A federal personnel board has ordered to reinstate select fired federal workers. Washington, D.C. leadership has agreed to heed Republicans’ calls to remove a Black Lives Matter mural from the Capital. Experts are calling out a lack of research on the link between autism and teen suicide rates.
🙋🏼‍♀️ I’m Nicole Fallert, Daily Briefing author. Proudly team Gaggy for the “Traitors” finale.
USDA to reinstate ‘numerous’ fired probationary employees
The Merit Systems Protection Board issued a ruling on Wednesday to the U.S. Department of Agriculture to reinstate select workers who were fired Feb. 13 and later.
Why? The Board argued their terminations violated federal laws related to probationary employees and reductions in force.
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Trump gives Hamas new ultimatum
After meeting with former Israeli hostages Wednesday, President Donald Trump issued a new ultimatum to Hamas: Release every prisoner still being held in Gaza or “it is OVER for you.” Trump shared his position via social media hours after meeting with eight hostages recently released from Gaza under the latest cease-fire deal. Also Wednesday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the administration had entered into direct discussions with Hamas officials, potentially bypassing Israel in its efforts to secure the release of the remaining American hostages. Soon after his meeting with the former hostages, Trump posted his warning.
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DC to remove Black Lives Matter mural
“The mural inspired millions of people and helped our city through a very painful period, but now we can’t afford to be distracted by meaningless congressional interference.”
~ D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser in a post on X announcing the capital’s plans to paint over a large, yellow “Black Lives Matter” mural that was erected one block from the White House during racial justice protests in 2020. It is the most recent in a string of proposals from Republican lawmakers that seek to strip the district of its power to govern itself.
Buy it, invade it, forget about it: How Trump’s Greenland saga could play out
President Donald Trump appears determined to use his second term to acquire the mineral-rich, strategically located Arctic territory of Greenland, making it America’s 51st state. Trump plans to get it “one way or the other,” as he said Tuesday night in a joint address before Congress. But how? USA TODAY’s World Correspondent Kim Hjelmgaard spelled out five possible scenarios.
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How autism and suicide rates in teens intersect
Youth suicide has been on the rise in recent years. For kids with autism, it’s even more common. According to a 2023 study from the University of Pittsburgh, autistic children and teens have about a 5% higher rate of suicidal ideation and are twice as likely to attempt suicide than their non-autistic peers. Despite this, experts say barely any research is being done on this overlap.
Editor’s note: This article discusses suicide and suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
Photo of the day:Â Morning growls
Polar bear twins, born on November 27, 2024, beared their teeth as zookeepers debuted the fuzzy pair on Thursday at Nyiregyhaza Zoo in Hungary.
Nicole Fallert is a newsletter writer at USA TODAY, sign up for the email here. Want to send Nicole a note? Shoot her an email at [email protected].