Joe Biden speaks with relatives of Americans held by Taliban, but deal to bring them home still elusive – Chicago Tribune

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) will wind down operations after losing federal funding due to actions by the Trump administration, including an executive order and congressional decisions. CPB President Patricia Harrison announced that most staff positions will end by September 30, 2025, warning that defunding public media, crucial for emergency alerts, could significantly impact rural communities. Want More Context? 🔎

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is launching a recruitment drive to add 10,000 personnel, offering up to $50,000 in bonuses and student loan assistance to fill roles like deportation officers and attorneys, amid a goal to ramp up deportations to one million annually. The recruitment is funded by a $165 billion allocation from President Trump's tax and spending bill, which significantly increases ICE's budget. Want More Context? 🔎

Marian Griffin, 80, and her long-lost brother Donald Hefke, 81, reunited after being separated in foster care shortly after their births in 1946. Their reunion, facilitated by Hefke's daughter Denise Baker through DNA research, marks an extraordinary 80-year journey of searching for one another, emphasizing the importance of not giving up on family connections. Want More Context? 🔎

Washington — Donald Trump promised during his campaign that his administration would ensure in vitro fertilization (IVF) coverage for all women and couples, but after signing an executive order in February 2025, advocates are concerned about the lack of progress on this commitment. While public support for IVF remains high, with 86% of Americans in favor, significant out-of-pocket costs and state insurance coverage gaps continue to hinder access to treatment. Want More Context? 🔎

United States kindergarten vaccination rates declined during the 2024-2025 school year, with 92.1% receiving the DTaP vaccine and 92.5% for MMR and polio, while exemptions reached an all-time high of 3.6%. Experts warn that these trends contribute to increased risks of outbreaks, such as the recent measles surge, particularly among unvaccinated children. Want More Context? 🔎

The US-Canada trade war has intensified as President Trump raised tariffs on Canadian imports from 25% to 35%, affecting key products like appliances, cars, and groceries, leading to rising prices for Canadians. Canada has implemented counter-tariffs on American goods, causing costs for certain items, including clothing and housing materials, to increase, impacting everyday consumers. Want More Context? 🔎