• Sun, February 16, 2025

by: Newsweek

Who Is Ashley St. Clair? Author Says She's Had Elon Musk's 13th Child

The conservative influencer said she made the announcement to prevent the baby's existence from being revealed by "tabloid media."

by: ABC

Trump 2nd term live updates: Musk's DOGE requests access to IRS tax database: Sources

Trump is also making his second administration's first forays on the diplomatic front with calls to Russia's Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy on ending the 3-year-old war that began in February 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine.

by: MSN

Elon Musk's latest move involves millions of Americans' personal tax details: Sources

Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency requested access to an IRS data system that retains the personal tax information on millions of Americans, sources say.

by: MSN

Syria's new leader visits former Assad strongholds

Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa visited Latakia and Tartus on Sunday, his office said, making his first official trip to the coastal provinces formerly known as strongholds of ousted ruler Bashar al-Assad.
  • Mon, February 17, 2025

by: CounterPunch

Trump's Reign of Cruelty

Neoliberalism has always been more than an economic project; it is a political and educational weapon designed to erode social solidarity and dismantle the foundations of democracy. It does not merely defund public institutions like healthcare,

by: NDTV

How USAID Funneled $21 Million To India For 'Voter Turnout'

The newly created US Department of Government Efficiency or DOGE has been auditing several government agencies in the US and cutting wasteful expenditure.

by: ABC

Trump 2nd term live updates: White House says some employees were fired by mistake

President Donald Trump's administration said some federal government employees who took the "Fork in the Road" buyout offer were then fired or let go — in error.

by: WBTW

Trump administration cuts hit FDA employees in food safety, medical devices and tobacco products

Nearly half of the FDA's $6.9 billion budget comes from fees paid by companies the agency regulates, including drug and medical device makers, which allows the agency to hire extra scientists to

by: WPLG

Trump begins firings of FAA air traffic control 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 mid-air collision in Washington.

by: ktvq

Trump's widespread federal layoffs could be felt across the country

While Virginia, Maryland, and D.C. are feeling the effects of these layoffs, a union representing federal workers has emphasized that 80% of its membership resides outside the D.C. metropolitan area, indicating the potential national implications of these layoffs.

by: PBS

How an emboldened crypto industry is trying to cement political influence

The crypto industry has scored some early wins since Trump took office, including the repeal of an accounting rule by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and an executive order by the president directing a working group to study and propose changes to crypto regulations as well as the possible formation of a strategic government reserve of cryptocurrencies within 180 days.

by: KY3

Trump nominates former Missouri GOP leader to stay as top DC federal prosecutor

Ed Martin supervised legal clinics for low-income residents as director of the human rights office for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. Louis and, for two decades before becoming U.S. attorney, ran his own law practice and was active in Republican politics,

by: CNN

Trump pushes Russia to end war with Ukraine as government overhaul takes shape in the US

Donald Trump is forging ahead with his foreign and domestic policy agendas in the early stages of his presidency, working toward a deal to end the war in Ukraine and shrinking the scale of federal government agencies at home.

by: PBS

Trump begins firings of FAA air traffic control employees weeks after fatal DC plane crash

The impacted workers include personnel hired for FAA radar, landing and navigational aid maintenance, one air traffic controller told the Associated Press.

by: Reuters

Italy's Meloni takes on the judiciary, in echo of Berlusconi

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is clashing with the country's judiciary in the same way her old political ally and mentor Silvio Berlusconi used to, promising a once-in-a-lifetime overhaul of the legal system.

by: CNN

European leaders to host Ukraine summit as Trump pushes peace talks with Russia

Donald Trump is forging ahead with his foreign and domestic policy agendas in the early stages of his presidency, working toward a deal to end the war in Ukraine and shrinking the scale of federal government agencies at home.

by: ABC

'We're under attack by billionaires': Fired federal workers speak out on terminations

Hanna Hickman, a now-terminated worker for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, told ABC News the last four days have been a roller coaster.

by: ABC

GOP Sen. Mullin: Trump is the only person who can force Putin to the table

GOP Sen. Markwayne Mullin said Trump has the capability to apply pressure to Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate a deal to end the war in Ukraine.

by: CNN

Paranoia seeps into a federal workforce worried about getting fired and being watched

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.

by: Newsweek

Elon Musk Raises Alarm Over Social Security

The Social Security Administration has come under the scrutiny of Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency.

by: MSN

Trump layoffs hit Pacific Northwest engineers and researchers at PNNL, Hanford cleanup, elsewhere

The Trump administration's government-wide layoffs are hitting engineers and researchers at agencies in Washington state including the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), the Hanford Nuclear Reservation,

by: MSN

Judge appears inclined to deny request to block DOGE's mass firings

A federal judge appeared inclined to deny an urgent request to temporarily block Elon Musk and DOGE firing federal employees or accessing sensitive government records.

by: MSN

UK politics live: Starmer warns UK faces 'generational' threat to security as PM to meet Trump in Washington

Starmer warns UK faces 'generational' threat to security as PM to meet Trump in Washington - Sir Keir will fly to Washington next week to meet with US president Donald Trump

by: MSN

The Washington Post Caves to Elon Musk

The Washington Post—owned by billionaire and Trump inauguration attendee Jeff Bezos—spiked a print ad critical of Elon Musk and his increased influence on the federal government. The watchdog group Common Cause,

by: MSN

Readers' opine about Musk's DOGE, Shapiro's budget, Linda McMahon and USAID | Letters

by: MSN

Retired general: Putin will likely 'wait out' Trump term and take Ukraine

Retired U.S. Army Gen. Jack Keane said he suspects Russian President Vladimir Putin will wait for President Trump to leave office before trying to topple the government in Ukraine. In an interview Saturday on Fox News,

by: MSN

Anti-Tesla Protests, Sell-Offs Mount As Musk Raids The U.S. Government

Country music star Sheryl Crow was among those who sold their Tesla to protest Elon Musk, Tesla and DOGE. Where does it end?

by: MSN

New York Congresswoman introduces bill to make Trump's birthday a federal holiday

New York Congresswoman introduces bill to make Trump's birthday a federal holiday - 'This legislation would permanently codify a new federal holiday called "Trump's Birthday and Flag Day", Congressman

by: MSN

Judge to hear arguments over Musk's authority as suits against administration pile up

A judge will hear arguments challenging Elon Musk's constitutional authority -- one of at least 73 lawsuits the administration faces in its effort to trim the government.

by: MSN

'He couldn't answer': Dems left shocked after ambushing Mike Johnson over Elon Musk

Reps. Judy Chu (D-CA) and Gwen Moore (D-WI) — found House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) to be "alarmingly" ignorant of Elon Musk's intentions as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) rampaged its way through the federal government,

by: MSN

Comelec asked to disqualify Tulfo siblings

A petition seeking to disqualify members of the Tulfo clan from running in the national and local elections was filed before the Commission on Elections (Comelec). The 22-page petition, dated February 14,

by: MSN

Trouble for Elon Musk's DOGE? Rare urgent court hearing scheduled on Presidents Day holiday. Here's why

Elon Musk's governmental cost-cutting team known as DOGE in President Donald Trump's second tenure has raised several questions.

by: MSN

Trump claims Putin wants to 'stop fighting' and Zelensky will be in negotiations

Brazil's Neymar walk onto the pitch during his debut for Santos FC in a Sao Paulo league soccer match against Botafogo-SP, in Santos, Brazil, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. On February 12, Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin spoke by telephone, their first official conversation since Trump's re-election.

by: MSN

Column: Democrats belatedly wake up to start battling Trump and Musk

Democrats in Congress seemed surprised as President Trump fully unleashed Elon Musk to upend the federal government. Can they mount a real opposition?

by: MSN

Congress needs to ensure Trump's 'common-sense' agenda 'has become law': Kevin Roberts

Heritage Foundation and Heritage Action President Kevin Roberts details optimism around DOGE cuts, how to 'make the government great again' and international reactions to the Trump-Vance administration.

by: MSN

Moscow warns Zelensky's days 'are numbered'

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin spoke by telephone, their first official conversation since Trump's re-election.

by: MSN

Kerala Mosque Sparks Outcry: Slain Hamas, Hezbollah Leaders Honoured, Posters Paraded Atop Elephants

Kerala Mosque Sparks Outcry: Slain Hamas, Hezbollah Leaders Honoured, Posters Paraded Atop Elephants

by: MSN

China plays its Trump card

As newly installed President Donald Trump pursues his personal agenda in the White House, Chairman Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) elites must be rubbing their hands with glee. Trump and his senior officials are alarming or snubbing one country after another,

by: MSN

MK Stalin vs Dharmendra Pradhan: Centre can't blackmail, says DMK leader; union minister fires back with Hindi argument

The war of words between the Centre and Tamil Nadu has heated up, with education minister Dharmendra Pradhan saying that there is nothing wrong with students of the state learning another language. His comments come a day after M K Stalin accused the Centre of 'blackmailing' over NEP.

by: MSN

Assam: FIR filed against Pakistan national allegedly linked to Congress MP Gogoi's wife

The Assam Police has registered a case against Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheik, and others under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, state Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Monday.

by: MSN

Analysis-Italy's Meloni takes on the judiciary, in echo of Berlusconi

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is clashing with the country's judiciary in the same way her old political ally and mentor Silvio Berlusconi used to, promising a once-in-a-lifetime overhaul of the legal system.

by: MSN

Washington Post refuses to run $115,000 ad titled 'Fire Elon Musk,' report says

Washington Post refuses to run $115,000 ad titled 'Fire Elon Musk,' report says - 'Who's running this country: Donald Trump or Elon Musk,' reads the advert, which was intended for Tuesday's edition of

by: MSN

Former UK PM John Major warns of dangers if US does not stand by allies

Major said if the US 'retreats towards isolation' it would leave the door open for China and Russia to wield increased influence A world in which the United States does not support its allies will be "rather more dangerous",

by: MSN

Trump told Netanyahu 'Do whatever you want,' provides hostage update

Donald Trump was asked by reporters if he's been briefed on phase two of the hostage exchange deal between Israel and Hamas. Trump replied that he told Israeli PM Netanyahu to, 'Do whatever you want.'

by: MSN

Trump takes a lap at Daytona as Elon Musk reportedly seeks access to personal taxpayer data: Live

Trump drives Daytona 500 track as government tries to rehire fired nuclear safety staff: Live updates - According to the White House the president will arrive at the Daytona International Speedway jus

by: MSN

'Trump's actions taking us back to primitive days of slavery, colonisation'

Frank Chikane, a veteran of the African National Congress (ANC), argues that the arbitrary actions of United States President Donald Trump, including the cutting of financial support to South Africa,

by: MSN

Are Musk's plans for mass federal layoffs 'driven by what he sees' on X?

More employees across more than a dozen federal agencies are reporting they are being let go from their positions as Elon Musk and DOGE look to slash the government workforce. New York Times reporter Teddy Schleifer breaks down the latest on these firings and discusses the relationship between Musk and President Trump.

by: MSN

Assam: Politics heats up as BJP and Congress warn each other of legal battle

The ongoing political battle between Assam's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress took a legal turn on Sunday, February 16, with both sides threatening lawsuits over allegations of defamation and character assassination.

Syria's new leader visits former Assad strongholds

Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa visited Latakia and Tartus on Sunday, his office said, making his first official trip to the coastal provinces formerly known as strongholds of ousted ruler Bashar al-Assad.
The article from MSN discusses the visit of Syria's new leader, who has taken over from Bashar al-Assad, to former strongholds of the Assad regime. This visit marks a significant moment as it aims to consolidate power and possibly signal a shift in policy or approach towards these regions, which have been pivotal in the Syrian conflict. The new leader's tour includes engaging with local leaders, assessing the current state of these areas, and potentially outlining plans for reconstruction and reconciliation. This move is seen as an attempt to mend the deep divisions within the country, address the ongoing humanitarian crisis, and restore some semblance of normalcy and governance in areas that have been heavily impacted by years of civil war.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
https://www.msn.com/en-ph/politics/government/syria-s-new-leader-visits-former-assad-strongholds/ar-AA1zaRCe