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Politico
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Politico
National parks feel the DOGE heat
Welcome to POLITICO's West Wing Playbook: Remaking Government, your guide to Donald Trump's unprecedented overhaul of the federal government — the key decisions, the critical characters and the power dynamics that are upending Washington and beyond. Send tips | Subscribe | Email Sophia | Email Irie | Email Ben In a national park in Alaska, the fate of a key weather program may soon be up to the bears. The voluntary departures of more than 1,600 National Park employees and the termination of a thousand more— the latter of which has been put on hold pending a court decision — have already been felt in the nation's parks in the form of maintenance and reservation delays. One place that could get hit especially hard by those cuts is the NPS' Inventory & Monitoring division, according to two park employees granted anonymity to discuss the situation. The division tracks long- and short-term metrics to measure the health of the ecosystems in some parks, providing crucial information for park managers, such as weather changes and alterations in the ecosystem. Alaska has four I&M networks, which operate the weather program through a series of large machines that can tower over the people working on them throughout the expansive parks. Because of all the layoffs and resignations, there may not be enough time to train the remaining park staff to take over, said one of the park service employees, who works in Alaska. 'We don't know anything about how to run them, or to manage the satellite links,' the person said, crediting the I&M staff for advancing the science in the park system. 'Those systems are just going to sit out there in the backcountry until they go dead and until they're torn apart by the bears.' Pilots and boaters use the information from I&M weather stations, and underwater oceanographic moorings measure currents and water temperature. An NPS spokesperson said there have been no budget cuts to the I&M programs or projects and noted that some of the machinery relies on automated data recording equipment, such as that to detect animal vocalizations. 'The NPS remains committed to sound records management principles and will continue to properly archive data and reports for future use,' the spokesperson said. 'We will continue working with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and other agencies to implement cost-saving measures that put taxpayers first while ensuring the responsible stewardship of America's natural and cultural resources.' The I&M program is one of several parts of the parks that could be affected by staffing changes. With fewer rangers, there will be more people getting lost on trails and dealing with injuries, predicted BOB KRUMENAKER, a retired NPS superintendent with 41 years of experience. There were a record-breaking 331.9 million visits to national parks in 2024. 'The National Park System cannot operate in ways that we are accustomed to,' Krumenaker said. 'There simply won't be enough people. There simply won't be enough money.' MESSAGE US — West Wing Playbook is obsessively covering the Trump administration's reshaping of the federal government. Are you a federal worker? A DOGE staffer? Have you picked up on any upcoming DOGE moves? We want to hear from you on how this is playing out. Email us at westwingtips@ Did someone forward this email to you? Subscribe! POTUS PUZZLER Which president taught Sunday school while in office? (Answer at bottom.) In the Courts FIRINGS SAGA CONTINUES: President DONALD TRUMP's administration's highly successful campaign to wrest control over the government's numerous independent boards and commissions continues to roil through the courts, our HASSAN ALI KANU writes in. The following developments unfolded in separate lawsuits about the president's powers to hire and fire in just the past 48 hours: The Supreme Court in May granted an emergency request allowing Trump to proceed with firing two Democratic-appointed members of the National Labor Relations Board and the Merit Systems Protection Board. Still, the court hasn't handed down a final ruling in that case, and the exact scope of the president's powers to fire people remains in question. Agenda Setting INSIDE THE MESS: When the Pentagon recently launched a review of a security pact between Australia and the United Kingdom, it blindsided many key officials throughout the government, our NAHAL TOOSI reports. The decision was a unilateral move by the Pentagon championed by its policy chief, ELBRIDGE COLBY. The stated goal of the review is to see if the pact, dubbed AUKUS, which involves selling nuclear-powered submarines to Australia, is in line with Trump's 'America First' agenda. But many officials at the State Department and the National Security Council who are tasked with implementing the agreement were not informed in advance about the review. It shows just how dysfunctional the national security policymaking process has become under Trump and Secretary of State MARCO RUBIO in recent months, Toosi writes. Since Rubio became acting national security adviser, he shrunk its staff by more than half. It now has fewer than 100 people. 'NONE OF US WERE WORRYING ABOUT THIS': The Trump administration's move to withhold federal funds earmarked for key school programs tallies about $7 billion, our JUAN PEREZ JR., ERIC HE and ANDREW ATTERBURY report. The cuts to initiatives such as after-school and summer programs as well as teacher training and migrant student education caught superintendents, teachers and budget wonks off guard. They'll now spend the summer trying to figure out how much of a financial hole they'll have to fill as they await updates from Washington. 'This is not about political philosophy, this is about reliability and consistency,' Alabama state Superintendent ERIC MACKEY said. 'None of us were worrying about this.' GET OUTTA HERE: Homeland Security Secretary KRISTI NOEM is seeking advice on 'how to fire people who don't like us,' Bloomberg Government's ELLEN M. GILMER reports. Noem today criticized her employees during a public meeting with the Homeland Security Advisory Council. The group includes several Trump allies, including former New York City Mayor RUDY GIULIANI, DHS adviser COREY LEWANDOWSKI and South Carolina Gov. HENRY McMASTER. Noem said she spends most of her time 'surrounded by bureaucrats' and that she wants to root out DHS employees who 'don't support what we're doing.' Noem argued that much of the DHS workforce 'hasn't been required to do much' under past leadership. Musk Radar ELON, YOU CAN DESTROY THE EMPEROR: Libertarian National Committee Chair STEVEN NEKHAILA is pitching ELON MUSK to join his side, our ANDREW HOWARD reports. 'Making a new third party would be a mistake,' Nekhaila told POLITICO on Tuesday. 'The Libertarian Party is the most set-up party to be the dissident subversive party.' As Howard writes, Musk's billions would go a long way for the party, which operates on a budget of $1 million to $3 million. The Tesla chief alone funneled more than $250 million into the 2024 election. 'Once the capital is there, the doors get blown wide open,' Nekhaila said. What We're Reading Trump Officials Rejected Shocking Allegations from a DOJ Whistleblower. Former Colleagues Believe Him. (POLITICO's Ankush Khardori) Some good news about political polarization: It can change (POLITICO's Holly Otterbein) Trump's Finances Were Shaky. Then He Began to Capitalize on His Comeback (NYT's Russ Buettner) Pardoned Jan. 6 Rioter Who Threatened Police Joins Justice Dept. (NYT's Alan Feuer and Adam Goldman) POTUS PUZZLER ANSWER Former President JIMMY CARTER taught Sunday school at First Baptist Church in Washington while in office. 'What's good and decent and honest and true and compassionate and loving. Do these things,' Carter said in a 1978 audio recording of a couple's Sunday school class inside the church.
Hindustan Times
9 hours ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Haryana officers can opt for UPS till Sept 30
Jul 02, 2025 08:45 PM IST The IAS officers coming under the National Pension System (NPS) in Haryana can now opt for the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) till September 30, 2025. To opt for UPS, the officers will have to fill their option in the prescribed form and send it to the Services-3 branch of the chief secretary's office via e-mail (File) According to a letter issued by the chief secretary's office, the last date for sending the choice has been extended from June 30 to September 30. To opt for UPS, the officers will have to fill their option in the prescribed form and send it to the Services-3 branch of the chief secretary's office via e-mail
News18
17 hours ago
- Business
- News18
Income Tax Return: Old Regime Vs New Regime, Which One Should You Choose For AY 2025-26?
ITR Filing 2025: While the new regime is now the default, the government still gives individuals the option to choose what works best for their finances. Check detailed comparison. Old Income Tax Regime Vs New Regime For ITR Filing 2025: With the income tax return (ITR) filing season for the assessment year 2025-26 (financial year 2024-25) underway, taxpayers are again facing the question: Should I opt for the old tax regime or the new one? While the new regime is now the default, the government still gives individuals the option to choose what works best for their finances. Here's a detailed comparison between the old income tax regime and the new regime: What Is the Old Tax Regime? The old tax regime is the income tax system that offers a wide range of exemptions and deductions, allowing taxpayers to reduce their taxable income by claiming benefits such as Section 80C (up to ₹1.5 lakh) for investments in PPF, ELSS, LIC, etc; house rent allowance (HRA); leave travel allowance (LTA); interest on home loan (Section 24); health insurance premium (Section 80D); education loan interest (Section 80E); and standard deduction (Rs 50,000 for salaried individuals). Old Regime Tax Slabs (FY 2024-25): Note: Rebate under Section 87A is available for taxable income up to Rs 5 lakh (i.e., no tax liability if total income is within Rs 5 lakh). Introduced in Budget 2020 and revamped in Union Budget 2023, the new tax regime offers lower tax rates but no major exemptions or deductions (except a few like NPS employer contribution and standard deduction from FY 2023-24). Note: Standard deduction of Rs 50,000 is allowed for salaried/pensioners from FY 2023-24 onwards, even under the new regime. Key Differences Between Old and New Regimes: Who Should Choose the Old Regime? 'You may benefit from the old regime if you claim large deductions under 80C, 80D, HRA, or home loan interest; you have invested in tax-saving instruments like PPF, ELSS, NSC, etc; your employer provides components like HRA, LTA, or reimbursements that reduce taxable salary; or you're a senior citizen availing multiple deductions," said Aman Sharma, a Delhi-based chartered accountant. Giving an example, he said, 'If your gross income is Rs 10 lakh and you claim deductions of Rs 2.5-3 lakh, your taxable income goes down to Rs 7 lakh, making the old regime more attractive." Who Should Choose the New Regime? He added that the new regime is ideal for salaried individuals who don't claim many deductions; freelancers, gig workers, or those with simplified income; young earners who have just started working and haven't made tax-saving investments yet; and individuals who prefer lower tax rates without documentation hassles. Sharma cited an example and said, 'A salaried person earning Rs 9 lakh with no major deductions may pay less tax under the new regime due to lower slab rates and the Rs 50,000 standard deduction." Section 87A Rebate: What Is Applicable For AY 2025-26? Under the new regime, no tax is payable for income up to Rs 7 lakh after the rebate, making it attractive for lower and middle-income earners. Default Regime Status from FY 2023-24 From FY 2023-24, the new tax regime is the default. The CA said if you want to stay in the old regime, you must actively opt for it while filing your ITR. Salaried individuals can inform their employer about their choice at the beginning of the financial year. Switching Regimes: What You Should Know Salaried taxpayers can choose their regime every year while filing ITR. You can tell your employer your preferred regime for TDS purposes, but it's not final as you can change it when filing ITR. It is important to know that business or professional taxpayers can switch only once without restrictions. Which Regime is Better in 2025? Sharma said there's no one-size-fits-all answer. The right regime for you depends on how much you earn, how much you invest or spend on eligible deductions, and your preference for simplicity vs savings. As a thumb rule, choose the new regime if you have fewer deductions and want simplicity, he added. 'Stick to the old regime if you can claim significant tax deductions, especially if your income is above Rs 10 lakh," he said. Taxpayers are advised to use the income tax department's calculator or consult a tax advisor to make an informed choice before filing your ITR for AY 2025-26. ITR Filing Last Date 2025 top videos View all The last date to file the income tax return for AY 2025-26 (FY 2024-25) is September 15, 2025. However, for the ITRs that require audit, the deadline is October 31, 2025. About the Author Mohammad Haris Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at He writes on various issues related to markets, economy and companies. Having a decade of experience in financial journalism, Haris has been previously More Stay updated with all the latest business news, including market trends, stock updates, tax, IPO, banking finance, real estate, savings and investments. Get in-depth analysis, expert opinions, and real-time updates—only on News18. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : income tax income tax return ITR filing Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 02, 2025, 12:29 IST News business » tax Income Tax Return: Old Regime Vs New Regime, Which One Should You Choose For AY 2025-26?
Hindustan Times
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
{Haryana} Extend OPS to KU staff hired on posts advertised before NPS rollout: HC
The Punjab and Haryana high court has directed Haryana government and Kurukshetra University (KU) to extend Old Pension Scheme (OPS) benefits to faculty members, who were recruited against the posts advertisement prior to implementation of new pension scheme (NPS). These employees were recruited between May and November 2006 pursuant to advertisements in 2005 and 2006, when KU Employees Pension Scheme 1997 (OPS) was in effect. (Getty Images/iStockphoto) The high court bench of justice Tribhuvan Dahiya also imposed a cost of ₹ 5 lakh on the government and the varsity for acting 'arbitrarily' and 'unreasonably' in the case of faculty members of KU. The petitioners, recruited as lecturers, were demanding restoration of OPS and quashing of July 2023 communication of the state government, whereby varsities were directed not to act on a May 2023 communication regarding inclusion of those employees under OPS, who were recruited against posts advertised prior to NPS notification. These employees were recruited between May and November 2006 pursuant to advertisements in 2005 and 2006, when KU Employees Pension Scheme 1997 (OPS) was in effect. Haryana introduced NPS with January 1, 2006 followed by the universities as well. In March 2023 Central government allowed OPS to the employees who were recruited against posts notified prior to implementation of NPS. Haryana also adopted the same in a May 2023 notification. However, in July 2023, a communication told varsities not to act on May 2023 notification—which effectively meant that such employees in universities would not get the benefit of OPS. It was in this background that these teachers had approached the high court. The court said that once the state government allowed the category of employees appointed against the posts advertised prior to the date of notification of NPS to go back to the old scheme by exercising an option, the same benefit was required to be extended to varsity employees also. The court termed the government decision 'unreasonable' and 'arbitrary exercise of power' while adding ' such an about-turn without any rationale smacks of high handedness on the government's part, which is deplorable and cannot be acceded to. In this constitutional scheme of things no executive authority can anoint to itself absolute power to act to or not to act at will, without mentioning any justifiable reason,' the court observed. The court also underlined that the university had an obligation to work for its employees welfare and it should have taken a step in that direction but appears to have 'abdicated the authority' and chosen to be a 'mute spectator'. The court 'censured' the governments conduct while observing 'if it suits the government these employees are brought under new pension scheme meant for its employees, if it does not, they are treated as aliens and even the benefits available to the government employees under the same scheme are denied on the specious plea of not receiving proposal from the university in this regard,' the court added while referring to the argument from the government that no proposal came from the university to grant these employees OPS. Now, the court has given two-weeks' time to complete the requisite formalities and has also given an extended deadline of eight weeks to implement the scheme. As of the fine imposed, ₹ 4 lakh are to be paid by the government and ₹ 1 lakh by the KU as litigation cost for five petitions filed by the employees.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
What is 'Alligator Alcatraz'? Migrant detention center approved in Florida
A new migrant detention facility officials are calling "Alligator Alcatraz" is slated to open in Florida's Everglades next month, according to Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier. The federal government on June 23 approved a proposal to open a 5,000-bed detention facility on 39-square miles of land in the Everglades, Uthmeier said in an interview posted on X . "The perimeter's already set by mother nature," Uthmeier said. "A lot of people thought maybe it was just a joke, but we're serious." Here's what we know so far about the so-called "Alligator Alcatraz." So-called "Alligator Alcatraz" will be a site as part of a new detention facility located in the Everglades in South Florida. The facility sits on a 39-square mile vacant airfield with a roughly 11,000 foot runway. It will have 5,000 beds and open in early July, Uthmeier said. He also said the facility is intended to be temporary. "We'll have some light infrastructure, a lot of heavy duty tent facilities, trailer facilities," Uthmeier said. "We don't need to build a lot of brick-and-mortar." Uthmeier said he believes the facility will house both detained migrants from Florida as well as from other states around the country. The detention facility is proposed to be on the site of the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport in Ochopee, Florida, Uthmeier said in a video on X. "This is an old, virtually abandoned airport facility right in the middle of the Everglades," he said. According to the Miami International Airport, the Dade-Collier Airport is used as a training facility for "commercial pilots, private training, and a small number of military touch-and-goes." The facility was constructed in 1968 and originally known as the Everglades Jetport, according to the National Park Service. It was slated to be the largest airport in the world, built with six runways and "futuristic aspirations" of planes that could carry 1,000 passengers each, according to NPS. Construction on the project halted in 1970 over environmental concerns, per NPS. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' office said in a June 24 statement to USA TODAY that the governor will use emergency powers to take control of the airport at the proposed site. The governor's office said state officials offered to buy the lot from Miami-Dade County, but Mayor Daniella Levine Cava responded with an "unreasonable" request of $190 million. In a statement to USA TODAY, Cava said in part, "the rapid pace of this effort has provided little opportunity for due diligence." 'We continue to have significant concerns about the scope and scale of the state's effort, particularly regarding the environmental safeguards in place given the potentially devastating impact to the Everglades," the statement said. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement shared with USA TODAY that the center and its facilities will in large part be funded by FEMA's Shelter and Services Program. "Under President Trump's leadership, we are working at turbo speed on cost-effective and innovative ways to deliver on the American people's mandate for mass deportations of criminal illegal aliens," the statement said. The Department of Homeland Security said in a statement on X that "Alligator Alcatraz will expand facilities and bed space in just days, thanks to our partnership with Florida." USA TODAY has reached out to DHS for more information about the facility. Uthmeier dubbed the proposed detention facility in the Everglades "Alligator Alcatraz" because of the wildlife along its perimeter, he said in a video on X. "You don't need to invest that much in the perimeter. People get out, there's not much waiting for them other than alligators and pythons," he said. "Nowhere to go, nowhere to hide." Alligators are considered a focal point of the Everglades, according to the NPS. According to the agency, alligator attacks on humans are rare and generally not serious. They are typically caused by illegal feeding of the animal. The "Alcatraz" portion of the site's nickname is seemingly a nod to the notorious former prison island in San Francisco Bay, which was known for its physical isolation as an island. President Donald Trump proposed reopening the site as a prison in May. Local advocates organized a protest against the detention site on June 22 for concerns about the impact on the surrounding environment and community, the Fort Myers News-Press, part of the USA TODAY Network, reported. Friends of the Everglades, a nonprofit organization focused on preserving the area, started a petition against the proposal. "This is no place to house a 1,000-bed prison, even if it's 'temporary,'" the group wrote on Facebook. "The human waste, traffic and associated development would be a disaster for the Everglades." Members of local indigenous groups, like the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, are also in the nearby area, according to the News-Press. "It's right next to a lot of old people and families and they say it's minimum destructions but it's still not helping when we're talking about the health of the Everglades," Mad Bear Osceola, a member of the Miccosukee Tribe, told the News-Press. This story has been updated with additional information. Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What is 'Alligator Alcatraz'? Detention center to open in Florida
