Confusion and Rescinded Firing at Nuclear Agency Amid Political Shakeup

USUnited States|

The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) experienced significant upheaval this week as more than 300 employees were initially fired amid broader Energy Department layoffs, only to have those terminations rescinded the following day. According to four sources familiar with the situation, the firings occurred without clear understanding from Trump administration officials regarding the agency's critical role in managing the nation's nuclear stockpile.

An Energy Department spokesperson contested the dismissal figures, stating that "less than 50" people were let go and that these were primarily in administrative positions. On Friday, acting NNSA administrator Teresa Robbins announced that the terminations would be reversed after lawmakers expressed alarm over the impact on national security. A Senate staffer revealed that Congress was explicitly concerned about the lack of awareness regarding NNSA's responsibilities, emphasizing the agency's importance in maintaining the U.S. nuclear deterrent.

The NNSA's total workforce stands at around 1,800 employees. As this situation continues to evolve, the Energy Department affirmed its commitment to national security.

Weekly Newsletter

Loading...

More from United States

New Covid Variant NB.1.8.1 Detected Across the U.S. Amid Asian Surge

A new Covid variant, NB.1.8.1, has been detected in several U.S. states following a surge in hospitalizations in Asia, according to health officials and reports from the World Health Organization (WHO). The variant has been traced to locations including New York, California, Arizona, Ohio, and Rhode Island. Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that the public health risk from NB.1.8.1 is currently considered low, its transmissibility may be higher than previous variants. "Data indicates that NB.1.8.1 does not lead to more severe illness compared to previous variants, although it appears to have a growth advantage," stated Subhash Verma, a microbiology professor at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. Current Covid vaccines are expected to remain effective against this variant; however, access to vaccinations has become increasingly limited due to recent changes in policy by the Trump administration, which has removed certain vaccines from the CDC’s recommended immunization schedule. Vaccine experts express concern that such limitations could hinder public health efforts.
USUnited States

Tragic Double Murder-Suicide in Georgia as Man Kills Wife and Pregnant Girlfriend

A tragic double murder-suicide unfolded in Dalton, Georgia, this week, when 37-year-old Kevin Andrew Akins fatally shot his wife, Rebeca Nicole Akins, 35, and his pregnant girlfriend, Cindel Mae Rhoden, 33, before turning the gun on himself. Authorities confirmed the sequence of events, stating that Akins first killed Rebeca at their apartment and then traveled to Rhoden's home, where he committed another fatal shooting. Family members revealed that Cindel Rhoden was expecting a boy, and concerns about her well-being prompted her father to check on her after she had not communicated for days. Police discovered her body after responding to his call, while Rebeca’s coworkers had requested a welfare check on her after she missed three consecutive days of work. Dalton Police have not yet disclosed a motive for the tragic events, which are still under investigation, and detectives are reviewing CCTV footage related to the case. The incident raises further concerns about domestic violence and mental health, echoing previous cases of severe domestic violence in the U.S., officials noted.
USUnited States

Deadly Plane Crash in San Diego Neighborhood Claims Multiple Lives

A small private plane, identified as a Cessna 550, crashed into a neighborhood in San Diego, California, early Thursday morning, resulting in multiple fatalities. According to San Diego authorities, the aircraft was reportedly carrying 8-10 people, although the exact number is still being determined. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among residents on the ground, as stated by Assistant Fire Department Chief Dan Eddy during a press conference. The crash occurred around 3:45 AM local time and took out numerous parked cars along the street, igniting significant fires fueled by jet fuel. "Every single car was burning down both sides of the street," Eddy noted, highlighting the extensive damage caused. The plane was approaching Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport when it crashed, and investigators are looking into whether the aircraft struck a power line before impact. Further details about the victims and the circumstances surrounding the crash are expected to be released as the investigation progresses, officials confirmed.
USUnited States
All United States News ->