Tracy Mumford
Appearances
The Headlines
Trump Pivots Toward Putin, and R.F.K. Jr. Says ‘Nothing’ Is Off Limits
President Trump's pivot on Putin has raised concerns even among members of his own party. Republican Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi urged caution in an interview on CNN.
The Headlines
Trump Pivots Toward Putin, and R.F.K. Jr. Says ‘Nothing’ Is Off Limits
At Mar-a-Lago yesterday, President Trump also signed a new order expanding his power over independent government agencies. The agencies range from the Securities and Exchange Commission to the National Labor Relations Board. They regulate everything from Wall Street to Internet access to unionizing. They're agencies that Congress established.
The Headlines
Trump Pivots Toward Putin, and R.F.K. Jr. Says ‘Nothing’ Is Off Limits
From The New York Times, it's The Headlines. I'm Tracy Mumford. Today's Wednesday, February 19th. Here's what we're covering. The Trump administration is going all in on building closer ties with Russia, upending decades of American foreign policy. Yesterday, top U.S.
The Headlines
Trump Pivots Toward Putin, and R.F.K. Jr. Says ‘Nothing’ Is Off Limits
They're designed to be independent, and they're structured so their day-to-day activities are not under the direct control of the president.
The Headlines
Trump Pivots Toward Putin, and R.F.K. Jr. Says ‘Nothing’ Is Off Limits
officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, met for four hours with Russia's foreign minister as they began peace talks around the war in Ukraine. It was the first face-to-face meeting between Russia and the U.S. since Russia's invasion in 2022. Rubio said that ending the war would open up, quote, extraordinary business and political opportunities for the U.S.
The Headlines
Trump Pivots Toward Putin, and R.F.K. Jr. Says ‘Nothing’ Is Off Limits
It requires the agencies to submit their policies to the White House in advance and says the administration can block and cut off funding for initiatives that conflict with the president's priorities. Ending the agency's independence has been a longtime goal of the conservative legal movement, which sees this as a way to reduce government regulation and rules on corporations.
The Headlines
Trump Pivots Toward Putin, and R.F.K. Jr. Says ‘Nothing’ Is Off Limits
Three more quick updates from Washington. On the energy front, the Trump administration is moving to fast-track fossil fuel projects. The Army Corps of Engineers has created a new class of emergency permits to speed up the approval of projects like pipelines, mines and power plants. It's part of President Trump's demand to increase oil, gas and coal production.
The Headlines
Trump Pivots Toward Putin, and R.F.K. Jr. Says ‘Nothing’ Is Off Limits
The move could limit environmental reviews of the projects and cut out the chance for the public to weigh in. At the Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. laid out his agenda in his first address to staffers.
The Headlines
Trump Pivots Toward Putin, and R.F.K. Jr. Says ‘Nothing’ Is Off Limits
He vowed to investigate the causes of chronic disease, said he would scrutinize childhood vaccines, and prioritize other topics that he said had been considered taboo by mainstream science, saying, quote, nothing is going to be off limits. And across the federal government, the Trump administration continues to carry out mass firings. At least 3,000 employees from the U.S.
The Headlines
Trump Pivots Toward Putin, and R.F.K. Jr. Says ‘Nothing’ Is Off Limits
Forest and National Park Services lost their jobs this past week. That includes rangers who maintain trails, clean facilities, and conduct search and rescue missions. Some rangers told The Times that the job cuts could make parks and forests less safe for the public. And more firings are planned at multiple other departments, including the Pentagon.
The Headlines
Trump Pivots Toward Putin, and R.F.K. Jr. Says ‘Nothing’ Is Off Limits
Today on The Daily, federal workers on how the cuts have them feeling under attack.
The Headlines
Trump Pivots Toward Putin, and R.F.K. Jr. Says ‘Nothing’ Is Off Limits
At the Vatican, officials announced that Pope Francis has pneumonia and will remain hospitalized in Rome. The head of the Catholic Church is 88 years old. He went into the hospital last Friday. The Vatican said his condition is, quote, complex, but that he's in good spirits. Pope had part of his right lung removed when he was younger, leaving him prone to respiratory issues.
The Headlines
Trump Pivots Toward Putin, and R.F.K. Jr. Says ‘Nothing’ Is Off Limits
Over the last few years, he's faced a number of health challenges. He's been using a walker or a wheelchair more and more, but he's kept up a busy schedule. And finally, astronomers announced yesterday that Earth's chance of being hit by an asteroid is now at its highest level ever recorded. To be clear, that is still very low.
The Headlines
Trump Pivots Toward Putin, and R.F.K. Jr. Says ‘Nothing’ Is Off Limits
But they've got their eye on an asteroid called 2024 YR4, which they just spotted in December. It's expected to pass very close to Earth in 2032, on December 22nd to be exact. And there's a chance, 3.1%, that it could actually hit the planet. It's smaller than other asteroids that researchers have tracked, somewhere between 130 and 300 feet long. But it could demolish a city with a direct hit.
The Headlines
Trump Pivots Toward Putin, and R.F.K. Jr. Says ‘Nothing’ Is Off Limits
Again, there's a slim chance that could happen. But it's a good time to remember that NASA has a program designed for these situations. In the last few years, it ran a test smashing a spacecraft into an asteroid on purpose to see if it could knock it off course. And it was able to minimally alter its path that way.
The Headlines
Trump Pivots Toward Putin, and R.F.K. Jr. Says ‘Nothing’ Is Off Limits
and Russia, signaling that the administration is ready to look past Russia's brazen land grab and its killing of thousands of civilians. Ukraine said it was not invited to the peace talks at all.
The Headlines
Trump Pivots Toward Putin, and R.F.K. Jr. Says ‘Nothing’ Is Off Limits
The agency's administrator at the time said the test showed, quote, NASA is serious as a defender of this planet. Those are the headlines. I'm Tracy Mumford. We'll be back tomorrow.
The Headlines
Trump Pivots Toward Putin, and R.F.K. Jr. Says ‘Nothing’ Is Off Limits
Trump faced questions about the negotiations at a press conference at Mar-a-Lago. My colleague Jonathan Swan was there.
The Headlines
Plane Flips Over in Toronto, and Migrants Trapped in Panama Hotel
military has flown hundreds of people who come from countries in Asia, Africa, or the Middle East to Panama. 350 of them are now locked in a hotel in Panama City. They've been told they're going to be sent to a camp near the jungle, then on to their home countries.
The Headlines
Plane Flips Over in Toronto, and Migrants Trapped in Panama Hotel
My colleague Hamed Ali Aziz says the migrants have been stripped of their passports and barred from talking to lawyers. He was able to speak with one woman who held onto her cell phone.
The Headlines
Plane Flips Over in Toronto, and Migrants Trapped in Panama Hotel
From The New York Times, it's The Headlines. I'm Tracy Mumford. Today's Tuesday, February 18th. Here's what we're covering.
The Headlines
Plane Flips Over in Toronto, and Migrants Trapped in Panama Hotel
In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security said that none of the migrants told authorities they were scared to return to their home country. But Hamed says many feel they are in danger. And some people in the hotel described desperate attempts to escape. One man broke his leg trying. The plan to send migrants to other countries will soon extend beyond Panama.
The Headlines
Plane Flips Over in Toronto, and Migrants Trapped in Panama Hotel
Authorities have released only a few details about the dramatic crash landing of a Delta Airlines flight in Toronto yesterday. The small jet was carrying 80 people on a flight from Minneapolis when it tried to touch down amid heavy winds and drifting snow. As it landed, it flipped upside down, losing its tail and a wing. No one was killed, but 18 people were injured.
The Headlines
Plane Flips Over in Toronto, and Migrants Trapped in Panama Hotel
Costa Rica announced yesterday that it will also accept deportees. A flight carrying around 200 people, originally from Central Asia and India, is expected to land there this week.
The Headlines
Plane Flips Over in Toronto, and Migrants Trapped in Panama Hotel
Three other quick updates on the Trump administration. The Education Department is warning schools they will lose their federal funding if they take race into account in any, quote, aspects of student, academic and campus life. The new directive could be especially disruptive to colleges and universities.
The Headlines
Plane Flips Over in Toronto, and Migrants Trapped in Panama Hotel
including those that have race-based scholarships and grants, or even housing, like sororities or fraternities intended for students of a specific background. It's the latest push by the administration to frame diversity and inclusion efforts as a form of racial discrimination, particularly against white and Asian students.
The Headlines
Plane Flips Over in Toronto, and Migrants Trapped in Panama Hotel
At the Social Security Administration, the agency's top official has abruptly resigned after refusing to give Elon Musk's team access to sensitive personal data about millions of Americans. Musk has claimed that the Social Security program is rife with fraud and waste, but a recent audit showed that less than 1% of payments were improper.
The Headlines
Plane Flips Over in Toronto, and Migrants Trapped in Panama Hotel
It's not clear if Musk's team did eventually get access to the Social Security systems, which include medical records and financial data.
The Headlines
Plane Flips Over in Toronto, and Migrants Trapped in Panama Hotel
Thousands of people took to the streets across the country yesterday to protest the Trump administration. Many of them said they feel Trump is acting like a king, not a president. And they held signs with messages like, this is a coup and save democracy. The protests were largely organized by the 50-51 movement, which has been pushing back against what it says is Trump's overreach.
The Headlines
Plane Flips Over in Toronto, and Migrants Trapped in Panama Hotel
In the Middle East, the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas continues to hold, but Israel's military has been ramping up its operations in the West Bank. A weeks-long operation by the Israeli military there has forced about 40,000 Palestinians from their homes. It's the biggest displacement of civilians in the territory in over 50 years.
The Headlines
Plane Flips Over in Toronto, and Migrants Trapped in Panama Hotel
Residents tell the Times that soldiers used megaphones to order them out of their houses and threatened to shoot them if they didn't leave. Israel says its goal is to root out militant groups to prevent them from attacking Israelis, and that it never ordered any evacuations.
The Headlines
Plane Flips Over in Toronto, and Migrants Trapped in Panama Hotel
The military has demolished scores of buildings, used armored bulldozers to rip up roads, and destroyed water pipes and power lines, adding to the damage from previous raids in the territory.
The Headlines
Plane Flips Over in Toronto, and Migrants Trapped in Panama Hotel
Meat raffles are really blowing up, depending on where you live. They're pretty much exactly what they sound like. You buy a raffle ticket, you hope you win some meat. For a dollar, maybe $5, you could win a nice steak, a pork tenderloin, I want a ham once. The events have been kicking around Minnesota and Wisconsin for over 100 years. Now they're spreading to other states.
The Headlines
Plane Flips Over in Toronto, and Migrants Trapped in Panama Hotel
Also, states with cold weather, where people want to pack inside in the winter and cross their fingers for a rack of ribs. Some churches and kids' sports teams rely on them as fundraisers. Organizers say they can raise $5,000 to even $15,000 a night, depending on the turnout. One woman who runs meat raffles in western New York says they've really taken off. She now runs 100 of them a year.
The Headlines
Plane Flips Over in Toronto, and Migrants Trapped in Panama Hotel
For some, the appeal is obvious. A snowplow operator who went to a raffle at a VFW in a suburb of Buffalo told the Times, You can win meat. You don't have to go to the grocery store. How can you go wrong with that? Those are the headlines today on The Daily. An interview with one of President Trump's key economic advisors on how he thinks tariffs can change America's relationship with China.
The Headlines
Plane Flips Over in Toronto, and Migrants Trapped in Panama Hotel
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
Plane Flips Over in Toronto, and Migrants Trapped in Panama Hotel
And then we just crawled out the back of the airplane. Passengers described having to climb out of the overturned plane as part of it burst into flames.
The Headlines
Plane Flips Over in Toronto, and Migrants Trapped in Panama Hotel
It's not clear what caused the crash, but it's the latest in a series of recent airline disasters that has travelers on edge, including a deadly crash in South Korea in December where a plane slid off the runway, and the midair collision near Washington last month between a passenger jet and an Army helicopter.
The Headlines
Plane Flips Over in Toronto, and Migrants Trapped in Panama Hotel
As the Trump administration tries to carry out its plan for sweeping deportations, it's faced a major challenge. Many migrants in the U.S. come from countries it's not easy to deport them back to for various reasons, like Afghanistan, Iran, or China. Now the administration has come up with an alternate plan. Send them to another country that is willing to take them. In the last week, the U.S.
The Headlines
Trump’s Ultimatum to Hamas, and Nonstop Quakes on Greek Island
The department told federal prosecutors to drop their case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Adams was charged last year with conspiracy, wire fraud, bribery, and soliciting illegal campaign contributions. He spent the last several months currying favor with President Trump, attending the inauguration and visiting him at Mar-a-Lago.
The Headlines
Trump’s Ultimatum to Hamas, and Nonstop Quakes on Greek Island
The DOJ now says it wants the case against Adams dropped not because of the facts involved, but in part because the charges could interfere with Adams' job, including his ability to cooperate with Trump's immigration crackdown. In Gaza, the fragile ceasefire between Hamas and Israel is on edge. Hamas now says it's postponing the release of any more hostages indefinitely.
The Headlines
Trump’s Ultimatum to Hamas, and Nonstop Quakes on Greek Island
It was supposed to release more this weekend. The group has accused Israel of violating the agreement by delaying the return of displaced Palestinians, blocking the delivery of some humanitarian aid, and opening fire on civilians. This morning, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet with his security cabinet about how to respond.
The Headlines
Trump’s Ultimatum to Hamas, and Nonstop Quakes on Greek Island
But President Trump has already issued his own ultimatum to Hamas over the ceasefire deal.
The Headlines
Trump’s Ultimatum to Hamas, and Nonstop Quakes on Greek Island
From The New York Times, it's The Headlines. I'm Tracy Mumford. Today's Tuesday, February 11th. Here's what we're covering. The Trump administration and the courts have moved one step closer to a major showdown. On Monday, a federal judge said for the first time that the White House is defying a clear and unambiguous judicial order.
The Headlines
Trump’s Ultimatum to Hamas, and Nonstop Quakes on Greek Island
Sitting at his desk in the Oval Office, Trump said he was speaking for himself, not Israel. But he demanded that Hamas go above and beyond the original deal and release all of the remaining hostages this weekend.
The Headlines
Trump’s Ultimatum to Hamas, and Nonstop Quakes on Greek Island
At the same time, Trump has doubled down on his brazen plan to relocate the entire population of Gaza and redevelop the territory.
The Headlines
Trump’s Ultimatum to Hamas, and Nonstop Quakes on Greek Island
While Trump's aides have previously tried to downplay his relocation plan, saying Gazans would only be removed temporarily, Trump said in an interview on Fox News that they would not be allowed to return and that they'd be permanently resettled in Egypt and Jordan. Both countries have rejected that idea, which could violate international law.
The Headlines
Trump’s Ultimatum to Hamas, and Nonstop Quakes on Greek Island
But Trump is now saying he might withhold aid from them if they don't go along with the plan. The threat puts Jordan and Egypt in a difficult position. Both receive extensive U.S. military aid, but neither one could absorb two million refugees without risking massive upheaval. The King of Jordan will be at the White House today, where he's likely to discuss the plan with President Trump.
The Headlines
Trump’s Ultimatum to Hamas, and Nonstop Quakes on Greek Island
The legal fight is over the billions of dollars in federal funding that the administration froze last month so they could root out any programs they felt weren't in line with President Trump's ideology and agenda. The judge had ordered the administration to keep the money flowing, but they have not fully complied, and there are reports that they've frozen even more money since then.
The Headlines
Trump’s Ultimatum to Hamas, and Nonstop Quakes on Greek Island
Nikki Kitsantonis covers Greece for The Times, where the island of Santorini has been rocked by near-constant earthquakes since the end of January. This kind of so-called quake swarm has happened before in Greece, but hasn't continued with this kind of intensity. Some scientists think it could just peter out in a few weeks or months.
The Headlines
Trump’s Ultimatum to Hamas, and Nonstop Quakes on Greek Island
Others think it may be leading up to a massive earthquake that could potentially even set off volcanic eruptions nearby. Nikki says the uncertainty has driven nearly all of the island's 15,000 year-round residents to evacuate.
The Headlines
Trump’s Ultimatum to Hamas, and Nonstop Quakes on Greek Island
And finally, an animated movie about a charming, adorably ugly child who is the reincarnation of a demon has become the highest-grossing movie in China ever. Nezha 2 has had more than $1.2 billion in ticket sales in less than two weeks. It's got a Pixar-ish look and is based loosely on Chinese mythology. And its success represents a huge shift for the film industry in China.
The Headlines
Trump’s Ultimatum to Hamas, and Nonstop Quakes on Greek Island
Hollywood films used to dominate the box office there, but those no longer really break through. Instead, Chinese-made movies with patriotic messaging or cultural references have become the top performers. The Communist Party and Chinese state-run media are hailing Nezha 2 as proof that the country can tell its own stories without relying on Western studios.
The Headlines
Trump’s Ultimatum to Hamas, and Nonstop Quakes on Greek Island
Basically, they're saying China doesn't need Disney to make a Mulan anymore. With one newspaper saying Nezha's success proves, quote, "...no one can narrate China's myths better than China itself." Those are the headlines today on The Daily. What Trump demolishing USAID could mean for American power and influence overseas.
The Headlines
Trump’s Ultimatum to Hamas, and Nonstop Quakes on Greek Island
That's next in The New York Times audio app, where you can listen wherever you get your podcasts. I'm Tracy Mumford. We'll be back tomorrow.
The Headlines
Trump’s Ultimatum to Hamas, and Nonstop Quakes on Greek Island
The judge said yesterday that there is no legitimate reason for the White House not to be following his orders. In a statement, though, a White House spokesman was openly defiant, claiming that, quote, every action of the Trump-Vance administration is completely lawful and that any challenge against it is nothing more than an attempt to undermine the will of the American people.
The Headlines
Trump’s Ultimatum to Hamas, and Nonstop Quakes on Greek Island
The administration's refusal to release federal funds might not be the only court order they're ignoring. Yesterday, a federal workers' group said the administration is still putting USAID employees on leave, even after a judge told them to stop.
The Headlines
Trump’s Ultimatum to Hamas, and Nonstop Quakes on Greek Island
If the White House continues to openly flout orders from the courts, the government could be headed towards a high-stakes constitutional clash between the executive branch and the judicial branch. Meanwhile, a move by the Justice Department on Monday is raising questions about influence and fairness under the Trump administration.
The Headlines
Republicans Face Backlash, and the Dangers of Fake A.I. Therapists
I'll see you next time.
The Headlines
Republicans Face Backlash, and the Dangers of Fake A.I. Therapists
Musk warned that anyone who didn't respond to it with a summary of their work would lose their job. The email reached workers across multiple agencies, from the FBI to the FDA. It even went to sitting federal judges who were not part of the executive branch. The demand triggered a standoff.
The Headlines
Republicans Face Backlash, and the Dangers of Fake A.I. Therapists
Several agency officials, including FBI Director Kash Patel and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, urged workers not to reply. Some reiterated that they were in charge of their staff, not Musk. The pushback reflects a growing unease behind the scenes of the Trump administration about Musk's power. President Trump, however, said Saturday he wants Musk to be more aggressive.
The Headlines
Republicans Face Backlash, and the Dangers of Fake A.I. Therapists
Musk's latest controversial order comes as his team, the Department of Government Efficiency, is claiming that it's cut $55 billion of federal spending so far. It's posted a so-called wall of receipts on its website, but The Times has found that it's marred by accounting errors, outdated data, and other mistakes. Some contracts they said they canceled were double or triple counted.
The Headlines
Republicans Face Backlash, and the Dangers of Fake A.I. Therapists
One line item initially claimed a contract was worth $8 billion when it was $8 million. The full analysis of Doge's budget claims is at NYTimes.com.
The Headlines
Republicans Face Backlash, and the Dangers of Fake A.I. Therapists
From The New York Times, it's The Headlines. I'm Tracy Mumford. Today's Monday, February 24th. Here's what we're covering.
The Headlines
Republicans Face Backlash, and the Dangers of Fake A.I. Therapists
Across the country, frustrated and angry voters have been confronting Republican lawmakers as they held town halls back in their home districts.
The Headlines
Republicans Face Backlash, and the Dangers of Fake A.I. Therapists
Jim Tankersley is the Times bureau chief in Berlin.
The Headlines
Republicans Face Backlash, and the Dangers of Fake A.I. Therapists
Officials at the Vatican say that Pope Francis is in the early stages of kidney failure. They say he's alert, but that his condition continues to be critical, 10 days after he was hospitalized in Rome for respiratory issues. Yesterday, Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York City said that he's, quote, in very, very fragile health and probably close to death.
The Headlines
Republicans Face Backlash, and the Dangers of Fake A.I. Therapists
Catholic leaders have been urging people to pray for the 88-year-old pope. Mental health professionals are sounding the alarm about unregulated AI chatbots claiming to be therapists. Professionally programmed therapy chatbots do exist. They're set up with scripts and guardrails, and there's been a hope that they can help make up for a shortage of mental health providers.
The Headlines
Republicans Face Backlash, and the Dangers of Fake A.I. Therapists
But this month, the head of the American Psychological Association said that vulnerable people have been turning to sites filled with user-generated bots that anyone can talk to. Some are labeled psychologist or therapist, and they can even claim to have a degree from Stanford or specialize in specific techniques.
The Headlines
Republicans Face Backlash, and the Dangers of Fake A.I. Therapists
It was Congress's first recess since President Trump took office, and constituents were waiting for the lawmakers with questions about executive orders, government layoffs, and the work of Elon Musk.
The Headlines
Republicans Face Backlash, and the Dangers of Fake A.I. Therapists
Unlike therapy chatbots trained by human doctors, the fake therapy bots simply echo users' beliefs back to them, and in some cases, reinforce harmful thoughts. After interacting with one, a teenage boy in Texas started being violent towards his parents, and a 14-year-old in Florida died by suicide.
The Headlines
Republicans Face Backlash, and the Dangers of Fake A.I. Therapists
Psychologists are warning that these bots need human supervision and federal oversight, especially as the technology advances and they become more realistic. And finally... You can't believe I'm going to be living in Fairmont Crest. A new daytime soap opera premieres today on CBS, something that hasn't happened this century.
The Headlines
Republicans Face Backlash, and the Dangers of Fake A.I. Therapists
Soap operas used to be a centerpiece of afternoon TV. People had to get home for their stories. But the shows have mostly disappeared. Reality TV has taken over. People get all their backstabbing, catfighting drama from real people instead. But now, the new soap, Beyond the Gates, is trying to bring back the form. It's also the first American soap completely centered on a Black family.
The Headlines
Republicans Face Backlash, and the Dangers of Fake A.I. Therapists
The show is a partnership with the NAACP. It follows the wealthy but drama-prone Duprees in suburban Maryland.
The Headlines
Republicans Face Backlash, and the Dangers of Fake A.I. Therapists
Actress Tamara Tooney, who stars in the new show, talked to The Times ahead of the launch. She was on soaps in the 80s and 90s and said there's more to them than the stereotype of melodrama and hammy performances.
The Headlines
Republicans Face Backlash, and the Dangers of Fake A.I. Therapists
Those are the headlines. Today on The Daily, the controversial methods the Trump administration is using to deport undocumented migrants. 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
Republicans Face Backlash, and the Dangers of Fake A.I. Therapists
In Trinity, Texas this weekend, Representative Pete Sessions was pushed for answers about how Trump and Musk are trying to slash spending.
The Headlines
Republicans Face Backlash, and the Dangers of Fake A.I. Therapists
Sessions appeared unfazed by the questions and by the people shouting over him at some points. He said he could not promise anyone would be insulated from budget cuts. Nationwide, many of the most vocal complaints at the town halls came from people who identified themselves as Democrats.
The Headlines
Iowa Moves to Eliminate Trans Rights, and Zelensky Heads to the White House
Today, President Trump is hosting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House to sign an agreement over mineral rights. Their meeting comes a week after Trump called Zelensky a dictator.
The Headlines
Iowa Moves to Eliminate Trans Rights, and Zelensky Heads to the White House
In the Oval Office yesterday, Trump brushed past that comment and said he and Zelensky are ready to work together. The exact terms of the mineral rights agreement haven't been released, but it will mark a clear shift for the countries, effectively turning their alliance into a business relationship.
The Headlines
Iowa Moves to Eliminate Trans Rights, and Zelensky Heads to the White House
We're going to be actually in there, digging our hearts out. Ukraine will share some of the revenue from its valuable mineral resources. Trump has said that's payback for the military support the U.S. has already provided. Zelensky's made clear he wants a future guarantee of U.S. protection. But a draft of the deal the Times reviewed only vaguely referenced that, with no specific commitment.
The Headlines
Iowa Moves to Eliminate Trans Rights, and Zelensky Heads to the White House
Also on Thursday.
The Headlines
Iowa Moves to Eliminate Trans Rights, and Zelensky Heads to the White House
President Trump announced his plan for tariffs on Canada and Mexico is back on starting next week. The 25 percent surcharges have the potential to upend supply chains and drive up prices, especially for cars and some food products.
The Headlines
Iowa Moves to Eliminate Trans Rights, and Zelensky Heads to the White House
From The New York Times, it's The Headlines. I'm Tracy Mumford. Today's Friday, February 28th. Here's what we're covering. On Thursday, Republican lawmakers in Iowa overwhelmingly passed a bill that would end state civil rights protections for transgender people.
The Headlines
Iowa Moves to Eliminate Trans Rights, and Zelensky Heads to the White House
Trump first announced the tariffs last month, then almost immediately paused them, saying he was giving the country's time to meet his demands for border security, including stopping the flow of fentanyl into the U.S.
The Headlines
Iowa Moves to Eliminate Trans Rights, and Zelensky Heads to the White House
Advocates for LGBTQ rights say if the governor signs the bill into law, as expected, Iowa will become the first state in the country to remove those kinds of broad and explicit protections against discrimination. Iowa had put them into state law almost two decades ago.
The Headlines
Iowa Moves to Eliminate Trans Rights, and Zelensky Heads to the White House
That has Canada unsure of how to appease the president, since very little fentanyl actually comes across the northern border. U.S. authorities only seized about 40 pounds of the drug coming in from Canada last year, compared to 500 times that amount from Mexico. On Mexico's part, it's been moving troops to the border and escalating its raids on drug labs.
The Headlines
Iowa Moves to Eliminate Trans Rights, and Zelensky Heads to the White House
And yesterday, Mexican authorities transferred 29 top cartel members into American custody — Turning over people U.S. authorities had been trying to prosecute for decades. The first phase of the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel is set to expire tomorrow night. And what comes next is a big question mark.
The Headlines
Iowa Moves to Eliminate Trans Rights, and Zelensky Heads to the White House
Phase one of the agreement was designed to pause the fighting and build momentum toward a more long-lasting deal. But Israel and Hamas are still as far apart as they've ever been on the crucial issues that need to be resolved, like if Hamas will agree to disband its forces and if Israel will agree to end the war completely.
The Headlines
Iowa Moves to Eliminate Trans Rights, and Zelensky Heads to the White House
If the deadline tomorrow comes and goes without a deal for phase two, it does not necessarily mean fighting will restart right away. Under the current plan, the truce can be extended if negotiations are actively ongoing. In Syria, my colleague Raja Abdulrahim has been reporting on what life has looked like there since the fall of the brutal Assad regime.
The Headlines
Iowa Moves to Eliminate Trans Rights, and Zelensky Heads to the White House
After decades of war and political repression, Raja says people have spent the past three months celebrating a newfound sense of freedom. There's music in the streets, families are having picnics in places the government had made off-limits, and Syrians are packing into small venues for comedy.
The Headlines
Iowa Moves to Eliminate Trans Rights, and Zelensky Heads to the White House
Roja recently went to one of the comedy shows. She says there was a lot of classic stand-up material about religion, marriage, and sex, but the biggest punchline of the night was about Bashar al-Assad, the ousted dictator.
The Headlines
Iowa Moves to Eliminate Trans Rights, and Zelensky Heads to the White House
And finally, the Oscars are this Sunday. Some movie buffs are preparing to go all out, hosting viewing parties, maybe building out a menu of themed snacks in honor of the nominees. That might mean Demi S'mores or maybe a bowl of popcorn if you're a Conclave fan. Have you been to the Oscars?
The Headlines
Iowa Moves to Eliminate Trans Rights, and Zelensky Heads to the White House
The host this year will be Conan O'Brien, who talked with my colleague Milena Ryzik about taking on the famously tricky job of trying to keep people laughing at a ceremony that can push four hours. The pressure is definitely on as the show tries to reverse its slipping viewership numbers.
The Headlines
Iowa Moves to Eliminate Trans Rights, and Zelensky Heads to the White House
Supporters of the bill say it's necessary to remove the protections because otherwise they could be used to mount a legal challenge to other state laws. Iowa has laws restricting gender transition treatments for minors and barring transgender women and girls from playing in women's sports. Critics of the bill held protests at the state capitol this week as it was up for debate.
The Headlines
Iowa Moves to Eliminate Trans Rights, and Zelensky Heads to the White House
For live coverage of the Oscars on Sunday, all the winners, all the red carpet fashion, you can go to nytimes.com. Those are the headlines. Today on The Daily, the Friday Politics Roundtable. This show is made by Will Jarvis, Jessica Metzger, Jan Stewart, and me, Tracy Mumford. Original theme by Dan Powell.
The Headlines
Iowa Moves to Eliminate Trans Rights, and Zelensky Heads to the White House
Special thanks to Isabella Anderson, Larissa Anderson, Jake Lucas, Zoe Murphy, and Paula Schumann. The headlines will be back on Monday.
The Headlines
Iowa Moves to Eliminate Trans Rights, and Zelensky Heads to the White House
They say they fear transgender people will face widespread discrimination and harassment without the protections. Some people pleaded directly with lawmakers not to go forward with the bill.
The Headlines
Iowa Moves to Eliminate Trans Rights, and Zelensky Heads to the White House
The Iowa bill comes as the Trump administration has moved to limit trans rights at a national level. The president issued an executive order saying the government will only recognize the gender people were assigned at birth. On social media last night, Trump posted, Thank you, Iowa.
The Headlines
The F.B.I.’s New Boss, and the Foreign Aid Fallout
Damien says that the aid cuts come as the U.S. had been trying to shore up partnerships in Asia to offset China's rising power there. And Vietnam, which borders China, has been a critical part of that effort.
The Headlines
The F.B.I.’s New Boss, and the Foreign Aid Fallout
In Israel, there's been a painful twist in the return of bodies of hostages from Gaza. Yesterday, as part of its ceasefire agreement, Hamas said it was handing over the remains of four people taken captive on October 7th. That included a mother, Shiri Bibas, and her two young children, who had become a symbol for many Israelis of the cruelty of the hostage crisis.
The Headlines
The F.B.I.’s New Boss, and the Foreign Aid Fallout
From The New York Times, it's The Headlines. I'm Tracy Mumford. Today's Friday, February 21st. Here's what we're covering. Funding for vital health programs around the world remains frozen, despite a federal judge's order that the Trump administration stop dismantling USAID.
The Headlines
The F.B.I.’s New Boss, and the Foreign Aid Fallout
Four black coffins were transferred from Gaza into Israel. But overnight, the Israeli military announced that the body in Bibas' coffin was not her. After forensic tests, they said the body is unidentified and didn't match any other hostages. The shocking discovery, an apparent ruse by Hamas, could threaten the fragile ceasefire.
The Headlines
The F.B.I.’s New Boss, and the Foreign Aid Fallout
The Times has spoken with people on the ground who work on the aid programs, and they say that the freeze is having life-threatening consequences. They say children in Kenya who may have tuberculosis can't get tested. There's no clean drinking water at refugee camps in Nigeria and Bangladesh.
The Headlines
The F.B.I.’s New Boss, and the Foreign Aid Fallout
The Israeli military called it a, quote, "...violation of utmost severity." Meanwhile, a series of explosions in Israel has raised fears of an attempted coordinated terrorist attack. Last night, three buses blew up in parking lots outside Tel Aviv, and multiple unexploded bombs were discovered at other locations. No injuries were reported.
The Headlines
The F.B.I.’s New Boss, and the Foreign Aid Fallout
In response, all bus and train service in Israel was suspended, and Israel's prime minister immediately ordered the military to carry out what he called a massive operation against militants in the West Bank, where Israel has already been ramping up its raids in recent weeks.
The Headlines
The F.B.I.’s New Boss, and the Foreign Aid Fallout
On Thursday afternoon, the Senate confirmed a hardline Trump loyalist, Kash Patel, as the next director of the FBI. Patel rose to prominence, promising to carry out a revenge campaign against Trump's political enemies. He even wrote a kid's book about Trump called The Plot Against the King.
The Headlines
The F.B.I.’s New Boss, and the Foreign Aid Fallout
He's been a vocal critic of the FBI for years, spreading false information about its work and vowing to fire its top leaders. During his confirmation hearing, Patel downplayed his previous comments, but the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee accused Patel of already directing a purge of FBI officials before he's even been sworn in. Also on Capitol Hill yesterday.
The Headlines
The F.B.I.’s New Boss, and the Foreign Aid Fallout
The longtime Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell marked his 83rd birthday by announcing that he will not seek re-election. He's faced a series of health issues in recent years and said he will step down at the end of his term. Over his four decades in Congress, McConnell has been known as a master tactician.
The Headlines
The F.B.I.’s New Boss, and the Foreign Aid Fallout
He played a key role in blocking major Democratic legislation and pushing through the confirmation of a whole generation of conservative judges. But he's also been one of the few Republican lawmakers to push back on President Trump since he took office again. McConnell voted against three of Trump's cabinet nominees.
The Headlines
The F.B.I.’s New Boss, and the Foreign Aid Fallout
And people are traveling almost 200 miles in search of HIV medications in Ethiopia because they're no longer available at clinics the U.S. was funding. The Trump administration initially froze all foreign aid, saying it needed to review all of the programs and make sure they were in line with the president's America First agenda.
The Headlines
The F.B.I.’s New Boss, and the Foreign Aid Fallout
The Times has found that a number of planned parenthood clinics across the country are in financial crisis. The funding shortage has meant they're relying on old equipment and facing staff turnover because of rock-bottom salaries. All of that could be compromising patient care. The Times spoke with staff and patients about scores of allegations, including failed abortions and misplaced IUDs.
The Headlines
The F.B.I.’s New Boss, and the Foreign Aid Fallout
The lack of funding in some ways is a surprise. Ever since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the organization has had a fundraising boom. But little of that money goes to provide health care at clinics. Instead, the majority is spent on the legal and political fight to maintain abortion rights.
The Headlines
The F.B.I.’s New Boss, and the Foreign Aid Fallout
The clinics are primarily funded by local fundraising and by Medicaid payments for the non-abortion procedures that they provide, like cancer screenings and annual exams. But some states like Texas and Arkansas have blocked those payments, and others may follow, cutting the clinics off from crucial funding. The full investigation into the state of Planned Parenthood clinics is at nytimes.com.
The Headlines
The F.B.I.’s New Boss, and the Foreign Aid Fallout
And finally... It's not very comfortable, is it? The James Bond franchise is about to be shaken up.
The Headlines
The F.B.I.’s New Boss, and the Foreign Aid Fallout
Oh, go on then, eject me. See if I care. For more than 60 years, one British family, the Broccoli family, has been in control of every detail of the Bond film franchise. They've had final say of every casting decision, every stunt, every line of dialogue.
The Headlines
The F.B.I.’s New Boss, and the Foreign Aid Fallout
But Amazon gained a significant ownership stake in the 007 franchise a few years ago. And that triggered a standoff between Amazon and producer Barbara Broccoli about how to move forward. According to the Wall Street Journal, Broccoli didn't trust Amazon to do the iconic character justice. She told friends she thought the people at Amazon were idiots.
The Headlines
The F.B.I.’s New Boss, and the Foreign Aid Fallout
But yesterday, it was announced they've struck a deal. Amazon will get creative control. And Broccoli said she'll move on to other projects. Right now, the Bond franchise is at a crossroads. The last film, starring Daniel Craig, was the end of Craig's run. And there's been no decision about who will play the spy next. Those are the headlines. Today on The Daily, the Friday Politics Roundtable.
The Headlines
The F.B.I.’s New Boss, and the Foreign Aid Fallout
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 will be back on Monday.
The Headlines
The F.B.I.’s New Boss, and the Foreign Aid Fallout
It's since been improving waivers to restart some of those initiatives, but aid workers say the payments aren't coming through, and the payment system used to disperse the funds isn't working at all. An executive who works with over 100 aid organizations said, quote, waivers without money are just pieces of paper, and you can't run programs with just paper.
The Headlines
The F.B.I.’s New Boss, and the Foreign Aid Fallout
The shutdown of global aid programs is also threatening to shatter decades of American diplomacy.
The Headlines
The F.B.I.’s New Boss, and the Foreign Aid Fallout
Damien Cave is the Times bureau chief in Vietnam.