Judge blocks Venezuelan migrants from being sent to Guantánamo Bay
A federal court blocked the Trump administration from sending three Venezuelan immigrants to Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, for detention. The men, accused of having ties to Tren de Aragua, remain in New Mexico.
Lawyers argued that transferring the immigrants would create uncertainty surrounding access to legal process and counsel.
The ruling challenges President Donald Trump’s plan to house up to 30,000 migrants suspected of being in the U.S. illegally at the Guantánamo military base.
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A federal judge temporarily blocked the transfer of three Venezuelan immigrants from a detention facility in New Mexico to Guantánamo Bay. The men, accused of having ties to Tren de Aragua, a transnational criminal gang designated as a terrorist organization by the White House.
Attorneys for the migrants disputed the charges and argued that the transfer would limit access to legal representation.
The temporary restraining order was issued in response to a lawsuit filed by immigrant rights organizations, who said the administration is disproportionately focusing on Venezuelan migrants in the El Paso area. The case will continue in court in the coming weeks.
What is Tren de Aragua?
Tren de Aragua is a criminal network that originated in Venezuelan prisons more than a decade ago. The organization has expanded across Latin America, accused of drug trafficking, human smuggling and violent crime.
In January, the White House designated the gang as a foreign terrorist organization, citing its role in destabilizing communities across the Western Hemisphere.
How is US using Guantánamo Bay for immigration enforcement?
The Biden administration began sending high-priority detainees to Guantánamo Bay. On Tuesday, Feb. 5, the Department of Homeland Security confirmed that 10 individuals linked to Tren de Aragua arrived at the naval base.
Officials said they are held in vacant detention facilities separate from detainees captured during the War on Terror.
The U.S. uses Guantánamo Bay as a secure holding location for detainees awaiting deportation.
In some cases, migrants are being transported on U.S. military aircraft, a practice that defense officials said helps facilitate removals to their home countries.
Why are rights groups pushing back?
Immigrant rights organizations have criticized the decision to house detainees at Guantánamo, calling the base a “legal black hole.” They argued that holding migrants at the facility limits access to legal counsel and due process.
On Sunday, Feb. 7, multiple advocacy groups sent a letter to the Biden administration demanding oversight and transparency regarding detainees at the base.
What is the Trump administration’s stance?
President Donald Trump has vowed to expand immigration enforcement and increase deportations.
Reports indicate his administration may seek to house up to 30,000 migrants at Guantánamo Bay as part of expanded immigration enforcement efforts.
Defense officials said they are preparing to scale up detention operations at the naval base if necessary.
What happens next?
The legal fight over Guantánamo Bay’s role in immigration enforcement is ongoing.
The court’s temporary restraining order prevents the immediate transfer of the three Venezuelan detainees, but the case remains unresolved.
The broader policy of detaining high-threat individuals at the base continues to face scrutiny, with further legal and political challenges possible.
Trump to announce new 25% tariffs on steel, aluminum
President Donald Trump turns his attention to the steel industry, preparing to levy new tariffs. And the Philadelphia Eagles are Super Bowl champions after crushing Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Monday, Feb. 10, 2025.
Trump to announce new 25% tariffs on steel, aluminum
President Donald Trump said he would announce new 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports to the U.S., including from trade partners Canada and Mexico, on Monday, Feb. 10.
It’s similar to a move he made during his first administration. In 2018, he announced 25% tariffs on steel and 10% on aluminum, but he lifted them for Mexico and Canada a year later.
When previewing the new levies during an interview on Air Force One en route to the Super Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 9, Trump did not say how expansive they would be or when they might go into effect. It’s also unclear if the new steel and aluminum tariffs will be in addition to those already on exports from countries like China.
The president said he believes he is leveling the playing field regarding trade.
“I’ll be announcing, probably Tuesday or Wednesday at a news conference, reciprocal tariffs and very simply, it’s if they charge us, we charge them,” he added.
Trump told reporters that the tariffs would go into effect “almost immediately,” but he would not provide any more details, saying they would be available during the official announcement.
Also, during his flight from South Florida to New Orleans, Trump signed an executive order declaring Feb. 9 “Gulf of America Day” as he flew over the body of water. Last month, he signed an order officially renaming the Gulf of Mexico.
Trump becomes first sitting president to attend Super Bowl
The president made history Sunday, becoming the first sitting president to attend the Super Bowl.
Trump watched the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Kansas City Chiefs from a suite after flying in with some of his closest Republican allies in Congress, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and South Carolina Sens. Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott.
Many celebrities were on hand, including pop superstar Taylor Swift — rooting for her boyfriend, the Chiefs’ Travis Kelce. Actors Kevin Costner, Paul Rudd, and Anne Hathaway were among other A-listers spotted throughout the game.
While the president predicted the Chiefs would score a three-peat before the game, the Eagles dominated. They routed the Chiefs 40-22, intercepting quarterback Patrick Mahomes twice and sacking him six times.
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts threw for two touchdowns and ran one in himself, earning Super Bowl MVP honors.
In Philadelphia, thousands of fans took to the streets, and things got out of control. In celebration, fans carried off a toppled traffic light pole, swarmed a trash truck and climbed on top of it.
Award-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar headlined the halftime show with appearances from SZA and Hollywood star Samuel L. Jackson.
There was also a bit of controversy. Police detained one of the performers among the 400-member cast on the field. That person could face criminal charges after unfurling a combination of the Sudan-Palestinian flag with “Sudan” and “Gaza” written on it.
New Orleans police said in a statement that they were “working to determine applicable charges in this incident.” The performer stood on a car, used as a prop for Lamar’s performance, and held up the flag.
The NFL said the performer had the flag hidden beforehand, and “no one involved with the production was aware of the individual’s intent.”
Trump’s serious about wanting Canada as 51st state
During an exclusive interview with Fox News during the Super Bowl pre-show, Trump pushed forward on his previous comments about the U.S. taking over Canada.
“[Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau] said that your wish for Canada to be the 51st state is a quote, real thing. Is it a real thing?” Fox News anchor Bret Baier asked.
“Yeah, it is,” Trump said. “I think Canada would be much better off being a 51st state because we lose $200 billion a year with Canada, and I’m not going to let that happen. It’s too much. Why are we paying $200 billion a year, essentially, in subsidy to Canada? Now, if they’re a 51st state, I don’t mind doing it.”
In the interview, Trump defended the work of billionaire Elon Musk, who leads the Department of Government Efficiency. DOGE has drawn criticism from Democrats as Musk moves to shut down government agencies that the Trump administration believes are unnecessary and waste taxpayer money. His administration has offered buyouts to thousands of federal workers.
Last week, Musk and Trump attempted to put thousands of workers from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) on leave. However, on Friday, Feb. 7, a judge temporarily blocked that effort.
Trump said Musk has “been terrific” and will target the Department of Education and the military next. He expects Musk to find “billions” of dollars of abuse and fraud in the Pentagon.
This comes as a new poll out Sunday from CBS News showed 53% of Americans approve of the job Trump is doing in his first couple of weeks in office, while 47% disapprove.
Federal court blocks Venezuelan migrants from being sent to Guantánamo Bay
In a legal filing, lawyers for the men, who are currently being held in New Mexico, said they “fit the profile of those the administration has prioritized for detention in Guantánamo” since they were being held on charges of connections with the gang Tren de Aragua.
However, they asked a U.S. district court for a temporary restraining order blocking their transfer, saying the U.S. government has created uncertainty surrounding legal process and counsel availability.
Holding immigrants in Guantánamo is a key aspect of Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration in the U.S.
Last Wednesday, Feb. 5, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said federal agents arrested more than 8,000 people. Trump has said his administration plans to house up to 30,000 migrants suspected of being in the country illegally at the Guantánamo military base in Cuba.
Vought shuts down Consumer Financial Protection Bureau operations
In a weekend e-mail, Vought told the agency’s employees to cease all supervision and examination activity, pause all pending investigations, not issue any public communications and put a hold on enforcement actions.
He also instructed them not to approve or issue any new rules. Vought later posted to X that he had notified the Federal Reserve that the CFPB will not receive its next funding stipend because he does not believe it’s necessary to carry out the bureau’s duties.
“The bureau’s current balance of $711.6 million is in fact excessive in the current fiscal environment. This spigot, long contributing to CFPB’s unaccountability, is now being turned off,” he said.
Massachusetts Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who helped create the bureau in 2008, fired back on X, saying Vought is “giving big banks and giant corporations the green light to scam families.”
Staff and contractors at the CFPB were told the Washington headquarters is now closed this week, and they are to work from home.
The National Treasury Employees Union, representing employees in the CFPB, filed two lawsuits against the closure on Sunday. One said Vought telling CFPB employees to stop working is unlawful, and another said three DOGE-affiliated staffers were allowed into the bureau’s internal communications system and that Vought instructed CFPB employees to give the DOGE team “access to all non-classified CFPB systems.”
Trump orders Treasury Department to stop minting new pennies
Trump directed the Treasury Department to stop making new pennies. In a post on his Truth Social platform Sunday night, the president said it costs the U.S. twice what one penny is worth to make one.
The one-cent coins fell in the crosshairs of Elon Musk’s DOGE last month. The U.S. Mint reported losing $85.3 million in the 2024 fiscal year on the 3.2 billion pennies it produced.
It might not stop with pennies, either. The Mint also loses money on nickel, with each of the five-cent coins costing nearly 14 cents.
Israeli forces begin withdrawing from key Gaza corridor
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are withdrawing from the Netzarim corridor in Gaza as part of a multi-stage ceasefire agreement. This withdrawal allows displaced Gazans to reenter the area.
The second stage of the ceasefire plan is set to begin on March 2, with Israeli officials expected to discuss the ongoing ceasefire in Qatar.
The ceasefire faces challenges, including concerns about the condition of hostages released by Hamas and Israel’s refusal to agree to a complete withdrawal from Gaza until Hamas’ military and political capabilities are eliminated.
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Israeli Defense Forces are withdrawing from a critical corridor in Gaza that currently splits the region in half. This latest event in the multipart ceasefire agreement comes as ceasefire talks have soured between the parties.
Why is the IDF withdrawing from the corridor?
One of the agreements in the multi-stage plan is the withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas of Gaza, including the Netzarim corridor. During this time, Gazans who were displaced by the war will be allowed to reenter the area.
“We are preparing to implement the agreement regarding Netzarim axis,” the Israel Defense Forces said in a statement.
What are the next stages of the plan?
The second stage of the ceasefire plan is set to begin on March 2, 42 days after the ceasefire went into effect.
Israeli officials are expected to fly to Qatar to discuss the ongoing ceasefire. Qatar has been moderating ceasefire talks, along with Egypt.
Israel said the officials were expected to discuss technical aspects of the first stage and not the second stage, which officials see as more challenging.
Talks on the second stage were expected to start Monday, Feb. 3. However, both sides have made little progress.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu returned to Israel after making an official visit to the United States. He is expected to convene with his security cabinet on Tuesday, Feb 11.
During his trip to the U.S., President Donald Trump announced a new proposed plan for the U.S. taking Gaza after Palestinians are removed from the area. Trump announced the plan during a joint press conference with Netanyahu.
Netanyahu said the plan was a great idea and the “first fresh idea in years.”
What’s hurting the ceasefire?
On Saturday, Feb. 8, Hamas released three prisoners as part of the first stage of the deal. Following the release, several raised questions about the condition of the remaining 33 hostages, at least eight of those are confirmed to be dead.
Another issue affecting the ceasefire is Israel has said it won’t agree to a complete withdrawal from Gaza until Hamas’ military and political capabilities are eliminated. Hamas has said it won’t give Israel the final hostages until Israel removes all of its troops.
Trump says he has discussed ending the war in Ukraine with Putin
President Donald Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin about ending Russia’s war on Ukraine. This is the first direct conversation between a U.S. president and Putin since 2022.
Trump did not provide specific details about his plan to end the war but expressed a desire for a quick resolution. He mentioned that Putin wants the war to stop and highlighted the human cost of the conflict.
Vice President-elect JD Vance is expected to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Munich Security Conference. Trump has indicated a desire to strike a deal with Ukraine involving rare-earth minerals and gas in exchange for security guarantees in peace talks.
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President Donald Trump on Friday, Feb. 7, said he’s spoken to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the phone about ending Russia’s war on Ukraine. According to the New York Post, this is the first direct conversation between a U.S. president and Putin since 2022.
What was said during the conversation?
Trump didn’t release many details about the call but did say Putin wants the war to stop.
“He wants to see people stop dying,” Trump told the Post. “All those dead people. Young, young, beautiful people. They’re like your kids, two million of them – and for no reason.”
Throughout the campaign trail, Trump has said he would end the war in Ukraine. However, he has never shared concrete plans on what he would do.
Trump reiterated that he had a plan on what to do with Ukraine but did not go into details with the Post.
In December, then Vice President-elect JD Vance said it would be in America’s best interest to accept that “Ukraine is going to have to cede some territory to the Russians.”
Despite not going into details about his plans, Trump said he hopes however the war ends, it ends quickly.
“I hope it’s fast. Every day people are dying. This war is so bad in Ukraine. I want to end this damn thing,” Trump told the Post.
What’s next in the Ukraine war?
Vance is expected to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Munich Security Conference. The conference begins Friday, Feb. 14 and lasts until Sunday, Feb. 16.
Trump has recently said that he wants to strike a deal with Zelenskyy to access rare-earth minerals and gas in Ukraine in exchange for security guarantees in peace talks.
Trump announces $7B arms sale, circumventing congressional review
The Trump administration approved a $7.4 billion arms sale to Israel on Feb. 7. The deal includes $6.75 billion worth of munitions and support, along with 3,000 Hellfire missiles valued at about $660 million, with deliveries starting in 2028.
Defense officials stated the sale aims to help Israel address current and future threats, while Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., criticized the administration for bypassing Congress and failing to justify the deal.
Both Presidents Trump and Biden have previously bypassed the weapons review process, with Trump approving an $8 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia in 2019 and Biden pushing through a $147 million arms deal with Israel in 2023.
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The Trump administration approved a more than $7 billion arms sale to Israel on Friday, Feb. 7. The announcement has been criticized by some lawmakers as they were reviewing the deal and raising concerns to the president.
What is the deal?
The State Department said the deal consists of $6.75 billion worth of munitions, guidance kits, fuses and munitions support. Officials said 3,000 Hellfire missiles and other equipment valued at about $660 million were also part of the deal.
The deliveries of the missiles are expected to start in 2028.
Defense officials said the sale is to help Israel deal with threats and serve as a deterrent to would-be threats.
“The proposed sale improves Israel’s capability to meet current and future threats, strengthen its homeland defense, and serves as a deterrent to regional threats,” the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a press release. “Israel already has these weapons in its inventory and will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.”
New York Democratic Rep. Gregory Meeks raised concerns with the White House before they had approved the deal. However, he said that the Trump administration failed to justify approving the deal.
“I continue to support Israel’s critical military needs as it faces a range of regional threats and was engaged in close consultation with the Administration on a range of questions and concerns,” Meeks said in a statement.
Meeks claimed that the White House’s decision to go over Congress on the arms deal showed a lack of respect for the legislative branch of the federal government.
“Through his actions, President Trump has made abundantly clear he holds no regard for Congress as the people’s duly elected representatives and a co-equal branch of government,” Meeks said.
Can Trump authorize arms sales himself?
Both Presidents Trump and Joe Biden have bypassed the weapons review process before.
Trump bypassed Congress in 2019 during his first term in office. He approved an $8 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia without congressional approval.
Trump said he was declaring a national security emergency, which allowed the deal to go through.
More recently, the Biden administration bypassed Congress to push an arms deal with Israel through. In 2023, Biden used a similar tactic to Trump and made an emergency determination covering a more than $147 million sale for equipment that is needed to make 155 mm shells.
Israeli hostages released in staged Hamas handover
Hamas released three Israeli prisoners on Feb. 8 as part of a prisoner swap with Israel, which released 183 Palestinian prisoners and agreed to pull back from southern Gaza. This swap is part of a larger ceasefire agreement announced on Jan. 15.
Concerns were raised about the condition of the released Israeli hostages, who appeared gaunt and frail.
The ceasefire agreement is still under scrutiny, with accusations from Hamas that Israel is not fully complying with aid delivery commitments.
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Hamas released three Israeli prisoners on Saturday, Feb. 8, during a hostage swap. Israel released 183 Palestinian prisoners during the swap, Israel has also agreed to pull back from the southern part of Gaza on Sunday, Feb. 9.
Why were the hostages released?
The hostages were released as part of a prisoner swap between Israel and Hamas. The prisoner swap is part of an overall ceasefire between the two groups.
The ceasefire was announced on Jan. 15 and began four days later. The deal was reached after months of negotiations between Israel, Hamas, Qatar, the United States and Egypt.
The deal is a three-part plan. The first part will last 42 days. During that time, Hamas will release 33 hostages at regular intervals. Israel will release about 1,900 Palestinian prisoners.
Israeli Defense Forces will be required to leave populated areas and displaced Palestinian civilians will be allowed to return to neighborhoods.
IDF troops will be able to stay in Gazan border areas during this time.
Part two of the deal will consist of 16 days following the first stage’s 42 days. During this time, a permanent ceasefire will be established and all remaining living hostages in Gaza will be exchanged for more Palestinian prisoners.
The IDF will also make a complete withdrawal from Gaza during the second stage.
Hamas will return all remaining bodies of Israeli hostages during the last stage of the plan. The third part also consists of rebuilding Gaza, which experts say will take years.
What are the conditions of the hostages?
The condition of the three Israeli hostages raised concerns during the release. Some said the hostages looked gaunt and frail. As they were released, Hamas paraded them around during a staged handover.
During the handover, the three hostages were made to hold certificates showing their release. They were also made to thank the people imprisoning them and call for Israel to stop the war and stick to the ceasefire.
The three hostages were imprisoned for 16 months after the Oct. 7 Hamas attack.
Who are the hostages?
Eli Sharabi, 52, was kidnapped from a kibbutz during the attack. His brother, wife and two daughters were all killed during the attack.
Ohad Ben Ami, 56, was kidnapped from the same Kibbutz as Sharabi. His wife was also kidnapped. She was released in a previous hostage release.
Or Levy, 34, was kidnapped after running away from the Nova music festival with his wife. The two hid in a bomb shelter during the attack. His wife’s body was found in the bomb shelter where the two had been hiding.
How many more hostages are there left?
Officials said there are 33 hostages left in Hamas’ custody. At least eight of those hostages are dead.
If the ceasefire holds up, the remaining hostages and 1,900 Palestinian prisoners are set to be released.
What’s next in the war?
Hamas accused Israel of failing to abide by the ceasefire on Friday, Feb. 7. The group claimed Israel was only allowing 8,500 of the expected 12,000 aid trucks to enter Gaza. However, the United Nations said on Thursday, Feb. 6, that 10,000 aid trucks had gone through Gaza.
President Donald Trump reiterated his proposal to move all Palestinians from Gaza and redevelop it as an international travel destination.
Officials said Trump’s proposal had complicated ceasefire talks but Israeli negotiators were still expected to meet with mediators in Qatar on Saturday, Feb. 8.
AI experts react after Google amends AI weapons plan
Google has dropped its pledge to not build AI systems for weapons. The company cited the need for free countries to use its technology for national security purposes due to an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
Experts have mixed reactions to Google’s decision, with Geoffrey Hinton criticizing it as prioritizing profits over safety, while Andrew Ng supports the change, advocating for more tech companies to work with the government on national security.
Google is involved in various military projects, including Project Nimbus with the Israeli military, which has sparked protests among employees concerned about the use of AI in conflict zones like Gaza.
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Experts in the world of artificial intelligence have reacted to Google’s change in its AI weapons plan. The tech giant dropped its pledge to not build AI systems for weapons.
What was Google’s AI weapon plan?
In 2018, activists protested the company’s Project Maven. The project was a partnership with Google and the Pentagon to use machine learning technology to identify potential targets, among other functions.
Following the protests, Google enacted an AI weapons plan. That plan states that the company won’t put AI technology into weapons.
Why did Google change its plan?
Google said it changed its plan because free countries need to use its technology for national security purposes. Google officials cited an “increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.”
Google’s AI head Demis Hassabis said the company believed, “democracies should lead in AI development” that was guided by “freedom, equality, and respect for human rights.”
What are experts saying?
Experts have both defended and criticized Google’s change.
Geoffrey Hinton, who is called the “godfather of AI” and pioneered Google’s work in the technology, said the company is putting profits over safety.
“It is another sad example of how companies behave when there is a conflict between safety and profits,” Hinton said.
Hinton joined Google in 2013 after he developed the neural network technology at the University of Toronto the year before. He left the company in 2023, saying he quit because he wanted to criticize companies and their decisions on AI.
However, other AI experts are happy with Google’s decision.
“I’m very glad that Google has changed its stance,” Ng said on Thursday, Feb. 6.
Ng said that more technology companies should work with the American government on national security.
Ng didn’t work at Google when the Project Maven protests happened. When he did work for the company, he was key in shaping Google’s AI efforts and its neural network.
What does this mean for Google?
Google’s blog post announcing the change did not say if the company made the change for a specific project. However, the company is currently involved in projects with groups around the world.
Both Google and Amazon are involved with the Israeli government on Project Nimbus. In April 2024, at least 28 employees were fired after arranging a sit-in to protest the company’s work.
According to the Israeli government, the country and the companies agreed on a $1.2 billion contract. The contract would allow both companies to provide the Israeli government with cloud computing services.
Google officials said the project does not handle highly sensitive information and deals with workloads related to finance, healthcare and transportation.
During the Project Nimbus protests, some said they were worried about Israel’s current use of AI targeting in Gaza during the Israeli-Hamas war.
Meet the new US Navy high-tech laser weapon, HELIOS
The U.S. Navy tested a powerful new laser weapon called HELIOS, capable of downing drones at the speed of light. It is the first tactical laser system integrated into an existing naval vessel.
HELIOS not only fires a directed energy beam but also includes intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities and a dazzler system to counter enemy drone operations.
Several countries, including the U.K., Israel, South Korea, China, and Russia, are developing their own laser weapons.
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The U.S. Navy has a shiny new toy capable of downing drones at the speed of light and for pennies on the dollar. Called the High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-Dazzler, or HELIOS, the U.S. Navy tested the Lockheed Martin-built laser weapon aboard the USS Preble sometime in 2024.
Only one image was released so far of the test. There is a video floating around on the internet as well, but it’s AI-generated.
A revolutionary tactical laser
The HELIOS, though, is very real. It’s the first tactical laser weapon system to be integrated into an existing U.S. naval vessel. Lockheed delivered the 60+ kilowatt weapon system back in 2022, as well as another land-based version for testing.
In addition to its directed energy laser beam, HELIOS also incorporates long-range intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, as well as a counter-drone dazzler capability that can obscure and interfere with enemy ISR efforts.
The HELIOS also ties into the guided missile destroyer’s Aegis Combat System. The Preble is the first U.S. Navy destroyer to get the HELIOS upgrade, but Naval News reported the service already installed the software to operate HELIOS on at least five other destroyers.
Challenges in directed energy weapons
The Navy, and the U.S. military as a whole, has been working on directed energy weapons for more than a decade. However, environmental factors like fog and dust, along with the lack of mobility in most lasers, meant the technology largely stayed in the lab.
The ramp-up in unmanned systems used by both state and non-state actors pushed directed energy development into overdrive. What makes these weapons so appealing is their ability to quickly eliminate enemy threats while maintaining a low cost-per-engagement.
Global competition in laser technology
In addition to HELIOS, the Brits are developing Dragon Fire. Israel has the Iron Beam and is working with the U.S. to further develop it. South Korea said it deployed lasers to Seoul. Ukraine claims it’s using lasers on the battlefield.
China and Russia, the United States’ near-peer adversaries, are also developing directed energy weapons. However, it’s unclear whether those countries have anything functional at the tactical level yet.
New Iranian warship could reshape power in the Persian Gulf
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) unveiled its first drone-carrier warship, the Shahid Bagheri, expanding the country’s naval capabilities. The vessel was launched at the Persian Gulf port of Bandar Abbas, showcasing Iran’s growing military presence.
The warship can carry drones, helicopters and cruise missiles, enabling extended operations in international waters and enhancing Iran’s defensive and deterrent capabilities.
The move comes amid heightened tensions with the US, as President Trump reinstates his “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran, prompting concerns about regional military and strategic calculations.
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Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has introduced its first drone-carrier warship, the “Shahid Bagheri,” marking a significant expansion of the country’s naval capabilities. The vessel was unveiled in a ceremony at the Persian Gulf port of Bandar Abbas, according to state media.
Why does Iran’s new ship matter?
Iran’s development of a drone-capable warship signals its intent to extend its naval presence beyond regional waters. The ability to launch drones, helicopters and cruise missiles from a mobile platform could impact military and strategic calculations in the Persian Gulf and beyond.
The move also comes amid heightened tensions with the United States, as President Donald Trump reinstates his “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran.
What are Iran’s military leaders saying?
Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, commander of the IRGC navy, stated that the Shahid Bagheri would enhance Iran’s “defensive and deterrent capabilities in distant waters.” General Mohammad Hossein Baqeri, chief of staff of the Iranian armed forces, added that the warship would help ensure Iran’s “decisive victory” should conflict arise.
Iran has long pursued military self-sufficiency, manufacturing its own submarines, fighter jets, and missile systems. The addition of the Shahid Bagheri aligns with this strategy and further expands the IRGC’s ability to project force.
What are the ship’s capabilities?
The Shahid Bagheri is a converted commercial vessel, equipped with a 180-meter runway to accommodate drone operations. According to state-run Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), the warship can carry multiple squadrons of drones, helicopters, and cruise missiles. It is reportedly capable of traveling up to 22,000 nautical miles without refueling, allowing for extended operations in international waters.
Footage broadcast by Iranian state TV during the launch ceremony showed at least four helicopters and three drones on the ship’s deck.
How does this relate to U.S. policy?
The unveiling of the warship comes as Trump escalates his pressure campaign on Iran. Trump recently signed an executive order reimposing sanctions on Tehran, warning that Iran would face “obliteration” if it attempted an assassination against him.
Despite this hardline stance, Trump has also suggested a willingness to negotiate a new nuclear deal.
How has Iran responded?
Iranian officials pushed back against U.S. pressure, saying that they do not seek war but will not submit to foreign demands. General Hossein Salami, chief of the IRGC, declared that “we do not bow before threat by any power.”
The Iranian government also dismissed concerns about its expanding military capabilities, arguing that its actions are defensive in nature.
What happens next?
The launch of the Shahid Bagheri coincides with a series of Iranian military exercises, including air defense drills near nuclear sites. The United States and its allies are closely monitoring these developments as Iran continues its push for greater military self-sufficiency.
Legal battles brew over Trump executive orders
President Donald Trump started his new term with a flurry of executive orders, some of which are now facing lawsuits. And as crews remove more wreckage from the Potomac River after the deadly plane and helicopter crash last week, investigators are getting some answers. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Friday, Feb. 7, 2025.
Legal battles brew over Trump executive orders
It’s been just over two weeks since President Donald Trump took office, and he has already signed more than 50 executive orders to reshape the federal government. Now, many of them are facing legal pushback.
On Thursday, Feb. 6, a federal judge temporarily blocked Trump’s offer to buy out federal workers. The workers were told to return to the office while court proceedings over its legalization played out.
Initially, federal employees had until 11:59 p.m. Thursday to decide whether to take the buyout offer. That deadline has now been extended to Monday, Feb. 10, and it might be pushed back even further.
The buyout would allow federal workers to leave their jobs while still receiving benefits through the end of September. Federal unions have strongly urged members not to accept the package, questioning its legality and the Trump administration’s ability to follow through on its promises.
The White House said at least 40,000 federal employees have already opted into the deferred resignation program.
The American Federation of Government Employees, the largest union of U.S. government workers, has filed a lawsuit seeking a federal court to stop the shutdown of USAID. The union argues that the president cannot shut down an agency enshrined in congressional legislation. This comes after the Trump administration presented a plan Thursday to cut USAID staffing worldwide to dismantle the agency dramatically.
The plan would employ fewer than 300 USAID workers out of thousands. The administration believes that USAID is fraught with unnecessary spending on projects and causes that Americans are unaware of.
Meanwhile, another lawsuit is brewing over the Treasury Department’s decision to allow Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) staffers access to the federal government’s massive payment and collections system. A group of retirees and union members said the move violates federal privacy laws because it gives DOGE access to the data stored in the system.
Those challenging the Trump administration’s decision want an order barring DOGE from accessing the data and requiring the return of any harvested data.
Another executive order facing pushback is Trump’s decision to end birthright citizenship in the U.S. Birthright citizenship occurs when a child is born in the United States and automatically becomes an American citizen regardless of the child’s or parents’ nationality or because at least one of their parents was a U.S. citizen at the time of the person’s birth.
Several lawsuits are now on the books, challenging the order. This week, federal judges in Maryland and Washington state issued nationwide preliminary injunctions blocking the order from taking effect. The Department of Justice has appealed the Washington decision.
A pair of federal judges have also temporarily blocked a federal aid funding freeze, which the Trump administration directed in response to his executive orders.
Additionally, two judges blocked the transfer of three transgender women prisoners to a male prison after a Trump executive order affecting transgender inmates. It said the federal Bureau of Prisons is now required to ensure that “males are not detained in women’s prisons.”
Trump sanctions International Criminal Court over Israel investigation
The ICC has issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was at the White House this week, for alleged war crimes over his military response in Gaza after the Hamas terror attack on Israel in October 2023.
The attack left more than 1,200 Israelis dead and around 250 taken hostage in Gaza. Israel then unleashed a ground and air response, which the Hamas-run health ministry said has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, including children.
Neither the U.S. nor Israel are members of or recognize the ICC.
Trump’s order said the U.S. would impose “tangible and significant consequences” on those responsible for the ICC’s “transgressions.” These could include blocking property and assets and not allowing ICC officials, employees and their families to enter the U.S.
FBI turns over list of Jan. 6 investigators to Justice Department
Acting Director Brian Driscoll emailed employees Thursday to inform them that the FBI has given the Justice Department the names of employees who worked on cases related to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot. This follows a back-and-forth between bureau leaders who sought to protect identities and the DOJ. The FBI complied by providing the names through a classified system to protect employees from being publicly identified.
Earlier this week, the bureau withheld the names of thousands of workers and identified them based only on their employee ID numbers, job titles and roles in the Jan. 6 investigations.
Several FBI employees and the agency’s union sued the Justice Department, asking a judge to ensure their names were not released outside the DOJ. They said they fear for their safety if their identities are made public.
Search underway in Alaska for missing plane carrying 10 people
The search continues in Alaska for a Cessna aircraft carrying 10 people that went missing Thursday afternoon.
Alaska state troopers said the plane, operated by Bering Air, was headed from Unalakleet to Nome. The Norton Sound Inlet separates both cities in western Alaska. Crews are conducting ground and air searches as weather and visibility permit to find the missing aircraft.
The plane’s disappearance comes as investigations continue into two recent deadly U.S. aviation incidents. A medical transportation plane crashed in Philadelphia last Friday, Jan. 31, killing the six people on board and another person on the ground, and last Wednesday, Jan. 29, a passenger plane and an Army Black Hawk helicopter collided midair, killing 67 people.
Black Hawk wreckage from deadly midair collision removed from Potomac River
Workers pulled the wreckage of the Black Hawk involved in last week’s deadly midair collision with a passenger jet from the Potomac River on Thursday. Crews also removed additional parts of the American Airlines plane, most of which was pulled from the river earlier this week.
The National Transportation Safety Board, which is investigating the cause of the crash, said it is still looking for the helicopter’s right engine and tail rotor.
NTSB, in coordination with SUPSALV, recovered the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk today. Additional information in today's investigative update for the Jan. 29 mid-air collision near DCA: https://t.co/C01PwrsmIFpic.twitter.com/gfsgRh7lgN
After a closed-door briefing by the NTSB and Federal Aviation Administration on Thursday, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz told reporters that the helicopter was flying with its safety system turned off. Cruz chairs the Senate Commerce Committee, which oversees the airline industry.
He said senators were told the helicopter’s automatic dependent surveillance broadcast system was turned off. The system provides detailed information to track airplane locations.
Military aircraft are allowed to fly with that system off. However, since the crash involved a training flight, Cruz said, “Unless there was a compelling national security reason for turning it off, that does not seem justified.”
NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy told reporters investigators had not confirmed whether the helicopter was equipped with that technology.
Americans gear up for Super Bowl weekend
It is Super Bowl weekend. Come Sunday, Feb. 9, millions of Americans will gather with friends, family members and neighbors to watch the biggest NFL game of the year — along with all the commercials and the Kendrick Lamar halftime show.
As for Super Bowl LIX itself, AFC champions the Kansas City Chiefs and star quarterback Patrick Mahomes will be going for their third straight Super Bowl championship. They’ll face off against the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year Saquon Barkley and NFC champions, the Philadelphia Eagles.
Kickoff is around 6:30 p.m. ET Sunday in New Orleans.
For those making it an all-day event, the annual Puppy Bowl is back.
The three-hour made-for-TV event is a miniature football game dogs play on a 20 by 30-foot field. The pups, all between three and six months old, score touchdowns when they cross the goal-line with a toy in their mouth.
The goal of the show is to encourage pet adoption. This year’s Puppy Bowl pits Team Ruff against Team Fluff and will feature 142 rescue puppies from 80 shelters across 40 states.