MicroWave

Summary

Berlin police identified a 19-year-old Syrian refugee as the suspect in a stabbing at the Holocaust Memorial.

The attacker stabbed a 30-year-old Spanish tourist in the neck, leaving him in a coma.

Police stated the suspect admitted planning to “kill Jews” for several weeks. Arriving in Germany in 2023 as an unaccompanied minor and residing in Leipzig, he was unknown to law enforcement.

The incident, occurring two days before a February 23 election, has intensified debates over migration and security amid rising antisemitism, prompting widespread concern.

Summary

Rep. Rich McCormick (R-GA) abruptly canceled a CNN interview after facing intense backlash from constituents at a town hall over mass federal layoffs and spending freezes under Trump.

The cuts, pushed by White House adviser Elon Musk, have sparked public outrage.

On CNN’s The Lead, Rep. Cliff Bentz (R-OR) acknowledged similar criticism from voters and suggested congressional staff cuts could be considered.

Summary

A new memo from Trump’s 2024 pollster, Tony Fabrizio, warns that economic discontent in swing districts could hurt Republicans.

The poll finds that 59% of voters in 18 competitive House districts worry about their finances, and Democrats lead by five points in the generic ballot.

Voters overwhelmingly support extending Affordable Care Act subsidies and oppose corporate tax cuts, while Trump’s approval is slightly underwater.

The memo warns that prioritizing corporate tax cuts and Medicaid/food stamp reductions could be politically damaging, but Republicans are likely to ignore this advice.

Summary

Germany’s upcoming election is dominated by immigration and economic concerns, with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) surging to second place in polls.

The AfD, backed by figures like Elon Musk, has doubled its support since 2021 but faces political isolation due to Germany’s anti-fascist policies. center-right Christian Democrat Union (CDU) leader Friedrich Merz is favored to win but faces coalition uncertainty.

The election occurs amid foreign political interventions, economic downturn, and security concerns over NATO commitments.

The AfD’s rise reflects a broader European trend of nationalist gains challenging the political establishment.

Summary.

Laid off federal employees, furious constituents, and comparisons to the Tea Party era highlight Republicans’ week back home.

Republican lawmakers faced anger at town halls over Trump and Musk’s sweeping firings at agencies like the CDC, as well as potential Social Security cuts. Voters questioned layoffs at the CDC and National Nuclear Security Administration, while some GOP officials suggested AI could replace federal workers.

“We’re pissed!” one attendee shouted, amid demands for congressional oversight.

The White House insists it’s “a few critics,” but polls show rising unease. Republicans risk political fallout next midterm if they fail to tie cuts to economic relief.

Summary

Elon Musk, as head of DOGE, is cutting jobs at agencies regulating his businesses.

DOGE has fired FDA staff reviewing Neuralink trials and NHTSA employees overseeing Tesla’s safety. The Justice Department also dropped an immigration case against SpaceX.

Meanwhile, X’s legal team is allegedly pressuring advertisers, with concerns that the Trump administration could block a major industry merger.

Critics say Musk is using his government role to eliminate oversight and protect his financial interests.

Summary

The General Services Administration (GSA) is removing all EV chargers from federal properties, citing that they are “not mission-critical.”

The move aligns with Trump’s broader rollback of green energy initiatives, including efforts to override California’s EV mandates.

The GSA will also phase out electric vehicles purchased under the Biden administration. Critics see this as part of a broader GOP effort against clean energy.

The decision comes as Trump also pauses $3 billion in public EV charger funding.

Summary

A Missouri Republican lawmaker proposed a bill to create a registry of pregnant women “at risk” of abortion and another for prospective adoptive parents.

The bill claims to reduce abortions by facilitating adoptions, though it lacks a clear definition of “at risk.”

Critics warn it could expand government tracking of pregnancies, echoing broader anti-abortion surveillance efforts.

Missouri remains a key battleground over abortion, with legal challenges to the state's near-total ban ongoing.

Summary

The Cook Islands signed a five-year agreement with China for deep-sea mineral exploration, sparking concerns in New Zealand.

The deal focuses on research, technology transfer, and logistics but does not grant mining rights.

New Zealand criticized the Cook Islands for not consulting Wellington, emphasizing their constitutional ties.

The announcement comes amid broader regional concerns over China’s growing influence, with New Zealand, Australia, and the U.S. closely monitoring Beijing’s activities in the Pacific.

Summary

Trump has frozen billions in federal agricultural funds linked to Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, leaving farmers struggling ahead of the spring season.

Many had planned investments in irrigation, fencing, and conservation projects, now at risk. Small farms, already financially vulnerable, are particularly hard-hit.

While the USDA released $20 million, farmers say it’s insufficient. Some are taking loans to cover gaps, while advocacy groups warn of canceled contracts and business disruptions.

The administration defends the freeze, citing concerns over non-agriculture spending, but has not provided a timeline for further releases.

Summary

A new Economist/YouGov poll shows Americans favor many government programs over Elon Musk and his DOGE, which is working to slash federal spending.

The CFPB (50% approval), EPA (61%), and USAID (46%) were all viewed more positively than DOGE (42%).

Even the IRS’s free tax-filing program received strong support (63%). Musk himself had a 42% favorable and 52% unfavorable rating.

The findings show that government programs remain widely valued by the public.

Summary

China’s navy fired live rounds in the Tasman Sea for a second straight day, according to New Zealand’s defense minister.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon confirmed the navy was monitoring and tracking the three Chinese vessels—comprising a frigate, a cruiser, and a supply tanker—which previously disrupted commercial flights.

While neither Australia nor New Zealand allege any violation of international law, both governments criticize Beijing’s inadequate advance notice.

Australia has demanded a satisfactory explanation, stating that 12-24 hours’ warning is standard practice for ensuring safety in international waters.