This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
Living up to the meaning of "efficiency," as in the federal Department of Government Efficiency, the agency's chief, Elon Musk, posted on X today that every federal employee from now on is to send in weekly reports addressing "what they got done last week."
And those employees not in the mood to write such a report are at risk of losing their jobs. Says Musk, "Failure to respond will be taken as a resignation."
That certainly could quickly reduce the number of federal employees on the taxpayer-supported payroll.
Musk's demand falls in line with similar attempts for the Trump administration to hold federal employees accountable – not only for what they do but for where they work and how they spend billions of government dollars.
The billionaire DOGE boss made a splash yesterday at the the annual CPAC event outside Washington, D.C., hoisting a chainsaw given him by visiting President Javier Milei, the popular libertarian leader who has slashed spending in Argentina.
Also today, Trump wrote on Truth Social that though Musk is "doing a great job," but should be "more aggressive."
Vice President J.D. Vance was vindicated in his warning about the state of free speech in Europe after a 74-year-old woman was charged for silently praying to end abortion in Scotland, Breitbart reported. This is the first time someone has been prosecuted under Scotland’s new Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Act.
The vice president spoke at the Munich Security Conference in Germany on Feb. 14, about the crackdown on freedoms, including through the use of buffer zone laws limiting access around abortion mills. It makes silent prayer near these facilities punishable by law.
Vance rightly warned that this proved that Europe is going the wrong way regarding basic rights. "In Britain and across Europe, free speech, I fear, is in retreat," Vance said.
Vice President JD Vance criticized Europe for their crackdown on freedom of speech while attending the Munich Security Conference.
READ MORE: https://t.co/Cf2I8Puj1w pic.twitter.com/KUCT89CCRM
— The National Desk (@TND) February 14, 2025
Less than a week after Vance made this speech, an elderly woman became the first to be arrested for a "silent vigil" in Glasgow, Scotland. Critics believe the charge is akin to a "thought crime," a term coined by George Orwell as a warning about tyranny.
The law, enacted last year, gives police the power to arrest anyone silently praying near these clinics where unborn babies are massacred with abandon. While it states that it is a crime to hold protests or vigils within 200 meters of abortion facilities, that prohibition now includes prayer.
Footage of the arrest was posted to social media, and the police seemed to confirm the criminality of an elderly woman making silent supplications. The woman asked the officers, "Am I committing an offense?"
A male officer replied, "Yes, I believe you are conducting a silent vigil." Though critics balked at his speech, this is precisely what Vance warned about.
🚨BREAKING🚨: Scottish police filmed applying “buffer zone” law to “silent vigil”, despite recent denials from the Scottish government! 👮♂️
“Am I committing an offence?”
“Yes, I believe you are conducting a silent vigil”
Vance was right. The law IS being misapplied to prayer!🏴 pic.twitter.com/Gsm0x4yspM
— Lois McLatchie Miller (@LoisMcLatch) February 18, 2025
Despite the obvious attack on free speech, Scottish politicians clearly have no shame about such a crackdown on fundamental freedoms. Gillian Mackay, the Scottish Greens Party parliament member who crafted the legislation, lauded the actions of police at the Glasgow hospital, the BBC reported.
"The protests that have taken place outside Queen Elizabeth have been utterly shameful, and I am grateful to Police Scotland for acting so quickly. This kind of intimidation has no place in a modern or progressive Scotland," Mackay claimed.
"Everybody deserves to have access to healthcare without harassment," she added. This "harassment" includes the silent prayer organized by the pro-life organization 40 Days for Life, which Mackay Personall called on by name to "think again" before protesting near the facilities.
The organization's website states that "40 Days for Life is an internationally coordinated 40-day campaign that aims to end abortion locally through prayer and fasting, community outreach, and a peaceful all-day vigil in front of abortion businesses." However, this is still considered a threat by the tyrants in Europe.
Vance is correct in sounding the warning about threats to free speech. People who embrace abortion already disregard the lives of the unborn, so they see no problem in restricting the freedoms of others, and that's dangerous.
Ivanka Trump recently took a moment to honor her late mother, Ivana Trump, on what would have been Ivana's 76th birthday. Through a heartfelt tribute on social media, Ivanka celebrated the life of her mother by sharing cherished memories and personal anecdotes, alongside a collection of family photographs.
Ivana Trump passed away in July 2022 after suffering injuries from a fall, and her impact on her family's life continues to be felt by Ivanka and her siblings, according to the Daily Mail.
Ivana was known for her vibrant personality and significant role in the Trump family, having been married to former President Donald Trump from 1977 to 1990. Together, they had three children: Ivanka, Eric, and Donald Jr. In her tribute, Ivanka posted a series of images capturing moments from her life with Ivana. These photographs included one of Ivanka as a young woman with her mother, both sporting printed outfits. Another image showed a tender moment of Ivanka as a toddler in a pink dress sharing a kiss with Ivana.
Among the many images that Ivanka shared, several depicted Ivana during different stages of her life. A photograph of Ivanka cradled by her mother as a baby highlighted the close bond between the two. Other shots showcased Ivana's glamour, such as a picture of her exiting a car in high heels, reflecting her famous stylish persona.
Accompanying these visual memories, Ivanka shared heartfelt captions. She expressed that not a day goes by without missing her mother, whom she described as brilliant, charming, passionate, and possessing a wicked sense of humor. Ivanka's message highlighted Ivana's zest for life, embracing every chance to enjoy and experience it to the fullest.
Ivanka concluded her tribute by emphasizing the significant inspiration her mother continues to provide in daily life. She conveyed her deep sense of loss and reaffirmed her commitment to keeping Ivana's memory alive in her heart.
Followers of Ivanka on Instagram responded warmly to the tribute, with many sharing their admiration and extending their well wishes. The comment section of her post became a space for Ivanka’s community to connect and reminisce about Ivana's enduring legacy.
In addition to the Instagram tribute, Ivanka fondly recalled her mother on a recent episode of "The Skinny Confidential Him & Her Podcast." She recounted her experiences as a child visiting the Plaza Hotel in New York, where Ivana served as CEO. Ivanka described her time at the hotel as reminiscent of a well-behaved Eloise, a nod to Kay Thompson's classic character.
Reflecting on those formative years, Ivanka recognized the influence of her mother's meticulous attention to detail. She highlighted Ivana's involvement with The Trump Castle in Atlantic City and how Ivana's dedication permeated every aspect of her work.
Ivanka's tribute and shared reflections serve as a testament to the profound impact Ivana Trump had on her children. Through the various posts and podcast acknowledgment, Ivanka emphasized the valuable life lessons imparted by her mother.
Speaking on personal family experiences, Ivanka highlighted how these moments have shaped her own outlook on life. She regarded her mother's charisma and zest as integral to her upbringing and personal development.
As Ivana's legacy continues through her children, Ivanka remains committed to preserving her mother's memory. With each shared story and photo, she offers her audience a glimpse into the cherished relationship they shared.
The legacy of Ivana Trump transcends her roles as a mother and entrepreneur. Her life and career left an indelible mark on the socialite world, particularly through her contributions to the Trump family’s brand.
Ivanka's tribute not only honors personal memories but also celebrates Ivana’s achievements and the joy she brought to those around her. It is through these tributes that Ivana’s spirit remains present, inspiring not only her family but also those who admired her from afar.
In remembering Ivana Trump, Ivanka maintains a connection to a remarkable woman whose influence will undoubtedly persist for generations to come. Her tribute is a fitting reminder of the enduring bond between a mother and daughter, transcending time and circumstance.
Just weeks after she battled the devastating Eaton Fire, a California fire captain has been killed.
Police are still searching for the killer of Cal Fire Captain Rebecca Marodi, 49, after she was found with multiple stab wounds in her home on the evening of February 17.
First responders did all they could, but Marodi succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police believe Marodi was killed by somebody close to her, but have not yet named a suspect.
"Homicide detectives are actively working to contact persons of interest, identify a suspect, and locate and apprehend them as quickly as possible," sheriff's officials said.
"Investigators suspect that the victim knew the perpetrator and are treating this case as a potential domestic violence incident," the San Diego Sheriff's Office said. "Currently, the motivation and circumstances surrounding the homicide remain unclear, and detectives are diligently gathering more information to establish the facts of the case."
Marodi had served more than 30 years with Cal Fire and was planning to retire in 2025.
Cal Fire released a statement about her death:
"Her passing is a profound loss to her family, friends and all who had the privilege of working alongside her. Beyond her operational assignments, Captain Marodi was deeply involved in Peer Support and Hazmat, always prioritizing the well-being of her colleagues. Her legacy of mentorship, service and dedication will be felt for years to come."
Marodi was one of thousands of firefighters who battled against the deadly Eaton Fire in January of 2025. She was featured in social media posts that showed crews battling the blaze and shared videos of herself putting out the flames.
Cal Fire Battallion Chief Paul Selegue said Marodi was somebody everyone could aspire to be like:
"She was never afraid to get involved with a person who needed help and she was always willing to extend herself to assist them," he said.
Cal Fire Riverside County public information officer John Clingingsmith called Marodi a "bright light in the community."
"She was always very positive," Clingingsmith said. "'Always had a smile on her face. It didn't matter what the situation was."
"I think that's one of the things everybody has been talking about, was her smile and her laugh, and just the fact that she was always there," he added.
Please pray for Marodi and her family. Hopefully, her killer will be brought to justice soon.
This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
It's not just a "gravy train" that is dumping millions of taxpayer dollars into a broadcast scheme that delivers leftist propaganda, it's a "gravy train with biscuit wheels."
That's from Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., who recently took to the floor of the Senate to blast the continued funding of National Public Radio, the Corporation Public Broadcasting, and the Public Broadcasting System.
Those organizations often have been criticized for having a leftist ideology and inserting that regularly into the news reporting.
Kennedy brought with him examples of that activity, through headlines that actually were created by the organizations.
Such as, "Eating less beef is a climate solution," "There is no neutral. Nice white people can still be complicit in a racist society" and "Scientists debunk lab accident theory of pandemic emergence."
"No fair-minded person with an IQ above a single cell organism would conclude that this is anything but biased to certain points of view," he said.
A report at RedState explained that Kennedy was calling on Congress "to stop funding all public broadcasting."
Kennedy said the taxpayer-funded organizations are "the perfect example of a project the American people no longer need and should not fund."
He said the outlets can broadcast what they want.
"But, I'm not for taking $500 million every single year and giving it to these stations (CPB) to the exclusion of everybody else. That's immoral. We are running $36 trillion in debt. This is disgraceful in 2025. It is disgraceful whether it is left-of-center opinion journalism or right-of-center opinion journalism. It is disgraceful to the American people to have to fund this rot. It doesn't mean the rot doesn't have a right to exist, but they don't have a right to taxpayer money," he warned.
The report also noted that NewsBusters' Executive Editor Tim Graham wrote about the same time, "NPR Is National Public Relations for the War on Trump."
He explained, "At the top of every hour, hundreds of taxpayer-subsidized National Public Radio stations in 50 states transmit leftist public relations, badly disguised as news. You can get talking points jammed in your ear on your rush-hour commute. Nobody is allowed to question the concept of 'systemic racism' on NPR. They're deeply invested in that ideology. It's why NPR favors describing race riots against cops as 'rebellions.'"
He explained, "The half of the country that voted for Trump shouldn't have to support this clearly hostile radio network with our tax dollars. Lambda Legal and all the other leftists should pony up for NPR's supine press releases since NPR's 'newscasts' aren't diverse or inclusive enough for conservatives."
Kennedy noted that since 1970, Congress has given NPR more than $14.5 billion and it has purchased a $200 million office building, pand ays its hosts as much as $532,000 a year.
This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
Conservative states are dominating a list of the best locations for families, a new study profiled by the Washington Stand confirms.
It is the 2025 Family Structure Index that ranks all 50 states based on three variables: "the percentage of married adults between the ages of 25 to 54, the average number of lifetime births per woman, and the percentage of children aged 15 to 17 who are living with their married parents," the report explained.
Brad Wilcox, professor of sociology at the University of Virginia and a fellow at the Institute for Family Studies, said the results follow closely conservative political beliefs.
The top 10 states are: Utah, Idaho, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wyoming, Kansas, North Dakota, Iowa, Texas, and Minnesota.
Minnesota is the only outlier in the list of states that regularly are among the most conservative in the nation.
The report said Utah has the highest rating on two of the three factors, the marriage rate and the percentage of intact families.
The report noted that no state actually met the birthrate replacement level of 2.1, but South Dakota was the closest at 2.01.
At the other end of the scale were the states: Illinois, Oregon, Louisiana, California, Vermont, Massachusetts, Nevada, New York, New Mexico, and Rhode Island, all regular actors in the race to be the most liberal state.
The report explained Vermont has the lowest fertility rate of 1.35, and New Mexico has the lowest percentage of married adults, at 49.5%.
There actually are 17 states where the majority of teens are raised in broken or single-parent homes, and Louisiana leads that as only 35.9% of teens there live with his or her own parents.
Aaron Baer, chief of the Center for Christian Virtue, which sponsors the study by the Institute for Family Studies, told the Washington Stand, "At the root of what is hurting our communities is broken families."
The center's own report found that there are "devastating realities about the challenges our children face."
Revealed was that areas with "fewer intact families experienced more violence," the report said.
Localities where two out of three children are raised outside of wedlock have 12 times the level of violent crime as areas where large numbers of teens live with their parents, the report said. And, the report noted, graduation rates follow the shares of married parents.
The Institute for Family Studies study's data prove that "family structure is a key driver of economic well-being, and our state is failing to provide the conditions for strong, stable marriages and families," Michael Geer, president of the Pennsylvania Family Institute, told The Washington Stand.
A federal judge blocked the firing of 11 Central Intelligence Agency workers dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion at the agency, the Washington Examiner reported. U.S. District Court Judge Anthony Trenga gave President Donald Trump's administration until Monday to organize its response.
The employees were part of a group of 51 CIA workers who were told to report to the office this week without an attorney and with their employee badges. It was understood that this would be the first step in their termination.
However, ex-CIA officer Kevin Carroll , the plaintiffs' attorney, brought the lawsuit to the administration over their termination. They argue that they were assigned to DEI programs temporarily and that terminating them was "arbitrary," "capricious," and "unsupported by any evidentiary record whatsoever."
They were allegedly caught up in Trump's executive order to eliminate DEI positions. The fired officers have been put on administrative leave while the case is adjudicated but will continue to receive benefits and full salary.
Trump's administration has been busy cutting federal workers across several agencies as promised during the campaign. Meanwhile, the left is losing its mind as the government gets leaner and more efficient.
Some, like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, have tried to blame Trump's cuts for various calamities, Fox News reported. Schumer pinned a Delta plane crash that happened this week on the president.
"I’m thankful that everyone in the flight incident in Toronto that took off from Minneapolis is safe, but we keep seeing these incidents day after day. Meanwhile, Trump’s doing massive layoffs at the FAA — including safety specialists — and making our skies less and less safe," Schumer wrote in a post to X, formerly Twitter, on Monday.
"Democrats are fighting to protect the flying public," Schumer added. All of the plane's passengers survived the crash landing that flipped the small plane and forced passengers to evacuate the upside fuselage on a snowy tarmac, making it the perfect near-tragedy to exploit.
I’m thankful that everyone in the flight incident in Toronto that took off from Minneapolis is safe, but we keep seeing these incidents day after day.
Meanwhile, Trump’s doing massive layoffs at the FAA—including safety specialists—and making our skies less and less safe.…
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) February 17, 2025
Trump has tapped Tesla CEO billionaire Elon Musk to head up his Department of Government Efficiency, which is responsible for many of the firings. This has caused the left to lose its collective mind and has sparked protests.
On President's Day, several East Coast cities used the mantra "No kings on Presidents Day" to protest Musk and Trump, CBS News reported. In the far left and frigid city of Boston, some 1,000 protesters chanted slogans like "Elon Musk has got to go" as they traipsed from the Statehouse to the Boston City Hall.
Though the slogans varied, the sentiment was the same: Musk and Trump are both very, very bad. "I thought it was important to be here on Presidents Day to demonstrate for what America stands for," protester Emily Manning, 55, said of her reasoning.
"American values are not the values of the plutocracy or the limited few rich people," the Boston-based engineer added. Of course, these protests failed to draw the same enthusiasm as others launched by Democrats during Trump's first term, as Americans are largely happy with smashing the bloated bureaucracy in Washington, D.C., to bits.
The lawsuits will continue as Trump and Musk move at breakneck speed to streamline the government and eliminate fraud and waste. Their mission is noble and very popular, and there's not much their enemies can do about it except use the courts.
The President of the United States, Donald Trump, proclaimed himself "king" on Wednesday, as he praised his administration's attempt to halt federal approval of New York's "congestion pricing."
Congestion pricing is a toll on automobiles that was implemented one month ago in order to raise funds for the region's obsolete mass transport system, as the New York Post reported.
Sean Duffy, the Secretary of Transportation, wrote a letter to Kathy Hochul, the Governor of New York, stating that the federal government had control over roadways that led to Manhattan and that the additional tolls posed an unjust hardship for vehicles who were traveling outside of the city.
The prospective elimination of congestion charging was something that President Trump hailed as a triumph, going so far as to compare himself to royalty on Truth Social.
"CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!" he wrote on social media.
Within the framework of the system, the majority of vehicles that entered Manhattan's central business area were required to pay a peak cost of $9 between the hours of 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. on weekends.
This fee was applicable from 60th Street all the way down to the southern edge of the Financial area.
This change wasn't welcomed by the New York governor's office, a group that historically has gained much from increased collections on toll roads.
Hochul firmly stated at a news conference held not long after the announcement by the Trump administration that the toll cameras will continue to operate and criticized Trump.
"President Donald Trump tweeted, 'Long live the king.' I’m here to say New York hasn’t labored under a king in over 250 years," she told reporters at Grand Central Terminal in New York City. "And we sure as hell are not going to start now."
According to Duffy, the tolls, which were imposed on traffic heading to Manhattan, were "backwards and unfair."
“New York State’s congestion pricing plan is a slap in the face to working class Americans and small business owners,” he said in statement: “Commuters using the highway system to enter New York City have already financed the construction and improvement of these highways through the payment of gas taxes and other taxes."
Others in power outside of Manhattan have applauded the Trump administration's move to terminate the program, claiming that the program unfairly taxes their drivers.
“Today is a huge win for Jersey families, their wallets, and the environment," Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., said in statement. "From Day One, when we first started this fight, we knew that the Congestion Tax was just a giant cash grab for New York and the MTA — all on the backs of hardworking Jersey families."
Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann, aged 77, unexpectedly collapsed on the Mississippi state Senate floor during a session on Wednesday, leading to a rapid response from onlookers and medical personnel. The incident, which took place at the podium inside the Senate chamber, was captured on video and has sparked widespread concern and discussion.
Lt. Gov. Hosemann is reportedly in good spirits following the incident and is eager to return to work, according to his office.
The shocking event unfolded when Hosemann, who has served as Mississippi's lieutenant governor since January 2020, appeared to slump before lurching forward to the ground. Those present in the chamber acted swiftly, gasping in shock and rushing to assist him immediately. The session was quickly put on hold for a brief recess as aid was administered.
The incident was livestreamed on the legislative's YouTube channel, but the footage was subsequently removed from the platform. Despite this, the video widely circulated on social media, drawing attention and leading to an outpouring of well wishes from colleagues and government officials.
Gov. Tate Reeves expressed his concern and offered prayers for Hosemann, stating on social media, "First Lady Elee Reeves and I are praying for Lieutenant Governor Hosemann!" His message was echoed by other state representatives and officials who expressed their hope for Hosemann's swift recovery.
Attorney General Lynn Fitch joined in with sentiments of support, proclaiming her belief in Hosemann's resilience: "My friend Delbert Hosemann is tough as nails. Praying for a speedy recovery." Such messages of support highlighted the bipartisan empathy extended towards Hosemann following the incident.
Following the collapse, Hosemann received prompt attention and was able to walk back to his office after being assessed by the attending medical staff. His office later confirmed that he is in good health and ready to resume his legislative duties as soon as possible.
Hosemann's own statement after the event assured the public of his well-being: "Lt. Gov. Hosemann is doing well and in good spirits. He appreciates all of the medical staff and is eager to return to work." This reassurance helped to quell some of the worries surrounding his health.
Nevertheless, the incident has reignited discussions within the political sphere about the necessity of mandatory retirement ages for lawmakers, a topic of ongoing debate. Hosemann, despite his age, has been a prominent figure in Mississippi politics, having served previously as the Secretary of State.
Messages of encouragement also arrived from those who had clashed politically with Hosemann. Former state senator Chris McDaniel opened up about his rival, reminding the public of their shared humanity.
McDaniel remarked on social media, "Delbert Hosemann and I have had serious political disagreements. And yes, he’s said some nasty things about me. But that doesn’t make him less human or less worthy of our care and concern," reflecting a moment of unity and human compassion transcending political differences.
He went on to add that the cause of Hosemann's sudden collapse remains unclear, but he hoped for a positive outcome. This sentiment resonated with many who were taken aback by the visual footage of the event.
Wednesday's events put a spotlight not only on Hosemann's personal health scare but also on broader topics about the pressures and demands faced by political figures. As the legislative year continues, there is speculation on how this incident might impact discussions on lawmaker ages and retirement policies.
Hosemann's health is being closely monitored, and his determination to continue his responsibilities has been met with support both within and outside the Senate. As discussions continue, Hosemann hopes to resume his duties without delay.
With statewide concerns addressed, attention now turns to the broader conversation on legislative health and safety standards. The response and well wishes Hosemann received underline the respect and care shared by colleagues despite any prior political turbulence.
Two people are dead after a collision between two small airplanes in Arizona on Wednesday.
Huge plumes of smoke were visible after the midair collision around 8:30 a.m. near Marana Regional Airport, north of Tucson.
The airport is an uncontrolled airfield, meaning there is no air traffic control tower and pilots must instead communicate with each other using a common radio frequency.
“On behalf of the Town of Marana and the Marana Regional Airport, our hearts go out to all the individuals and families impacted by this event,” said Airport Superintendent Galen Beem. “This is an unprecedented event, and we are grateful for the swift response from the Marana Police Department and Northwest Fire District.”
The two fixed-wing, single-engine planes collided while upwind of runway 12, according to a preliminary investigation. There were two people on board each of the planes, a Lancair 360 MK II and Cessna 172S.
The Cessna landed safely, but the Lancair crashed, causing a fire.
"The Cessna landed uneventfully; the Lancair impacted terrain near runway 3 and a post-impact fire ensued," according to the National Transportation Safety Board.
The two victims haven't been identified. The two people on the Cessna were unharmed, said AeroGuard, a flight training school that operates the plane.
"We are deeply saddened by the two fatalities from this tragic accident, and our thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones during this difficult time," the company told the AP.
The deadly incident comes after several high-profile aviation accidents that have caused concern since January, beginning with a deadly mid-air collision in Washington D.C. that killed all 67 people onboard an Army helicopter and an American Airlines flight.
Days later, a medical transport helicopter crashed into a Philadelphia neighborhood, killing seven people and setting homes on fire.
Two private jets, one of them owned by Motley Crue singer Vince Neil, collided at Scottsdale Airport last week, killing one of Neil's pilots.
Then, after a Delta airlines flight flipped upside down while landing in Toronto on Monday, with all 80 people surviving, Democrats blamed President Trump's cuts to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for a perceived downgrade in aviation safety.
Marana airport was scheduled to get its own air traffic tower by the end of 2024, but the FAA project was delayed during the COVID pandemic. Most airports in the U.S. do not have control towers, and small plane crashes are more common than commercial crashes.