TSA sets $45 fee for USA passengers without a REAL ID
The Transportation Security Administration has announced that U.S. air travelers without a REAL ID will face a $45 fee starting in February. The REAL ID has been required since May, but passengers without it have been allowed to clear security with extra screening. The Department of Homeland Security says 94% of passengers are already compliant. The new fee aims to encourage travelers to obtain a REAL ID, which requires more documentation than regular IDs. The fee is non-refundable and doesn't guarantee verification. Other accepted IDs include passports and military IDs. TSA also accepts digital IDs through platforms like Apple Wallet at participating airports.
Settlement calls for NPR to get $36M in government funds
National Public Radio will receive approximately $36 million in government funding to operate the nation’s public radio interconnection system under the terms of a court settlement. Monday's settlement resolves a legal dispute in which NPR accused the Corporation for Public Broadcasting of bowing to pressure from President Donald Trump to cut off its funding. On March 25, Trump said at a news conference that he wants to defund NPR and PBS because he believes they are biased in favor of Democrats. NPR accused the CPB of violating its First Amendment free speech rights when it moved to cut off its access to grant money appropriated by Congress.
Settlement calls for NPR to get $36M in government funds
National Public Radio will receive approximately $36 million in government funding to operate the nation’s public radio interconnection system under the terms of a court settlement. Monday's settlement resolves a legal dispute in which NPR accused the Corporation for Public Broadcasting of bowing to pressure from President Donald Trump to cut off its funding. On March 25, Trump said at a news conference that he wants to defund NPR and PBS because he believes they are biased in favor of Democrats. NPR accused the CPB of violating its First Amendment free speech rights when it moved to cut off its access to grant money appropriated by Congress.
Fannie Mae officials ousted after concerns over confidential data
A confidant of Bill Pulte, the Trump administration’s top housing regulator, provided confidential mortgage pricing data from Fannie Mae to a principal competitor. Emails reviewed by The Associated Press reveal the disclosure alarmed senior officials of the government-backed lending giant, who warned it could expose the company to claims that it colluded with a rival to fix mortgage rates. The emails show the data was shared with rival government-backed lender Freddie Mac by an associate of Bill Pulte, who was working on the Federal Housing Finance Agency director's behalf. Fannie Mae and the FHFA both say they take compliance with the law seriously.
Denmark plans to ban access to social media for children under 15
Denmark's government has announced a plan to ban social media access for anyone under 15. The Ministry of Digitalization has led the move, allowing some parents to consent for children as young as 13 after assessment. This step is among the most significant by a European country to address concerns about social media use among teens. It follows Australia's December ban, which set the minimum age at 16. The Danish ministry says the age limit applies to "certain" platforms, though specifics and enforcement details are unclear. The decision aims to protect children from harmful content and commercial pressures.
Top Israeli army lawyer is behind bars over leak of prison surveillance video
A political scandal has erupted in Israel over a leaked video at the center of an investigation into allegations of severe abuses of Palestinians at a notorious military prison. A top military official, Maj. Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, admitted to authorizing the leak, sparking outrage and accusations of betrayal. On Sunday, she disappeared briefly, leaving a cryptic note and an abandoned vehicle. She was found hours later on a Tel Aviv beach. Some right-wing politicians and commentators have accused her of staging a suicide attempt in an effort to destroy potential evidence. The scandal highlights deep divisions in Israeli society and concerns over incitement and personal attacks.
Myanmar military detains 2,000 people in raid at cybercrime center
Myanmar's military says it has shut down a major online scam operation near the Thailand border. State media reported Monday that more than 2,000 people were detained, and dozens of Starlink satellite internet terminals were seized. Myanmar is known for cyberscam operations that defraud people worldwide. These scams often involve fake romantic schemes and bogus investments. The army raided KK Park starting in early September. The area is on the outskirts of Myawaddy, a trading town under the influence of ethnic minority militias.
US hits $38 trillion in gross national debt
The U.S. government's gross national debt has surpassed $38 trillion during the federal shutdown, marking a record high. This rapid debt accumulation is the fastest outside of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the debt having reached $37 trillion in August. The Treasury Department's latest report, issued Wednesday, highlights these figures. Experts warn that rising debt can lead to higher inflation, eroding purchasing power and increasing borrowing costs.
How leaders of the MAHA movement benefit from anti-science advocacy
Powerful anti-vaccine advocates and people selling potentially harmful goods such as raw milk are profiting from the push to write anti-science policies into law across the U.S. They portray the Make America Healthy Again movement as grassroots, but it’s fueled by a web of well-funded national groups led by people who’ve profited – financially and otherwise – from sowing distrust of medicine and science. The Associated Press found state legislation that includes language in the text or public testimony that explicitly spells out that a reason to change the law is to make money or increase sales for dairy farmers.
Thieves use basket lift in daring Louvre robbery, steal priceless jewels
Thieves have pulled off a daring heist at the Louvre, stealing priceless Napoleonic jewels. On Sunday, they used a basket lift to access the museum, smashed display cases, and fled with the treasures. The theft happened in the Galerie d’Apollon, where the French Crown Jewels are displayed. Officials say the operation took only four minutes and was carried out by professionals. The Louvre has faced criticism for understaffing and security issues. The museum closed for the rest of Sunday as investigators began their search for clues. The heist has sparked political debate in France.
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