Here's a summary of some of the latest news for today, February 5, 2025:

Trump Administration Actions on USAID: The Trump administration has announced it is pulling almost all U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) workers off the job and out of the field worldwide. This order takes effect just before midnight tonight, giving direct hires 30 days to return home unless deemed essential.

Digital Assault by Elon Musk on Federal Systems: There's been significant discussion regarding Elon Musk's influence over federal IT systems, with reports indicating he and his allies have gained access to the Treasury Department's payment systems and have managed to send mass emails offering federal employees early buyouts. Concerns have also been raised about potential access to student loan data.

Mass Shooting in Sweden: In what has been described as the worst mass shooting in Sweden's history, at least 10 people were killed at a school. The suspected perpetrator also died. This event has caused national mourning and shock.

U.S. Policy on Gaza: President Trump announced a plan for the U.S. to take over the Gaza Strip, though specifics were not provided during a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Protests in New York: There are ongoing protests in New York against the Trump administration's recent policies, showing public dissent.

US Postal Service: The US Postal Service reversed a decision from yesterday, announcing it will once again accept parcels from China and Hong Kong.

NEWS ALERT - DOGE IS HYPERACTIVE
Trump Advisers Weigh Plan to Dismantle Education Department: Trump administration officials are weighing executive actions to dismantle the Education Department as part of the campaign by billionaire Elon Musk and his allies to shrink federal agencies and slash the size of the government workforce.

Elon Musk on USAID: Elon Musk has stated that Donald Trump agrees that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) needs to be "shut down." This follows reports of funding freezes and administrative leave for USAID employees after disputes over access to agency systems. (Source: CNN)

Tariffs and Retaliation: In response to U.S. tariffs, Canada and Mexico have imposed retaliatory tariffs against Americans. President Trump has indicated that these tariffs might not include oil. (Source: AP News, CNBC)

Groundhog Day Prediction: Punxsutawney Phil has seen his shadow, predicting six more weeks of winter according to tradition, though NOAA data suggests Phil's accuracy is only about 30% over the past decade. (Source: The Washington Post)

German Immigration Bill: The German parliament has rejected a proposed immigration bill despite support from far-right groups, indicating significant political division on this issue. (Source: BBC)

Hostage Release: Hamas has announced the release of Yarden Bibas and two others in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, marking the fourth swap since the ceasefire began. (Source: BBC)

Trump's Tariffs on Mexico and Canada: President Trump confirmed the implementation of a 25% tariff on Mexico and Canada, with the possibility of these tariffs increasing over time, although oil might be excluded. (Source: CNBC)

Health Policy Criticism: Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump's pick for health secretary, faced criticism during his confirmation hearing over past comments on vaccines and race. (Source: NPR)

These stories reflect a mix of national and international events, with implications for policy, politics, and public safety.

Save this link for future so you know how special the inaugural speech was: https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1881464022136221769

https://x.com/i/status/1881445334972588063 There need to be things that inspire you, there need to be things that make you glad to wake up in the morning and say I'm looking forward to the future - Elon Musk

Elon Musk, at live telecasted event, unveiled new #Robovan, a mini bus without a driver or steering wheel, #Cybercab, a fully autonomous robotaxi, and the improved #Optimus bots that everyone can have one in near future.

In retrospect: who banned who—X, a public town-square, or #Brazil, a neo-authoritarian regime? Serious concerns about democratic backsliding & threats to institutions there. Clearly, the regime dislikes @elonmusk's #X. Authoritarians hate public debates since they’re damn wrong.

NEWS ALERT: Brazil Bans X, Outlawing Access to App for Millions
Brazil’s highest court banned X, outlawing the social-media platform for millions of people as tensions continue to escalate between Elon Musk and South America’s largest country over what speech is protected online.

Elon Musk (The X's Boss) @elonmusk: July 13, 2024:
"I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery"

#Apple hastily dived into AI race in a cleaver way to boost iPhone Sales but #Tesla CEO Elon Musk says he is worried about data privacy through Apple’s partnership with the #Microsoft backed company #OpenAI therefore he won't allow Apple products to be used throughout his companies. Although Musk has a vested interest in his own xAI, having his own rival AI start-up, he can be right as Microsoft is very well known for quietly collecting a vast amount of user data for decades. - Part of the update - curtsy of Barron's

Elon #Musk denies talking crypto with #Trump. But he added that he's "generally in favor of things that shift power from government to the people," which he said he believes cryptocurrency can do. Earlier, the Bloomberg report followed a Wall Street Journal story that said Trump and Musk have discussed a possible advisory role for the Tesla leader if Trump reclaims the White House.