InsiderWire Staff

President Trump told British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to &quot;be more like King Charles&quot; and reverse &quot;tragic mistakes&quot; on open borders after the monarch's four-day state visit concluded Wednesday at Arlington National Cemetery.Trump praised the King and Queen Camilla as they departed Joint Base Andrews for Bermuda, telling nearby cameras &quot;we need more people like that in our country.&quot; The royal couple laid wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during their final day, with King Charles wearing his Royal Navy regimental tie and military decorations from his service as a helicopter pilot and captain of HMS Bronington.The visit produced immediate economic benefits for Britain. Trump announced on Truth Social he would remove tariffs on Scottish whisky &quot;in Honor of the King and Queen,&quot; calling it &quot;a wonderful Honor to have them both in the U.S.A.&quot; The tariff elimination represents a major win for UK exports that previous negotiations failed to achieve.&quot;The King and Queen got me to do something that nobody else was able to do, without hardly even asking!&quot; Trump wrote after the royal departure. The whisky tariffs had been a longstanding trade irritant between the two allies.When asked by Sky News about advice for the struggling Labour Prime Minister, Trump drew a sharp contrast between the constitutional monarch and the elected politician. Starmer faces mounting pressure over immigration policies that have seen record numbers of illegal crossings across the English Channel, with his approval ratings plummeting since taking office last year.The behind-closed-doors bilateral talks between Trump and King Charles remained officially apolitical, given the monarch's constitutional role as head of state rather than government. However, the successful tariff negotiations demonstrate the King's diplomatic effectiveness in advancing British interests without public controversy.The four-day state visit included stops at Shenandoah National Park and multiple White House meetings. As head of the British armed forces and Commonwealth realms including Canada and Australia, King Charles maintains significant soft power in advancing UK strategic interests globally.Trump's pointed comparison highlights the political contrast between the popular monarch's steady leadership style and Starmer's divisive approach to border security. The message signals Trump expects stronger action from Britain's government on immigration enforcement to maintain the special relationship between the two nations.

President Trump told British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to "be more like King Charles" and reverse "tragic mistakes" on open borders after the monarch's four-day state visit concluded Wednesday at Arlington National Cemetery.

Trump praised the King and Queen Camilla as they departed Joint Base Andrews for Bermuda, telling nearby cameras "we need more people like that in our country." The royal couple laid wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during their final day, with King Charles wearing his Royal Navy regimental tie and military decorations from his service as a helicopter pilot and captain of HMS Bronington.

The visit produced immediate economic benefits for Britain. Trump announced on Truth Social he would remove tariffs on Scottish whisky "in Honor of the King and Queen," calling it "a wonderful Honor to have them both in the U.S.A." The tariff elimination represents a major win for UK exports that previous negotiations failed to achieve.

"The King and Queen got me to do something that nobody else was able to do, without hardly even asking!" Trump wrote after the royal departure. The whisky tariffs had been a longstanding trade irritant between the two allies.

When asked by Sky News about advice for the struggling Labour Prime Minister, Trump drew a sharp contrast between the constitutional monarch and the elected politician. Starmer faces mounting pressure over immigration policies that have seen record numbers of illegal crossings across the English Channel, with his approval ratings plummeting since taking office last year.

The behind-closed-doors bilateral talks between Trump and King Charles remained officially apolitical, given the monarch's constitutional role as head of state rather than government. However, the successful tariff negotiations demonstrate the King's diplomatic effectiveness in advancing British interests without public controversy.

The four-day state visit included stops at Shenandoah National Park and multiple White House meetings. As head of the British armed forces and Commonwealth realms including Canada and Australia, King Charles maintains significant soft power in advancing UK strategic interests globally.

Trump's pointed comparison highlights the political contrast between the popular monarch's steady leadership style and Starmer's divisive approach to border security. The message signals Trump expects stronger action from Britain's government on immigration enforcement to maintain the special relationship between the two nations.

President Trump advised British PM Keir Starmer to emulate King Charles III after the monarch's four-day state visit concluded at Arlington Cemetery Wednesday.

Trump Tells Starmer: Be More Like King Charles, Fix Border 'Mistakes'

A great white shark pursued foil boarder Ron Takeda for five minutes off Santa Barbara Saturday, following him at 10 mph as his partner Tavis Boise captured the encounter on video. The 13-foot predator stayed on Takeda's tail for several miles before losing interest and swimming away.Takeda and Boise were conducting a 20-mile run near UC Santa Barbara when Takeda noticed the massive shape trailing behind him. &quot;Tavis, is it a dolphin?&quot; Takeda asked — a question that immediately alarmed Boise, since both veteran surfers know dolphins well enough to identify them instantly.The viral footage shows the shark's fin cutting through the water as it matches Takeda's every move. &quot;Don't fall!&quot; Boise shouts in the video as their paths diverge. &quot;Oh my God, it's coming for you!&quot; The animal maintained pursuit as Takeda focused on keeping his specialized surfboard above the surface, glancing back periodically to check if the shark had departed.&quot;My god, it's still in pursuit. It's still happening. This is beyond comprehension,&quot; Boise said during the encounter. &quot;That's when we both start to panic.&quot; Both men had encountered sharks before, but never in an extended chase lasting this long.Takeda, a retired mechanical engineer, kept his composure throughout the ordeal, opting not to dwell on the shark's presence. The predator disappeared and reappeared multiple times before finally giving up the chase. When Boise caught up with Takeda miles later, his partner's first words weren't about the near-death experience — they were about the water conditions. &quot;The first thing he said was 'It's really good out here,'&quot; Boise recalled.The pair shared their footage with friends and experts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, who confirmed their assessment that the creature was likely a great white shark. A friend posted the video on social media, where it quickly gained over one million views and sparked questions about whether it was generated by artificial intelligence.Takeda and Boise believe the foil underneath the board may have attracted the shark's attention, since the equipment resembles a stingray when viewed from below. The theory suggests the predator mistook the board setup for prey, explaining the sustained pursuit through California's shark-populated waters.The encounter highlights the risks facing water sports enthusiasts along California's coast, where great white shark populations have been recovering. The dramatic footage serves as a reminder that even experienced surfers can find themselves in life-threatening situations within minutes of launching from shore.

A great white shark pursued foil boarder Ron Takeda for five minutes off Santa Barbara Saturday, following him at 10 mph as his partner Tavis Boise captured the encounter on video. The 13-foot predator stayed on Takeda's tail for several miles before losing interest and swimming away.

Takeda and Boise were conducting a 20-mile run near UC Santa Barbara when Takeda noticed the massive shape trailing behind him. "Tavis, is it a dolphin?" Takeda asked — a question that immediately alarmed Boise, since both veteran surfers know dolphins well enough to identify them instantly.

The viral footage shows the shark's fin cutting through the water as it matches Takeda's every move. "Don't fall!" Boise shouts in the video as their paths diverge. "Oh my God, it's coming for you!" The animal maintained pursuit as Takeda focused on keeping his specialized surfboard above the surface, glancing back periodically to check if the shark had departed.

"My god, it's still in pursuit. It's still happening. This is beyond comprehension," Boise said during the encounter. "That's when we both start to panic." Both men had encountered sharks before, but never in an extended chase lasting this long.

Takeda, a retired mechanical engineer, kept his composure throughout the ordeal, opting not to dwell on the shark's presence. The predator disappeared and reappeared multiple times before finally giving up the chase. When Boise caught up with Takeda miles later, his partner's first words weren't about the near-death experience — they were about the water conditions. "The first thing he said was 'It's really good out here,'" Boise recalled.

The pair shared their footage with friends and experts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, who confirmed their assessment that the creature was likely a great white shark. A friend posted the video on social media, where it quickly gained over one million views and sparked questions about whether it was generated by artificial intelligence.

Takeda and Boise believe the foil underneath the board may have attracted the shark's attention, since the equipment resembles a stingray when viewed from below. The theory suggests the predator mistook the board setup for prey, explaining the sustained pursuit through California's shark-populated waters.

The encounter highlights the risks facing water sports enthusiasts along California's coast, where great white shark populations have been recovering. The dramatic footage serves as a reminder that even experienced surfers can find themselves in life-threatening situations within minutes of launching from shore.

Ron Takeda and Tavis Boise captured viral footage of a 13-foot great white shark pursuing them for miles off the California coast Saturday.

Great White Shark Chases Foil Boarder for Five Minutes Off Santa Barbara

The Oscar statuette belonging to Pavel Talankin, co-director of the Academy Award-winning documentary &quot;Mr Nobody Against Putin,&quot; has vanished after TSA agents at New York's JFK airport confiscated it Wednesday morning, claiming the 8.5-pound trophy posed a security threat.Talankin, whose film exposed Russia's propaganda machine in elementary schools, told Deadline he had carried the Oscar on multiple flights without incident. But TSA agents at Terminal 1 stopped him Wednesday, declaring the golden statuette could be &quot;used as a weapon&quot; and forcing him to ship it separately.The filmmaker now faces the absurd reality that his Oscar — won for documenting authoritarian overreach — disappeared while in the custody of American security officials. Talankin's documentary chronicled how Putin's regime indoctrinates Russian children, earning international acclaim for its unflinching look at state propaganda.TSA's inconsistent enforcement raises questions about both competence and accountability. The same Oscar that cleared security checkpoints across multiple airports suddenly became a &quot;weapon&quot; in New York. The agency's inability to explain where the trophy went after confiscation suggests either negligence or worse.This incident highlights the bureaucratic dysfunction that travelers face daily. An 8.5-pound Oscar statuette — essentially a paperweight — triggered security theater that would make Putin's censors proud. The irony cuts deep: America's security apparatus loses an award recognizing courage in exposing authoritarianism.Talankin's experience reflects broader concerns about TSA's arbitrary rule enforcement and lack of transparency. Agents routinely apply different standards to identical items, creating confusion and frustration for law-abiding Americans. When even an Oscar winner documenting foreign tyranny cannot trust American officials with his property, the system has failed.The missing Oscar also represents a diplomatic embarrassment. Foreign filmmakers who challenge America's enemies deserve protection, not bureaucratic incompetence that loses their most prized possessions. Talankin risked his safety to expose Putin's methods — only to have American officials lose his reward.TSA has not explained how a confiscated item simply disappeared from their custody or what steps they are taking to recover it. The agency's silence raises uncomfortable questions about internal security and accountability measures for seized property.The search for Talankin's Oscar continues as questions mount about TSA's handling of the incident and their ability to safeguard items they confiscate from travelers.

The Oscar statuette belonging to Pavel Talankin, co-director of the Academy Award-winning documentary "Mr Nobody Against Putin," has vanished after TSA agents at New York's JFK airport confiscated it Wednesday morning, claiming the 8.5-pound trophy posed a security threat.

Talankin, whose film exposed Russia's propaganda machine in elementary schools, told Deadline he had carried the Oscar on multiple flights without incident. But TSA agents at Terminal 1 stopped him Wednesday, declaring the golden statuette could be "used as a weapon" and forcing him to ship it separately.

The filmmaker now faces the absurd reality that his Oscar — won for documenting authoritarian overreach — disappeared while in the custody of American security officials. Talankin's documentary chronicled how Putin's regime indoctrinates Russian children, earning international acclaim for its unflinching look at state propaganda.

TSA's inconsistent enforcement raises questions about both competence and accountability. The same Oscar that cleared security checkpoints across multiple airports suddenly became a "weapon" in New York. The agency's inability to explain where the trophy went after confiscation suggests either negligence or worse.

This incident highlights the bureaucratic dysfunction that travelers face daily. An 8.5-pound Oscar statuette — essentially a paperweight — triggered security theater that would make Putin's censors proud. The irony cuts deep: America's security apparatus loses an award recognizing courage in exposing authoritarianism.

Talankin's experience reflects broader concerns about TSA's arbitrary rule enforcement and lack of transparency. Agents routinely apply different standards to identical items, creating confusion and frustration for law-abiding Americans. When even an Oscar winner documenting foreign tyranny cannot trust American officials with his property, the system has failed.

The missing Oscar also represents a diplomatic embarrassment. Foreign filmmakers who challenge America's enemies deserve protection, not bureaucratic incompetence that loses their most prized possessions. Talankin risked his safety to expose Putin's methods — only to have American officials lose his reward.

TSA has not explained how a confiscated item simply disappeared from their custody or what steps they are taking to recover it. The agency's silence raises uncomfortable questions about internal security and accountability measures for seized property.

The search for Talankin's Oscar continues as questions mount about TSA's handling of the incident and their ability to safeguard items they confiscate from travelers.

Pavel Talankin's Oscar for anti-Putin documentary 'Mr Nobody Against Putin' disappeared after TSA agents at JFK airport forced him to ship the 8.5lb trophy Wedn

TSA Seizes Putin Documentary Oscar at JFK — Trophy Vanishes

Pavel Talankin's Oscar for anti-Putin documentary 'Mr Nobody Against Putin' disappeared after TSA agents at JFK airport forced him to ship the 8.5lb trophy Wednesday.

The House voted to restore funding for most Department of Homeland Security operations, ending a 75-day shutdown that left key national security functions in limbo. The move comes with a catch — ICE and Border Patrol will need separate funding bills due to Democratic resistance.The shutdown began when Democrats refused to approve a comprehensive DHS funding package that included immigration enforcement agencies. For more than two months, thousands of DHS employees worked without pay while critical security operations ran on skeleton crews.House Republicans structured the vote to fund the bulk of DHS operations while carving out Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection. This tactical split allows Democrats to support homeland security functions like cybersecurity and disaster response without backing immigration enforcement they oppose.The 75-day impasse highlighted the political weaponization of government funding over immigration policy. TSA agents, Coast Guard personnel, and federal emergency responders bore the brunt of congressional gridlock while lawmakers played politics with national security.As Insider Wire <a href="https://insiderwire.com/news/house-gop-unlocks-path-to-fund-ice-without-democrats-215-211-vote">previously reported</a>, House Republicans have already secured a procedural path to fund ICE without Democratic support through a narrow 215-211 vote. This strategy bypasses minority obstruction while ensuring border enforcement continues.The partial DHS funding represents a compromise that gets most homeland security operations back online while postponing the immigration enforcement fight. Democrats calculated they could accept funding for popular DHS programs while maintaining their opposition to deportation and border security measures.Trump now faces the decision of whether to sign the partial funding bill or demand a comprehensive package that includes immigration agencies. His signature would restart most DHS operations immediately but leave ICE and Border Patrol in funding limbo.The bill now moves to Trump's desk as Republicans prepare separate votes on immigration enforcement funding that Democrats cannot block.

The House voted to restore funding for most Department of Homeland Security operations, ending a 75-day shutdown that left key national security functions in limbo. The move comes with a catch — ICE and Border Patrol will need separate funding bills due to Democratic resistance.

The shutdown began when Democrats refused to approve a comprehensive DHS funding package that included immigration enforcement agencies. For more than two months, thousands of DHS employees worked without pay while critical security operations ran on skeleton crews.

House Republicans structured the vote to fund the bulk of DHS operations while carving out Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection. This tactical split allows Democrats to support homeland security functions like cybersecurity and disaster response without backing immigration enforcement they oppose.

The 75-day impasse highlighted the political weaponization of government funding over immigration policy. TSA agents, Coast Guard personnel, and federal emergency responders bore the brunt of congressional gridlock while lawmakers played politics with national security.

As Insider Wire previously reported, House Republicans have already secured a procedural path to fund ICE without Democratic support through a narrow 215-211 vote. This strategy bypasses minority obstruction while ensuring border enforcement continues.

The partial DHS funding represents a compromise that gets most homeland security operations back online while postponing the immigration enforcement fight. Democrats calculated they could accept funding for popular DHS programs while maintaining their opposition to deportation and border security measures.

Trump now faces the decision of whether to sign the partial funding bill or demand a comprehensive package that includes immigration agencies. His signature would restart most DHS operations immediately but leave ICE and Border Patrol in funding limbo.

The bill now moves to Trump's desk as Republicans prepare separate votes on immigration enforcement funding that Democrats cannot block.

Congress votes to fund most of Homeland Security after 75-day shutdown, but Democratic opposition forces separate funding for ICE and Border Patrol agencies.

House Ends 75-Day DHS Shutdown — ICE, Border Patrol Split Off

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has reinstated staffers who signed the &quot;Katrina Declaration,&quot; an open letter that criticized the Trump administration during his first term. Abby McIlraith, one of the signatories, confirmed the reinstatements to The Hill via Signal message, saying simply &quot;We have been reinstated.&quot;The Katrina Declaration emerged as a rare public rebuke from within the federal bureaucracy, with FEMA employees challenging administration policies they viewed as harmful to disaster response and recovery efforts. The letter drew its name from Hurricane Katrina, invoking the memory of federal failures during that 2005 disaster to criticize what signatories saw as similar shortcomings.McIlraith's confirmation marks a significant reversal for the career federal employees who put their jobs on the line to publicly oppose Trump administration policies. The reinstatements signal a clear shift in personnel decisions at the disaster response agency under the current administration.FEMA has faced intense scrutiny over its handling of major disasters during multiple administrations. The agency's workforce includes thousands of career civil servants who remain in their positions across presidential transitions, but open political dissent from within federal agencies remains relatively uncommon.The reinstatements raise questions about the balance between federal employee speech rights and agency loyalty expectations. Federal workers enjoy certain First Amendment protections, but agencies also maintain standards for employee conduct and public statements.The move comes as FEMA continues managing responses to natural disasters nationwide while navigating the political dynamics of a new administration. The agency's disaster response capabilities depend heavily on experienced career staff who understand complex federal coordination requirements.Whether other federal agencies will take similar reinstatement actions for employees who faced consequences for political speech during the previous Trump term remains unclear. The precedent could influence how career federal workers approach public dissent going forward.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has reinstated staffers who signed the "Katrina Declaration," an open letter that criticized the Trump administration during his first term. Abby McIlraith, one of the signatories, confirmed the reinstatements to The Hill via Signal message, saying simply "We have been reinstated."

The Katrina Declaration emerged as a rare public rebuke from within the federal bureaucracy, with FEMA employees challenging administration policies they viewed as harmful to disaster response and recovery efforts. The letter drew its name from Hurricane Katrina, invoking the memory of federal failures during that 2005 disaster to criticize what signatories saw as similar shortcomings.

McIlraith's confirmation marks a significant reversal for the career federal employees who put their jobs on the line to publicly oppose Trump administration policies. The reinstatements signal a clear shift in personnel decisions at the disaster response agency under the current administration.

FEMA has faced intense scrutiny over its handling of major disasters during multiple administrations. The agency's workforce includes thousands of career civil servants who remain in their positions across presidential transitions, but open political dissent from within federal agencies remains relatively uncommon.

The reinstatements raise questions about the balance between federal employee speech rights and agency loyalty expectations. Federal workers enjoy certain First Amendment protections, but agencies also maintain standards for employee conduct and public statements.

The move comes as FEMA continues managing responses to natural disasters nationwide while navigating the political dynamics of a new administration. The agency's disaster response capabilities depend heavily on experienced career staff who understand complex federal coordination requirements.

Whether other federal agencies will take similar reinstatement actions for employees who faced consequences for political speech during the previous Trump term remains unclear. The precedent could influence how career federal workers approach public dissent going forward.

Federal Emergency Management Agency reinstates employees who signed the 'Katrina Declaration' criticizing Trump administration policies during his first term.

FEMA Reinstates Staff Who Signed Anti-Trump 'Katrina Declaration'

President Trump announced Thursday he will remove tariffs on Scotch whisky after hosting King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the White House. The move eliminates trade restrictions that have limited Scotland's ability to collaborate with Kentucky on whiskey and bourbon production.&quot;I will be removing the Tariffs and Restrictions on Whiskey having to do with Scotland's ability to work with the Commonwealth of Kentucky on Whiskey and Bourbon,&quot; Trump said Thursday. The president did not specify when the tariff removal takes effect or provide details on the economic impact.The tariffs targeted Scotch whisky imports as part of broader trade disputes that have persisted for years. Scottish distillers have lobbied heavily for their removal, arguing the duties hurt both Scottish producers and American consumers who pay higher prices for premium spirits.Trump's announcement came immediately after the royal visit, suggesting the face-to-face diplomacy with King Charles played a role in the decision. The timing connects trade policy directly to high-level diplomatic engagement between the US and UK.Kentucky bourbon producers stand to benefit from increased collaboration with Scottish distilleries. The Commonwealth of Kentucky produces 95% of the world's bourbon, making it a natural partner for Scotland's whisky industry in sharing production techniques and market access.The move represents a shift toward closer US-UK trade relations under Trump's second term. Removing these specific tariffs could signal broader trade liberalization between the two allies, particularly in agricultural and luxury goods sectors.American whiskey and bourbon exports have faced retaliatory tariffs in European markets, making reciprocal tariff reductions valuable for US distillers. The Kentucky bourbon industry employs thousands of workers and generates billions in annual revenue.The royal visit marks King Charles's first meeting with Trump as president. The monarch has typically avoided political statements, but trade issues affect British economic interests directly and fall within acceptable diplomatic discussion.Industry observers will watch whether other European luxury goods receive similar tariff relief and how quickly US-UK trade volumes respond to the policy change.

President Trump announced Thursday he will remove tariffs on Scotch whisky after hosting King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the White House. The move eliminates trade restrictions that have limited Scotland's ability to collaborate with Kentucky on whiskey and bourbon production.

"I will be removing the Tariffs and Restrictions on Whiskey having to do with Scotland's ability to work with the Commonwealth of Kentucky on Whiskey and Bourbon," Trump said Thursday. The president did not specify when the tariff removal takes effect or provide details on the economic impact.

The tariffs targeted Scotch whisky imports as part of broader trade disputes that have persisted for years. Scottish distillers have lobbied heavily for their removal, arguing the duties hurt both Scottish producers and American consumers who pay higher prices for premium spirits.

Trump's announcement came immediately after the royal visit, suggesting the face-to-face diplomacy with King Charles played a role in the decision. The timing connects trade policy directly to high-level diplomatic engagement between the US and UK.

Kentucky bourbon producers stand to benefit from increased collaboration with Scottish distilleries. The Commonwealth of Kentucky produces 95% of the world's bourbon, making it a natural partner for Scotland's whisky industry in sharing production techniques and market access.

The move represents a shift toward closer US-UK trade relations under Trump's second term. Removing these specific tariffs could signal broader trade liberalization between the two allies, particularly in agricultural and luxury goods sectors.

American whiskey and bourbon exports have faced retaliatory tariffs in European markets, making reciprocal tariff reductions valuable for US distillers. The Kentucky bourbon industry employs thousands of workers and generates billions in annual revenue.

The royal visit marks King Charles's first meeting with Trump as president. The monarch has typically avoided political statements, but trade issues affect British economic interests directly and fall within acceptable diplomatic discussion.

Industry observers will watch whether other European luxury goods receive similar tariff relief and how quickly US-UK trade volumes respond to the policy change.

President Trump announced Thursday he will remove tariffs on Scotch whisky following visit from King Charles III and Queen Camilla to the White House.

Trump Removes Scotch Whisky Tariffs After King Charles Visit

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth argued Thursday that the 60-day congressional clock on Iran military operations stopped ticking when President Trump announced a ceasefire, just as the Friday deadline approaches and Senate Democrats prepare another war powers challenge.Trump notified Congress of military operations in Iran on March 2, triggering the 60-day War Powers Resolution requirement that expires Friday. Hegseth's interpretation suggests the administration believes the ceasefire announcement effectively pauses that constitutional timeline.The timing creates a constitutional showdown over presidential war powers. <a href="https://insiderwire.com/news/trump-hits-60-day-war-powers-deadline-friday-gop-senators-break-ranks">Trump hits the 60-day deadline Friday</a> as some GOP senators have broken ranks to question the Iran operations, complicating the administration's legal position.Democratic senators plan to force yet another war powers vote, marking the sixth attempt to constrain Trump's Iran military action. Previous efforts have failed largely along party lines, but growing Republican concerns about the conflict's scope and cost could shift the dynamics.The ceasefire announcement comes as the Iran conflict has reached a <a href="https://insiderwire.com/news/iran-war-hits-25b-price-tag-as-supreme-court-strikes-louisiana-maps">$25 billion price tag</a>, raising questions among fiscal conservatives about the war's sustainability. Oil markets have responded to the ceasefire with cautious optimism after weeks of volatility.Hegseth's legal theory faces immediate scrutiny from constitutional scholars who question whether a ceasefire truly suspends War Powers Resolution requirements. The 1973 law requires congressional authorization for sustained military operations beyond 60 days, with limited exceptions for troop safety during withdrawal.The Defense Secretary has consistently defended the Iran operations as necessary for American security interests, even as critics within his own party have grown more vocal. The ceasefire provides political breathing room, but may not satisfy lawmakers demanding a formal end to hostilities.Congress returns from recess Monday, setting up a critical week for the administration's Iran policy. Senate Majority Leader will likely schedule the Democratic war powers resolution quickly, testing whether the ceasefire announcement changes Republican calculations on constraining presidential military authority.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth argued Thursday that the 60-day congressional clock on Iran military operations stopped ticking when President Trump announced a ceasefire, just as the Friday deadline approaches and Senate Democrats prepare another war powers challenge.

Trump notified Congress of military operations in Iran on March 2, triggering the 60-day War Powers Resolution requirement that expires Friday. Hegseth's interpretation suggests the administration believes the ceasefire announcement effectively pauses that constitutional timeline.

The timing creates a constitutional showdown over presidential war powers. Trump hits the 60-day deadline Friday as some GOP senators have broken ranks to question the Iran operations, complicating the administration's legal position.

Democratic senators plan to force yet another war powers vote, marking the sixth attempt to constrain Trump's Iran military action. Previous efforts have failed largely along party lines, but growing Republican concerns about the conflict's scope and cost could shift the dynamics.

The ceasefire announcement comes as the Iran conflict has reached a $25 billion price tag, raising questions among fiscal conservatives about the war's sustainability. Oil markets have responded to the ceasefire with cautious optimism after weeks of volatility.

Hegseth's legal theory faces immediate scrutiny from constitutional scholars who question whether a ceasefire truly suspends War Powers Resolution requirements. The 1973 law requires congressional authorization for sustained military operations beyond 60 days, with limited exceptions for troop safety during withdrawal.

The Defense Secretary has consistently defended the Iran operations as necessary for American security interests, even as critics within his own party have grown more vocal. The ceasefire provides political breathing room, but may not satisfy lawmakers demanding a formal end to hostilities.

Congress returns from recess Monday, setting up a critical week for the administration's Iran policy. Senate Majority Leader will likely schedule the Democratic war powers resolution quickly, testing whether the ceasefire announcement changes Republican calculations on constraining presidential military authority.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth argues the 60-day congressional deadline for Iran military operations paused when Trump announced ceasefire Thursday.

Hegseth Says 60-Day War Powers Clock Stopped With Iran Ceasefire

The United States plummeted to its lowest-ever ranking in global press freedom, dropping seven spots to 64th place out of 180 countries in Reporters Without Borders' 2025 index released Thursday. Norway topped the list while Eritrea ranked dead last.Clayton Weimers, executive director of RSF's North America office, declared the US was experiencing a &quot;press freedom crisis.&quot; He accused Trump and his administration of carrying out &quot;a coordinated war on press freedom since the day he took office,&quot; warning Americans &quot;will live with the consequences for years to come.&quot;The report blamed both Trump administration policies and media consolidation that concentrates control among just six companies: Comcast, Walt Disney, Warner Bros Discovery, Paramount Skydance, Sony, and Amazon. Skydance Media's acquisition of Paramount Global, which includes CBS News, raised particular concerns since Skydance is owned by David Ellison, whose father Larry Ellison maintains close ties to Trump.FCC Chair Brendan Carr has emerged as a key figure in the administration's media pressure campaign. In March, Carr threatened to revoke broadcaster licenses for &quot;running hoaxes and news distortions&quot; and failing to &quot;operate in the public interest&quot; in their coverage of the US-Israel war with Iran. Trump called Carr's statements &quot;thrilling.&quot;The FCC has extended its threats beyond news coverage to entertainment. Carr recently launched an investigation into ABC channels days after late-night host Jimmy Kimmel joked that First Lady Melania Trump had the &quot;glow of an expectant widow&quot; before the White House Correspondents Dinner. When a gunman later attempted to storm the event in Washington, DC, the Trumps connected Kimmel's joke to the attack and demanded his firing. Kimmel defended the comment as a reference to the age difference between the 79-year-old president and 56-year-old first lady.The global picture proved equally troubling, with more than half the world's countries now labeled &quot;difficult&quot; or &quot;very serious&quot; for press freedom — a first in the organization's tracking. The US remained in the &quot;problematic&quot; category during Trump's second term, though it avoided the worst classifications.Watch for further FCC actions against broadcasters and potential legislation targeting media ownership as the administration's press freedom policies take shape.

The United States plummeted to its lowest-ever ranking in global press freedom, dropping seven spots to 64th place out of 180 countries in Reporters Without Borders' 2025 index released Thursday. Norway topped the list while Eritrea ranked dead last.

Clayton Weimers, executive director of RSF's North America office, declared the US was experiencing a "press freedom crisis." He accused Trump and his administration of carrying out "a coordinated war on press freedom since the day he took office," warning Americans "will live with the consequences for years to come."

The report blamed both Trump administration policies and media consolidation that concentrates control among just six companies: Comcast, Walt Disney, Warner Bros Discovery, Paramount Skydance, Sony, and Amazon. Skydance Media's acquisition of Paramount Global, which includes CBS News, raised particular concerns since Skydance is owned by David Ellison, whose father Larry Ellison maintains close ties to Trump.

FCC Chair Brendan Carr has emerged as a key figure in the administration's media pressure campaign. In March, Carr threatened to revoke broadcaster licenses for "running hoaxes and news distortions" and failing to "operate in the public interest" in their coverage of the US-Israel war with Iran. Trump called Carr's statements "thrilling."

The FCC has extended its threats beyond news coverage to entertainment. Carr recently launched an investigation into ABC channels days after late-night host Jimmy Kimmel joked that First Lady Melania Trump had the "glow of an expectant widow" before the White House Correspondents Dinner. When a gunman later attempted to storm the event in Washington, DC, the Trumps connected Kimmel's joke to the attack and demanded his firing. Kimmel defended the comment as a reference to the age difference between the 79-year-old president and 56-year-old first lady.

The global picture proved equally troubling, with more than half the world's countries now labeled "difficult" or "very serious" for press freedom — a first in the organization's tracking. The US remained in the "problematic" category during Trump's second term, though it avoided the worst classifications.

Watch for further FCC actions against broadcasters and potential legislation targeting media ownership as the administration's press freedom policies take shape.

America falls seven spots to 64th place in Reporters Without Borders' 2025 press freedom index, marking a historic low amid Trump administration policies.

US Drops to 64th in Global Press Freedom Rankings — Lowest Ever

The House passed Department of Homeland Security funding in a voice vote Wednesday night, ending a 75-day partial government shutdown that left America's border security apparatus unfunded while lawmakers battled over immigration enforcement oversight.Republicans secured the breakthrough after striking a last-minute deal on ethanol fuel provisions that flipped enough holdouts to advance their budget blueprint. That maneuver unlocked a procedural tool allowing the GOP to allocate up to $75 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol operations on strict party lines.The Republican strategy deliberately sidestepped Democratic demands for enhanced oversight following fatal shootings of two American citizens by federal agents in January. Democrats had insisted on accountability measures before releasing DHS funds, creating the prolonged standoff that left critical homeland security operations in limbo.The shutdown's toll became evident as more than 1,100 Transportation Security Administration agents quit their posts since February, highlighting the operational strain on airport security nationwide. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin's department operated under severe budget constraints throughout the impasse.President Trump has imposed a hard June 1 deadline for final funding legislation to reach his desk. The White House warned Congress that without swift action, it cannot pay most DHS employees starting in May — a scenario that would cripple border enforcement and domestic security operations during a period of heightened immigration concerns.This funding fight reflects deeper Republican priorities on border security, as <a href="https://insiderwire.com/news/house-gop-unlocks-path-to-fund-ice-without-democrats-215-211-vote">the party previously maneuvered</a> to fund immigration enforcement without Democratic input. The $75 billion authorization represents a substantial investment in border operations, signaling the administration's commitment to expanded enforcement capabilities.The victory gives Republicans the fiscal ammunition to pursue aggressive immigration policies without Democratic interference. ICE and Border Patrol can now access significant resources for detention facilities, personnel, and enforcement operations along the southern border.However, lawmakers still must pass separate legislation funding non-immigration DHS agencies before leaving for recess. That bill covers cybersecurity, disaster response, and other homeland security functions beyond immigration enforcement.Congress now faces a compressed timeline to finalize remaining DHS funding before Trump's June 1 deadline, with the threat of employee furloughs looming if negotiations stall again.

The House passed Department of Homeland Security funding in a voice vote Wednesday night, ending a 75-day partial government shutdown that left America's border security apparatus unfunded while lawmakers battled over immigration enforcement oversight.

Republicans secured the breakthrough after striking a last-minute deal on ethanol fuel provisions that flipped enough holdouts to advance their budget blueprint. That maneuver unlocked a procedural tool allowing the GOP to allocate up to $75 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol operations on strict party lines.

The Republican strategy deliberately sidestepped Democratic demands for enhanced oversight following fatal shootings of two American citizens by federal agents in January. Democrats had insisted on accountability measures before releasing DHS funds, creating the prolonged standoff that left critical homeland security operations in limbo.

The shutdown's toll became evident as more than 1,100 Transportation Security Administration agents quit their posts since February, highlighting the operational strain on airport security nationwide. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin's department operated under severe budget constraints throughout the impasse.

President Trump has imposed a hard June 1 deadline for final funding legislation to reach his desk. The White House warned Congress that without swift action, it cannot pay most DHS employees starting in May — a scenario that would cripple border enforcement and domestic security operations during a period of heightened immigration concerns.

This funding fight reflects deeper Republican priorities on border security, as the party previously maneuvered to fund immigration enforcement without Democratic input. The $75 billion authorization represents a substantial investment in border operations, signaling the administration's commitment to expanded enforcement capabilities.

The victory gives Republicans the fiscal ammunition to pursue aggressive immigration policies without Democratic interference. ICE and Border Patrol can now access significant resources for detention facilities, personnel, and enforcement operations along the southern border.

However, lawmakers still must pass separate legislation funding non-immigration DHS agencies before leaving for recess. That bill covers cybersecurity, disaster response, and other homeland security functions beyond immigration enforcement.

Congress now faces a compressed timeline to finalize remaining DHS funding before Trump's June 1 deadline, with the threat of employee furloughs looming if negotiations stall again.

Congress ends historic 75-day partial shutdown by funding DHS in voice vote. Republicans unlock $75B for ICE and Border Patrol while 1,100 TSA agents quit.

House Passes DHS Funding After 75-Day Shutdown — Trump Sets June 1 Deadline

Outagamie County officials installed a 17.3 mph speed limit at their Recycling and Solid Waste facility, betting that the oddball number will snap drivers out of autopilot in a high-traffic work zone where trucks and passenger cars navigate tight quarters.The Wisconsin county deliberately chose the unconventional speed to mess with drivers' heads. &quot;Why 17.3? Because it makes you pause. It makes you look twice,&quot; county officials wrote in a social media post announcing the change. The psychological trick aims to force heightened attention to speed and safety at the facility, which sees constant flow from large hauling vehicles mixing with smaller cars.The experiment appears to be working. &quot;Worked last weekend when I was there. Made us laugh,&quot; one resident replied to the county's post. But others questioned the approach, with one user writing: &quot;Plus you'll get speeding for 17.4 and impeding traffic at 17.2, everyone gonna be paying up.&quot;County leaders believe the small change will yield big safety dividends by breaking drivers from their normal habits. Standard speed limits like 15 mph or 20 mph blend into background noise for motorists who've internalized common numbers. The specific 17.3 mph forces a double-take that could prevent accidents in the cramped facility grounds.The tactic reflects growing frustration among local officials trying to manage safety in work zones where heavy machinery operates alongside civilian traffic. Traditional warning signs and standard speed limits often fail to penetrate driver complacency, particularly in areas where people travel regularly and develop false confidence about conditions.Wisconsin transportation experts will watch whether other counties adopt similar psychological speed limits if Outagamie's experiment proves successful in reducing accidents and near-misses at the facility.

Outagamie County officials installed a 17.3 mph speed limit at their Recycling and Solid Waste facility, betting that the oddball number will snap drivers out of autopilot in a high-traffic work zone where trucks and passenger cars navigate tight quarters.

The Wisconsin county deliberately chose the unconventional speed to mess with drivers' heads. "Why 17.3? Because it makes you pause. It makes you look twice," county officials wrote in a social media post announcing the change. The psychological trick aims to force heightened attention to speed and safety at the facility, which sees constant flow from large hauling vehicles mixing with smaller cars.

The experiment appears to be working. "Worked last weekend when I was there. Made us laugh," one resident replied to the county's post. But others questioned the approach, with one user writing: "Plus you'll get speeding for 17.4 and impeding traffic at 17.2, everyone gonna be paying up."

County leaders believe the small change will yield big safety dividends by breaking drivers from their normal habits. Standard speed limits like 15 mph or 20 mph blend into background noise for motorists who've internalized common numbers. The specific 17.3 mph forces a double-take that could prevent accidents in the cramped facility grounds.

The tactic reflects growing frustration among local officials trying to manage safety in work zones where heavy machinery operates alongside civilian traffic. Traditional warning signs and standard speed limits often fail to penetrate driver complacency, particularly in areas where people travel regularly and develop false confidence about conditions.

Wisconsin transportation experts will watch whether other counties adopt similar psychological speed limits if Outagamie's experiment proves successful in reducing accidents and near-misses at the facility.

Outagamie County's Recycling and Solid Waste facility uses unconventional 17.3 mph speed limit to force drivers out of autopilot in busy work zone.