Satellite images appear to show the construction of three large aid distribution sites in southern Gaza, amid reports about a controversial new United States-backed plan to bring more humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The State Department office that handles refugee issues will lead the U.S. response to overseas disasters, according an internal department cable.

The findings appeared to inch the government closer to a constitutional showdown, as President Trump increasingly claims expansive powers over the nation’s purse strings.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has terminated 17 projects under a foreign aid program that funds school meals for children in low-income countries, according to an email sent from USDA to congressional staff.

Trump has not acted on 17 disaster requests, a high number for this time of year, according to a FEMA daily report released Wednesday. On the same date eight years ago, during Trump’s first presidency, only three disaster requests were awaiting presidential action, the FEMA report from May 21, 2017, shows.

The number of Americans filing unemployment claims last week fell slightly as businesses continue to retain employees despite growing economic uncertainty over U.S. trade policy.

Pope Leo XIV says the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, "the heartbreaking price of which is paid by children, the elderly, the sick," must end and food must be allowed in.

(Reuters) -Bankrupt Rite Aid on Wednesday received court approval to close stores and sell most of its pharmacy assets in separate transactions to CVS, Walgreens, Albertsons, Kroger and Giant Eagle, among others.