Israel delays Palestinian prisoner release after Hamas' 'humiliating' treatment of hostages, Netanyahu says

The recent firings at the Pentagon have raised concerns about national security and the need for strong leadership in the Navy to deter China.

Edan Alexander is the last living American hostage in Hamas captivity in Gaza, and efforts are being made to reunite him with his family and community.

Iranian general threatens to destroy Israel and sets up a showdown with Trump.

Hamas releases two hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners as part of ceasefire deal with Israel. Ceasefire remains in place despite initial failure to return body of murdered hostage.

The body of Shiri Bibas, one of the hostages killed by Hamas, has been identified. The family is calling for the return of the remaining hostages in Gaza.

President Trump threatens to cut off federal funding to Maine if the state continues to allow trans athletes in girls' and women's sports.

The BBC has apologized and issued a clarification after featuring the son of a Hamas minister in a Gaza documentary. The film faced backlash after it was revealed that one of the subjects, 13-year-old Abdullah, was the son of Hamas's deputy minister of agriculture. The BBC has promised to add more detail to the film and apologized for the omission. British Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy plans to discuss the film's sourcing with the BBC.

The remains of Shiri Bibas, a young mother killed by Hamas, were not returned to Israel despite promises made by the terrorist group. The bodies of her two young boys were identified, but an additional body received was anonymous and unidentified.

Kash Patel has been sworn in as the ninth-ever FBI director, becoming the first person of color to hold the position. He promises to restore faith in law enforcement and issued a warning to those who seek to harm Americans. Patel faced opposition from Democrats during the confirmation process. He brings extensive experience in national security and intelligence to the role.

Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., announced his retirement from the Senate after decades of service, including as Senate majority leader.

The Massachusetts Teachers Association is removing links to websites with controversial materials after being accused of spreading antisemitism. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey condemned the offensive images and called for their immediate removal. The MTA leaders responded by stating that they condemn antisemitism and will remove any materials that do not promote understanding.

A former hostage in Gaza pleads with President Trump to save her brother and other hostages still held captive by Hamas.

FBI Director Kash Patel has promised to rebuild trust in the agency and pursue those who seek to harm Americans. Patel, an experienced national security and intelligence professional, was confirmed as the ninth FBI director. He plans to create a transparent and accountable FBI committed to justice. Patel has a background in counterterrorism, implementing sanctions, and uncovering government surveillance abuse. His goal is to restore trust in the FBI and let good cops be cops.

Israeli UFC fighter Natan Levy holds self-defense seminar to mark 500th day of Hamas hostages, emphasizing the need to strengthen the community in the face of rising antisemitism.

A Northwestern law professor is offering free legal services to anti-Israel protesters who blocked traffic to Chicago O'Hare Airport. Critics argue that the services are being paid for by tuition dollars and donations.

The Heritage Foundation is backing Elbridge Colby's nomination for a top position at the Defense Department, calling him the most influential defense policy thinker in over twenty years. Colby's nomination has faced opposition due to his realist worldview and his suggestion that the US should live with a nuclear Iran.

Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., is losing two top staffers as he gains a reputation as a rebellious Democrat.

President Trump and President Zelenskyy exchange insults as U.S. and Russia meet without Ukraine to discuss ending the war.

CBS News executive Adrienne Roark is leaving the network to join TEGNA amidst a merger and controversies, including a lawsuit from President Donald Trump.

A chandelier from the Titanic's first-class smoking lounge is on display at a museum in New Jersey, part of an exhibit featuring artifacts from the ship.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent discusses the US-Ukraine economic partnership and the Trump administration's efforts to gain access to rare earth minerals in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy declined to sign a proposed agreement, citing a lack of security guarantees.

Rep. Seth Moulton condemns VP JD Vance's speech in Munich, comparing it to Hitler's rhetoric and criticizing its inconsistencies. Vance's visit to a concentration camp is also highlighted.

Jerry Seinfeld responded to a pro-Palestinian activist by saying, 'I don't care about Palestine.' He has frequently called out protesters at his shows and has been criticized for his support of Israel.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte calls for increased defense spending in Europe and discusses negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.

Congressional Democrats are using profanity to express their frustration with President Trump and Elon Musk, but it is unclear if it is an effective strategy.

Russian officials are meeting with U.S. counterparts to discuss a potential peace deal for Ukraine, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expresses skepticism and emphasizes the need for Ukraine's involvement in negotiations.

San Diego migrant shelter closes after no new arrivals since Trump took office; over 100 employees laid off

Muhsin Hendricks, the world's first openly gay imam, was shot and killed in South Africa in a possible hate crime.

President Trump and his administration are working to negotiate a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine, with U.S. officials traveling to Saudi Arabia this week to begin talks.

Special Envoy Steve Witkoff urges caution to families considering a return to Gaza due to dangerous conditions and destruction. President Trump's solution is to find alternative places for the 2 million people to go, with support from other countries.

National Security Advisor Michael Waltz discusses President Trump's efforts to negotiate an end to the Ukraine-Russia war and tensions between Israel and Iran. Waltz rejects the notion that European allies are not being consulted on the matter.

Iran has re-arrested two Christians, prompting calls for action from the Trump administration and the international community to address the persecution of Christians in the country.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrives in Israel on first trip to Middle East after President Trump's proposal to displace Palestinians in Gaza.

American citizen detained in Russia on drug smuggling charge identified as Kalob Wayne Byers.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will hold a meeting to discuss the ceasefire agreement with Hamas before President Trump's deadline.

Israel has released Palestinian prisoners linked to suicide bombings and attempted murders in exchange for hostages captured by Hamas.

Comedian Bill Maher criticizes the name change of Scouting America, formerly The Boy Scouts of America, calling it 'the kind of thing that gets Trump elected.' The organization adopted the new name, Scouting America, on its 115th anniversary.

Fundraising messages centered around President Donald Trump have continued to dominate on both sides of the political aisle since his return to the White House.

American-Israeli hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen is reunited with his wife and family after being released by Hamas, ending nearly 500 days of separation.

Hamas has released three more hostages and over 300 Palestinian prisoners as part of the ceasefire deal with Israel.

President Trump has freed 11 U.S. hostages in his first month in office, while former President Biden released over 70 hostages in four years. The hostages released under Trump's administration include Americans detained in Venezuela, Belarus, and a hostage held by Hamas.

Israel's UN ambassador criticizes the Palestinian Authority's plan for Gaza, calling for them to first condemn Hamas.

Hamas is set to release three hostages, including an American-Israeli, on Saturday as part of a ceasefire agreement with Israel.

American hostage Keith Siegel thanks President Trump for his release from Hamas captivity and calls for his continued leadership to enforce the ceasefire and bring all hostages home.

President Trump needs to take specific actions to protect free speech, including refraining from reviving previous executive orders, stopping lawsuits against outlets, and supporting the free press and campus debate.

A plane carrying Secretary of State Marco Rubio turned around after experiencing a mechanical issue. Rubio plans to continue his travel on a different aircraft.

Georgetown University is under pressure to cancel an event featuring a convicted terrorist organized by an anti-Israel student group. The Lawfare Project is calling for the event to be canceled, citing federal law against providing material support for terrorism.

President Trump proposes disarmament talks with China and Russia, stating that new nuclear weapons are unnecessary. He plans to pursue these talks after resolving issues in the Middle East and Ukraine. The US has reduced its nuclear arsenal, while Russia and China still possess significant numbers of nuclear warheads.

Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance visit Dachau concentration camp ahead of Munich Security Conference. Vance emphasizes the importance of preventing such atrocities from happening again.

Elon Musk's DOGE has discovered millions of dollars in federal spending on luxury hotels for illegal immigrants, exposing the taxpayer-funded mass migration system facilitated by the Biden administration.

U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff reveals how the U.S. secured the release of American school teacher Marc Fogel from a Russian prison.

U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Adam Boehler warns Hamas not to test President Trump as deadline for hostage release approaches.

Egypt has released details of a plan to rebuild the Gaza Strip, but there is no mention of cooperation with the US or Israel. The plan will involve Arab countries, the European Union, and the United Nations. Jordan's King Abdullah has announced that he will accept up to 2,000 children from Gaza who require medical treatment.

The Biden administration was slow to designate American Marc Fogel as a 'wrongful detainee' in Russia, according to Republicans and officials who worked on his release. Fogel, an American teacher, was arrested in Russia in 2021 and sentenced to 14 years in prison. The Biden administration did not designate him as a wrongful detainee until October 2024, after Trump secured his release.

Trump says he had a call with Putin, who agreed to start negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.

Democratic strategist James Carville warns that there is no cavalry coming to stop the Trump administration's agenda and calls for a new strategy from the Democratic party.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio says American hostage Marc Fogel was freed from Russia due to the strength of President Trump. Fogel, who had been detained since 2021, returned to the US after talks with the Trump administration.

Key House Democrat accuses Elon Musk of usurping presidential powers through his cost-cutting efforts with DOGE. Musk defends DOGE's actions, stating that they are targeting wasteful spending and reducing the federal expense.

Israel's security cabinet backs Trump's demand for Hamas to release all hostages by Saturday or face intense combat until Hamas is defeated. Trump threatens to cancel ceasefire if hostages are not returned by Saturday.

President Trump threatens to cancel Gaza ceasefire if hostages are not released by Saturday.

The parents of a murdered American-Israeli hostage are urging President Trump to secure the release of the remaining hostages taken by Hamas, calling for expedited action and expressing hope in Trump and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff's involvement.

NYC Councilwoman Inna Vernikov quits Women's Caucus over anti-Israel agenda and lack of support for female hostages, praises President Trump's stance on Israel-Hamas war.

Wheaton College deleted a Facebook post congratulating Russ Vought and issued an apology after facing online backlash. Critics accused the college of caving to a left-wing mob. Vought responded with a blunt comment.

President Trump reiterates commitment to U.S. owning Gaza, open to allowing Palestinian refugees into the U.S. Several countries criticize the plan, with Jordan's King Abdullah II warning of potential chaos and risks to peace with Israel.

A man sneaked onto the field during the Super Bowl halftime show and held up a Palestinian flag, causing a security response. President Trump was in attendance at the game.

A new poll shows that a majority of Americans believe President Donald Trump is keeping his campaign promises and approve of his performance in his second term.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth welcomes Elon Musk's DOGE to streamline processes and cut unnecessary spending in the Defense Department.

President Trump's executive order penalizing South Africa over land seizures has caused controversy in the country, with the South African government responding that the order lacks factual accuracy and fails to recognize the country's history of colonialism and apartheid. The African National Congress (ANC) has reacted to the offer that White Afrikaners can become U.S. citizens by suggesting they leave the country. The government claims that the Expropriation Act will only be used for public purposes and that there will be fair compensation.

Rep. Jared Golden cautions the Democratic Party against overreacting to President Trump's actions, urging discernment in their response. He expresses willingness to work with Trump's administration on specific policy areas.

Emily Damari, a British-Israeli hostage, and her mother revealed that she was held captive in a UNRWA center in Gaza, which was tied to Hamas operations. The Israeli Defense Forces later discovered tunnels and ammunition linked to Hamas in the school. The revelations have raised concerns about UNRWA's role in Gaza and its failure to meet international standards of neutrality and accountability.

Former PGA golfer Brandel Chamblee, a critic of LIV Golf, says he is reconsidering his stance after playing with President Donald Trump and discussing LIV's potential benefits for the game of golf.

The Shoah Museum in Rome has acquired a defaced Holocaust mural by contemporary pop artist aleXsandro Palombo after it was repeatedly defaced and erased by vandals. The mural, which depicts two Italian survivors of Auschwitz, is now part of the museum's permanent collection.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio scores key wins for Trump immigration agenda during his trip across Latin America, including agreements to combat human and drug trafficking and limit Chinese influence in the region.

Bill Maher suggests that the Gaza Strip could be developed into a prosperous region, similar to Dubai, and criticizes President Trump's inconsistent comments on the issue.

President Trump's decision to cut foreign aid funding could benefit the U.S. position in Iran negotiations, as it strengthens his bargaining position and receives praise from the Iranian regime.

President Trump's lawsuit against CBS News has been expanded to include CBS News' parent company Paramount Global as a defendant, as well as Rep. Ronny Jackson. The lawsuit alleges that CBS engaged in gross broadcast distortion and cover-up.

President Trump freezes aid to South Africa and promotes resettlement of refugees facing race discrimination in response to concerns about land expropriation and aggressive positions towards the U.S.

The New York Post's editorial board has called for the removal of '60 Minutes' executive producer Bill Owens in order to address CBS News' 'lefty-propaganda problem.' The board criticized CBS for deceptive editing and biased reporting, arguing that these actions are not in line with responsible journalism.

Comedian Michael Rapaport believes that President Trump's plan for the U.S. to take over the Gaza Strip is worth considering, as previous attempts at peace have failed.

President Trump's executive order sanctioning the ICC is seen as a critical first step in protecting U.S. military and government officials from potential prosecution. The ICC fired back, while dozens of countries expressed their support for the court.

Iran's Supreme Leader rejects nuclear talks with the U.S., while President Trump proposes a 'verified nuclear peace agreement'. Iran has enriched uranium to 60% purity, and Trump also makes headlines with his proposal for the U.S. to take over Gaza during the Israel-Hamas conflict.

A judge allows a lawsuit to proceed against Cooper Union for failing to protect Jewish students during an anti-Israel rally.

President Donald Trump's first two weeks in office have been met with backlash from the media, with some calling it the most damaging in history. The Washington Post, The New York Times, and the Los Angeles Times all criticized Trump's executive actions and accused him of exceeding his authority.

White House press secretary defends Trump's efforts to cut waste and abuse in the federal government and make it more efficient, amid criticism over Elon Musk's role in the Department of Government Efficiency.

Michigan sheriff Chris Swanson launches bid to replace Gov. Whitmer after gaining national attention for marching with protesters in 2020.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gifted President Donald Trump a gold-plated pager symbolizing a turning point in the war against Hezbollah, but the attack has been condemned as a war crime by U.N. Human Rights experts.

A bipartisan bill in Congress is aiming to bring the federal government's computer systems 'out of the Stone Age' and potentially save $750 million annually for taxpayers by consolidating federal agencies' cloud computing software licenses.

The Office of Civil Rights is investigating four US medical schools over alleged antisemitic incidents during their 2024 commencement ceremonies. Harvard, Columbia, Brown, and Johns Hopkins medical schools are reportedly the targets of the investigations.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supports President Trump's idea of a U.S. takeover of Gaza, emphasizing the need to rebuild the area and destroy Hamas' capabilities.

Defense Secretary Hegseth supports Trump's proposal for the US to 'take over' Gaza, while allies and foes reject the idea.

Samantha Power, the administrator of USAID, is facing backlash amid Elon Musk's efforts to cut government waste and spending. Power's record at USAID, including her involvement in the surveillance of Trump's campaign and her support of Israel, has drawn criticism. Republicans have questioned USAID's funding of coronavirus research in China and its support for LGBT rights abroad. Musk plans to shut down USAID as part of DOGE's mission to cut government overspending.

Republican Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst published a list of projects and programs she says the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has helped fund across the years, highlighting it as 'wasteful and dangerous' spending that has gripped taxpayers until the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) stepped in.

President Donald Trump's cabinet nominees have faced scrutiny and controversy during their confirmation processes, with some sailing through and others facing pointed confrontations and allegations.

Attorney General Pam Bondi issues several major directives on her first day, including combating weaponization of the legal system, seeking the death penalty when appropriate, and eliminating cartels.

President Trump's decision to restore maximum pressure campaign on Iran has caused panic in the regime. Iran's foreign minister responded by stating that Iran can ensure it does not pursue nuclear weapons. However, experts argue that Iran's weakened position may lead it to pursue a nuclear weapon.