Tracey Mumford
Appearances
The Headlines
Trump’s Defiant Victory Lap, and the Dept. of Education’s ‘Final Mission’
So I promise to be a lot shorter than what you just watched. After President Trump spoke, Democratic Senator Alyssa Slotkin of Michigan delivered the traditional rebuttal speech from the opposing party. She tried to make her case to both Democrats and Republicans. We need a more efficient government. You want to cut waste? I'll help you do it.
The Headlines
Trump’s Defiant Victory Lap, and the Dept. of Education’s ‘Final Mission’
From The New York Times, it's The Headlines. I'm Tracey Mumford. Today's Wednesday, March 5th. Here's what we're covering.
The Headlines
Trump’s Defiant Victory Lap, and the Dept. of Education’s ‘Final Mission’
Last night, President Trump delivered a forceful primetime address to Congress. It was the longest speech of its kind in modern presidential history. Over the course of an hour and 40 minutes, Trump went on a kind of defiant victory lap, celebrating the blitz of drastic changes he's made to domestic and foreign policy. My colleague Jonathan Swan was covering the speech.
The Headlines
Trump’s Defiant Victory Lap, and the Dept. of Education’s ‘Final Mission’
But change doesn't need to be chaotic or make us less safe. Slotkin specifically narrowed in on economics, arguing that the president's agenda will make life more expensive for Americans, affecting everything from grocery prices to retirement benefits. She said, quote, he's going to make you pay in every part of your life.
The Headlines
Trump’s Defiant Victory Lap, and the Dept. of Education’s ‘Final Mission’
Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers got a warning from the party's leadership about how to handle growing pushback to Trump's policies. The chairman of the House Republicans' campaign arm told them to stop having in-person town halls.
The Headlines
Trump’s Defiant Victory Lap, and the Dept. of Education’s ‘Final Mission’
The directive came after Republicans' meetings with their constituents across the country have turned into shouting matches, with attendees confronting representatives about government spending cuts and mass firings. The chairman said Democratic activists have been taking over the town halls and encouraged Republicans to hold online events instead.
The Headlines
Trump’s Defiant Victory Lap, and the Dept. of Education’s ‘Final Mission’
Here are two other quick updates on the Trump administration.
The Headlines
Trump’s Defiant Victory Lap, and the Dept. of Education’s ‘Final Mission’
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick suggested that the U.S. could soon reach some kind of agreement with Canada and Mexico over Trump's drastic new tariffs. The 25 percent surcharges went into effect yesterday. The stock market plunged in response.
The Headlines
Trump’s Defiant Victory Lap, and the Dept. of Education’s ‘Final Mission’
Lutnick said on Fox Business that he'd been speaking with representatives from Canada and Mexico and that there could be an announcement as soon as today. But he didn't say what concessions, if any, the countries would have to make to get the tariffs rolled back. and at the Department of Education.
The Headlines
Trump’s Defiant Victory Lap, and the Dept. of Education’s ‘Final Mission’
Secretary Linda McMahon sent out her first email to staff after being confirmed, and it seemed to signal what could be an end to the department altogether. Trump has repeatedly said he wants to shut the Department of Education down, and the subject line of McMahon's email was, "...our department's final mission."
The Headlines
Trump’s Defiant Victory Lap, and the Dept. of Education’s ‘Final Mission’
She promised she would work to, quote, restore oversight of education to the state level and said that would mean significant changes for the department's staff, budget and operations. In Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky outlined what he said could be the first steps toward peace if Russia is on board.
The Headlines
Trump’s Defiant Victory Lap, and the Dept. of Education’s ‘Final Mission’
He said he's prepared to release prisoners of war, stop long-range strikes, and declare a truce at sea immediately if Russia does the same. He made the offer after President Trump froze all U.S. military aid to Ukraine following their clash at the White House. Trump has said he didn't think Zelensky was thankful enough to the U.S. or serious about a peace deal.
The Headlines
Trump’s Defiant Victory Lap, and the Dept. of Education’s ‘Final Mission’
Zelensky delivered his plan in conciliatory language. He wrote, quote, My team and I stand ready to work under President Trump's strong leadership to get a peace that lasts. This week, seven Tesla charging stations were set on fire at a shopping center outside Boston.
The Headlines
Trump’s Defiant Victory Lap, and the Dept. of Education’s ‘Final Mission’
It's the latest in a series of attacks against the electric car company since its owner Elon Musk started advising President Trump and carrying out his cost-cutting agenda. Tesla showrooms and dealerships across the country have been targeted with protests and vandalism. This week, federal prosecutors charged a woman in Colorado with planting an incendiary device near a Tesla.
The Headlines
Trump’s Defiant Victory Lap, and the Dept. of Education’s ‘Final Mission’
And in Europe, Tesla's sales are dropping. In February, they were down more than 40% compared to the same time last year in Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. Some of the decline may be explained by customers waiting for Tesla to release an updated model, which is coming out soon. But that factor alone likely doesn't cover it.
The Headlines
Trump’s Defiant Victory Lap, and the Dept. of Education’s ‘Final Mission’
Data out this morning shows that Tesla's February sales plunged 76% in Germany and where Musk's recent support of the country's far-right party may have alienated buyers. And finally. Do you think what you paid for the ticket is worth it?
The Headlines
Trump’s Defiant Victory Lap, and the Dept. of Education’s ‘Final Mission’
Yeah, fair. The price of concert tickets has been soaring. People have been emptying out their bank accounts, especially to see big-name artists like Beyonce, Bad Bunny, Charlie XCX. The Times has been talking with young people about how it's hitting them particularly hard. Have you ever gone into debt paying for a ticket?
The Headlines
Trump’s Defiant Victory Lap, and the Dept. of Education’s ‘Final Mission’
Gen Z, so those roughly in their mid-teens to mid-twenties now, are paying much more for tickets than previous generations did at their age. Almost 30 years ago, in 1996, when people might have been clamoring to see the Backstreet Boys or the Warped Tour, the average ticket price was about $25, or $50 with inflation. But last year, average ticket prices were nearly three times that, at $135.
The Headlines
Trump’s Defiant Victory Lap, and the Dept. of Education’s ‘Final Mission’
The average ticket price for Taylor Swift's Heiress tour was $1,000. That hasn't necessarily stopped people from going to concerts, though. A survey by one marketing agency found that Gen Z's been breaking their budgets to make it work. 86% of respondents admitted they had overspent on concerts. A top reason? FOMO. Fear of missing out.
The Headlines
Trump’s Defiant Victory Lap, and the Dept. of Education’s ‘Final Mission’
But what they're really missing out on is just not having been alive in the 1970s when they apparently could have seen Bruce Springsteen for, wait for it, $8. Those are the headlines. I'm Tracy Mumford. We'll be back tomorrow.
The Headlines
The Tariffs Are On, and Trump Suspends Ukraine Aid
In response to Trump's tariffs, Canada immediately slapped its own surcharges on American imports. And China also moved quickly to retaliate, putting tariffs on American food and agricultural products and blocking a number of American companies from doing business in China. In another major move from the Trump administration, the president temporarily suspended all U.S.
The Headlines
The Tariffs Are On, and Trump Suspends Ukraine Aid
military aid to Ukraine, three days after he berated Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office. Officials say the suspension will be in place until Trump determines that Ukraine has made a good-faith commitment to peace negotiations with Russia. The order affects more than a billion dollars in arms and ammunition that were on order or even already en route.
The Headlines
The Tariffs Are On, and Trump Suspends Ukraine Aid
Analysts say Ukraine can keep its war effort going for weeks, even a few months, without U.S. support. It did that last year, when Republicans in Congress temporarily blocked assistance. But the cracks did start to show. Without well-stocked air defense systems, more Russian missiles got through, hitting cities and power plants.
The Headlines
The Tariffs Are On, and Trump Suspends Ukraine Aid
And without enough supplies on the front lines, Ukrainian commanders told The Times they had to ration ammunition. Effectively, Trump's new pause is an ultimatum for Zelensky. Either get on board with ceasefire terms that Trump dictates, or prepare to face larger battlefield losses without U.S. support.
The Headlines
The Tariffs Are On, and Trump Suspends Ukraine Aid
From The New York Times, it's The Headlines. I'm Tracey Mumford. Today's Tuesday, March 4th. Here's what we're covering. Just after midnight, the sweeping new tariffs that President Trump has been threatening against America's largest trading partners kicked in. There's now a new 25% surcharge on products from Canada and Mexico and an extra 10% on goods from China on top of existing tariffs.
The Headlines
The Tariffs Are On, and Trump Suspends Ukraine Aid
In the meantime, analysts say the pause will help Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose troops could make gains against a weakened Ukraine. On the heels of his aid freeze and the new tariffs, President Trump will give his first big address to a joint session of Congress tonight. It's at 9 p.m. Eastern, and it'll be his largest televised event since he returned to office.
The Headlines
The Tariffs Are On, and Trump Suspends Ukraine Aid
Presidents usually use this moment to lay out their plans for their time in the White House. Trump's expected to tick through his work on immigration, spending cuts, and a host of executive orders. Many Democratic lawmakers say they plan to protest Trump's actions so far by inviting fired federal workers as their guests to the speech.
The Headlines
The Tariffs Are On, and Trump Suspends Ukraine Aid
The Times will have live coverage of Trump's comments at nytimes.com.
The Headlines
The Tariffs Are On, and Trump Suspends Ukraine Aid
Ashley Southall covers cannabis legalization for The Times. She's been reporting on the rise and fall of an ambitious program in New York state that the governor once said would, quote, write historical wrongs. After recreational cannabis was legalized there in 2021, the state backed a $200 million fund to give people who'd been prosecuted for drug offenses a leg up in the new market.
The Headlines
The Tariffs Are On, and Trump Suspends Ukraine Aid
It was supposed to launch 150 small cannabis shops, providing property and loans. Only 22 have gone up, and Ashley says many of the participants in the program told her they feel they've been caught in a debt trap.
The Headlines
The Tariffs Are On, and Trump Suspends Ukraine Aid
President Trump had been framing the tariffs as a national security issue, claiming that Canada and Mexico in particular weren't doing enough to stop migrants and fentanyl from coming into the U.S. Those countries have spent weeks scrambling to show Trump that they were stepping up enforcement. But yesterday, hours before the tariffs started, Trump seemed to move the goalposts.
The Headlines
The Tariffs Are On, and Trump Suspends Ukraine Aid
Connor and others told Ashley that the loans they got from the fund were so tightly restricted, they had almost no say in how their stores were designed and built, and no oversight of construction costs. That effectively handcuffed them as they were trying to compete with a flood of new illicit cannabis shops that started popping up across the state.
The Headlines
The Tariffs Are On, and Trump Suspends Ukraine Aid
For his part, Conner ended up hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt.
The Headlines
The Tariffs Are On, and Trump Suspends Ukraine Aid
In response to questions from the Times, a publicist for the fund said criticism of the program was, quote, absurd, claiming it had given opportunities to people other lenders wouldn't have taken a chance on. Recently, Conner and other participants in the program asked the governor to shut the program down altogether and refinance their debt.
The Headlines
The Tariffs Are On, and Trump Suspends Ukraine Aid
And finally, who's the sweatiest person on the rugby team?
The Headlines
The Tariffs Are On, and Trump Suspends Ukraine Aid
A lot of people who first saw Alona Marr on social media had never watched a rugby match. But the American athlete and TikTok favorite has been giving the sport a bump. It started during the summer's Olympics when Marr shared a lot of videos of giant croissants, but also footage of her on the field helping Team USA take the bronze.
The Headlines
The Tariffs Are On, and Trump Suspends Ukraine Aid
Since then, she's built a massive following, 8 million people and counting, with her mix of the goofy and the confessional, lip syncing to the Kardashians, also talking body positivity. I have cellulite everywhere.
The Headlines
The Tariffs Are On, and Trump Suspends Ukraine Aid
This season, she took her newfound fame to England, playing for the Bristol Bears in the country's top women's rugby league.
The Headlines
The Tariffs Are On, and Trump Suspends Ukraine Aid
She just wrapped her stint with the Bears this past weekend, and her presence was transformative. Team merchandise sales went through the roof. They had record attendance and even had to temporarily move stadiums from a 2,000-seat venue to one with 27,000 seats. Overall, it was a major boost for a league where many of the players have to work other jobs to support themselves.
The Headlines
The Tariffs Are On, and Trump Suspends Ukraine Aid
And Marr herself said she hopes the momentum behind the sport will continue to build.
The Headlines
The Tariffs Are On, and Trump Suspends Ukraine Aid
Marr is planning to be back in England this summer, though in an American jersey, for the Women's Rugby World Cup. Those are the headlines. Today on The Daily, the Department of Government Efficiency claims it's cut tens of billions of dollars in wasteful spending so far. A look at how that math does not add up. That's next in the New York Times audio app.
The Headlines
The Tariffs Are On, and Trump Suspends Ukraine Aid
You can listen wherever you get your podcasts. I'm Tracy Mumford. We'll be back tomorrow.
The Headlines
The Tariffs Are On, and Trump Suspends Ukraine Aid
He suggested that the only way out of the surcharges would be for auto companies and other manufacturers to relocate to the U.S.
The Headlines
The Tariffs Are On, and Trump Suspends Ukraine Aid
The tariffs are already sending shockwaves through the economy. The stock market had its biggest drop-off of the year when it became clear they were about to take effect. And economists say Americans will probably see higher prices on a wide range of products. The first place they're going to feel it is the grocery store.
The Headlines
The Tariffs Are On, and Trump Suspends Ukraine Aid
Much of the fresh produce in the U.S., everything from tomatoes to avocados, is imported from Mexico. Prices could start to climb in the next few weeks. Beef, grain, and maple syrup from Canada will also likely get more expensive. And over time, prices could also go up on cars, toys, smartphones, and a whole range of consumer goods.
The Headlines
A Showdown on Ukraine, and a Judge Says DOGE Might Be Unconstitutional
It came as other leaders are also rushing to Washington. Over the weekend, the Polish president attended the conservative convention CPAC to try and influence the new administration. The prime minister of Britain will visit the White House this Thursday. Meanwhile, The Times has learned that the U.S. and Ukraine are pushing forward on a massive new economic deal. It would give the U.S.
The Headlines
A Showdown on Ukraine, and a Judge Says DOGE Might Be Unconstitutional
a large share of the profits from Ukraine's natural resources, like lithium. It was originally Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's idea. He wanted to trade the country's valuable natural resources for future U.S. military support. But Trump is pushing a very different deal.
The Headlines
A Showdown on Ukraine, and a Judge Says DOGE Might Be Unconstitutional
Constant Mayer covers Ukraine for The Times and has gotten access to drafts of the agreement. He says right now the sticking point will be what kind of security guarantee, if any, the U.S. is willing to provide.
The Headlines
A Showdown on Ukraine, and a Judge Says DOGE Might Be Unconstitutional
From The New York Times, it's The Headlines. I'm Tracey Mumford. Today's Tuesday, February 25th. Here's what we're covering.
The Headlines
A Showdown on Ukraine, and a Judge Says DOGE Might Be Unconstitutional
Yesterday, a federal judge said that the way Elon Musk's cost-cutting team, the Department of Government Efficiency, was set up may be unconstitutional. The judge said she was concerned that Doge violates a clause in the Constitution that requires leaders of federal agencies to be confirmed by the Senate, which Musk has not been.
The Headlines
A Showdown on Ukraine, and a Judge Says DOGE Might Be Unconstitutional
At the United Nations yesterday, there was a diplomatic showdown between the U.S. and some of its closest allies over the war in Ukraine. Delegates were meeting on the third anniversary of Russia's invasion, and Ukraine put forward a resolution condemning Russia's actions and calling on it to pull back its troops. It had the backing of countries like Britain and France, but the U.S.
The Headlines
A Showdown on Ukraine, and a Judge Says DOGE Might Be Unconstitutional
She also indicated she has serious concerns about how Doge is being run and who is technically in charge. A lawyer for the government told her he was unable to identify who's actually running it and said he didn't have any details about Musk's specific role.
The Headlines
A Showdown on Ukraine, and a Judge Says DOGE Might Be Unconstitutional
The judge said, quote, If you have people that are not authorized to carry out some of these functions that they're carrying out, that does raise an issue. Her remarks came as part of a case challenging Doge's attempts to access sensitive data at the Treasury Department. They're not part of any binding ruling, but they suggest there could be legal problems ahead for Musk's team.
The Headlines
A Showdown on Ukraine, and a Judge Says DOGE Might Be Unconstitutional
A new report reveals how North Korea has been sending its own citizens overseas as forced labor to bring in money for the regime. The report from the Environmental Justice Foundation found that North Koreans have been forced to work on Chinese fishing boats thousands of miles from home. Some of the workers have been effectively trapped on the ocean for almost a decade.
The Headlines
A Showdown on Ukraine, and a Judge Says DOGE Might Be Unconstitutional
They've had their passports confiscated, they have no cell phones, and most of their salaries go directly to North Korea's government. The boats catch tuna, which is sold to markets across Asia and even as far away as Europe and the United Kingdom. It's part of a shadowy labor practice in which dozens of countries around the world benefit from forced North Korean labor.
The Headlines
A Showdown on Ukraine, and a Judge Says DOGE Might Be Unconstitutional
North Korea has sent people to work in factories and restaurants in China. Others work in Russian logging and construction. And there are laborers in the Middle East, Africa, and Eastern Europe. In all, the UN estimates that more than 100,000 North Koreans are working abroad for the regime. And finally, Roberta Flack, the virtuoso singer and pianist, has died at 88 years old.
The Headlines
A Showdown on Ukraine, and a Judge Says DOGE Might Be Unconstitutional
The first time ever I saw your face She was best known for her powerful performances of achingly slow songs. Though she started playing the piano from the time she was small, she didn't hit it big until much later. She worked as a teacher into her 30s.
The Headlines
A Showdown on Ukraine, and a Judge Says DOGE Might Be Unconstitutional
Her regular performances at a club called Mr. Henry's caught the attention of everyone from Liberace to record executives. Then she became a superstar after Clint Eastwood featured her music in one of his movies. But it was her next big hit in 1973 that made her the most listened-to artist of the era.
The Headlines
A Showdown on Ukraine, and a Judge Says DOGE Might Be Unconstitutional
Killing Me Softly became her signature song, which she performed for decades, including with the Fugees on their 90s remix of it.
The Headlines
A Showdown on Ukraine, and a Judge Says DOGE Might Be Unconstitutional
refused to support it. Multiple resolutions of the General Assembly have failed to stop the war. It has now dragged on for far too long. Instead, American representatives pushed through a short resolution of their own that called for an end of the war without assigning blame and mourned the loss of life on both sides of the conflict.
The Headlines
A Showdown on Ukraine, and a Judge Says DOGE Might Be Unconstitutional
Those are the headlines. Today on The Daily, Times tech reporter Kashmir Hill on the story of how one woman fell in love, deeply romantically in love, with a chatbot. That's next in the New York Times audio app, or you can listen wherever you get your podcasts. I'm Tracy Mumford. We'll be back tomorrow.
The Headlines
A Showdown on Ukraine, and a Judge Says DOGE Might Be Unconstitutional
European diplomats said they were furious that the U.S., their longtime ally, had sided against them. And as the U.S. and Europe split played out at the U.N., their growing rift was also on display at the White House. French President Emmanuel Macron met one-on-one with President Trump.
The Headlines
A Showdown on Ukraine, and a Judge Says DOGE Might Be Unconstitutional
There were hugs and handshakes and compliments, but Macron also pushed back on Trump's framing of the war in Ukraine. In one exchange, Macron cut Trump off to fact-check his false claim that European countries were only helping Ukraine because they expected to be reimbursed. Macron's team had scrambled to organize the D.C. visit amid Trump's increasingly hostile stance towards Europe.
The Headlines
U.S. Economy Under Stress, and a Behind-the-Scenes Look at DOGE
Last week, Larry Kudlow, a Fox Business host who served in the first Trump administration, said, quote, "...at least for now, the economic signals are flashing slower growth and higher inflation. Not good."
The Headlines
U.S. Economy Under Stress, and a Behind-the-Scenes Look at DOGE
One of the biggest economic issues that Trump ran on, the price of groceries, is still front and center for many Americans, especially egg prices. The bird flu outbreak has pushed those prices to record highs. Trump acknowledged the situation in his first cabinet meeting yesterday and... All right, y'all want to talk eggs?
The Headlines
U.S. Economy Under Stress, and a Behind-the-Scenes Look at DOGE
His new secretary of agriculture, Brooke Rollins, said the U.S. was looking at temporarily importing eggs.
The Headlines
U.S. Economy Under Stress, and a Behind-the-Scenes Look at DOGE
Turning to imports may only have a limited impact on the market since the U.S. consumes billions of eggs each month. Rollins said the administration will also be funding measures to fight bird flu, including developing vaccines for chickens. also at yesterday's cabinet meeting.
The Headlines
U.S. Economy Under Stress, and a Behind-the-Scenes Look at DOGE
President Trump dismissed growing criticism of Elon Musk that's been coming from both inside and outside of the federal government.
The Headlines
U.S. Economy Under Stress, and a Behind-the-Scenes Look at DOGE
From The New York Times, it's The Headlines. I'm Tracey Mumford. Today's Thursday, February 27th. Here's what we're covering. The United States economy is starting to show signs of strain under President Trump's aggressive agenda. It's still the strongest economy in the world, but economists warn that the relative calm that Trump inherited could be in jeopardy.
The Headlines
U.S. Economy Under Stress, and a Behind-the-Scenes Look at DOGE
As Musk's Department of Government Efficiency continues to fan out across federal agencies, looking for what to cut and who to fire, the Times has been looking at who is on that team. The White House has not disclosed most of the names of the staffers, and Trump issued an executive order that effectively shields the group from open records laws.
The Headlines
U.S. Economy Under Stress, and a Behind-the-Scenes Look at DOGE
When some of the Doge staffers have gone into federal agencies to grill employees about their work, they've even declined to share their own last names. The Times has now compiled a list of known Doge staffers.
The Headlines
U.S. Economy Under Stress, and a Behind-the-Scenes Look at DOGE
My colleague Nick Nehamas has been digging into who works at Doge. He says few of the staffers have any government experience.
The Headlines
U.S. Economy Under Stress, and a Behind-the-Scenes Look at DOGE
When he took office last month, there was stable growth and inflation was easing. Three of Trump's big policy moves could shift that. First, there's the widespread funding freezes. They've thrown billions of dollars of projects focused on infrastructure and clean energy into limbo, rattling businesses and states that had already started working on them. And U.S.
The Headlines
U.S. Economy Under Stress, and a Behind-the-Scenes Look at DOGE
Nick says many federal workers have told him they're concerned about the young team's inexperience. They're having to walk Doge staffers through how their agencies work, step by step. And in some cases, staffers have been fired and then quickly unfired when it became clear that their work was more essential than Doge aides realized.
The Headlines
U.S. Economy Under Stress, and a Behind-the-Scenes Look at DOGE
Chief Justice John Roberts has given the Trump administration its first Supreme Court victory in its attempts to slash government spending. Late last night, Roberts said the government does not have to immediately pay more than $1.5 billion for foreign aid work that's already been completed. That includes AIDS relief programs and other life-saving humanitarian efforts.
The Headlines
U.S. Economy Under Stress, and a Behind-the-Scenes Look at DOGE
The government had been facing a midnight deadline set by a lower court to make those payments. But government lawyers asked the Supreme Court for more time, saying the payments posed a logistical issue. Roberts' order is only temporary. The full court is expected to consider the matter soon.
The Headlines
U.S. Economy Under Stress, and a Behind-the-Scenes Look at DOGE
My colleague Brian Rosenthal, along with a team of Times investigative reporters, has discovered that strict federal guidelines for organ donations are being regularly ignored. The system is supposed to work like this. For every organ that becomes available, nonprofit groups called procurement organizations turn to a computer-generated list of possible recipients.
The Headlines
U.S. Economy Under Stress, and a Behind-the-Scenes Look at DOGE
They're supposed to prioritize the sickest patients. But there's been a shift, and the procurement organizations are now leapfrogging over hundreds and sometimes thousands of people. Bryan says that's in large part because in the past few years, the federal government made a well-intentioned push to make sure no organs go to waste. But under that increased pressure, the system started to warp.
The Headlines
U.S. Economy Under Stress, and a Behind-the-Scenes Look at DOGE
farmers took a hit when the crops they export for foreign aid programs got caught up in the spending pause. On the tariff front, Trump's plans to put hefty surcharges on America's biggest trading partners, China, Canada and Mexico, could cause prices to rise at home and trigger trade wars. Consumers are watching warily.
The Headlines
U.S. Economy Under Stress, and a Behind-the-Scenes Look at DOGE
Earlier this month, the Times took its findings to the federal contractor that oversees the transplant system. The contractor said that procurement organizations should not be allowed to ignore the waiting lists and said it had ordered increased oversight of the process. The full investigation is at NYTimes.com. And finally, Gene Hackman has died at 95.
The Headlines
U.S. Economy Under Stress, and a Behind-the-Scenes Look at DOGE
The Oscar-winning actor and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead yesterday afternoon in Santa Fe, New Mexico. According to police, no foul play is suspected. Hackman had a 40-year career in Hollywood. His breakout role and his first Academy Award came with the 1971 crime film The French Connection.
The Headlines
U.S. Economy Under Stress, and a Behind-the-Scenes Look at DOGE
He became the go-to everyman who could play a little bit of everything. A thief, a president, a submarine commander, a sheriff.
The Headlines
U.S. Economy Under Stress, and a Behind-the-Scenes Look at DOGE
Hackman joked it was because he looked just average. He said he resembled your everyday mine worker. At one point, he was considered the hardest-working man in Hollywood, churning out as many as four films a year. He did psychological thrillers, westerns, comedies.
The Headlines
U.S. Economy Under Stress, and a Behind-the-Scenes Look at DOGE
One of his last movies, before he unofficially retired, was The Royal Tenenbaums, where he played the absentee father of three child prodigies.
The Headlines
U.S. Economy Under Stress, and a Behind-the-Scenes Look at DOGE
In an interview with GQ magazine, Hackman was once asked to sum up his life in a single phrase. He replied, quote, he tried. I think that'd be fairly accurate. Those are the headlines. Today on The Daily, how Trump's firing spree at the Pentagon, including the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has rocked the military.
The Headlines
U.S. Economy Under Stress, and a Behind-the-Scenes Look at DOGE
That's next in The New York Times audio app, or you can listen wherever you get your podcasts. I'm Tracy Mumford. We'll be back tomorrow.
The Headlines
U.S. Economy Under Stress, and a Behind-the-Scenes Look at DOGE
A recent survey of consumer sentiment showed the largest monthly decline in four years. And the flood of government layoffs is also contributing to the unease. The dismissed federal workers are a small percentage of the overall American workforce. But tens of thousands of people losing their jobs at once could affect what has been a historically strong labor market.
The Headlines
U.S. Economy Under Stress, and a Behind-the-Scenes Look at DOGE
Trump has acknowledged that his policies could bring some initial pain. His plan is that cutting taxes and government spending, as well as other initiatives, will offset that. But even some of his biggest supporters have expressed concern about where the economy is headed.
The Headlines
Trump Blames Ukraine, and More Americans Identify as L.G.B.T.Q.
Also yesterday, President Trump continued to test the bounds of federal power as he moved to end New York City's congestion pricing program. Since January, drivers have been charged a $9 toll to enter the busiest parts of Manhattan. It's designed to limit congestion and raise billions for repairs to the subway and other projects. Early data showed it's working.
The Headlines
Trump Blames Ukraine, and More Americans Identify as L.G.B.T.Q.
Traffic's been down since the program started. But Trump has repeatedly criticized it, calling it a burden on working-class drivers and saying it will hurt tourism and business in the city. Yesterday, Trump's secretary of transportation said approval for the program will be revoked. And Trump wrote on social media, quote, congestion pricing is dead. Manhattan and all of New York is saved.
The Headlines
Trump Blames Ukraine, and More Americans Identify as L.G.B.T.Q.
From The New York Times, it's The Headlines. I'm Tracey Mumford. Today's Thursday, February 20th. Here's what we're covering.
The Headlines
Trump Blames Ukraine, and More Americans Identify as L.G.B.T.Q.
He signed his message, long live the king. The White House doubled down on that, recirculating his post with an illustration of Trump wearing a crown.
The Headlines
Trump Blames Ukraine, and More Americans Identify as L.G.B.T.Q.
Tensions are flaring between Donald Trump and Vladimir Zelensky over how to end the war in Ukraine. On Wednesday, President Trump mocked the Ukrainian leader, called him a dictator, and repeated his false claim that Ukraine started the war. He also suggested that Zelensky is effectively ripping off the U.S. by asking for military aid.
The Headlines
Trump Blames Ukraine, and More Americans Identify as L.G.B.T.Q.
New York's Governor Kathy Hochul was quick to respond.
The Headlines
Trump Blames Ukraine, and More Americans Identify as L.G.B.T.Q.
In Trump's first month in office, he's repeatedly gotten involved in state and local issues, some of which may be out of federal reach. In addition to New York's tolls, he's also weighed in on California's water management policies, overruling officials there. And he signed an executive order calling for patriotic education in schools. when curriculum's generally been handled at a local level.
The Headlines
Trump Blames Ukraine, and More Americans Identify as L.G.B.T.Q.
Last night, he even suggested the federal government should run the District of Columbia, saying there was too much crime. The district's governed itself since the 1970s, but Trump said, quote, I think we should take over Washington, D.C. New data released this morning by Gallup shows a sharp rise in the number of American adults who identify as LGBTQ.
The Headlines
Trump Blames Ukraine, and More Americans Identify as L.G.B.T.Q.
Nearly 1 in 10 Americans now say that's how they identify, almost triple the number from 2012 when Gallup began tracking it. The increase has been driven in large part by young people. Nearly a quarter of Gen Z adults aged 18 to 27 identify as LGBTQ. It's also been driven by a jump in people who say they're bisexual. The survey also showed that 1.3% of people say they are transgender.
The Headlines
Trump Blames Ukraine, and More Americans Identify as L.G.B.T.Q.
That's doubled in the last few years. The data comes as the Trump administration has moved to restrict transgender rights, banning transgender girls from school sports teams and banning transgender people from the military.
The Headlines
Trump Blames Ukraine, and More Americans Identify as L.G.B.T.Q.
Yesterday, Trump's new Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., announced the government will recognize only two sexes, male and female, saying the administration is, quote, restoring biological truth to the federal government. But many medical experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, say that not everyone fits into neat categories of male and female.
The Headlines
Trump Blames Ukraine, and More Americans Identify as L.G.B.T.Q.
Now, three updates on stories from this week. In the Middle East this morning, Hamas returned the bodies of four Israeli hostages who were taken on October 7th. They include an elderly man and a mother and her two young children. It's not clear how they died, though Hamas says they were killed in Israeli airstrikes while being held in Gaza.
The Headlines
Trump Blames Ukraine, and More Americans Identify as L.G.B.T.Q.
In exchange, Israel's releasing a group of Palestinian prisoners. It's part of the ongoing ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. This weekend, Hamas is expected to return six hostages who are still alive. In Panama, nearly 100 migrants who were recently deported from the U.S. have been moved to a detention camp on the outskirts of the jungle.
The Headlines
Trump Blames Ukraine, and More Americans Identify as L.G.B.T.Q.
The migrants are from countries like Iran and China, and some had arrived in the U.S. hoping to seek asylum. Instead, they were put on a plane to Panama City after Panama struck a deal with the U.S. to take in deportees. They spent days locked in a hotel before being transferred to the remote camp.
The Headlines
Trump Blames Ukraine, and More Americans Identify as L.G.B.T.Q.
One migrant told the Times it felt like being in a zoo, with detainees kept in cages, a claim that Panama's foreign minister denied. And in an update on the plane crash in Toronto, Delta Airlines says it will offer $30,000 to every passenger on the flight, which flipped upside down and burst into flames upon landing. Delta said the offer came with, quote, no strings attached.
The Headlines
Trump Blames Ukraine, and More Americans Identify as L.G.B.T.Q.
No one was killed in the crash, and as of yesterday morning, all but one passenger had been released from the hospital. The investigation into the cause of the crash is still ongoing. And finally, Mount Etna in Sicily has been erupting for the last two weeks. This is something that happens regularly. Tourists have flocked to the Italian island for decades to see the volcano in action.
The Headlines
Trump Blames Ukraine, and More Americans Identify as L.G.B.T.Q.
This time, though, there has been a flood of people, so many that cars are blocking the roads and emergency vehicles haven't been able to get through. Also, the visitors just won't stay away from the lava. Italian authorities have been warning that while it's an extremely beautiful sight, the lava sizzling on the snowy mountain slopes, it's dangerous.
The Headlines
Trump Blames Ukraine, and More Americans Identify as L.G.B.T.Q.
This week, they tried to ban people from approaching it. But people keep uploading photos and videos of the eruption from places that are supposed to be off-limits. A few videos show people skiing down the mountain while lava is smoldering in the distance.
The Headlines
Trump Blames Ukraine, and More Americans Identify as L.G.B.T.Q.
Experts say that a volcano with snow on it is particularly dangerous because when the extreme hot meets the extreme cold, it can result in sudden bursts of high-pressure steam that can hurl rocks outward. So local authorities would just like everyone to know, please do not ski by the lava. But those are the headlines.
The Headlines
Trump Blames Ukraine, and More Americans Identify as L.G.B.T.Q.
Today on The Daily, how the Trump administration getting involved in Mayor Eric Adams' legal case has set off chaos in the Justice Department. That's next in the New York Times audio app, or you can listen wherever you get your podcasts. I'm Tracy Mumford. We'll be back tomorrow.
The Headlines
Trump Blames Ukraine, and More Americans Identify as L.G.B.T.Q.
Zelensky, meanwhile, said Trump is caught in a web of Russian disinformation about the war and said that he would, quote, like to have more truth with the Trump team. It was some of Zelensky's most open criticism yet of Trump, and it came on the heels of Trump sidelining Ukraine. while he pushes forward on negotiations directly with Russia.
The Headlines
Trump Blames Ukraine, and More Americans Identify as L.G.B.T.Q.
My colleague Kim Barker is based in Ukraine. She's been reporting from the town of Bucha, which became a symbol of Russia's brutality during the invasion.
The Headlines
The Scramble After a White House Showdown, and R.F.K. Jr.’s Measles Response
European leaders scrambled to show their support for Ukraine after Zelensky's heated exchange with Trump. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted a meeting of the leaders in London, Zelensky included.
The Headlines
The Scramble After a White House Showdown, and R.F.K. Jr.’s Measles Response
After Friday's fiery showdown in the Oval Office, the Trump administration and other top Republicans are doubling down on their aggressive stance toward Vladimir Zelenskyy.
The Headlines
The Scramble After a White House Showdown, and R.F.K. Jr.’s Measles Response
From The New York Times, it's The Headlines. I'm Traci Mumford. Today's Monday, March 3rd. Here's what we're covering.
The Headlines
The Scramble After a White House Showdown, and R.F.K. Jr.’s Measles Response
This weekend, Israel disrupted the ceasefire negotiations with Hamas and announced it will stop all aid shipments into Gaza. It wants to try and force the militant group to accept new terms outside of the original agreement. Phase one of the existing deal expired over the weekend, and the two sides were supposed to move into negotiations about a longer-term end to fighting.
The Headlines
The Scramble After a White House Showdown, and R.F.K. Jr.’s Measles Response
But now Israel is calling for just a short-term extension of the truce and the return of half of the hostages remaining in Gaza. Hamas immediately rejected the new proposal and called Israel's halt in humanitarian aid, quote, cheap blackmail.
The Headlines
The Scramble After a White House Showdown, and R.F.K. Jr.’s Measles Response
In West Texas, doctors and health officials have been racing to try and contain a measles outbreak that has sickened more than 140 people and killed one unvaccinated child. The measles death was the first in the U.S. in a decade. The flare-up of cases, which has now spread to New Mexico, is shining a harsh spotlight on the federal response.
The Headlines
The Scramble After a White House Showdown, and R.F.K. Jr.’s Measles Response
Experts say that the Department of Health and Human Services, run by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has been underplaying the best way to control the disease, vaccines. Kennedy used to run an anti-vaccine nonprofit and has claimed in the past that, quote, measles outbreaks have been fabricated to create fear.
The Headlines
The Scramble After a White House Showdown, and R.F.K. Jr.’s Measles Response
The federal government didn't send out a substantive notice about the outbreak until a month after the first cases were reported. And in televised remarks at a cabinet meeting last week, Kennedy didn't mention vaccination at all. In an opinion piece published yesterday, though, he did urge parents to talk to their doctors about vaccinating their kids.
The Headlines
The Scramble After a White House Showdown, and R.F.K. Jr.’s Measles Response
The relatively muted response is a sharp contrast to how a measles outbreak during President Trump's first term was handled. At that time, officials led an intense public campaign to raise awareness about vaccines. That led to more than 60,000 people getting vaccinated.
The Headlines
The Scramble After a White House Showdown, and R.F.K. Jr.’s Measles Response
Woo! The big winner at last night's Academy Awards was Anora. The film about a sex worker who marries the son of a Russian oligarch won five Oscars, including Best Picture.
The Headlines
The Scramble After a White House Showdown, and R.F.K. Jr.’s Measles Response
House Speaker Mike Johnson said Zelensky should be the one to apologize after Donald Trump and J.D. Vance publicly berated the Ukrainian leader for not being grateful enough for U.S.
The Headlines
The Scramble After a White House Showdown, and R.F.K. Jr.’s Measles Response
Sean Baker took home four of those awards for directing, editing, writing, and producing the film. He tied Walt Disney's record from 1954 for most Oscars won by a single person in one year.
The Headlines
The Scramble After a White House Showdown, and R.F.K. Jr.’s Measles Response
And the 25-year-old star of Enora, Mikey Madison, won for Best Actress. She's one of the youngest people ever to win the award. She learned Russian for the role. She also took pole dancing classes and spent time with dancers and in strip clubs to study how they work.
The Headlines
The Scramble After a White House Showdown, and R.F.K. Jr.’s Measles Response
It was a remarkable sweep for a movie that made almost no money at the box office. Last year's Best Picture winner, Oppenheimer, made more than $300 million. Onora took in less than $16 million since it was released in October. That makes it one of the lowest-grossing films ever to win Best Picture. Those are the headlines.
The Headlines
The Scramble After a White House Showdown, and R.F.K. Jr.’s Measles Response
Today on The Daily, Times reporter Peter Baker on the growing rift between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. That's next in the New York Times audio app, or you can listen wherever you get your podcasts. I'm Tracy Mumford. We'll be back tomorrow.
The Headlines
The Scramble After a White House Showdown, and R.F.K. Jr.’s Measles Response
Secretary of State Marco Rubio also criticized Zelensky, saying he was undermining peace negotiations.
The Headlines
The Scramble After a White House Showdown, and R.F.K. Jr.’s Measles Response
National Security Advisor Mike Waltz went further in an interview on CNN.
The Headlines
The Scramble After a White House Showdown, and R.F.K. Jr.’s Measles Response
Today, Trump is set to meet with his top national security aides to consider a range of policy options for Ukraine. An official tells The Times that could include suspending or canceling some military aid. Meanwhile.
The Headlines
Whiplash From the White House, and a SpaceX Explosion
As the tariff drama has played out, the U.S. and Canada have increasingly found themselves at odds. They used to be the closest of allies, but their relationship has taken a hit, not just because of the tariffs, but also because Trump has been calling Canada's sovereignty into question.
The Headlines
Whiplash From the White House, and a SpaceX Explosion
Trump has repeatedly talked about Canada becoming a state and referred to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as a governor. And while the remarks could all be bluster or a negotiating tactic, it's increasingly clear that Canada is taking them seriously.
The Headlines
Whiplash From the White House, and a SpaceX Explosion
The Times has learned that Canada's on guard because of several recent phone calls between American and Canadian officials. According to people with firsthand knowledge of the calls, Trump told Trudeau that he did not believe the treaty that demarcates the border between the U.S. and Canada is valid and that he wants to revise the boundary. He didn't elaborate.
The Headlines
Whiplash From the White House, and a SpaceX Explosion
In another call, Trump's commerce secretary told Canada's finance minister basically the same thing, that Trump is interested in potentially abandoning the agreements and treaties that govern the U.S. relationship with Canada. When asked about the phone calls and the U.S. 's stance towards Canada, the White House did not respond. And now three other updates on the Trump administration.
The Headlines
Whiplash From the White House, and a SpaceX Explosion
From The New York Times, it's The Headlines. I'm Traci Mumford. Today's Friday, March 7th. Here's what we're covering. President Trump has made a whiplash reversal on tariffs against Canada and Mexico. They're now off again, at least kind of. He suspended many of the 25 percent surcharges just two days after they kicked in.
The Headlines
Whiplash From the White House, and a SpaceX Explosion
The State Department is finalizing a plan to bring back the controversial travel bans Trump put in place during his first term in office. Those bans initially blocked travel for people from several Muslim-majority countries and were later expanded to include other low-income or non-white countries. The new ban is expected to expand that list.
The Headlines
Whiplash From the White House, and a SpaceX Explosion
Senior U.S. and Ukrainian officials are set to meet for talks next week about a plan to end the war in Ukraine. In the past few days, the White House has cut off military assistance and intelligence sharing to the country as a way to pressure it into negotiating. But for the moment, there are few details about what a viable peace plan could look like.
The Headlines
Whiplash From the White House, and a SpaceX Explosion
And Russia has not said publicly that it would accept any kind of agreement to end the war. And the National Park Service is telling its employees to keep quiet about a remarkable milestone. A record number of Americans visited the country's national parks last year. But an internal memo sent to staff this week told them not to publicize the news.
The Headlines
Whiplash From the White House, and a SpaceX Explosion
This decision came after pushback from business leaders and Canadian and Mexican officials. According to orders the White House released last night, some of the tariffs are permanently suspended. Others are merely paused. Most everyone involved is unsure of what could come next. For the stock market, that head spinning back and forth is weighing on investors.
The Headlines
Whiplash From the White House, and a SpaceX Explosion
The agency seems to be trying not to draw attention to the high visitor numbers amid recent staff cuts. Under the Trump administration, the park service has lost more than 1,700 employees, raising fears that there will be a breakdown in services and safety at the parks right as visitor numbers are peaking. Four, three, two, one.
The Headlines
Whiplash From the White House, and a SpaceX Explosion
Last night, SpaceX launched a test of its massive rocket, Starship, the most powerful spacecraft ever built. The 400-foot-tall rocket system lifted off successfully from South Texas. But less than 10 minutes into the flight... I just saw that Starship blew up.
The Headlines
Whiplash From the White House, and a SpaceX Explosion
The unmanned craft spun out of control and exploded, sending flaming debris streaking through the sky.
The Headlines
Whiplash From the White House, and a SpaceX Explosion
The debris rained down, causing flight delays from Florida to Pennsylvania, and the Federal Aviation Administration said it was grounding future Starship launches until SpaceX completes a full investigation into what went wrong. The last Starship test launch also ended in an explosion when a rocket blew up in midair and fell in pieces over Turks and Caicos.
The Headlines
Whiplash From the White House, and a SpaceX Explosion
The company's founder, Elon Musk, says he hopes to eventually use the Starship rockets to carry people to the moon or even to Mars. And finally, a few years ago in Texas, someone cashed in a winning lottery ticket for $95 million. The jackpot had been building for months without a winner, until that lucky draw. But now, the state of Texas says, it was not luck.
The Headlines
Whiplash From the White House, and a SpaceX Explosion
At a recent state hearing into potential lottery fraud, the director of the Texas lottery explained that the winner spent $25 million to buy nearly every possible number combination. And it worked. They had the winning ticket for the third largest jackpot in Texas lotto history.
The Headlines
Whiplash From the White House, and a SpaceX Explosion
One of the senators at the hearing said he thought the big ticket buy might be part of a money laundering scheme. Texas law allows winners to remain anonymous if the prize is over a million. So for the moment, this winner has only been identified as a business entity out of New Jersey called Rook TX.
The Headlines
Whiplash From the White House, and a SpaceX Explosion
In terms of whether buying up every possible lottery ticket is against the law, the director of the Texas Lottery says it's not necessarily illegal. But he did admit that if someone does that, the perception of fairness definitely takes a hit. Those are the headlines. Today on The Daily, Netflix paid millions of dollars to make a documentary about the musician Prince.
The Headlines
Whiplash From the White House, and a SpaceX Explosion
A look at why the public will probably never see it. That's next in the New York Times audio app, or you can listen wherever you get your podcasts. This show is made by Will Jarvis, Jessica Metzger, Jan Stewart, and me, Tracy Mumford. Original theme by Dan Powell. Special thanks to Isabella Anderson, Larissa Anderson, Jake Lucas, Zoe Murphy, Paula Schumann, and Chris Wood.
The Headlines
Whiplash From the White House, and a SpaceX Explosion
The headlines will be back on Monday.
The Headlines
Whiplash From the White House, and a SpaceX Explosion
The S&P 500 is on course for its worst week since two years ago when there was a banking crisis.
The Headlines
Whiplash From the White House, and a SpaceX Explosion
My colleague Ben Castleman says coming into the year, the economy looked quite strong by a number of measures.