New York Legalizes Medical Aid in Dying for Terminally Ill Patients 
UAE Plans Temporary Housing Complex for Displaced Palestinians in Southern Gaza 
Iran–U.S. Nuclear Talks in Oman Face Major Hurdles Amid Rising Regional Tensions 
Newly Released DOJ Epstein Files Expose High-Profile Connections Across Politics and Business 
Pentagon Ends Military Education Programs With Harvard University 
U.S. Announces Additional $6 Million in Humanitarian Aid to Cuba Amid Oil Sanctions and Fuel Shortages 
TrumpRx.gov Highlights GLP-1 Drug Discounts but Offers Limited Savings for Most Americans 
Nighttime Shelling Causes Serious Damage in Russia’s Belgorod Region Near Ukraine Border 
U.S. Sanctions on Russia Could Expand as Ukraine Peace Talks Continue, Says Treasury Secretary Bessent 
Missouri Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Challenging Starbucks’ Diversity and Inclusion Policies 
Ohio Man Indicted for Alleged Threat Against Vice President JD Vance, Faces Additional Federal Charges 
Trump Allows Commercial Fishing in Protected New England Waters 
U.S. to Begin Paying UN Dues as Financial Crisis Spurs Push for Reforms 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
China Warns US Arms Sales to Taiwan Could Disrupt Trump’s Planned Visit 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Marco Rubio Steps Down as Acting U.S. Archivist Amid Federal Law Limits 
The U.S. Senate has confirmed about half of President Donald Trump’s cabinet picks, shaping his administration’s key policies.
Pete Hegseth, a military veteran and former Fox News commentator, was confirmed as Defense Secretary with Vice President JD Vance’s tie-breaking vote. He has criticized Pentagon leadership and reversed his stance on women in combat. Pam Bondi, former Florida Attorney General, secured confirmation as Attorney General, emphasizing law enforcement while dodging questions about prosecuting Trump’s adversaries.
Marco Rubio, now Secretary of State, was unanimously confirmed, balancing Trump’s non-interventionist stance with his hawkish foreign policy approach. John Ratcliffe, former Director of National Intelligence, now leads the CIA, having previously been criticized for politicizing intelligence.
Sean Duffy, Transportation Secretary, oversees infrastructure and transportation policies, while Chris Wright, Energy Secretary, champions fossil fuel expansion. Russ Vought, a key figure in Trump’s government overhaul plan, awaits confirmation as Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
Doug Burgum was confirmed as Interior Secretary and National Energy Council chair, prioritizing energy production on public lands. Lee Zeldin, confirmed as EPA Administrator, pledges regulatory rollbacks to boost oil and gas production.
Other confirmed cabinet members include Doug Collins (Veterans Affairs), Kristi Noem (Homeland Security), and Scott Bessent (Treasury). Awaiting confirmation are Tulsi Gabbard (DNI), Lori Chavez-DeRemer (Labor), and Kash Patel (FBI Director), among others.
Elon Musk, appointed to lead a new government efficiency initiative, will advise on reducing bureaucracy, though without formal authority. Tom Homan, serving as “border czar,” is ramping up immigration enforcement. Susie Wiles, Trump’s campaign strategist, now serves as Chief of Staff, aiming to bring stability to the administration.
With key confirmations in place, Trump’s cabinet is set to drive his second-term agenda.
