Elon Musk Urged to Cut Nuclear Spending to Achieve $2 Trillion Savings

A recently published watchlist targeting 57 predominantly Black federal employees in healthcare roles has incited alarm among civil servants in the U.S., drawing attention to ongoing controversies surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. The list, backed by the conservative American Accountability Foundation (AAF), was released online on January 28 and is the third such catalogue from the group in recent months, following similar lists for Department of Homeland Security and Education workers. Critics, including federal employees and civil rights advocates, describe the watchlist as a tool for intimidation and harassment, echoing tactics reminiscent of the McCarthyism era. “It’s just really scary,” remarked one employee who chose to remain anonymous, highlighting the detrimental psychological impact on those targeted. AAF’s president, Thomas Jones, defended the list as a necessary measure against what he characterizes as "the pernicious influence of DEI ideology." The backlash underscores a wider national dialogue on the role of DEI in public offices and the implications it holds for marginalized communities. Employment experts warn that such actions could exacerbate existing disparities in opportunities for historically disadvantaged individuals.

A U.S. Navy pilot narrowly escaped a near-fatal crash in the Indian Ocean due to a "catastrophic failure" during landing aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. According to documents obtained by Business Insider, on November 27, 2023, while landing in a Boeing-made F/A-18E Super Hornet, a crucial arresting wire snapped, causing the plane to drop dangerously close to the water, reportedly as low as 16 feet. The pilot, whose name is redacted, quickly advanced to maximum afterburner, managing to avoid a crash and execute a climb out of the perilous situation. The incident unfolded in under 20 seconds as the pilot, part of Strike Fighter Squadron 83, initially landed at a speed of 136 knots. His swift actions and adherence to emergency procedures were acknowledged in a recommendation for an Air Medal, highlighting his "sound execution" and "unwavering nerve." The Eisenhower carrier strike group was in the region to respond to threats from Iran-backed Houthi rebels, which have escalated tensions in international shipping lanes.

U.S. President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) for allegedly targeting the U.S. and its allies, including Israel. A White House official disclosed that the sanctions will entail financial and visa restrictions on individuals and their families who support ICC investigations involving U.S. citizens or allies. This move, expected to be finalized on Thursday, underscores escalating tensions between the U.S. and the ICC, which has sought jurisdiction over matters involving U.S. military actions abroad. The ICC, established to prosecute war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity, has faced criticism from the U.S. government, with officials arguing that its investigations infringe on national sovereignty. This executive order marks a significant shift in U.S. policy towards the ICC and reflects ongoing concerns regarding international accountability and oversight. The situation continues to evolve as both supporters and opponents of the ICC await further developments from the Trump administration.