2025-01-29 22:07:45.091

President Trump's budget office rescinded a memo that had frozen spending on federal loans and grants. The memo, issued Monday, caused widespread confusion and legal challenges. Administration officials said the pause was to review spending alignment with Trump's executive orders on climate change and diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. The reversal highlights the limits of Trump's plans to reshape the government, even with unified control of Washington. While the administration claimed the action underscored agencies' obligations to abide by Trump's executive orders, the move caught Congress off guard, particularly Republican allies. The initial memo generated significant political heat, with concerns raised by both red and blue states. A federal judge temporarily blocked the freeze following lawsuits from nonprofit groups and Democratic state attorneys general. The memo's questions included whether programs promoted gender ideology or supported abortion. Even temporary interruptions caused worry for organizations like Meals on Wheels. While the administration stated that programs providing direct assistance to Americans would not be affected, they struggled to clarify exemptions, initially causing confusion about Medicaid's status. Democrats celebrated the memo's rescinding, highlighting the public outcry and pressure that led to the reversal.

2025-01-27 00:07:58.99

Residents of Oyster Bay Cove, a wealthy Long Island community, are protesting plans to build a 28-unit apartment complex on an 11-acre plot. The complex, intended for postdoctoral students at the nearby Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, is opposed by a group called Save Oyster Bay Cove, who argue it threatens the area's character and exclusivity. Concerns include increased traffic, safety issues, and strain on infrastructure. The group's president, Evelyn Ain, points out the absence of multi-family housing in the area and the presence of celebrities and billionaires among residents. Mayor Charles Goulding defends the plan, emphasizing that it utilizes existing buildings and maintains the historical character of the site, which previously housed a girls' school. The local zoning board will consider the plan next month.

2025-01-26 06:03:44.216

Timothée Chalamet returned to "Saturday Night Live" for his third time as host and musical guest. His monologue included jokes about his lack of awards wins, his facial hair, and a humorous acceptance speech rehearsal that ended with Kenan Thompson winning a fake award. Chalamet also teased his musical performances, promising to sing lesser-known but personal favorites of Bob Dylan. He performed parts of "Three Angels" and "Outlaw Blues," and later, "Tomorrow is a Long Time."