The Roy Blunt Center for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Research, dedicated in 2022, received bipartisan support due to its cost-effective approach to combating Alzheimer’s. However, the Trump administration recently slashed funding for the center, resulting in layoffs, including the incoming director. This decision is contrary to the previously expressed support from Republicans, including its namesake, and experts warn of significant setbacks to Alzheimer’s research. The cuts have drawn criticism for their lack of apparent support and potential for widespread opposition.
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Following President Trump’s urging for more aggressive action, Elon Musk initiated a sweeping measure targeting federal employees. An email, seemingly originating from the Office of Personnel Management, demanded a list of accomplishments from the previous week, threatening resignation for non-compliance by a Monday deadline. This action, coupled with prior controversial administrative orders, has sparked widespread anxiety and uncertainty within the federal workforce. Union leaders strongly condemned the move, vowing legal action against potential unlawful terminations. The legality of Musk’s actions remains unclear.
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During a visit to Ukraine, Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg, President Trump’s special envoy, affirmed US support for Ukraine and emphasized the need for a peace deal preventing future conflict with Russia. Kellogg’s stance contrasts sharply with Trump’s accusations against Ukraine, highlighting a potential rift within the Trump administration’s approach to the conflict. Despite concerns about his sidelined role, Kellogg engaged extensively with Ukrainian officials, including President Zelenskyy, focusing on securing a lasting peace that addresses Ukrainian security concerns. His discussions with Ukrainian soldiers underscored the human cost of the war and the imperative to achieve a just resolution.
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The Trump administration barred Associated Press reporters from White House events for refusing to use the term “Gulf of America” instead of “Gulf of Mexico,” a decision condemned by dozens of news organizations. The AP, upholding its long-standing editorial policy, rejected the administration’s mandate to change the established geographical name. Surprisingly, even conservative outlets like Newsmax and Fox News joined the chorus of criticism, defending the AP’s First Amendment rights and warning of potential future repercussions. Despite the White House’s continued justification and refusal to reinstate the AP’s access, the AP vowed to defend its constitutional rights, highlighting growing concerns about government overreach.
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Following a stop-work order issued Tuesday, the Trump administration reversed course Friday, rescinding the order and allowing the Acacia Center for Justice to resume providing legal services to nearly 26,000 unaccompanied migrant children. The initial order halted funding for all activities under the center’s federal contract, jeopardizing legal representation for vulnerable children navigating the immigration system. This reversal ensures the continuation of vital legal aid, preventing a potential “cataclysmic collapse” of nonprofit legal services for immigrant children. The Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of the Interior have not yet commented publicly.
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The Trump administration is dismantling the federal government’s electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure by deactivating approximately 8,000 charging stations across all federal buildings. This action follows an internal directive classifying the charging stations as “not mission-critical.” Consequently, the General Services Administration (GSA) plans to divest itself of its recently acquired EV fleet, with the method of disposal currently undetermined. The administration has also removed the GSA’s fleet electrification webpage from online access.
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In a recent NOAA briefing, researchers omitted any mention of the link between January’s record high global temperatures and human-caused greenhouse gas emissions, a departure from previous practices. This omission occurred despite the briefing acknowledging record-high temperatures and despite direct questions about the role of climate change. The head of NOAA’s monitoring branch cited factors such as reduced air pollution and cloud cover as potential explanations, but this explanation fails to account for the overall warming trend. This silence comes amidst increased scrutiny of US scientific agencies under the Trump administration and a broader effort to downplay the role of climate change in government reports and communications.
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The Associated Press filed a lawsuit against three Trump administration officials, alleging unconstitutional suppression of speech after the White House restricted AP journalists’ access to presidential events. The restrictions, directly linked to the AP’s refusal to adopt Trump’s renaming of the Gulf of Mexico, are viewed as a retaliatory measure against the news agency’s editorial independence. The lawsuit, citing the First Amendment, seeks to immediately restore the AP’s access and prevent future government interference with press freedom. The White House, however, maintains its position and anticipates a court battle.
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President Trump’s administration, spearheaded by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, aims to dismantle the IRS, shifting the tax burden onto external entities. This initiative, evidenced by planned IRS layoffs and a $20 billion budget cut, is actively underway despite ongoing tax season. Simultaneously, Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency seeks access to all taxpayer data, further indicating a radical restructuring of the tax system. The feasibility of completely abolishing the IRS, however, remains uncertain due to potential legal challenges and congressional opposition.
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Hundreds of New Yorkers protested outside Representative Hakeem Jeffries’ office, criticizing his perceived weak opposition to the Trump administration and its policies. Protestors demanded stronger action against the administration’s actions, including refusal of the Republican budget proposal and a call for New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ removal due to a perceived deal with the Justice Department. The demonstration highlighted widespread dissatisfaction among Democrats with the party’s leadership, reflecting low approval ratings and a desire for more forceful resistance. Jeffries, while acknowledging the intensity of the opposition, countered that Democrats are strategically planning for the 2026 midterms. The protest underscores a growing divide between Democratic leadership and its base.
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John Q. Hosedrinker