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    NSA detected foreign intelligence phone call about a person close to Trump

    Whistleblower says that Tulsi Gabbard blocked agency from sharing report and delivered it to White House chief of staffLast spring, the National Security Agency (NSA) flagged an unusual phone call between two members of foreign intelligence, who discussed a person close to Donald Trump, according to a whistleblower’s attorney who was briefed on details of the call.The highly sensitive communique, which has roiled Washington over the past week, was brought to the attention of the director of national intelligence (DNI), Tulsi Gabbard. Continue reading… More

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    Trump news at a glance: Tulsi Gabbard faces mounting questions over handling of intelligence intercept

    Highly sensitive communique has roiled Washington over the past week – key US politics stories from Saturday 7 February at a glanceNational intelligence director Tulsi Gabbard is facing growing questions about her handling of a report about an intercepted phone call between two members of foreign intelligence, who discussed a person close to Donald Trump.A whistleblower said that Gabbard blocked the National Security Agency from sharing the report, instead delivering it to the White House chief of staff. Continue reading… More

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    Los Angeles city council member Nithya Raman enters mayoral race

    Raman, backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, enters a crowded field that includes incumbent Karen BassLos Angeles city council member Nithya Raman formally entered the race for mayor on Saturday, unveiling her campaign during a press conference.Representing areas that stretch from the San Fernando valley to Silver Lake, Raman declared her candidacy just hours before the filing deadline. She now joins a field that includes former reality television personality Spencer Pratt, Housing Now California deputy director Rae Huang, veteran city engineer Asaad Alnajjar and the incumbent mayor, Karen Bass. Continue reading… More

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    ‘A profound sense of being hunted’: with all eyes on Minneapolis, ICE arrests continue quietly across the US

    Immigration operations are still stoking fear and disrupting the ability to go to work, school or doctor’s appointmentsWith the public’s outrage and attention focused on the deadly surge of federal agents in Minneapolis, immigration operations have quietly continued across the US – albeit in less noticeable but still troubling ways, advocates say.In recent weeks there have been day laborers swept up at a Home Depot in San Diego. A taco truck vendor chased down outside a church in Los Angeles. Immigrants arrested at check-ins in North Carolina, and during traffic stops in the nation’s capital. Continue reading… More

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    The women who saw Melania in theaters: ‘If you’re Republican, this is girls’ night’

    The Amazon documentary brought in $7m its opening weekend – thanks to admirers eager for a glimpse of the first lady’s secretive lifeThe dress code for Lisa Copeland’s big night out: what would Melania wear?The 60-year-old real estate entrepreneur and nine other friends were headed to Amazon’s new documentary Melania, which debuted in theaters nationwide last week. “We all brought our best power suit,” Copeland said, nodding to Melania Trump’s penchant for neat, tailored menswear-inspired looks. But since she lives in Austin, Texas, Copeland put her own country-glam spin on it: black leather pants and a pearl jacket with diamond and pearl beading. Continue reading… More

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    US and Iran say ‘good’ start made in talks over nuclear programme

    Donald Trump says another meeting set for next week while warning of ‘very steep’ consequences if Tehran doesn’t make a dealIndirect talks between Iran and the US on the future of Iran’s nuclear programme ended on Friday with a broad agreement to maintain a diplomatic path, possibly with further talks in the coming days, according to statements from Iran and the Omani hosts.The relieved Iranian foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, described the eight hours of meetings as a “good start” conducted in a good atmosphere. He added that the continuance of talks depended on consultations in Washington and Tehran, but said Iran had underlined that any dialogue required refraining from threats. Continue reading… More

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    Trump says he approved sharing video with racist images of Obamas but claims he didn’t see part ‘that people don’t like’ – as it happened

    This live blog is now closed.Trump news at a glance: Trump creates distance, but no apology, after promoting racist video of ObamasTrump shares, later deletes video with racist imagery of ObamasTop Democrats in Congress have condemned Donald Trump for sharing a racist video of Barack and Michelle Obama that depicts them as apes.Hakeem Jeffries, the House minority leader, called the president a “vile, unhinged and malignant bottom feeder”. He noted that the Obamas were “brilliant, compassionate and patriotic Americans” who “represent the best of this country”. Continue reading… More

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    Pentagon to cut ties with Harvard over ‘wokesters’, ending training, programs and fellowships

    Move by Pete Hegseth marks latest escalation by Trump administration against the Ivy League schoolThe US defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, has said the Pentagon is ending all military training, fellowships and certificate programs with Harvard University, marking the Trump administration’s latest escalation against the Ivy League school.“The @DeptWar is formally ending ALL Professional Military Education, fellowships, and certificate programs with Harvard University,” Hegseth said in a statement posted on X, labeling Harvard as “woke”. Continue reading… More