• Fri, January 17, 2025

by: WHYY

How Trump's political and business interests will intersect in the White House

Here's a look at the various connections and potential conflicts in President-elect Donald Trump's second administration.

by: Sky

Kemi Badenoch hits back at claims she would means test pensions triple lock

Kemi Badenoch has denied the Conservatives would consider means testing the pensions triple lock, as she accused her opponents of trying to "scare people".

by: KING5

The Trump effect: What will Washington state look like in a second term?

From the economy to immigration, President-elect Trump promises big changes that will be felt in western Washington and beyond.

by: Slate

The Supreme Court Nailed Its Decision to Uphold the TikTok Ban

This ruling will disappoint the app's 170 million users in the United States. But it reflects eminently reasonable deference to the judgment of Congress.

by: Richmond

It's freezing outside. And many of Richmond's homeless don't have a place to go.

In 2024, there were nearly 600 homeless Richmonders. Compare that figure with 100 beds, available on a walkup basis, for inclement weather situations.

by: WLRN

After judge removes Riviera Beach candidates from March ballot, one councilman wants law changed

A Riviera Beach Councilman is pushing to change an election statute after an appeals court upheld a ruling disqualifying him and four other candidates from the March 11 ballot.

by: Vox

The bright side of TikTok's downfall

The end of one wildly popular platform is a chance to overhaul the broken social media industry.

by: ABC

RFK Jr. petitioned FDA in 2021 to revoke authorization of all COVID vaccines

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who's nominated to become the next health secretary, asked the federal government to revoke its authorization of all COVID-19 vaccines in May 2021, just as vaccinated Americans began returning to a sense of normalcy after pandemic lockdowns.

by: CNN

Trump's presidential transition: TikTok ban looms as inauguration moves inside

Kristi Noem, Donald Trump's pick to oversee the Department of Homeland Security, will appear before senators for her confirmation hearing. Follow for the latest news about Trump's presidential transition.

by: MSN

'Resolve it, else we will': Supreme Court on standoff between Tamil Nadu Governor and state government

The Supreme Court on Friday said that if the standoff between the Tamil Nadu Governor and the state government was not resolved by the next date of hearing, then it would step in to resolve the issue.

by: MSN

Biden's historically diverse cabinet leaves lasting legacy

As President Biden's term ends, his administration's focus on diversity is highlighted by historic appointments, including the first Native American Cabinet official and the first female Treasury Secretary.

by: CNN

Trump pick Kristi Noem to appear at confirmation hearing

Kristi Noem, Donald Trump's pick to oversee the Department of Homeland Security, will appear before senators for her confirmation hearing. Follow for the latest news about Trump's presidential transition.

by: MSN

Justices agree to hear Maryland case on parents' rights and LGBTQ books

The parents, represented by the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, sued Montgomery County Public Schools in 2023 after the school district said it would no longer honor opt-out requests or notify families if a book referencing gender or sexuality would be read in class.

by: MSN

This Piece Of Joe Biden's Legacy Now Hangs In The Balance

Reforms of prescription drug pricing are finally taking full effect, just in time for Donald Trump and the Republicans to wreck them.

by: MSN

A murmuration, Biden's farewell and more of the week's best photos

See 13 of the week's most interesting images from around the world, as selected by Washington Post photo editors.

by: MSN

Who is Kirsti Noem? Dog controversy and what else to know on day of confirmation hearing

The farmer and small-business owner turned elected official has made headlines for being a possible vice presidential candidate and killing an "untrainable" dog.

by: MSN

UK and Poland to sign new security and defence treaty

British prime minister Keir Starmer visited Poland on Friday to discuss border issues and military support for Warsaw. View on euronews

by: MSN

Biden sets record and commutes sentences of 2,500 non-violent drug offenders in final days as president

Biden sets record and commutes sentences of 2,500 non-violent drug offenders in final days as president - Sweeping commutations come after Biden lessened sentences of 1,500 people last month

by: MSN

MLK Day 2025: What's Open And Closed In Columbia

Here's what open and closed Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Howard Co. will have regular Monday curbside trash pick-up.

by: MSN

US Treasury to take 'extraordinary measures' to avoid debt default

The US Treasury Department will start taking "extraordinary measures" next week to avoid risking a default on government debt, Secretary Janet Yellen said Friday, days before President-elect Donald Trump takes office.

by: MSN

Rising borrowing costs set to batter UK government - why does it matter?

As borrowing costs rise, the government has less money to spend on the country's creaking National Health Service, military, emergency services and schools. View on euronews

by: MSN

What is open and closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Inauguration Day?

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed in the United States on the third Monday of January. This year coincides with the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. Here is what to know about what businesses and services will remain open and which ones will take the day off.

by: MSN

What has Netanyahu won and lost by agreeing to Israel-Gaza ceasefire?

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears to have finally relented. After more than a year of refusing to agree to an end to the war in Gaza, he is now pushing through a ceasefire that - mediators insist - will do just that.

by: MSN

The chancellor must ignore the blips and get on with long-term growth

The chancellor must ignore the blips and get on with long-term growth - THE INDEPENDENT VIEW: Editorial: Much like the UK economy itself, the embattled chancellor ends the week in a much stronger position than when it started.

by: MSN

Is Inauguration Day a federal holiday? Why this year is different and what it means

NOTE: Details on how to watch special coverage of the inauguration live can be found here. Inauguration Day will mark a pivotal moment for Americans, but is the day considered a federal holiday? The answer is complicated this year.

by: MSN

Delhi Elections: The Thin Line Between 'Freebie' And Empowerment That Gets Blurred For BJP During Polls

For a party, which has been dissing 'revdi politics' since the last Delhi elections, there seems to be a big lot of freebies in its manifesto for this year's elections. Since 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been slamming "freebie politics".

by: MSN

Israel-Hamas deal shows limits of US influence - and the unpredictable impact of Trump

A ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas is expected to take effect on Jan. 19, 2025, according to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Even as Israel's cabinet delayed until Jan. 17 its vote to ratify the complex deal,

by: MSN

Biden team resolves its final Title VI antisemitism and anti-Arab cases

In the final days of the Biden administration, the federal Department of Education has resolved a small number of its many remaining Title VI cases involving allegations of antisemitic and anti-Palestinian discrimination.

by: MSN

Starmer visits 'harrowing' Auschwitz and vows renewed fight against antisemitism

Sir Keir Starmer has visited Auschwitz, a place he described as "utterly harrowing", and said he was determined to fight the "poison of antisemitism". The Prime Minister visited the former Nazi concentration camp as he travelled to Poland to meet the country's political leaders.

by: MSN

Kenyan Youths Ask Ruto to Appoint Gabriel Oguda, Osiany and Vincent Kigen as PSs

Kipkorir Brian, the national youth leader of the UDA Youths Comrades Chapter, asked President William Ruto to consider the young generation in his appointments.

by: MSN

China's population falls for a third straight year, posing challenges for its government and economy

China's population fell last year for the third straight year, its government said Friday, pointing to further demographic challenges for the world's second most populous nation, which is now facing both an aging population and an emerging shortage of working age people.

by: MSN

Raids targeting anti-corruption chief rock Hungary's government

The chief prosecutor has announced that its chairman, Ferenc Biro, is suspected of corruption and abuse of authority. Police also raided Biro's home, and took away documents. He has admitted to "lending his official car to his wife to go shopping" but rejects the allegations and says he is being targeted for political reasons,

by: MSN

Timeline of FBI investigation into ex-Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao

Thao's home was raided by the FBI in June, though at the time, the agency would not confirm what they were investigating.

by: MSN

Trump's business ties raise questions in second term

As he assumes the presidency for a second time, Donald Trump brings with him a broad expanse of business relationships and financial entanglements — and the possibility that those associations could influence his decision-making in the White House.

by: MSN

Russia's gas pipeline politics risk alienating its European allies

Russia has long used its plentiful energy resources as a tool to exert control over the region, where independence from Russian energy is tied to political sovereignty.

by: MSN

Ozempic, Wegovy and other new drugs are selected for Medicare's price negotiations

Ozempic, Wegovy and other new drugs are selected for Medicare's price negotiations - The Biden administration says popular weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have been added to Medicare's list

by: MSN

Scottish and Welsh voters could soon apply for postal votes online

Voters in Great Britain can apply for a postal ballot paper for certain elections online but residents of Scotland and Wales must use a paper form.

by: MSN

Kent Politics Podcast: Medway Council's chief executive Richard Hicks explains the process of local government reorganisation and what it means for services and staff

On the 50th episode of the Kent Politics Podcast, our reporters talk with Medway Council chief executive Richard Hicks for the inside take on what devolution will actually mean for Kent's current authorities.

by: MSN

'A bonfire of climate regulations': What Trump's first days in office could mean for the environment

As Donald Trump prepares to become the 47th president of the United States, what will his first actions be on climate and energy, and how will they impact the rest of the world? View on euronews

by: MSN

Central Government Greenlights 8th Pay Commission, Major Boost For Employees And Pensioners, Promise Of Better Salaries Ahead | ABP News

The Central Government has granted a significant gift to its employees by approving the 8th Pay Commission. Government employees and pensioners have been eagerly awaiting this announcement, and the government has now fulfilled their long-standing demand.

by: MSN

Government: 'Grooming gangs audit not because of Elon Musk pressure'

Lisa Nandy pushes back against claims that billionaire tech entrepreneur Elon Musk has pushed the Government into launching a new audit into grooming gangs. The Culture Secretary says 'we govern for the real world' and not social media.

by: MSN

Supreme Court upholds law that could force TikTok to shut down in U.S.

Congress and now the Supreme Court say TikTok must separate itself from its Chinese owners or shut down operations in the U.S.

by: MSN

Russell Vought could expand power of Trump's budget office

If confirmed again as White House budget director, Russell Vought would likely do more than oversee spending, policy and regulations. Vought, a co-author of Project 2025 who served as budget director in Donald Trump's first term,
  • Sat, January 18, 2025

by: Esquire

Donald Trump Will Be Sworn In at a Podium In a Rotunda His Supporters Desecrated on Jan. 6

So, because Washington is going to be in the deep freeze on Monday, they're swearing him in at a podium in the Capitol rotunda, the place that his more fervent fans desecrated on January 6, 2021. History is playing a joke on us all,

by: justthenews

Feds disbar EcoHealth Alliance and its former president after COVID controversy

"Today's decision is not only a victory for the U.S. taxpayer, but also for American national security and the safety of citizens worldwide," House Oversight Chairman James Comer said in a statement.

by: ProPublica

Following a Series of Government Hacks, Biden Closes Out His Administration With New Cybersecurity Order

The executive order follows a ProPublica investigation that found Microsoft prioritized profit over security, leaving the federal government vulnerable to the largest hack in U.S. history. Vendors must now demonstrate that their products are secure.

by: ABC

Merrick Garland exits with his record under scrutiny and the Justice Department bracing for upheaval

Attorney General Merrick Garland came in with a mission to calm the waters at the Justice Department and restore its reputation for independence after four turbulent years during Donald Trump's presid

by: MSN

Trump's influence spreads through state capitols in both substance and symbolism

A new year of lawmaking and politicking is underway in U.S. statehouses. Governors are acting quickly to outline their agendas. And in many cases, the influence of President-elect Donald Trump already is rippling through states in both symbolic and substantive ways.

Russell Vought could expand power of Trump's budget office

If confirmed again as White House budget director, Russell Vought would likely do more than oversee spending, policy and regulations. Vought, a co-author of Project 2025 who served as budget director in Donald Trump's first term,
The article from MSN discusses Russell Vought, a former Trump administration official who led the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and his potential role in expanding the powers of this office if Trump were to return to the presidency. Vought, now president of the Center for Renewing America, has been vocal about using the OMB to implement conservative policies more aggressively. He advocates for transforming the OMB into a more politically active entity, focusing on reducing the administrative state, promoting conservative social policies, and ensuring that federal agencies align with the president's agenda. His vision includes using the budget process to defund programs that do not align with conservative values, thereby exerting greater control over policy through financial mechanisms. This approach would mark a significant shift from the OMB's traditional role as a neutral arbiter of budget and policy analysis to a more partisan tool for policy enforcement.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/russell-vought-could-expand-power-of-trump-s-budget-office/ar-AA1xnoZe