Want to work for NWS? Be ready to explain how you agree with Trump

(AP) — As the National Weather Service scrambles to hire up to 450 people to restore deep cuts by the Department of Government Efficiency, potential applicants are being asked to explain how they would advance President Donald Trump’s agenda if hired. A posting from the weather service’s parent agency seeking meteorologists asks applicants to identify one or two of Trump’s executive orders “that are significant to you, and explain how you would help implement them if hired.” It’s among screening questions the Trump administration added to government job applications as part of a “merit hiring plan” and isn’t unique to the weather service positions. But some experts are alarmed at the prospect that a candidate’s ideology could matter for jobs in science.

Abrego Garcia’s lawyers worry he can’t get a fair trial and request gag order for top US officials

(AP) — Lawyers for Kilmar Abrego Garcia are concerned he can’t get a fair trial in his human smuggling case in Tennessee. Abrego Garcia’s attorneys say Trump administration officials keep attacking him with prejudicial and false statements and are asking a federal judge to order officials involved with his case to hold back on their comments. Those officials would include Attorney General Pam Bondi and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Abrego Garcia became a flashpoint over President Donald Trump’s immigration polices when he was wrongfully deported to El Salvador. Trump’s Republican administration is trying to deport Abrego Garcia again, this time to Uganda. The Trump administration says Abrego Garcia has “committed heinous crimes.”

Abbott signs new voting maps pushed by Trump to gain 5 GOP seats in Congress in 2026

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday signed into law a new congressional voting map designed to help Republicans gain more seats in the 2026 midterm elections, delivering a win for President Donald Trump and his desire to hold on to a slim GOP majority in the U.S. House. The Texas maps drafted in rare mid-decade redistricting have prompted a gerrymandering tug-of-war for voters with Democrats in states across the country. Outnumbered Democrats tried in vain to stop the Texas vote. At one point, they staged a two-week walkout. Democrats have vowed to challenge the new map in court.

Spirit Airlines files for bankruptcy protection again

(AP) — Spirit Airlines has filed for fresh bankruptcy protection months after emerging from a Chapter 11 reorganization. The budget carrier said on Friday that it would continue operating as normal during the voluntary restructuring, and customers still can book trips and use tickets. Spirit’s parent company recently expressed “substantial doubt” about its financial future, citing weak demand for domestic leisure travel and ongoing market challenges. Despite cost-cutting efforts, including pilot furloughs, Spirit says it needs more cash and may sell aircraft and real estate. The airline is also trying to attract upscale travelers with tiered pricing and additional amenities.