Prime Minister Sunak’s upcoming meeting with President Trump carries heightened political risk due to escalating tensions between Trump and Zelensky. Sunak aims to secure a US commitment to deter future Russian aggression in Ukraine, potentially involving British troop deployment as part of a peace agreement. However, Russia’s ambassador to the UK rejects the idea of foreign troops in Ukraine and questions the possibility of peace without Ukrainian elections. Trump’s recent comments blaming Ukraine for the war and threatening Zelensky have further complicated the situation.
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The National Science Foundation (NSF) terminated approximately 168 employees, representing roughly 10% of its workforce, citing President Trump’s executive order mandating federal workforce reduction. The firings disproportionately affected probationary and temporary employees, including program officers crucial for grant management and research oversight. Many terminated employees reported exemplary performance records, leading to accusations of unfounded dismissals and concerns about the legality of the actions. This mass termination is expected to significantly hinder the NSF’s ability to manage its $9 billion budget and support crucial scientific research.
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A midair collision between a Cessna 172S and a Lancair 360 MK II resulted in at least two fatalities at Marana Regional Airport in Arizona. The collision occurred near runway 12 of the uncontrolled field, with the Lancair sustaining a post-impact fire. The NTSB is investigating the incident, which follows a recent series of concerning aviation accidents. The FAA is also involved in the ongoing investigation.
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On February 12th, France’s CEA WEST Tokamak reactor achieved a groundbreaking milestone in fusion energy research, sustaining a plasma reaction for over 22 minutes—surpassing a previous record set by China. This extended reaction, at temperatures of 100-150 million °C and pressures of 5-10 atmospheres, successfully maintained stability without component damage. The experiment’s success demonstrates significant progress towards a self-sustaining fusion reaction and will inform the development of larger reactors like ITER. Future experiments aim to extend reaction times to several hours at even higher temperatures.
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The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is revoking its approval of New York City’s congestion pricing program, citing its primary focus on MTA revenue generation rather than congestion reduction, exceeding the scope of its authorized pilot program. MTA Chair Janno Lieber plans to challenge this decision in federal court, emphasizing the program’s success in reducing congestion and improving commute times. Governor Hochul also intends to fight the USDOT’s decision, highlighting the positive impacts on traffic and businesses. The future of congestion pricing remains uncertain pending legal action.
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Despite recent assertions by Trump that Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid are safe from cuts, opposition is emerging within the Republican party. Moderate Republicans are publicly rejecting proposed Medicaid cuts, citing the negative impact on constituents’ healthcare access. Representative Bresnahan’s statement exemplifies this resistance, highlighting his commitment to his constituents’ well-being over party politics. This internal conflict underscores the potential challenges facing any legislation aiming to reduce these social programs.
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Following President Trump’s executive order reinstating the federal death penalty, a $11,000 donation—the largest to date—was made to Luigi Mangione’s legal defense fund. The anonymous donor cited concerns about the politicization of capital punishment and potential prejudice against Mangione, who faces federal murder charges for the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione’s legal team will utilize the over $485,000 raised to fight charges across multiple jurisdictions. His next court appearances are scheduled for this week and into March.
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Following Ukrainian President Zelensky’s accusation that Trump is influenced by Russian disinformation, Trump retaliated by calling Zelensky a “dictator without elections” on Truth Social. Trump criticized U.S. financial aid to Ukraine, blaming Zelensky for a prolonged war and mishandling of funds. Simultaneously, U.S. and Russian officials met to discuss ending the conflict, notably excluding Ukrainian representatives. Trump asserted his ability to negotiate a peace deal with Russia, a claim met with mixed reactions internationally.
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Following a U.S.-Russia meeting in Riyadh to discuss the Ukraine conflict, Prime Minister Trudeau emphasized the fundamental principle of Ukrainian inclusion in any peace negotiations, stating that “nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.” This stance aligns with that of Canada’s allies and contrasts sharply with the U.S.-Russia meeting’s exclusion of Ukrainian officials, a decision that has drawn criticism from Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and other European leaders. Trudeau reiterated Canada’s unwavering support for Ukraine against Russia’s aggression, highlighting the devastating human cost of the war and Russia’s violation of international norms. President Trump’s comments blaming Ukraine for the conflict further underscore the divisions surrounding the ongoing war.
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Town hall meetings in Omaha and Iowa City this weekend mark the beginning of a nationwide grassroots movement to counter Trumpism. This movement aims to defeat Trumpism not through Washington politics, but by mobilizing Americans against oligarchy and for policies benefiting working people. Success hinges on countering Trump’s financial and media advantages and his disregard for democratic norms and the rule of law, while simultaneously pushing for progressive policies such as universal healthcare and a living wage. The upcoming Republican “reconciliation” bill, which offers massive tax cuts to the wealthy while slashing crucial social programs, serves as a key battleground for this movement.
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John Q. Hosedrinker