Monday, Feb. 9
Health officials urge Americans to get the measles vaccine
Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, recommended all Americans get vaccinated for Measles, according to The Associated Press. The call comes as measles outbreaks appear across multiple states nationwide.
While the Trump administration and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, expressed skepticism around vaccinations, the message to receive the Measles vaccine seemed to be clear. Oz claimed Kennedy agrees on the Measles vaccine, and said it is one vaccine people should get, the AP reported.
The outbreaks, such as one in South Carolina and one on the Utah-Arizona border, are mainly impacting children and could be spreading fast due to public districts of vaccines pushed by public health officials, infectious disease experts claim.
Tuesday, Feb. 10
“Walk for Peace" led by Buddhist monks concludes in Washington
The “Walk for Peace,” a movement led by Buddhist monks, was cultivating attention for the last couple of months. The monks began their procession through the southeastern states in late October, according to the AP.
The monks’ procession came to a close on Tuesday in Washington, with thousands gathering to witness the quiet march. The mission of the Buddhist endeavor was to spread a message advocating for peace.
The monks processed the streets of the nation's capital in single file, giving silent nods and smiles to enthusiastic viewers. According to the AP, the monks were joined by dozens of faith leaders spanning many religious sects.
Wednesday, Feb. 11
AP review finds pattern of abuse in ICE agents
The AP found that since 2020, at least two dozen U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have been charged with crimes. The AP indicated those crimes, such as physical abuse, sexual abuse, corruption and other abuses of authority, display a pattern of wrongdoing.
The Trump administration has given ICE little oversight and argued agents maintain “absolute immunity” for actions committed on duty. In 2025, Congress voted to give ICE $75 billion for the purpose of hiring more agents, the AP reported.
The AP review argues the growth of ICE and the continued mission of increasing deportations could lead to further abuses. ICE’s employee count doubled in less than a year to 22,000 total employees, according to the AP.
Thursday, Feb. 12
House votes to challenge Trump's tariff policy
The Republican controlled U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution Wednesday that would end the national emergency Trump declared to enact tariffs on foreign nations, the AP reported.
The vote had six Republican lawmakers reach across party lines to challenge the Trump administration, with the final tally being 219-211.
President Donald Trump is utilizing tariffs to ensure prices are lowered for Americans, but many individuals and businesses are arguing the tariffs are not doing so. Trump informed Republican lawmakers who vote for the resolution will struggle in the upcoming reelections.
House Speaker Mike Johnson argued against the legislation, asking lawmakers to wait for the decision in the pending Supreme Court case about the tariffs, according to the AP. The resolution, however, will now go to the Senate and, if passed, will require Trump’s approval to become law.
Friday, Feb. 13
Trump claims to have over $1.5B in political funds
According to the AP, Trump has revealed he holds over $1.5 billion in political funds. Trump has said the money was collected since election day in 2024.
Trump's current war chest is supposedly somewhat equal to the money spent on his 2024 reelection campaign, the AP reported. While Trump has been reluctant to use money in other politicians' campaigns, there is speculation about whether the president will use the funds to shape the midterms coming up in November.
Trump has been known to throw support behind Republican opponents of sitting lawmakers who oppose him. The money is of specific interest due to Trump’s warning that Republicans who voted for a House resolution to upend his tariff policy will face consequences in the midterm elections, according to the AP.
Sunday, Feb. 15
Trump administration fires criticism at EU, officials react
The European Union responded to recent claims made by U.S. officials at the Munich Security Conference, as reported by the AP. Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State, addressed European allies at the conference, signaling a firm viewpoint on U.S. policy priorities within the trans-Atlantic alliance.
Kaja Kallas, EU foreign policy chief, reacted to the U.S. national security strategy released in December, which alleged economic stagnation in Europe could lead to civilizational erasure. The policy critiqued many of Europe's policies on immigration, political opposition, free speech and more.
Kallas staunchly denied the claims and said Europe is pushing humanity forward and defending human rights. In his speech, Rubio reaffirmed the U.S.’s intent to remain in the trans-Atlantic alliance, according to the AP.
