Federal Workers Exempt from Elon Musk’s Directive
The Trump administration’s Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has directed federal employees to disregard an email from Elon Musk requesting details of their work activities during the previous week. Musk, an advisor to President Donald Trump, had instructed workers to submit the information or face potential termination.
The OPM subsequently reversed this directive, notifying employees that they are not obligated to respond to Musk’s request. The Department of Government Efficiency had initially sent the email to approximately 2 million workers with the subject line, "What did you do last week?"
Concerns Raised Over Dan Bongino’s Appointment as FBI Deputy Director
President Trump’s selection of right-wing media figure Dan Bongino as deputy director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has sparked concerns among some bureau veterans. Bongino, who has no prior experience at the FBI, has served as a police officer in New York City and spent 12 years with the Secret Service before leaving to pursue a career as a conservative pundit.
Critics argue that Bongino lacks the necessary experience to lead a key agency responsible for protecting American safety. Democrats and some on the right have also expressed concerns about the direction Trump is taking the bureau.
Justice Department Blocked from Transferring Transgender Inmates
A federal judge has blocked the Justice Department from transferring 12 transgender female inmates to male prisons. The inmates had filed a lawsuit out of concern that they would lose access to medical treatment if transferred to prisons that did not recognize their gender identities.
U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth ruled that the inmates would not be safer at a low-security men’s prison than in their current facilities, as proposed by the government.
Kentucky Flooding Death Toll Rises to 22
The death toll from widespread flooding and extreme weather in Kentucky earlier this month has risen to 22. The latest confirmed death is a man who died of hypothermia in Marshall County.
Governor Andy Beshear described the disaster as "painful and difficult," noting that it is one of the deadliest natural disasters in the state’s recent history.
All Joann Stores to Close
All Joann locations are set to close after the fabric and craft retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time within a year. The company was auctioned off to a new ownership group, which announced that it would shut down operations at all stores after conducting going-out-of-business sales.
Three-Year Anniversary of Russian Invasion of Ukraine
Three years ago, Russian troops invaded neighboring Ukraine, triggering the largest and bloodiest conflict in Europe since World War II. Tens of thousands have died, with both Russia and Ukraine suffering heavy casualties.
Ukraine has continued to fight back with support from the United States and European allies, but there is no end in sight to the ongoing conflict.
