An Garda Síochána remains under strength despite arrival of new recruits: The number of gardaí at the end of May stood at 13,982, less than at the end of ...
irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41427622.html

Incident at the Energy Department: Trump administration accidentally fires nuclear safety experts
n-tv.de/politik/Trump-Regierung-kuendigt-versehentlich-Atomsicherheitsexperten-article25565503.html

They’re not just suing to stop DOGE. They’re suing Elon Musk himself. - POLITICO: A pair of lawsuits say that, with all the power he has accumulated ...
politico.com/news/2025/02/14/elon-musk-doge-lawsuits-constitution-00204479

Quick Glance: State AGs Sue Musk and Trump Over Abuse of Power
- A coalition of state attorneys general has filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk and Donald Trump, accusing Musk of an "unlawful assault" on the federal government.
- The lawsuit seeks to bar Musk from exercising authority and demands he disclose how he has used illegally obtained agency data.
- Musk is also accused of having excessive control over the Department of Defense, which has significant contracts with his companies.
- The attorneys argue that Musk's actions are unconstitutional since he has not been nominated or confirmed by the Senate.
Compulsory corona vaccination: Berlin fire department faces millions in damages: A Berlin firefighter sued for breach of data protection and won ...
berliner-zeitung.de/mensch-metropole/corona-impfzwang-berliner-feuerwehr-droht-schadenersatz-in-millionenhoehe-li.2294020

DOGE seeks access to IRS system with sensitive taxpayer data: The system enables certain IRS staff "to have instantaneous visual access to certain taxpayer ...
axios.com/2025/02/17/doge-irs-access-taxpayer-data-system

Quick Glance: DOGE Pursues Access to IRS's Sensitive Taxpayer Data
- Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency is seeking access to the IRS's sensitive taxpayer data system.
- Software engineer Gavin Kliger is expected to work as an adviser at the IRS for at least 120 days.
- The proposed agreement would grant DOGE extensive access to critical tax data that is legally protected.
- Democratic senators express concerns over potential misuse of taxpayer data by DOGE personnel.
Exclusive: FDA staff reviewing Musk’s Neuralink were included in DOGE employee firings, sources say
reuters.com/world/us/fda-staff-reviewing-musks-neuralink-were-included-doge-employee-firings-sources-2025-02-17/

Quick Glance: FDA Staff Reviewing Neuralink Terminated
- FDA employees reviewing Elon Musk's Neuralink were fired recently.
- Approximately 20 staff members from the FDA's neurological devices division were let go, potentially hindering safe processing of applications.
- These layoffs were part of a broader workforce reduction and primarily affected probationary employees.
- Experts express concerns regarding the safety of Neuralink's clinical trials as a result of these changes.
USA not responding to SA's calls for discussion - Lamola
enca.com/top-stories/usa-not-responding-sas-calls-discussion-lamola

US man shoots Israeli visitors thinking they were Palestinians, police say: A US man was arrested and charged with two counts of attempted murder in Florida ...
ara.tv/iyg5f

Quick Glance: Delta Aircraft Rolls Over During Toronto Landing
- A Delta aircraft overturned upon landing at Toronto Pearson Airport, injuring 18 individuals.
- Three people, including a child, sustained critical injuries, with 15 others hospitalized.
- Weather conditions included strong winds and snowfall, complicating the landing.
- An investigation into the cause of the accident has commenced, with the airport anticipating operational delays.
Four senior aides to New York mayor Adams to resign, media report: Four deputies to New York Mayor Eric Adams plan resign in the coming days in a withdrawal of ...
reuters.com/world/us/four-senior-aides-new-york-mayor-adams-resign-media-report-2025-02-17/

Quick Glance: Four Deputy Mayors of New York City Plan Resignations
- Four deputy mayors plan to resign, withdrawing support from Mayor Eric Adams after the Justice Department requested to drop charges against him.
- This situation has already triggered mass resignations within the Justice Department as officials refuse to comply with the dismissal.
- City Comptroller Brad Lander has urged Adams to create a contingency plan for the leadership vacuum created by the resignations, threatening removal proceedings.
- Adams continues to resist calls to resign, facing increasing pressure since being indicted last year.
Is Elon Musk Auditing Fort Knox's Gold Reserve? What We Know: Amid speculation about U.S. gold reserves, Musk says he wants to tour Fort Knox and uncover the ...
newsweek.com/elon-musk-auditing-fort-knox-2032128

Quick Glance: Elon Musk Eyes Inspection of Fort Knox Gold Reserves
- Elon Musk expressed interest in touring Fort Knox to uncover the truth about U.S. gold reserves.
- The last complete audit of the gold reserves occurred in the 1950s, raising doubts about the reliability of reported figures.
- Calls for an audit have emerged, as discrepancies could significantly impact global gold markets.
- It remains uncertain whether Musk and his task force will gain access to Fort Knox for a thorough inspection.
Discussion | Police bodycam rollout from April: Police officers will have body cameras from April. At least 100 of them for now.
enca.com/videos/discussion-police-bodycam-rollout-april

Quick Glance: Julianne Moore criticizes Trump for banning her book
- Julianne Moore expresses dismay over the Trump administration's ban of her children's book "Freckleface Strawberry" in Pentagon schools.
- The book addresses themes of self-acceptance and is aimed at children with similar experiences to Moore's.
- Moore questions the controversy surrounding her book's ban and expresses sadness over the loss of free speech.
- PEN America condemned the removal of books from schools serving 67,000 children worldwide, labeling it an autocratic approach to education.
Hegseth claims outgoing Biden IRS targeted family with audit: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday accused the Biden administration of targeting his family ...
trib.al/JqFUXvr

Russia ready to support Iran’s nuclear programme, says Kremlin: Mr Peskov emphasised that Moscow views its strong relationship with Iran as highly significant ...
premiumtimesng.com/foreign/775129-russia-ready-to-support-irans-nuclear-programme-says-kremlin.html

[BREAKING NEWS] Three victims of sexual assault and torture at Zanzou night club in Pretoria come forward to report their ordeal to the police.#Newzroom405

Local Trump supporters gather at the US Embassy in Pretoria, and more from around the world
dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-02-17-local-trump-supporters-gather-at-the-us-embassy-in-pretoria-and-more-from-around-the-world/

US energy department says less than 50 purged from nuclear security office: U.S. President Donald Trump and his adviser Elon Musk purged less than 50 workers ...
reuters.com/world/us/us-energy-department-says-less-than-50-purged-nuclear-security-office-2025-02-16/

Quick Glance: Fewer than 50 Staff Purged from Nuclear Agency
- The U.S. Energy Department reported that fewer than 50 workers were purged from the National Nuclear Security Administration after previously announcing 325 layoffs that were later rescinded.
- This confusion distracted employees from critical national security tasks, as they were uncertain about their employment status.
- Democratic lawmakers condemned the layoffs as 'shocking' and raised concerns about the potential impact on national and global security.
- The NNSA will continue to fulfill its responsibilities for national security protection and non-proliferation efforts.
South Africa says silence from US on bid for talks, China pledges support: South Africa's foreign minister Ronald Lamola said on Monday that the United States ...
reuters.com/world/africa/south-africa-says-us-has-not-responded-attempts-engage-after-trump-order-2025-02-17/

Quick Glance: South Africa Seeks US Dialogue Amid Chinese Support
- South Africa's Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola stated that the United States has not responded to requests regarding Trump's aid cuts, while China has pledged support.
- The US cut financial assistance due to disapproval of South Africa's land reform policy and a genocide case against Israel.
- South Africa is organizing bilateral meetings to gain support from various countries, including China, and emphasizes that the G20 agenda will remain unchanged despite US objections.
- Lamola reiterated that the land reform policy and the genocide case against Israel are non-negotiable, while the country continues to seek dialogue with the US.
How hard have US agencies been hit by Trump and Musk's layoffs?: US President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, one of his closest advisers ...
timeslive.co.za/news/world/2025-02-18-how-hard-have-us-agencies-been-hit-by-trump-and-musks-layoffs/

North Korea Doubles Down on Nukes Amid Rising Tensions with US and Asia: North Korea accused the U.S. and its Asian allies of "groundless mud-slinging and ...
newsweek.com/north-korea-doubles-down-nukes-amid-rising-tensions-us-asia-2032522

Musk is not a DOGE employee and "has no actual or formal authority," WH says: President Trump described Musk as a leader of the department when he announced ...
axios.com/2025/02/18/musk-doge-authority-trump-white-house

Quick Glance: Unclear Leadership in Department of Government Efficiency
- Elon Musk's role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) remains ambiguous, as he is neither an administrator nor an employee.
- A White House official clarified that Musk is a 'non career special government employee' with no formal decision-making authority.
- Judge Tanya Chutkan raised concerns about DOGE's unpredictable methods and lack of congressional oversight.
- The uncertainty surrounding DOGE's leadership affects not only the public but also the Trump administration's attorneys.
Top Social Security official steps down after disagreement with DOGE over sensitive data
nbcnews.com/politics/doge/top-social-security-official-steps-disagreement-doge-sensitive-data-rcna192530

Quick Glance: Musk's Claims on Social Security Fraud Debunked
- Elon Musk claims to have uncovered massive fraud in the Social Security Administration, alleging that 150-year-olds are receiving benefits.
- Experts suggest this is likely a result of outdated coding quirks rather than actual fraud.
- Musk shared misleading database figures indicating over 10 million individuals over 120 years old receiving benefits, surpassing the US population.
- His assertions regarding Social Security corruption appear to misrepresent the data, and no responses have been received from relevant authorities.
Russia and U.S. begin talks on ending the war in Ukraine, but Europe can't agree a peacekeeping plan
cnbc.com/2025/02/18/russian-and-us-to-hold-talks-on-ending-war-ukraine-europe-left-out.html

Britain ‘must be rearmed’ declares Defence Secretary: Defence Secretary John Healey has unveiled a sweeping reform agenda aimed at transforming the UK’s defence ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/britain-must-be-rearmed-declares-defence-secretary/

Police operation in Lower Saxony: 19-year-old attacked with a knife and critically injured
spiegel.de/panorama/justiz/19-jaehrige-mit-messer-angegriffen-und-lebensgefaehrlich-verletzt-a-bca08dae-c59a-4f9d-a5b0-7eac793fe462

FAA fires fewer than 400 workers, transportation chief says
reuters.com/world/us/faa-fires-fewer-than-400-workers-transportation-chief-says-2025-02-18/

Muhsin Hendricks: First openly gay imam in the world shot dead: Muhsin Hendricks came out as gay in 1996. A documentary made him world famous ...
t-online.de/nachrichten/panorama/gesellschaft/id_100603042/muhsin-hendricks-erster-offen-schwuler-imam-der-welt-erschossen.html

US man shot Israeli visitors thinking they were Palestinians, police say: A Florida man was arrested and charged with two counts of attempted murder in the US ...
timeslive.co.za/news/world/2025-02-18-florida-man-shot-israeli-visitors-thinking-they-were-palestinians-police-say/

[VIEWER QUESTION] Bodycams will finally be rolled out to officers from April. How do you think this will improve policing in South Africa?
Send us your ... Show more

North Korea denounces 'absurd' denuclearisation pledge by US and allies: North Korea's foreign ministry said on Tuesday that it will keep bolstering its nuclear ...
reuters.com/world/north-korea-denounces-absurd-denuclearisation-pledge-by-us-allies-2025-02-18/

South African lab technician, Nozipho Mlotshwa, was waiting for the test results for a potential HIV vaccine, which has eluded scientists for decades ... Show more
Trump's aid cuts halt HIV vaccine tests - SABC News - Breaking news, special reports, world, business, sport coverage of all South African current events. Africa's news leader.
Trump's aid cuts halt HIV vaccine tests - SABC News - Breaking news, special reports, world, business, sport coverage of all South African current events. Africa's news leader.
Düsseldorf: Shots fired at university hospital ++ Doctor threatened with a knife: Dramatic police operation at the Düsseldorf University Hospital ...
derwesten.de/region/duesseldorf-uniklinik-schuesse-messer-id301378763.html

Two Israelis shot in Miami by man who thought he was targeting Palestinians: Mordechai Brafman, who shot victims 17 times, said he 'saw two ...
middleeasteye.net/news/man-arrested-miami-shooting-two-israelis-thinking-they-were-palestinian

With Trump declaring war on climate action, is this the last straw?: The US under Donald Trump has become a dead weight despite the technology existing to ...
smh.com.au/environment/climate-change/with-trump-declaring-war-on-climate-action-is-this-the-last-straw-20250217-p5lcon.html

Airbnb Co-Founder Joe Gebbia Joins Growing DOGE Team Under Elon Musk: Joe Gebbia is the latest tech guru to join Elon Musk's growing team of staffers within DOGE ...
newsweek.com/airbnb-joe-gebbia-doge-team-mmebers-elon-musk-2032324

Quick Glance: Joe Gebbia Joins Elon Musk's DOGE Team
- Joe Gebbia, co-founder of Airbnb, has joined Elon Musk's DOGE team focused on cost-cutting.
- His background in disruptive business models will assist Musk in identifying and reducing inefficient federal expenditures.
- DOGE has already proposed significant budget cuts, including the dissolution of agencies like USAID.
- With Gebbia's addition to DOGE, further budget reviews and increased private-sector collaboration are anticipated.
No, 150-Year-Olds Aren't Collecting Social Security Benefits: Elon Musk claims to have found rampant fraud in the Social Security Administration ...
wired.com/story/elon-musk-doge-social-security-150-year-old-benefits/

Trump begins firings of FAA air traffic control employees weeks after fatal DC plane crash
pbs.org/newshour/politics/trump-begins-firings-of-faa-air-traffic-control-employees-weeks-after-fatal-dc-plane-crash

Quick Glance: Trump Fires FAA Staff Following Deadly Plane Crash
- The Trump administration has initiated the termination of several hundred FAA employees during a busy travel weekend, weeks after a fatal mid-air collision at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
- The dismissed employees, involved in maintenance for radar and navigational aids, received late-night notifications of their firing without cause, amid existing staffing shortages at the FAA.
- The National Air Traffic Controllers Association is assessing the impact of these terminations on aviation safety and the national airspace system.
- One dismissed employee suggested that his firing was politically motivated due to his criticism of Tesla and Twitter, indicating possible underlying political influences.
Vegesack: Mother of four children complains about low citizen's allowance: The citizen's allowance is not enough, complains Danielle Drieling ...
weser-kurier.de/bremen/stadtteil-vegesack/vegesack-mutter-von-vier-kinder-klagt-ueber-geringes-buergergeld-doc7zek1e3sfpt16ey27k6s

Fact Check: Trump says Russia has lost 1.5 million troops In Ukraine war: President Donald Trump makes an unevidenced claim about the human cost of the ...
newsweek.com/fact-check-trump-russia-ukraine-war-losses-troops-2030104

USAID-funded HIV organisations in SA struggle to return to work despite US court ruling
dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-02-17-usaid-funded-hiv-organisations-in-sa-struggle-to-return-to-work-despite-us-court-ruling/

Trump Uses Supreme Court Immunity Ruling to Claim “Unrestricted Power”: Donald Trump says the Supreme Court already gave him the power to purge the federal ...
newrepublic.com/post/191619/trump-supreme-court-immunity-unrestricted-power

Quick Glance: Trump Administration Seeks SCOTUS Approval to Terminate Whistleblower Head
- The Trump administration is appealing to the Supreme Court to allow the dismissal of the head of the whistleblower protection agency.
- This request follows a court order temporarily reinstating Hampton Dellinger, hindering the administration's objectives.
- Dellinger claims he can only be removed for job performance issues, which were not cited in his dismissal email.
- The administration fears that upholding this order could undermine presidential authority and encourage further legal challenges.
KIIT student suicide: Over 500 Nepali students forced to leave KIIT University following unrest surrounding a suicide
thehindu.com/news/national/over-500-nepali-students-forced-to-leave-kiit-university-following-unrest-surrounding-a-suicide/article69229552.ece

Homan says he’s asked DOJ whether Ocasio-Cortez is impeding ICE: President Trump’s “border czar” Tom Homan said Monday he asked the Department of Justice (DOJ) ...
trib.al/EdgPtgV

Fetterman blasts Musk over DOGE, IRS: Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) went after tech billionaire Elon Musk over a report that his Department of Government ...
trib.al/W4Cz0Ol

Merz rules out Habeck as Minister of Economics - | Ministry to be restructured: Robert Habeck should not be Minister of Economics in a cabinet led by Friedrich ...
welt.de/politik/deutschland/article255460554/Merz-schliesst-Habeck-als-Wirtschaftsminister-aus-Ministerium-soll-umgebaut-werden.html

Quick Glance: Election Campaign: FDP Rebounds, New Coalition Options Emergent
- A recent poll indicates the FDP has reached 5 percent, enabling their return to the Bundestag and complicating the prospects for a Schwarz-Rot coalition.
- The Left party has gained momentum with 7 percent, while the Union remains at 30 percent and the SPD stagnates at 16 percent.
- New coalition possibilities are arising, including a Jamaika coalition of the Union, Greens, and FDP, totaling 332 seats.
- The Left plans to continue engaging with voters post-election, stating they have knocked on 550,000 doors during the campaign.
BREAKING: The Department of Education (DepEd) confirmed on Monday, Feb. 17, that an investigation has been launched into a dozen private schools across nine ... Show more
Musk's DOGE team to visit US FAA command center on Monday: Personnel from Elon Musk's government downsizing team DOGE will visit the Federal Aviation ...
reuters.com/world/us/musks-doge-team-visit-us-faa-air-traffic-control-command-center-monday-2025-02-17/

Social media uproar over Miami man who shot Israelis mistaken for Palestinians: A man who was reportedly hunting Palestinians was arrested over the weekend for ...
middleeasteye.net/trending/social-media-uproar-miami-man-who-shot-israelis-mistaken-for-palestinians

Trump Launches Mass Purge of Air Traffic Control Staff: The Trump administration has kicked off a firing spree of air traffic controllers ...
newrepublic.com/post/191585/trump-fire-air-traffic-controllers

Merz plays Quadrell like Bayern: All against one, but one puts the lid on it: Four candidates for chancellor, two hours and a surprisingly clear winner: Union ...
n-tv.de/politik/Alle-gegen-eine-aber-einer-macht-den-Deckel-drauf-article25567244.html

Quick Glance: Quadrell Survey: Weidel and Habeck Divide Voter Opinion
- The Forsa survey reveals Friedrich Merz leading in the Quadrell ahead of the election, but Alice Weidel excels in the East.
- In East Germany, 31 percent consider Weidel the best candidate, followed by Scholz at 26 percent and Merz at 25 percent.
- Habeck is favored among younger voters (ages 18-29) at 36 percent, while only receiving 12 percent among those over 60.
- Most viewers indicated that the TV debate did not affect their voting decisions, especially among undecided voters.
Trump administration pressures Romania to lift restrictions on Andrew Tate : Tristan and Andrew Tate have been charged with sexual misconduct ...
ft.com/content/3f951e0b-a9cb-489a-be89-fdf9f996ed27

Trump administration firing hundreds of FAA employees despite four deadly crashes in four weeks
theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/17/trump-administration-faa-worker-firings

US President Donald Trump’s aid freeze could result in millions more AIDS deaths: UN
wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trumps-aid-freeze-could-result-in-millions-more-aids-deaths-un-8728395

Quick Glance: Trump's Aid Freeze Threatens Millions of AIDS Lives
- President Trump's decision to suspend US overseas funding may lead to millions of additional AIDS deaths, warns UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima.
- The United States is the largest provider of official development assistance, primarily through USAID.
- The 90-day halt of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) could increase AIDS deaths to 6.3 million within five years.
- Byanyima calls for comprehensive debt restructuring as many African nations struggle with high debts that hinder health expenditure.
These Mass. residents voted for Trump. Several say, ‘So far, so good.’ - The Boston Globe
trib.al/fKoIFvg

'No kings on Presidents Day' rings out from protests against Trump and Musk: Protesters against President Donald Trump and his policies organized demonstrations ...
apnews.com/article/president-donald-trump-protest-c8796556fbf20e796f42167f61c3d942

Quick Glance: Protests Against Trump and Musk on Presidents Day
- On Presidents Day, numerous activists across the U.S. protested against President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, viewed as threats to democracy.
- The demonstrations, organized by the 50501 Movement and Indivisible, emphasized the message that there should be no kings on this day while criticizing Trump's and Musk's power grabs.
- In various cities, including Boston and Phoenix, people gathered to oppose potential dictatorship and called for the removal of Musk and Trump.
- Protesters expressed concerns about the dangers posed by reducing federal agencies and the implications for social security.
China reacted in sharp terms to the US State Department removing previous wording on its website about not supporting Taiwan independence ... Show more
China urges US to 'correct its mistakes' after State Department website removes Taiwan independence reference | Reuters
China urges US to 'correct its mistakes' after State Department website removes Taiwan independence reference | Reuters

How the start of Trump’s second term looks like some autocracies: President Trump’s social media post over the weekend that implied he is above the law triggered ...
pbs.org/newshour/show/how-the-start-of-trumps-second-term-looks-like-some-autocracies

Jewish man arrested in Miami after shooting two Israelis he reportedly thought were Palestinians
haaretz.com/us-news/2025-02-17/ty-article/man-arrested-in-miami-beach-after-shooting-two-israelis-he-thought-were-palestinians/00000195-1481-d0af-a197-de9504cd0000

Anti-Trump crowd marches across downtown Portland bridges: A Presidents Day protest drew hundreds to downtown Portland as police scrambled to contain the crowd.
oregonlive.com/portland/2025/02/anti-trump-crowd-marches-across-downtown-portland-bridges.html

Hundreds of FAA staff fired by Trump administration, union says: The firings are part of a cost-cutting drive by the Trump administration, that aims to ...
bbc.com/news/articles/cly9y1e1kpjo

'No Kings on Presidents Day' Rallies Target Trump-Musk Assault on Democracy and Working Class
commondreams.org/news/no-kings-on-presidents-day

“If there were more Israels in the Middle East, more countries like that, the world would be a safer and better place,” said U ... Show more

Schools serving military service members’ kids are pulling books on civil rights history after Trump’s DEI threats
independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/military-schools-order-remove-dei-books-b2699252.html

Trump administration begins firings of FAA staff just weeks after fatal D.C. plane crash
cbsnews.com/news/trump-faa-firings/

Weidel speech on line 522: Police investigate bus driver who threatened passengers in Hennef
ksta.de/region/rhein-sieg-bonn/hennef/fahrgaeste-in-hennef-bedroht-polizei-ermittelt-gegen-busfahrer-965999

What DOGE could target elon musk spending: Elon Musk has said he could cut "at least $2 trillion" from U.S. government spending by eliminating "waste."
newsweek.com/what-doge-target-next-elon-musk-spending-2032139

Special Forces blocked 2,000 credible asylum claims from Afghan commandos, MoD confirms
bbc.com/news/articles/cy9l9elr95zo

Deportation flight: Federal police deport 47 people to Iraq: A charter plane with 47 Iraqis on board is on its way to Baghdad. The plane took off from Hanover in ...
welt.de/politik/deutschland/article255456590/Abschiebeflug-Bundespolizei-schiebt-47-Menschen-in-den-Irak-ab.html

New to NewsWall?
Sign up now to get your own personalized news!
Trending topics