US President Donald Trump, during a Black History Month event, announced a national garden of American heroes featuring tributes to notable Black figures like Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Frederick Douglass, and others. The event showcased prominent Black supporters, sports, and entertainment personalities, celebrating Black contributions to American history and greatness.
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This decision has raised broader concerns about the messaging of clemency. While the administration aims to address systemic issues, critics warn that leniency for individuals like Conahan risks eroding public trust in the justice system. Many argue that reforms should focus on rehabilitating nonviolent offenders or those unjustly sentenced—not high-profile figures convicted of flagrant abuses of power.
SpaceX’s Starship is scheduled to go to Mars late next year with Tesla’s humanoid robot Optimus. Elon Musk suggested that human missions could commence by 2029 or 2031 if initial landings are successful. Colonizing Mars is considered crucial for humanity’s survival against existential threats on Earth.
A fire erupted at the Chiltern Firehouse Hotel in Marylebone, central London, necessitating the evacuation of around 100 guests. Over 120 firefighters contained the blaze by 9:30 pm. The fire, which started on the ground floor and spread, caused no injuries. The cause is under investigation.
US President Donald Trump issued an executive order to ban the establishment of a central bank digital currency in the US. Trump's decision aims to protect Americans from risks associated with CBDCs, including potential threats to financial stability, individual privacy, and national sovereignty. Former President Joe Biden had previously encouraged the Fed to explore the creation of a CBDC.
The Justice Department released documents about Jeffrey Epstein, revealing his associations with high-profile individuals. The release did not provide new significant details, leaving many disappointed. The FBI promised full transparency and further revelations might follow.
Democratic attorneys general from 19 states are challenging President Trump's latest executive order on elections, arguing it undermines states' constitutional authority. The order requires proof of citizenship for voter registration and mandates mail-in ballots be received by election day, raising concerns over voter disenfranchisement and federal overreach.
Prince Harry has resigned as patron of Sentebale, the charity he co-founded in 2006, due to a breakdown in relations within the organisation. He and co-founder, Lesotho’s Prince Seeiso, cited an irreparable rift with the charity’s board and chair, Sophie Chandauka, who raised concerns about governance issues. The situation has led to legal action and intervention by the UK’s Charity Commission.
The Biden administration ordered the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to halt activities, effectively shutting down the organisation created after the 2008 crisis. Russell Vought directed the CFPB to stop work on regulations, suspend rule implementations, and cease investigations. The directive also ended the bureau's Federal Reserve funding to reduce what the administration views as excessive agency operations.
A Russian drone attack hit the protective shelter over Chernobyl’s destroyed reactor, causing a fire that has since been extinguished. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy termed it a terrorist attack, though radiation levels remain stable. The incident highlights ongoing military threats amidst the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Haley Stevens, a US Representative, has announced her candidacy for Michigan's open US Senate seat, emphasizing the economic challenges stemming from President Trump's tariff policies. Stevens aims to protect Michigan's auto industry, criticizing Trump's "chaos and reckless tariffs" that she believes jeopardize thousands of jobs. She joins a competitive race with other prominent Democrats and Republicans vying for the seat.