Latest news with #FederalFundsInformationforStates
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
With billions on the line, New NM federal funding legislative subcommittee meets for the first time
New Mexico ranks first among U.S. states for its share of federal dollars, with billions at risk pending Congress' budget decisions (Photos by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom and Danielle Prokop/Source NM) Members of the recently created Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee met for the first time Wednesday for briefings on how federal funding is funneled into New Mexico and how current and future cuts might impact the state The subcommittee formed in response to the loss of funds and threats of cuts from the Trump administration to programs that affect state residents, including Medicaid, federal nutrition programs and programs run by the various state agencies. Lawmakers started with an overall look at where federal funding is allocated throughout the state. New Mexico Department of Finance Secretary Wayne Propst explained to the committee that according to a Federal Funds Information for States report released last week, New Mexico is the top state receiving federal funds. The report is based on data from fiscal year 2023. 'The study confirmed that New Mexico is number one in terms of federal funding coming into the state,' Propst said. 'For every $1 in taxes that we send to the federal government, we receive approximately $3.21 back in New Mexico. That includes those direct payments, but it also includes the funding for our military bases, our national labs and other items.' He said the state's overall budget for Fiscal Year 2026 is $33.16 billion, with 43.5%, $14.44 billion, funded by federal money. The Health Care Authority receives the most federal money — more than $11 million, which makes up about 74% of its annual budget this fiscal year. Propst also noted that if Congress ends up passing the budget bill — which made its way out of the U.S. House of Representatives last week and will now be considered by the Senate — New Mexico will see impacts to Medicaid; a $290 billion reduction in funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; and a reduction in the federal oil and gas royalty rate from 16.67% to 12.5%. NM reps say GOP bill will gut Medicaid and also reduce oil money that could help state save it Eric Chenier, principal analyst for the Legislative Finance Committee, further broke down federal funding by state agencies, including the Early Childhood Education and Care Department, Higher Education Department, Department of Transportation and Department of Health. Chenier noted that as of May, the University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University and New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology reported losing $36 million, $27.2 million and $2.5 million in federal grant revenue respectively. Legislative Education Finance Committee Director John Sena delved into how federal funds are used for public education in New Mexico. He explained that the state is aware of several areas that have lost federal funding, including $12.3 million for Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief, which was awarded to the state during the COVID-19 pandemic; $5.1 million for the Teacher Quality Partnership Program, which funded residency programs and mentoring for 68 people; and $5 million for school-based mental health services, which supported programs in Silver City and the Central Region Educational Cooperative and puts 18 positions at risk. AG Torrez joins lawsuit over federal education funds Sen. Bill Soules (D-Las Cruces), co-chair of the subcommittee, added that he wants to see flexibility from the group as more changes are announced from the Trump administration. 'There are going to be things that come up that we haven't thought about. For instance, we're getting into fire season and lots of the fire response often comes from the federal government. That's somewhat more in question now. Is the state going to be responsible to uphold all of those? That could be a major budget area,' Soules said. 'There also, I think, are areas where already we're seeing some of our small businesses, because of tariffs, are closing down, pulling back, have lower amounts and stuff, which means that's less revenue coming in on the state level as those businesses close or have to lay off workers or things of that sort.' The next subcommittee meeting is scheduled for July 1 and 2 in Santa Fe. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump funding freeze raises uncertainty for universities, states and nonprofits
A White House directive to pause federal grants and loans raised uncertainty and fears among many who depend on federal aid before a judge intervened Tuesday to temporarily block it from taking effect. President Donald Trump's administration said the freeze would not affect federal assistance to individuals, such as Social Security, Medicare, food stamps, student loans and scholarships. But it said a pause is necessary to ensure funding for other programs complies with Trump's executive orders, which aim to reverse progressive policies on transgender rights, environmental justice and diversity, equity and inclusion. A federal judge blocked the directive just minutes before it was to kick in Tuesday. The order placed it on hold until next Monday while legal wrangling continues. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. States on the edge States on average receive about 30% of their revenues from the federal government, according to Federal Funds Information for States, a nonprofit that analyzes the affect of federal actions on states. Although the federal government has rescinded unspent funds in the past, it hasn't normally halted grants on the front-end, said Marcia Howard, executive director of Federal Funds Information for States. The grant pause is perhaps most similar to a federal government shutdown, when a congressional impasse on spending legislation delays federal payments for some state and local services. In most of those circumstances, a couple weeks delay "isn't hugely disruptive,' Howard said. But some state officials are nonetheless anxious. 'If the federal government coughs, Maryland catches pneumonia,' state Senate President Bill Ferguson said Tuesday, while discussing how the grant freeze could affect the state. Higher education faces uncertainty Universities around the country are scrambling to determine how a funding freeze could affect their research programs, students and faculty. University of North Carolina administrators sent a campus email urging patience until decisions can be confirmed directly from federal agencies. 'The messaging is, 'Try not to panic, and sit tight,'' said psychology professor Keely Muscatell. 'But I also think it's a lot easier said than done.' A University of Florida memo obtained by the Associated Press indicates that the university is advising faculty to continue grant-related activities unless they have been specially told that the research has been suspended. But at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., researchers said they were told to stop work on grant-funded projects. If the funding freeze goes forward, scientists may miss deadlines to present and share their work, said researcher Lorna Quandt, who has a grant application pending to fund interpreters to accompany deaf students to an upcoming conference. The Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities said a freeze would "sideline world-leading American scientists who are working toward cures for cancer, developing breakthroughs in AI and quantum computing, driving progress in advanced manufacturing, and supporting American farmers.' Road funding may keep rolling For many highway projects that are partially funded by federal grants, states pay the contractors directly then seek reimbursement from the federal government. There initially was widespread concern among state transportation leaders that states 'would be left holding the bag,' but further clarification from the White House calmed some nerves, said Jim Tymon, executive director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. Although some grants, particularly those awarded at the discretion of the federal government, could still be at risk, Tymon said he is now confident the Trump administration isn't targeting the formula-based grants that states use to set their own transportation priorities and pay for roads. 'We're not as panicked as maybe we had been,' he said. Early childhood providers raise fears Some operators of federally funded Head Start centers, which work with 800,000 kids and low-income families nationwide, initially were concerned that the freeze could mean closing their doors as soon Wednesday. Operators logged on to a website where they typically draw down their federal grants and discovered they no longer had access to the money, which they need to pay their employees and vendors. 'Is it a short-term thing? Is this a glitch? Is it a long-term thing? All of those things, we just really don't know at this point,' said Tommy Sheridan, deputy director of the National Head Start Association. 'That's really adding to the fear and the concern.' Nonprofit groups launch a challenge A coalition of nonprofit groups filed a lawsuit Tuesday against the funding freeze. The nonprofit Democracy Forward, a public interest litigation group, wrote that the White House's memo fails to explain its legal authority "to gut every grant program in the federal government.' The National Science Foundation postponed this week's grant review panels and is pausing the distribution of new or existing awards. The National Crime Victim Law Institute described the Trump administration action as a 'devastating blow' to nonprofits such as the institute. 'These grants are the backbone of critical programs for those in need across this country,' executive director Meg Garvin said. 'Without this funding, nonprofits face the heartbreaking reality of scaling back services, cutting essential programs, and, in some cases, closing their doors entirely." Tribal groups could be affected Tribal nations, 'more so than almost any other community, will be negatively impacted' by a freeze on federal funding, said John Echohawk, executive director of the Native American Rights Fund. He said tribal nations rely on federal funding for public safety, healthcare, education, infrastructure "and the basic needs of our most vulnerable citizens." 'The United States must fulfill its trust obligation to protect Tribal treaty rights, lands, assets, and resources,' he said. Other services could see delays North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein said on X he is 'concerned that freezing federal funding will hurt North Carolinians, especially those recovering' from Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina. Stein, a Democrat, said he is seeking clarity from federal officials and working to ensure people in the storm-affected areas get the support they need. The federal government also supports state programs that fund billions of dollars in drinking water and sewage infrastructure. Money the federal government already sent out could probably be used, but the pause calls into question new spending, said Alan Roberson, executive director of the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators. The Biden administration had stipulated that some of those funds go to disadvantaged communities, a term tied to its environmental justice efforts that the Trump administration has targeted for elimination. The fate of that effort 'is to be determined, and we recognize that,' Roberson said. ___ Associated Press writers Moriah Balingit in Washington, D.C.; Thalia Beaty in New York; Becky Bohrer in Juneau, Alaska; Fernando Figueroa in Austin, Texas; Stephanie Matat in West Palm Beach, Florida; Jeff McMurray in Chicago; Cheyanne Mumphrey in Phoenix; Michael Phillis in St. Louis; Adithi Ramakrishnan in New York; Gary D. Robertson and Makiya Seminera in Raleigh, North Carolina; Adrian Sainz in Memphis, Tennessee; and Brian Witte in Annapolis, Maryland.
The Independent
28-01-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Trump funding freeze raises uncertainty for universities, states and nonprofits
A White House directive to pause federal grants and loans raised uncertainty and fears among many who depend on federal aid before a judge intervened Tuesday to temporarily block it from taking effect. President Donald Trump 's administration said the freeze would not affect federal assistance to individuals, such as Social Security, Medicare, food stamps, student loans and scholarships. But it said a pause is necessary to ensure funding for other programs complies with Trump's executive orders, which aim to reverse progressive policies on transgender rights, environmental justice and diversity, equity and inclusion. A federal judge blocked the directive just minutes before it was to kick in Tuesday. The order placed it on hold until next Monday while legal wrangling continues. States on the edge States on average receive about 30% of their revenues from the federal government, according to Federal Funds Information for States, a nonprofit that analyzes the affect of federal actions on states. Although the federal government has rescinded unspent funds in the past, it hasn't normally halted grants on the front-end, said Marcia Howard, executive director of Federal Funds Information for States. The grant pause is perhaps most similar to a federal government shutdown, when a congressional impasse on spending legislation delays federal payments for some state and local services. In most of those circumstances, a couple weeks delay "isn't hugely disruptive,' Howard said. But some state officials are nonetheless anxious. 'If the federal government coughs, Maryland catches pneumonia,' state Senate President Bill Ferguson said Tuesday, while discussing how the grant freeze could affect the state. Higher education faces uncertainty Universities around the country are scrambling to determine how a funding freeze could affect their research programs, students and faculty. University of North Carolina administrators sent a campus email urging patience until decisions can be confirmed directly from federal agencies. 'The messaging is, 'Try not to panic, and sit tight,'' said psychology professor Keely Muscatell. 'But I also think it's a lot easier said than done.' A University of Florida memo obtained by the Associated Press indicates that the university is advising faculty to continue grant-related activities unless they have been specially told that the research has been suspended. But at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., researchers said they were told to stop work on grant-funded projects. If the funding freeze goes forward, scientists may miss deadlines to present and share their work, said researcher Lorna Quandt, who has a grant application pending to fund interpreters to accompany deaf students to an upcoming conference. The Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities said a freeze would "sideline world-leading American scientists who are working toward cures for cancer, developing breakthroughs in AI and quantum computing, driving progress in advanced manufacturing, and supporting American farmers.' Road funding may keep rolling For many highway projects that are partially funded by federal grants, states pay the contractors directly then seek reimbursement from the federal government. There initially was widespread concern among state transportation leaders that states 'would be left holding the bag,' but further clarification from the White House calmed some nerves, said Jim Tymon, executive director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. Although some grants, particularly those awarded at the discretion of the federal government, could still be at risk, Tymon said he is now confident the Trump administration isn't targeting the formula-based grants that states use to set their own transportation priorities and pay for roads. 'We're not as panicked as maybe we had been,' he said. Early childhood providers raise fears Some operators of federally funded Head Start centers, which work with 800,000 kids and low-income families nationwide, initially were concerned that the freeze could mean closing their doors as soon Wednesday. Operators logged on to a website where they typically draw down their federal grants and discovered they no longer had access to the money, which they need to pay their employees and vendors. 'Is it a short-term thing? Is this a glitch? Is it a long-term thing? All of those things, we just really don't know at this point,' said Tommy Sheridan, deputy director of the National Head Start Association. 'That's really adding to the fear and the concern.' Nonprofit groups launch a challenge A coalition of nonprofit groups filed a lawsuit Tuesday against the funding freeze. The nonprofit Democracy Forward, a public interest litigation group, wrote that the White House's memo fails to explain its legal authority "to gut every grant program in the federal government.' The National Science Foundation postponed this week's grant review panels and is pausing the distribution of new or existing awards. The National Crime Victim Law Institute described the Trump administration action as a 'devastating blow' to nonprofits such as the institute. 'These grants are the backbone of critical programs for those in need across this country,' executive director Meg Garvin said. 'Without this funding, nonprofits face the heartbreaking reality of scaling back services, cutting essential programs, and, in some cases, closing their doors entirely." Tribal groups could be affected Tribal nations, 'more so than almost any other community, will be negatively impacted' by a freeze on federal funding, said John Echohawk, executive director of the Native American Rights Fund. He said tribal nations rely on federal funding for public safety, healthcare, education, infrastructure "and the basic needs of our most vulnerable citizens." 'The United States must fulfill its trust obligation to protect Tribal treaty rights, lands, assets, and resources,' he said. Other services could see delays North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein said on X he is 'concerned that freezing federal funding will hurt North Carolinians, especially those recovering' from Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina. Stein, a Democrat, said he is seeking clarity from federal officials and working to ensure people in the storm-affected areas get the support they need. The federal government also supports state programs that fund billions of dollars in drinking water and sewage infrastructure. Money the federal government already sent out could probably be used, but the pause calls into question new spending, said Alan Roberson, executive director of the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators. The Biden administration had stipulated that some of those funds go to disadvantaged communities, a term tied to its environmental justice efforts that the Trump administration has targeted for elimination. The fate of that effort 'is to be determined, and we recognize that,' Roberson said. ___ Associated Press writers Moriah Balingit in Washington, D.C.; Thalia Beaty in New York; Becky Bohrer in Juneau, Alaska; Fernando Figueroa in Austin, Texas; Stephanie Matat in West Palm Beach, Florida; Jeff McMurray in Chicago; Cheyanne Mumphrey in Phoenix; Michael Phillis in St. Louis; Adithi Ramakrishnan in New York; Gary D. Robertson and Makiya Seminera in Raleigh, North Carolina; Adrian Sainz in Memphis, Tennessee; and Brian Witte in Annapolis, Maryland.
Associated Press
28-01-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Trump funding freeze raises uncertainty for universities, states and nonprofits
A White House directive to pause federal grants and loans raised uncertainty and fears among many who depend on federal aid before a judge intervened Tuesday to temporarily block it from taking effect. President Donald Trump's administration said the freeze would not affect federal assistance to individuals, such as Social Security, Medicare, food stamps, student loans and scholarships. But it said a pause is necessary to ensure funding for other programs complies with Trump's executive orders, which aim to reverse progressive policies on transgender rights, environmental justice and diversity, equity and inclusion. A federal judge blocked the directive just minutes before it was to kick in Tuesday. The order placed it on hold until next Monday while legal wrangling continues. States on the edge States on average receive about 30% of their revenues from the federal government, according to Federal Funds Information for States, a nonprofit that analyzes the affect of federal actions on states. Although the federal government has rescinded unspent funds in the past, it hasn't normally halted grants on the front-end, said Marcia Howard, executive director of Federal Funds Information for States. The grant pause is perhaps most similar to a federal government shutdown, when a congressional impasse on spending legislation delays federal payments for some state and local services. In most of those circumstances, a couple weeks delay 'isn't hugely disruptive,' Howard said. But some state officials are nonetheless anxious. 'If the federal government coughs, Maryland catches pneumonia,' state Senate President Bill Ferguson said Tuesday, while discussing how the grant freeze could affect the state. Higher education faces uncertainty Universities around the country are scrambling to determine how a funding freeze could affect their research programs, students and faculty. University of North Carolina administrators sent a campus email urging patience until decisions can be confirmed directly from federal agencies. 'The messaging is, 'Try not to panic, and sit tight,'' said psychology professor Keely Muscatell. 'But I also think it's a lot easier said than done.' A University of Florida memo obtained by the Associated Press indicates that the university is advising faculty to continue grant-related activities unless they have been specially told that the research has been suspended. But at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., researchers said they were told to stop work on grant-funded projects. If the funding freeze goes forward, scientists may miss deadlines to present and share their work, said researcher Lorna Quandt, who has a grant application pending to fund interpreters to accompany deaf students to an upcoming conference. The Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities said a freeze would 'sideline world-leading American scientists who are working toward cures for cancer, developing breakthroughs in AI and quantum computing, driving progress in advanced manufacturing, and supporting American farmers.' Road funding may keep rolling For many highway projects that are partially funded by federal grants, states pay the contractors directly then seek reimbursement from the federal government. There initially was widespread concern among state transportation leaders that states 'would be left holding the bag,' but further clarification from the White House calmed some nerves, said Jim Tymon, executive director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. Although some grants, particularly those awarded at the discretion of the federal government, could still be at risk, Tymon said he is now confident the Trump administration isn't targeting the formula-based grants that states use to set their own transportation priorities and pay for roads. 'We're not as panicked as maybe we had been,' he said. Early childhood providers raise fears Some operators of federally funded Head Start centers, which work with 800,000 kids and low-income families nationwide, initially were concerned that the freeze could mean closing their doors as soon Wednesday. Operators logged on to a website where they typically draw down their federal grants and discovered they no longer had access to the money, which they need to pay their employees and vendors. 'Is it a short-term thing? Is this a glitch? Is it a long-term thing? All of those things, we just really don't know at this point,' said Tommy Sheridan, deputy director of the National Head Start Association. 'That's really adding to the fear and the concern.' Nonprofit groups launch a challenge A coalition of nonprofit groups filed a lawsuit Tuesday against the funding freeze. The nonprofit Democracy Forward, a public interest litigation group, wrote that the White House's memo fails to explain its legal authority 'to gut every grant program in the federal government.' The National Science Foundation postponed this week's grant review panels and is pausing the distribution of new or existing awards. The National Crime Victim Law Institute described the Trump administration action as a 'devastating blow' to nonprofits such as the institute. 'These grants are the backbone of critical programs for those in need across this country,' executive director Meg Garvin said. 'Without this funding, nonprofits face the heartbreaking reality of scaling back services, cutting essential programs, and, in some cases, closing their doors entirely.' Tribal groups could be affected Tribal nations, 'more so than almost any other community, will be negatively impacted' by a freeze on federal funding, said John Echohawk, executive director of the Native American Rights Fund. He said tribal nations rely on federal funding for public safety, healthcare, education, infrastructure 'and the basic needs of our most vulnerable citizens.' 'The United States must fulfill its trust obligation to protect Tribal treaty rights, lands, assets, and resources,' he said. Other services could see delays North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein said on X he is 'concerned that freezing federal funding will hurt North Carolinians, especially those recovering' from Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina. Stein, a Democrat, said he is seeking clarity from federal officials and working to ensure people in the storm-affected areas get the support they need. The federal government also supports state programs that fund billions of dollars in drinking water and sewage infrastructure. Money the federal government already sent out could probably be used, but the pause calls into question new spending, said Alan Roberson, executive director of the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators. The Biden administration had stipulated that some of those funds go to disadvantaged communities, a term tied to its environmental justice efforts that the Trump administration has targeted for elimination. The fate of that effort 'is to be determined, and we recognize that,' Roberson said. ___ Associated Press writers Moriah Balingit in Washington, D.C.; Thalia Beaty in New York; Becky Bohrer in Juneau, Alaska; Fernando Figueroa in Austin, Texas; Stephanie Matat in West Palm Beach, Florida; Jeff McMurray in Chicago; Cheyanne Mumphrey in Phoenix; Michael Phillis in St. Louis; Adithi Ramakrishnan in New York; Gary D. Robertson and Makiya Seminera in Raleigh, North Carolina; Adrian Sainz in Memphis, Tennessee; and Brian Witte in Annapolis, Maryland.
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The Latest: White House to pause federal grants and loans starting on Tuesday
The White House i s pausing federal grants and loans starting on Tuesday as President Donald Trump's administration begins an across-the-board ideological review of its spending. Here's the latest: The White House memo on federal aid came as a shock to some 'We've never seen anything like this,' said Marcia Howard, executive director of Federal Funds Information for States, a nonprofit that analyzes the effect of federal actions on states. 'It is unprecedented.' Although the federal government has rescinded unspent funds in the past, it hasn't normally halted grants on the front-end, she said. The grant pause is perhaps most similar to a federal government shutdown, when a congressional impasse on spending legislation delays federal payments for some state and local services. 'What we generally have observed with states under those circumstances is that a couple of weeks isn't hugely disruptive,' Howard said. States on average receive about 30% of their revenues from the federal government, according to Federal Funds Information for States. The largest grant program is Medicaid, which provides health care for lower-income children and adults. But it's unclear whether the Trump administration's pause will interrupt the flow of Medicaid reimbursement funds to states. The pause is the latest example Trump harnessing his power to advance his conservative goals Washington is a hub of spending that flows to various departments, local governments, nonprofits and contractors, and the memo has left countless people who are dependent on that money wondering how they'll be affected. Unlike during his first term, when Trump and many members of his inner circle were unfamiliar with Washington, this time he's reaching deep into the bureaucracy. 'They are pushing the president's agenda from the bottom up,' said Paul Light, an expert on the federal government and professor emeritus of public service at New York University. He also said there are risks in Trump's approach, especially with so many voters reliant on Washington. 'You can't just hassle, hassle, hassle. You've got to deliver.' Immigrant and refugee advocates were cut off even before Monday's funding pause Last week, the Justice Department halted contracts to provide legal information to people facing deportation in immigration court. Government-funded nonprofit groups were told in an email 'to stop work immediately' on helping people navigate the system's complex laws and procedures. 'We often hear that people don't know what's happening. Why are they detained? What's going to happen next? And we are being stopped from even giving that basic level of orientation,' said Michael Lukens, executive director of Amica Center for Immigrant Rights. The State Department told groups that give temporary housing and job training to resettled refugees to stop work immediately on government-funded efforts. Global Refuge said it affected 5,870 refugees under its watch. 'Recently arrived refugees who fled unimaginable danger and lawfully came to the U.S. rely on the initial assistance of Global Refuge to help them navigate life in America,' Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, the group's president, wrote in a fund-raising pitch Monday. State official awaiting guidance on effect of memo pausing federal loans and grants In Kansas, state Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed said he learned of the Trump administration's move Monday night and that the agency is still reviewing it and awaiting more guidance from federal officials. Federal funds are a key source of money for highway and bridge projects, and the department expects to receive $664 million in federal funds during the 12 months beginning July 1, almost 40% of its annual budget of nearly $1.7 billion. 'We think it's a low risk for our typical everyday highway projects,' he said Tuesday, before briefing a legislative committee on his department's operations. 'The target seems to be some of the initiatives that the Trump administration has said publicly that they want to change, things like DEI, electric vehicle infrastructure.' Democrats and independent organizations criticize the administration for federal grant pause They described the administration's actions as capricious and illegal because Congress had already authorized the funding. 'More lawlessness and chaos in America as Donald Trump's Administration blatantly disobeys the law by holding up virtually all vital funds that support programs in every community across the country,' said a statement from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York. 'If this continues, the American people will pay an awful price.' Medicare and Social Security benefits won't be affected by the pause in federal grants and loans That's according to the memo on the pause from Matthew Vaeth, the acting director of the Office of Management and Budget. But there was no explanation of whether the pause would affect Medicaid, food stamps, disaster assistance and other programs. The memo said it should be implemented 'to the extent permissible under applicable law.' Pentagon directed by Trump to begin developing the capability to shoot down missiles from space For years, the U.S. has cautioned that China, Russia and others were weaponizing space. It has at times declassified information about both countries' efforts to create offensive weapons to disable critical U.S. satellites, including the capability to move satellites from orbit, temporarily blind them or potentially even destroy them. The U.S. Space Force is building a low-orbit ring of redundant satellites that can more quickly track and detect potential missile launches. But establishing a way to shoot missiles down from space is something the U.S. hasn't pursued since President Ronald Reagan announced the Strategic Defense Initiative — 'Star Wars' as it was commonly known — in the 1980s. The system was never developed due to cost and technological limitations. Trump is pausing federal loans and grants as his administration reviews spending The decision by the Republican administration could affect trillions of dollars and cause widespread disruption in health care research, education programs and other initiatives. Even grants that have been awarded but not spent are supposed to be halted. 'The use of Federal resources to advance Marxist equity, transgenderism, and green new deal social engineering policies is a waste of taxpayer dollars that does not improve the day-to-day lives of those we serve,' said a memo from Matthew Vaeth, the acting director of the Office of Management and Budget. The pause takes effect Tuesday at 5 p.m. ET, and it's unclear from the memo how sweeping it will be. Vaeth said all spending must comply with Trump's executive orders, which are intended to undo progressive steps on transgender rights, environmental justice and diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, efforts. ▶ Read more about the pause on federal grants and loans Google to change map names for Gulf of Mexico and Denali when the US updates them After taking office, President Donald Trump ordered that the water bordered by the Southern United States, Mexico and Cuba be renamed to the Gulf of America. He also ordered America's highest mountain peak be changed back to Mt. McKinley. 'We have a longstanding practice of applying name changes when they have been updated in official government sources,' Google said in a post on X. The company said Maps will reflect any updates to the Geographic Names Information System, a database of more than 1 million geographic features in the United States. 'When that happens, we will update Google Maps in the U.S. quickly to show Mount McKinley and Gulf of America,' Google said. ▶ Read more about the name changes on Google Maps Karoline Leavitt, the new White House press secretary, will hold her first briefing Tuesday Although Leavitt recently took questions from reporters aboard Air Force One, she hasn't used the briefing room until Tuesday's briefing, which is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. During President Donald Trump's first term, it was the site of clashes between the administration and journalists. It also went unused for long stretches of time. Trump's third press secretary, Stephanie Grisham, never held a briefing. It's unclear how frequently Leavitt, the youngest press secretary at 27, plans to speak from the podium, a role that will make her among the most recognizable members of Trump's administration. US places dozens of senior aid officials on leave, citing possible resistance to Trump orders At least 56 senior officials in the top U.S. aid and development agency were placed on leave Monday amid an investigation into an alleged effort to thwart President Donald Trump's orders. A current official and a former official at the U.S. Agency for International Development confirmed the reason given for the move Monday. Both spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal. Several hundred contractors based in Washington and elsewhere also were laid off, the officials said. It follows Trump's executive order last week that directed a sweeping 90-day pause on most U.S. foreign assistance disbursed through the State Department. As a result of the freeze, thousands of U.S.-funded humanitarian, development and security programs worldwide had stopped work or were preparing to do so. Without funds to pay staff, aid organizations were laying off hundreds of employees. ▶ Read more about the dozens of senior aid officials being put on leave Netanyahu hopes to meet Trump in Washington as soon as next week, US officials say Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is hoping to meet with President Donald Trump in Washington as early as next week, according to two U.S. officials familiar with preliminary planning for the trip. Should the trip come together in that timeframe, Netanyahu could be the first foreign leader to meet with Trump at the White House since his inauguration last week. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the planning remains tentative, said details could be arranged when Trump's special Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, travels to Israel this week for talks with Netanyahu and other Israeli officials. Trump teased the upcoming visit in a conversation with reporters aboard Air Force One, but didn't provide scheduling details. 'I'm going to be speaking with Bibi Netanyahu in the not too distant future,' he said. Netanyahu's plans were first reported by Axios. Netanyahu's spokesman, Omer Dostri, said Monday on the social platform X that the Israeli leader has not yet received an official invitation to the White House. An Israeli official, however, said Netanyahu is expected to go to the White House in February but did not have a date. That official spoke on condition of anonymity pending an official announcement. ▶ Read more about Netanyahu and Trump's potential meeting Trump's tariff threat worked on Colombia, but his plans for Canada and Mexico carry higher stakes Having already forced Colombia to accept deportees by threatening a 25% tariff, President Donald Trump is readying the same move against Canada and Mexico as soon as Saturday. But this time, the stakes are higher and many economists surveying the possible damage doubt Trump would be comfortable with what they say would be self-inflicted wounds from the tariffs. Trump has repeatedly insisted that tariffs are coming on Canada and Mexico, despite both countries seeking to address his stated concerns about illegal border crossings and the smuggling of fentanyl. But the Republican president is also motivated by the idea that tariffs would force other countries to 'respect' the United States. 'We're going to immediately install massive tariffs,' Trump said in a Monday speech, adding, 'Colombia is traditionally a very, very strong-willed country,' but it backed down rather than face import taxes. ▶ Read more about Trump's tariff plans for Mexico and Canada The Associated Press
