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Elon Musk’s DOGE seeks access to taxpayer data at IRS: AP sources
WASHINGTON (AP) — Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency is seeking access to troves of sensitive taxpayer data at the IRS, two people familiar with the inner workings of the plan who were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly told The Associated Press on Monday.If successful, Musk and his group would have access to millions of tightly controlled files that include taxpayer information, bank records and other sensitive records. The people who spoke to the AP and requested anonymity said DOGE is specifically seeking to access the IRS’ Integrated Data Retrieval System
, which enables employees “to have instantaneous visual access to certain taxpayer accounts,” according to the IRS website.
Advocates fear that the potential unlawful release of taxpayer records could be used to maliciously target Americans, violate their privacy and create other ramifications.
Harrison Fields, a White House spokesman, said in an emailed statement that “waste, fraud, and abuse have been deeply entrenched in our broken system for far too long. It takes direct access to the system to identify and fix it.” ...
READ THE FULL STORY - AP
Social Security head steps down over DOGE access of recipient information: AP sources
The Social Security Administration’s acting commissioner has stepped down from her role at the agency over Department of Government Efficiency requests to access Social Security recipient information.
apnews.com
Academic unions plan demonstrations outside HHS building, at med schools, to protest Trump research cuts
The science community is organizing to protest President Trump's directive to cap facilities and administrative costs associated with grants that go to research institutions.
The anti-Musk protest movement is expected to ramp up with Congress on recess
President Donald Trump's billionaire top lieutenant, Elon Musk, is the focus for thousands of Democratic activists launching a massive protest campaign this week.
apnews.com
Raskin says DOJ made "deeply corrupt bargain" in move to drop charges against NYC mayor
Rep. Jamie Raskin said the Justice Department made a "deeply corrupt bargain" in its move to drop charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
www.cbsnews.comTrump begins firings of FAA staff just weeks after fatal DC plane crash
The Trump administration has begun firing several hundred Federal Aviation Administration employees, upending staff on a busy air travel weekend and just weeks after a fatal midair collision near Washington.
apnews.com
Federal workers with 'exceptional' reviews fired for 'performance' issues
President Donald Trump’s administration has started the mass firing of workers who are new to the civil service or have recently switched jobs.
www.nbcnews.com
Trump comments on Zelenskyy's role in Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations
In an exchange with reporters Sunday, Trump said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy “will be involved” in the negotiations. Trump offered no further explanation.
apnews.com
U.K., Sweden say troops could head to post-war Ukraine as Trump fuels a European "collective security" drive
Britain and Sweden have become the first European nations to say they could send troops to help secure Ukraine after an end to the war there.
www.cbsnews.comJustice Department's independence is threatened as Trump's team asserts power over cases and staff
Pam Bondi had insisted at her Senate confirmation hearing that as attorney general, her Justice Department would not “play politics.”
apnews.com
Rep. Dan Crenshaw says Europe should be "uncomfortably aggressive" to counter Russia
Rep. Dan Crenshaw said European leaders need to have a "much stronger message" toward Russian President Vladimir Putin on Ukraine.
www.cbsnews.com'No kings on Presidents Day' rings out from protests against Trump and Musk
Protesters against President Donald Trump and his policies organized demonstrations in all 50 states for the second time in two weeks.
apnews.com
Analysis: Trump offers key concessions to Putin ahead of Ukraine peace talks in Saudi Arabia | CNN Politics
Vladimir Putin is riding high ahead of critical US-Russia talks Tuesday in Saudi Arabia on ending the Ukraine war.
www.cnn.comTop Russian and American officials will hold talks on ending the Ukraine war without Kyiv
The Kremlin says senior American and Russian officials will hold talks on improving their ties and negotiating an end to the war in Ukraine.
apnews.com
Israel to set up government agency to displace Palestinians from Gaza
Israel announces new agency for ‘voluntary departure’ from Gaza as US senators visiting Israel push back on Trump’s plan
Department of Homeland Security preparing to fire hundreds of senior leaders this week
The firings are a move not to reduce the size of the workforce but to get rid of people the administration sees as not on board with its goals.
www.nbcnews.com
Emboldened by Trump support, Netanyahu says Israel will 'finish the job' on Iran
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's threat was the latest indicator that Israel is considering a strike on Iran's nuclear facilities.
www.usatoday.com
'Criminal' migrants are 'not welcome,' according to new multimillion-dollar ad from DHS
The Department of Homeland Security launched a multimillion-dollar ad Tuesday directed at those who try to come to the United States illegally, saying: Don’t try it.
Presidents Day protests: See photos from demonstrations across the nation
Protestors across the country took to the streets Monday to repudiate the actions of Elon Musk and the Trump administration. See the photos.
www.usatoday.com
Mike Pence emerges as one of the few Republicans willing to challenge Trump 2.0
His group spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on ads opposing Robert F. Kennedy Jr., one of Donald Trump’s top Cabinet picks.
apnews.com
NAACP calls on black consumers to support companies maintaining DEI - Washington Examiner
Several major corporations, including Target, McDonald's, and Walmart, dropped various DEI programs, prompting backlash from the NAACP.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Judge appears unlikely to immediately halt DOGE access and firings
The judge said she found the potential harm from the Department of Government Efficiency’s actions “concerning” and “troubling” but needed more specifics.
www.nbcnews.comPolice arrest apparent leader of cultlike 'Zizian' group linked to multiple killings in the US
The apparent leader of a cultlike group known as the Zizians has been arrested in Maryland along with another member of the group.
apnews.com
Netanyahu says Israel committed to Trump’s ‘take over’ Gaza plan
Israeli PM hails US push to build ‘different Gaza’ as defence minister unveils plan for ‘departure’ of Palestinians.
Trump administration blasts ‘unprecedented assault’ on its power in first Supreme Court appeal | CNN Politics
President Donald Trump will ask the Supreme Court to allow him to fire the head of a government ethics watchdog agency in the first appeal from his litigious second term to reach the nation’s highest court.
www.cnn.com
FDA staff were reviewing Elon Musk’s brain implant company. DOGE just fired them.
At least 20 staffers reviewing Neuralink, Elon Musk's brain implant company, were fired in an ongoing DOGE purge of federal workers.
www.usatoday.com
Judge to rule swiftly on effort to block DOGE from assessing data and firing federal employees
A federal judge says she will quickly rule on a request to block Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency from accessing sensitive data and firing employees at several federal agencies.
apnews.com
Hakeem Jeffries decries Trump's 'toxic bait-and-switch' presidency
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on ABC News' "This Week," where he decried the "toxic bait-and-switch" of President Donald Trump's leadership.
Virginia church scraps Christmas event at Kennedy Center over Trump takeover - Washington Examiner
Alfred Street Baptist Church announced it would be ending its annual Christmas performance at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts due to new leadership by the Trump administration.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
From tariffs to DOGE, what companies are saying about the impact of MAGA policies
Words like "tariff" and "immigration" are popping up more often on earnings calls of S&P 500-listed firms as Trump prioritizes policies around those themes.
www.nbcnews.com
'Critical moment in history': Protests across US target Trump, Musk
Discontent has intensified across the nation as the administration moves to lay off thousands of federal workers.
www.usatoday.com
'Waste, fraud and abuse' is a political fight older than the nation. Here's what to know
Pinpointing the genesis of “waste, fraud and abuse” as political rhetoric is difficult. But the concept is older than the nation: Think “taxation without representation.”
apnews.com
US man who shot Israeli visitors thought they were Palestinians, police say
Mordechai Brafman, 27, charged with two counts of attempted murder over shooting at Miami Beach in Florida.
Is Elon Musk's government role unconstitutional? What the Supreme Court might say.
Federal courts are considering whether Elon Musk’s status as de facto administrator of DOGE complies with the Constitution’s Appointments Clause.
Trump leans on close ties to Saudi prince as he looks for a deal on Ukraine | CNN Politics
As President Donald Trump presses ahead with his attempt to end the war in Ukraine, he is leaning on an old ally: Saudi Arabia’s powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whose success in mediating an end to the conflict could deepen his already warm ties to the new American president.
www.cnn.comTrump administration tries to bring back fired nuclear weapons workers in DOGE reversal
The Trump administration has halted the firings of hundreds of federal employees who were tasked with working on the nation’s nuclear weapons programs.
apnews.com
Starmer says US 'backstop' needed for Ukraine peace deal
The PM says "a US security guarantee is the only way to effectively deter Russia from attacking Ukraine again".
www.bbc.com
Expert reveals what should happen next with Biden DOJ's lingering 'Jim Crow 2.0' election lawsuit
President Biden's lawsuit against Georgia's election system that he called "Jim Crow 2.0" is facing calls to be dropped by the newly sworn in Trump administration.
Mexico awaits response from Google on dispute over Gulf of Mexico name
Mexico says it’s awaiting a new response from Google to its request that the tech company fully restore the name Gulf of Mexico to its Google Maps service before filing a lawsuit
Ex-Watergate prosecutor urges judge to reject request to drop charges against NYC mayor
A former Watergate prosecutor has urged the federal judge presiding over the prosecution of New York City Mayor Eric Adams to assign a special counsel to help decide how to handle the Justice Department's request to drop charges.
apnews.com
Mass federal layoffs upend workers' lives
From wildfire resiliency to helping local farmers: What's at stake with mass layoffs
www.usatoday.com
‘Serious concerns’ as new video emerges of Australian captured by Russia
The previously unseen footage of POW Oscar Jenkins shows him appearing emaciated, weak and complaining of a broken arm.
Trump post has critics saying he's declaring himself above the law
In a post Saturday on X and TruthSocial, President Donald Trump suggested he is above the law if he "saves his country."
Gov. Ron DeSantis' former chief of staff James Uthmeier sworn in as Florida’s attorney general
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis named his former chief of staff, James Uthmeier, as the state’s attorney general.
apnews.com
Chutkan shows skepticism with challenge to bar Musk from data
Judge Tanya Chutkan expressed skepticism that 14 Democratic states have enough tangible evidence to warrant a temporary restraining order on Elon Musk.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Trump administration fires and then tries to rehire nuclear weapons workers in DOGE reversal
The Trump administration has halted DOGE's firings of hundreds of federal employees working on the nation's nuclear weapons programs.
www.cbsnews.comGovernor weighs removing NYC Mayor Adams after his top deputies quit amid criminal case turmoil
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said Monday she is weighing removing New York City Mayor Eric Adams from office after four of top his deputies announced their resignations in the latest fallout from the Justice Department’s push to end his corruption case.
apnews.com
Four top deputies to Eric Adams have resigned, New York mayor says | CNN Politics
Four top deputies in Eric Adams’ administration submitted their resignations Monday, in the latest sign of the New York City mayor’s cratering support among rank-and-file workers and the city’s elected officials.
www.cnn.com
Rubio defends Vance's Munich speech as CBS host suggests 'free speech' caused the Holocaust
CBS host Margaret Brennan suggested that Nazi Germany weaponized "free speech" to carry out the Holocaust on Sunday.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris to be honored by NAACP with its Chairman's Award
Former Vice President Kamala Harris is to receive the NAACP’s Chairman’s Award during the civil rights organization’s Image Awards ceremony this weekend.
apnews.com
Trump's firings of independent agency heads put 90-year-old Supreme Court precedent in crosshairs
President Trump has terminated the heads of the National Labor Relations Board and the Merit Systems Protection Board, sparking legal challenges over their removal.
www.cbsnews.com
Zelenskyy says Ukraine 'did not know' about US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia
U.S. and Russian officials will focus on ending the war in Ukraine and restoring broader Russia-U.S. ties.
www.usatoday.com
GOP-led states quickly mirror Trump’s policy agenda | CNN Politics
In his nearly four weeks in office, President Donald Trump has unveiled a constant stream of policy priorities in quick succession, from shrinking government, to cutting taxes, to waging a war on diversity initiatives, illegal immigration and transgender rights.
www.cnn.comRiverside County sheriff becomes the first major Republican to say he'll run for California governor
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco says he is running for governor in 2026, becoming the first major Republican to announce a bid.
apnews.com
Measles cases are rising in US as Texas outbreak grows. Should we be concerned?
Measles is spreading across the U.S., with an outbreak growing in Texas and cases reported in nearby states. Experts explain whether or not you should be concerned.
Trump's tariffs expose Ukraine's steel industry to another war
One of Ukraine’s largest steel plants lies in the country’s industrial east, where Russia’s 3-year invasion of its neighbor threatens to throttle production at any moment.
apnews.com
All passengers and crew survive plane crash at Toronto airport
The flight had eighty people on board - 76 passengers and four crew - Delta Air Lines says.
www.bbc.com
Pete Hegseth accuses Biden IRS of rushing through last minute audit of him - Washington Examiner
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth claimed that the Biden administration IRS “rushed” an audit of he and his wife’s finances after he was nominated for the role.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Elon Musk’s DOGE seeks access to US taxpayers’ data, sparking privacy fears
Democratic lawmakers express concern that Tesla CEO is seeking to weaponise the tax system against his rivals.
Ground Game: AP style dispute, federal workers rehired, and Trump's Gaza plan
This newsletter was originally sent out via email to our Ground Game subscribers on Feb. 17. You can subscribe at any time at apnews.com/newsletters.
apnews.com
DOGE says it found nearly untraceable budget line item responsible for $4.7T in payments
DOGE identified a nearly untraceable code linking payments to the U.S. Treasury to a budget line item, accounting for nearly $4.7 trillion in payments.
Education Department letter threatens federal funding of any school that considers race in most aspects of student life | CNN Politics
The Department of Education sent a “Dear Colleague” letter Friday threatening the federal funding of any academic institution that considers race in most aspects of student life.
www.cnn.comGovernor weighs removing NYC Mayor Adams after his top deputies quit amid criminal case turmoil
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said Monday she is weighing removing New York City Mayor Eric Adams from office after four of top his deputies announced their resignations in the latest fallout from the Justice Department’s push to end his corruption case.
apnews.com
Social Security head steps down over DOGE access of recipient information, sources say | CNN Politics
The Social Security Administration’s acting commissioner has stepped down from her role at the agency over Department of Government Efficiency requests to access Social Security recipient information, according to two people familiar with the official’s departure who were not authorized to...
www.cnn.comCoins, watches and more: A look at Trump's crypto-related ventures, by the numbers
Donald Trump has leaned into his unofficial role as the “crypto president” in ways that can both help the crypto industry and enrich himself and his family.
apnews.com
Polar vortex triggers extreme cold warning in central U.S. as Kentucky flooding death toll rises
A polar vortex gripped the Rockies and Northern Plains after winter storms pummeled the eastern U.S.
www.cbsnews.com
Hochul to discuss 'path forward' after Eric Adams' deputies resign amid mayor's agreement to work with Trump
The resignations came after the mayor agreed to give ICE access to New York's Rikers Island jail and the Justice Department moved to dismiss criminal charges against him.
www.nbcnews.com
DeSantis appoints new ‘bulldog’ Florida Attorney General - Washington Examiner
James Uthmeier assumed his position as Florida Attorney General on Monday after serving as Gov. Ron DeSantis's (R-FL) chief of staff in the governor's office.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Is Russia running out of weapons and manpower for its war in Ukraine?
As Ukrainian attacks wipe out their tanks and armoured vehicles, Moscow’s troops adopt new tactics amid ammunition woes.
Trump tours Boeing plane to highlight aircraft maker's delay in delivering a new Air Force One
President Donald Trump has toured a Boeing airplane to check out new hardware and technology features and highlight the aircraft maker's delay in delivering updated versions of the Air Force One presidential aircraft.
apnews.com
Trump nominates 'Stop the Steal' organizer who advocated for Jan. 6 defendants to be D.C.'s top prosecutor
Ed Martin posted about investigating former special counsel Jack Smith on Friday. On Monday, Trump nominated him to take on the position on a permanent basis.
www.nbcnews.comEmboldened crypto industry seeks to cement political influence and mainstream acceptance
The cryptocurrency industry is emboldened, impatient and eager to cement its influence in politics and mainstream financial systems.
apnews.com
Steve Witkoff: Trump's Middle East peace broker now at centre of Ukraine talks
Steve Witkoff will play a key role in America's talks with Russia to end the war in Ukraine.
www.bbc.com
Tearful chair of Munich Security Conference expresses 'fear' in farewell address after blistering Vance speech
The outgoing chairman of the Munich Security Conference delivered an emotional speech that ended in tears after taking a swipe at Vice President JD Vance's blistering speech.
Trump administration wants the Supreme Court to let the firing of whistleblower agency head proceed
The Trump administration wants the Supreme Court to permit the firing of the head of the federal agency dedicated to protecting whistleblowers.
apnews.com
Russia reportedly frees American Kalob Byers, detained for alleged cannabis, as Trump seeks Ukraine deal
Russian media say American Kalob Byers, 28, was detained as he flew into Moscow after cannabis-laced marmalade or gummies were found in his baggage.
www.cbsnews.com
Duffy brings up Clinton while noting SpaceX workers will visit Air Traffic Control System Command Center
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy mentions Hillary Clinton while noting that SpaceX workers will visit the Air Traffic Control System Command Center
Israel's ceasefires with Hezbollah and Hamas are both in doubt again
Israel’s military says its forces will remain in five strategic locations in southern Lebanon after Tuesday’s deadline for their withdrawal under a ceasefire with the Hezbollah militant group.
apnews.com
Trump administration wants Supreme Court to permit firing of whistleblower agency head
The Justice Department's filing asks the conservative-majority court to lift a judge's court order temporarily reinstating Hampton Dellinger as the leader of the Office of Special Counsel.
www.cbsnews.comTrump administration cuts reach FDA employees in food safety, medical devices and tobacco products
The Trump administration’s effort to slash the size of the federal workforce reached the Food and Drug Administration this weekend.
apnews.com
After years of debate, Trump upends transgender sports landscape with the stroke of a pen
The executive order that seeks to ban transgender women and girls from competing in female sports is expected to face constitutional challenges after Trump reinterprets Title IX.
www.nbcnews.comFed official: Need ‘dust to clear’ before deciding next moves
Austan Goolsbee, president of the Federal Reserve's Chicago branch, talks with The Associated Press about inflation, the job market and when rate cuts could resume.
apnews.com
New York Gov. sets meeting with key leaders amid Mayor Eric Adams fallout
Four top deputies of New York City Mayor Eric Adams resigned Monday after the now-former U.S. Attorney in Manhattan accused the mayor and DOJ of a quid pro quo.
Some in Hurricane Helene-ravaged North Carolina embrace Trump's push to abolish FEMA
President Donald Trump's suggestion doesn't sound like a bad idea for some residents of western North Carolina who are still recovering from Hurricane Helene.
apnews.com
What to know about Trump’s appeal to the Supreme Court | CNN Politics
President Donald Trump is heading to the Supreme Court for the first time in his second term, using an emergency appeal to call on the justices to let him fire the head of a government ethics watchdog agency.
www.cnn.com
Hundreds of FAA staff fired by Trump administration, union says
The firings are part of a cost-cutting drive by the Trump administration, that aims to drastically cut the federal workforce.
www.bbc.com
European leaders warn against Ukraine ceasefire without Russian peace deal
Ukraine’s Zelenskyy warns that ‘fragile ceasefire’ with Russia would be a ‘prelude’ to another war launched by Moscow.
Dismantling of federal efforts to monitor election interference creates opening for foreign meddling
President Donald Trump's administration has disbanded an FBI task force focused on investigating foreign influence campaigns and placed on leave several election security employees at the U.S.
apnews.com
Musk shines spotlight on 'a lot of vampires collecting Social Security'
In a post on X, Musk shared a screenshot of a data sheet showing people from age 0 to 369 years old collecting Social Security benefits.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Paranoia seeps into a federal workforce worried about getting fired and being watched | CNN Politics
As the Trump administration fires thousands of employees across the government, federal workers have another reason to be on edge: the widespread access that Elon Musk’s “government efficiency” team has gained to agency computer systems.
www.cnn.comEgypt is developing a plan to rebuild Gaza, countering Trump's call to depopulate the territory
Egypt is developing a plan to rebuild Gaza without forcing Palestinians out of the strip in a counter to President Donald Trump’s proposal to depopulate the territory so the U.S. can take it over.
apnews.com
Jarrett says Trump admin will prevail against 'nonsense' legal challenges to Elon Musk, DOGE team's authority
Fox News legal analyst Gregg Jarrett criticized Democratic attorneys general for suing DOGE, with Musk arguing, 'their lawsuits make it look like they favor financial abuse.'
Rubio says "we have a long ways to go" before talks on ending Russia-Ukraine war
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said "we have a long ways to go" before starting any talks with Russia aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
www.cbsnews.comDelta jet flips upside down on a snowy Toronto runway and all 80 aboard survive
A Delta Airlines plane flipped upon arrival at Toronto’s Pearson Airport and ended up on its roof Monday. The airport confirmed on X that an “incident” occurred with the Delta flight from Minneapolis and that all passengers and crew are accounted for.
apnews.com
After triumphant return to White House, Trump is still fixated on Biden: ‘It’s his fault’ | CNN Politics
Joe Biden left the White House nearly a month ago, but he’s never far from Donald Trump’s mind.
www.cnn.comChina's Xi promises policy stability at meeting with business leaders, including Alibaba's Jack Ma
China’s President Xi Jinping has met with private sector business leaders, offering them assurances that policies regarding the private sector would not change, state media reported.
apnews.com
Federal judge skeptical of effort to block Musk's DOGE from accessing data, firing employees
A federal judge expressed skepticism of arguments against President Donald Trump's DOGE and Elon Musk in a case seeking to bar access to federal data on Monday.
Argentine lawyers accuse President Milei of fraud over cryptocurrency promotion
Argentine lawyers filed fraud charges against President Javier Milei in criminal court for promoting a cryptocurrency on his social media, one of the lawyers told The Associated Press.
apnews.com
Rio de Janeiro's hottest day in at least a decade sends residents to the beach
Rio de Janeiro has recorded its hottest day in at least a decade when temperatures reached 44 degrees Celsius (111 F) as residents try to cool off in the ocean or under public showers
New York congresswoman introduces bill to make Trump's birthday a federal holiday
Rep. Claudia Tenney introduced a bill that would make Trump’s birthday a federal holiday to recognize him as 'the founder of America's Golden Age.'
www.usatoday.com
Pope will remain hospitalized as doctors treat a complex respiratory tract infection, Vatican says
The Vatican says Pope Francis’ respiratory tract infection is presenting a “complex clinical picture” that will require further hospitalization.
apnews.com
China accuses U.S. of 'serious regression' in its Taiwan position after change to State Dept. website
The U.S. fact sheet on the self-governing island claimed by Beijing was amended to remove the phrase “we do not support Taiwan independence.”
www.nbcnews.com
‘No more silence’: Israelis face Gaza war backlash on Sri Lanka’s beaches
For years, relations between residents and Israeli visitors were cordial, but cracks in this dynamic are now visible.
Got a $1,400 rebate text from the IRS? It's a scam, Better Business Bureau warns.
Taxpayers are being tricked into sharing personal information via fraudulent messages that look official, but are not.
www.cbsnews.comFixing Germany's economy is a critical task for the country's next government
Germany needs a new business model to get its stalled economy going again. Delivering that fresh growth strategy is going to be the biggest challenge for the government that takes office after a snap national election set for Feb. 23.
apnews.com
Eric Adams’ embrace of Trump unites Democrats against the New York City mayor | CNN Politics
Eric Adams has united Democrats in New York City. From across the boroughs and otherwise warring ideological factions, there is widespread agreement that the mayor has little to no chance of winning the Democratic primary he’s running in for reelection this June — and that he shouldn’t even try.
www.cnn.com
Meet the team Trump picked to negotiate ending the Russia-Ukraine war
President Donald Trump tapped Marco Rubio, John Ratcliffe, Michael Waltz and Steve Witkoff to lead Russia-Ukraine negotiations.
500 days since the war started, Palestinians in Gaza decry complete destruction of the enclave
Although about a month has passed since the ceasefire, the residents who returned to their destroyed homes are living in difficult conditions in the absence of the most basic necessities of life, including water, food and electricity.
apnews.com
Ukraine-Russia peace talks: Where things stand
The talks, taking place in Riyadh, come almost exactly three years since Russia invaded Ukraine and plunged the region and Europe into uncertainty.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Judge denies request to temporarily block DOGE's mass firings, access to data
A federal judge denied an urgent request to temporarily block Elon Musk and DOGE from firing employees or accessing records from a half a dozen government agencies.
DOGE-affiliated employee expected to seek access to IRS system with sensitive taxpayer information
The Integrated Data Retrieval System allows IRS employees to access taxpayer information.
www.nbcnews.comHostages freed from Gaza discover personal lives shattered by Hamas
After nearly 500 days in captivity in Gaza, with little access to media, recently freed hostages have many questions.
apnews.com
Zelenskyy not yet signing US economic agreement 'short-sighted,' White House official says
A White House national security official said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy "is being short-sighted" in not signing a rare earth minerals deal.
Nine surprising facts about Indians in the US
Indians make up only a small share of the overall unauthorised migrant population in the US.
www.bbc.comA drone pierced the outer shell of Ukraine's Chernobyl nuclear plant. Radiation levels are normal
A drone armed with a warhead hit the protective outer shell of Ukraine’s Chernobyl nuclear plant. Friday's strike punched a hole in the shell and briefly started a fire. The United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency says radiation levels at the shuttered plant have not increased.
apnews.com
Trump appears to channel Napoleon in vision for executive authority: ‘He who saves his Country does not violate any Law’ | CNN Politics
President Donald Trump on Saturday offered a cryptic, one-sentence insight into what appears to be the guiding philosophy behind the first weeks of his presidency — and his expansive and unprecedented efforts to reshape the use of executive authority.
www.cnn.com
Which federal agencies have been impacted by Trump's government layoffs?
The Trump administration has cut thousands of federal roles across various agencies, including the CDC and Forest Service. Here's who's been impacted.
www.usatoday.com
Stock market today: Global benchmarks trade mixed as investors continue to eye Trump
Global shares are trading mixed as investors continue to watch economic data and policy moves from U.S.
apnews.com
Musk eyes connection between Britain’s grooming gangs and censorship - Washington Examiner
Strict speech laws in the United Kingdom regulate what protestors can say and report about the country's notorious grooming gangs.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Trump 2nd term live updates: 6,000+ IRS workers to be laid off starting Thursday
While Trump's current vice president is echoing this stance on Ukraine, Trump's former Vice President Mike Pence is speaking out against him on the issue.
President's Day protests rally against Trump administration policies
"Not My President's Day" protests are being held in cities across the nation on Presidents' Day against the Trump administration.
www.usatoday.com
Southwest Airlines is slashing 15% of its corporate workforce, its first major layoffs in 53 years
Southwest Airlines is eliminating 1,750 jobs, or 15% of its corporate workforce, in the first major layoffs in the company’s 53-year history.
apnews.com
Ohio sex worker charged with fatally drugging 4 customers can stand trial, judge rules
Authorities accused Rebecca Auborn of giving customers fatal doses of fentanyl before robbing them.
www.nbcnews.com
Trump admin aims for killing blow to independence of 'Deep State' agencies
Trump's DOJ sent Sen. Durbin a letter Wednesday notifying him that the department plans to ask SCOTUS to overturn a key precedent case limiting the president's power to remove independent agency members.
Transcript: Rep. Jamie Raskin on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Feb. 16, 2025
The following is the transcript of an interview with Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Feb. 16, 2025.
www.cbsnews.com
Transcript: Kevin Hassett on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Feb. 16, 2025
The following is the transcript of an interview with Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Feb. 16, 2025.
www.cbsnews.com
Transcript: Secretary of State Marco Rubio on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Feb. 16, 2025
The following is the transcript of an interview with Secretary of State Marco Rubio that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Feb. 16, 2025.
www.cbsnews.com
Transcript: Sen. Jeanne Shaheen on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Feb. 16, 2025
The following is the transcript of an interview with GOP Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Feb. 16, 2025.
www.cbsnews.com
Transcript: Rep. Dan Crenshaw on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Feb. 16, 2025
The following is the transcript of an interview with GOP Rep. Dan Crenshaw of Texas that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Feb. 16, 2025.
www.cbsnews.com
