VA staff flag dangerous errors ahead of new health records expansion A multibillion-dollar electronic system seeks to boost medical care for veterans across VA’s network. Some users say glitches and errors put patients at risk.

Five years after the VA launched a new computer system in Spokane, Desmond Butler and I found the $10 billion Oracle EHR is still beset with problems, as the Trump administration gears up to launch it at 13 more hospitals in 2026.

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www.washingtonpost.com/investigatio...

The A-10 era is over for the Maryland Air National Guard The Maryland Air National Guard deactivated its last remaining A-10 squadrons Tuesday, leaving Maryland as the only state without planes to deploy in an emergency.

Maryland Air National Guard just deactivated its last A-10s, leaving MD as only state w/o planes to deploy in an emergency, per ⁦@SapnaBansil
⁩
This is the scenario that MI has been trying to avoid by bringing a new flying mission to Selfridge ANGB

www.thebanner.com/community/lo...

Trump memo seeks to protect Great Lakes from invasive carp, backs barrier project President Trump is signaling support for a project in Illinois that would install barriers to prevent invasive carp from infiltrating Lake Michigan.

News via @melissaburke.bsky.social

Trump issuing executive order on Asian carp, invasive species threatening Great Lakes ecosystem and fishing industry

Pretty big deal in these parts

FYI, this was the other thing Gretchen Whitmer had been pushing with Trump www.detroitnews.com/story/news/p...

Read Pope Leo XIV's first homily as pope During his homily, delivered in Italian, Leo XIV said that Christians must serve a world that is often hostile to their beliefs.

During his first homily as pope, delivered in Italian, Leo said that Christians must serve a world that is often hostile to their beliefs.

Trump says he's not backing down on tariffs, calls them 'medicine' as markets reel West Palm Beach, Fla. — President Donald Trump said Sunday that he won't back down on his sweeping tariffs on imports from most of the world unless countries even out their trade with the U.S., digging in on his plans to implement the taxes that have sent financial markets reeling, raised fears of a recession and upended the global trading system. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said he didn't want global markets to fall, but also that he wasn't concerned about the massive sell-off either, adding, "sometimes you have to take medicine to fix something.” His comments came as global financial markets appeared on track to continue sharp declines once trading resumes Monday, and after Trump's aides sought to soothe market concerns by saying more than 50 nations had reached out about launching negotiations to lift the tariffs. “I spoke to a lot of leaders, European, Asian, from all over the world," Trump said. "They’re dying to make a deal. And I said, we’re not going to have deficits with your country. We’re not going to do that, because to me a deficit is a loss. We’re going to have surpluses or at worst, going to be breaking even.” The higher rates are set to be collected beginning Wednesday, ushering in a new era of economic uncertainty with no clear end in sight. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said unfair trade practices are not “the kind of thing you can negotiate away in days or weeks.” The United States, he said, must see “what the countries offer and whether it's believable.” Trump, who spent the weekend in Florida playing golf, posted online that “WE WILL WIN. HANG TOUGH, it won’t be easy.” His Cabinet members and economic advisers were out in force Sunday defending the tariffs and downplaying the consequences for the global economy. “There doesn’t have to be a recession. Who knows how the market is going to react in a day, in a week?" Bessent said. “What we are looking at is building the long-term economic fundamentals for prosperity.” U.S. stock futures dropped on Sunday evening as the tariffs continued to roil the markets. Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 futures fell nearly 4% while Nasdaq futures were down nearly 5%. Even the price of bitcoin, which held relatively stable last week, fell nearly 6% Sunday. Trump’s tariff blitz, announced April 2, fulfilled a key campaign promise as he acted without Congress to redraw the rules of global trade. It was a move decades in the making for Trump, who has long denounced foreign trade deals as unfair to the U.S. He is gambling that voters will be willing to endure higher prices for everyday items to enact his economic vision. Countries are scrambling to figure out how to respond to the tariffs, with China and others retaliating quickly. Top White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett acknowledged that other countries are “angry and retaliating,” and, he said, “by the way, coming to the table.” He cited the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative as reporting that more than 50 nations had reached out to the White House to begin talks. Adding to the turmoil, the new tariffs are hitting American allies and adversaries alike, including Israel, which is facing a 17% tariff. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to visit the White House and speak at a press conference with Trump on Monday, with his office saying the tariffs would be a point of discussion with Trump along with the war in Gaza and other issues. Another American ally, Vietnam, a major manufacturing center for clothing, has also been in touch with the administration about the tariffs. Trump said Vietnam’s leader said in a telephone call that his country “wants to cut their Tariffs down to ZERO if they are able to make an agreement with the U.S.” And a key European partner, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, said she disagreed with Trump’s move but was “ready to deploy all the tools — negotiating and economic — necessary to support our businesses and our sectors that may be penalized." Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick made clear there was no postponing tariffs that are days away. “The tariffs are coming. Of course they are,” he said, adding that Trump needed to reset global trade. But he committed only to having them “definitely” remain “for days and weeks.” In Congress, where Trump’s Republican Party has long championed free trade, the tariff regiment has been met with applause but also significant unease. Several Republican senators have already signed onto a new bipartisan bill that would require presidents to justify new tariffs to Congress. Lawmakers would then have to approve the tariffs within 60 days, or they would expire. Nebraska GOP Rep. Don Bacon said Sunday that he would introduce a House version of the bill, saying that Congress needs to restores its powers over tariffs. “We gave some of that power to the executive branch. I think, in hindsight, that was a mistake,” said Bacon, adding that getting a measure passed would be challenging unless the financial markets continue to react negatively and other indicators such as inflation and unemployment shift. Wyoming's John Barrasso, the No. 2 member of the Senate's GOP leadership, said Trump is “doing what he has every right to do.” But, he acknowledged, “there is concern, and there’s concern across the country. People are watching the markets.” “There’ll be a discussion in the Senate,” Barrasso said of the tariffs. “We’ll see which way the discussion goes.” Trump's government cost-cutting guru, billionaire businessman Elon Musk, had been relatively silent on Trump’s tariffs, but said at a weekend event in Italy that he would like to see the U.S. and Europe move to "a zero-tariff situation.” The comment from the Tesla owner who leads Trump's Department of Government Efficiency drew a rebuke from White House trade adviser Peter Navarro. “Elon, when he is on his DOGE lane, is great. But we understand what's going on here. We just have to understand. Elon sells cars,” Navarro said. He added: “He's simply protecting his own interest as any business person would do.” Trump indicated he disagreed with Musk, saying Sunday of the European Union, “They want to talk, but there’s no talk unless they pay us a lot of money on a yearly basis.” Lawrence Summers, an economist who was treasury secretary under Democratic President Bill Clinton, said Trump and his economic team are sending contradictory messages if they say they are interested in reviving manufacturing while still being open to negotiating with trade partners. If other countries eliminate their tariffs, and the U.S, does, too, he said, "it’s just making a deal, then we don’t raise any revenue nor do we get any businesses to relocate to the United States. If it’s a permanent revenue source and trying to get businesses to relocate to the United States, then we’re going to have these tariffs permanently. So the president can’t have it both ways.” Bessent was on NBC's “Meet the Press,” Hassett and Summers appeared on ABC's “This Week,” Lutnick and Barrasso were on CBS' “Face the Nation” and Navarro was interviewed on Fox News Channel's “Sunday Morning Futures.” Gomez Licon reported from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Associated Press writer Giada Zampano in Rome contributed to this report. Want to comment on this story? Become a subscriber today. Click here. This article originally appeared on Associated Press: Trump says he's not backing down on tariffs, calls them 'medicine' as markets reel

Trump says he's not backing down on tariffs, calls them 'medicine' as markets reel #Trump #Tariffs #TradeWar

Law firms refuse to represent Trump opponents in the wake of his attacks The result is an extraordinary threat to constitutional rights of due process and representation and a far weaker effort to challenge Trump’s actions in court than during his first term.

President Donald Trump’s crackdown on lawyers is having a chilling effect on his opponents’ ability to defend themselves or challenge his actions in court, according to people who say they are struggling to find legal representation as a result of his challenges.

Senate confirms Bill Pulte to head Federal Housing Finance Agency with bipartisan support The Senate voted 56-43 to confirm Bill Pulte, a businessman with ties to Michigan, to serve as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency.

ICYMI: Senate confirms Bill Pulte to head Federal Housing Finance Agency with bipartisan support

www.detroitnews.com/story/news/p...

via @melissaburke.bsky.social

Trumps picks second Metro Detroit Muslim mayor for Middle East ambassadorship Trump chooses Dearborn Heights' Muslim mayor, who backed his candidacy in a traditional Democratic stronghold, as ambassador to Tunisia.

Trumps picks second Metro Detroit Muslim mayor for Middle East ambassadorship

www.detroitnews.com/story/news/p...

DOGE targets multiple federal buildings, offices in Michigan for closure The Rosa Parks Building, which houses the Detroit field office for immigrant enforcement operations, was listed this week among more than 400 "non-core" federal properties that could soon be sold or otherwise disposed of by the Trump administration.…

The Rosa Parks Building, which houses the Detroit field office for immigrant enforcement operations, was listed this week among more than 400 "non-core" federal properties that could soon be sold or otherwise disposed of by the Trump administration.


The… #Doge #FederalBuildings #ImmigrationReform

Social Security now requires Maine parents to visit an agency office to register newborns The change — immediately criticized by pediatric health advocates — eliminates a program that allowed parents to fill out a form at the hospital to secure a Social Security number for their children.

Social Security now requires Maine parents to visit an agency office to register newborns

IKEA beds? Dressers? Inside the ‘exceedingly odd’ DOGE office setup Details of the arrangements at GSA offer a window into the lifestyle of DOGE workers.

At one federal agency's office building, DOGE workers have IKEA beds, dressers and even a children's play area.

The agency is also considering spending about $25,000 to install a washer and dryer, per an invoice we obtained.

Fearing Retribution, Trump Critics Muzzle Themselves (Gift Article) People say they are intimidated by online attacks from the president, concerned about harm to their businesses or worried about the safety of their families.

“One prominent first-term critic of Mr. Trump said..that not only would he not comment on the record, he did not want to be mentioned in this article at all. Every time his name appears in public..the threats against him from the far right increase.”

Trump nominee to head up FDA won’t make any commitments on abortion pill access WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Food and Drug Administration refused to commit to keeping access to medication abortion as it is now, or changing prescribing guidelines, in r...

Trump nominee to head up FDA won’t make any commitments on abortion pill access

www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trum...

New rules after tragedy shut National runways when Trump boards Marine One The FAA has changed how helicopter traffic is managed near the busy airport in response to last month’s crash, leading to delays and diverted flights.

Airline passengers have experienced serious disruptions at Washington’s Reagan National Airport because of new rules that trigger runway closures when President Donald Trump flies to and from the White House aboard his helicopter.

Judge rejects AP request for emergency order in suit over access to Trump White House WASHINGTON — A federal judge denied The Associated Press an immediate temporary order that would have restored access to cover certain White House events and travel with the president, after the Trump...

Judge rejects AP request for emergency order in suit over access to Trump White House. Story by @ashleymurray.bsky.social www.newsfromthestates.com/article/judg...

Federal workers in Michigan: How have Trump or Musk’s policies affected your job or agency?

We want to hear your stories and what you are experiencing on the job? How are the DOGE changes or other new policies affecting you?

Email mburke@detroitnews.com or find me on Signal

New England has become a hotbed of anti-Trump litigation. It’s not a coincidence. - The Boston Globe It’s a change from President Trump’s first term in office, when lawsuits against his policies were heavily clustered on the West Coast.

During Trump's first administration, the Western states were the hotspot for fighting his policies in court.

This time, it's shaping up to be New England, even though its one of the smallest circuits.

Here's why:
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/02/24/n...

Musk’s DOGE seeks access to personal taxpayer data, raising alarm at IRS Musk’s DOGE seeks access to personal taxpayer data at IRS

🚨 SCOOP: DOGE is seeking personal taxpayer data at IRS, sources tell me. 🚨

Trump admin is pushing IRS to agree to an MOU that would give DOGE access to granular data on every taxpayer, business and nonprofit in the country.

Senate Approps RM Patty Murray says she's concerned Congress won't negotiate a funding deal before the March 14 shutdown deadline.

"The level of trust is at the lowest I have ever seen it here in Congress in our ability to work together, find a compromise and get it passed."

Insider: Some Michigan Democrats bewildered by Whitmer's response to Trump over DEI Other states have been reacting "much more forcefully" to President Trump's executive orders than Gov. Whitmer, one Democratic House member said.

Some Michigan Democrats bewildered by Whitmer's response to Trump over DEI

www.detroitnews.com/story/news/p...

Per @melissaburke.bsky.social

News: Pete Buttigieg has ruled out running for MI governor and is “very seriously focused” on a potential run for US Senate, per a source familiar. #MISen

Michigan AG Nessel plans legal action over Trump administration's federal funding freeze Nessel, a Democrat and Michigan's top law enforcement official, said her department was already learning of "services impacted throughout the state."

News: Michigan AG Nessel plans legal action over Trump administration's federal funding freeze

www.detroitnews.com/story/news/p...

via @detroitnews.bsky.social @craigmauger.bsky.social @melissaburke.bsky.social

Trump’s new trade war may prove far more disruptive than his first Trump’s second trade war is shaping up to be much different from his first. His ambitions for a reordering of world commerce are broader, and the opposition is weaker.

Trump’s new trade war may prove far more disruptive than his first

Official from 1st Trump presidency: "The threats are much more expansive. The sense of legal constraints seems much less."

www.detroitnews.com/story/news/p...

Trump ousts at least 12 independent inspectors general in late-night purge The dismissals appeared to violate federal law, which requires Congress to receive 30 days’ notice of any intent to fire a Senate-confirmed inspector general.

“It’s a widespread massacre,” said one of the fired inspectors general. “Whoever Trump puts in now will be viewed as loyalists, and that undermines the entire system.” www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...

Hegseth nomination for Pentagon chief advances in U.S. Senate in close vote WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Republicans on Thursday advanced the nomination of veteran and onetime Fox News host Pete Hegseth to lead the nation’s military, despite numerous allegations of alcohol abuse ...

Hegseth nomination for Pentagon chief advances in U.S. Senate in close vote, reports @ashleymurray.bsky.social

www.newsfromthestates.com/article/hegs...

Shelter space shortage raises concerns as arctic air hits Michigan As homelessness surges nationally, some local officials and nonprofit leaders are worried about a lack of shelter space in southeast Michigan, especially as a blast of arctic air hits the region late Sunday into Monday and brings the coldest temperatures…

As homelessness surges nationally, some local officials and nonprofit leaders are worried about a lack of shelter space in southeast Michigan, especially as a blast of arctic air hits the region late Sunday into Monday and brings the coldest temperatures this… #Homelessness #Shelter #MetroDetroit

Trump Grants Sweeping Clemency to All Jan. 6 Rioters The extraordinary pardons and commutations extended to those who committed both violent and nonviolent crimes on Jan. 6, including assaulting police officers and seditious conspiracy.

“Trump pardoned Enrique Tarrio, the former leader of the Proud Boys, who was serving a 22-year prison term after being convicted at trial of seditious conspiracy — a crime that requires prosecutors to prove that a defendant used violent force against the government.”

www.nytimes.com/2025/01/20/u...

Secret Service says goodbye to 'Deacon,' its longest-ever protectee - by far - Jimmy Carter The Secret Service protects former presidents until they day. In Carter's case, the agents' solemn mission lasted 49 years and two months.

Secret Service says goodbye to 'Deacon,' its longest-ever protectee - by far - Jimmy Carter www.usatoday.com/story/news/p... via @usatoday.com

Biden extends protected status for migrants from four countries ahead of Trump return WASHINGTON — With a little over a week before the end of President Joe Biden’s term, his administration extended humanitarian protections for nationals from four countries Friday before President-elec...

Biden extends protected status for migrants from four countries ahead of Trump return www.newsfromthestates.com/article/bide...