## Judge blocks Trump's executive order to end federal funding for PBS and NPR

Authored by pbs.org

Moss ruled that President Donald Trump's executive order to cease funding for NPR and PBS is unlawful and unenforceable.

The judge said the First Amendment right to free speech "does not tolerate viewpoint discrimination and retaliation of this type.".

The judge noted that Trump's executive order simply directs that all federal agencies "cut off any and all funding" to NPR, which is based in Washington, and PBS, based in Arlington, Virginia.

"The message is clear: NPR and PBS need not apply for any federal benefit because the President disapproves of their 'left wing' coverage of the news," Moss wrote.

"But that does not end the matter because the Executive Order sweeps beyond the CPB," Moss added.

"It also directs that all federal agencies refrain from funding NPR and PBS — regardless of the nature of the program or the merits of their applications or requests for funding.".

Trump's executive order immediately cut millions of dollars in funding from the Education Department to PBS for its children's programming, forcing the system to lay off one-third of the PBS Kids staff. »

### Suspension lifted for helicopter pilots who hovered near Kid Rock’s home

Authored by apnews.com

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Army pilots who hovered two helicopters near Kid Rock’s Tennessee home during a training run while he clapped and saluted have had their suspension lifted, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Tuesday.

The suspension was a discretionary — but not unusual — step when an investigation is underway, Maj. Montrell Russell said in statement. »

### Hegseth lifts suspensions of Apache crews who flew by Kid Rock's house

Authored by washingtonexaminer.com

Kid Rock, born Robert Ritchie, stood next to a miniature Statue of Liberty while clapping for the hovering helicopters.

The Army did not specify what type of flight the Apache helicopters were conducting when they flew by Kid Rock’s house.

Hegseth reposted Kid Rock’s statement as he announced both the Army’s investigation and suspension had been lifted. »

### Elephant painted bright pink for photoshoot prompts outrage in India

Authored by independent.co.uk

Indian forest officials have started an investigation following social media outrage over a Russian photographer’s photoshoot for which a 65-year-old elephant was painted bright pink.

The images show a woman, coloured in pink, sitting atop the painted elephant at an abandoned Hindu temple.

The pictures were initially posted on her Instagram page in December last year, but they sparked outrage this month after going viral on social media. »

### US deploys third aircraft carrier to Middle East amid preperations for Iran invasion

Authored by ynetnews.com

The United States is deploying another aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East, potentially bringing the total number of carriers in the region to three, according to officials cited by The Wall Street Journal.

The USS George H.W. Bush , a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, departed Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia on Tuesday alongside its accompanying warships, the U.S. Navy said in a statement.

The move comes as President Donald Trump weighs additional military options related to Iran and as U.S. forces continue to build up in the Middle East. »

## In pictures

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