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AP Photo
UK’s Starmer will meet with Trump as Europe’s leaders worry about drifting US support for Ukraine
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By JILL LAWLESS and AAMER MADHANI
Updated 11:02 PM CST, February 26, 2025
WASHINGTON (AP) — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will visit the White House on Thursday to try to convince President Donald Trump that a lasting peace in Ukraine will endure only if Kyiv and European leaders are at the table as negotiations move forward with Moscow.
Starmer’s trip, coming a few days after French Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron’s own visit, reflects the mounting concern felt by much of Europe that Trump’s aggressive push to find an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine signals his willingness to concede too much to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“We’re going to do the best we can to make the best deal we can for both sides,” Trump said Wednesday as he held the first Cabinet meeting of his second term. “For Ukraine, we’re going to try very hard to make a good deal so that they can get as much (land) back as possible.”
But the president’s rapprochement with Russia has unsettled America’s historic allies in Europe, who have found themselves on their heels with Trump returning to the White House with a determination to dramatically make over U.S. foreign policy to correspond with his “America First” world view. ...
READ THE FULL STORY - AP
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Alabama lawmakers are advancing a bill that would make it harder to sue police who use excessive or lethal force force.
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FLASHBACK: Biden also changed White House press pool, cutting off more than 440 reporters' credentials
The Biden administration issued policy changes to White House press pass holders that resulted in hundreds of reporters losing their passes.
Sudan's military is making advances to retake the capital. What's changing in the nearly 2-year war?
Sudanese army advances on the ground could potentially change the course of the war as it approaches its two-year mark.
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Experts warn the proposed SAVE Act could make it harder for some married women to vote. Here's who could be affected.
The SAVE Act could change voter registration requirements for millions of people. Here's how.
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MacArthur Foundation to increase giving for two years in response to 'crisis'
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation will increase its giving over the next two years. Its president John Palfrey said the Trump administration’s freeze on federal foreign aid and the now-suspended freeze on federal grants has created a crisis for the nonprofit sector.
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Messy House-Senate battle takes shape over fate of Trump agenda | CNN Politics
Senate Republicans are signaling they’re ready to take a buzzsaw to the House’s plans for President Donald Trump’s first major legislative package in a high-stakes clash that is likely just the start of the obstacles Hill Republicans will face this spring.
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Trump administration shifts to next phase of large-scale cuts to federal workforce
The Trump administration Wednesday ordered heads of federal departments and agencies to prepare to initiate "large-scale reductions in force" by March 13
www.usatoday.com
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Another ‘debunked’ story Trump was right about - Washington Examiner
When President Donald Trump drew attention to the illegal migrant crisis in Charleroi, he was mocked by the media. Turns out, he was right again.
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Racketeering charges tossed against New Jersey Democratic power broker George Norcross
A New Jersey judge on Wednesday dismissed the racketeering indictment against Democratic power broker George Norcross.
Man who said he was upset with Musk and Trump charged with threatening to burn down xAI facility
Authorities say a Tennessee man has been charged with an act of terrorism after he threatened to burn down an xAI facility because he was upset with its founder, Elon Musk, and President Donald Trump.
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Dem senator's 'dark money corruption' hypocrisy revealed in ethics complaint, expert says
Legal experts are sounding off on whether an alleged ethical violation by Democrat Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse should be investigated.
Romanian prosecutors launch investigation into far-right populist who led canceled presidential vote
Romanian prosecutors have launched a criminal investigation against a far-right populist who won the first round in a canceled presidential election last year.
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Elon Musk talks death threats, DOGE directives at Trump's first Cabinet meeting
Elon Musk addressed President Donald Trump's first Cabinet meeting Wednesday in an extraordinary display of his influence in the administration.
www.usatoday.com
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Trump threatens 25% tariffs on EU, claims bloc was formed to ‘screw’ US
European Commission says it will react ‘firmly and immediately’ against unjustified trade barriers.
Georgia election board drops suit after group fails to produce ballot-stuffing evidence
The Georgia State Election Board has voted to dismiss a lawsuit seeking to enforce a subpoena against a conservative group that had alleged ballot stuffing in the state after the group was unable to produce evidence to support its claims.
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Trump and Musk addressed email termination threats, but neither cleared up the confusion
Since Elon Musk threatened federal workers with firings if they didn't list five work accomplishments, Trump tells them they're "on the bubble" if they don't comply.
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How major US stock indexes fared Wednesday, 2/26/2025
U.S. stock indexes drifted to a mixed finish after climbing in the morning but then running out of momentum.
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Myanmar scam centres: Thousands who have been freed are now stuck in camps
The camps are unsanitary, food barely sufficient, and many of those being held are in poor health.
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Judge dismisses racketeering indictment against New Jersey Democratic power broker, co-defendants
The judge found the prosecution’s allegations that Norcross and five others used their influence to craft legislation to serve their own interests did not amount to criminal coercion or extortion, and are time-barred.
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Who are the Mennonites in a Texas community where measles is spreading?
The Mennonite population being affected by a measles outbreak in West Texas is part of a larger, loosely affiliated group of churches worldwide with varied beliefs and leadership structures — and with sometimes strained or distant relations with public authorities.
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Tulsi Gabbard gives exclusive glimpse of Trump's first Cabinet meeting
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard described the energetic feeling in the room during President Donald Trump's first Cabinet meeting.
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Bibas family laid to rest as thousands line the streets of Israel
Shiri Bibas was 32 and her sons, Ariel and Kfir, were 4 years old and just shy of 9 months old when they were abducted by Hamas during the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attacks.
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3 councilmen in South Carolina's third-largest city charged in bribery and kickback scheme
Federal prosecutors say three members of the City Council in South Carolina’s third-largest city accepted kickbacks and bribes to give out grant money and rezone land or lied about what they knew.
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DOJ asks Supreme Court to hear Trump request to fire Dellinger - Washington Examiner
The Trump administration is requesting the Supreme Court to overrule a federal judge's blocking of the firing of Hampton Dellinger
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Trump hints at deep cuts at the EPA, alarming workers and environmental groups
President Trump said the head of the EPA is prepared to implement deep staffing and spending cuts as part of the administration's efforts to downsize the executive branch.
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VA begins reversing contract cancellations that support medical care, facilities
A day after the VA celebrated about $2B in savings on canceled contracts, it began reversing some that may have affected medical care, according to agency records.
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Trump pushes to recover 'billions of dollars' of military equipment left behind in Afghanistan withdrawal
President Donald Trump wants to recover billions of dollars worth of equipment U.S. troops left in Afghanistan following their 2021 withdrawal from the country.
A Georgia Republican known for her `Jesus, Guns and Babies' slogan is running for Congress
A Georgia Republican who ran a fringe campaign for governor under the slogan “Jesus, Guns and Babies” says she's running for Congress in 2026.
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Cabinet officials caught off guard and frustrated by Musk’s directives to federal employees | CNN Politics
Elon Musk’s presence at President Donald Trump’s first Cabinet meeting on Wednesday will solidify his power in the administration — and how quickly he’s amassed it despite not being elected or Senate confirmed.
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Things to know about Byron Donalds, Trump's pick to be Florida's next governor
U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds says he’s running to be the next governor of Florida in 2026. If elected, he would succeed Gov.
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FDA cancels meeting to select flu strains for next season's shots
The canceled meeting comes just days after a CDC vaccine advisory committee meeting was abruptly postponed.
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Top spy Gabbard says she fired 100+ intel officers for 'really horrific' chat messages
The National Intelligence director says it's a first step in her efforts to "clean house" and root out "rot and corruption" and "politicization."
www.usatoday.com
Musk and his 'humble tech support' effort get star turn at Trump's Cabinet meeting
Elon Musk has taken a star turn at the first Cabinet meeting of President Donald Trump’s new term. Musk held forth in a black “Make America Great Again” campaign hat about his role as “humble tech support” for the federal government — and he laid out dire stakes if his cost-cutting efforts fail.
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Analysis: What is Medicaid and why is it a Republican target for cuts? | CNN Politics
It might be hard to get super interested in the back and forth of the budget bills bouncing around Capitol Hill, but they could have huge consequences for Americans’ everyday lives.
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Watch the latest videos from the Washington Examiner
Watch the latest videos from the Washington Examiner, featuring in-depth analysis, commentary, and interviews. Get the latest news & issues affecting America.
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Hamas hands over bodies of 4 hostages to Israel as dozens of Palestinians leave Israeli prison
The latest handovers would complete both sides’ obligations under the Gaza ceasefire’s first phase, during which Hamas returned 33 hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
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Israel arrests dozens of Palestinians in overnight West Bank raids
Mass arrests come as army issues evacuation orders to families in Nur Shams camp, giving them three hours to leave.
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U.S. charges Tajik man living in New York with conspiring to help ISIS
A Tajik man living in New York was arrested and charged with conspiring to provide material support to the ISIS and ISIS-K terrorist groups, according to court documents.
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EPA head urges Trump to reconsider scientific finding that underpins climate action, AP sources say
The head of the Environmental Protection Agency has privately urged the Trump administration to reconsider a scientific finding that's long been the central basis for U.S. action against climate change.
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Musk, tariffs and tensions - takeaways from Trump's cabinet meeting
Trump covered a wide range of topics, ranging from efforts to cut government spending to immigration, the economy and Ukraine.
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North Korea was responsible for $1.5 billion ByBit hack, FBI says
ByBit said on Friday an attacker gained control of an ether wallet and transferred the holdings to an unidentified address.
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Trump cuts financial lifeline for Venezuela's government by ending permit to export oil to US
A permit issued by the United States government allowing energy giant Chevron Corp. to pump and export Venezuelan oil will be terminated this week.
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Republicans who got an earful from constituents have message for Trump and DOGE
After hearing from constituents at town hall meetings in their districts last week, one Republican congressman says he wants to convey their concerns about DOGE to Trump.
Latvia FM: Putin will try to achieve in peace talks what he couldn't in Ukraine war — weaken the US
Latvia’s foreign minister is warning that Russian President Vladimir Putin will try to achieve in peace talks what he hasn’t been able to accomplish in his war against Ukraine — weaken the United States and restore control over his smaller neighbor.
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Jim Jordan details House GOP strategy to back up Trump in court: 'Everything's on the table'
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan sat down with Fox News Digital to discuss how Republicans are working with the Trump administration.
Liberal party leadership candidates in Canada debate who is best to deal with Trump
The four candidates vying to become the next leader of Canada’s Liberal party have made the case during a debate why they are best suited to deal with U.S.
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Federal judge grills Trump's Justice Department over argument that Jan. 6 pardon covers a separate gun case
The Justice Department has flip-flopped on whether Trump's pardon covered crimes beyond Jan. 6, 2021.
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Immigration officials say everyone living in the US illegally must register. What does that mean?
Immigration officials are saying that anyone living in the U.S. illegally will soon have to register with the federal government, and those who fail to do so could face fines, imprisonment or both.
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Supreme Court signals it will make it easier for Americans to file ‘reverse discrimination’ suits | CNN Politics
The Supreme Court appeared virtually certain to side with an Ohio woman who lost a “reverse discrimination” suit against her employer when her gay boss declined to promote her, a decision that will likely make it easier for some White and straight employees to win similar claims.
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DOJ nominees pressed on possibility of Trump ignoring court orders - Washington Examiner
Three of Trump’s DOJ nominees faced repeated questions from Democrats during a hearing about defying court orders.
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Chief Justice John Roberts pauses judge’s order for Trump admin to pay foreign aid contractors by midnight
U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Roberts has paused a federal judge’s order that required the Trump administration to pay out foreign aid funds to contractors by midnight.
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White House fires back at progressive filmmaker: ‘Dumbest statement of the year’
The White House fired back at progressive filmmaker and activist Michael Moore’s criticism of the Trump administration’s deportations, saying his comments could be the "dumbest statement of the year."
Egg prices could jump 41% this year, USDA says, as Trump's bird flu plan is unveiled
The Trump administration believes a renewed emphasis on biosecurity can help in the battle against bird flu and ease egg prices.
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U.S. officials walk back plans to stop culling poultry for bird flu
USDA officials said there are "no anticipated changes" to the policy for killing flocks with sick birds.
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Texas couple found dead in Mexico City rental property, police confirm
The couple was identified as a 35-year-old man and a 37-year-old woman. Mexico's Attorney General’s Office is investigating their deaths.
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Tons of gold safe at Fort Knox? Trump, Musk aren't the first to doubt it.
President Donald Trump said he's going to check on the country's supply of gold stored at the infamously secure Fort Knox depository.
www.usatoday.com
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Child in West Texas is first US measles death in a decade | CNN
The first measles death in the growing outbreak in West Texas was a school-aged child.
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Trump sees 'a thirst' for his 'gold card' visa idea with $5 million potential path to US citizenship
President Donald Trump says he plans to offer a “gold card” visa with a path to citizenship for $5 million, replacing a 35-year-old visa for investors.
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US intelligence head 'not told' about UK secret Apple data demand
Tulsi Gabbard said she was seeking further information from the FBI and other US agencies.
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Kaitlan Collins asks House speaker about protesters at GOP town halls | CNN Politics
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) blamed “paid protesters” that he says were funded by Democrats for showing up at GOP town halls to voice their concerns.
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Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos says opinion pages will defend free market and 'personal liberties'
The billionaire owner of The Washington Post is directing its opinion section to defend personal liberties and the free market in a shift that prompted the editor of that page to resign.
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Federal judge hints she will continue blocking Trump from firing head of whistleblower protection agency
A federal judge indicated she will extend a temporary restraining order on President Donald Trump's effort to fire Office of Special Counsel head Hampton Dellinger.
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Trump needs to understand what evangelicals think about immigrants - Washington Examiner
If Trump believes his evangelical voting base wants secure borders, he is absolutely right. But if he also thinks that we want deportations of as many as 5 million parents of minor U.S. citizens, he’s getting some bad guidance.
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Argentina's Milei skirts Congress to seat a divisive judge in the Supreme Court
Argentina’s President Javier Milei has temporarily appointed two Supreme Court judges by decree, bypassing Congress during its summer recess to push through a controversial candidate in a move criticized as an overreach of executive power.
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House and Senate GOP approved competing budget plans. Now comes the hard part.
Republicans are still at odds about whether to pursue one big bill or break up Trump's agenda into two. There are also disputes about the scope of cuts to programs like Medicaid.
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Woman suspected in vandalism of Colorado Tesla dealership with Molotov cocktails and graffiti
A woman is suspected in a string of vandalism against a Colorado Tesla dealership that included Molotov cocktails thrown at vehicles, the words “Nazi cars” spray painted on the building and a message that appeared to be directed against Tesla founder Elon Musk.
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Why Trump's 'very big' Ukraine minerals deal may not be an easy win
President Donald Trump's pursuit of a deal to access Ukrainian mineral resources has upended America's transatlantic ties in recent weeks.
Senate confirms Jamieson Greer to be Trump's top trade negotiator as battles loom
The Senate has confirmed Jamieson Greer to be America’s top trade negotiator. Green's nomination cleared the Senate by a 56-43 vote on Wednesday.
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Trump proposes offering $5 million "gold card" to wealthy immigrants. Here's how it would work.
President Trump is floating the idea of a new "gold card" visa that would be sold to wealthy foreigners for $5 million.
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Visualizing Trump’s overhaul of the federal workforce | CNN Politics
CNN is tracking the chaotic and rapidly evolving firings and layoffs at federal offices in Washington and across the United States.
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After a month of Trump's pro-oil and gas moves, Dems target his energy emergency
President Donald Trump pledged a U-turn away from the Biden administration's commitment to fighting climate change and promoting clean energy.
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Haiti gangs launch deadly attack on capital’s Delmas neighborhood
A local rights group has not yet estimated a death count, but there were reports of several people being killed or shot at, and several houses set on fire.
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Texas says this doctor illegally treated trans youth. He says he followed the law
Dr. Hector Granados treats children with diabetes at his El Paso clinics and makes hospital rounds under the shadow of accusations that have thrown his career into jeopardy: providing care to transgender youth.
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Senate Republicans call for changes to budget plan passed by House GOP
Some Senate Republicans have expressed concerns over cuts to Medicaid and are demanding changes.
www.usatoday.com
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‘Trump Gaza’ video shared by president originated from pro-Israel accounts that have embraced AI
The posts quickly drew condemnation from many users on Truth Social and Instagram, even from self-described Republicans.
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The Trump administration sets the stage for large-scale federal worker layoffs in a new memo
President Donald Trump's administration says federal agencies should begin planning to eliminate employee positions. The process is known as a reduction in force.
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Pentagon issues transgender policy requiring waiver to serve in military
President Donald Trump signed orders to prevent transgender troops from serving if they suffer clinical stress, but decorated soldiers fought in court
www.usatoday.com
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Trump says Zelenskyy will visit the White House Friday to sign US-Ukraine critical minerals deal
President Donald Trump says Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit the White House on Friday to sign a long-sought minerals deal that will closely tie the two countries together.
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FDA cancels pivotal advisory meeting about next season's flu vaccine
An FDA vaccine advisory committee meeting to discuss next season’s flu vaccine has been canceled, potentially delaying the delivery schedule.
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What's in the House GOP's budget resolution? Here's what to know about the plan.
House Republicans adopted a budget proposal that serves as a blueprint for implementing President Trump's agenda. Here's what's in it.
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Gabbard fires intelligence employees over sexually explicit messages
The messages “hijacked at least two channels—LBTQA and IC_Pride_TWG—to discuss fetishes, kink, and sex,” researchers said.
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Not known for political coverage, Wired takes a leading role in tracking Elon Musk's team
The tech outlet Wired set up a new politics team in time for the presidential election — but its most impactful work is coming after the election is over.
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Johnson and Trump pull off surprising win to advance GOP agenda after vote whiplash in the House | CNN Politics
Speaker Mike Johnson pulled off a stunning turnaround Tuesday night to rescue a critical vote to advance President Donald Trump’s agenda that had seemed doomed just moments earlier.
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Federal agencies told to start planning for large-scale layoffs in Trump admin memo
Thousands of federal workers have already been fired over the last few weeks.
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A Texas child who was not vaccinated has died of measles, a first for the US in a decade
A child who was not vaccinated has died from measles in West Texas. It's the first death in an outbreak that began late last month and the first from measles in the U.S. since 2015.
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Soros-funded groups wage legal battle on DOGE - Washington Examiner
Soros-backed Governing for Impact wages legal war on Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency, challenging its authority as DOGE slashes $37.69B in waste.
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Trump administration sets March 21 deadline for New York to end traffic congestion pricing
President Donald Trump's administration has given New York until March 21 to comply with its order to halt Manhattan’s new congestion pricing system.
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Trump's tariffs: What does it mean to be made in America?
A 25% tariff on Mexican-made products could cost 1.1 million U.S. jobs, as effects ripple through the economy.
www.usatoday.com
The nightmare drags on for the families of hostages who remain in Gaza
The families of hostages still in Gaza are struggling to maintain hope they'll see their loved ones soon as uncertainty swirls over the future of the fragile ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.
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Joy, tears as Israel frees Palestinians, Hamas hands over 4 bodies in Gaza
Celebrations in Gaza and the West Bank as hundreds of Palestinians held in Israeli jails reunite with their families.
Minnesota’s Walz to consider a third run for governor instead of seeking a US Senate seat
Gov. Tim Walz won’t seek Minnesota’s open U.S. Senate seat next year. Spokesman Teddy Tschann said in a statement Wednesday that Walz instead is considering a run for a third term as governor.
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DOGE releases updated "wall of receipts" with more discrepancies
For the second time in two weeks, DOGE's "receipts" don't match its cost-cutting claims.
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Texas lottery drawings that paid out big jackpots are the focus of widening investigatons
Two of the biggest lottery jackpots in Texas history are under investigation over claims that the winners may have benefitted from more than good luck.
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Analysis: A nascent backlash against Musk sharpens risk for Trump and GOP | CNN Politics
Elon Musk’s chainsaw is not only slashing away at the bureaucracy but is generating the first warning signs that it could eventually cut deep into the political standing of President Donald Trump and his MAGA allies.
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USDA looks at boosting egg imports in $1 billion plan to lower prices and combat bird flu
The USDA is exploring an increase in egg imports as part of a $1 billion plan to combat bird flu and high egg prices.
www.usatoday.com
Sen. Lisa Murkowski's 'Far from Home,' a 'fervent' call for bipartisanship, to be published in June
One of the few remaining Republicans in Congress to openly clash with President Donald Trump has a book out this summer. Sen.
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Satellite images show how hundreds of North Korean troops were likely transported to a secluded Russian port | CNN
Hundreds of North Korean troops were likely transported by sea to Russia to fight in its war against Ukraine, satellite images have revealed, according to a new analysis from a US-based think tank shared exclusively with CNN.
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Key takeaways from Donald Trump’s first cabinet meeting with Elon Musk
Musk defended DOGE attempts to fire federal employees, while Trump said Russia would have to make concessions for peace.
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Michelle Trachtenberg, star of "Gossip Girl" and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," dies at 39
Michelle Trachtenberg was found in her New York City apartment, and the death is not believed to be suspicious, police said.
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