What is the U.S. Institute of Peace and why is Trump trying to shut it down? Founded during the Cold War to project American soft power and foreign policy expertise, the federally-funded nonprofit think tank is now in the White House's crosshairs Emily Feng
Vice President Vance has a new gig: fundraising for the Republican National Committee Vance will be the first sitting vice president to serve as party finance chairman, according to the RNC. The move places a top Trump ally within the party's campaign wing ahead of the 2026 midterms. Elena Moore
Federal judge rules Trump's USAID shutdown likely violated the Constitution A federal judge has found that the Trump administration likely violated the Constitution when it effectively shuttered the U.S. Agency for International Development. Benjamin Swasey
Firing federal employees was swift. Unwinding the terminations is proving complicated Two federal judges have ordered the Trump administration to reinstate thousands of probationary employees it illegally fired. Agencies report they are doing so but placing most of them on paid leave. Andrea Hsu
Tensions mount as DOJ gives sworn response to judge's questions about deportations Trump administration lawyers defended the weekend flights that deported hundreds of alleged Venezuelan gang members despite a federal judge's order to turn the planes around. Joel Rose
Trump and Putin agree to start talks for a ceasefire in Ukraine President Trump has said he wants to broker an end to Russia's war in Ukraine. This was his second call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the issue. Charles Maynes
Does the U.S. deserve the Statue of Liberty? Not anymore, one French politician says A French politician suggested the two countries no longer share the values that inspired the gift more than a century ago. The White House sharply rejected his request, which he described as symbolic. Rachel Treisman
2 NASA astronauts return to Earth after an unexpectedly long mission in space NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore were on the International Space Station more than nine months, despite launching into space in June for what was expected to be an eight-day mission. Joe Hernandez
A cell pulls off one of the 'Holy Grails' of biotechnology A new part of an ocean plant cell has been discovered that might revolutionize farming one day. The structure can take nitrogen and convert it into the ingredient that helps all organisms grow. Ari Daniel
4 things to know about the Alien Enemies Act and Trump's efforts to use it President Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 against Tren de Aragua members, provoking a legal fight. Here's what to know about the controversial law, which was last used during World War II. Rachel Treisman
