Six active duty service members file first lawsuit challenging transgender troop ban

WASHINGTON (AP) — The first lawsuits have been filed against President Donald Trump’s executive order revising policy on transgender troops. Six transgender active duty service members and two former service members who seek re-enlistment sued in a federal court in Washington on Tuesday. Trump’s order, which he signed late Monday, probably sets the stage for a ban on transgender troops in the armed forces. The lawsuit is from the same legal team that fought Trump’s transgender ban in his first term. Joe Biden scrapped the ban when he became president. The lawsuit challenges the executive order on the basis of equal protection and argues that it reveals animus against a specific group.

US consumer confidence dips again to start the year, according to business group

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. consumer confidence dipped for the second consecutive month in January. The Conference Board said Tuesday that its consumer confidence index retreated in January to 104.1 from 109.5 in December. Analysts had forecast a reading of 105.8. December’s reading was revised up by 4.8 points but still represented a decline from November. Consumers had been feeling increasingly confident until the past two months, spending more in the run-up to the all-important holiday shopping season. The consumer confidence index measures both Americans’ assessment of current economic conditions and their outlook for the next six months.

Caroline Kennedy warns senators that cousin RFK Jr. is a ‘predator’

WASHINGTON (AP) — Calling Robert F. Kennedy Jr. a “predator” who is addicted to power, Caroline Kennedy urged the U.S. Senate in a letter on Tuesday to reject the nomination of her cousin to be the nation’s health secretary. Ms. Kennedy, who previously served as a U.S. ambassador and is the daughter of former President John F. Kennedy, etched a damning sketch of her cousin. The letter is the latest condemnation Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has received from members of his prominent Democratic family, including several who denounced his bid for the presidency last year.

Sean Duffy is confirmed by the Senate to lead the Transportation Department

NEW YORK (AP) — Sean Duffy has been confirmed as transportation secretary, giving him a key role in President Donald Trump’s administration. Duffy, a 53-year-old former Wisconsin congressman and reality TV star, was approved on a 77-22 vote in the Senate, Duffy has promised safer Boeing planes, less regulation and help for U.S. companies developing self-driving cars — while not giving any breaks to Elon Musk, a key player in that technology. Duffy also vowed to “restore global confidence” in Boeing, hire more air traffic controllers, cut DEI programs the Department of Transportation and create federal rules for self-driving cars.