Trump administration ramps up crackdown on US visa holders
The Trump administration says it’s reviewing more than 55 million foreigners who have valid U.S. visas for any violations that could lead to deportation. In a written answer to a question from The Associated Press, the State Department said all U.S. visa holders are subject to “continuous vetting.” It says it has an eye toward any indication that they could be ineligible for permission to enter or stay in the United States. The State Department’s new language suggests that the continual vetting process is far more widespread and could mean even those approved to be in the U.S. could abruptly see those permissions revoked.
US national debt reaches $37 trillion
The U.S. government’s gross national debt has surpassed $37 trillion, setting a new record. This highlights the rapid acceleration of debt on America’s balance sheet and the increasing cost pressures on taxpayers. The Treasury Department reported this update on Tuesday. The national debt reached this level years sooner than pre-pandemic projections due to heavy borrowing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts warn that the growing debt could lead to reduced living standards and increased interest rates. The Joint Economic Committee estimates another trillion dollars could be added in about 173 days.
These states are America’s worst for quality of life in 2025
Quality of life considerations like crime rates, health and child care availability, and air quality dictate where people live, and where businesses locate.
Milwaukee Judge Hannah Dugan accused of helping man evade immigration agents
The FBI has arrested a Milwaukee judge accused of helping a man evade immigration authorities. Friday's arrest escalates a clash between the Trump administration and local authorities over the president’s sweeping immigration crackdown. Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan is accused of escorting the man and his lawyer out of her courtroom through the jury door last week after learning that immigration authorities were seeking his arrest. The man was taken into custody outside the courthouse after agents chased him on foot. Democratic Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, in a statement on Dugan's arrest, accused the Trump administration of repeatedly using “dangerous rhetoric to attack and attempt to undermine our judiciary at every level.”
Milwaukee Judge Hannah Dugan accused of helping man evade immigration agents
The FBI has arrested a Milwaukee judge accused of helping a man evade immigration authorities. Friday's arrest escalates a clash between the Trump administration and local authorities over the president’s sweeping immigration crackdown. Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan is accused of escorting the man and his lawyer out of her courtroom through the jury door last week after learning that immigration authorities were seeking his arrest. The man was taken into custody outside the courthouse after agents chased him on foot. Democratic Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, in a statement on Dugan's arrest, accused the Trump administration of repeatedly using “dangerous rhetoric to attack and attempt to undermine our judiciary at every level.”
Pope Francis, first Latin American pontiff, dies at 88
Pope Francis has died at age 88. The first Latin American pontiff charmed the world with his humble style and concern for the poor. But he alienated conservatives with critiques of capitalism and climate change. From his election, the Argentine-born Jorge Mario Bergoglio signaled a different papacy, embracing refugees and the downtrodden, especially following the troubled tenure of Pope Benedict XVI. But conservatives grew increasingly upset with Francis’ progressive bent, outreach to LGBTQ+ Catholics and crackdown on traditionalists. He badly botched a notorious case of clergy sexual abuse in 2018. Bells tolled in church towers across Rome on Monday, and in the evening the Vatican began a Rosary prayer in St. Peter’s Square in its first public commemoration.
Federal cuts disrupt repairs on two of America's most iconic trails
Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail that runs through three western states is already challenging. Now the grueling journey may become even tougher this year due to federal cuts. Over a year’s worth of trail work to clear downed trees and rebuild stretches of the Pacific Crest Trail has been canceled, while similar repairs have been disrupted for the Appalachian Trail. Wildfires and hurricanes already were taking a toll on America's two legendary trails that are used by millions each year. Now the associations overseeing the paths say cuts in grant money and the Trump administration's downsizing of the federal workforce threaten their very existence.
Supreme Court seems likely to OK $8 billion phone and internet subsidy for rural, low-income areas
The Supreme Court seems likely to preserve the $8 billion a year the government spends to subsidize phone and internet services in schools, libraries and rural areas. The justices heard nearly three hours of arguments Wednesday as they reviewed a ruling that struck down as unconstitutional the Universal Service Fund. The tax has been added to phone bills for nearly 30 years. Liberal and conservative justices alike voiced concern about potentially devastating consequences of eliminating the fund that has benefited millions of Americans. A decision is expected by late June.
Scientists raise concerns as the US stops sharing air quality data from embassies worldwide
The U.S. government’s decision to stop sharing air quality data from embassies and consulates worldwide is worrying some local scientists and experts who say the data was vital for people to be aware of air quality and monitor their government's progress in improving public health. Historical data will remain on an Environmental Protection Agency site, but live data will stay down unless funding is restored. Scientists said the data were reliable, allowed for air quality monitoring and helped prompt governments to clean up the air. The fiscal cut is one of many under President Donald Trump, whose administration has been deprioritizing environmental and climate initiatives.
Malaysia is betting on data centers to boost its economy. But experts warn they come at a price.
Johor in Malaysia is being transformed by the construction of giant data centers. The government hopes that the billions in investment as part of a global artificial intelligence boom will help it get rich by modernizing its economy. But experts warn that data centers come at a price: They guzzle land, water and power and offer few direct jobs in return. Some experts say that they're looking to build in warmer countries, despite higher power and water consumption for cooling, because they're less welcome in cooler, richer countries. Others warned of digital colonialism, where rich tech companies get richer but leave little behind.
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