Law

Trump administration’s cuts to AmeriCorps impact volunteers and communities

SMGN Publishing May 9, 2025

The recent elimination of nearly $400 million in AmeriCorps grants by the Trump administration has left over 32,000 people without jobs in various fields such as disaster recovery, education, environmental conservation, and public health. These cuts, which affect both young adults and senior volunteers, are part of a broader reduction

United States and United Kingdom announce trade deal reducing some tariffs

SMGN Publishing May 8, 2025

United States President Donald Trump and United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a trade agreement on Thursday, which will lift some U.S. tariffs on British goods, though others will remain in place. This marks the first such deal for the Trump administration since the introduction of significant tariffs last

Justice Department faces scrutiny over allegations of politicization under new leadership

SMGN Publishing May 6, 2025

At her January confirmation hearing, Attorney General Pam Bondi pledged to combat violent crime and restore confidence and integrity in the Justice Department. She stated that partisan influence would be eliminated, and that justice would be applied equally. However, over 100 days into the second presidential term, some critics argue

U.S. Foreign policy shift under Trump’s second term

SMGN Publishing May 2, 2025

After World War II, the United States played a central role in shaping the international order through the creation of institutions such as the United Nations, NATO, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund. These efforts, along with initiatives like the Marshall Plan and Japan’s reconstruction, helped define global

Some Biden-appointed members removed from U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council

SMGN Publishing April 30, 2025

Several members of the United States Holocaust Memorial Council, including individuals appointed by former President Joe Biden, were removed from their positions this week. Among them was Doug Emhoff, known for his role as the first Jewish spouse of a U.S. president or vice president. The council, which oversees the

Alexis Herman, the first black U.S. Secretary of Labor, dies at 77

SMGN Publishing April 28, 2025

Alexis Herman, who made history as the first black individual to lead the U.S. Department of Labor, has died at the age of 77. She served as Secretary of Labor from 1997 to 2001, following a career dedicated to social work, civil rights, and political engagement. Herman began her public

White House announces new senior advisers amid Pentagon restructuring

SMGN Publishing April 25, 2025

The Pentagon has appointed four new senior advisers as part of an internal restructuring following the departure of several top staffers in the office of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. The leadership changes come amid internal disputes and scrutiny over the handling of sensitive information. The new advisers include Colonel

Harvey Weinstein faces new trial in New York

SMGN Publishing April 23, 2025

Opening statements begin Wednesday in the new trial of former film producer Harvey Weinstein in New York. He is facing charges related to alleged sexual assaults involving three women: a former production assistant, an actress (both of whom testified in his 2020 trial), and another woman whose identity remains undisclosed.

Trump administration dismisses more immigration judges amid plans to expand deportations

SMGN Publishing April 22, 2025

Several immigration judges in Massachusetts, California, and Louisiana have received notices of dismissal, marking another round of personnel changes in the nation’s immigration courts under the Trump administration. At least eight judges were placed on leave and informed that their employment would end on April 22, according to individuals familiar

Judge orders new limits on DOGE data access at social security administration

SMGN Publishing April 21, 2025

A federal judge has once again blocked staff from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing sensitive personal information of millions of Americans within the Social Security Administration (SSA). The preliminary injunction follows a lawsuit filed by a group of unions and retirees in Maryland, and is one of

More News

How the 1994 FIFA World Cup Transformed Soccer in the United States

Sarah Olivella May 9, 2026

A niche sport that found its defining moment For decades, soccer was widely considered a marginal sport in the United States, overshadowed by American football, baseball, and basketball. That perception began to shift dramatically with the arrival of the 1994 FIFA World Cup. The tournament opened with a powerful signal

U.S. Industry and Diplomatic Leaders Strengthen Strategic Alliance at CEA General Assembly in Bogotá

Sarah Olivella May 9, 2026

High-Level U.S. and Colombian Leaders Convene to Economic Cooperation BOGOTÁ, Colombia — April 29, 2026 — In a significant demonstration of strengthening economic and industrial ties between the United States and Colombia, leading executives, diplomats, and representatives of American enterprise gathered during the General Assembly of the Colombian-American Enterprises Council

Hantavirus Contact Tracing Effort Expands Across Multiple Countries

SMGN Publishing May 9, 2026

Public health officials across several countries are intensifying efforts to track and monitor passengers connected to a suspected hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Honius cruise ship. This follows after dozens of travelers dispersed internationally before the illness was identified. In light of this situation, hantavirus contact tracing has become a