White House says it will now pick and choose pool reporters

WASHINGTON — The White House said that it was taking control of picking and choosing the group of reporters able to cover President Donald Trump in limited environments like the Oval Office and Air Force One.

The decision, announced at a press briefing Tuesday, came a day after a federal court hearing in which the Associated Press asked for a temporary restraining order seeking to halt White House efforts to block them from the press pool that covers the president in certain circumstances.

U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden declined to issue the restraining order sought by AP, but warned the government that case law suggested that AP could prevail on their content-based discrimination argument. He also questioned why the White House had for decades delegated responsibility for the pool to the White House Correspondents’ Association, a collection of news organizations.

By taking control of the pools, the White House can set its own criteria for participation and would no longer need to justify actively excluding particular outlets. That could allow the government to sidestep any ruling that would have reinstated the wire service.

—Bloomberg News

Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert teases rumored Kid Rock romance

U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert is adding fuel to the fire regarding rumors that she’s dating musician Kid Rock.

While the congresswoman from Colorado isn’t confirming or denying a romance with the Grammy-nominated rapper, she appears to be basking in the buzz that’s been brewing since the two were reportedly seen being affectionate before leaving together after one of Donald Trump’s inauguration events last month.

TMZ caught up with the controversial Republican in Washington, D.C., on Monday night, where they asked her about her connection to the MAGA-supporting musician.

“You’re always asking about my dating life! Is it that fun and interesting?” she responded with a laugh, before referring to Kid Rock as one of her “good friends.” The 38-year-old mother of four continued to dodge the line of questioning, before admitting that her own mom “won’t stop asking” for Kid Rock concert tickets.

—New York Daily News

Survey says: Americans don't trust self-driving cars

As self-driving cars take to the streets, widespread reluctance continues among U.S. consumers to embrace the autonomous vehicle movement, according to new data.

A national survey by AAA released Tuesday found that six in 10 drivers report being afraid to ride in a self-driving car, and interest in the technology is down to 13% compared to 18% in 2022.

According to the January 2025 poll, more than half (53%) said they wouldn’t ride in a self-driving vehicle at all, with older consumers the least likely to trust the technology. But drivers are in favor of autonomous tech that enhances vehicle safety systems, with features like automatic braking and lane assistance.

The number of drivers who trust the tech is slightly up from 9% last year to 13%, but 87% still expressed some skepticism, according to AAA’s data.

—The Dallas Morning News

Pope Francis stable, no fundamental changes, improvements

ROME — Pope Francis' condition has not improved fundamentally despite spending 12 days in hospital in Rome, though his condition is stable, according to a bulletin issued by the Holy See on Tuesday evening.

"The Holy Father's clinical condition remains critical but stable," the Vatican said. The pope, 88, has not suffered any further attacks of breathlessness since the weekend and his blood tests remain stable.

He is suffering from double pneumonia and had a further CT scan on Tuesday, after which the Vatican said that the prognosis remained "cautious." Medics did not comment on his kidneys, after earlier reports referred to incipient renal insufficiency, an indication for concern.

Earlier, the Vatican said the head of the Catholic Church had "rested well" during the night. However, despite a slight improvement, he remains in a critical condition.

—dpa