Category: usa news today

A federal judge on Friday said he strongly suspects that the Trump administration deported a 2-year old U.S. citizen to Honduras “with no meaningful process.”

The child was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on January 4, 2023, according to court documents. The child was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement Tuesday morning with her mother and her 11-year-old sister, while the mother was “attending a routine check-in” with the federal agency, according to the petition.

“In the interest of dispelling our strong suspicion that the government just deported a US citizen with no meaningful process,” U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty ordered a hearing on May 16 in Monroe, Louisiana.

The judge added, “It is illegal and unconstitutional to deport, detain for deportation, or recommend deportation of a U.S. citizen,” citing a 2012 deportation case.

Doughty, chief judge in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, was appointed by President Donald Trump in 2017.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement did not immediately respond to requests for comment Saturday.

“The parent made the decision to take the child with them to Honduras. It is common that parents want to be removed with their children,” assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement provided by the Department of Homeland Security.

The federal government, Doughty said, “contends this is all okay because the mother wishes that the child be deported with her … But the court doesn’t know that.”

In his April 25 order, Doughty said he tried to reach the 2-year-old’s mother over the phone, to determine whether she wanted her child deported with her, as the government contended, but was told by government attorneys that wouldn’t be possible because the mother had just been released in Honduras.

Father sought custody

After the father of the 2-year old learned Tuesday that his family was detained, his lawyer called immigration officials to inform them that child, a girl identified by the initials V.M.L ,is a U.S. citizen and could not be deported, according to court documents. The father of V.M.L., who lives in the U.S., asked that the girl be placed with a custodian who is “ready and willing” to care for her in the U.S..

According to the court filing, when the father reached out to an Immigration and Customs and Enforcement official, he was told that he could try to pick up V.M.L but that he would also be taken into custody.

On Thursday, an attorney for a family friend, who had been given temporary provisional custody of the child, filed for a temporary restraining order, requesting the immediate release of the 2-year-old, saying she was suffering irreparable harm by being detained.

Before Doughty could consider the petition and restraining order request, V.M.L. was deported along with her mother and sister Friday morning.

Government lawyers said in a court filing that the child’s mother has legal custody of the child and that she indicated in writing that she wanted to take her daughter to Honduras.

The letter, in Spanish and dated at 6:23 p.m. Thursday, reads, “I will take my daughter … with me to Honduras.”

Doughty noted in his order for a May hearing that V.M.L. and her mother were still in the air and in U.S. custody when he asked to speak with the mother. The government responded an hour later that the mother had been released in Honduras, the filing states.

ACLU responds

On Friday, the American Civil Liberties Union issued a statement stating that not only was the 2-year-old U.S. citizen deported, but that the New Orleans Immigration and Customs Enforcement Field Office deported two other children who are U.S. citizens aged 4 and 7 that day.

More: Exclusive: DOJ memo offers blueprint to Tren de Aragua deportation plan

The ACLU said that the 2-year old and two other U.S. citizen children in a separate case, were deported from the U.S. “under deeply troubling circumstances that raise serious due process concerns.”

The second family, who was detained Thursday and deported Friday, included a child suffering from a rare form of metastatic cancer who “was deported without medication or the ability to consult with their treating physicians–despite ICE being notified in advance of the child’s urgent medical needs,” according to the ACLU.

Editor’s note: Follow 2025 NFL draft live updates, grades and analysis.

The 2025 NFL draft is a long way from completion – 225 picks yet to be made over the next two days in Rounds 2 through 7.

But a tone was certainly set in Thursday night’s first round, which was chalk for exactly one pick before the Jacksonville Jaguars tossed a grenade into all of those carefully (and not so carefully) crafted mock drafts by trading up to the second spot. Plenty of surprises from that point forward – which, said another way, means several (premature?) winners and losers in the context of Round 1. (May the “losers” see their fortunes change over the coming days and weeks):

LOSERS

Shedeur Sanders

Like it or not, he remains the headliner of this draft – even as he continues waiting to get picked on that brutal NFL playground. Sanders and his father, Hall of Famer and University of Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, watched from their Texas home … only to realize the Big 12’s 2024 Offensive Player of the Year will have to wait 24 more hours – bound to bring another brutal news cycle – before he finds a professional home. Was Shedeur Sanders unfairly maligned? Is he eating deserved humble pie? Is he merely being slotted where his abilities appropriately merit? All matters for debate – and they will doubtless be parsed. Hopefully for Sanders, his fire is stoked, Friday’s wait is short, and his next team truly provides an optimal opportunity to eventually silence a growing legion of naysayers and haters.

Cam Ward

Good for him, appropriated with the No. 1 pick by the Tennessee Titans, an outcome largely expected over the past two months. But with the draft’s glaring spotlight trained on Sanders, hard to remember when a quarterback drafted in the top spot seemed so incidental. Maybe it’s because there was so little drama regarding Ward’s fate. Maybe it’s because the Titans don’t exactly have a national following. Maybe it’s because Ward likely would have been the sixth or seventh QB taken had he remained in last year’s draft, which he initially declared for. Whatever the case, Ward will have his day and certainly the platform to prove he was the marquee passer, if not player, to enter the league in 2025.

Draft-eligible offensive backfield

Just two quarterbacks (Ward and Jaxson Dart) were picked Thursday despite all the airtime and ink, whether real or digital, devoted to the highest profile of positions. Moreover, only two running backs (Ashton Jeanty, Omarion Hampton) were chosen from a deep and seemingly impactful group at the position.

Draft-eligible defensive backfield

Three-and-a-half defensive backs (Travis Hunter, Jahdae Barron, Maxwell Hairston, Malaki Starks) were called in Round 1 – kinda light given how many teams are primarily in nickel and dime packages (5-6 DBs on field) and the continuing proliferation of the position. It was especially surprising given Michigan CB Will Johnson and South Carolina S Nick Emmanwori were among those who dropped, though Johnson’s knee has apparently scuttled his stock. But expect a run early Friday, especially with the likes of Ole Miss CB Trey Amos, East Carolina CB Shavon Revel Jr., Florida State CB Azareye’h Thomas and Notre Dame’s Benjamin Morrison and Xavier Watts still on the board.

Clay Matthews

Really, dude? Amid all the jobs lost, depressed stocks and ongoing chaos in the world, you had to bring political jokes to the stage Thursday when it’s eminently easy to play to a Wisconsin crowd by declaring any number of other ways that “the Bears still suck”? In this case, stick to sports.

New England Patriots

The run from quarterbacks likely cost them the opportunity to select Hunter or Penn State pass rusher Abdul Carter – widely regarded as the two most talented players in this draft. Still, the Pats likely got the guy they actually needed most in LSU LT Will Campbell, who was clearly moved by the opportunity he’ll have to keep QB Drake Maye from being drawn and quartered in 2025.

Abdul Carter

Buddy … it’s nice that you’re renouncing your Eagles fandom and embracing your new employer, the archrival New York Giants. But suggesting the No. 56 worn by Lawrence Taylor, arguably the greatest pass rusher (and maybe defensive player) ever, should come out of the rafters so you can wear it might not play well – with LT or this fan base. You’re not worthy, Mr. Carter, no matter how good you think you are.

TO BE DETERMINED

Cleveland Browns

In the aftermath of the disastrous Deshaun Watson trade, they celebrated their first pick inside the top 50 in four years … by trading it to the Jaguars. Jacksonville snatched up Hunter – a sublime two-way threat that Cleveland GM Andrew Berry spoke glowingly of last week, though perhaps that was by shrewd design. The Browns instead took Michigan DT Mason Graham with the fifth pick, a selection that won’t catalyze the fan base the way Hunter would have … though Wolverines have recently found it pretty easy to win in Ohio, so nicely done, Mr. Berry. But any verdict will have to wait until 2026, when it seems more likely Cleveland will use one or both of its first-rounders to obtain the franchise quarterback Watson never was. (And don’t forget, it’s still possible Kirk Cousins pops up here in the interim…)

Dallas Cowboys

So far, so good? Not sexy but taking O-linemen has served them well for years, and G Tyler Booker could legitimately be the next great one in Big D.

WINNERS

Abdul Carter

The first pure defender chosen, going third overall, the LT wannabe will have the opportunity to showcase his personality in the New York market while playing on a defense with two very capable pass rushers, Pro Bowler Brian Burns and 2022 first-rounder Kayvon Thibodeaux. Expect Carter to have short odds as the 2025 Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen

Not only did the Giants’ embattled brain trust come away with Carter – the player they correctly chose with the No. 3 pick – they managed to get back into the first round for Dart at No. 25. The best part(s)? The Giants just got much better; Daboll, the coach, and Schoen, the GM, probably improved their job security; and Dart doesn’t have to be forced into the lineup prematurely with veteran QBs Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston available to serve as 2025 cannon fodder. This franchise might actually be back on track.

Super Bowl 59 winners

Philadelphia Eagles EVP/GM Howie Roseman strikes again, somehow adding another SEC game wrecker (Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell in this case) precisely at plural positions (edge, off-ball linebacker) of need in Philly following issues created by free agency, Brandon Graham’s retirement and injuries.

Super Bowl 59 losers

If not for blocking issues, the Kansas City Chiefs might have won five of the past six Super Bowls. But they appeared to enjoy a stroke of luck, too, talented Ohio State LT Josh Simmons only slipping to them because he tore a patellar tendon last October. The injury might cost him some money in the near term, but being QB Patrick Mahomes’ bodyguard in the long term could pay off very handsomely for Simmons and the league’s only active dynasty.

Travis Hunter

The Jags clearly made a strong commitment to get Hunter, who, while rocking his pink blazer, seemed to be having the time of his life Thursday. Now he heads to a rebooting operation where he doesn’t have to be WR1 or CB1 and has a reasonable chance to make strong contributions offensively and defensively – and in a sad division where his presence could very much spark a turnaround in Duval County (or however new HC Liam Coen says it).

Packers fans

They were out in force for the first draft in the Cheese State in more than 80 years. They booed the Bears, while being respectful of recently passed Chicago Hall of Famer Steve McMichael. Finally, they were gift wrapped a first-round wideout, Texas’ speedy Matthew Golden, for the first time in 23 years. On Wisconsin!

Aaron Rodgers

Assuming he signs with the Pittsburgh Steelers … it appears he won’t have to compete with Sanders … barring what would likely be a costly trade to come up for him given Pittsburgh has no second-round pick. Assuming he can still whip Mason Rudolph, it appears Rodgers has a clear runway to the Steel City QB1 job.

All NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY’s 4th and Monday newsletter.

WASHINGTON – Dozens of states across the country are considering their own versions of a federal voting bill critics say could disenfranchise millions of Americans, including many married women.

Republican lawmakers in 24 states introduced measures requiring people to prove their citizenship, using documents such as birth certificates or passports, when they register to vote, according to the nonpartisan Voting Rights Lab. Three other states – Louisiana, New Hampshire and Wyoming – have enacted similar laws in recent months. 

Supporters call the efforts a security measure and say they’re trying to reinforce laws barring noncitizens from voting. But voting rights advocates argue it’s already exceedingly rare for noncitizens to vote – and the laws could make it more difficult for millions of Americans to cast a ballot.

Opponents are particularly concerned the requirements will hit rural communities, military personnel and married women. About 83% of married women changed their name, and for many that means their birth certificates don’t match their current ID.

In Washington, legislation dubbed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act passed the House of Representatives in early April, but it faces an uphill battle in the closely divided Senate.

More: Could a GOP bill prevent some married women from voting? Here’s what to know.

The SAVE Act and the state legislation across the country all have slightly different requirements when it comes to what documents could be used to prove citizenship. Here’s what to know.

States with existing rules  

New Hampshire 

New Hampshire in March held its first elections since it implemented a new voter registration law last year that’s stricter about what ID you can use. It’s among the only states where such a law has been in effect during an election season.  

More than 95 people were turned away from voting in town elections due to the new documentation law, according to research from the New Hampshire Campaign for Voting Rights, a subsidiary of the progressive group America Votes.

Other residents said they struggled to register to vote and cast a ballot in the March 11 local election because of the law.  

Betsy Spencer, a 70-year-old resident of Hopkinton, New Hampshire, told New Hampshire Public Radio she was prepared with multiple documents when she showed up to vote but was initially turned away because she didn’t have her married name on her birth certificate.  

Her situation is among the key concerns voting rights groups have about proof of citizenship laws.

Married women who changed their last name may be required to bring extra documentation, such as a marriage license, to prove their citizenship in New Hampshire and other states that enact similar laws.  

The New Hampshire Secretary of State’s office declined to comment on the legislation when reached for this story.

Arizona 

Arizona voters are already required to prove their citizenship to vote in state and local races. In fact, the SAVE Act mirrors laws on the books in the Grand Canyon State, the Arizona Republic, part of the USA TODAY Network, reported.

Voters in the state aren’t required to do the same in federal contests because the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 blocks most states from confirming citizenship in national elections. New Hampshire, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Idaho, Wyoming and North Dakota are the only states exempt from that rule.  

Wyoming 

Wyoming passed its law based on the SAVE Act on March 21. Starting July 1, the state will require residents to provide one of several documents to prove their citizenship status, including a driver’s license indicating citizenship, a U.S. passport, a birth certificate, military draft records, a tribal identification card or a certificate of citizenship. 

Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray described it as “commonsense election integrity legislation,” in a statement after its passage.

Five states – Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington – currently have enhanced driver’s licenses that can serve as proof of citizenship, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Wyoming is considering legislation that would require U.S. immigrants in the country with the proper documentation to have a demarcation on their state-issued ID stating they are “not a United States citizen,” but it’s not yet law.

Louisiana 

Louisiana’s law went into effect Jan. 1 requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote, but the state hasn’t issued guidance on what documentation residents need. It’s not yet clear how it will handle citizenship requirements for federal elections.  

States to watch 

Texas  

One of the strictest proof of citizenship bills in the country is quickly moving through the Texas legislature. The state’s Senate approved the proposal, which is modeled after Arizona’s law, on April 1. The bill needs the approval of the state House and the signature of the state’s Republican governor to become law. 

Texas’ legislation would retroactively apply to people already registered to vote, not just new voters. If it’s enacted, voters would need to provide proof of citizenship to participate in presidential elections and state and local races, though some of the requirements are likely to be challenged in court.  

“Texas, in addition to being the second most populous state in the country, it is also one of the states that’s really fast-tracked documented proof of citizenship legislation following Trump’s executive order,” said Liz Avore, a senior policy advisor at the Voting Rights Lab.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order earlier this year establishing new national voter identification requirements. A federal judge on April 24 temporarily blocked the policy from going into effect after multiple groups sued the administration alleging that it lacked the power to issue the order.

An analysis from the Voting Rights lab of U.S. State Department data found that more than 12 million of the roughly 31 million people living in Texas do not have a passport, one of the main forms of citizenship documentation, Avore said. That’s close to 40% of the state population.  

Michigan  

GOP state lawmakers in Michigan are pushing for a constitutional amendment that would require those registering to vote to provide proof of citizenship. Michigan is among the few states where drivers’ licenses could fulfill this requirement.  

The amendment proposal passed a state House committee but has yet to be taken up for a floor vote in the chamber. It’s likely to face tough odds in the Democratic-led state Senate.

Supporters of the constitutional amendment have also launched a separate ballot initiative effort. The state’s election board recently cleared the way for organizers to begin collecting the hundreds of thousands of signatures they would need to put the amendment up for a vote in 2026.

Still, GOP state Rep. Bryan Posthumus, who represents the area north of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and introduced the voter ID measure, told USA TODAY April 22 getting it on the ballot will be a “steep hill to climb.” 

Missouri 

A Missouri bill along the lines of efforts in Michigan and other states passed out of a state Senate committee at the beginning of March but has yet to be taken up for a vote.  

The author of the legislation, state Sen. Ben Brown, said the proposal could be tacked on as an amendment to other election-related bills this session. But he said it is “getting pretty late” in the current legislative calendar to take action: It’s not impossible for it to pass in the coming months, but it is becoming increasingly unlikely.  

States that have introduced legislation 

Legislators in more than a dozen states, including Democratic strongholds, have introduced bills that mirror the SAVE Act. Many are in the early stages of consideration, including:  

Fast fashion fans who forgot to clear their shopping carts may have a higher total waiting if they return to checkout after Friday, April 25.

E-commerce giants Shein and Temu announced in early April that prices would be rising on both platforms in response to changing trade policy between the U.S. and China. In nearly identical notices shared April 16, the competitors explained that, “Due to recent changes in global trade rules and tariffs,” operating expenses had gone up and so would prices.

“To keep offering the products you love without compromising on quality, we will be making price adjustments starting April 25, 2025,” both notices read.

Known for selling clothing and convenience items at cheap prices, both sellers have attracted American shoppers looking to place large orders for remarkably low costs and often free shipping. Between the 145% import tariff currently imposed on China by President Donald Trump and the impending closure of a trade loophole that allowed packages under $800 in value to come into the country for free, those rock-bottom prices may soon begin to rise.

We tracked 15 items across both platforms in the days before the April 25 deadline and after to get a snapshot of what the price changes may look like. Here’s what we found.

Why are Shein and Temu prices going up?

Shein and Temu are Chinese-founded companies. Though Shein has since moved its base to Singapore and Temu has a headquarters in Boston, both still operate and ship items out of China, meaning they will be subject to the 145% import tariff currently levied against the country.

Additionally, a trade loophole called the “de minimis” exemption that previously allowed low-value goods to be shipped to the U.S. duty-free is set to close at midnight on May 1.

Beginning on May 2, carriers (meaning commercial mail agencies like UPS and FedEx) will either have to pay a 120% rate on packages from China valued at under $800 or a $100 package fee. On June 1, that fee will jump from $100 to $200, the White House announced on April 9.

When are Shein and Temu prices going up?

While the de minimis exemption is not being eliminated until May 2, both Shein and Temu released notices on April 16 saying they would be performing “price adjustments” starting April 25.

Though the two companies are competitors, their announcements were nearly identical.

Are Shein and Temu still shipping to the U.S.?

Yes, Shein and Temu are still shipping to the U.S. and other countries. Because of tariffs and the closing de minimis loophole, however, U.S. customers may see higher prices.

How much will Shein and Temu raise their prices?

Neither Shein nor Temu clarified how much they intend to raise prices. When reviewing dozens of items on both sites, USA TODAY found that some prices were over 100% higher, while some were the same or lower than their pre-April 25 tag. The 15 items below are a sampling of what USA TODAY tracked.

Because Temu and Shein serve as a marketplace for third-party sellers, have partnerships with certain manufacturers and make some of their own branded clothing, a clean, uniform increase across all items, categories and sellers is likely not possible.

See price changes on 10 Temu items

Temu has a “Local Warehouse” shopping tab under which you can shop items that ship through nearby distributors. Temu, like Shein, has fulfillment centers and warehouses in different countries, including the U.S., where Chinese sellers and manufacturers send some items in bulk.

Through this practice, Temu can offer faster, cheaper shipping to U.S. customers and, in the case of the new tariffs and duties, avoid foisting additional costs onto customers. This is reflected in the price changes we observed on April 25, which disproportionately impacted non-local inventory.

We chose popular items from housewares as well as men’s, women’s and children’s clothing categories on the “best-selling” pages on Temu.

Locally shipped

Non-local warehouse

See price changes on 5 Shein items

While Shein also has U.S.-based fulfillment centers, it does not specify when shopping where an item is shipped from. When putting items in a shopping cart on April 25, a new message appeared at the top saying, “Tariffs are included in the price you pay. You’ll never have to pay extra at delivery.”

We chose housewares and clothing items from “most popular items” under the “best sellers” category on Shein. The prices of items we reviewed did not appear to change significantly, though it is unclear if this is because the items selected come from shippers closer to the U.S. or our sample did not capture the most impacted products.

Will Shein and Temu prices keep going up?

Both Shein and Temu said in their online statements that they would be making adjustments “starting” on April 25, indicating that price changes will be an ongoing process. However, neither company responded to USA TODAY’s request for clarification.

Trump said in late April that the 145% tariff on China will “come down substantially” in the future. It is unclear how this could impact prices.

Contributing: Bianca Harris, James Sergent, USA TODAY

CNN
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The arrest of a Wisconsin state judge for allegedly helping an undocumented immigrant avoid arrest has opened a new front in the Trump administration’s aggressive attempt to carry out a historic deportation campaign.

The decision by the Justice Department to charge Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan for obstruction and concealing the individual from arrest turned a spotlight on the administration’s decision to exercise immigration enforcement in certain places that have in the past been mostly off-limits to such federal activity, including courthouses, schools and places of worship.

Her arrest Friday morning immediately drew intense criticism from legal experts and Democratic lawmakers, who widely viewed it as the Trump administration’s latest bid to strong-arm courts around the country as it pushes ahead with controversial immigration policies.

“Pure intimidation – nothing more than that,” said retired federal Judge Nancy Gertner.

The Justice Department has repeatedly asserted that it will investigate any local officials who do not assist federal authorities on immigration matters. Earlier this year, President Donald Trump revived a policy from his first term that allows federal officials to make immigration-related arrests in courts.

But as in so-called sanctuary cities around the US, court officials are not obligated to work with federal officials in such arrests if the warrant being executed is an administrative warrant and not a judicial one.

Such was the case for Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, who federal officials were attempting to arrest on April 18, the day he was appearing before Dugan in a criminal matter. After learning that the officials were in possession of an administrative warrant for Flores-Ruiz, the judge allegedly helped him and his attorney leave through a nonpublic area of the courthouse. Flores-Ruiz was arrested by federal agents shortly thereafter.

“Without a (judicial) warrant, there obviously would literally be no obligation for her to cooperate. It would only happen if there was a warrant,” Jeff Swartz, a former Florida state judge, told CNN’s Brianna Keilar on “CNN News Central.” “She has no obligation to assist at all with the apprehension of that particular defendant in a civil matter.”

Former federal prosecutor Elie Honig said that it’s likely Dugan wouldn’t be facing the federal charges had she only declined to cooperate with the agents that day.

For her conduct to result in the charges she’s facing, he said, “there needs to be some affirmative act taken. And here, showing this person the back door, giving this person access to the back door, and then ushering the person out the back door would be an affirmative act.”

But Honig, a CNN legal analyst, stressed that prosecutors have to take into account a host of factors when deciding whether bringing obstruction charges are “appropriate and necessary.”

In this case, he said, there are legitimate questions about whether pursuing charges against Dugan could represent prosecutorial overreach.

Dugan’s attorney, Steven Biskupic, said in a statement later Friday that his client “has committed herself to the rule of law and the principles of due process for her entire career as a lawyer and a judge.”

“Judge Dugan will defend herself vigorously, and looks forward to being exonerated,” he added.

Dugan’s arrest is not the first time the Justice Department under Trump has accused a sitting judge of helping an undocumented immigrant evade an immigration officer.

In 2019, a Massachusetts state judge was indicted on obstruction of justice and other federal charges, which were later dropped during the Biden administration.

“I think the canary in the coal mine was the Shelley Joseph case in Massachusetts, Gertner said.

She and other experts CNN spoke with said the way that case was handled was much more measured than how the Justice Department has handled Dugan’s, underscoring the political nature of the new matter.

Gertner, for example, emphasized the fact that Dugan was arrested for a white-collar offense, while the Massachusetts judge – Shelley Richmond Joseph – was not taken into custody.

“I can’t emphasize enough how preposterous that is,” Gertner said. “This is not an individual who’s going to flee. This is not an individual who’s a threat to the community.”

The experts also pointed to the public statements Trump administration officials made touting Dugan’s case as evidence of their intention to use her prosecution for political ends.

Among those officials are Attorney General Pam Bondi, who said in an interview on Fox News after the arrest was executed that “if you are destroying evidence and you are obstructing justice, when you have victims sitting in a courtroom of domestic violence and you are escorting a criminal defendant out the back door, it will not be tolerated.”

“I think some of these judges think they are beyond and above the law, and they are not,” Bondi added.

Doug Keith, who serves as senior counsel at the Brennan Center for Justice’s Judiciary Program, said it’s possible that more dramatic episodes could arise as the Trump administration continues seeking widespread cooperation in its deportation campaign.

“Unfortunately, I don’t think this is the last conflict we will see like this,” Keith said.

“The policy change that ICE made around courthouse arrests on January 21 has created these circumstances in which we should expect to see chaos like this play out in more courthouses across the country,” he added.

CNN’s Hannah Rabinowitz and Michael Williams contributed to this report.

WASHINGTON – Approximately 700 scientific research projects funded through the National Science Foundation were canceled on April 25 amid scrutiny from President Donald Trump‘s Department of Government Efficiency.

It came the day after the agency’s director, Sethuraman Panchanathan, abruptly resigned from his position, and a week after the agency cut another 400 grants touted by the Department of Government Efficiency as “wasteful DEI” funding. Panchanathan was appointed to the lead the agency that funds non-medical scientific research during Trump’s first term.

Several of the canceled grants align with a 2024 report published by Texas Sen. Ted Cruz identifying projects he argued had been “politicized,” according to a public list of canceled grants maintained by researchers at science nonprofit rOpenSci and Harvard University.

Among those were projects to develop an after-school program for “rural, Latinx youth” and to study online STEM learning by girls.

It also cut grants that were not included in Cruz’s report, like ones that would build a program for computer science students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), to make scientific conferences more accessible for people in rural areas or at small institutions, or to create a tool to identify deepfakes created by artificial intelligence.

Last week, DOGE staffers showed up at the NSF headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia, multiple NSF employees told USA TODAY.

A few days later, the agency announced it would adjust its priorities to eliminate awards “with more narrow impact limited to subgroups of people based on protected class or characteristics,” including those related to “diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and misinformation/disinformation.”

The same day, it announced more than 400 grants would be eliminated.

On April 25, NSF sent out an additional memo to staff announcing a pause in “supplemental awards,” according to a copy of the memo obtained by USA TODAY, which provide additional funding to projects in the case of unforeseen expenses.

The administration reportedly told agency leaders that Trump would be seeking a 55% cut to the agency’s budget and the elimination of half of its staff.

Another memo sent to staff on April 24 and reviewed by USA TODAY offered a new deferred resignation program and warned that the agency “may be expected to make significant workforce reductions.”

The rapid changes have surprised and destabilized staff at the agency, which funds basic scientific research that can become the foundation for widely used technology like artificial intelligence, 3D printing, LASIK eye surgery, MRIs, and semiconductors.

One NSF employee granted anonymity to discuss changes at the agency said they are worried that the elimination of grants could jeopardize the United States’ position as a global scientific leader amid intense competition with China.

The NSF did not respond to a request for comment. DOGE praised the changes in a post on X as “great work.”

The DOGE efforts to slash “waste and fraud” from the federal government, led by Trump ally Elon Musk, has swept through multiple agencies since Trump returned to office in January, eliminating contracts and leases and, in some cases, all but eliminated entire agencies.

Musk claims the project has saved $160 billion to date as he prepares to step away from the administration. As recently as late March, Musk claimed he would save $1 trillion.

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The 2-year-old was missing for about 16 hours before appearing with Buford in his owner’s driveway.

Buford, a rancher’s dog in Arizona credited with helping protect and rescue a toddler who went missing in Arizona last week, is basking in glory as a hero.

The 6-year-old Great Pyrenees/Anatolian mix received an “Honorary Search and Rescue Certificate” and a vest by the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office on April 22 for being a “source of comfort to the family and community,” and playing “a vital role in representing the spirit of keeping our community safe,” the law enforcement agency said in a post on Facebook.

“Buford’s vigilance and protective instincts, combined with Scottie Dunton’s swift response, ensured Bodin’s safe return to his family,” Buford’s certificate reads, according to the Arizona Republic, part of the USA TODAY Network. “Your actions exemplify the highest standards of community service and canine heroism.”

Not only that, but Buford is also being showered with gifts from strangers for protecting the 2-year-old boy and leading him to safety, his owner, Scotty Dunton, told KPNX.

“Toys, chew toys, snacks, you name it, just a little bit of everything,” Dunton said, adding he has also been receiving messages for Buford from across the world.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

Buford the dog meets 2-year-old Bodin Allen, lost boy he led to safety

Buford the dog is credited with guiding 2-year-old Bodin Allen to safety after the boy wandered from home on April 14, 2025.

Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office

‘I can’t believe that kid made it that far’

The 2-year-old, identified as Bodin Allen by the Arizona Republic, was reported missing on April 14. The toddler had wandered away from his home in Seligman, Arizona, about 180 miles southeast of Las Vegas, and into rough terrain, according to the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office.

A search and rescue party consisting of 40 members was put together to look for the toddler, and he was found after approximately 16 hours with Buford in the rancher’s driveway, about seven miles away from his home.

Dunton, at the time, had said he spotted the toddler just as he was headed to town.

“When I was driving out the driveway, I noticed my dog was sitting down by the entrance,” Dunton, who owns Dunton Ranch in Kingman, had said. “I look up and the little kid’s standing there with my dog.”

“I can’t believe that kid made it that far,” he added.

Dunton’s wife, Dawn, told USA TODAY over email that she wasn’t home at the time of the rescue, but the “child was in fairly good condition all things considered.”

“He was crying but Scotty was able to comfort him. His little face was all dirty and of course he was hungry and thirsty,” Dawn said. “He is doing well now after some much needed rest in the safety of his home.”

How did the toddler go missing?

Bodin’s mother, Sarah Allen, told the Arizona Republic, she was tending to their 1-year-old child when the toddler wandered off in the afternoon of April 14, adding it was not unusual for Bodin to go outdoors and play in the dirt. A few minutes later when she went outside to look for her child, she couldn’t find him anywhere.

“My instinct was maybe he got trafficked or something,” Bodin’s father, Corey Allen, told the Arizona Republic. “And he could be states away. Who knows what’s going on? And that feeling just kept intensifying by the minute.”

Over the next few hours, which Corey described as “the weakest moment of our lives,” search and rescue officials looked for the toddler far and wide.

“I feel like I’m about to be ended as a person,” Corey told the Arizona Republic. “I’m trying to hold my son in my arms, and he’s not there.”

Arizona Republic reporter speaks with rescued boy, parents

Arizona Republic reporter Caitlin McGlade speaks with rescued boy Bodin Allen and his parents, Sarah and Corey Allen.

Bodin, meanwhile, dressed only in pajama bottoms, a tank top, and sneakers, was wandering under the full moon, somewhere in the seven miles between the Allen property and a ranch guarded by the 150-pound dog Buford.

Around 8 a.m. the next morning, as Scotty was getting ready to go into town, he saw Buford coming down the fence line with a little blond boy and alerted the family.

“I’ve just had the most emotional meltdown. I’ve never cried that hard,” Corey said, describing the moment before he found out his son was found.

Sarah said their son was completely unfazed by the incident and “acted like nothing even happened.”

The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office also celebrated Bodin by giving him “a challenge coin” to acknowledge “their courageous spirit and commitment to helping others.”

Buford loves kids

Dunton said he believes the toddler reached the ranch by following a road right next to a power line before Buford found the boy.

Buford “loves kids, so I can imagine he wouldn’t leave him when he found him,” Dunton said.

“We chose him from the litter because of his chill demeanor,” Dawn said, adding that Buford is a livestock guardian breed, and it is their nature to roam and protect.

“Buford has always been a natural babysitter, whether it be with baby animals or with children,” Dawn added.

Contributing: Julia Gomez, USA TODAY / Caitlin McGlade, Arizona Republic

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.

It’s almost time to put the pencils down at the 2025 NFL Draft.

While players drafted on Day 3 have generally low expectations, teams still scramble and scour their draft board to try and find the best players to fit their rosters in a typically chaotic Saturday.

This year may be a little more chaotic than usual. With quarterback Shedeur Sanders’ freefall continuing, the unpredictability of today’s rounds will make for some interesting grades.

There are still plenty of noteworthy players on the board outside of Sanders, too. Jalen Royals, Elic Ayomanor, Isaiah Bond, Tez Johnson highlight a deep wide receiver class. In the quarterback ranks, Will Howard, Quinn Ewers, Kyle McCord and Riley Leonard should all hear their names called on Day 3.

That should all make for some interesting report cards when the day is done.

USA TODAY Sports is grading each pick in the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh rounds as they come in. Follow along below.

Round 4

103. Tennessee Titans: Chimere Dike, WR, Florida

Tennessee needs to upgrade the pass-catchers around No. 1 pick Cam Ward and do so here. Dike has ideal outside receiver size and good speed but needs to work on his route running to succeed at the NFL level.

104. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Browns): Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Virginia Tech

Tuten is one of the most athletic, dynamic running backs in a loaded class. He’s an explosive athlete who should make for a great compliment to Tank Bigsby. Coach Liam Coen should have fun finding ways to get Tuten the ball in space.

105. New York Giants: Cam Skattebo, RB, Arizona State

Skattebo is a powerful bowling ball of a runner with proven receiving skills. Fumbles are a concern from his college career but he’ll make a good second option to Tyrone Tracy Jr. Considering the board and the Giants‘ needs on the roster, this feels like a bit of a luxury pick.

106. New England Patriots: Craig Woodson, S, Cal

New England finally addresses defense at the top of Round 4. Woodson has good size and ball production from college but lacks any dominant traits. Still, the Patriots secondary needs help, even if this is a bit of a reach considering the options on the board.

107. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jack Kiser, LB, Notre Dame

Kiser is an experienced, productive linebacker from Notre Dame who should at least compete for special teams reps immediately. His lack of high-end athletic traits may be exposed more at the NFL level than in college. He does address a need on the defense.

108. Las Vegas Raiders: Dont’e Thornton Jr., WR, Tennessee

Las Vegas needs more pass-catchers to support star tight end Brock Bowers and, after getting a slot receiver in Round 2 with Jack Bech, get an outside threat in Thornton Jr. here. His downfield speed should add a dynamic vertical element to the Raiders’ offense.

109. Buffalo Bills (from Bears): Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky

Buffalo traded to get this pick back again to select Walker, an outlier in a loaded defensive tackle class. Walker stands 6-foot-7 and 328 pounds and moves far quicker than you’d expect at that size. He needs to improve his technique and footwork to maximize his athletic gifts but that’s a great landing spot for him to do so.

110. New York Jets: Arian Smith, WR, Georgia

The Jets address a need at wide receiver with one of the faster prospects at the position. But he’s unproven as a receiver with just one year of production at Georgia.

111. Philadelphia Eagles: Ty Robinson, DT, Nebraska

Robinson is slightly undersized for a defensive tackle at just 288 pounds but he’s very explosive and athletic enough to work on stunts and other games on the defensive line. He’ll be a great addition to the defensive line rotation as a rookie.

112. New Orleans Saints: Danny Stutsman, LB, Oklahoma

New Orleans needs a succession plan at linebacker with DeMario Davis entering his age-36 season. Stutsman is a tackling machine with good size and linear speed. He may struggle to keep up in coverage but is a great fit here alongside Pete Werner.

113. San Francisco 49ers: C.J. West, DT, Indiana

San Francisco continues investing on defense with the strong, quick West. The Indiana product has powerful hands to pair with his quickness. At 6-foot-1 and 316 pounds, he out-leverages bigger blockers and plays with a violent streak to win at the point of attack.

114. Carolina Panthers (from Cowboys): Trevor Etienne, RB, Georgia

Carolina’s invested a lot in the running back room after drafting Jonathon Brooks last year, extending Chuba Hubbard and signing Rico Dowdle in free agency. But they still get another running back here with the athletic Etienne. The Georgia running back struggled with consistency in college due to injury but could have a better future in the NFL.

115. Arizona Cardinals: Cody Simon, LB, Ohio State

The Cardinals have a need at linebacker after opting against re-signing Khyzir White in free agency. Simon brings good size, experience and instincts to the position and plays very hard. He may ultimately be limited in coverage but he’ll play well enough to endear himself to the coaching staff.

116. Houston Texans (from Dolphins): Woody Marks, RB, USC

Houston dealt with a slew of injuries in the backfield last season so investing in the position in a deep class has merit, especially as starter Joe Mixon enters his age-29 season. Marks is a good but not great athlete but offers a lot as a receiver out of the backfield. He’s the oldest running back in the class, though.

117. Los Angeles Rams (from Colts): Jarquez Hunter, RB, Auburn

Los Angeles has capable running backs on their roster already but Hunter adds another element to the backfield. He’s a compact, aggressive running back who runs downhill and hits the whole without losing speed. He’ll be a good compliment to Kyren Williams.

118. Atlanta Falcons: Billy Bowman Jr., S, Oklahoma

Atlanta takes a second safety in Round 4 after getting great value with Xavier Watts on Day 2. The team seems to be doubling up on positions with their limited draft resources. Bowman is undersized but makes up for it with instincts, speed and football IQ. Considering the board and the Falcons‘ needs, this may have been best used at another position.

119. Cincinnati Bengals: Barrett Carter, LB, Clemson

The Bengals took a linebacker in Round 2 but take another one here in the athletic Carter. The Clemson linebacker is a very good athlete despite being slightly undersized. Considering the Bengals’ needs in the secondary, this is a curious pick.

120. Tennessee Titans (from Seahawks): Gunnar Helm, TE, Texas

Tennessee double-dips in pass catchers in Round 4 with Helm at No. 120. Helm set school records at Texas for receptions and yards in 2024 and is a good route runner with great size. He also is a committed run blocker and that should endear him to the Titans’ coaching staff.

121. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: David Walker, Edge, Central Arkansas

Walker is undersized at 6-foot-1 and comes from a small school but put plenty of good play on tape. He uses a mix of strength and quickness to win at the point of attack. His lack of length may ultimately limit him at the NFL level but he should at least be a rotational piece off the edge sooner than later.

122. Carolina Panthers (from Broncos)

123. Pittsburgh Steelers

124. Green Bay Packers

125. Los Angeles Chargers

126. Cleveland Browns

127. Indianapolis Colts (from Rams):

128. Washington Commanders (from Texans)

129. Baltimore Ravens

130. Philadelphia Eagles

131. New Orleans Saints (from Commanders)

132. Buffalo Bills

133. Kansas City Chiefs

134. Denver Broncos

135.Las Vegas Raiders (compensatory, from Dolphins)

136. Baltimore Ravens (compensatory)

137. Seattle Seahawks (compensatory)

138. San Francisco 49ers (compensatory)

Round 5

139. Minnesota Vikings (from Browns)

140. Carolina Panthers (from Giants)

141. Tennessee Titans

142. Minnesota Vikings

143. Miami Dolphins (from Raiders)

144. New England Patriots

145. New York Jets

146. New England Patriots (from Panthers)

147. San Francisco 49ers (from Saints via Commanders)

148. Chicago Bears

149. Dallas Cowboys

150. Miami Dolphins

151. Indianapolis Colts

152. Arizona Cardinals

153. Cincinnati Bengals

154. New York Giants (from Seahawks)

155. Miami Dolphins (from Broncos)

156. Pittsburgh Steelers

157. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

158. Los Angeles Chargers

159. Green Bay Packers

160. San Francisco 49ers (from Vikings)

161. Philadelphia Eagles (from Texans)

162. New York Jets (from Rams via Steelers)

163. Carolina Panthers (from Ravens)

164. Kansas City Chiefs

165. Philadelphia Eagles (from Commanders)

166. Cleveland Browns

167. Tennessee Titans (from Chiefs)

168. Philadelphia Eagles

169. Buffalo Bills (compensatory)

170. Buffalo Bills (from Cowboys; compensatory)

171. New England Patriots (from Cowboys; compensatory)

172. Seattle Seahawks (compensatory)

173. Buffalo Bills (compensatory)

174. Dallas Cowboys (compensatory)

175. Seattle Seahawks (compensatory)

176. Baltimore Ravens (compensatory)

Round 6

177. Buffalo Bills (from Giants)

178. Tennessee Titans

179. Houston Texans (from Browns)

180. Las Vegas Raiders

181. Los Angeles Chargers (from Patriots)

182. Detroit Lions (from Jaguars)

183. Baltimore Ravens (from Panthers)

184. New Orleans Saints (reacquired via Commanders)

185. Pittsburgh Steelers (from Bears via Seahawks)

186. New York Jets

187. Houston Texans

188. Tennessee Titans (from Cowboys)

189. Indianapolis Colts

190. Los Angeles Rams (from Falcons)

191. Philadelphia Eagles

192. Cleveland Browns (from Dolphins via Bears)

193. Cincinnati Bengals

194. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Seahawks)

195. Los Angeles Rams (from Steelers)

196. Detroit Lions (from Buccaneers)

197. Denver Broncos

198. Green Bay Packers

199. Los Angeles Chargers

200. Jacksonville Jaguars

201. Los Angeles Rams

202. Los Angeles Rams (from Texans via Steelers and Bears)

203. Baltimore Ravens

204. Dallas Cowboys (from Lions via Browns and Bills)

205. Washington Commanders

206. Buffalo Bills

207. New York Jets (from Chiefs)

208. Carolina Panthers

209. Los Angeles Chargers (compensatory)

210. Baltimore Ravens (compensatory)

211. Dallas Cowboys (compensatory)

212. Baltimore Ravens (compensatory)

213. Las Vegas Raiders (compensatory)

214. Los Angeles Chargers (compensatory)

215. Las Vegas Raiders (compensatory)

216. Houston Texans

Round 7

217. Dallas Cowboys (from Titans via Patriots)

218. Atlanta Falcons (from Browns via Chargers)

219. New York Giants

220. New England Patriots

221. Jacksonville Jaguars

222. Las Vegas Raiders

223. Seattle Seahawks (from Saints via Eagles and Steelers)

224. Miami Dolphins (from Bears)

225. Arizona Cardinals (from Jets via Chiefs)

226. Kansas City Chiefs (from Panthers)

227. San Francisco 49ers

228. Detroit Lions (from Cowboys)

229. Pittsburgh Steelers (from Falcons via Eagles)

230. Detroit Lions

231. Miami Dolphins

232. Indianapolis Colts

233. Chicago Bears (from Bengals)

234. Seattle Seahawks

235. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

236. Jacksonville Jaguars

237. Green Bay Packers (from Steelers)

238. New England Patriots (from Chargers)

239. Dallas Cowboys (from Packers via Titans)

240. Buffalo Bills

241. Houston Texans

242. Los Angeles Rams

243. Baltimore Ravens

244. Detroit Lions

245. Washington Commanders

246. New York Giants (from Bills)

247. Dallas Cowboys (from Chiefs via Panthers)

248. New Orleans Saints (from Eagles via Commanders)

249. San Francisco 49ers (compensatory)

250. Green Bay Packers (compensatory)

251. Kansas City Chiefs (compensatory)

252. San Francisco 49ers (compensatory)

253. Miami Dolphins (compensatory)

254. New Orleans Saints (compensatory)

255. Houston Texans

256. Los Angeles Chargers (compensatory)

257. Kansas City Chiefs (compensatory)

President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held what the White House described as a “productive” meeting on the sidelines of Pope Francis’ funeral in Rome.

It was their first in person meeting since they were involved in a fiery exchange at the White House in February, and comes as Trump has pushed for Ukraine to strike a deal with Russia to end the three-year-old war.

White House communications director Steven Cheung said Trump and Zelenskyy “met privately today and had a very productive discussion.” A spokesman for Zelenskyy said the meeting lasted about 15 minutes.

Russia wields nuclear threat: Moscow attacks Kyiv and Trump says Zelenskyy ‘inflammatory’

Zelenskyy said the meeting had the “potential to become historic.” Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump said “there was no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas,” a reference to when 12 people were killed in Russian strikes that targeted Ukraine’s capital Kyiv on April 24.

“It makes me think he doesn’t want to stop the war, he’s just tapping me along,” Trump wrote.

Trump and Vice President JD Vance have warned Ukraine that Washington could abandon trying to negotiate a Ukraine-Russia peace settlement if there is no progress on a deal soon.

Trump and his aides want Ukraine to accept a U.S. proposal that would effectively grant Russia all the territory it has gained in the war since 2022. The proposal also appears to call for the U.S. to recognize Russia’s claim on Crimea, a region of Ukraine that Russia annexed in 2014. The U.S. plan, which Zelenskyy has publicly rejected, also appears to block Ukraine’s ambition to join the NATO military alliance.

When Trump and Zelenskyy met in the Oval Office in February, the American president berated Ukraine’s leader for not demonstrating enough gratitude for U.S. support in his country’s fight against Russia.

Trump sat in a front-row seat at the pope’s funeral in a packed St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. He wore a blue suit in a sea of black. His wife, first lady Melania, wore a black dress and black veil.

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The funeral Mass for Pope Francis was attended by many world leaders including President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump. Also there: former President Biden and former first lady Jill Biden.

World leaders including President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden convened in Rome for the funeral of Pope Francis.

Other world leaders in attendance included include UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Britain’s Prince William, U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres, French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

In all, more than a quarter-million people gathered in St. Peter’s Square for Pope Francis’ funeral on Saturday, April 26. After the two-hour service, Francis was laid to rest in a private, religious afternoon ceremony within the Basilica of Saint Mary Major.

Trump and Pope Francis had clashed over the president’s plans to deport millions of migrants from the U.S., with the pope calling Trump’s plan a “major crisis” for the United States back in January.

First lady Melania Trump accompanied the president to the pope’s funeral.

Melania Trump: First lady wears black veil to Pope Francis’ funeral as President Trump dons blue suit

See photos: Trumps and Bidens at Pope Francis’ funeral

President Trump met with Zelenskyy at the funeral in Rome. White House communications director Steven Cheung said the two “met privately today and had a very productive discussion.” A spokesman for Zelenskyy said the meeting lasted about 15 minutes.

Former President Biden and former first lady Jill Biden sat farther back among the attendees. Biden, a devout Catholic, had been scheduled to travel to Rome to meet with Pope Francis near the end of his presidency, but canceled the trip to remain focused on devastating wildfires in Los Angeles.

Biden was only the second Catholic president elected to office following John F. Kennedy, who was the first Catholic president after being elected in 1960.

Contributing: Joey Garrison, Kim Hjelmgaard

Mike Snider is a reporter on USA TODAY’s Trending team. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, X and email him at mikegsnider  &  @mikegsnider.bsky.social  &  @mikesnider & msnider@usatoday.com

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