Top Dem asks Noem how TSA will prevent ‘major disruptions’ as many travelers still lack REAL ID
The top Democrat on the Senate Homeland Security Committee demanded answers from the Trump administration over potentially stranded American travelers once REAL ID requirements take effect May 7. Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed wrote to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem regarding plans to begin enforcement that day, after President Donald Trump gave DHS discretion on when to begin enforcement of the chronically delayed Bush-era law. “Following the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission, Congress passed, and then-President George W. Bush signed, the REAL ID Act of 2005, which requires minimum security standards for driver’s licenses or other identification of anyone seeking to board a domestic flight,” Reed wrote. “Recognizing the time and complexity involved in switching to REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards, President Trump signed legislation in 2020 that confirmed the Secretary of Homeland Security’s discretion over when to begin enforcing this requirement.” REAL ID DEADLINE FOR TRAVELERS, SOME FEDERAL BUILDING ACCESS QUICKLY APPROACHING Delays persisted through three presidential administrations due to concerns over the complexity of updating 50 state, seven territorial and one district’s DMV and other systems. Then, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, state agencies were given further leeway on enacting REAL ID until DHS finally settled on the May 7 date for this year. “According to the TSA, around 20 percent of air travelers still use a form of identification that is not compliant with REAL ID requirements,” Reed wrote to Noem. “Indeed, millions of Americans still do not have a REAL ID-compliant license or an acceptable alternative form of identification, such as a passport or a military identification card.” MOBILE USERS CLICK HERE TO READ PDF He cited the secretary’s public comment at the White House that she does not want to see anyone delayed or unable to board a flight – for which a REAL ID-compliant identification will be required. “Since it seems likely that many travelers will not have a compliant ID by May 7th, please describe how you will ensure that there are not delays at TSA security checkpoints and what steps the TSA is taking to process travelers who arrive at airport security checkpoints without REAL ID compliant identification,” Reed concluded. AMERICANS GROUNDED WITHOUT REAL ID, LONG DMV WAITS TURN TO OTHER OPTIONS After its 2005 passage, REAL ID became one of the few political issues that had cross-partisan support and opposition. Conservative and anti-illegal immigration groups praised the Bush administration’s work, while gun rights groups and libertarian-minded lawmakers warned it expanded the proverbial omnipresent “Big Brother.” Labor groups and liberals like Hillary Clinton also expressed reservations about the law. They found recent agreement from Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., who wrote on X that people who believe REAL ID is supposed to bolster election integrity will be “sorely disappointed.” “Someone has lied to you, or you’re engaged in wishful thinking. Please don’t shoot the messenger,” Massie said. In a statement on its website, DHS pushed back on claims REAL ID would be used to build a new “database” – in apparent response to Massie-like concerns. “REAL ID is a national set of standards, not a national identification card,” the agency wrote. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP “REAL ID does not create a federal database of driver license information. Each jurisdiction continues to issue its own unique license, maintains its own records, and controls who gets access to those records and under what circumstances,” it said. “The purpose of REAL ID is to make our identity documents more consistent and secure.” DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, Tricia McLaughlin, told Fox News Digital in a statement: “Real IDs make identification harder to forge, thwarting criminals and terrorists. 81% of air travelers hold REAL ID-compliant or acceptable IDs. DHS will continue to collaborate with state, local, and airport authorities to inform the public, facilitate compliance, curb wait times and prevent fraud.” “DHS responds to official correspondence through official channels,” McLaughlin added. Fox News’ Elizabeth Elkind and Deirdre Heavey contributed to this report.
Federal judge bucks Trump admin, delays dismissal of of MS-13 leader’s case
U.S. District Judge William Fitzpatrick has agreed to delay the Justice Department’s motion to dismiss its case against Henrry Josue Villatoro Santos, the Virginia-based Salvadorian national accused of being a top leader of the MS-13 gang in the U.S. The ruling, handed down Friday, directs the government to keep Villatoro Santos in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, and not be transferred to DHS officials until the appeal is resolved. Villatoro Santos was arrested less than a month ago in Woodbridge, Virginia, and was charged with being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm. His high-profile arrest was supervised by both U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel from a nearby tactical center. JUDGE BOASBERG POISED TO HOLD TRUMP ADMIN IN CONTEMPT, TAKES DOWN NAMES OF DHS OFFICIALS: ‘PRETTY SKETCHY’ At the time, Bondi touted his capture and referred to him as the “top MS-13 leader” on the East Coast. Shortly afterward, however, the Department of Justice abruptly filed a motion to dismiss their case against Villatoro Santos – prompting speculation as to what would happen to him next. His counsel said during an April 15 hearing that the government had not clarified next steps for their client, and suggested the Trump administration might move to summarily deport him without due process. Villatoro Santos’ lawyer, Muhammad Elsayed, claimed during the April 15 hearing that the decision to dismiss the case had come from “high up” in the Trump administration, and argued if he were released, he would likely be deported almost immediately to CECOT, the Salvadorian prison housing hundreds of U.S. migrants. “They have already determined the outcome, that he’ll go to the worst prison in the western hemisphere,” Elsayed said earlier this week. At the hearing, his attorneys also invoked the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was deported last month to El Salvador for being an alleged MS-13 member. Two federal judges in Texas and New York also temporarily blocked the Trump administration‘s use of the Alien Enemies Act law to deport certain nationals, siding with their contention that the plaintiffs in question are at risk of removal by the Trump administration, possibly without the opportunity to seek habeas relief in a U.S. court. The updates follow a 5–4 Supreme Court ruling that lifted a lower court’s restraining order, allowing the Trump administration to temporarily resume use of the Alien Enemies Act — albeit with new due process protections for migrants. The high court said individuals slated for deportation must have the opportunity to challenge their removal, with sufficient time to do so in a U.S. court. Fox News’ Jake Gibson contributed to this report.
Delhi-NCR sees dusty storms, light rainfall amid cyclonic circulation, check weekly weather forecast here
The national capital and the adjoining NCR region witnessed dusty storms and light to moderate rainfall on Friday evening, i.e., April 18. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the sudden change in weather like a recent one will bring relief from soaring temperatures.
Huckabee visits iconic holy site in Israel, delivers Trump’s prayer for peace
As Passover and Holy Week came to a close, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee fulfilled a vow he had made to President Donald Trump. In his first act as ambassador, Huckabee placed a prayer from Trump into the Western Wall. In his remarks at the Western Wall, Huckabee said that Trump “handwrote” the prayer and handed it to the new ambassador at the White House. Along with the note, Trump reportedly gave Huckabee a directive to bring it to the holy site as his first official act as ambassador. WHITE HOUSE PLANS ‘EXTRAORDINARY’ HOLY WEEK AS TRUMP HONORS EASTER WITH ‘THE OBSERVANCE IT DESERVES’ “This morning, I visited [the Western Wall] in Israel’s eternal capital, Jerusalem, and placed a prayer from [the president] between the stones. On behalf of President Trump and the American people, I say to Israel: our commitment to you is unwavering, and we pray for the immediate return of all the hostages. Israel will never be alone,” Huckabee wrote in a post on X. Trump famously relocated the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in 2018, a move that drew intense praise and criticism at the time. He has also enjoyed a close relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during both of his terms in the White House. EASTER AND PASSOVER FOODS THAT AMERICANS MOST LIKE AND DISLIKE, ACCORDING TO NEW DATA The Western Wall Foundation included a photo of the note that Huckabee said was from Trump, which appeared to read, “For peace in Israel. D.T.” TRUMP DEMANDS BIDEN ISSUE APOLOGY OVER ‘BLASPHEMOUS’ TRANS VISIBILITY DAY ON EASTER SUNDAY: ‘APPALLING’ Placing notes, like the one from Trump, in the wall is a common practice. The notes are typically collected twice a year — once before Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year, and then again before Passover. Huckabee’s visit to the Western Wall came as the Trump administration emphasized Holy Week, with the White House Faith Office leading events, including a pre-Easter dinner with faith leaders. “We pray that America will remain a beacon of faith, hope, and freedom for the entire world, and we pray to achieve a future that reflects the truth, beauty, and goodness of Christ’s eternal kingdom in Heaven,” Trump said in a White House statement on Holy Week.
Confidence in Congressional Democrats hits all time low in new poll
Confidence in the Democratic Party’s congressional leadership has sunk to an all-time low, according to a new national poll. The confidence rating for Democratic leadership in Congress stands at 25% in a Gallup poll conducted April 1-14 and released on Thursday. That’s nine points below the previous low of 34%, which was recorded in 2023. According to Gallup, confidence in Republican congressional leadership stands at 39%, which is well above the 24% low hit in 2014. Fueling the drop in confidence in the Democratic congressional leadership were Democrats. HEAD HERE FOR THE LATEST FOX NEWS POLLING “Democratic congressional leaders’ rating among their own party faithful has fallen 41 points since last year to their lowest point ever,” Gallup noted in its release. DEMOCRATS FAVORABLE RATINGS DROP TO RECORD LOWS The Democratic Party is in the political wilderness, following last November’s election setbacks, when Republicans won back control of the White House and the Senate, and defended their fragile House majority. And Republicans made gains among Black and Hispanic voters, as well as younger voters, all traditional members of the Democratic Party’s base. Democrats have become increasingly angry and energized in response to President Donald Trump’s aggressive and controversial moves, since returning to the White House three months ago, in slashing the federal government and upending longstanding national policies. NEW MOVE BY DEMOCRATIC PARTY VICE CHAIR FURTHER INFLAMES EXISTING INTRA-PARTY TENSIONS That anger is directed not only at Trump and Republicans, but also at Democrats. Many in the party’s base feel their leaders in Congress haven’t been effective or vocal enough in pushing back against the president. And the energy has been evident at town halls this winter and early spring held by both Democratic and Republican members of Congress. National polls conducted in February by Quinnpiac University, and last month by CNN and by NBC News, indicated the favorable ratings for the Democratic Party sinking to all-time lows.
LGBTQ Christians crusade against Trump’s ‘anti-LGBTQ’ orders during Holy Week
As Christians across the country celebrate Holy Week, a group of LGBTQ+ faith leaders gathered outside the U.S. Capitol to reject President Donald Trump’s “anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.” And one religious leader told Fox News Digital the Trump administration is “the most hostile administration to religion in recent memory.” Attendees at the Collective of Queer Christian Leaders event Monday claimed Trump had not only targeted the LGBTQ+ community but faith leaders. “We’ve seen a series of attacks on faith leaders,” Guthrie Graves, an ordained Baptist deacon, told Nicholas Ballasy for Fox News Digital. “For instance, Bishop Mariann Budde, the bishop in the Episcopal Church of Washington, spoke about mercy for LGBTQ people and immigrants during the inaugural prayer service. And then, even at a very humble plea for mercy, President Trump lashed out at her.” In a Truth Social Post, Trump called Budde a “Radical Left hard line Trump hater” and accused her of politicizing his inaugural prayer service by asking him to “have mercy” on LGBTQ+ children who are “scared.” TRUMP EXCORIATES BISHOP AS ‘RADICAL LEFT HARD LINE TRUMP HATER’ AFTER POLITICALLY CHARGED PRAYER SERVICE “As the Collective of Queer Christian leaders, our message today was to let LGBTQ+ communities and individuals know that they are not alone. We are not alone. We’re in this together. We wanted today to speak out against the anti-LGBTQ+ legislation as well as the executive orders coming out of this current administration,” said Ryan Henderson, who attended Monday’s event. LGBTQ CHRISTIANS INVOKE ‘RIGHTEOUS RAGE’ AT CAPITOL DURING HOLY WEEK Trump, on his first day back in the Oval Office, issued an executive order establishing only two sexes, male and female. And Trump Attorney General Pam Bondi announced a lawsuit Wednesday against the state of Maine for allowing transgender women to continue playing women’s sports. Democratic Maine Gov. Janet Mills has refused to comply with Trump’s executive order restricting biological men from playing girls and women’s sports. Nearly two months ago, Trump and Mills sparred during a bipartisan meeting of governors at the White House, during which Trump promised Mills he’d see her “in court.” Many attendees told Fox News Digital that transgender people, in particular, are “under attack.” And Haley Warner of the Belong Collective, an LGBTQ+ inclusive church, advocated for a “full embrace from the church, from the arms of God” and to speak out against “what’s being done by the far-right in the name of God.” Sunu Chandy, a senior advisor at Democracy Forward, a legal organization that advocates for the advancement of democracy through policy engagement, said rights “need to be fought for in the courts, in the faith communities, in the streets, to make sure that our trans siblings, in particular, are uplifted in this time. “What’s incredibly clear is that we are in the midst of a certain level of unprecedented attacks against the LGBTQ+ community, wherein the rights that my ancestors fought so hard to gain are now not only under attack, but are actively being rolled back,” said the Rev. Don Abram, founder of Pride in the Pews. Another attendee, Jan Lawrence, executive director of Reconciling Ministries Network, an LGBTQ+ justice organization within the United Methodist Church, emphasized the importance of faith leaders standing united during this “critical time.” “We have a collective voice that is louder than the voice of any one of us,” Lawrence said. While the Trump administration was called “the most hostile administration to religion in recent memory” during Monday’s event, Trump’s new White House Faith Office announced a robust Holy Week schedule to celebrate Easter. The White House did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment by deadline. Last year, President Joe Biden proclaimed March 31, which fell on Easter Sunday, Transgender Day of Visibility to show “transgender and nonbinary Americans that we see them, they belong, and they should be treated with dignity and respect.”
Trump calls Sen. Van Hollen a ‘fool’ after meeting with deported MS-13 suspect in El Salvador
President Donald Trump is calling Sen. Chris Van Hollen a “fool” on Friday after the legislator flew to El Salvador to meet with deported illegal immigrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia. “Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland looked like a fool yesterday standing in El Salvador begging for attention from the Fake News Media, or anyone. GRANDSTANDER!!!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social account. Garcia, a 29-year-old illegal immigrant living in Maryland, was deported to the El Salvadoran megaprison “Terrorism Confinement Center” (CECOT) last month, and officials acknowledged in court that his deportation had been an administrative error, although now some top Trump officials say he had been correctly removed and contend that he is a member of the notorious MS-13 gang. “I said my main goal of this trip was to meet with Kilmar,” Van Hollen, a Democrat, said in a post on X on Thursday. “Tonight I had that chance. I have called his wife, Jennifer, to pass along his message of love. I look forward to providing a full update upon my return.” DEMOCRAT SENATOR VAN HOLLEN MEETS, SHAKES HANDS WITH ABREGO GARCIA Van Hollen said earlier Thursday that “Kilmar Abrego Garcia had been illegally abducted and is being held in a notorious prison in El Salvador — barred from contacting his family or lawyers.” Van Hollen also spoke to the press in El Salvador, in a video posted on YouTube. Abrego Garcia’s wife Jennifer Vasquez said in a statement that “we still have so many questions, hopes, and fears,” according to the Associated Press. Both a federal district court and the U.S. Supreme Court have ordered the Trump administration to “facilitate” Garcia’s release and return to the U.S. for proper deportation proceedings. MORE DEMOCRATS WORK TO JOIN VAN HOLLEN IN EL SALVADOR TO PUSH FOR ALLEGED GANG MEMBER’S RETURN TO US The Trump administration also released information on Wednesday indicating that Abrego Garcia’s wife has accused him of repeated abuse of her. Fox News obtained the written domestic violence allegations filed in court against Abrego Garcia by Vasquez in 2021. In the filing, written in her own handwriting, Vasquez alleged that Abrego Garcia had repeatedly beaten her, writing: “At this point, I am afraid to be close to him. I have multiple photos/videos of how violent he can be and all the bruises he [has] left me.” Fox News Digital’s Greg Wehner, Jasmine Baehr and Bill Mears contributed to this report.
Rubio says US to decide within days if Ukraine ceasefire ‘doable’
NewsFeed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the US will decide in the coming days whether to continue to push for a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, or to walk away. The Trump administration had made ending the war a priority, but talks have stalled. Published On 18 Apr 202518 Apr 2025 Adblock test (Why?)
The dangers of falling in love online
We discuss the dangers of falling in love online and how technology is used to deceive and steal from victims. The world of online romance scams is a dark and increasingly prevalent phenomenon, thriving on digital platforms where scammers exploit the search for love. These scams often involve emotional manipulation and blackmail, and can lead to significant financial devastation for victims. Dating apps, social media platforms and websites have become common spaces for people to connect with potential partners, but they also serve as prime hunting grounds for scammers. Presenter: Anelise Borges Guests:Cecilie Fjellhoy – Co-Founder, LovesaidRohan Mer – Scam Prevention Technology ExpertHelmi Korhonen – Romance Scam Recovery Project Adblock test (Why?)
Pakistan confirms its expulsion of more than 80,000 Afghans since April 1
Rights groups have criticised the repatriation drive, warning that mass expulsions risk endangering vulnerable people. Pakistan has confirmed to have repatriated more than 80,000 Afghan nationals since April 1, before an extended April 30 deadline for the country’s largest migrant group in an initiative labelled as “forced deportation” by Afghanistan. Talal Chaudhry, Pakistan’s Interior Ministry adviser, told reporters in Islamabad on Friday that there would be no more extensions to the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan launched in late 2023 for more than three million Afghans. “We have communicated clear instructions to all provinces, if anyone gives a shop, house, or any kind of space to an illegal foreigner, they will be held accountable under the law,” he said. Those lacking valid documents or holding Afghan Citizen Cards had initially been ordered to leave by March 31. That deadline was later extended by a month. On Tuesday, the International Organization for Migration, a UN entity, said Pakistan has expelled nearly 60,000 Afghans since the start of April. “With a new wave of large-scale returns now under way from Pakistan, needs on the ground are rising rapidly – both at the border and in areas of return that are struggling to absorb large numbers of returnees,” Mihyung Park, head of the IOM’s Afghanistan mission, said at the time. Advertisement More than 1.3 million Afghans who hold Proof of Registration cards from the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, have also been told to move outside the capital Islamabad and the neighbouring city of Rawalpindi. On Saturday, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is due to visit Kabul, where he will head a delegation for high-level talks with the Taliban-led government. “The talks will cover the entire gamut of the Pakistan-Afghan relationship, focusing on ways and means to deepen cooperation in all areas of mutual interests, including security, trade, connectivity, and people-to-people ties,” said a statement from Pakistan’s foreign office. ‘We have no desire to leave’ The crackdown threatens to uproot Afghan families that have been in the country for decades. Earlier this month, Akber Khan, who owns a restaurant in the northwest Pakistani city of Peshawar, told The Associated Press news agency: “I have been here for almost 50 years. I got married here, so did my children, and 10 of my family members are buried here. That’s why we have no desire to leave.” At least a third of the Afghans Pakistan wants to expel this year live in the northwest province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “Afghans can never be completely repatriated, especially from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as they return using illegal channels or exploiting loopholes in the system despite fencing at the border,” said Abdullah Khan, managing director of the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, to Al Jazeera. ‘Security threat’ Islamabad has frequently linked Afghan refugees to rising security threats and criminal activity within its borders – allegations rejected by Kabul, which has described the campaign as forced deportation and politically motivated. Advertisement Authorities in Pakistan say they have established temporary holding centres across multiple cities to process and accommodate Afghan nationals before their return. Most are being transported to the Torkham border crossing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the key route into eastern Afghanistan. Human rights groups have criticised the repatriation drive, warning that mass expulsions risk endangering vulnerable people, particularly women and children, who may face insecurity or persecution upon return. Despite these concerns, Pakistani officials maintain that the crackdown targets only those who remain in the country without legal authorisation, insisting the policy is a matter of national security. Adblock test (Why?)