Federal Threat

Wilderness Society says changes undermined intent of national standards intended to reverse decline of plants, animals and ecosystemsGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastGreen groups have accused the Albanese government of watering down a proposal to protect threatened species and ecosystems.National environmental standards were the key plank of reforms to Australia’s nature laws, passed by the parliament in November. Continue reading...

• 88-year-old DC congressional delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton responded defiantly to the most serious federal threat to the city's government in 30 years from Trump. • Norton, supported by Muriel Bowser allies, views Trump's actions as a political win for local control. • The standoff underscores ongoing power struggles between federal and DC governance.

• 88-year-old congressional delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton is leading a back-seat response to the most serious federal threat to D.C.’s government in 30 years. • The challenge targets local autonomy, echoing Muriel Bowser's conflicts with Trump policies. • Victory for D.C. allies could preserve home rule amid national partisan divides.

• Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act has darkened the outlook for approximately 17,000 federally-funded health clinics across the United States, which collectively stand to lose $32 billion in government support. • The policy represents a significant threat to community health infrastructure that serves vulnerable populations, though specific implementation details and timeline remain under review. • Federal health clinics provide essential services including primary care, preventive services, and treatment for underinsured and uninsured Americans in underserved communities.

• The Trump administration is pressuring hospitals nationwide to shut down gender-affirming care programs for minors by threatening to withhold federal funding, described as 'unprecedented' by GLAD Law's Jennifer Levi. • Providers like Boston Medical Center, Boston Children's Hospital, and Mass General Brigham face a stark choice: discontinue medications for transgender youth or risk losing critical federal support that could shut them down. • In Massachusetts, state health leaders and smaller providers like Transhealth, serving 600-700 patients under 18, vow to continue care despite risks, with CEO Jo Erwin hiring more staff in anticipation of increased demand.

Federal Coalition tells Pauline Hanson’s party to expect more policy scrutiny after historic result in South Australia electionThe Albanese government has sharpened its attacks on One Nation as a party of “stunts and the vibe” after the South Australian premier warned Pauline Hanson is a threat to Labor following its historic state election result.The federal Coalition is also dialling up the pressure, warning One Nation to expect more scrutiny of its policy positions as it attempts to avert a SA-style collapse in other parts of the country. Continue reading...