USAID workers clear out their desks as Trump’s push to gut agency hits final steps

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. Agency for International Development workers, some in tears, are carting away belongings from a final visit to their now-closed headquarters. The Trump administration’s rapid-fire dismantling of the congressionally authorized agency is moving into its final stages. Notices are going out to terminate over 90% of USAID’s contracts for humanitarian and development work around the world. The Supreme Court has temporarily blocked a judge’s order requiring the administration to release billions of dollars in foreign aid. The administration notified most USAID staffers this week that they were on leave or terminated, then gave thousands of those in Washington 15-minute time slots to clear out their desks Thursday.

CDC report adds to evidence that HPV vaccine is preventing cervical cancer in women

(AP) — A new government report says that rates for precancerous lesions decreased about 80% among younger women who were screened for cervical cancer. That’s more evidence to show the HPV vaccine is working to prevent some cancers. The estimates were published Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HPV, or human papillomavirus, is very common and is spread through sex. Most HPV infections cause no symptoms and clear up without treatment. Others develop into cancer, about 37,000 cases a year. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. once called the vaccine dangerous.

Transgender troops are now being identified for removal under Pentagon orders

WASHINGTON (AP) — The military services have 30 days to figure out how they will seek out and identify transgender service members to remove them from the force. It’s a daunting task that may end up relying on troops self-reporting or tattling on their colleagues. A memo sent to Defense Department leaders Thursday orders the services to set up procedures to identify troops diagnosed with or being treated for gender dysphoria by March 26. They will then have 30 days to begin removing those troops from service. Transgender troops make up tiny fraction of the 2.1 million troops serving. President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth argue that their medical condition doesn’t meet military standards.

Social Security Administration could cut up to 50% of its workforce

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Social Security Administration is preparing to lay off at least 7,000 people from its workforce of 60,000 — and the final reduction in force number could be as high as 50%, according to two people familiar with the agency’s plans who are not authorized to speak publicly. It’s unclear how the layoffs will directly impact benefits of the 72.5 million beneficiaries, including retirees and children who receive retirement and disability benefits. However, advocates and Democratic lawmakers warn that layoffs will reduce the agency’s ability to serve recipients in a timely manner. The layoffs are part of the Trump administration’s intensified efforts to shrink the size of the federal workforce through the Department of Government Efficiency, run by Trump adviser Elon Musk.