U.S. Ends Military Aid to Israel, Data Centers Face Ballot Measures, Fox News Ratings Drop, Adventurer Completes Global Walk, Harvard Lawsuit Dismissed, Florida Polling Moves, Satanic Temple Event Approved

U.S. to End Military Aid to Israel

President Donald Trump announced that the United States will stop its annual $4 billion military aid to Israel by the end of the current year. This decision follows discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In 2016, a 10-year Memorandum of Understanding between the U.S. and Israel, signed by President Barack Obama, allocated $38 billion to subsidize weapon purchases, primarily from the U.S. The agreement was intended to last until the end of 2028.

Trump, addressing the decision in a Fox News phone call, said the aid’s conclusion responds partly to changing domestic political realities. Aid to Israel has become less popular, especially among Democrats, who may gain control of at least one Congressional chamber in the upcoming elections. Senatorial candidate Abdul El-Sayed from Michigan has highlighted this topic in his campaign.

Netanyahu has been preparing for a reduction in U.S. aid and has emphasized Israel’s need to boost its own defense production. He advocates for enhanced military and intelligence ties with the U.S. to be formalized in the 2027 U.S. defense spending bill, potentially leading to deeper integration of the two military forces.

Data Centers on Ballot in U.S. Jurisdictions

Voters in 40 jurisdictions across the United States are deciding on measures regarding data centers. Ohio is a focal point, with 18 cities and towns considering regulations for these centers. According to a Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll, many Americans oppose new data center construction. Ohio has seen significant investment in data centers, promoted by President Trump during his campaign.

These ballot measures range from temporary to permanent bans on data centers, reflecting wider public discontent with the artificial intelligence industry. The outcomes in various jurisdictions could signal shifting sentiments regarding tech infrastructure.

Fox News Ratings Experience Decline

Fox Corporation CEO Lachlan Murdoch acknowledged a decline in Fox News ratings during a Monday earnings call. He attributed the drop to viewer fatigue after a tumultuous news year in 2025. Despite the decline, Fox News remains a dominant cable TV network, outperforming its competitors.

Nielsen data indicates a 23% decrease in Fox’s prime-time audience compared to the previous year, while its competitors, MS NOW and CNN, have seen audience growth. Murdoch emphasized that the decrease is due to decreased TV viewing overall, not a shift to rival networks.

Adventurer Completes 31,000-Mile Global Journey

Karl Bushby, a British adventurer, has concluded a 31,000-mile walk around the world after 28 years. Bushby returned to his hometown of Hull, England, where he was warmly welcomed by locals and family. The journey, which started as a bet in the 1990s, saw him travel through the Americas, Asia, and Europe without using motorized transport.

The trek included crossing challenging regions like the Darién Gap and Bering Strait. Bushby plans to release a documentary and write a book about his experiences.

Trump Administration’s Harvard Lawsuit Dismissed

A district court judge dismissed a lawsuit brought by the Trump administration against Harvard University. The lawsuit aimed to access Harvard’s admissions data following a Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action. The judge ruled the government had not proven its need for a court order to obtain records.

The case was not entirely resolved and can be refiled. A spokesperson for the Justice Department indicated plans to pursue further action. Harvard has maintained compliance with civil rights laws, and the dispute centers on the university’s documentation and adherence to regulations.

Flooding Forces Florida’s Polling Places to Relocate

Severe flooding in Florida has led to the relocation of over 20 polling places. Parts of the state’s Space Coast received about 28 inches of rain in just 36 hours, causing extensive damage and prompting a state of emergency declaration by Governor Ron DeSantis.

The Secretary of State’s office arranged alternative voting sites across multiple counties to ensure voter access. Flooding has made many roads impassable, leading to significant disruptions.

Satanic Temple Event at Iowa Capitol Approved by Judge

A federal judge ruled in favor of the Satanic Temple’s right to host its holiday event at Iowa’s Capitol building. This decision came after repeated denial of their applications by the Iowa Department of Administrative Services. The event includes a costume contest featuring Krampus, which had been a point of contention.

The judge determined that the Temple’s free speech rights were likely violated. The ruling requires approval of the event within a week, overturning the previous denials based on perceived harm to children.