PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - April 24, 2025

White House is 'close' on Japan, India tariff agreements but expect them to be light on specifics; Families in limbo following federal energy assistance program cuts- we have reports from NH and MD; NV adopted CA's 'clean car' standard, rule now under GOP examination.

U.S. allies express alarm at Trump's plan to let Russia keep most of the land it seized from Ukraine; Higher ed supporters rally on two IL campuses for students' rights; South FL farming program in limbo after federal grant freeze; PA public defenders struggle with high caseloads, attorney shortage.

In rare criticism of Putin, Trump urges the Russian leader to 'STOP!' after a deadly attack on Kyiv; Advocates warn HB 477 could limit health coverage in AL; Proposed changes to Endangered Species Act put ME wildlife at risk; MN town practices art of love, one letter at a time.

Trump slams Zelensky for refusing to recognize Russian control of Crimea; TN educators warn against dismantling U.S. Dept. of Education; NJ improves school-based mental health policies; ND follows up with new aid to keep rural grocery stores open.

Marco Rubio unveils massive State Dept. overhaul with reductions of staff and bureaus; Visas revoked, status changed for international students in TX; Alaska lawmakers work to improve in-school mental health care; Montana DEQ denies Big Hole River decision, cites law opposed by EPA; Indiana moves to regulate legal THC sales and branding.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren says we're 'starting to see the cracks of fear' in Trump after latest Pete Hegseth scandal; an Earth Day twist: Trump could 'target' climate nonprofits; spring cleaning for Earth Day? What to do with leftover paint; Dogs become 'Pawsitive Partners' in NC prisons.

Trump stands behind Hegseth after attack plans shared in second Signal chat; Pollution exemptions granted to AR coal plants; Coping with OR's climate change-fueled pollen season; Federal funding cuts could hit MT harder than other states.

Pope Francis, first Latin American pontiff who ministered with a charming, humble style, dies at 88; MS literacy gains offer blueprint for education reform, experts say; Low wages mean multiple jobs for MA higher-ed faculty, staff; Las Vegas 'trashion' show gives used textiles new purpose.

After meeting wrongly deported man, Sen. Van Hollen accuses Trump of defying courts; AZ Secretary of State demands proof of noncitizen voting; Iowa rights activists plan to fight social service cuts; Coal miners could pay if inspectors lose offices on DOGE list.

Michigan environmental groups, Tribes decry fast-tracking Line 5 tunnel; Pennsylvania egg brand agrees to drop 'free-roaming' label, and a passenger rail funding bill narrowly fails in Montana Senate vote.