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Today’s Highlights
President Trump was inaugurated for his second term exactly four weeks ago today. Since his swearing-in, he has successfully persuaded the Senate to confirm even his most contentious cabinet members. His executive orders have led to significant alterations in the federal landscape while also sparking attempts to dismantle various agencies. However, legal challenges have emerged, with some courts temporarily halting these initiatives and questioning their legality.
President Donald Trump signs an executive order on February 14, 2025, withholding federal funding from educational institutions implementing a COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Numerous executive actions initiated by Trump are encountering legal scrutiny in the courts.
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images.
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Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
- 🎧 Trump appears to be adopting a broader interpretation of executive authority this term, NPR’s Tamara Keith reports. She highlights that Trump has less at stake this time as he isn’t campaigning for reelection, and the Supreme Court has provided broad legal immunity for presidents acting within their official capacities. Trump stated last week that he would comply with judicial rulings, yet a federal judge found that his administration had bypassed a temporary court order aimed at reinstating federal funding. Keith mentions that a recurrent theme for Trump’s second term is challenging legal norms and interpretations of constitutional balance of powers.
European leaders convened an emergency meeting in Paris today after being excluded from upcoming discussions involving high-level U.S. and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia to explore resolutions to the Ukraine conflict. French President Emmanuel Macron will host leaders from Britain, Italy, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands, and Denmark.
- 🎧 The agenda for the meeting incorporates plans for increased military funding and potential significant loans, as reported by NPR’s Eleanor Beardsley. This comes in light of U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s remarks indicating that U.S. priorities lie in Asia and European countries must support themselves. Recently, Trump had a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin in which he suggested lifting sanctions and reintegrating Russia into the global community. Elie Tenenbaum, a security analyst at the French Institute for International Relations, warned that without European allies present in negotiations, the U.S. might pressure Ukraine into an unfavorable agreement with Russia.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is currently in Saudi Arabia, advocating for Trump’s approach to Gaza. This visit follows his recent trip to Israel as part of his new role in the Middle East. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that they discussed strategies for implementing changes within the region.
- 🎧 Rubio’s key focus during discussions in Israel revolved around Trump’s plans to reconstruct Gaza under U.S. oversight following a ceasefire and ensuring that the agreement persists long enough to liberate all Israeli hostages held by Hamas, according to NPR’s Aya Batrawy. Two years ago, Saudi Arabia’s crown prince was close to forming ties with Israel but has since labeled the conflict in Gaza as genocide and shown no inclination towards rekindling relations with Israel.
Advice for Daily Life
Today’s parents are investing more time in childcare and work compared to two decades ago, as noted in a 2024 report on parental well-being by the U.S. Surgeon General. This trend leaves parents with less opportunity for self-care, couple time, and relaxation.
Malaka Gharib/NPR.
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Malaka Gharib/NPR
The pressures of modern life can keep parents consistently stressed. Beyond juggling work and childcare, they face challenges related to social media, school safety, and their children’s emotional health, according to the U.S. Surgeon General’s 2024 advisory. This immense responsibility can lead to burnout. Here are some warning signs and coping strategies to consider:
- 🚩 Feeling emotionally, physically, or mentally exhausted regularly to the point that you can’t enjoy family time may indicate burnout. Everyone experiences symptoms differently.
- 🚩 When faced with a challenging moment in parenting, try setting a timer for 60 seconds, taking deep breaths, and allowing yourself time to regain composure.
- 🚩 The “mental load,” which includes the unseen work of planning and decision-making, is a significant contributor to parental burnout. If you feel overwhelmed, it might be time to delegate some duties.
Explore the complete list of coping techniques here.
Visual Chronicles
Children are gathered in a traditional tent, known as an ortz, located in the Siberian taiga of northern Mongolia, watching a documentary featuring a Norwegian reindeer herder. This herder visited the area to share and experience the lifestyle of the local Dukha reindeer herders. Despite its remote and secluded setting, accessible only by horseback or reindeer, these families utilize modern technology like solar panels and car batteries, along with occasional WiFi, to remain in touch with the larger world.
Claire Thomas.
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Claire Thomas
A nonprofit publication, Rest of World, received nearly 230 entries from 45 countries for its annual photography contest, which called for submissions showcasing the influence of technology on communities. The competition attracted both professional photographers and amateurs, capturing scenes that reflect transformations previously unimaginable. Here’s a glimpse at some exceptional entries and insights into why they stood out to the judges.
3 Essential Tips Before You Leave
Race winner Jacob Kiplimo set a new world record during the eDreams Mitja Marato de Barcelona, taking place on Sunday in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
Lorena Sopena/Europa Press via Getty Images.
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Lorena Sopena/Europa Press via Getty Images
- Jacob Kiplimo from Uganda reestablished his half marathon world record yesterday at the 2025 Barcelona Half Marathon with an astonishing time of 56:42, surpassing the previous record of 57:30.
- The Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary special featured nostalgic sketches and appearances from numerous celebrities, including Meryl Streep, Eddie Murphy, Ryan Reynolds, Emma Stone, among others. Here’s a look at what resonated and what fell flat, according to NPR TV critic Eric Deggans.
- Fight for America! is an innovative art installation and social event allowing participants to engage in a role-playing game centered around the events at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, where players assume the roles of actual individuals present that day.
This newsletter was curated by Suzanne Nuyen.
