UK prime minister offers to send troops to Ukraine as part of peace deal
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he is willing to send peacekeeping troops to Ukraine after the war. This marks the first time the British leader has explicitly said he would be willing to deploy the U.K. army to Ukraine.
The announcement comes before an emergency meeting of European leaders in Paris after being left out of peace talks.
The U.S. and Russia are expected to meet in Saudi Arabia this week for talks to work towards ending the war.
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The U.K. prime minister said he’s ready to deploy troops to Ukraine if Moscow agrees to a deal requiring European peacekeepers. The announcement came right before an emergency meeting with European leaders in Paris Monday, Feb. 17 after U.S. President Donald Trump cut European leaders out of negotiations.
Trump’s Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, said Saturday, Feb. 15, Europe would not be invited to peace talks between the U.S. and Russia aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. This happened after Trump called Russian President Vladimir Putin last week declaring an immediate start to negotiations.
Why was the U.K. left out?
Trump criticized the European Union for not doing enough to support Ukraine, repeatedly urging the EU to increase its financial and military contributions to Ukraine’s defense.
How is the U.K. responding?
In an op-ed for the Telegraph Sunday, Feb. 16, U.K. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said sending peacekeeping troops to Ukraine risked “putting them in harm’s way,” but that the crisis was an “existential” question for Europe and a “once in a generation moment.”
He also said the U.K. is willing to lead in Ukraine’s defense and security committing around $3 billion every year until 2030.
Starmer said in an interview ahead of the Paris meeting, the U.K. is prepared to step up its overall response in Europe.
“We must continue to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position, whatever happens next, and to make sure that if there is peace and we all want peace, that it is lasting,” Starmer said. “I think that we need to do more. We need to step up.”
Are other countries backing Ukraine?
Sweden isn’t ruling out participating in the peacekeeping mission in Ukraine either, according to Reuters.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said negotiations would need to progress before he would make that decision though.
The Associated Press reported Britain and France are also leading a European-only effort to send troops to Ukraine for post-war security.
European leaders began exploring what kind of force might be needed about a year ago with the sense of urgency now growing amid concerns that Trump is leaving them out of a deal with Putin.
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth praised Poland, thanking the country’s prime minister and the Polish people in a post to X.
“Poland is a model NATO ally, leading on defense spending, deterrence and readiness. This is what leadership looks like,” Hegseth wrote.
Thank you to Deputy PM @KosiniakKamysz and the Polish people.
Poland is a model NATO ally—leading on defense spending, deterrence, and readiness. This is what leadership looks like. pic.twitter.com/doiLU0RBbC
Despite the recent support, NATO’s Secretary General Mark Rutte warned in December Putin was orchestrating a campaign discouraging other countries from backing Ukraine.
“Putin is trying to wipe Ukraine off the map,” Rutte said. “He is trying to fundamentally change the security architecture that has kept Europe safe for decades and he is trying to crush our freedom and way of life.”
The U.S. and Russia are expected to meet in Saudi Arabia this week for talks to work towards ending the war in Ukraine.
Rubio leads US delegation to Saudi Arabia for Russia-Ukraine peace talks
Possible peace talks aimed at ending the war between Russia and Ukraine are set to commence this week under the leadership of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. And a deadly polar vortex is expected to drive wind chills below 50 degrees in parts of the U.S. this week. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Monday, Feb. 17, 2025.
Rubio leads US delegation to Saudi Arabia for Russia-Ukraine peace talks
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio continues his tour of the Middle East on Monday, Feb. 17, with a stop in Saudi Arabia. While there, he’s expected to meet with Russian officials to discuss ending the Ukraine war.
Rubio leads a delegation that includes National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and President Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff. The trip has heightened concerns worldwide over the Trump administration’s apparent attempts to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine without including Ukraine or Europe in the talks.
In an interview on CBS’ “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” on Sunday, Feb. 16, Rubio dismissed those concerns.
“Ultimately, look, if at any point in time, there’s an opportunity to continue the work that President Trump started last week, to begin to create an opening for a broader conversation, that it would involve Ukraine and would involve the end of the war, and would involve our allies all over the world, particularly in Europe, we’re going to explore it, if that opportunity presents itself,” Rubio said.
He added, “Ultimately, it will reach a point when you are — if it’s real negotiations, and we’re not there yet, but if that were to happen, Ukraine will have to be involved because they’re the one that were invaded, and the Europeans will have to be involved because they have sanctions on Putin and Russia as well, and- and they’ve contributed to this effort. We’re just not there yet. We really aren’t, but hopefully we will be, because we’d all like to see this war end.”
On Sunday, Feb. 16, Trump told reporters he expects to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia “very soon” to discuss ending the war in Ukraine, but didn’t give any specifics.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the United Arab Emirates on Monday. It comes after he told NBC’s “Meet the Press” that Ukraine “will never accept any decisions between the United States and Russia” if Ukraine does not participate in negotiations.
The UAE has been proposed as a potential location for peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, as it is home to a significant number of Russian and Ukrainian expatriates who have relocated there since the war began, along with the country’s prior efforts in prisoner exchanges.
European leaders gather for emergency summit amid Trump-Putin peace talks
European leaders are meeting in Paris on Monday for an emergency summit to discuss “European security” as U.S. peace talks with Russia move forward without them.
French President Emmanuel Macron will host the “informal meeting,” which will include leaders from the U.K., Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands, and Denmark, as well as the presidents of the European Council, the European Commission and NATO.
The European diplomatic efforts follow Trump’s “lengthy” phone call with Putin last week, during which he announced that negotiations to end the Ukraine war would start “immediately.” When asked if Europeans had a role in talks between Russia and Ukraine, Trump’s envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, said over the weekend, “I’m [from] a school of realism. I think that’s not gonna happen.”
Netanyahu signals support for Trump’s plan to remove Palestinians from Gaza
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signaled he’s on board with Trump’s plan to remove the Palestinian population from Gaza, calling it “the only viable plan to enable a different future” for the war-torn enclave.
Netanyahu met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Israel on Sunday before Rubio moved on to Saudi Arabia. Netanyahu said he and Trump have a “common strategy” for Gaza, saying “the gates of hell would be open” if Hamas doesn’t release dozens of remaining hostages who were taken when the militant group attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
This week marks 500 days of the war.
Israel and Hamas are currently in the first phase of a ceasefire, though the second phase is in doubt since talks have yet to begin. Israel’s security cabinet is meeting Monday to discuss the second phase.
Negotiators will also be in Cairo this week as mediators aim to broker a lasting peace deal in the Gaza Strip.
Polar vortex to bring ‘life-threatening cold’ to parts of US
Harsh weather moves west after pummeling the eastern U.S. over the weekend, killing at least 10 people. Nine deaths were in Kentucky, where heavy rain led to flooding.
The National Weather Service warned that the storm system would bring “life-threatening cold” to the Rockies and northern Plains. Northeastern Montana is expected to experience the worst of it, with temperatures set to dip as low as 45 degrees below zero and wind chills down to 60 degrees below zero.
Forecasters said not only will this be the 10th polar vortex event this season, but it will also be the coldest. Places like eastern North Dakota and western Minnesota will see wind chills between -40 and –50 degrees.
The dangerous cold will then move back toward the east later this week. According to the NWS, “sub-zero wind chills will likely extend as far south as Texas, Arkansas, and western Tennessee and Kentucky.”
Hundreds of FAA employees fired, nuclear workers told to return: Reports
While federal workers are out of the office on Monday for President’s Day, it appears some will not return to work when offices reopen on Tuesday, Feb. 18. The union representing Federal Aviation Administration employees said several hundred probationary workers started receiving layoff notices on Friday, Feb. 14.
They could be barred from FAA facilities come Tuesday.
The move is part of the Trump administration’s goal of shrinking the federal workforce. The union represents workers who install, inspect and maintain air traffic control communications, radio and computer systems, as well as develop flight procedures.
These reported firings come as Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Elon Musk’s SpaceX team members will visit the FAA’s air traffic control command center in Warrenton, Virginia, on Monday to learn about the current system.
As Straight Arrow News reported last week, the federal government employs at least 200,000 probationary workers. These workers have been on the job for less than one year and have little protection against firing.
At the same time, the Trump administration has halted the firings of hundreds of federal employees who work for the nation’s nuclear program. The Associated Press reported that up to 350 employees at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) were abruptly laid off on Thursday, Feb. 13, as part of the Department of Government Efficiency’s purge of the Department of Energy.
However, by late Friday night, the acting administrator of the NNSA issued a memo rescinding all but 28 of the firings.
Trump attends Daytona 500; Byron wins after hours of rain delays
This year’s Daytona 500 is over after two weather delays delayed the race by three-and-a-half hours.
Trump was present for the start of this year’s race. He led drivers on two laps around the track in his heavily armored presidential limousine, known as “The Beast.”
William Byron walked away the winner for the second consecutive year with a smooth final lap, while others crashed. Byron is now the fifth driver to win back-to-back Daytona 500s and the first since Denny Hamlin in the 2019/2020 season.
Trump official says Europe won’t be involved with Russia-Ukraine peace talks
The Trump administration announced that Europe will not be involved in peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. Instead, Europe will be consulted by the United States.
European leaders, including Finnish President Alexander Stubb, have criticized the decision, emphasizing the need for Europe to be actively involved in discussions about Ukraine’s future.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that the new U.S. administration would act differently and called for a European military, acknowledging potential changes in U.S. support for Europe.
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The Trump administration announced that Europe will not be involved in peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. Instead, Europe will be consulted by the United States.
U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg made the announcement on Saturday, Feb. 15, while at the Munich Security Conference.
Kellogg said that he didn’t want a large group discussion when discussing an end to the war.
How has Europe responded to the comments?
Leaders throughout Europe have reacted to the Trump administration’s recent comments on Ukraine. Finnish President Alexander Stubb said Europe needs to “get its act together.”
“There’s no way in which we can have discussions or negotiations about Ukraine, Ukraine’s future or European security structure, without Europeans,” Stubb said in Munich. “But this means that Europe needs to get its act together. Europe needs to talk less and do more.”
Has Zelenskyy responded?
Before Kellogg made his comments about the peace talks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned those at the Munich Security Conference the Trump administration would act very differently than the Biden Administration.
“Yesterday here in Munich, the US vice president made it clear – decades of the old relationship between Europe and America are ending. From now on, things will be different, and Europe needs to adjust to that,” Zelenskyy said.
He also called for a European military, while acknowledging that the U.S. may not provide Europe with military support.
“We can’t rule out the possibility that America might say ‘No’ to Europe on issues that threaten it. Many leaders have talked about Europe that needs its own military – an Army of Europe,” he said.
What is Trump’s plan to end the war?
President Trump hasn’t given a firm answer on how he would end the war in Ukraine. In the past, he said he would continue to send aid if Ukraine gave the U.S. access to the country’s rare earth minerals.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent presented a similar agreement to Zelenskyy when Bessent visited Kyiv on Wednesday, Feb. 12.
Zelenskyy refused to sign the agreement, which could have U.S. troops in Ukraine after peace talks were completed between Ukraine and Russia.
Kellogg also didn’t provide detailed plans to end the war in Ukraine. When asked at the Munich Security Conference to provide plan details, he said he couldn’t at this time.
He also claimed that a peace agreement could include concessions from Russia but didn’t confirm Russia’s position on the proposal.
What happens next?
Shortly after Kellogg’s comments, French President Emmanuel Macron planned an emergency meeting with European leaders to discuss Trump’s attempts to seize control of the Ukraine peace process.
Officials said that the meeting will likely be held on Monday, Feb. 17. They said, in addition to Kellogg’s comments, the group will also discuss Ukraine’s possible future NATO membership and security guarantees Europe can give to Ukraine.
Macron urges Europe to boost defenses amid Trump’s return to WH: Report
French President Emmanuel Macron is urging Europe to beef up its defense industry in response to what he dubbed “the electroshock” caused by President Donald Trump returning to the White House last month. Macron’s call to action came in an interview with the Financial Times.
Macron said, “This is Europe’s moment to accelerate and execute,” adding, “It has no choice. It is running out of road.”
Macron’s remarks come as European allies are concerned over some of the details of Trump’s peace plan for Ukraine, which emerged this week.
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French President Emmanuel Macron is urging Europe to beef up its defense industry in response to what he dubbed “the electroshock” caused by President Donald Trump’s return to the White House.
In the interview, Macron said, “This is Europe’s moment to accelerate and execute,” adding, “It has no choice. It is running out of road.”
Macron’s remarks come as European allies are concerned over some of the details of Trump’s peace plan as they started to come to light during the week of Feb. 9.
What were Trump’s latest remarks on Ukraine?
As Straight Arrow News recently reported, Trump said he wanted to start negotiations with Moscow “immediately” after calling Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump posted about the call on Truth Social before calling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to relay the details of the conversation.
However, Trump did tell reporters Kyiv would need to be a part of the peace talks with Russia. If a ceasefire agreement includes provisions for Russia to keep the Ukrainian land it currently occupies, though, critics say Russia will be in a better position to complete its invasion of Ukraine since it may get to rearm and rebuild its military.
What did Macron say about Ukraine?
The French leader is casting doubt on whether Putin would actually agree to a ceasefire in another recent interview.
In his interview with the Financial Times, Macron stopped short of criticizing Trump directly on Ukraine. Instead, he said Trump created a “window of opportunity” for peace negotiations, where “everyone has to play their role,” which Macron said includes Zelenskyy entering talks about territorial and sovereignty issues without the need for U.S. support.
Macron warned in the interview that “peace that is capitulation” is “bad news for everyone,” including the United States.
Why does Macron want defense beefed up?
Macron said that by building up its defense capabilities in the face of growing global threats, Europe will be able to launch military responses without the need for U.S. support.
Car plows into Munich crowd ahead of security summit, 28 injured
A car driven by a 24-year-old Afghan asylum-seeker crashed into a crowd in central Munich, injuring at least 28 people, including children. Authorities suspect the incident was an attack, but the motive remains under investigation.
The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. near the city center, just a day before the annual Munich Security Conference, which gathers global leaders to discuss international security issues.
Police have secured the suspect and heightened security measures in Munich, with increased patrols around key locations, including the security conference venue.
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A car drove into a crowd in central Munich on Thursday, Feb. 13, injuring at least 28 people, including children, in what officials called a suspected attack. The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. near the city center, just a day before the annual Munich Security Conference, which gathers global leaders to discuss international security issues.
Authorities identified the driver as a 24-year-old Afghan asylum-seeker. Police secured the suspect at the scene, and officials say he no longer poses a threat. The motive remains under investigation, but Bavarian state officials, including Gov. Markus Söder, said it was likely an attack.
How did the incident unfold?
According to police, the car, a Mini Cooper, sped up and struck pedestrians near police vehicles that had been stationed for a demonstration by the Verdi union. Witnesses said the vehicle maneuvered between law enforcement vehicles before accelerating into the crowd.
Images from the scene showed scattered belongings, including shoes, a pair of glasses and a stroller.
Who was affected?
Authorities confirmed that 28 people were injured, with at least two in serious condition. Mayor Dieter Reiter said children were among those hurt. Emergency services responded quickly, treating victims at the scene before transporting them to hospitals.
Was the attack linked to the security conference?
The Munich Security Conference is set to begin Friday, Feb. 14, with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expected to attend. However, Bavaria’s interior minister said there is no known connection between the attack and the high-profile event.
What are officials saying?
Söder described the event as a “suspected attack” but emphasized that authorities are still investigating. Police have not yet determined if the attack was premeditated or whether the driver had any known ties to extremist groups.
The attack comes just 10 days before Germany’s federal elections, heightening security concerns. It also follows a deadly incident in December 2024, when a man drove a truck into a Christmas market in Magdeburg, killing six people and injuring more than 200.
What happens next?
Authorities continue to investigate the suspect’s background and possible motives. Security measures in Munich have been heightened, with law enforcement increasing patrols around key locations, including the security conference venue.
Police have urged the public to avoid the area while the investigation continues. Officials are also setting up a witness center to gather more information about the attack.
EU vows retaliation if Trump imposes tariffs on steel, aluminum
European Union Chief Ursula von der Leyen vowed to respond to U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum, stating they “will not go unanswered.” The EU will act to safeguard its economic interests and impose harsh countermeasures.
President Donald Trump levied 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports, effective March 4th.
EU trade ministers will hold an emergency video conference to discuss the organization’s response to the impending tariffs.
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The U.S. is raising tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to 25%, with no exemptions. President Donald Trump, who introduced similar tariffs during his first administration, said the move will protect struggling domestic industries.
The measures take effect on March 4, according to the White House.
The tariffs apply to millions of tons of steel and aluminum imports from Canada, Brazil, Mexico, South Korea and other countries that previously received exemptions.
However, the decision is already drawing backlash from U.S. allies, particularly the European Union, which has warned that it will respond with countermeasures that could escalate trade tensions.
How is the EU responding?
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the tariffs “will not go unanswered,” promising that the EU will act to protect its economic interests.
“Tariffs are taxes – bad for business, worse for consumers,” she said, calling the decision unjustified.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz warned that trade wars “cost both sides prosperity,” while EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic called the move a “lose-lose scenario.” Sefcovic argued it would hurt U.S. manufacturers by raising production costs.
One option for the EU is to reinstate tariffs on U.S. goods, including bourbon, motorcycles, and orange juice — measures previously imposed in response to Trump’s 2018 steel tariffs but later suspended under a trade truce with former President Joe Biden.
In past trade disputes, the EU has retaliated with tariffs on U.S. goods, including bourbon and motorcycles. A similar response could impact American exporters.
At the same time, U.S. industries reliant on imported steel — such as auto manufacturing and construction — could see higher costs, potentially leading to price increases for consumers.
The U.S. is also implementing a “melted and poured” requirement, mandating that imported steel be fully produced within North America to limit indirect imports from China and Russia.
Trump gives Hamas ultimatum amid threats to delay hostage release
President Donald Trump gives Hamas an ultimatum when it comes to the additional release of Israeli hostages. And new details are available about a deadly plane crash on the tarmac of the airport in Scottsdale, Arizona. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025.
Trump gives ultimatum as Hamas threatens to delay Israeli hostage release
President Donald Trump issued a vague but thinly veiled warning to Hamas after the terror group announced it would delay the release of the remaining Israeli hostages in the Gaza Strip. It puts the already tenuous ceasefire deal in danger of collapsing.
“Saturday at 12 o’clock, and if they’re not if they’re not here, all hell is going to break out,” Trump told reporters Monday, Feb. 10.
Hamas said it will not release the hostages who were scheduled to be freed this Saturday, Feb. 15, under the terms of the current ceasefire deal “until further notice,” claiming Israel had already violated the agreement.
In a post on X, a Hamas spokesperson said Israel delayed allowing displaced Palestinians to return to the Gaza Strip and denied humanitarian relief to the enclave, ravaged by more than 15 months of war.
Hamas later clarified this weekend’s hostage exchange, which would see three more Israeli hostages freed in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, would still go through if Israel “fulfill[s] its obligations.”
Relatives of some of the hostages gathered in Tel Aviv after the delay was announced, accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of purposely sabotaging the six-week ceasefire deal.
Trump has gone to bat for the key U.S. ally, saying if Hamas does not return not just the hostages set to be released this Saturday but all the hostages still being held in Gaza, “all bets are off and let hell break out.”
When asked what that means, the president refused to elaborate.
“You’ll find out, and they’ll find out, too,” he told reporters. “Hamas will find out what I mean. You’re going to find out what I mean. These are sick people, and they’ll find out what I mean Saturday at 12 o’clock.”
Trump added it’s ultimately Israel’s decision what happens if the hostages are not returned this Saturday, saying Israel can “override” his ultimatum.
What happens this weekend could restart the war between Israel and Hamas. As of now, the war might resume in early March if no agreement is reached on the more complicated second phase of the ceasefire, which calls for the return of all remaining hostages and an indefinite extension of the truce.
Trump may cut aid if Jordan, Egypt don’t take displaced Palestinians
Trump is set to meet with Jordan’s King Abdullah II on Tuesday, less than 24 hours after threatening to revoke aid to Jordan and Egypt if they refuse his demand to take in most Palestinian refugees from Gaza permanently. The U.S. provides both countries with millions of dollars of military and economic aid every year.
Trump received immediate pushback from the two allies after floating the idea last week as he announced his hopes the U.S. could ultimately take over the Gaza Strip, somewhat like a real estate venture, and redevelop it into the “Riviera of the Middle East.”
He doubled down on that plan Monday, saying Palestinians would not be allowed to return to the Gaza Strip as part of his plan for the U.S. to take ownership of the war-torn 25-mile territory.
In an interview with Fox News host Bret Baier that aired on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 9, Trump reiterated he believes a deal could be reached with Egypt and Jordan to take in displaced Palestinians permanently.
At least 1 dead after private jet collision on Arizona runway
At least one person died, and others are injured after a plane crash on the tarmac at the Scottsdale, Arizona, airport late Monday afternoon. The city of Scottsdale released a statement saying the Learjet’s main landing gear failed as the plane landed.
The jet was coming in from Austin, Texas, with four people on board when it skidded off the runway and crashed into a Gulfstream jet parked in a nearby ramp with one person on board.
TMZ reported that Motley Crue lead singer Vince Neil owns the Learjet. They said Neil was not on board, but his girlfriend was, and she was reportedly sent to the hospital with several broken ribs.
So far, the person who died has not been identified.
Jet Pros, which owns the Gulfstream, released a statement confirming no injuries on its aircraft.
The collision comes less than a month after the deadly crash of a medical flight in Philadelphia and the midair collision of an American Airlines passenger jet and U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport. More than 70 people died as a result of those crashes.
EU vows retaliation if Trump imposes tariffs on steel, aluminum
In a statement, von der Leyen said, “The EU will act to safeguard its economic interests.” She added the U.S. can expect harsh countermeasures from the 27-nation group.
On Monday, Trump imposed 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports to the U.S., which will take effect on March 4.
Diplomats said EU trade ministers will hold an unscheduled video conference on Wednesday, Feb. 12, to discuss the organization’s response to impending tariffs.
Judge extends pause on Trump’s federal employee buyout offer
A federal judge extended the pause on the Trump administration’s plan to offer tens of thousands of federal employees a “deferred resignation” buyout until the president responds to “the issues presented.”
Initially, U.S. District Judge George O’Toole Jr. temporarily halted the administration’s plan until Monday. However, he said the delay would continue after Monday’s hearing until he rules on a preliminary injunction.
Three federal employee unions, with the support of 20 Democratic attorneys general, filed a lawsuit arguing the Office of Personnel Management’s deferred resignation offer is an “unlawful ultimatum” to force the resignation of government workers under the “threat of mass termination.”
During Monday’s hearing, a DOJ lawyer framed the offer as a “humane off-ramp” for federal employees before Trump enacts sweeping changes to “rebalance and reorganize the federal workforce.”
Before the pause, deferred resignation offered full pay and benefits until September for any federal employee who accepted by Feb. 6, with no obligation to work after they received the agreement. The Trump administration moved to get federal workers working remotely from home to go back to the office.
Sam Altman rejects Elon Musk’s offer to buy OpenAI
A group of investors, led by Elon Musk, has offered about $97.5 billion to buy the non-profit behind OpenAI, a company that Musk helped launch a decade ago.
Musk, his AI start-up xAI and a group of investment firms want to take control of OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT. ChatGPT’s success has created a significant revenue stream for OpenAI.
Last year, it announced plans to change its corporate structure. The matter is now in federal court in California.
no thank you but we will buy twitter for $9.74 billion if you want
Musk’s lawyer said the buyers want OpenAI to return to its original charitable mission. However, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman quickly rejected Musk’s offer, saying on Musk’s social media platform X, “No thank you, but we will buy Twitter for $9.74 billion if you want.”
Musk and Altman started OpenAI together in 2015, but a power struggle led to a feud, and Musk left in 2018.
Super Bowl sets viewership record with big boost from streaming
Super Bowl LIX wasn’t just a big win for the Philadelphia Eagles. A record 126 million people tuned into the big game this year, according to preliminary numbers — which saw a big boost thanks to streaming services.
This marks the third straight year the Super Bowl set a viewership record.
According to Fox Sports, its game broadcast averaged 111.5 million viewers, while its free streaming service, Tubi, drew 13.6 million viewers. Another 800,000 watched on NFL digital platforms.
The Super Bowl viewing record comes after the regular season saw an average 2% drop in viewership. However, viewership did grow on NBC and Amazon Prime Video, the home to Thursday Night Football, particularly among younger audiences.
Why did hundreds of tractors fill the streets of London during a tax fight?
Hundreds of tractors swarmed the London borough of Westminster on Monday, Feb. 10, as farmers protested the Labour Party’s upcoming changes to the inheritance tax for operational farms.
Hundreds of tractors swarmed the London borough of Westminster on Monday, Feb. 10, as farmers protested the Labour Party’s upcoming changes to the inheritance tax for operational farms.
What are farmers protesting?
Plans are in place to impose a 20% inheritance tax rate on operational farms worth more than roughly $1.2 million by April 2026. The change eliminates a current exemption from the inheritance tax for working farms.
What is the Labour Party saying?
The Labour Party vowed to keep the change in the face of criticism. The vow comes in spite of a petition with nearly 150,000 signatures urging lawmakers to keep exemptions on the so-called “death tax” for working farms.
What does the demonstration aim to achieve?
The demonstration, organized by Save British Farming, is the third time farmers have rolled into the capital since Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the change in 2024.
Save British Farming said despite the Labour Party’s promise to implement the tax, they’re hopeful the mass protest will force members of parliament to negotiate with the agricultural industry.
Protest organizers also warn the government could be “marching into a food crisis” if negotiations do not happen.
British political leaders such as Nigel Farage have backed the movement. Farage called for an end to “death taxes” as he addressed protesting farmers. A Save British Farming organizer told the Independent, however, Farage was not invited to the demonstration and accused him of “jumping on the bandwagon.”
What is the bigger picture?
As Straight Arrow News previously reported, farmers across Europe have rolled into towns with large farm vehicles to oppose policies they see as detrimental to the agricultural industry, including demonstrations last year against the European Union’s climate change policies, which protesting farmers said hurt their ability to make a living.
Irish passport applications surge as more Americans seek EU access
31,825 Americans applied for Irish citizenship in 2024, marking a 10% increase from the previous year. Many applicants cite political concerns, economic opportunities, and access to the European Union as key reasons for obtaining an Irish passport.
The surge peaked in November 2024, when 3,692 applications were filed, marking the highest monthly total in a decade, and coinciding with Donald Trump’s re-election.
Immigration lawyers report a spike in U.S. inquiries about relocating abroad, while celebrities and high-profile figures are also moving overseas.
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The number of Americans applying for Irish citizenship and passports has surged, with a record 31,825 applications in 2024, marking a 10% increase from the previous year. The spike follows Donald Trump’s re-election, with many citing political concerns, economic opportunities and ease of access to the European Union as key motivations.
The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs reported a 50% increase in foreign birth registrations from the U.S., rising from 7,726 in 2023 to 11,601 in 2024. Americans accounted for 27% of all foreign birth registrations, reinforcing a decade-long upward trend in applications.
When was the biggest surge in applications?
November 2024 saw an unprecedented spike in Irish passport applications from the U.S., with 3,692 submissions, the highest single-month total in a decade. This coincided with Trump’s election victory.
Many applicants say they are seeking an exit strategy due to concerns about Trump’s policies.
Do Americans make up a large portion of Irish passport applicants?
Although Americans make up only 3.2% of total Irish passport applications, their numbers have risen steadily in recent years. Experts believe this trend will continue to grow, fueled by a mix of political, economic and personal reasons.
What benefits do Americans get from Irish citizenship?
Martina Curtin, president of the Irish Cultural Centre of Greater Boston, highlighted multiple reasons why Americans are choosing to apply:
“Some of it is just their deep affinity to Ireland. You cannot underestimate that,” Curtin said. “Other people, it’s just for practical reasons. They see the value of having that Irish passport—it’s a gateway to the EU.”
Holding an Irish passport grants the right to live and work anywhere in the European Union. It also opens doors to affordable higher education, a major factor for some applicants.
“Third-level education is much less expensive in Ireland compared to the United States,” Curtin said.
Are more Americans looking to leave the U.S.?
Following Trump’s 2024 election victory, online searches for emigration options skyrocketed. According to the Irish Star, Google Trends recorded a 68% spike in searches for “move to Canada” in the weeks surrounding the election.
Immigration lawyers in the U.S. and Canada are reporting a dramatic increase in inquiries. Some law firms are seeing a tripling of calls from Americans looking to relocate.
“What we’re in right now is a period of heightened uncertainty,” said Evan Green, managing partner at Green and Spiegel Law in Toronto. “People know what’s coming, and because of that, they’re far more motivated to move.”
“During the Biden administration, we probably got maybe one or two calls a month. Since the new administration has come into office, we’ve probably had maybe one to two a week,” said Zach Ahlstrom, a senior attorney at Berardi Immigration Law in Buffalo, NY.
How can Americans qualify for Irish citizenship?
Irish law allows U.S. citizens to apply for citizenship through descent, provided they can prove that a parent or grandparent was born in Ireland.
The process has become easier due to the ability to apply online and access digital records. This has led to a steady increase in foreign birth registrations over the past decade.
With an increasing number of Americans seeking alternatives abroad, Ireland remains an attractive option for those with Irish ancestry.
As the U.S. political landscape continues to shift, so does the demand for dual citizenship.
Greenland bans foreign political donations amid renewed US interest
The parliament in Greenland has moved to curb foreign contributions to candidates in its election. The move comes in advance of the autonomous island’s elections, slated for March.
Greenland is rich in minerals and has been in the headlines after U.S. President Donald Trump made remarks about acquiring the world’s largest island and making it part of the United States.
Key issues for Greenland residents in the upcoming election include independence from Denmark, the United States interest and the economy.
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Lawmakers in Greenland on Tuesday, Feb. 4, seemed to be safeguarding against U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to acquire the island territory, officially owned by Denmark. Greenland’s parliament passed a measure that bans political donations from foreign or anonymous contributors.
What does the new bill say?
The language in the bill says it is aimed at protecting Greenland’s political integrity and takes effect immediately.
It also says the bill “must be seen in light of the geopolitical interests in Greenland and the current situation where representatives of a great power have expressed interest in taking over and controlling Greenland.”
One official added that it’s a preventative measure.
What interest does the U.S. have in Greenland?
The United States has a large military base in Greenland. The autonomous island has a population of a little less than 57,000 people and is geographically 836,000 square miles. It is also rich in minerals such as copper, nickel, cobalt and uranium.
Although part of Denmark, Greenland has been self-governed since 2009. For its part, Denmark provides military defense and steers foreign affairs for the island.
Why do political contributions in Greenland matter now?
Prime Minister Mute Egede announced Tuesday that Greenland would hold a general election on March 11. The top issues are expected to be Greenland’s independence, relations with Denmark, the United States and the economy.
Greenland’s economy is heavily reliant on the fishing industry. It also receives over $500 million from Denmark in grants each year, accounting for 20% of the island’s GDP and half of its budget.
A recent poll found that a majority of Greenland’s residents would vote for independence. All five parliamentary parties, including the prime minister, support it.
Recent Trump administration remarks on Greenland
When it comes to the United States and the Trump administration, Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently stated that acquiring Greenland would be in the national interest.