The White House disclosed that the US paid around $6 million to El Salvador for accepting 238 deported gang members of the Tren de Aragua. Trump invoked the 1798 Alien Enemies Act for the deportation, which a judge halted but the Trump administrated went ahead with the deportation claiming that planes already left the US territory by the time the order came.
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The White House is set to begin interviewing candidates for the next Federal Reserve Chair this autumn, as Jerome Powell's term concludes in May 2026. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed the timeline amidst President Trump's repeated calls for interest rate cuts. While Bessent affirmed the Fed's independence and dismissed immediate concerns, he suggested a review of its regulatory role.
Special counsel Jack Smith argued that Donald Trump could have been convicted for trying to overturn the 2020 election if he hadn't been re-elected. His report claims Trump used knowingly false election fraud claims to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power and highlights challenges faced during the investigation.
Liam Payne's father, Geoff, attempted to admit him to a psychiatric facility after a relapse in early 2024. Despite initial improvements, the One Direction singer's condition worsened, leading to a contract termination with his record label shortly before his death.
US President Donald Trump has shown willingness for Elon Musk to acquire TikTok, amidst legal challenges faced by the app in the US. Trump suggested a potential partnership with ByteDance to save TikTok's US operations. Musk has opposed the TikTok ban, citing freedom of speech concerns.
Gene Hackman, the 95-year-old actor, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their Santa Fe home. Hackman's pacemaker indicated his death likely occurred on February 17. Initial investigations ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning, while toxicology tests are pending. The couple was known for their reclusive lifestyle.
A humpback whale briefly swallowed a kayaker near the San Isidro Lighthouse in the Strait of Magellan before releasing him unharmed. The incident was caught on camera. Adrian Simancas, who was kayaking with his father, described the terror of being engulfed by the whale and fearing for his life. Both returned to shore uninjured.
Luigi Mangione, accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has secured high-profile New York lawyer Karen Friedman Agnifilo for his defense. Evidence linking Mangione to the crime scene, including a matching 3D-printed gun and fingerprints, has strengthened the prosecution's case. Mangione, currently held in Pennsylvania on separate charges, may waive extradition to New York next week.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian visited Tajikistan to strengthen relations strained since the 1990s civil war. Pezeshkian highlighted the linguistic and cultural ties, expressing a sense of home in Tajikistan. He will also visit Moscow to sign a strategic partnership with Russia, indicating Iran's priority to boost its influence in Central Asia.
A British minister criticized Elon Musk for his remarks on UK child sexual abuse scandals, accusing him of ignorance. Musk targeted UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Minister Jess Phillips on social media, labeling Phillips a "rape genocide apologist." Phillips dismissed Musk’s comments as baseless, while Starmer defended his record and condemned Musk’s rhetoric.
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.