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In the News

President backs off criticism of Fed chair

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Tuesday he has "no intention of firing" Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, days after his statement that he would like to terminate the head of the U.S. central bank caused a stock market selloff.

The U.S. president, frustrated by the Fed pausing cuts to short-term interest rates, previously said he could fire Powell if he wanted to.

Trump's comment frightened investors because the Fed is supposed to act independently, without pressure from politicians, so it can make decisions that may be painful in the short term but best for the long term. Markets saw heavy losses Monday but rallied after Trump backed off his criticism of the Fed.

TARIFFS: A dozen states sued the Trump administration Wednesday in the U.S. Court of International Trade in New York, saying its tariff policy is unlawful and brought chaos to the U.S. economy. The suit asks the court to block the government from enforcing the tariffs.

UNIVERSITIES: President Donald Trump ordered sharper scrutiny of America's colleges and the accreditors that oversee them Wednesday, part of his escalating campaign to end what he calls " wokeness " and diversity efforts in education.

SCHOOLS: A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration's guidance forbidding diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in K-12 public schools Thursday in a lawsuit brought by the National Education Association and the American Civil Liberties Union.

In the News

Russia barrages Kyiv with deadly airstrikes

KYIV, Ukraine — Russia pounded Kyiv with an hourslong barrage of missiles and drones Thursday, a day after U.S. President Donald Trump blamed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for prolonging the war.

At least 12 people were killed in the deadliest assault on the Ukrainian capital since July just as peace efforts were coming to a head. The strikes hit at least five neighborhoods and heavily damaged residential buildings. About 90 people were wounded. Zelenskyy cut short his official trip to South Africa to return home.

Trump, long reluctant to criticize the Kremlin, implored Russian President Vladimir Putin. "Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP!" Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social.

STATE DEPARTMENT: Secretary of State Marco Rubio unveiled an overhaul of the State Department on Tuesday, with plans to reduce staff in the U.S. by 15% while closing and consolidating more than 100 bureaus worldwide.

HEGSETH: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended himself Tuesday against a second assertion that he shared classified airstrike material from a military communications channel in a chat with his wife, his brother and others on an unapproved and unsecured network.

TOURISTS ATTACKED: India blamed Pakistan for a militant attack Tuesday that killed 26 people in Indian-held Kashmir, downgrading diplomatic ties and suspending a crucial water-sharing treaty that withstood two wars between the nuclear-armed rivals.

— Associated Press

Big number

$28 trillion

The amount in climate damage the world's biggest corporations caused, according to a study published Wednesday as part of an effort to make it easier to hold companies financially accountable.

He said …

You did not divide this city, you strengthened it. You did not silence its voice, you made it louder. You did not instill fear, you inspired unity. El Paso rose, stronger and braver."

— State District Judge Sam Medrano to Patrick Crusius, 26, who pleaded guilty to capital murder Monday for killing 23 people in a 2019 racist attack at a Walmart in Texas The Water Cooler

MARATHON: Sharon Lokedi broke the Boston Marathon course record, and fellow Kenyan John Korir joined his brother as a race champion Monday. Korir finished the 26.2 miles in 2:04:45 — the second-fastest winning time in race history. He and his older brother, 2012 Boston winner Wesley Korir, are the first relatives of any kind to win the world's oldest annual marathon.

WEBBY AWARDS: The International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences announced Tuesday that Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Travis Kelce and Simone Biles all won honors at the Webby Awards, which recognize the best internet content and creators. The 29th annual ceremony will take place at Cipriani Wall Street in New York on May 12.

STEVE MCMICHAEL (1957-2025): A star defensive tackle on the Chicago Bears' famed 1985 Super Bowl championship team, Steve McMichael, 67, died Wednesday following a battle with ALS, his publicist said. He had a larger-than-life personality that made him a fixture in the Windy City for decades and a natural for professional wrestling. He was a two-time All-Pro and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024.

OSCARS RULE: The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences announced Monday that members now will be required to watch all nominated films in each category to be eligible to vote in the final round of Oscar voting. Up until now, Oscar voters were encouraged to watch the nominees and vote in categories they felt qualified in.

POPE FRANCIS DIES AT AGE 88