Thu, February 13, 2025

[ Thu, Feb 13th 2025 ]: ABC

Trump 2nd term live updates: Trump begins mass layoffs across agencies, sources say

As President Donald Trump's second administration continued its effort to swiftly reshape the federal government, a union representing foreign service officers at the U.S. Agency for International Development accused the administration of failing to comply with last week's temporary restraining order to prevent the dismantling of USAID.

[ Thu, Feb 13th 2025 ]: NBC26

New suit alleges Trump's appointment of Elon Musk to make changes via DOGE is unconstitutional

A new lawsuit alleges that President Trump violated the Appointments Clause of the Constitution when he gave unelected billionaire Elon Musk leeway to make sweeping changes to government agencies.

[ Thu, Feb 13th 2025 ]: Politico

What DOGE is really up to: A Silicon Valley take

If you go take over a company, you have to go fast, you have to go early and you have to go with some level of certainty that you are right, because you can't wait. You don't dilly-dally trying to follow processes and procedures, because if you do that, nothing gets done.

[ Thu, Feb 13th 2025 ]: KUOW

Drive a Tesla and have big feelings about it? KUOW wants to hear from you

KUOW wants to know what it's been like to drive a Tesla around the Seattle area during this time of sweeping and contentious political change. Get in touch with KUOW politics reporter Scott Greenstone via email at sgreenstone@kuow.

[ Thu, Feb 13th 2025 ]: CNN

'People are just flipping out': Billions in federal funding remain frozen despite court orders to keep the taps open

Federal agencies across Washington are finding ways to keep funding frozen even after judges last month temporarily blocked the White House's effort to pause trillions of dollars in federal assistance.

[ Thu, Feb 13th 2025 ]: Reuters

Musk will face consequences for meddling in German politics, election frontrunner warns

Elon Musk will face consequences for meddling in Germany's election campaign, Friedrich Merz, the frontrunner to become the country's next chancellor, said in an interview with the Wall Street Journal published on Thursday.

[ Thu, Feb 13th 2025 ]: NPR

Covering the dismantling of federal agencies

Covering the paralyzation or drastic reduction of entire government departments requires a different approach.

[ Thu, Feb 13th 2025 ]: ABC

Tesla shares have plunged while Musk takes on Washington. Is that the reason?

Shares of Elon Musk's Tesla electric car company have fallen sharply, leading some investors to wonder if the drop is related to his cost-cutting work in Washington.

[ Thu, Feb 13th 2025 ]: katv

'Waste, fraud, and abuse': National Taxpayers Union praises DOGE efforts

A DOGE subcommittee held its first hearing focused on "improper payments" as the group takes a deeper look at how taxpayer dollars are being spent.

[ Thu, Feb 13th 2025 ]: CNN

Senate confirms RFK Jr. as Health and Human Services secretary

The Senate voted on Thursday to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Health and Human Services secretary, a victory for President Donald Trump after Kennedy faced intense scrutiny over his controversial views on vaccines and public health policy.

[ Thu, Feb 13th 2025 ]: CNN

Latest on Trump's presidency: Modi's visit, expected new tariffs and RFK Jr.'s confirmation vote

President Donald Trump is expected to announce new tariffs Thursday and meet with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House as his Cabinet picks face key votes. Meanwhile, court hearings on challenges to the president's changes to USAID and ICE are set to take place.

[ Thu, Feb 13th 2025 ]: CNN

In Congress, what's the difference between a budget resolution, reconciliation and spending bills?

There's understandable confusion over Capitol Hill lingo discussing the budget process and appropriations/spending process — which are two distinct things.

[ Thu, Feb 13th 2025 ]: Reuters

Exclusive: JPMorgan CEO Dimon derides in-office work pushback, demands efficiency

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon scorned calls from some employees to soften the bank's five-day return-to-office policy in an animated town hall meeting on Wednesday, according to a recording reviewed by Reuters.

[ Thu, Feb 13th 2025 ]: STAT

The biotech news stories you need to read today

The risk of pharma bribery, the risk of brain drain, and other risks (and rewards) in the biotech landscape this week.

[ Thu, Feb 13th 2025 ]: CNN

Latest on Trump's presidency: Modi's visit, new tariffs expected and RFK Jr.'s confirmation vote

President Donald Trump is expected to announce new tariffs Thursday and meet with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House as his Cabinet picks face key votes. Meanwhile, court hearings on challenges to the president's changes to USAID and ICE are set to take place.

[ Thu, Feb 13th 2025 ]: Forbes

5 Must-Read Books To Understand Russia And The War In Ukraine

Recently published books can help readers better understand Russia and the war in Ukraine. Here is a list of must-read books.

[ Thu, Feb 13th 2025 ]: MSN

Elon Musk calls for US to 'delete entire agencies' from federal government

Musk's comments came during his video call with the World Governments Summit in Dubai, in which he also made several references to "thermonuclear warfare" and the potential risks of artificial intelligence.

[ Thu, Feb 13th 2025 ]: MSN

Elon Musk's takeover of federal systems could blow cover of American spies: report

President Donald Trump's close associate and billionaire benefactor Elon Musk is doing more than crippling the civil service and infiltrating government IT networks with his Department of Government Efficiency project,

[ Thu, Feb 13th 2025 ]: MSN

What to know about the federal workforce under Trump

Since President Donald Trump began his second term last month, he has focused on dramatically reducing the federal workforce at a breakneck pace.

[ Thu, Feb 13th 2025 ]: MSN

"What happened with us, Kejriwal, could happen with Nitish and...": Aaditya Thackeray alleges EVM fraud

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Thursday said that the future of the country is in doubt as the BJP's dream is to break up and finish off every regional party in the country.Addressing a press conference here today,

[ Thu, Feb 13th 2025 ]: MSN

US Congressman says Trump's aid freeze SA is 'driven by racist information and political bias'

Congressman Jonathan L Jackson condemns President Trump's decision to freeze financial aid to South Africa, labelling it as racially motivated and harmful to vital healthcare programmes.

[ Thu, Feb 13th 2025 ]: MSN

Raila Odinga's AU Commission dream: 100 MPs in Addis Ababa, cost of flights and accommodation

Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga is intensifying his bid for the AU Commission chairmanship. At least 100 MPs will travel to Addis Ababa to support him.

[ Thu, Feb 13th 2025 ]: MSN

Behind the Curtain: Trump and Musk's masculine maximalism reshapes government

President Trump and Elon Musk, arguably the two most unorthodox and influential American leaders of the 21st century, are practicing and fine-tuning a fused theory of governing power: Masculine maximalism.

[ Thu, Feb 13th 2025 ]: MSN

Ukraine's return to pre-2014 borders and NATO membership are 'unrealistic,' Hegseth tells allies

An argument escalated into a violence when a man attacked another with a meat cleaver near Jalan Meldrum, Johor Baru on Tuesday (Feb 11) afternoon. Police investigation indicated that the fight stemmed from a heated argument while both were inebriated. Read more at WATCH MORE: SUBSCRIBE: LIKE:

[ Thu, Feb 13th 2025 ]: MSN

Priyanka Gandhi attacks BJP-led government, says border security rules changed for Adani's energy park

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday questioned the BJP-led government over a media report concerning the relaxation of protocols for a renewable energy park near the Pakistan border being developed by Adani Group and asked if "one person's business interest bigger than the question of national security".

[ Thu, Feb 13th 2025 ]: MSN

Elon Musk calls for US government to 'delete entire agencies'

Elon Musk called Thursday to "delete entire agencies" from the United States' federal government as part of his push under President Donald Trump to radically cut spending and restructure its priorities.

[ Thu, Feb 13th 2025 ]: MSN

Clinics to close, doctors and nurses to lose jobs as a result of Donald Trump's funding cuts

US President Donald Trump's decision to cut funding in South Africa will severely effect health and environmental initiatives which receive almost $320 million annually for essential services, says Stellenbosch University Health Professor Emeritus,

[ Thu, Feb 13th 2025 ]: MSN

Clinics to close, doctors and nurses to lose jobs as a result of Trump's funding cuts

US President Donald Trump's decision to cut funding in South Africa will severely effect health and environmental initiatives which receive almost $320 million annually for essential services, says Stellenbosch University Health Professor Emeritus,

[ Thu, Feb 13th 2025 ]: CounterPunch

High-Tech Capitalism and Neo-Feudalism

This oligarchy/plutocracy constitutes 0.1% of the American population. It owns 14% of the nation's wealth, $22 trillion in stocks, bonds and real estate, while 50% of Americans own 2.4% of the national wealth ($4 trillion).

[ Thu, Feb 13th 2025 ]: CNN

Latest on Trump's presidency: Putin call on Ukraine war, federal cuts and Cabinet pick votes

President Donald Trump is working to enact his agenda and shrink the federal government, despite a host of legal challenges. Tulsi Gabbard, Trump's pick for intelligence chief, faces a confirmation vote Wednesday.

[ Thu, Feb 13th 2025 ]: thenightly

Australian news and politics live: Australia protests 'unsafe' incident after Chinese jet targets RAAF plane

Australia has 'expressed its concerns' to China after an 'unsafe and unprofessional' incident in which flares were released in close proximity to an Australian Defence Force aircraft.
Wed, February 12, 2025

[ Wed, Feb 12th 2025 ]: redstateobserver

Kansas Governor's Veto Threatens Children's Health and Safety

Democratic Governor Vetoes Bill to Protect Kansas Children** Kansas Democratic Governor Laura Kelly has taken a controversial stand by vetoing a Republican-

[ Wed, Feb 12th 2025 ]: Slate

Mitch McConnell Could Have Stopped This

It's a toss-up which is more pathetic: that just one Republican senator opposed the confirmation of Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence or that the GOP's lone naysayer was Mitch McConnell.

[ Wed, Feb 12th 2025 ]: AOL

Trickle-down effect of NIH funding battle worries healthcare analysts and medical experts

NIH funding was set to be cut Monday until a federal judge stepped in and delayed the impact. Some health experts and analysts are still concerned.

[ Wed, Feb 12th 2025 ]: MSN

Video: Karoline Leavitt Responds To Trump's Steel And Aluminum Tariffs: They 'Put American Workers First'

Karoline Leavitt Responds To Trump's Steel And Aluminum Tariffs: They 'Put American Workers First' During Wednesday's White House press briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt discussed President Trump's recent tariff on steel and aluminum imports.

[ Wed, Feb 12th 2025 ]: MSN

Apple bends the knee and switches to 'Gulf of America' after Trump's order

Apple bends the knee and switches to 'Gulf of America' after Trump's order - Google and Microsoft have also changed the gulf's name in their respective map apps

[ Wed, Feb 12th 2025 ]: MSN

Elon Musk's DOGE is overhauling the federal government, cutting spending, and drawing backlash. Here's what to know.

DOGE is Elon Musk's ambitious effort to reform the federal government. Here's how the Department of Government Efficiency is upending Washington, DC.

[ Wed, Feb 12th 2025 ]: MSN

Inside the committee that will look at the nation's biggest secrets and when you can expect to see info released

Inside the committee that will look at the nation's biggest secrets and when you can expect to see info released - Republican-led task force will make recommendations to declassify documents related to high-profile assassinations,

[ Wed, Feb 12th 2025 ]: MSN

What is the Administrative Procedure Act, the law that courts may use to try to slow Trump down?

What is the Administrative Procedure Act, the law that courts may use to try to slow Trump down? - Longstanding administrative law stops government action that's 'arbitrary and capricious'

[ Wed, Feb 12th 2025 ]: MSN

Belarus frees an American and 2 other people in a bid to repair ties with Washington

Belarusian authorities on Wednesday released an imprisoned U.S. citizen, a Belarusian journalist for a U.S.-funded media outlet and an opposition supporter in an apparent attempt to repair ruptured ties with Washington.

[ Wed, Feb 12th 2025 ]: Time

Why Trump's Takeover of the Kennedy Center Will Reverberate in Hollywood and Beyond

Trump is now the Kennedy Center's board chairman, giving him control over a beloved arts institution that regularly interacts with Hollywood

[ Wed, Feb 12th 2025 ]: LBC

Elon Musk and son join Donald Trump in White House as president pushes to slash US government workforce

Elon Musk joined Donald Trump in the White House as the president gave an executive order for US government agencies to comply with the billionaire's plans to slash their workforces.

[ Wed, Feb 12th 2025 ]: MSN

Trump's former personal lawyer defends him at a Senate hearing and decries 'partisan lawfare'

Donald Trump's former personal attorney, Todd Blanche, criticized the criminal cases against the Republican president as "partisan lawfare" during his Wednesday confirmation hearing to become the second in command at the Justice Department,

[ Wed, Feb 12th 2025 ]: MSN

Elon Musk calls Bush-appointed judge 'evil' after court orders Trump to restore CDC and health websites

Elon Musk calls Bush-appointed judge 'evil' after court orders Trump to restore CDC and health websites - World's wealthiest man leads Trump allies laying groundwork to defy court orders

[ Wed, Feb 12th 2025 ]: MSN

WH Press Secretary addresses elon Musk and questions on DOGE

Reactions from the US Secreatary of Defense Pete Hegseth, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, UK Defence Secretary John Healey, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Volodymyr Zelensky, following US President Donald Trump's call with Putin.

[ Wed, Feb 12th 2025 ]: Oregonian

Oregon's Senate Republican leader spreads fake examples of government waste using state resources

Examples included more than half a billion dollars spent on sushi and $1,280 per paper coffee cup — but those examples, which spread like wildfire on conservative social media, aren't real.

[ Wed, Feb 12th 2025 ]: MSN

Meet Anna Paulina Luna, the GOP lawmaker tasked with revisiting JFK files and Epstein's list

Meet Anna Paulina Luna, the GOP lawmaker tasked with revisiting JFK files and Epstein's list - Republican firebrand believes there were 'two shooters' and promises 'transparency' to reveal 'federal se

[ Wed, Feb 12th 2025 ]: MSN

Trump signs order handing Musk and DOGE more power to slash federal workforce

Trump signs order handing Musk and DOGE more power to slash federal workforce - The new executive order forbids agencies from hiring more than one new worker for every four who leave government servic

5 Must-Read Books To Understand Russia And The War In Ukraine

Recently published books can help readers better understand Russia and the war in Ukraine. Here is a list of must-read books.

The article by Stuart Anderson on Forbes, published on February 13, 2025, titled "5 Must-Read Books To Understand Russia And The War In Ukraine," provides a curated list of books that offer deep insights into the historical, political, and cultural contexts of Russia and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The books recommended include "The Road to Unfreedom" by Timothy Snyder, which explores the rise of authoritarianism in Russia; "Red Famine" by Anne Applebaum, detailing the Soviet-induced famine in Ukraine; "The Gates of Europe" by Serhii Plokhy, offering a comprehensive history of Ukraine; "Putin's People" by Catherine Belton, which delves into the inner workings of Putin's regime; and "The Future Is History" by Masha Gessen, providing personal narratives against the backdrop of Russia's political evolution. Anderson suggests these books to gain a nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics at play in the region.

Read the Full Forbes Article at:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/stuartanderson/2025/02/13/5-must-read-books-to-understand-russia-and-the-war-in-ukraine/