novak Djokovic after Djokovic retired from their semifinal match in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) Alexander Zverev, right, embraces Novak Djokovic after Djokovic retired from their semifinal match in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Read More For Djokovic, this is the second time in the past four major tournaments he was unable to finish because of an injury: He withdrew from last years French Open before the quarterfinals because he tore the meniscus in his right knee during a match.Djokovic underwent surgery in Paris and, less than two months later, reached the final at Wimbledon, then won a gold medal for Serbia at the Paris Olympics. Zverev, a 27-year-old German, lost finals in five sets at the 2020 U.S. Open and 2024 French Open.My goal is still to compete with the big guys and to compete for these kind of tournaments and try to win them, Zverev said. For that, I need to get better. I need to improve on the court. I need to improve physically. Novak Djokovic of Serbia plays a forehand return to Alexander Zverev of Germany during their semifinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) Novak Djokovic of Serbia plays a forehand return to Alexander Zverev of Germany during their semifinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Read More During his on-court interview, Zverev pleaded with the fans not to give Djokovic a hard time.I know that everybody paid for tickets and everybody wants to see hopefully a great five-set match, he said. But youve got to understand Novak Djokovic is somebody that has given this sport, for the past 20 years, absolutely everything of his life.The only set of Djokovic vs. Zverev lasted 1 hour, 21 minutes and included 19 points that lasted nine strokes or more apiece. The first four games alone lasted 31 minutes, slowed both by the lengthy baseline exchanges and Djokovics deliberate pacing between points, taking the 25-second serve clock down to and occasionally slightly beyond the full allotment.The match was grueling and would have been even without dealing with a leg problem that initially became an issue late in the first set against Alcaraz. I didnt hit the ball (from after the) Alcaraz match until like an hour before todays match, Djokovic said. I did everything I possibly can to basically manage the muscle tear that I had. Medications and, I guess, the (tape) and the physio work helped to some extent today, he added. But towards the end of that first set, I just started feeling more and more pain and it was too much for me to handle. Unfortunate ending, but I tried.Zverev said he could sense some dents on the other side of the net in the tiebreaker and noticed that Djokovic was struggling maybe a bit more.Two years ago at Melbourne Park, Djokovic hurt his left hamstring but still managed to depart with the trophy. Against Alcaraz, he was down a set against someone who is 16 years his junior but won. Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts at a press conference after retiring in his semifinal match against Alexander Zverev of Germany at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake) Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts at a press conference after retiring in his semifinal match against Alexander Zverev of Germany at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake) Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Read More This time, Djokovic could not pull off a similar escape.And afterward, there was a lot Djokovic was unsure about.Might this have been his last appearance at Melbourne Park? There is a chance. Who knows? Djokovic replied. Ill just have to see how the season goes. I want to keep going.He said its too soon to know how long he might be sidelined.He said he isnt sure yet what will happen to his coaching arrangement with former on-court rival Andy Murray. What Djokovic did make clear: His focus and goals will not waver.Its not like Im worrying approaching every Grand Slam now whether Im going to get injured or not, but statistics are against me in a way in the last couple of years, he said. But Ill keep going. Ill keep striving to win more Slams. And as long as I feel that I want to put up with all of this, Ill be around.___Howard Fendrich has been the APs tennis writer since 2002. Find his stories here: https://apnews.com/author/howard-fendrich. More AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis HOWARD FENDRICH Fendrich is an Associated Press national writer based in Washington, D.C. He reports on tennis and other sports. twitter mailto

Nour Abu Al Zamar salvage items from under the rubble of her destroyed family home, in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, days after the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas came into effect. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)2025-01-24T11:09:47Z TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) Relatives of hostages still being held by militants in Gaza called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Friday to ensure all remaining captives are freed, while also appealing to U.S. President Donald Trump to continue pressing for their release.As a fragile six-week ceasefire between Israel and Hamas entered its sixth day, Israelis waited anxiously for the names of the next four hostages who will be released from among the more than 90 still held in Gaza. In the Palestinian enclave, civilians in the central and southern part of the Gaza Strip hoping to return to the remnants of their home in the battered north faced an agonizing wait.Israel believes about a third, or possibly as many as half, of the more than 90 hostages still in Gaza have died. Hamas has not released definitive information on how many captives are still alive or the names of those who have died. Dear President Trump, first of all we want to say thank you for the happy moments we felt this week. But we want to tell you we still have 94 hostages, we need them all at home, said Ayelet Samerano, whose son Yonatan Samerano is among those still being held. Please do not stop. Please continue to press and do everything so that all the 94 hostages will come home immediately. In the first phase of the ceasefire deal, 33 hostages are expected to be released gradually in return for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The first three Israeli hostages were freed in exchange for 90 Palestinian prisoners on Sunday, the first day of the ceasefire that has halted the 15-month war that has devastated Gaza. Wide swathes of the territory have been destroyed, while more than 47,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza health authorities, who do not differentiate between combatants and civilians but say more than half are women and children. According to the deal, on Friday Hamas is to announce the names of the next four hostages to be released on Saturday, after which Israel will also release a list of which Palestinian prisoners will be freed.The hostages were among about 250 men, women and children captured by militants who burst across the border into Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people in an attack that sparked the war in Gaza. About 100 were released during a brief ceasefire in November that year, while the bodies of around three dozen hostages have been recovered in Gaza and eight hostages have been rescued by the army.I call from here to the Prime Minister and negotiating team -- youre doing excellent work -- do whatever is necessary to bring everyone back, to the last hostage, Samerano said. We ask you to ensure phase two of the deal is agreed upon before finishing the current phrase. We cannot continue living in uncertainty. All hostages must return, and none of them has time left.The 33 to be released in the first phase will include women, children, sick people and those over 50 almost all civilians, though the deal also commits Hamas to freeing all living female soldiers in Phase 1. Hamas will release living hostages first, but could release some bodies if they dont have enough living hostages in this category. Male soldiers are not expected to be released in the first phase. This week we were moved to watch images of mothers embracing their daughters, but our hearts break thinking that my son Nimrod and other men remain behind, and each day theyre there poses a real danger to their lives, said Vicky Cohen, whose son Nimrod Cohen is among the hostages. The worry that the deal wont be fully implemented gnaws at us all. All senior officials openly say that stopping the deal means a death sentence for those left behind.Under the terms of the deal, Palestinians in Gaza will have more freedom of movement from the north to the south of the enclave. Civilians in the south will be allowed to take a coastal road to northern Gaza from Saturday, when Israeli troops are expected to withdraw from the key route and Hamas is set to release the next four Israeli hostages. Those in other parts of the strip seized on the ceasefire this week to reunite with scattered family members, picking their way through vast swaths of rubble and trying to salvage what remained of their homes and their belongings. But those displaced from the north have had to wait.The first thing Ill do, Ill kiss the dirt of the land on which I was born and raised, said Nadia Al-Debs, one of the many people gathered in makeshift tents in Gazas central city of Deir al-Balah preparing to set out for home in Gaza City the next day. Well return so my children can see their father. Nafouz al-Rabai, another displaced woman in Deir al-Balah from al-Shati, along the coast in Gaza City, said the day she walks home will be a day of joy for us.The return stirs bittersweet emotions. Al-Rabai acknowledged it would be painful to absorb the scale of damage to the home and the urban refugee camp she knew and loved. God knows if Ill find (my house) standing or not, she said. Its a very bad life. ___Shurafa reported from Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip. RSShttps://feedx.net https://feedx.site

A judge in Nassau County, N.Y., has declined to block enforcement of the countys anti-transgender sports law while a suit against it continues.The Nassau County Supreme Court Tuesday denied the New York Civil Liberties Unions request for a preliminary injunction that would have kept the law from being enforced. (In New York State, the name Supreme Court does not connote the highest court; the highest court in the state is the Court of Appeal.)The Court has reviewed the Plaintiffs arguments and does not find that Local Law 121-24 excludes transgender women and girls from the public facilities based on their gender identity and the Plaintiffs have not shown discrimination under the Human Rights Law and the Civil Rights Law, Judge Bruce Cozzens wrote, according to multiple media outlets. Trans women can still play in coed leagues, he said.There can be no question (even without discovery) that a biological male regardless of transitioning would be possessed of greater athleticism and speed, strength, muscle mass, stronger hearts and greater bone density," Cozzens added. "The goal of the local law is to provide a safe environment for individuals who are born female to play." Scientists and activists have disputed the idea that trans women have an inherent advantage.Last year, a court struck down an executive order from County Executive Bruce Blakeman barring trans girls and women from competing on female teams that use county facilities, ruling that Blakeman did not have the authority to set the policy. The Nassau County Legislature responded by passing a law with the same effect.The NYCLU sued on behalf of the Long Island Roller Rebels, a womens roller derby league that welcomes trans women and therefore cant use county-run sites. The Roller Rebels had also been part of the lawsuit that saw the executive order struck down. Nassau County is located on the western part of Long Island.We are disappointed but undaunted by todays decision, and we are taking all the necessary steps to appeal, Gabriella Larios, staff attorney at the NYCLU, said in a press release. This decision is an outlier among the many courts to have considered the same question. It is also inconsistent with long-standing state law, which makes clear that Nassaus ban unlawfully discriminates against transgender girls and women, as well as the teams that welcome them. This ban leaves a lasting stain on the Countys government and legislature, which have been relentless in their efforts to shut trans people out of sports.At a time of rising anti-LGBTQ+ hate and violence across the country, keeping this ban intact is not only cruel, but it is also dangerous, added Curly Fry, president of the Roller Rebels. This harmful legislation sends the message that trans people dont belong in Nassau County. Trans people belong everywhere including in sports. We hope that New Yorks courts will ultimately strike down this unlawful ban and acknowledge it for what it is transphobic and unjust.Dr. David Kilmnick, president and founder of the LGBT Network, also denounced the courts ruling, calling it a travesty of justice, News 12 Long Island reports. This decision disregards the principles of inclusion, equality, and fairness that New York states Human Rights Law seeks to uphold," Kilmnick said.

Migrants line up to board boats to continue their journey north hoping to reach the United States after walking across the Darien Gap from Colombia in Bajo Chiquito, Panama, Nov. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix, File)2025-01-24T16:31:17Z NEWARK, N.J. (AP) The Trump administration announced Friday that it is expanding a fast-track deportation authority nationwide, allowing immigration officers to deport migrants without appearing before a judge as the president seeks to make good on a sweeping agenda of removing everyone who is in the U.S. illegally.The news of the expanded use of expedited removal comes as Newark, New Jersey, officials lashed out over what they say were illegal arrests by federal immigration officers at a local business. At a news conference Friday, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents who showed up at the business Thursday detained three undocumented residents as well as some U.S. citizens. He said one person was questioned even after showing military identification.When I got this information I was appalled, upset, angry that this would happen here, in this state, in this country, said Baraka, a Democrat who is seeking the partys nomination for governor. Were going to fight for all of our residents in this city, no matter what that looks like for us. About half of the citys population of 305,000 is Black and nearly 40% is Hispanic, according to census figures. ICE has described what happened Thursday as a targeted enforcement operation and said agents may ask other people for identification when theyre conducting field work. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement may encounter U.S. citizens while conducting field work and may request identification to establish an individuals identity as was the case during a targeted enforcement operation at a worksite ... in Newark, New Jersey, the agency said in a statement. ICE said it could not comment further because the investigation is active.President Donald Trumps administration has taken action on a number of fronts on his signature campaign promise of cracking down on illegal immigration. And in executive orders signed after he took office Monday, Trump laid out a vision for future actions designed to dramatically boost immigration enforcement in the interior of the country while ratcheting down access at the southern border. After declaring a national emergency and describing immigration at the southern border as an invasion, Trump sent military troops to the border; lifted longtime rules restricting immigration enforcement near schools and churches; indefinitely suspended the refugee program; and halted key Biden-era immigration pathways. On Friday, the administration said it was expanding the use of expedited removal authority so it can be used across the country and that it would take immediate effect.The effect of this change will be to enhance national security and public safety while reducing government costs by facilitating prompt immigration determinations, the administration said in a notice in the Federal Register outlining the new rules. Expedited removal gives enforcement agencies broad authority to deport people without requiring them to appear before an immigration judge. There are limited exceptions, including if they express fear of returning home and pass an initial screening interview for asylum. Critics have said theres too much risk that people who have the right to be in the country will be mistakenly swept up by agents and officers and that not enough is done to protect migrants who have genuine reason to fear being sent home. Fridays notice said the person put into expedited removal bears the affirmative burden to show to the satisfaction of an immigration officer that they have the right to be in the U.S.The powers were created under a 1996 law. But they werent really widely used until 2004, when Homeland Security said it would use expedited removal authority for people arrested within two weeks of entering the U.S. by land and caught within 100 miles (160 kilometers) of the border. That meant it was used mostly against migrants who recently arrived.___Santana reported from Washington. MIKE CATALINI Catalini covers government, elections and news primarily in New Jersey for The Associated Press. He focuses on accountability and how policy affects people. twitter REBECCA SANTANA Santana covers the Department of Homeland Security for The Associated Press. She has extensive experience reporting in such places as Russia, Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan. twitter mailto

A Ukrainian brigade fires a self-propelled howitzer toward Russian front-line positions in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)2025-01-24T16:19:17Z With Russia wearing down Ukraines stretched forces and new U.S. President Donald Trump pressuring the two sides to end their nearly 3-year-old war, Kyiv and some of its European allies are discussing how that might be achieved in a way that would guarantee Ukraines future security.Several ideas have been floated in the past, but the one currently gaining currency would station thousands of European troops in Ukraine, though not under a NATO banner, to serve as a deterrent and rapid reaction force should Russia invade again an apparent non-starter for Moscow.Kyiv has signaled a willingness to consider ceasefire terms, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said security promises from Kyivs allies would be key to a just peace and that without them, it would only be a matter of time before Russia invaded again. Ukrainian officials say past agreements with the Kremlin were worthless, pointing to 2014 and 2015 pacts Russia signed after illegally annexing Crimea but then broke with its 2022 invasion. It remains to be seen whether Russia would want to end the war while its forces appear to be on the front foot, even if theyre sustaining heavy losses, or what terms the Kremlin might seek. But the rest of Europe is coming to terms with what a Ukrainian defeat would mean for its security.This isnt just about Ukraines sovereignty. Because if Russia succeeds in this aggression, it will impact all of us for a very, very long time, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said during a recent visit to Kyiv. What ceasefire plans have been discussed?With Trumps return to the White House and his threats to withdraw crucial U.S. support from Kyiv unless Europe bears more of the Ukraine burden, some European leaders have pledged their resolve. French President Emmanuel Macron said building security guarantees for Ukraine is a key responsibility for European nations, while Starmer said the U.K. would play a full part in any peacekeeping efforts.Ukraine considers NATO to be the most robust deterrent to Russia, but Trump and some top European leaders have poured cold water on the idea of a NATO-led peacekeeping presence in Ukraine.Among the ideas that apparently havent gained traction was one in which allies would invest massively to arm Ukraine to the hilt to deter a future Russian assault. It would almost surely require major American support that might not be forthcoming under Trump. Another idea, suggested by Ukrainians, would have Ukraines allies defend it from large-scale Russian air attacks, similar to how the U.S. helped defend Israel from an Iranian drone attack last year. Experts say one possible downside to this approach would be that it would expose sophisticated Western defense technology to Russian military learning.A third idea, which is getting attention, is one Macron floated nearly a year ago and is modeled on the Korean armistice. It envisages Western troops being stationed in Ukraine as a deterrent and rapid reaction force. Zelenskyy said there would need to be enough allied troops stationed in Ukraine to overcome Russias manpower advantage. Furthermore, he said, Kyiv would need sufficient flows of weapons, including long-range capabilities able to strike Moscows defense industrial complex, including some that are more than 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) deep inside Russian territory. Trump opposes the idea. Although Trump is pushing Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin to make a deal, European leaders are grappling with questions over how much military and financial support they could theoretically offer, and the amount of political risk they would be prepared to take domestically if they were to send troops to Ukraine and possibly put them in harms way. Allied troops in Ukraine?The discussions could be for naught. Russia views Ukraine as part of its geopolitical backyard, not the Wests. Putin believes hes winning the war and can outlast Kyiv, and he wont stomach a proposal that would put Western troops in Ukraine, current and former senior European and Russian officials told The Associated Press.Putin would never say yes to this, and European nations would be unlikely to go ahead if Putin makes it clear its a red line, said Boris Bondarev, a former Russian diplomat who quit his role in protest after the war started.Maria Zakharova, Russias Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said Thursday that NATO troops in Ukraine would be categorically unacceptable and provoke uncontrolled escalation. Nevertheless, an advisor to the Ukrainian government said technical discussions with allies are ongoing and speculated that Moscow might accept such scenario depending on what concessions Ukraine is willing to make. The official spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity to speak freely about sensitive matters.Zelenskyy indicated this week that he wants foreign support and that Ukraine would need tens of thousands of allied troops at a minimum. If European nations were to agree to send troops to Ukraine, it would send a strong signal to Russia that Europe intends to have skin in the game, said Camille Grand, a former NATO official now with the European Council on Foreign Relations. But even if European nations were to agree, there are questions around Europes military production capacity, manpower and ability to fill a potential vacuum if theres an expected reduction in U.S. aid under Trump. The U.S. provides Kyiv with 40% of its military support.Europes defense production is fragmented along national lines and is underfunded, and there are questions around national governments ability to defend their own people, let alone meet Ukraines enormous needs.Peacekeepers or a tripwire?There are many aspects of the Macron proposal that would need to be ironed out, including where in Ukraine allied forces would be deployed, which countries would send troops and what capabilities they would have because that would also be a signal of their ability to fight, said Marie Dumoulin, program director for Wider Europe at the European Council on Foreign Relations.In conversations with the AP, Ukrainian officials described such allied troops as serving as a peacekeeping mission but also as a tripwire force, in which they would be committed to counterattacking in the event of a Russian assault. There are misrepresentations when people describe this as potential peacekeeping, said Dumoulin. A senior Ukrainian official and two Western official both concurred. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to speak freely about sensitive talks. A traditional peacekeeping mission requires a UN vote, one that Russia can easily veto. It would also not include a guarantee to counterattack in the event of a Russian strike a key component of the type of security guarantee Kyiv is seeking. Though the initiative would occur outside of the NATO format, one Western official pointed to NATOs multinational battalions in the Baltic countries which, unlike Ukraine, are members of the alliance as a possible model. Others have also alluded to stabilization forces in Bosnia as an example.The Ukrainian president said he discussed the French proposal for foreign contingents with the U.K., France, Poland and the Baltic states, but the reality is, it would meet fierce resistance from Putin. Even so, opening negotiations with a proposal for a Western troop presence in Ukraine could leave European nations with negotiating room to maneuver with Putin, who would see such a suggestion as NATO in Ukraine anyway, Dumoulin said. SAMYA KULLAB Kullab is an Associated Press reporter covering Ukraine since June 2023. Before that, she covered Iraq and the wider Middle East from her base in Baghdad since joining the AP in 2019. twitter instagram mailto EMMA BURROWS Burrows is an Associated Press reporter covering Russia, Belarus, Central Asia and the Caucasus. She is based in London. twitter

This is Behind the Blog, where we share our behind-the-scenes thoughts about how a few of our top stories of the week came together. This week, we discuss Nazis celebrating Elon Musks salute, Zuckerberg as a kook, dictating your own threat model and a good block/mute ethos.EMANUEL: The first week of Trumps second term is in the books and were off to a terrible start. A flurry of executive orders is filled with symbolic and potentially impotent threats, but is also already causing real harm and fear. Local police and schools are preparing for the possibility of ICE raids coming for children. It feels like a return to Trump's first term time dilation effect and if the first term is a guide to the second well probably see more shocking headlines before the weekend.People I know who dont usually ask me about work reached out this week asking what I thought about Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and other big tech company CEOs showing up prominently during Trumps inauguration, if that will impact 404 Media, and if we were scared. I do think there is currently more interest in what we cover but that this surge of interest will fade, as it did during Trumps first term. I also think that it is probably about to become a more hostile environment for journalists, but I dont feel like journalists are a particularly vulnerable group under the Trump administration.

(@) Fox News host Jesse Watters is being roasted after he made waves this week when he tried to make fun of former second husband Doug Emhoff for running a normal errand.On Fox News Live, the 46-year-old conservative commentator was critical of a clip showing Emhoff who he called Dougie Fresh going grocery shopping with wife Kamala Harris. What kind of husband goes grocery shopping with his wife? Watters asked.This isnt the first time Watters has been in hot water for comments about masculinity. During Harris campaign, he said he couldnt understand why any man would vote Democrat and claimed a man voting for Harris is actually trans. I heard the scientists say the other day that when a man votes for a woman, he actually transitions into a woman, he said at the time.People on X (formerly Twitter) were quick to slam Watters for being weird and misogynistic and called him out for his outdated view of masculinity. Someone also quipped that Watters wife wont let him go grocery shopping because she has to get away from his ass, while other people pointed out that he shouldnt be talking about anyones marriage, considering he admitted on air to slashing his wifes tires to coerce her into dating him.Keep scrolling to see the funniest reactions to Watters old-fashioned grocery shopping comment! (@) "A reminder that @JesseBWatters first marriage ended when he let out the air from one of his producers tires so shed ask him for a ride and they subsequently had an affair. So, pretty much the worse source of family advice imaginable if you even slightly care about morals." (@) "Jesse Waters is a weird cunt" (@) "How anyone can listen to @JesseBWatters for more than 10 consecutive seconds and not want to cut their own ears off or knock themselves unconscious I will never know. Hes the smarmiest cringiest and most staggeringly clueless person to ever walk upon the earth and I hate him." (@) "Jesse Waters is the biggest clown on TV." (@) "Jesse Waters is so fucking weird and misogynistic" (@) "What Jesse Watters doesnt tell you if that his wife wont let him go grocery shopping because she has to get away from his ass." (@) "Wait until they found out some of us go grocery shopping by ourselves for our families" (@) "Hey Neckbeards: If you think grocery shopping with your wife is unmanly? Feel free to do it by yourself." (@) "I've heard a lot of weird misogynist snowflake bullshit before, but being offended by a man going grocery shopping with his wife is a new one. At this point, I'm surprised Jesse Watters's mother speaks to him at all." (@) "Jesse is insufferable. goddamn, does anyone watch that guy speak words?" (@) "I legit dont know if theres a bigger loser on this planet than Jesse Waters" (@) "While Trump is destroying our country, Jesse Waters is more concerned about Kamalas husband grocery shopping with her?" (@) "Watching Jesse Waters makes you a worse husband." (@) "Mind you @JesseBWatters had an affair with a producer on his show. Considering youre a cheating piece of shit. A good husband goes to the grocery story with his wife. Hope that helps" (@) "Jesse Waters has a seriously warped idea of what masculinity is." (@) "Who is the woman that debased herself enough to marry Jesse Waters?" (@) "Jesse Waters is so gay, he thinks straight guys think it's gay to buy groceries." (@) "Jesse Waters is such a tool." (@) "Jesse Waters is an asshole. Every time he opens his mouth, shit comes out." (@) "For the record, my Wife and I go grocery shopping together all the time. We have done so for the seven blissful years of our marriage, and we enjoy it. I thought right wingers were all about happy marriages? Oh wait, it's about CONTROL, isn't it?"

President Donald Trump is briefed on the effects of Hurricane Helene at Asheville Regional Airport in Fletcher, N.C., Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, as first lady Melania Trump looks on. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)2025-01-24T18:36:09Z WASHINGTON (AP) Like most presidents, Donald Trump faces an economy that seldom bends to political ambitions.The Republican has promised strong growth, high tariffs, income tax cuts and booming oilfields. But despite the solid job market and low 4.1% unemployment rate, he has to contend with headwinds like inflation, a budget deficit, increased tensions over trade, the fallout from his plans to curtail immigration and a persistent wealth gap.Each of these issues could help to shape how voters feel about a president they returned to the White House with the specific goal of fixing the economy.For his part, Trump wants to blame all the challenges before him on his predecessor, Joe Biden, who in turn blamed Trump in 2021 for the problems his own administration had to tackle.This begins with confronting the economic chaos caused by the failed policies of the last administration, Trump told the World Economic Forum on Thursday.Here are five economic forces that could shape the first year of Trumps presidency: For voters, the price still isnt rightWhipping inflation is easier said than done.In AP VoteCast, an extensive survey of last years electorate, 4 in 10 voters called inflation the single most important factor in their choice for president. About two-thirds of this group voted for Trump a sign he owes his victory in large part to the high cost of groceries, gasoline, housing, autos and other goods. Going forward, monthly reports on the consumer price index will be a clear measure of whether Trump can deliver. But inflation has actually increased in recent months. Consumer prices were increasing at a healthy 2.4% annual rate in September, compared with 2.9% in December. Economists say inflation could worsen if Trump imposes tariffs and uses deficit-funded income tax cuts. Republicans often hit Biden hard on egg prices. But Democrats could use similar attacks on Trump. Over the past year, coffee costs have risen just 1% for U.S. consumers, but the International Monetary Fund has the price of the actual beans climbing 55% in a sign that lattes, espressos and plain old cups of joe could soon cost more. Then theres housing. Voters are still frustrated by high mortgage rates and prices staying elevated due to a shortage of properties. Shelter is 37% of the consumer price index. Price increases for housing have eased, but shelter costs are still rising at 4.6% a year, compared with annual increases averaging 3.3% before the pandemic.Trump is betting that more energy production can cut into inflation rates, but domestic production is already near record levels, according to the government. Which tariffs are really comingTrump says 25% tariffs are coming for Mexican and Canadian imports as soon as Feb. 1. Hes also talked about additional tariffs of 10% on Chinese goods. His stated goal is to stop illegal border crossings and the flow of chemicals used to make drugs such as fentanyl.For Trump, tariffs are a diplomatic tool for his policy goals. But theyre also a threat possibly meant to jumpstart trade talks. Theyre also a revenue raiser that he claims could bring trillions of dollars into the treasury.Trump did increase tariffs during his first term, with revenue collection more than doubling to an annual rate of $85.4 billion, which might sound like a lot but was equal to just 0.4% of the gross domestic product. Multiple analyses by the Budget Lab at Yale and the Peterson Institute for International Economics, among others, say the threatened tariffs would increase costs for a typical family in a way that effectively raises taxes.What really matters is whether Trump delivers on his threats. That is why Ben Harris, a former Biden adviser who is now director of economic studies at the Brookings Institution, says voters should focus on average tariff rates.Trade is really tricky Harris said. But in broad terms, look at what he does and not what he says. What happens with the national debtTrump likes to blame inflation on the national debt, saying Bidens policies flooded the U.S. economy with more money than it could absorb. But about 22% of the $36 trillion outstanding total debt originated from the policies of Trumps first term, according to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, a fiscal watchdog.Paul Winfree, a former Trump staffer who is now president and CEO of the Economic Policy Innovation Center, warned in a recent analysis that the U.S. is getting too close for comfort to its fiscal limits. His analysis suggests that if Trump can preserve 3% growth he could extend his expiring 2017 tax cuts while keeping the debt sufficiently stable by cutting spending $100 billion to $140 billion a year.The risk is that higher borrowing costs and debt can limit what Trump does while keeping borrowing costs high for consumers. Lawmakers who once viewed the debt as problem years away increasingly see it as something to address now. One of the biggest vibe shifts Im picking up on now among policymakers is theyre beginning to realize the long-term is today, Winfree said.Winfree said the key number to watch is the interest rates charged on U.S. debt which will tell the public if investors think the amount of borrowing is problematic. Interest on the 10-year U.S. Treasury note is at roughly 4.6%, up a full percentage point since September.Immigrants are still needed to fill jobsTrumps executive orders are a clear crackdown on immigration and that could be a drag on economic growth and cause monthly job gains to slow. Trump often frames immigration as a criminal and national security issue by focusing on people crossing the border illegally.But economies that cant add enough workers are at risk of stagnating and the U.S. labor market at this stage needs immigrants as part of the jobs mix. About 84% of Americas net population growth last year came from immigrants, according to the Census Bureau. Thats 2.8 million immigrants.They not only work in the economy, but they spend in the economy, said Satyam Panday, chief U.S. economist at S&P Global Ratings. Their spending is somebody elses income in the economy.If Trump were simply to put immigration back at his 2017 and 2019 averages of 750,000 immigrants annually, growth could slow from an estimated 2.7% last year to 2% going forward, Pandays analysis found. The construction, agriculture and leisure and hospitality industries would probably struggle to find employees.In other words, its worth monitoring the monthly jobs report and immigration flows.Mind the wealth gapTrump is going to have to figure out how to balance the interests of billionaires with those of his blue- collar voters. His inaugural events included several of the worlds wealthiest men: Teslas Elon Musk, Amazons Jeff Bezos, Metas Mark Zuckerberg and LVMHs Bernard Arnault. Each is worth roughly $200 billion or more, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.Scott Ellis, a member of the group Patriotic Millionaires, said its worth monitoring just how much their wealth increases under Trump. This year, as of Friday, Arnaults net worth has risen $23 billion, Bezos is up by $15 billion, Zuckerberg is up by $18 billion and Musks wealth has risen by $6 billion. Those are all monthly increases.By contrast, the most recent available Census Bureau data show that the median U.S. household wealth rose $9,600 in 2021-2022, to $176,500. JOSH BOAK Boak covers the White House and economic policy for The Associated Press. He joined the AP in 2013. twitter mailto RSShttps://feedx.net https://feedx.site

Police patrol in Tibu, Colombia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, following guerrilla attacks that have killed dozens of people and forced thousands to flee their homes in the Catatumbo region. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)2025-01-24T13:33:38Z BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) Colombias president issued a decree Friday giving him emergency powers to restore order in a coca-growing region bordering Venezuela wracked in recent days by a deadly turf war among dissident rebel groups.President Gustavo Petros decree gives him 90 days, which can be extend, to impose curfews, restrict traffic and take other steps that would normally violate Colombians civil rights or require congressional approval.It is the first time in more than a decade that a Colombian president has used such an extreme measure and underscores the seriousness of the current conflict in a country that for decades was paralyzed by political violence. However, it applies only to the rural Catatumbo region near the border with Venezuela, where the Colombian state has struggled for decades to gain a foothold. In the past week, at least 80 people have been killed and an estimated 36,000 more displaced as fighting intensifies between the National Liberation Army, or ELN, and holdouts from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC. Petros conservative opponents have criticized the move, accusing the former guerrilla of riding roughshod over the constitution. But some activists have celebrated it, saying they are hopeful the move translates into better infrastructure, health care and schools in the traditionally lawless region. Why are the armed groups here? Because the last government hasnt made investments. Theyve abandoned us, Jaime Botero, an activist in the town of Tibu, told The Associated Press. Earlier this week Petro reactivated arrest orders against 31 top ELN commanders that had been suspended as part of an effort to woo the the Cuban revolution-inspired insurgency into a peace deal to end its 60 year war against the state. Petro also suspended all peace talks, which have advanced slowly since he took office in 2022. The ELN has traditionally dominated in Catatumbo but has been losing ground to holdouts from the FARC, a guerrilla group that largely disbanded after signing a peace deal in 2016 with the government. The current conflict is spilling across the border into Venezuela, where some of those fleeing the violence have sought refuge.The current whereabouts of the ELN peace negotiators is unknown. But Cubas government this week said they are not there, leading some to speculate they may be hiding in Venezuela, which is one of the sponsors of Petros peace initiative with the ELN.

Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) issued a public apology on Thursday after a reported mix-up in a U.S. Capitol restroom led to her accusing a cisgender woman of being transgender. The incident, which was first reported by The Daily Beast, occurred after Boebert allegedly confronted the woman and told her, You shouldnt be here, mistaking her for Rep. Sarah McBride (D-DE), a transgender member of Congress.According to an anonymous Republican source, Boebert was under the impression that McBride was in the womens restroom and called on Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC), a known opponent of transgender-inclusive policies, to address the situation. Mace, who has been vocal in her criticism of policies allowing transgender people to use restrooms consistent with their gender identity, reportedly stormed in to the restroom. However, both Boebert and Mace quickly realized that the woman in question was not McBride, but a cisgender individual.Boebert later acknowledged her mistake, offering an apology and clarifying that it was a case of mistaken identity. I made an error regarding a mistaken identity, she said in a statement. I apologized, learned a lesson, and it wont happen again.This incident unfolded as Boebert was reportedly upset by the presence of a man in the womens restroom, a claim that turned out to be unfounded. Boebert later told Bloomberg News reporter Billy House, There was a rumor there was [a man in the bathroom], but it wasnt true.House, who was present at the scene, described the events in a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter). He recounted how Boebert emerged from the Capitol restroom during a vote series, visibly upset and complaining to nearby security personnel about the supposed presence of a man in the womens bathroom. House remained near the scene and witnessed several women leaving the restroom, including the woman Boebert had initially accused of being McBride.Shortly afterward, Boebert returned to the restroom, this time accompanied by Rep. Mace. The two entered the restroom but quickly exited, realizing the situation was not as Boebert had originally claimed.Who would dare leave this scene now? Not me, House wrote, recounting the unusual scene. But alas, just seconds after this duo entered the bathroom, they come back out and went back quietly to the floor. A bit of bathroom vigilantism?After the situation calmed, House approached Boebert for an explanation. She admitted her mistake, saying that it was a case of mistaken identity. I later asked Boebert what this was all about, noting I had heard her complain there was a guy in there. To her credit, she acknowledged it was a mistake, House wrote.Boebert, a frequent critic of transgender rights, has made controversial statements in the past regarding transgender issues. She has been outspoken in her opposition to trans-inclusive policies in schools, claiming such policies radicalize students and contribute to mental health issues, including school shootings. Her stance on transgender issues has often put her at odds with more progressive lawmakers, particularly those who advocate for the rights of transgender individuals.This incident is not the first time Boebert has been involved in a restroom-related controversy. In January 2023, Boebert reportedly engaged in a heated argument with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) in a Capitol womens restroom. Both women are known for their vocal opposition to transgender rights, and the altercation between them further highlighted the tensions surrounding this issue within the Republican Party.While Boeberts recent apology may quell some immediate fallout, the incident has once again drawn attention to the contentious debate over transgender rights in the U.S. Capitol and beyond. The situation also underscores the ongoing cultural and political divide over issues of gender identity and inclusion.As lawmakers continue to grapple with these sensitive issues, Boeberts public apology signals a moment of reflection on her part. However, it remains to be seen whether this incident will affect her stance on transgender rights in the future.For now, Boeberts remarks serve as a reminder of the complexities surrounding gender identity and the importance of respectful dialogue on such matters. Despite her apology, the controversy is likely to persist, especially given the polarized nature of the debate.The post Rep. Lauren Boebert Apologizes After Mistakenly Accusing Woman of Being Transgender in Capitol Restroom appeared first on Gayety.

A person heads into a Target store Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, in Lakewood, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)2025-01-24T18:20:31Z Follow live updates on President Donald Trumps return to Washington NEW YORK (AP) Discount store chain Target said Friday that it would join rival Walmart and a number of other prominent American brands in scaling back diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that have come under attack from conservative activists and, as of this week, the White House. The Minneapolis-based retailer said the changes to its Belonging at the Bulleye strategy would include ending a program it established to help Black employees build meaningful careers, improve the experience of Black shoppers and to promote Black-owned businesses following the police killing of George Floyd in 2020. Target, which operates nearly 2,000 stores nationwide and employs more than 400,000 people, said it also would conclude the diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, goals it previously set in three-year cycles. The goals included hiring and promoting more women and members of racial minority groups, and recruiting more diverse suppliers, including businesses owned by people of color, women, LGBTQ+ people, veterans and people with disabilities. In a memo to employees, Kiera Fernandez, Targets chief community impact and equity officer, as a next chapter in a decades-long process to create inclusive work and guest environments that welcome all. Many years of data, insights, listening and learning have been shaping this next chapter in our strategy, Fernandez wrote in the memo, which Target shared Friday. And as a retailer that serves millions of consumers every day, we understand the importance of staying in step with the evolving external landscape, now and in the future. Theres no doubt the U.S. civil rights landscape has undergone a massive transformation in the five years since much of corporate America adopted DEI goals in response to the Black Lives Matter protests that followed Floyds death in Minneapolis. A 2023 U.S. Supreme Court decision that outlawed affirmative action in college admissions emboldened conservative groups to bring or threaten lawsuits targeting corporate initiatives such as employee resource groups and hiring practices that prioritize historically marginalized groups. Walmart, McDonalds , Ford, Harley-Davison and John Deere are among the well-known consumer brands that reduced or phased out their DEI commitments in recent months. President Donald Trump this week signaled his administrations agreement with conservatives who argue that policies designed to increase minority representation by considering factors such as race, gender and sexual orientation are unconstitutional. On his first day in office, Trump signed an executive order aimed at ending DEI programs across the federal government. The order calls for revoking all DEI mandates, policies, preferences and activities, along with the review and revision of existing employment practices, union contracts, and training policies or programs. Unlike some of the companies retooling or retiring their diversity initiatives, Targets work to build a more inclusive workforce predated 2020, and the company also was long seen as a trailblazer with respect to LGBTQ+ inclusion. But the employee memo shared Friday said Target no longer would participate in surveys designed to gauge the effectiveness of its actions, including an annual index compiled by the Human Rights Campaign, a national LGBTQ+ rights organization. Target said it would further evaluate corporate partnerships to ensure theyre connected directly to business objectives, but declined to share details.Getting corporations to withdraw from the Human Rights Campaigns Corporate Equality Index and to stop sponsoring Pride activities have been goals of DEI opponents. Steering clear of a backlash from conservative customers and organizations is something that Target has tried to navigate for a while. As transgender rights became a more prominent issue in 2016, the company declared that inclusivity is a core belief at Target and said it supported transgender employees and customers using whichever restroom or fitting room corresponds with their gender identity. But after some customers threatened to boycott Target stores, the company said that more stores would make available a single-toilet bathroom with a door that could be locked.In 2023, Target removed some of its Pride Month merchandise after online complaints and in-store confrontations that the retailer said threatened employees well-being. The company decided last year not to stock Pride Month products at every U.S. store. Still, some prominent companies have resisted public pressure to retreat from their diversity plans. On Thursday, Costco shareholders rejected a proposal urging the wholesale club operator to evaluate any risks posed by its diversity, equity and inclusion practices.According to preliminary results shared by Costco executives, more than 98% of shares voted against the proposal submitted by a conservative think tank based in Washington. Costcos board of directors had recommended a no vote. ANNE DINNOCENZIO DInnocenzio writes about retail, trends, the consumer economy and hourly workers for The Associated Press. twitter mailto

Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, testifies during a hearing at the Capitol in Washington, Sept. 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen, File)2025-01-24T17:57:05Z FLETCHER, N.C. (AP) President Donald Trump has ended the federal security detail for Dr. Anthony Fauci, the infectious disease expert who advised him on the COVID-19 pandemic, a person familiar with the matter said Friday.Fauci is the latest in a string of former Trump aides-turned-critics to see their federal protection canceled despite ongoing threats to their lives.Speaking to reporters in North Carolina on Friday, Trump said he wouldnt feel any responsibility if harm befell the former government officials. A person familiar with the matter, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive security issues, said that Faucis federal security detail was ended on Thursday and that he has since hired private security.When asked about Fauci and former national security adviser John Bolton, Trump said, They all made a lot of money. They can hire their own security, too. Trump, a Republican, earlier this week revoked protection details for former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his top aide, Brian Hook, as well as Bolton. All have faced threats from Iran since they took hard-line stances on the Islamic Republic during Trumps first administration and fell out with him in the years after he left office in 2021. Fauci was a regular at Trumps side early in the COVID-19 outbreak but grew critical of Trump after the president tried to undermine public health guidance. Fauci faced regular threats to his life and has received federal protection for years. Bolton, Hook and Pompeo had their security details repeatedly renewed by the Biden administration because of credible and ongoing threats from Iran. Faucis was also repeatedly renewed by President Joe Biden, a Democrat, because of domestic threats.You cant have a security detail for the rest of your life because you worked for government, Trump said. WILL WEISSERT Weissert covers national politics and the White House for The Associated Press. He is based in Washington. twitter mailto ZEKE MILLER Zeke is APs chief White House correspondent twitter mailto

Every week, The GLAAD Wrap brings you LGBTQ-related entertainment news highlights, fresh stuff to watch out for, and fun diversions to help you kick off the weekend. 1.) NEONs haunting psychological thriller Presence hit theaters today! Featuring Julia Fox, the Steven Sodenbergh pic flips the haunted house genre on its head. The film follows a [...]The post The GLAAD Wrap: Presence in Theaters, Trailers for Opus and Yellowjackets, New Music by Anna Shoemaker and More! first appeared on GLAAD.

We cant stop watching these steamy sapphic scenes!If youre looking for Sapphic films, dont sleep on Tubi!Sure you can find sexy lesbian films on Netflix and Hulu, too, but this free streaming service (with ads) has a massive catalog of movies and TV and there is no shortage of LGBTQ+ entertainment. And most importantly some of our favorite steamy lesbian sex scenes. There are award winners like Carol, beloved lesbian classics like But Im A Cheerleader, and plenty of hidden gems like Ma Belle, My Beauty, and Lizzie. Oh, and because we live for a cult classic, Embrace of the Vampire is on this list, too. But thats not all, keep scrolling for some of the sexiest WLW scenes you can stream right now. A Woman Like EveOld-school lesbians! This Dutch film from 1979 follows a stressed-out mother who meets and falls for a lesbian while on vacation in France. Sapphic steaminess ensues.Watch A Woman Like Eve here But Im a CheerleaderThis hilarious and heartwarming film follows a naive teen who is sent away to a *checks notes* conversion camp. No, but seriously this is a feel-good movie we swear! While the sex scene may not be the most explicit it remains a forever lezzie fave thanks to the chemistry between Natasha Lyonne and Clea DuVall.Watch But Im a Cheerleader here I Cant Think StraightTala is all set to marry her fiance when she meets Leyla and discovers an undeniable attraction that turns her whole life upside down. If you enjoy Lisa Ray and Sheetal Sheths chemistry here then good news, they also play Sapphics in The World Unseen.Watch I Cant Think Straight here LizzieBased on the true story of Lizzie Borden the film follows young Lizzie(Chlo Sevigny) and her budding romance with her maid (Kristen Stewart) and its bloody aftermath. We dont know how to say this any more clearly: Kristen Stewart and Chlo Sevigny.Watch Lizzie here Kiss MeFalling for someone at a wedding happens but when they are about to become your sister-in-law, well thats a bit tricker. Still, when you know, you know, and what we know is that this movie is HOT.Watch Kiss Me here Petit MalThis film follows a Sapphic throuple navigating relationship drama its an actually a really great watch, and not just for the drug fuel threesome scene. But that doesnt hurt.Watch Petit Mal here The Carmilla MovieWe have an undying love for lesbian vampires. While this film may be a bit, um, camp, it's also super queer and we cant help but kind of love all of it (but especially the steamy parts).WatchThe Carmilla Movie here The Final GirlThis film which follows a group of lesbian women with intertwined romantic lives is the one to turn to for, um, more explicit scenes of women loving on women.Watch The Final Girl hereCarolOn the other end of the spectrum is Carol, which was based on a Patricia Highsmith novel that follows a socialite housewifes passionate love affair with a young shop clerk and blends eroticism with a profoundly moving love story.Watch Carol here Ma Belle, My BeautyWhen exes accidentally run into one another their connection reignites (along with their jealousy). The chemistry is powerful so really what happens next feels pretty inevitable and hot.Watch Ma Belle, My Beauty here Embrace of the VampireAlyssa Milano stars as a young co-ed being seduced by a vampire in her dreams. Why is it here on this list? Well for one very steamy photography scene with Charlotte Lewis.Watch Embrace of the Vampire here Purple SeaSet in the 19th century this romantic lesbian drama follows a young lesbian named Angela who disguises herself as a man to continue her romance with Sara. There can literally never be too many sexy lesbian period dramas!Watch Purple Sea here

Queer actress and pop star Rene Rapp is making sapphics on TikTok feral after a video of her dancing went viral on the app.A video clip of the 25-year-old Poison Poison singer shaking her booty on stage during a concert is currently making the round on TikTok and has inspired comments so thirsty theyll make you blush.The clip is edited together with gay icon George Michaels song Father Figure, part of a trend on the popular app that started after Harris Dickinson danced to it in the Nicole Kidman movie Babygirl.Rapp is wearing baggy jeans shorts and a white tee in the video, which has already racked up more than 730,000 views, and twerking with her tongue stuck out in a way that is driving queer women wild.@dylanminnettesbestieshake your- | @rene #reneerapp #fatherfigureRaw. Next question, one person wrote in the comments, while other people confessed to watching the video over and over again.Y is this video four hours long, someone commented, and another person asked, How many times have I watched this? Yes.Other people admitted the dance was making them think very NSFW thoughts, How is this so perfectly timed? I have NOTHING appropriate to say. Someone also pointed just how lucky Rapps girlfriend, Towa Bird, is. Towa bird Im jealous of you, they wrote.But if you thought it was only queer women who were obsessed with Rapps sexy dancing, think again. Straight women were also in the comments questioning their sexuality, with one person asking, Am I straight?While the sexy clip is edited together with Father Figure, eagle-eyed fans quickly recognized that this was from a concert where Rapp was singing Willow from her album Snow Angel which was released in 2023.Regardless of what song shes actually singing, the clip is hawt enough to make any sapphic run to buy tickets to Rapps next concert!

Actress and activist TS Madison has strongly criticized President Donald Trumps recent executive order, which mandates that transgender prisoners be housed in facilities that do not align with their gender identity. The order, signed this week, stipulates that federal agencies must recognize only two genders male and female and bars federal funding for medical treatments aimed at altering an inmates gender expression. Madison, who is transgender, has called the order an attack on everybody, warning that it goes beyond affecting just transgender individuals.In an interview with TMZ, Madison, best known for her work on The TS Madison Experience, voiced her outrage over the executive order. You can put legal sanctions on anything, but you can never ever change anybodys identity, she said. You have the right to identify exactly however you choose to identify, always.Madison, who made history as the first Black transgender woman to star in and executive produce her own reality series, went on to emphasize that the order was not solely about transgender rights but a broader attack on marginalized groups. Trump may think he can legislate our identities away, but thats not how this works. Weve always existed, and were not going anywhere, Madison stated firmly.The new executive order has reignited concern among advocates for the safety and rights of transgender prisoners. The issue has gained heightened attention recently, as experts and activists warn that housing transgender individuals in facilities that do not align with their gender identity increases their vulnerability to violence and sexual assault. Transgender prisoners are already at an elevated risk of abuse, with reports indicating that more than half of the trans prison population has been sexually assaulted while incarcerated.The executive order further strips protections for transgender individuals by removing their inclusion in the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) guidelines, which were designed to protect all prisoners from sexual violence. Julie Abbate, the advocacy director at Just Detention International, a nonprofit focused on ending sexual abuse in prisons, called the order life-threatening for transgender prisoners. She told The Appeal that it has immediate consequences on the safety and well-being of transgender individuals, both physically and socially.People will die, Abbate said. Its unconscionable that the President of the United States has issued this order. Its just unconscionable in its cruelty.According to the Vera Institute of Justice, 31% of transgender prisoners report feeling unsafe in prison, with a significant percentage also experiencing sexual violence. The shift in policy under the Trump administration could worsen these dire conditions, advocates fear.This isnt the first time Trump has attempted to undermine protections for transgender individuals in the prison system. In 2018, the administration rolled back guidelines that recommended housing transgender prisoners in accordance with their gender identity. However, the latest executive order goes further, making these policies legally binding and difficult to reverse without a significant legal challenge.In addition to the prison policies, the executive order aims to eliminate what the administration terms gender ideology from federal agencies, instructing them to remove any statements, policies, or regulations that promote the inclusion of gender identity. It also bars the use of federal funds to support initiatives that advance gender-related causes, effectively erasing the recognition of transgender rights from federal governance.Experts have pointed out that this executive order violates legal precedents that protect transgender rights. However, it is expected to have widespread consequences until it can be successfully challenged in the courts.During his presidential campaign, Trump made numerous disparaging remarks about transgender issues, including claiming that Kamala Harris, the Democratic vice-presidential candidate, supported transgender operations on illegal aliens in prison. His administration has consistently implemented policies that critics argue target transgender people and roll back their hard-won rights.The latest executive order is seen by many as part of a larger, concerted effort by the Trump administration to marginalize transgender individuals and erase their presence from public policy. As the order now stands, it remains a highly contentious measure that has sparked fierce opposition from LGBTQ+ advocates, civil rights organizations, and lawmakers across the country.In response to the order, Madison and other advocates are calling for widespread resistance, emphasizing the need for continued activism and legal challenges. As Madison put it: Weve always existed, and were not going anywhere.While the full legal implications of Trumps latest actions remain to be seen, it is clear that this executive order will add fuel to the ongoing debate over transgender rights in the U.S. As the transgender community faces heightened threats to their safety and identity, the push for legal protections and recognition is expected to intensify in the months to come.The post TS Madison Speaks Out Against Trumps Executive Order Impacting Transgender Prisoners appeared first on Gayety.

Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll watches play in the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth, File)2025-01-24T15:53:16Z The Las Vegas Raiders are negotiating a deal to hire Pete Carroll to be their new head coach, a person with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press on Friday.The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the contract hasnt been finalized.The 73-year-old Carroll returns to the sideline after leading Seattle to two NFC championships and the franchises only Super Bowl title during a 14-year stretch that ended following the 2023 season.He joins a team thats partly owned by Tom Brady, who beat Carroll and the Seahawks in the Super Bowl 10 years ago. Brady watched from the sideline as Malcolm Butler picked off Russell Wilsons pass at the goal line to seal the victory for the New England Patriots.Brady is believed to have a major hand in the hiring process for this job and the general manager spot, which was filled by Tampa Bay Buccaneers assistant GM John Spytek on Wednesday. The club, however, has not announced Spyteks hire. Brady, a seven-time Super Bowl champion, finished his career with the Bucs. The Raiders fired coach Antonio Pierce after going 4-13 in his first full season. Pierce was 5-4 as an interim coach in 2023 after replacing Josh McDaniels. Carroll becomes the teams 14th head coach since Jon Gruden was traded to Tampa Bay in 2002. He will become the fifth coach, including those in an interim role, since the Raiders moved to Las Vegas in 2020. The once-proud organization with three Super Bowl trophies and the motto Commitment to Excellence has appeared in just two playoffs since making the championship game in the 2002 season. The Raiders lost in the wild-card round in both years.Carroll has the demanding job of trying to revive an organization in an AFC West loaded with proven coaches and quarterbacks who appear to be in place for years to come. It will become the first division to open a season in which each head coach has appeared in a Super Bowl. One of his chief challenges will be what to do at quarterback in a division that includes the Chiefs Patrick Mahomes, the Chargers Justin Herbert and the Broncos Bo Nix. Mahomes is pursuing his fourth Super Bowl title and third in a row. Herbert is considered a potentially top-level QB and Nix just completed a largely successful rookie season.The Raiders pick sixth in the draft this year and likely wont be in position to take one of the top two QBs Colorados Shedeur Sanders and Miamis Cam Ward barring a trade. The free-agent market doesnt appear robust, so the Raiders options might be limited and could return to Aidan OConnell as the starter.If the Raiders are unable to make a major move at quarterback, they will have nearly $100 million in salary-cap space, according to Over The Cap, to bolster the rest of the roster.Carroll began his NFL head coaching career with the New York Jets in 1994, going 6-10. He was 27-21 in three seasons with the Patriots from 1997-99 and joined Seattle in 2010 after nine seasons at Southern California. He led the 2004 Trojans to a national championship and also the 2003 AP national title.Overall, Carroll is 170-120-1 in the NFL.He will become the third coach since 1940 to lead at least four teams, joining Bill Parcells and Marty Schottenheimer.___AP Sports Writer Mark Anderson in Henderson, Nevada, contributed to this report.___AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl ROB MAADDI Maaddi is senior NFL writer for The Associated Press. Hes covered the league for 24 years, including the first two decades as the Eagles beat writer. mailto

Amidst the contentious political happenings in the United States, Adam Lambert is drawing praise for the way he handled an uncomfortable moment during a recent Broadway performance.Since last fall, the American Idol alum has been taking on the role of the Emcee in Cabaret. For those unfamiliar with the musical, it centers on nightclub performers during the Nazis rise to power in Berlin.One particular performance within the show sees the Emcee dancing with a gorilla and singing about how much he loves her despite society not approving of their relationship. Its aimed at the audience of the fictional nightclub, and ends with a joke meant to appeal to the growing antisemitic sentiment among them."I understand your objection," he sings. "I grant you, the problems not small / But if you could see her through my eyes / She wouldnt look Jewish at all."According to attendees, a number of audience members at Wednesdays matinee performance of the show burst into laughter before Lambert could even finish the line. Playwright David Rigano recounted the moment in an open letter to the actor shared across social media."As I was shaking my head that we live in a world that didnt get the point of that joke, you turned to them and - without dropping character, without dropping the accent - said, 'No. This is not comedy. Pay attention,'" he wrote.See on InstagramIn a subsequent video reacting to his post going viral, Rigano further explained that, as a big Cabaret fan, hes accustomed to that moment drawing "shocked or uncomfortable chuckles as the realization sets in," but stressed this was different."This was just straight up laughter. And he turned his head, he looked at them, and then the laughter grew stronger, as if they thought he was doing a bit," he explained. "I do not think that this was malicious laughter. I do not think that this was antisemitic laughter. But I do think it was complacent laughter by people who werent really getting the point of what the commentary was."After Riganos initial post went viral, Lambert shared it to his Instagram stories, followed by a screenshot of a comment he left in response."I really consider it a privilege to be working with such a gifted cast and creative team on a show that has so much to say about what is happening RIGHT NOW," he wrote. "Its been relevant since it premiered in the late '60s and I HOPE audiences walk away THINKING and feeling empathy towards how marginalized groups can be scapegoated as a political strategy." (@) If the actor didnt miss a beat in his on-stage reaction to the audiences laughter, it would seem one reason for that is because it wasnt the first time it had happened. At least one person in Riganos Instagram comments drew attention to a reddit post from nearly two weeks prior about the same moment in Cabaret during a different performance."People laughed And it was like time stopped," they recalled. "Because it was so clearly not funny. And Adam Lambert plays it very seriously and with such beautiful nuance that it is so obviously not a funny moment."Although the specifics of what Lambert apparently said to the audience at that time differed somewhat, the sentiment remained the same. The redditor noted that some attendees were "taking every opportunity to laugh at any mention of Jews," but that after Lambert stopped and drew attention to it, the crowd grew so quiet "you could hear a pin drop on the moon.""I was sick in my seat for the rest of the show," they added. "I cried for ages after the show was over because it is just so painful to confront the reality of the world we live in now."Lambert will continue performing as Cabaret's Emcee on Broadway until Orville Peck takes over the role on March 31.

With the 2025 Grammy Awards just around the corner, excitement is building as the Recording Academy has announced the first wave of performers set to take the stage. The annual ceremony, which will take place on Sunday, February 2, will shine a spotlight on some of the biggest names in music, with a particular focus on the growing influence of queer artists across genres.Leading the nominations this year is Beyonc, who has earned an impressive 11 nods, making her the most-nominated artist of the year. However, its not just Beyonc making waves; the 2025 Grammys are shaping up to be a landmark year for queer representation, with artists such as Chappell Roan, Doechii, Troye Sivan, Billie Eilish, Willow, Clairo, Kaytranada, Kehlani, and Anitta all receiving nominations. Notably, Chappell Roan and Billie Eilish are both up for the prestigious categories of Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Album of the Year.In addition to the nominations, several of these queer artists will take center stage during the ceremony, performing their nominated tracks and celebrating the diverse range of voices in todays music industry. The Grammys will also include a special segment dedicated to raising funds for Los Angeles wildfire relief, adding a philanthropic element to the star-studded event.Heres a closer look at some of the performers already announced for the 2025 Grammys:Chappell RoanChappell Roan, the Oklahoma-born pop singer-songwriter, is having a breakout year. The artist, who has received six nominations, is up for Best New Artist, as well as Album, Record, and Song of the Year. Her single Good Luck, Babe! is in the running for three awards, and Roan is widely anticipated to perform the track during the ceremony. With her unique blend of pop, country, and indie influences, Roan is poised to make a major statement on the Grammy stage.DoechiiRising star Doechii is a first-time nominee at the 2025 Grammys. With four nominations under her belt, including Best New Artist, Doechii has quickly become a name to watch. The Florida-born rapper and singer is known for her dynamic sound and bold visuals, and her recent single Denial Is a River has earned significant attention. Fans are hoping to see a live performance of the track during the ceremony, which would mark a major moment in her rapidly growing career.Doechii at the 2023 BET Awards Arrivals at the Microsoft Theater on June 25, 2023 in Los Angeles, CABillie EilishBillie Eilish continues her Grammy dominance, having earned seven nominations this year, bringing her career total to an impressive 32 nods, with nine wins to her name. Among her nominations are Record and Song of the Year for Birds of a Feather, one of the standout tracks from her latest album. Eilish has been known to surprise audiences with unexpected collaborations, and its possible that she could join forces with Charli XCX for a performance of their nominated song Guess, which has also earned recognition in several categories.Charli XCXCharli XCX is another major contender at the 2025 Grammys, with eight nominations for her album Brat. The British pop icon has been a force in experimental pop for years, and this years nominations highlight her versatility. Her tracks 360, Von Dutch, Guess, and Apple are all up for awards, and its expected that Charli XCX will bring her signature avant-garde style to the Grammy stage during a highly anticipated performance.Charli XCX attends The Fashion Awards 2023 at The Royal Albert Hall in London, England.Sabrina CarpenterSabrina Carpenter, a first-time nominee at this years Grammys, has earned six nominations for her songs Espresso and Please Please Please from her album Short n Sweet. Known for her versatile vocal ability and her transition from Disney star to mainstream pop artist, Carpenter is a rising star in the industry. Fans are eager to see what shell bring to the Grammy stage, especially with such a strong showing in this years nominations.RayeBritish singer-songwriter Raye has earned her spot among the six nominees for Best New Artist. The artist, who has worked with global superstars like Beyonc and David Guetta, is gaining recognition for her unique sound that blends pop, R&B, and electronic influences. Rayes performance at the 2025 Grammys is expected to showcase her talent and further solidify her place in the music industry.ShakiraLatin music icon Shakira is back at the Grammys with seven nominations, including Best Latin Pop Album for her album Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran. Known for her global appeal and infectious rhythms, Shakira has long been a fixture at the Grammys, having won three times in the past. This years nominations highlight her continued relevance in the industry, and her performance is sure to be a highlight of the evening.Benson BooneRising pop artist Benson Boone is up for Best New Artist at the 2025 Grammys. The acrobatic singer, known for his Freddie Mercury-inspired performances, has gained a dedicated following with his powerful vocals and engaging stage presence. Boones Grammy performance could be his big moment to capture the attention of a global audience.Teddy SwimsAnother artist vying for Best New Artist is Teddy Swims, a soulful singer-songwriter known for his smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics. Swims has gained recognition for his unique blend of soul, R&B, and pop influences, and his Grammy performance will likely showcase his ability to move audiences with his emotional delivery.Looking AheadThe 2025 Grammys promise to be a historic night, with a diverse range of queer artists leading the charge in categories like Best New Artist, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year. These performers not only represent a new era in the music industry but also demonstrate the growing visibility of LGBTQ+ voices in mainstream entertainment.As the Grammys approach, fans are eagerly awaiting more performer announcements, and with so many queer artists nominated, the 2025 ceremony is poised to be a night of celebration and empowerment for the LGBTQ+ community.2025 Grammys: First Slate of Performers Announced, Featuring a Diverse Lineup of Queer ArtistsSecretary of State Marco Rubio Orders Suspension of X Gender Marker in U.S. Passport ApplicationsTS Madison Speaks Out Against Trumps Executive Order Impacting Transgender PrisonersRep. Lauren Boebert Apologizes After Mistakenly Accusing Woman of Being Transgender in Capitol RestroomAlan Cumming Speaks Out on Current Anti-Trans Politics: Its Not About ToiletsThe post 2025 Grammys: First Slate of Performers Announced, Featuring a Diverse Lineup of Queer Artists appeared first on Gayety.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has directed the State Department to halt the processing of passport applications that request an X gender marker, a designation used by many transgender and non-binary individuals. The new directive, announced Thursday, January 23, marks a significant shift in U.S. policy regarding gender markers on official documents.Rubios decision follows the signing of a controversial executive order by former President Donald Trump, which asserts that the U.S. government recognizes only two sexes: male and female. The order mandates that all federal documents, including passports, reflect an individuals biological sex, which is defined strictly as either male or female.In an email obtained by The Guardian, Rubio stated: The policy of the United States is that an individuals sex is not changeable. He instructed the State Department to suspend any application requesting an X sex marker and to suspend any application where the applicant is seeking to change their sex marker to align with the executive orders definition.While existing passports with X gender markers remain valid, future applications and renewals may encounter significant delays or denials under the new policy. This policy change will primarily affect transgender and non-binary U.S. citizens, who have used the X option as a way to reflect their gender identity more accurately.Legislation Reflects Broader Anti-Trans MovementThe policy comes as part of the broader legislative push led by the Trump administration to limit recognition of gender diversity. The executive order, titled Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government, requires that identification documents, including passports and visas, display a persons biological sex as either male or female. The orders language includes definitions of male and female that are based solely on reproductive biology, with female described as someone who produces the larger reproductive cell (egg), and male as someone who produces the smaller reproductive cell (sperm).However, this language has been widely criticized by medical professionals and transgender advocates, who argue that it fails to account for the complexities of sex and gender identity. U.S. Representative Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender state legislator in the U.S., pointed out a glaring flaw in the executive orders wording.Speaking with The Independent, McBride, who is transgender, humorously quipped, Trump just declared everyone a woman from conception based on the language of the executive order. McBrides comment highlights the scientific inaccuracy of the orders biological definitions, as embryos, regardless of their sex chromosomes, initially develop along female biological pathways until later differentiation occurs.Impact on Non-Binary IndividualsThe new policy will have a direct impact on non-binary individuals, a group that has faced increasing challenges in gaining official recognition for their gender identity. According to estimates from the Williams Institute at UCLAs School of Law, approximately 16,700 non-binary people in the U.S. request a passport with an X gender marker each year. This represents 1.4% of the non-binary population, which is estimated to include around 1.2 million adults in the United States.Non-binary individuals, who do not identify strictly as male or female, often face significant barriers when it comes to official documentation. The X marker, introduced in 2021 as a gender-neutral option on U.S. passports, was seen as a step toward greater inclusivity and recognition of gender diversity. However, with Rubios directive, many non-binary Americans could now be forced to choose between inaccurately identifying as male or female or risking having no gender marker at all on their passport.The Legal and Social BacklashThe move has drawn sharp criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates and legal experts who argue that it is a direct violation of transgender rights and sets back progress on gender inclusivity. Experts have also pointed out that this policy contradicts the principles of gender autonomy and self-identification that have been increasingly recognized by legal systems around the world.This policy ignores the lived realities of millions of transgender and non-binary people, said one advocacy group. It undermines the right to self-identify and could have serious consequences for those trying to travel, access healthcare, or engage in any activity where legal documents are required.As of now, the decision to suspend applications for passports with X gender markers is likely to face legal challenges. Advocates have promised to fight the policy in court, arguing that it is discriminatory and unconstitutional. The move also aligns with other actions taken by the Trump administration to roll back protections for transgender individuals, including efforts to ban transgender people from serving in the military and efforts to restrict access to gender-affirming healthcare.For now, the future of gender markers on U.S. passports remains uncertain. While existing passports with the X marker remain valid, those who wish to renew their passports or apply for new ones may find themselves facing bureaucratic hurdles or forced to make an uncomfortable choice between male and female categories.As the U.S. continues to debate issues of gender identity, equality, and legal recognition, the implications of this policy will likely extend far beyond the realm of passport applications. For many in the transgender and non-binary communities, the latest move by Secretary Rubio represents a significant setback in the ongoing fight for gender recognition and inclusivity.With legal challenges on the horizon, the outcome of this policy change may ultimately depend on the courts, but for now, advocates are determined to push back against what they see as a direct attack on the rights of transgender and non-binary Americans.The post Secretary of State Marco Rubio Orders Suspension of X Gender Marker in U.S. Passport Applications appeared first on Gayety.

Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, center, attends the Commander in Chief Ball, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Washington, after the 60th Presidential Inauguration. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)2025-01-24T20:33:11Z WASHINGTON (AP) The Senate is muscling Pete Hegseths nomination as defense secretary toward confirmation Friday, prioritizing his vow to create a warrior culture at the Pentagon over allegations of heavy drinking and aggressive behavior toward women.With votes expected late in the evening, the Republican-led Senate is determined to install Hegseth, a former Fox News host and combat veteran, and round out President Donald Trumps top national security Cabinet officials. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and CIA Director John Ratcliffe won confirmation within days of Trumps return to the White House. Senate Majority Leader John Thune opened Fridays session saying that Hegseth, as a veteran of the Army National Guard who served tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, will bring a warriors perspective to the top military job.Gone will be the days of woke distractions, Thune said, referring to the diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives being slashed across the federal government. The Pentagons focus will be on war fighting. The Senates ability to confirm Hegseth despite a grave series of allegations against him will provide a measure of Trumps political power and ability to get what he wants from the GOP-led Congress, and use the potency of the culture wars to fuel his agenda at the White House. Next week senators will be facing Trumps other outside Cabinet choices including particularly Kash Patel, a Trump ally who has published an enemies list, as the FBI director; Tulsi Gabbard as director of the office of national intelligence; and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr, the anti-vaccine advocate at Health and Human Services. So far, Trumps nominees are largely on track.Democrats, as the minority party, have little power to stop Hegesth, and instead have resorted to dragging out the process.Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., said during the debate there are few Trump nominees as dangerously and woefully unqualified as Hegesth. Hegseth faces allegations that he sexually assaulted a woman at a Republican conference in California, though he has denied the claims and said the encounter was consensual. He later paid $50,000 to the woman. Pete Hegseth, President Donald Trumps nominee for defense secretary, paid $50,000 to the woman who accused him of sexual assault in 2017, according to answers he provided to a senator during his confirmation process that The Associated Press has obtained. More recently, Hegseths former sister-in-law said in an affidavit that he was abusive to his second wife to the point that she feared for her safety. Hegseth has denied the allegation, and in divorce proceedings, neither Hegseth nor the woman claimed to be a victim of domestic abuse. But Republican senators have stood by Hegseth, echoing his claims of a smear campaign against him. A Princeton and Harvard graduate, Hegseth represents a newer generation of veterans who came of age in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. He went on to a career at Fox News as the host of a weekend show, and was unknown to many on Capitol Hill until Trump tapped him for the top Defense job.Hegseths comments that women should have no role in military combat drew particular concern on Capitol Hill, including from lawmakers who themselves served. He has since tempered those views as he met with senators during the confirmation process. All but two Republicans, Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, have stood by Hegseth amid an avalanche of pressure from Trumps allies and their own fellow GOP senators to back Trumps nominees or face recrimination.Murkowski said in a lengthy statement ahead of a test vote on Hegseth that his behaviors starkly contrast with what is expected of the military.I remain concerned about the message that confirming Mr. Hegseth sends to women currently serving and those aspiring to join, Murkowski wrote on social media.Collins said that after a lengthy discussion with Hegseth, I am not convinced that his position on women serving in combat roles has changed.But one prominent Republican, Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, herself a combat veteran and sexual assault survivor, came under harsh criticism for her skepticism toward Hegseth and eventually announced she would back him.Itd sure be helpful if Republicans stood together to confirm Trumps cabinet, fellow GOP Sen. Mike Lee of Utah posted online ahead of Fridays voting. Hegseth would lead an organization with nearly 2.1 million service members, about 780,000 civilians and a budget of $850 billion.During a fiery confirmation hearing, Hegseth dismissed allegations of wrongdoing one by one, and vowed to bring warrior culture to the top Pentagon post.Hegseth has promised not to drink on the job if confirmed.In exercising its advise and consent role over Trumps nominees, the Senate is also trying to stave off his suggestion that the GOP leaders simply do away with the confirmation process altogether, and allow him to appoint his Cabinet choices when the Congress is on recess. Trump raised the idea of so-called recess appointments during a private White House meeting with Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson. But that is an extreme, and potentially difficult, step that some GOP senators want but several other senators on both sides of the aisle are trying to avoid.___

A TikTok logo is shown on a phone in San Francisco, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)2025-01-24T20:34:55Z People are listing phones preloaded with TikTok for tens of thousands of dollars on eBay, Facebook marketplace and other online storefronts though it is not clear if there are many buyers at those prices. TikTok was briefly unavailable to U.S. users over the weekend, but as of Sunday anyone who had previously downloaded it has been able to use it. But the app is still not available for download on Apple and Googles app stores, so anyone who didnt think to get TikTok before Sunday is out of luck. As a result, some entrepreneurial spirits are selling phones and tablets that have TikTok and other apps from its parent company ByteDance, such as Lemon8 and video editor CapCut. On eBay, listings could be found for as much as $50,000 (or as little as $340) on Friday. While its not clear how many such phones have sold, the ones selling for hundreds have received the most bids. One seller, Nicholas Matthews, who lives in New York, said he decided to sell the phone when he saw that TikTok was in high demand. He listed an iPhone 14 Plus with TikTok for $10,000. As of Friday, Matthews said his highest bid was for $4,550. Im just expecting to sell this one phone, he said.TikTok has about 170 million users in the U.S. The ban does not target individual users, who are technically free to use it as long as they could. Ebay did not immediately respond to a message for comment on the listings on Friday. Earlier this week, President Donald Trump directed his Justice Department to pause enforcement of the ban until early April. But a host of questions remain - including whether Trump has the authority to issue such an order and if TikToks China-based parent would be amenable to selling the popular social media platform.

The first week of President Trumps second administration was marked by a wave of attacks against LGBTQ and other marginalized communities, and the start of a fierce resistance to support all Americans and the rule of law. One of Pres. Trumps executive orders has already been successfully challenged in court as unconstitutional. Another, targeting Diversity, [...]The post RECAP: Reality Check of President Trumps Week 1 Executive Orders, Unsafe Actions, and Path Forward first appeared on GLAAD.

Joey Mills has no signs of slowing down.The popular twink is approaching nearly ten years as an adult performer, but in many ways, he's still just getting started. At this year's GayVN Awards, Mills was nominated for a sexy bukkake scene, which is currently his favorite type of steamy content to film."[I love filming] a bukkake! They're easy and fast. I'm nominated for it this year, so apparently they play well too," Mills tells PRIDE. See on Instagram After countless amounts of sexy movies created over the years, the star is ready to dive into the raunchier side of the porn industry."I just want to film more kink content. I'm good at spicy [and BDSM], you know? We're milking this sh*t dry! Until the checks stop cashing, I'll be here."The fan-favorite model has also expanded his empire beyond adult content by starring in the hit OUTtv show X-Rated: NYC alongside Dante Colle, Max Konnor, and Boomer Banks.Even though he's broken boundaries for twinks in porn, the star still hasn't received the top honor from the GayVN Awards."The Performer of the Year from GayVN is the only award that I actually really still want that I haven't got yet. It would mean the world. Let's hope I get it!"Fans can follow Joey Mills on Instagram here. To see the full interview on the GayVN Awards red carpet, check out the video at the top of the page.

The Supreme Court in Washington, June 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)2025-01-24T21:37:01Z WASHINGTON (AP) The Supreme Court agreed Friday to take on a new culture war dispute: whether the nations first publicly funded religious charter school should be allowed to open in Oklahoma.The justices said they would review an Oklahoma Supreme Court decision that invalidated a state boards approval of an application by the Catholic Church in Oklahoma to open a charter school.The conservative-dominated high court has issued several decisions in recent years signaling a willingness to allow public funds to flow to religious entities. At the same time, conservative-led states have sought to insert religion into public schools, including Louisianas requirement that the Ten Commandments be posted in classrooms.The case probably will be argued in late April and decided by early summer. Justice Amy Coney Barrett is not taking part in the case, but did not explain why. Last June, Oklahomas top court held by a 7-1 vote that a taxpayer-funded religious charter school would violate the part of the First Amendment that prohibits government from making any law respecting an establishment of religion. The decision followed a 3-2 vote in 2023 by the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board to approve an application by the archdiocese for the St. Isidore of Seville Virtual Charter School. The K-12 online school had planned to start classes for its first 200 enrollees last fall, with part of its mission to evangelize its students in the Catholic faith. A group of Oklahoma parents, faith leaders and a public education nonprofit sued to block the school.Under Oklahoma law, a charter school is a public school, Justice James Winchester, an appointee of former Republican Gov. Frank Keating, wrote in the courts majority opinion. As such, a charter school must be nonsectarian.However, St. Isidore will evangelize the Catholic school curriculum while sponsored by the state. In dissent, Justice Dana Kuehn wrote that excluding St. Isidore from operating a charter school based solely on its religious affiliation would violate a different part of the First Amendment that protects religious freedom.The case puts Oklahomas Republican governor, Kevin Stitt, and its Republican attorney general, Gentner Drummond, on opposing sides. Stitt favors the school. Drummond reversed the advice given to the charter school board by his Republican predecessor, warning that the Catholic charter school would in his view violate the Constitution.___Follow the APs coverage of the U.S. Supreme Court at https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court.

Peacock... give Kim Chi a call!The legendary finalist from the eighth season of RuPaul's Drag Race has proven to be one of the wittiest and smartest queens to compete on the main stage, but fans shouldn't expect to see her on a season of All Stars in the near future."Never say never! At this point, I don't know if I have an interest in competing with my drag anymore. There's other shows I would love to go on. Traitors, call me! I'd be so good on that show," Chi tells PRIDE. See on Instagram Kim Chi sounds like a match made in heaven for The Traitors. The million dollar question though... would Kim Chi want to be a traitor or faithful?"I would love to be a faithful that gets recruited to be a traitor. I love social deduction games. I'm very nerdy. There's a game called Blood on the Clocktower, which is basically Traitors, but much more intense. I'm very good at these games."Another popular reality TV show seems like the next best thing to add to Chi's ever-growing rsum. Not only has the star taken over the makeup world with KimChi Chic Beauty, but she's also partnering with Sundae School/Sundae Flowers on their limited-edition new cannabis gummy Kimchi Yuzu."I've been a THC user since I was 18! Sundae School is a really cool brand. They're Asian owned and employ mostly queer women. I fully support their mission in everything they do."Corinne Ang, representative for Sundae School, shared the company's mutual excitement to work with the Drag Race star."We really wanted to work with Kim Chi to service the community. She has an amazing platform and she's very aligned with our brand. We wanted to do something special that was distinctively Korean. It's all about celebrating individuality," Ang says.Fans can learn more about Sundae School, visit the official website here. To see the full interview with Kim Chi, check out the video at the top of the page.

The Kelly Clarkson Show has been an absolute delight since it first premiered in 2019. And although Clarkson's bubbly personality and natural rapport with her guests make up the bulk of each episode, it's also been a brilliant opportunity for her to showcase the powerhouse vocals that launched her to fame and made American Idol one of the most iconic reality TV shows ever.In each episode, the "Since U Been Gone" singer opens with a segment of "Kellyoke," which generally consists of her take on a song from another artist, or occasionally even one of her own. That's a whole lot of songs, so it stands to reason that there would be some great LGBTQ+ artists getting their music covered by Clarkson every now and then.It actually happens a lot more often than one might think. But we've pulled just a 36-song sample of Clarkson lending her voices to songs by specifically Sapphic artists to get you started tumbling down the Kellyoke rabbit hole.1. 'Red Wine Supernova' by Chappell RoanShe also covered "Pink Pony Club" and did a duet of "Good Luck, Babe!" with Miranda Lambert.2. 'Flowers' by Miley Cyrus"Edge of Midnight," "Jaded," and "Used to Be Young" are just a few of the other Cyrus songs Clarkson has covered.3. 'Eras of Us' by FletcherBut don't skip out on Clarkson's cover of "Becky's So Hot" either!4. 'Stay High' by Brittany HowardAs a little bonus, this one even features Brittany Howard!5. 'Big Time' by LP"Lost on You" also got a shout.6. 'Bulletproof' by La RouxIt's giving Pitch Perfect.7. 'All of Me' by Billie HolidayA genuine classic.8. 'What Was I Made For' by Billie EilishSee also: "Happier Than Ever," "lovely," and "idontwannabeyouanymore."9. 'The Bones' by Maren MorrisMorris's songs have gotten a few features on the show over the years, including "RSVP" and "Rich."10. 'Shes On My Mind' by Romy"She's on my mind every hour of every day,The things we could do, oh, it takes my breath away,And I lose control, think I'd follow her onto the edge,But she says she's only a friend, only a friend."11. 'Black Horse and a Cheery Tree' by KT TunstallTunstall's song was famously covered by another American Idol, Katharine McPhee, during her time on the show.12. 'Son of a Preacher Man' by Dusty SpringfieldThe lyrics are very straight, but it still counts!13. 'Dear Insecurity' by Brandy ClarkAnother time Clarkson was joined on stage by the original performer!14. 'Closer' by Tegan and SaraOne of the most iconic Tegan and Sara songs; you love to see it.15. 'Ghost' by Indigo GirlsBring back Lilith Fair!16. 'Apologies' by Grace Potter & the NocturnalsPotter has performed on The Kelly Clarkson Show herself as well.17. 'Make Me Feel' by Janelle MoneHey, remember that time Mone and Clarkson did a song together for the movie Ugly Dolls? 18. 'Nothing Matters' by The Last Dinner PartyOkay, now recreate the music video.19. 'Graveyard' by HalseyHonestly, it's surprising Clarkson hasn't covered Halsey more often on the show. Future goals?20. 'Stayaway' by MUNAAnd MUNA returned the favor when they covered "Since U Been Gone" in Los Angeles not long after.21. 'Running with the Wolves' by AuroraClarkson has also gushed about her love for Aurora and covered another one of her songs, "Cure for Me."22. 'breathe again' by Joy Oladokun"KELLY CLARKSON IS SINGING A SONG I WROTE ABOUT MY ANXIETY THIS IS NOT A DRILL," Oladokun wrote after the show. "i'm gonna throw up this is so cool."23. 'I'm the Only One' by Melissa EtheridgeThe two once performed live together back in 2009.24. 'I Wanna Dance With Somebody' by Whitney HoustonUnsurprisingly, Clarkson has covered a number of Houston's songs, including "Run to You" and "How Will I Know." She also tackled "I Will Always Love You" at the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards in 2022.25. 'Always Remember Us This Way' by Lady Gaga"Bad Romance" was actually one of the first songs Clarkson covered on the show.26. 'Yours' by Now, NowKind of a deep cut for indie music fans, but a great one.27. 'You Dont Know Me' by Jann Arden"You give your hand to me, and then you say goodbye,I watch you walk away beside the lucky guy,Oh, you will never know the one who loves you so,'Cause you don't know me."28. 'Sit Still, Look Pretty' by DayaDaya hadn't publicly come out yet when she released this song talking about "pretending that I need a boy," but life comes at you fast!29. 'Vogue' by MadonnaWant more of Clarkson covering Madonna? Try "Express Yourself" or "Borderline."30. 'Ironic' by Alanis MorissetteMorissette has gotten a few covers from Clarkson, but their multiple duets starting with "Hand in My Pocket" might be the highlight here.31. 'Confident' by Demi LovatoLovato has covered Clarkson's music on several occasions, too, and once said that collaborating with her is a "life goal."32. 'Piece of My Heart' by Janis JoplinNow she just needs Emily Blunt to lip sync to it.33. 'The Story' by Brandi CarlileYou can also watch Clarkson and Carlile team up to cover The Civil Wars' "Poison & Wine."34. 'Give Me One Reason' by Tracy ChapmanThis is actually one Clarkson has covered a few times over the years.35. 'Chandelier' by Sia"Breathe Me" and "Bird Set Free" also got the Kelly Clarkson treatment.36. 'Nothing Compares 2 U' by Sinad OConnorApparently Clarkson performed O'Connor's iconic song by request of Ruby Rose's mom.

President Donald Trump speaks as he meets with homeowners affected by Hurricane Helene in Swannanoa, N.C., Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)2025-01-24T22:48:15Z President Donald Trump stepped back into the presidency this week moving quickly to set a new agenda, but from his inaugural address continuing through a flurry of executive actions, press conferences and interviews Trump relied on an array of false and misleading information to support his case. Heres a closer look at the facts.Trump misrepresents election resultsCLAIM: Speaking to attendees at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday, Trump said he won by millions of votes in the 2024 election, which gave him a massive mandate from the American people, like hasnt been seen in many years.THE FACTS: Trumps margin of victory in the 2024 election was not as large as he makes it seem. He won the electoral vote 312 to 226, including all seven swing states. The popular vote, however, was far closer, with Trump receiving 49.9% of the vote with 77,303,573 votes cast to Harris 75,019,257 votes (48.4%), according to AP Vote Cast. Thats a difference of 2,284,316 votes. In 2020, Joe Biden defeated Trump by more than 7 million votes. ___CLAIM: In an interview Wednesday night with Fox News host Sean Hannity, Trump said that he won youth by 36 points.THE FACTS: Thats false. Former Vice President Kamala Harris won the 18 to 29 age group by 4 percentage points, 51% to 47%; and the 30 to 44 age group 50% to 47%, according to AP VoteCast, a survey of more than 120,000 voters in the November election. Trump won voters over 45 against Harris, with 52% supporting him. Slightly fewer than half, 47%, voted for Harris.Like all surveys, AP VoteCast results are not an official count of how young people voted, instead providing an estimate that is subject to sampling error. However, other survey estimates also provide no signal that supports Trumps claims. California water policies misrepresented around wildfiresCLAIM: Trump told Hannity that rather than let it go into the Pacific Ocean, California Gov. Gavin Newsom can release the water that comes from north to help fight ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles. There is massive amounts of water, rainwater and mountain water that comes due with the snow, comes down when it as it melts, he continued. Trump also claimed that they turned off the spigot from up north in order to protect the Delta smelt.THE FACTS: About 40 percent of Los Angeles city water comes from state-controlled projects connected to northern California, where the Delta smelt fish live, and the state has limited the water it delivers this year. Yet the southern California reservoirs these canals help feed are at above-average levels for this time of year.The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California has enough water in storage to meet roughly three years of water demand, said Deven Upadhyay, the agencys interim general manager.We can deliver what our agencies need, he said.Some fire hydrants in Los Angeles ran dry in early efforts to fight the fires, prompting a swirl of criticism on social media, including from Trump. But state water supplies are not to blame for hydrants running dry and a key reservoir near Pacific Palisades that was not filled. The problem with the hydrants was that they were overstressed, and the Santa Ynez Reservoir was empty because it was undergoing maintenance. Newsom has called for an investigation into how the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power managed both issues.The farms-versus-fish debate is one of the most well-worn in California water politics and doesnt always fall along party lines. Some environmentalists think Newsom is too friendly to farming interests. But that debate is not connected to fire-related water troubles in Los Angeles.Two complex systems of dams and canals channel rain and snowmelt from the mountains in northern California and route it south. Both transport water through the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, an estuary that provides critical habitat to fish and wildlife including salmon and the delta smelt.The delta connects inland waterways to the Pacific, and keeping a certain amount of water flowing through helps support fish populations and the waterway itself. Jan. 6 attacks on police downplayedCLAIM: Asked by Hannity why he pardoned Jan. 6 rioters who attacked police at the Capitol, Trump said, They were treated like the worst criminals in history. And you know what they were there for? They were protesting the vote because they knew the election was rigged and they were protesting the vote. He noted that some of the rioters engaged with police, but they were very minor incidents.THE FACTS: Rioters at the Capitol engaged in hand-to-hand combat with police and many of the rioters were carrying weapons, including firearms, knives, brass knuckle gloves, a pitchfork, a hatchet, a sledgehammer and a bow. They also used makeshift weapons, such as flagpoles, a table leg, a hockey stick and a crutch, to attack officers. One officer was crushed in a doorframe and another suffered a heart attack after a rioter pressed a stun gun against his neck and repeatedly shocked him. One rioter was charged with climbing scaffolding and firing a gun in the air during the melee. The rioters broke through windows and doors, ransacking the Capitol and briefly occupying the Senate chamber. Senators had evacuated minutes earlier. They also tried to break into the House chamber, breaking glass windows and beating on the doors. But police held them off with guns drawn.About 1,100 of the rioters had been sentenced, with roughly two-thirds of them receiving a term of imprisonment ranging from a few days to 22 years, before Trump on Tuesday pardoned, commuted the prison sentences or vowed to dismiss the cases of all the 1,500-plus people charged with crimes in the riot. Approximately one-quarter had been charged with assault or physical violence.It is true, however, that hundreds of people who went into the Capitol but did not attack police or damage the building were charged only with misdemeanors.Inflated immigration numbers CLAIM: Trump said during his interview with Hannity that it was a gross miscarriage of common sense to let 21 million enter the U.S. illegally.THE FACTS: That figure is highly inflated. U.S. Customs and Border Protection reports more than 10.8 million arrests for illegal crossings from Mexico from January 2021 through December 2024.Thats arrests, not people. Under pandemic-era asylum restrictions, many people crossed more than once until they succeeded because there were no legal consequences for getting turned back to Mexico. So the number of people is lower than the number of arrests.According to the Department of Homeland Securitys latest available estimate, at least 11 million people were living illegally in the U.S. as of January 2022, 79% of whom entered before January 2010.FEMA did not end temporary housing assistance for Helene survivorsCLAIM: The government wouldnt do it any longer, which is ridiculous, Trump said during a visit to North Carolina on Friday, referencing temporary housing in hotels provided to survivors of Hurricane Helene by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.THE FACTS: FEMA is still paying for survivors to stay temporarily in hotels through its Transitional Sheltering Assistance program.I want to be clear, this program is not ending for Western North Carolina, Brett Howard, federal coordinating officer, said in a statement on Monday. We understand the great need survivors have at the time and this program will last as long as necessary.The agency reviews the eligibility of households in the program every two weeks to ensure they still meet the requirements for receiving temporary housing in hotels. Households deemed ineligible can petition the decision.As part of its most recent review, FEMA found that out of 2,700 households it checked in on, approximately 740 were no longer eligible for the Temporary Sheltering Assistance program, according to Mondays statement.Survivors are now given three weeks notice before they must check out of their hotel room, rather than seven days, due to the extenuating circumstances in Western North Carolina, the statement reads.The length of eligibility for an individual survivor will be based on their individual circumstances, Howard added. FEMA staff are working daily with survivors and on their cases to help them find permanent housing solutions.___Find AP Fact Checks here: https://apnews.com/APFactCheck. MELISSA GOLDIN Goldin debunks, analyzes and tracks misinformation for The Associated Press. She is based in New York. twitter mailto RSShttps://feedx.net https://feedx.site

This U.S. Department of Education website page is seen on Jan. 24, 2025 in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)2025-01-24T16:26:40Z WASHINGTON (AP) Federal agencies have begun removing resources for underrepresented Americans from their webpages following President Donald Trumps executive order cracking down on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Agencies also have been cancelling staff trainings and shuttering diversity offices to comply with the order from Trump, who has called for all DEI staff to be put on paid leave and eventually be laid off.Documents on DEI have been removed from websites at agencies including the Office of Personnel Management, State Department and Department of Homeland Security. Web addresses that once led to DEI pages now display Page Not Found 404 messages or notes above archived material explaining the change. At some agencies, the drive to remove diversity mentions was creating widespread questions and confusion. Lacking clear guidance, Defense Department staff members were pulling websites down in often inconsistent ways. The Army, as an example, temporarily removed its sexual assault guidelines raising questions about what message that might be sending, considering that Trumps defense nominee Pete Hegseth has been involved in sex assault allegations, which he denies. The guidelines were back up late Thursday. Some of the materials that vanished aimed to help agencies recruit diverse workforces and foster a sense of belonging for employees and students in schools across America. Critics say the rollbacks could result in dramatic shifts in hiring and a return to discriminatory practices of the past. Among the sites taken down was a page dedicated to the Inaugural Treasury Advisory Committee on Racial Equity created during the Biden administration. Dorothy Brown, a Georgetown law professor who served on the committee, said the order has far-reaching implications for workforce diversity.Conservatives would say it is wrong to target someone based on their race but that is exactly what Trump is doing, she said. The State Department on Wednesday dismantled its Office of Diversity and Inclusion and removed the link to it from its website. The office had been created by former Secretary of State Antony Blinken with fanfare shortly after he took office and had produced reports identifying strategies for attracting minorities and women into the departments workforce.Secretary of State Marco Rubio sent a cable this week to all U.S. embassies and consulates abroad barring them from flying anything other than the American flag or flags to honor prisoners of war or the wrongfully detained. The directive effectively banned the display of LGBTQ+ pride or Black Lives Matter flags, which had been permitted under the Biden administration.On Thursday night, the Education Department announced it had removed or archived hundreds of guidance documents, reports and training materials. The department said it cancelled contracts totaling more than $2.6 million for staff DEI training.The pages that were taken down include Resources for LGBTQI+ Students, an overview of civil rights laws related to Race, Color, or National Origin Discrimination, and guidance titled Avoid the Discriminatory Use of Artificial Intelligence. An Education Department statement said the deleted pages encouraged schools and institutions of higher education to promote or endorse harmful ideological programs.Trump has called DEI programs discrimination and insisted on restoring strictly merit-based hiring. Conservative groups have praised the rollback. Parents Defending Education, an organization that has filed lawsuits challenging diversity initiatives at schools, applauded Trump for taking steps to root out these programs permanently.Attacks on DEI often target pipeline programs, which do not change the standards of hiring but simply encourage recruiters to look at different hiring pools, said Antonio Ingram, senior counsel at the NAACP Legal Defense fund. The disparities based on race and gender seen today are a result of the historical exclusion of women and people of color from opportunities, he said, and are not an arbitrary outcome. The elimination of programs to ensure a diverse government workforce could be felt for years, he said. There will be generations who dont even know what they missed out on because there has been such an erasure and such a revision and such a redirection of federal resources, he said. I guess the real tragedy is that there were tools that could have been used to create more belonging, more justice.At schools, advocates say the crackdown will mean a loss of resources that foster success for students who historically were deprived of adequate learning opportunities, including tools that help teachers address achievement gaps. The now-dissolved Education Department bodies include the Diversity & Inclusion Council, established under President Barack Obama, and the Employee Engagement Diversity Equity Inclusion Accessibility Council, which had been housed under its Office for Civil Rights. The departments Equity Action Plan has also been withdrawn. According to a snapshot of the plans former webpage, the initiative intended in part to improve college access, affordability and completion for underserved students.Also Friday, the departments Office for Civil Rights announced it dismissed 11 complaints alleging book bans had created a hostile environment for kids. The department said the complaints over restrictions on titles about race or LGBTQ+ issues were meritless. The office also rescinded all guidance that framed book bans as a violation of civil rights laws. ___Associated Press writers Fatima Hussein, Lolita C. Baldor, and Matthew Lee in Washington; Sharon Lurye in New Orleans; and Christopher L. Keller in Albuquerque, New Mexico, contributed to this report. ___The Associated Press education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. ANNIE MA Ma is an Associated Press national writer who covers K-12 education. twitter mailto

Dr. Eithan Haim walks out of the Bob Casey United States Courthouse after appearing for an arraignment hearing, June 17, 2024, in Houston. (Yi-Chin Lee/Houston Chronicle via AP, File)2025-01-24T23:33:10Z DALLAS (AP) Federal prosecutors on Friday dropped the case against a Texas doctor who called himself a whistleblower on transgender care for minors and was accused of illegally obtaining private information on patients who werent under his care.The dismissal of the case against Dr. Eithan Haim in U.S. district court in Houston comes as the Trump administration in its first week has already issued executive orders rolling back transgender rights. Prosecutors had said that Haim, a 34-year-old surgeon, took the information and shared it with a conservative activist with intent to cause malicious harm to Texas Childrens Hospital in Houston, one of the nations largest pediatric hospitals. Haim pleaded not guilty in June to four counts of wrongfully obtaining individually identifiable health information, saying outside the courthouse that he had done nothing wrong. Were going to fight this tooth and nail, stand up for whistleblowers everywhere, Haim said in June.Ryan Patrick, one of Haims attorneys, said the dismissal speaks to the veracity of their case, and they are very happy for Dr. Haim and his family that this ordeal is finally over. Haim works in the Dallas area but had previously worked at Texas Childrens Hospital as part of his residency. The indictment alleged that Haim asked to reactivate his login there and in 2023 began accessing information on pediatric patients not under his care and then turned it over to a media contact. Haim has publicly identified himself as the person who gave the information about patients at Texas Childrens to a conservative activist, who published a story that the hospital was providing transgender care for minors in secret. At the time, transgender care for minors was legal in Texas, but the hospital had announced in 2022 that it would stop would stop gender-affirming care. A ban in Texas on transgender care for minors went into effect in September 2023. Texas Childrens said in a statement Friday that they defer to and respect the Justice Departments decisions in the case. In previous statements, hospital officials said its doctors have always provided care within the law. Haim, who had been released on bond, faced up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted. RSShttps://feedx.net https://feedx.site

In this April 10, 2015, file photo, Richard Lapointe, center, raises his arms with Kate Germond, left, and Paul Casteleiro, both of Centurion Ministries, after he was granted bail and released at the Connecticut Supreme Court in Hartford Conn. (Jared Ramsdell/Journal Inquirer via AP, File)2025-01-24T21:09:06Z HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) More than four years after his death, Richard Lapointes family is set to receive a nearly $5.9 million award from Connecticut for his wrongful, quarter-century imprisonment that ended in 2015 when his murder conviction was overturned in the rape and killing of his wifes 88-year-old grandmother.Lapointes case became a cause celebre, receiving widespread publicity from advocates for the disabled and celebrities, including writers Arthur Miller and William Styron, who called for his release. Lapointe, who died at age 74 in 2020, had Dandy-Walker syndrome, a rare congenital brain malformation that his lawyers believe was a factor in his falsely confessing to the crime.The award by the state claims commissioners office, which now moves to the legislature for approval, was issued Jan. 2 after years of legal battles between Lapointes lawyers and the state attorney generals office. Lapointe was never declared innocent, but the two sides eventually agreed to settle, leading to the award. The award is by no means adequate compensation for what was done to Richard Lapointe, his attorney, Paul Casteleiro, said Friday. He said the state destroyed his life for a crime he did not commit.The award, he said, is a recognition by the state of the wrong it committed in prosecuting and imprisoning an innocent man. Sadly, Richard did not live long enough to witness his final vindication. Asked about the award and Lapointes case, the attorney generals office released a brief statement Friday saying it negotiated a resolution of this claim in the interests of all parties. This reflects that process.In his decision, Claims Commissioner Robert Shea Jr. said his office agreed that the award is reasonable and appropriate. The agency decides whether people can file lawsuits against the state or receive money under the states wrongful incarceration law. A spokesperson for the claims commissioners office did not immediately return an email message seeking additional comment.Bernice Martin, the grandmother of Lapointes wife, was found stabbed, raped and strangled in 1987 in her burning apartment in Manchester, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) east of Hartford.Lapointe, a dishwasher, was convicted of murder in 1992 and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of release, with key evidence including confessions he made during a 9 1/2-hour interrogation by Manchester police. His lawyers argued his mental disability made him vulnerable to giving false confessions, and alleged the confession was coerced without any defense lawyers present.The state Supreme Court ruled 4-2 in 2015 that Lapointe was deprived of a fair trial because prosecutors failed to disclose notes by a police officer that may have supported an alibi defense. Later the same year, prosecutors said new DNA testing did not implicate Lapointe and all the charges were dropped. No one else has been charged in the killing.Ten days after the courts ruling, Lapointe was freed and emerged from the Hartford courthouse wearing a black T-shirt that read I didnt do it. He threw his hands into the air in triumph. Of course I didnt do it, Lapointe said. That wasnt me. I wouldnt do nothing like that to nobody. I wouldnt even kill my worst enemy.Casteleiro said the case destroyed Lapointes family, who shunned him. Before the killing, Lapointe and his wife, who has cerebral palsy, were making a life together. They were doing OK, Casteleiro said. She divorced him after his arrest, and he lost all contact with his son, who was young at the time.After he was released from prison, Lapointe began suffering from dementia, was placed in a nursing home in East Hartford and died after a bout with COVID-19, his lawyers said.Through the years, he was supported by an array of advocates, including the groups Friends of Richard Lapointe and Centurion, a Princeton, New Jersey-based organization for whom Casteleiro works that helps the wrongly convicted.

A mural of female Israeli soldiers held hostage by the Hamas militant group in the Gaza Strip is displayed in Tel Aviv, Israel, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)2025-01-25T03:41:50Z DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) Israel and Hamas were expected to swap more hostages for Palestinian prisoners on Saturday, the second such exchange since a ceasefire began in the Gaza Strip last weekend and another test for the deal.The truce is aimed at winding down the deadliest and most destructive war ever fought between Israel and the militant group. The fragile deal has so far held, quieting airstrikes and rockets and allowing for increased aid to flow into the tiny coastal territory.When the ceasefire started Sunday, three hostages held by the militants were released in exchange for 90 Palestinian prisoners. On Saturday, four hostages are expected to be freed for 200 prisoners, including 120 who are serving life sentences after being convicted of deadly attacks on Israelis. They will likely be released into Gaza or sent abroad. The four Israeli soldiers, Karina Ariev, 20; Daniella Gilboa, 20; Naama Levy, 20; and Liri Albag, 19, were captured in Hamas Oct. 7, 2023 attack that ignited the war.They were taken from Nahal Oz base near the border with Gaza when Palestinian militants overran it, killing more than 60 soldiers there. The female abductees had all served in a unit of lookouts charged with monitoring threats along the border. A fifth female soldier in their unit, Agam Berger, 20, was abducted with them but not included in the list. After the swap, Israel is expected to begin pulling back from the Netzarim corridor an east-west road dividing Gaza in two and allowing displaced Palestinians in the south to return to their former homes in the north for the first time since the beginning of the war. Palestinians will only be allowed to move north on foot, with vehicular traffic restricted until later in the ceasefire.What happens after the deals initial six-week phase is uncertain, but many hope it will lead to the end of a war that has leveled wide swaths of Gaza, displaced the vast majority of its population, and left hundreds of thousands of people at risk of famine. The conflict began with a cross-border attack led by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, when Palestinian militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took around 250 others hostage. More than 100 hostages were freed in a weeklong truce the following month. But dozens have remained in captivity for over a year with no contact with the outside world. Israel believes at least a third of the more than 90 captives still inside Gaza were killed in the initial attack or died in captivity.Israels air and ground war, one of the deadliest and most destructive in decades, has killed over 47,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, who do not say how many were militants. They say women and children make up more than half the fatalities.___Follow coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war

Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks after being sworn in by Vice President JD Vance in the Vice Presidential Ceremonial Office in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House campus, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)2025-01-24T19:11:02Z Follow live updates on President Donald Trumps return to Washington WASHINGTON (AP) The State Department ordered a sweeping freeze Friday on new funding for almost all U.S. foreign assistance, making exceptions for emergency food programs and military aid to Israel and Egypt.The order threatened a quick halt to many of the billions of dollars in U.S.-funded projects globally to support health, education, development, job training, anti-corruption, security assistance and other efforts.The U.S. provides more foreign aid globally than any other country, budgeting about $60 billion in 2023, or about 1% of the U.S. budget.Secretary of State Marco Rubios order, delivered in a cable sent to U.S. embassies worldwide, specifically exempted emergency food programs, such as those helping to feed millions in a widening famine in warring Sudan. The cable spells out the execution of the aid-freezing executive order President Donald Trump signed on Monday. But Fridays order especially disappointed humanitarian officials by not including specific exemptions for life-saving health programs, such as clinics and immunization programs. A globally acclaimed anti-HIV program, the Presidents Emergency Relief Plan for AIDS Relief, was among those included in the spending freeze, slated to last at least three months. Known as PEPFAR, the program is credited with saving 25 million lives, including those of 5.5 million children, since it was started by Republican President George W. Bush. Some aid projects began receiving their first stop-work orders under the freeze Friday afternoon. Some leading aid organizations also were interpreting the directive as an immediate stop-work order for U.S.-funded aid work globally, a former senior U.S. Agency for International Development official said. Many would likely cease operations immediately so as not to incur more costs, the official said. The official was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. Suspending funding could have life or death consequences for children and families around the world, said Abby Maxman, head of Oxfam America.By suspending foreign development assistance, the Trump administration is threatening the lives and futures of communities in crisis, and abandoning the United States long-held bipartisan approach to foreign assistance which supports people based on need, regardless of politics, Maxman said in a statement.At the United Nations, deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said: These are bilateral decisions but nonetheless we expect those nations who have the capability to generously fund development assistance.While Rubios order exempted military assistance to allies Israel and Egypt from the freeze, there was no indication of a similar waiver to allow vital U.S. military assistance to Ukraine through. The Biden administration pushed military aid to Ukraine out the door before leaving office because of doubts about whether Trump would continue it. But there is still about $3.85 billion in congressionally authorized funding for any future arms shipments to Ukraine and it is now up to Trump to decide whether or not to spend it. The sweeping freeze begins enforcement of a pledge from Trump and other Republicans to crack down on U.S. aid programs. Also on Friday, the State Department agency overseeing refugee and resettlement sent guidance to the resettlement agencies it works with, saying they had to immediately suspend all work under the foreign assistance they were receiving. While there was little clarity in the guidance, the notification suggests resettlement agencies that work with refugees, including Afghans who arrived on special immigrant visas, might have to halt their work at least temporarily.Florida Republican Rep. Brian Mast, the new chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, promised this week that Republicans would question every dollar and every diplomat in the State Departments budget to ensure it met their standards for strictly necessary.The freeze was necessary to ensure that appropriations are not duplicated, are effective, and are consistent with President Trumps foreign policy, the global cable stated. Within the next month, standards for a review of all foreign assistance are expected to be set to ensure that it is aligned with President Trumps foreign policy agenda, the cable said. And within three months, the government-wide review is expected to be completed with a subsequent report to be produced for Rubio to make recommendations to the president.___Associated Press writers Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations and Rebecca Santana contributed. ELLEN KNICKMEYER Foreign policy, national security, foreign policy & climate twitter FARNOUSH AMIRI Amiri covers Congress for The Associated Press, with a focus on foreign policy and congressional investigations. She previously covered politics for AP as a statehouse reporter based in Columbus, Ohio. twitter mailto

Members of the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of America sit during a news conference in the Chinatown district of San Francisco on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Haven Daley)2025-01-25T05:05:50Z President Donald Trump has said since his first administration that he wants to end birthright citizenship, a constitutional right for everyone born in the United States. This week he issued an executive order that would eliminate it, upending more than a century of precedent. On Thursday, however, a federal judge temporarily blocked it after 22 states quickly mounted a legal challenge. Over the years the right to citizenship has been won by various oppressed or marginalized groups after hard-fought legal battles. Heres a look at how birthright citizenship has applied to some of those cases and how the Justice Department is using them today to defend Trumps order.Citizenship for Native AmericansNative Americans were given U.S. citizenship in 1924. The Justice Department has cited their status as a legal analogy to justify Trumps executive order in court. Arguing that birth in the United States does not by itself entitle a person to citizenship, the person must also be subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. It raised a case from 1884 that found members of Indian tribes are not subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and are not constitutionally entitled to Citizenship, the department said. Many scholars take a dim view of the validity of that analogy. Its not a good or even new legal argument, said Gerald L. Neuman, a professor of international, foreign and comparative law at Harvard Law School. But its got a bigger political movement behind it, and its embedded in a degree of openly expressed xenophobia and prejudice. Some say the legal analogy to the citizens of tribal nations plays directly into that. Its not a valid comparison, said Leo Chavez, a professor and author at the University of California, Irvine, who studies international migration. Its using the heat of race to make a political argument rather than a legal argument. Theyre digging into old, archaic Indian law cases, finding the most racist points they can in order to win, said Matthew Fletcher, a professor of law at the University of Michigan and a member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. Theres nothing sacred in the Department of Justice. Theyll do anything they can to win. For Spanish and Mexican descendantsIn addition to his order on birthright citizenship, Trump has directed immigration arrests to be expanded to sensitive locations such as schools. That holds special implications in the border state of New Mexico, where U.S. citizenship was extended in 1848 to residents of Mexican and Spanish descent under the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ended the U.S.-Mexico war.The states 1912 Constitution includes a guarantee saying children of Spanish descent in the state of New Mexico shall never be denied the right and privilege of admission and attendance at public schools and they shall never be classed in separate schools, but shall forever enjoy perfect equality with other children.State Attorney General Ral Torrez has highlighted that provision in guidance to K-12 schools about how to respond to possible surveillance, warrants and subpoenas by immigration authorities. The guidance notes that children cannot be denied access to public education based on immigration status, citing U.S. Supreme Court precedent. For enslaved peopleThe issue of whether enslaved people were eligible for U.S. citizenship came to the forefront in 1857 when the Supreme Court ruled 7-2 against Dred Scott, a slave, and his bid to sue for freedom. In their decision, the court said Black people were not entitled to citizenship and even claimed they were inferior to white people.The Dred Scott decision contributed to the start of the Civil War. With the Norths victory over the South, slavery became outlawed. Among the constitutional protections put in place for formerly enslaved people, Congress ratified the 14th Amendment in 1868, guaranteeing citizenship for all, including Black people.All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside, the 14th Amendment says. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States.That effectively nullified the Dred Scott ruling. For children of immigrantsAll children born in the U.S. to immigrants have the right to citizenship thanks to a Chinese man whose landmark 1898 case went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.Wong Kim Ark was born in San Francisco to parents from China. But when he tried to return to the U.S. after a visit to that country, the government denied him reentry under the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act, which restricted immigration from China and barred Chinese immigrants from ever becoming U.S. citizens.Wong argued that he was a citizen because he was born in the U.S. In siding with him, the Supreme Court made explicit that the citizenship clause of the 14th Amendment automatically confers citizenship to all U.S.-born people regardless of their parents status. In its 6-2 decision, the court said that to deny Wong citizenship because of his parentage would be to deny citizenship to thousands of persons of English, Scotch, Irish, German, or other European parentage who have always been considered and treated as citizens of the United States.The ruling was a huge relief for the Chinese community as there was evidence that others were being denied entry, said Bill Ong Hing, a professor at the University of San Francisco School of Law. They carried birth certificates and applied for passports proving they were born in the U.S.All the Supreme Court concentrated on was, Are you subject to the jurisdiction to the United States when youre born here? Hing said. And the answer is yes.Hing was among Chinese American leaders who criticized Trumps order during a news conference Friday at the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association in San Franciscos Chinatown. The association helped Wong with his legal case.Annie Lee, policy director of Chinese for Affirmative Action, said that Trumps executive order affects all immigrants and children of immigrants, regardless of legal status.When a racist man screams at me to go back to my country, he does not know or care if I am a U.S. citizen, if I am here on a work visa or if I am undocumented, she said. He looks at me and feels like I do not belong here. So make no mistake that the white supremacy which animates this illegal executive order impacts us all.___Associated Press writer Morgan Lee in Santa Fe, New Mexico, contributed. GRAHAM LEE BREWER Brewer reports for the APs Race and Ethnicity team, focusing on Indigenous communities and tribal nations. He is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and is based in Oklahoma. twitter mailto