The Trump administration unveiled a multi-billion dollar initiative to secure critical mineral resources, while facing scrutiny over a proposed citizenship question on the census and grappling with a surge in wildfires. The administration also navigated international tensions in Venezuela and addressed a measles outbreak in South Carolina, according to multiple news sources.
The administration launched "Project Vault," an $11.7 billion initiative to stockpile critical minerals, TechCrunch reported. This move aimed to secure resources for electric technologies and reduce reliance on China. The initiative mirrored the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, highlighting the growing importance of these minerals to the modern economy. The move followed investments in rare earth producers like USA Rare Earth and MP Materials, aiming to stabilize the market amid trade tensions and ensure a consistent supply for U.S. manufacturers.
Meanwhile, Trump officials proposed testing a citizenship question amid a push to alter the census, NPR reported. The proposal sparked controversy and raised concerns about its potential impact on census accuracy and participation.
The administration also faced challenges with its Wildland Fire Service, Vox reported. Wildfires have consumed thousands of buildings, killed dozens of people, and smothered millions in choking smoke in recent years. Blazes like the Los Angeles wildfires in 2025 have also.
Internationally, Venezuela's interim leader navigated a complex situation balancing US demands and Chavista expectations following Nicolas Maduro's ousting, NPR reported. The situation remained fluid, with the US seeking a transition to democracy while Chavista forces sought to maintain their influence.
Domestically, a significant measles outbreak in South Carolina, totaling 876 cases, showed signs of slowing down as public health officials reported fewer new confirmed cases, according to NPR. Public health officials continued to urge vaccinations to prevent further spread of the disease.
In other news, prediction markets, which allow users to bet on a range of global events, have seen a surge in popularity, particularly since the Trump era, The Guardian reported. These platforms, while framed as forecasting tools, function as betting systems and raise concerns about potential manipulation of media coverage and political influence. Saahil Desai explained in an interview that media organizations are increasingly incorporating them into their reporting.
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