Politics

Senate Democrats blocked a bill that mandates medical care to babies surviving abortions.

President Donald Trump will embark on his first official trip of his second term on Friday, focusing on areas impacted by natural disasters in North Carolina and California. The visit will include meetings with victims of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina and those affected by devastating wildfires in California, as he emphasizes the need for better disaster preparedness and response.

The U.S. Catholic bishops have reaffirmed their commitment to fighting abortion, calling it the "pre-eminent priority" for Catholic voters and a fundamental issue of justice. As part of their 9 Days for Life campaign, the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities emphasized that protecting human life is the first duty of law, declaring abortion a direct attack on life that destroys over a million lives annually in the United States.

Reports of impending U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids under President Donald Trump have caused widespread fear among illegal aliens, leading to a significant drop in foot traffic in Chicago's Little Village neighborhood. Known as the "Mexico of the Midwest," the area’s shops and taquerias have seen sales plummet as residents stay indoors to avoid potential encounters with ICE agents.

Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) called for government agencies to resist President Donald Trump’s executive order eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) mandates in federal institutions. Speaking on MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell Reports on Wednesday, Durbin argued that promoting diversity is essential to the country’s strength and urged agencies, corporations, and universities to continue implementing DEI initiatives despite Trump’s directive.

The U.K. and Ireland are preparing for the arrival of Storm Éowyn, one of the most severe storms in recent decades. Forecasters have issued rare red warnings for wind, indicating a "danger to life" as gusts are expected to reach up to 100 mph (161 kph). The storm is set to make landfall on Ireland's west coast early Friday before sweeping northeast to Scotland and affecting much of the U.K.

Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) highlighted his America First Act during a Senate Budget Committee meeting on Wednesday, reiterating its goal of banning illegal immigrants from accessing welfare and other federal benefits. Originally introduced in December 2024, the legislation seeks to block billions of taxpayer dollars from being used to support individuals paroled into the United States through questionable asylum claims.

Former President Donald Trump signed an executive order rescinding President Lyndon B. Johnson's Executive Order 11246, which mandated affirmative action in federal government contracting. The new policy eliminates diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) requirements in the federal workforce and contracting, shifting the focus to a merit-based system. The administration noted this change as a commitment to rewarding individual skills, performance, and hard work over identity-based hiring quotas.

A Georgia bill that ties property assessments to the rate of inflation is facing pushback from local government entities opting out of the measure. Approved by 63% of voters in November 2024, the bill aims to cap property tax increases, but some officials argue the restrictions could hinder their ability to fund essential services.

Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde made headlines after addressing President Donald Trump at a National Prayer Service this week, urging him to show “mercy” toward the LGBT community and immigrants. The remarks, made in the presence of Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and their spouses, have drawn sharp reactions, including a public rebuke from the former president.