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Today’s top stories
Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency have been found to have likely violated the Constitution by effectively closing down the U.S. Agency for International Development, as per a federal judge’s ruling. President Trump has expressed intentions to appeal this decision.
Former U.S. Agency for International Development employees terminated after the Trump administration effectively dismantled the agency collect their personal belongings at USAID headquarters on Feb. 27 in Washington, D.C.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
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Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
- 🎧 A group of USAID employees filed a lawsuit against Musk and DOGE, claiming they lacked the authority to close down the agency since Musk is not officially appointed as the agency head, according to NPR’s Fatma Tanis on Up First. In a 68-page opinion, U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang ruled in favor of the employees, prohibiting Musk from further shutdowns of USAID and mandating DOGE to restore access to electronic systems for current staff. The ruling does not reinstate USAID’s previous work, as humanitarian and development programs are still impacted.
Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have announced a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine, with the Kremlin agreeing to halt attacks on Ukraine’s energy facilities for a 30-day period. However, both Russia and Ukraine resumed strikes on each other’s infrastructure shortly after the announcement.
- 🎧 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that ongoing attacks following the talks between Trump and Putin indicate the need for greater pressure on Russia. NPR’s Eleanor Beardsley reports that Zelenskyy remains distrustful of Putin, and the two nations are far from reaching a ceasefire agreement. Putin’s territorial demands exceed areas currently under Russian control, posing a significant challenge for Ukraine.
Israeli airstrikes persist in Gaza following the breach of a nearly two-month ceasefire with Hamas. The recent escalation resulted in one of the deadliest days of the Gaza conflict, claiming over 400 lives, including Hamas officials and civilians, including women and children.
- 🎧 Israel justifies its return to hostilities as a means to pressure Hamas into accepting new ceasefire terms, such as releasing additional hostages before entering ceasefire negotiations, according to NPR’s Daniel Estrin. While Hamas insists on reverting to the original ceasefire terms, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a crucial deadline to pass the national budget within two weeks, potentially leading to prolonged airstrikes on Gaza as he seeks to solidify his far-right coalition amid political challenges.
