Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Louise Skivoni. The attorneys general of Washington, D.C., and 19 states are suing more than 20 federal agencies over the firings of probationary employees. NPR's Andrea Shute reports their lawsuit joins several other legal challenges seeking relief for tens of thousands of fired workers.

The Democratic attorneys general argue that federal agencies falsely told probationary employees

they were being fired because of their performance. In fact, the states argue the agencies

were trying to shrink their headcount, but they failed to follow proper procedures for doing so. Federal law

requires agencies to notify states when laying off 50 or more people so that states can jump into

action and try to prevent instability throughout the economic region. States are required to reach

out to those losing their jobs and provide support with the goal of reducing their

reliance on public assistance. The states have asked federal court to reinstate the workers.

Andrea Shue and PR News.

Refugee aid groups across the U.S. are cutting staff and closing offices since the Trump

administration froze funding for resettlement programs, affecting thousands of newly arrived refugees.

NPR's Jennifer Ludden has details.

Soon after arriving in the U.S., 21-year-old Jefferson, who asked not to use his full name,

was alarmed when his case manager in Maryland was let go and his work phone cut off.

I was left alone with no guidance in this new country, he says.

Jefferson is a political refugee from Nicaragua and fears retaliation if he speaks publicly.

The federal freeze also meant no rent money, so he says his refugee roommate paid it with hardly anything left to live on.

Amy Huang Rona at Homes Not Borders says her group has stepped up fundraising to keep people from being evicted.

We are filling in the gaps.

Resettlement agencies are challenging the federal freeze in court.

Jennifer Ludden, NPR News, Washington.

Russia says its troops continue to make progress in retaking territories seized by Ukraine in the Kursk border region. The Russian claims come a bit growing signs that Keeves' forces have

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