National and International Developments

U.S. Navy Warship Program Announced

President Trump announced plans for the U.S. Navy to construct a new class of warships. The program involves a cost of billions of taxpayer dollars per ship, with the vessels designated to be named after him. This announcement occurred days after a Trump-led board approved naming the Kennedy Center after him.

Initially, two battleships with nuclear missile capabilities are planned for construction, with an an intention to increase production. A specific timeframe for this production was not provided. During the announcement event, President Trump also referenced U.S. forces pursuing a third large oil tanker.

Federal Judge Rules Venezuelan Deportations Illegal

A federal judge has ruled that the deportation of over 100 Venezuelan nationals to El Salvador was illegal, citing a violation of due process. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg determined that the individuals are entitled to a hearing.

Previously, the U.S. had deported these men to a prison in El Salvador under the Alien Enemies Act. Judge Boasberg ordered the administration to either facilitate the return of the men to the U.S. or provide due process hearings abroad. The government is expected to appeal this decision. Lawyers representing the Venezuelans assert the ruling confirms that individuals cannot be deported to a foreign prison without due process. The men have since returned to Venezuela after four months in the Salvadoran prison, reporting experiences of poor nutrition, unsanitary conditions, and sexual abuse. Separately, CBS News head Bari Weiss reportedly prevented interviews with former detainees from airing on "60 Minutes."

Staff Departures from Heritage Foundation

More than a dozen staff members have departed the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. These individuals are joining Advancing American Freedom, a group established by former Vice President Mike Pence. This development signals a potential realignment within the Republican Party regarding its ideological direction and principles.

Advancing American Freedom, which has been a smaller organization, aims to expand its leadership role. The group's president, Tim Chapman, stated its objective is to define the future of conservatism and advocate for principles such as free trade and a less isolationist foreign policy. The Heritage Foundation continues to operate as a large organization.

Supplementary Information

Social Interaction Guidance

Psychologists Ali Mattu and Fallon Goodman have offered guidance on improving social interactions and managing social anxiety. Recommendations include:

• Engaging in daily low-stakes social interactions, such as conversing with cashiers or coworkers.
• Setting modest goals, such as speaking with one person or asking two questions.
• Developing an exit strategy for social events.
• Minimizing phone use during social interactions to foster connection.

Children's Book Explores Grief

Kevin Maillard's new children's book, "And They Walk On," illustrated by Rafael López, addresses a child's experience of grief following a grandmother's death. The book utilizes a progression of color in its illustrations, transitioning from muted tones to brighter, more vivid colors as the child recalls memories.

News Briefs

• The ATX-VINyL program in Texas delivers music to patients receiving challenging diagnoses and treatments.
• Kansas lawmakers have approved a tax incentives package for a potential $3 billion domed stadium, which could facilitate the Kansas City Chiefs' relocation from Missouri.
• Donald Trump recently endorsed kei cars, a type of small vehicle prevalent in Asia but uncommon in the U.S. Kei car enthusiasts have noted the endorsement, while acknowledging that U.S. safety requirements may limit their widespread adoption.