Tracy Park
The Latest
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Social Security Shakeup: Millions to Get Higher Checks as Fairness Act Kicks In
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has begun issuing payments under the Social Security Fairness Act, which eliminates two provisions that previously reduced benefits for millions of retirees who receive government pensions. Signed into law on January 5, the act repeals the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), allowing affected retirees-including teachers, firefighters, police officers, and postal workers-to collect full Social Security benefits for the first time. 
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has begun issuing payments under the Social Security Fairness Act, which eliminates two provisions that previously reduced benefits for millions of retirees who receive government pensions. Signed into law on January 5, the act repeals the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), allowing affected retirees-including teachers, firefighters, police officers, and postal workers-to collect full Social Security benefits for the first time. -
Zelensky to Sign Controversial U.S.-Ukraine Minerals Pact Amid White House Tensions
The United States and Ukraine have reached an agreement on a broad economic deal involving Ukraine's rare earth minerals, paving the way for a formal signing during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's upcoming visit to Washington, according to senior Ukrainian officials. The deal, which has undergone weeks of negotiations, marks a significant development in Kyiv's efforts to secure continued U.S. support amid ongoing tensions with Russia. 
The United States and Ukraine have reached an agreement on a broad economic deal involving Ukraine's rare earth minerals, paving the way for a formal signing during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's upcoming visit to Washington, according to senior Ukrainian officials. The deal, which has undergone weeks of negotiations, marks a significant development in Kyiv's efforts to secure continued U.S. support amid ongoing tensions with Russia. -
Musk Gives Federal Workers ‘Second Chance’ to Justify Jobs or Face Immediate Termination
Elon Musk escalated his campaign to reduce the federal workforce on Monday, warning employees that they have "another chance" to justify their jobs or face termination. The announcement follows confusion across government agencies after Musk's initial directive, issued Saturday, ordered federal employees to submit a list of recent work accomplishments by Monday night or be considered as having resigned. 
Elon Musk escalated his campaign to reduce the federal workforce on Monday, warning employees that they have "another chance" to justify their jobs or face termination. The announcement follows confusion across government agencies after Musk's initial directive, issued Saturday, ordered federal employees to submit a list of recent work accomplishments by Monday night or be considered as having resigned. -
Judge Blocks Trump Immigration Policy Allowing Arrests in Churches for Certain Religious Groups
A federal judge in Maryland has blocked a Trump administration directive allowing immigration authorities to carry out enforcement operations inside houses of worship, ruling that the policy likely violates religious freedom protections. The preliminary injunction, issued by U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang, applies specifically to plaintiffs in the case, including Quaker congregations, a Sikh temple in California, and a Georgia-based network of Baptist churches. 
A federal judge in Maryland has blocked a Trump administration directive allowing immigration authorities to carry out enforcement operations inside houses of worship, ruling that the policy likely violates religious freedom protections. The preliminary injunction, issued by U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang, applies specifically to plaintiffs in the case, including Quaker congregations, a Sikh temple in California, and a Georgia-based network of Baptist churches. -
Witness Says Brian Laundrie Was ‘Acting Like a Lunatic’ Just Before Gabby Petito’s Murder
A witness has come forward with new details about Brian Laundrie's erratic behavior just before he murdered his fiancée, Gabby Petito, in 2021. According to newly released FBI documents, a man traveling with his family near Moab, Utah, on August 12, 2021, reported seeing Laundrie "acting like a lunatic" as he and Petito were involved in a heated altercation near their van. The witness said he observed Laundrie pacing, slamming doors, and appearing to plead with Petito before shoving her into the vehicle. 
A witness has come forward with new details about Brian Laundrie's erratic behavior just before he murdered his fiancée, Gabby Petito, in 2021. According to newly released FBI documents, a man traveling with his family near Moab, Utah, on August 12, 2021, reported seeing Laundrie "acting like a lunatic" as he and Petito were involved in a heated altercation near their van. The witness said he observed Laundrie pacing, slamming doors, and appearing to plead with Petito before shoving her into the vehicle. -
Senator Marsha Blackburn Demands FBI, IRS Release Epstein Flight Logs, Financial Records, and Surveillance Footage
Senator Marsha Blackburn is pressing newly appointed FBI Director Kash Patel and acting IRS Commissioner Douglas O'Donnell to release unredacted records related to Jeffrey Epstein's associates, including flight logs, financial records, and surveillance footage. Blackburn's request intensifies longstanding demands for transparency regarding Epstein's network and the individuals linked to his sex trafficking operation. 
Senator Marsha Blackburn is pressing newly appointed FBI Director Kash Patel and acting IRS Commissioner Douglas O'Donnell to release unredacted records related to Jeffrey Epstein's associates, including flight logs, financial records, and surveillance footage. Blackburn's request intensifies longstanding demands for transparency regarding Epstein's network and the individuals linked to his sex trafficking operation. -
Musk’s Federal Worker Ultimatum Sparks Internal Pushback from Trump Appointees
A growing rift between Elon Musk and several Trump administration agency heads emerged Sunday after Musk demanded all federal employees provide a summary of their weekly work or risk termination. The directive, sent via email from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), instructed workers to submit a five-bullet-point report on their accomplishments, with a deadline of 11:59 p.m. Monday. 
A growing rift between Elon Musk and several Trump administration agency heads emerged Sunday after Musk demanded all federal employees provide a summary of their weekly work or risk termination. The directive, sent via email from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), instructed workers to submit a five-bullet-point report on their accomplishments, with a deadline of 11:59 p.m. Monday. -
Federal Workers Ordered to Justify Jobs as Musk Issues Resignation Threat
Federal employees across multiple agencies received emails over the weekend instructing them to document their work or risk dismissal, following an order issued by Elon Musk, head of the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The move is part of an effort by President Donald Trump and Musk to overhaul the federal workforce, a process that has already resulted in mass firings, an end to remote work, and a broad restructuring of government agencies. 
Federal employees across multiple agencies received emails over the weekend instructing them to document their work or risk dismissal, following an order issued by Elon Musk, head of the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The move is part of an effort by President Donald Trump and Musk to overhaul the federal workforce, a process that has already resulted in mass firings, an end to remote work, and a broad restructuring of government agencies. -
Trump-Putin Summit in the Works as U.S. and Russia Push Ukraine Peace Talks
Preparations for a summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are underway, signaling a dramatic shift in U.S. foreign policy as Washington and Moscow discuss the future of Ukraine, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Saturday. 
Preparations for a summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are underway, signaling a dramatic shift in U.S. foreign policy as Washington and Moscow discuss the future of Ukraine, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Saturday. -
Trump’s Anti-DEI Executive Orders Face Major Legal Hurdle as Judge Issues Injunction
A federal judge on Friday temporarily blocked key provisions of President Donald Trump's executive orders aimed at dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs within the federal government. The ruling marks a significant legal setback for the administration as it moves to eliminate DEI-related initiatives in government contracts, education, and corporate America. 
A federal judge on Friday temporarily blocked key provisions of President Donald Trump's executive orders aimed at dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs within the federal government. The ruling marks a significant legal setback for the administration as it moves to eliminate DEI-related initiatives in government contracts, education, and corporate America.
