Beginning Friday, thousands of USAID’s direct-hire personnel will be placed on administrative leave, excluding those in mission-critical roles, leadership, or designated programs. This action, driven by the Trump administration’s claims of agency waste and inefficiency, follows a freeze on foreign assistance and has sparked protests from staff and Democratic lawmakers citing potential harm to national security and vulnerable populations. The move is part of broader cuts orchestrated in coordination with Elon Musk, and while a complete closure of USAID requires Congressional action, the ongoing upheaval raises serious concerns about the future of global humanitarian aid. Affected employees were notified by Thursday afternoon.
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Ten thousand King Soopers workers in Colorado initiated a two-week strike, citing unfair labor practices including intimidation, surveillance, and attempts to undermine retiree benefits. The strike, authorized by 96% of UFCW Local 7 members, follows a previous strike in 2022, currently part of an anti-trust lawsuit alleging collusion between Kroger and Albertsons. Key worker concerns include understaffing, inadequate wages, and the company’s refusal to provide necessary information during contract negotiations. King Soopers disputes these allegations, claiming a commitment to fair wages and adequate staffing.
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Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell experienced two falls at the Capitol on Wednesday. The first occurred on a small staircase near the Senate chamber following a confirmation vote. He subsequently fell a second time but received assistance from colleagues. Despite the incidents, McConnell reportedly assured those present that he was unharmed.
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Due to a surge in arrests under the Trump administration, ICE detention facilities are operating at 109% capacity, forcing the release of approximately 160 migrants daily. This overcrowding stems from increased arrests exceeding the existing 38,521-bed capacity, with over half of detainees apprehended at the southern border. ICE is exploring solutions including increased funding, inter-agency collaboration, and expedited deportations; however, the agency also acknowledges legal limitations on detention. To address the crisis, ICE plans to significantly expand detention capacity through new facilities and collaborations with other agencies, potentially including repurposed military bases and even temporary tent sites.
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Following the M23 rebel takeover of Goma, hundreds of female prisoners were raped and burned alive in Munzenze prison during a mass jailbreak. The UN estimates approximately 2,000 bodies remain unburied in the city, with the atrocity attributed to the M23, though investigations are hampered by access restrictions. A subsequent, unexpected M23 ceasefire has lessened immediate concerns of further conflict toward Bukavu, though the UN remains apprehensive about potential renewed fighting and urges international pressure on Rwanda, which is suspected of supporting the M23. The UN also highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in Goma.
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At least three states have seen arrests of individuals falsely impersonating ICE agents, exploiting heightened fears within immigrant communities due to increased immigration enforcement. These incidents, including one caught on video showing a suspect’s violent and racist behavior towards Latino men, highlight the vulnerability of immigrant populations to scams and harassment. The impersonations coincide with the Trump administration’s intensified immigration enforcement efforts, which have expanded the scope of arrest and detention actions. Advocates emphasize the need for “safe space” policies and community education to combat this fear and ensure public safety.
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President Trump’s executive order freezing foreign aid, impacting USAID, has severely hampered efforts to combat the global HIV/AIDS epidemic, despite claims that “lifesaving” work was exempt. Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has drastically restructured USAID, leading to widespread staff email account suspensions and administrative leave, effectively halting vital work. While PEPFAR, a crucial AIDS relief program, received an emergency waiver, communication breakdowns and logistical obstacles continue to prevent the resumption of its lifesaving activities. This demonstrates the ineffectiveness of the waiver process in ensuring continued aid delivery to vulnerable populations.
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Over 1,000 protestors rallied outside the Treasury Department to denounce Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) gaining access to sensitive citizen data, including bank accounts and Social Security numbers. The demonstration, attended by several Democratic senators and representatives, caused significant street closures and featured signs criticizing Musk’s actions and the Trump administration. Protestors expressed concerns about the security of personal information and the potential targeting of federal workers. Chants of “Let us in!” and “Elon Musk has got to go!” underscored the urgency and intensity of the demonstration.
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A website, “DEI Watch List,” published the personal information of federal health workers, primarily Black employees involved in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, labeling them as “targets.” The site, linked in private group chats and social media, lists alleged “offenses” such as political donations and pronoun usage in bios, sparking fear and alarm among employees. This action, attributed to the conservative American Accountability Foundation, is viewed as a form of intimidation and harassment, with calls for law enforcement investigation. The incident follows recent threatening memos from HHS directing the termination of DEI-related activities and the reporting of non-compliant colleagues, further escalating anxieties within federal health agencies.
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Following intense negotiations, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination to lead the Health and Human Services Department advanced to the full Senate after clearing the Senate Finance Committee. Senator Bill Cassidy, initially a vocal critic of Kennedy’s anti-vaccine stance and other controversial statements, reversed his position after securing commitments from the administration. This shift resulted in a party-line vote in the committee. Kennedy’s confirmation now faces a full Senate vote.
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John Q. Hosedrinker