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In the news today: President Trump plans to cut over 90% of USAID foreign aid contracts; Israel will not withdraw from a strategic corridor in the Gaza Strip called for by the ceasefire, an official says; and why the Trump administration wants Ukraine’s minerals. Also, actor Gene Hackman has been found dead at 95.

Protest against cuts to American foreign aid spending, including USAID, on Capitol Hill, Wednesday. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

POLITICS

Trump administration says it’s cutting 90% of USAID foreign aid contracts

The Trump administration said it is eliminating more than 90% of the U.S. Agency for International Development’s foreign aid contracts and $60 billion in overall U.S. assistance around the world, putting numbers on its plans to eliminate the majority of U.S. development and humanitarian help abroad. Read more.

Why this matters:

• The cuts detailed by the administration would leave few surviving USAID projects for advocates to try to save in ongoing court battles with the administration. President Donald Trump and ally Elon Musk have hit foreign aid harder and faster than almost any other target in their push to cut the size of the federal government. Both men say USAID projects advance a liberal agenda and are a waste of money.
  
  

• The Trump administration outlined its plans in both an internal memo obtained by The Associated Press and filings in one federal lawsuit Wednesday. The Supreme Court intervened in that case late Wednesday and temporarily blocked a court order requiring the administration to release billions of dollars in foreign aid by midnight.

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• Apple will fix iPhone glitch that suggests replacing the word ‘racist’ with ‘Trump’

WORLD NEWS

Israeli official says the army won’t withdraw from a Gaza corridor in potential jolt to truce

Israel will not withdraw from a strategic corridor in the Gaza Strip as called for by the ceasefire, an official said Thursday. Israel’s refusal could spark a crisis with Hamas and key mediator Egypt at a sensitive moment for the fragile truce. Read more.

What to know:

• The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Israeli forces needed to remain in the so-called Philadelphi corridor, on the Gaza side of the border with Egypt, to prevent weapons smuggling. Israel was supposed to begin withdrawing from the Philadelphi corridor on Saturday, the last day of the first phase, and complete it within eight days.
  
  

• The official spoke hours after Hamas released the remains of four hostages in exchange for over 600 Palestinian prisoners, the last planned swap of the ceasefire’s first phase, which ends this weekend. Talks over the second and more difficult stage have yet to begin.
  
  

• Much could hinge on a visit by U.S. President Donald Trump’s Mideast envoy, Steve Witkoff, who is expected in the region in the coming days. There was no immediate comment from Hamas or Egypt. But in a statement earlier on Thursday, the militant group said the only way for Israel to secure the release of dozens of hostages still held in Gaza was through negotiations and adhering to the ceasefire agreement.

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WORLD NEWS

Why the Trump administration may want Ukraine’s minerals

The United States could access Ukraine’s critical mineral wealth, including key ingredients for the clean energy transition, under a deal the countries are expected to sign later this week. President Donald Trump, who has pushed for the agreement, has long been critical of a transition to green energies that require the various minerals the U.S. will have access to in this deal. So why go after these minerals? Read more.

What to know:

• Deposits of titanium, which is in high demand, are spread across Ukraine. Titanium is used for making aircraft wings and other aerospace manufacturing, for marine uses, chemical processing and medical devices.
  
  

• Ukraine also has lithium, key to several current battery technologies, and uranium, used for nuclear power, medical equipment and weapons. The country also has graphite and manganese, both used in batteries for electric vehicles.

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• France joining the U.S. in seeking access to Ukraine’s minerals; says it’s in talks
  
  
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• North Korea appears to have sent more troops to Russia to back its war against Ukraine, Seoul says

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IN OTHER NEWS

READ

‘French Connection’ star: Gene Hackman, his wife and their dog found dead in their home

Pro-Russia Bosnian Serb president: Milorad Dodik is convicted for separatist activities

2019 protests: Former Hong Kong lawmaker sentenced to over 3 years on charge of rioting

Post-World War II record: Austria is getting a new coalition government without far-right election winner

Travel ban lifted: Andrew Tate, who faces rape and trafficking charges in Romania, has left for the US

First Amendment case: Mississippi judge vacates her order that a newspaper remove its editorial criticizing local leaders

Today in History: In 1997, Ireland became one of the last countries in the world to legalize divorce

WATCH

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A CHANGE OF PACE

Dr. Grover Smith works out with exercise scientist Dr. Irv Rubenstein at STEPS Fitness, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

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