Morning news brief

By Leila Fadel,

A Martínez

Published February 12, 2025 at 4:15 AM EST

General Services Administration staff face huge cuts and fears of 'nonstop' surveillance, top Trump administration officials visit Europe, and how Trump and Musk may impact future U.S. space missions.

Corrected: March 10, 2025 at 11:01 AM EDT

This report incorrectly says that the General Services Administration handles almost all of the government’s contracts. The GSA plays an important role with procurement and contracts for many government agencies, but other agencies also do their own contracting.

Related Content

As U.S. foreign aid grants get slashed, Greenland gets money for a dog race

Tom Bowman

Second lady Usha Vance has scrapped a plan to attend Greenland's national dog sled race this week. But American tax dollars will help support the race anyway.
Social Security officials partially walk back plans for in-person verification

Ashley Lopez

Officials said they would now exempt people who apply for Medicare and disability benefits, as well as supplemental income help for the poor, from having to prove their identity in-person.
Appeals court sides with judge who blocked deportations under wartime authority

Joel Rose

The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals panel denied the Trump administration's push to restart deportations of alleged gang members under a rarely used wartime authority known as the Alien Enemies Act.
Trump announces new 25% tariff on imported cars and car parts

Danielle Kurtzleben

The president's latest action on trade takes effect next week, and will slap a 25% tariff on imported cars and car parts. He says the measure will boost U.S. manufacturing.
A deaf immigrant perseveres and becomes a U.S. citizen

Anna Huntsman

It can be challenging for immigrants working to become U.S. citizens, especially if the person can't hear. This is the story of one deaf woman who persevered in her quest to become an American.

You make NHPR possible.

NHPR is nonprofit and independent. We rely on readers like you to support the local, national, and international coverage on this website. Your support makes this news available to everyone.

Give today. A monthly donation of $5 makes a real difference.