Hello. It's Friday, 28th Feb, and we're covering Trump-Zelenskyy Clash, Health Agency firings & much more.

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Trump-Zelenskyy Meeting Turns Contentious Over Mineral Deal

Today, President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met at the White House to discuss U.S. support for Ukraine. The meeting quickly turned tense when Trump proposed a $500 billion deal granting the U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals in exchange for continued military aid. Zelenskyy rejected the offer, viewing it as an attempt to pressure Ukraine into an unfavorable agreement.

The discussion escalated further when Vice President JD Vance accused Zelenskyy of disrespecting U.S. generosity and jeopardizing international security. The abrupt end to the meeting drew criticism from U.S. lawmakers, who saw it as a diplomatic failure. Russian officials, meanwhile, appeared to welcome the discord, interpreting it as a weakening of U.S.-Ukraine relations.

The meeting underscored ongoing tensions in international diplomacy and raised concerns about how Ukraine’s resources may be leveraged in future geopolitical negotiations.

House Democrats Question Health Agency Firings

U.S. House Democrats are demanding answers from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. regarding the sudden mass firing of employees within key federal health agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and National Institutes of Health (NIH). The dismissals are part of President Donald Trump’s broader efforts to restructure the federal government, but lawmakers worry the move could severely impact public health preparedness.

Representatives Frank Pallone Jr. and Diana DeGette, leading the inquiry, argue that these firings could weaken the country’s ability to respond to major health crises, including the recent outbreaks of bird flu and measles. They have formally requested detailed information on the number of employees affected, the rationale behind the terminations, and the administration’s plans for ensuring continuity in public health services.

Democrats warn that these changes could have long-term consequences for disease control, medical research, and vaccine distribution. The Department of Health and Human Services has yet to respond.

Democrats Sue Trump Over Election Commission Control

The Democratic Party has filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump, challenging a recent executive order that they claim unlawfully extends presidential control over the independent Federal Election Commission (FEC).

The order, issued on February 18, 2025, grants the White House increased authority over the FEC, the National Labor Relations Board, and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Democrats argue that this move undermines the autonomy of these agencies, particularly the FEC's role in overseeing fair election practices.

The lawsuit seeks to affirm the constitutionality of laws protecting the commission from executive overreach and to block the enforcement of Trump's order.

This legal action represents the first significant challenge by Democrats during Trump's second term, as they strive to counteract recent policy shifts aimed at reducing governmental oversight.

Sports & Entertainement

• Helen Mirren Embraces '1923' Role

  Helen Mirren portrays Cara Dutton in "1923," the latest installment of the "Yellowstone" series. Set in the early 20th century, the show explores the Dutton family's challenges in the American West. Mirren, alongside Harrison Ford, brings depth to the prequel series, highlighting the era's complexities and the family's resilience.

• Sky to Host Fever at United Center

  The Chicago Sky will host both home games against the Indiana Fever at the United Center this season, marking a significant shift from their usual venue, Wintrust Arena. This move aims to accommodate a larger audience, reflecting the growing popularity of the WNBA and the intense rivalry between the two teams. The games are expected to draw substantial crowds, enhancing the fan experience.

Business & Economy

• Grubhub to Lay Off 500 Employees

  Grubhub CEO Howard Migdal announced on Friday that the food delivery company will lay off approximately 500 employees. This decision follows Grubhub's recent acquisition by Wonder, a food delivery startup led by former Walmart executive Marc Lore. The layoffs aim to align Grubhub's operations with Wonder's business strategy. Previously, Grubhub was owned by Just Eat Takeaway, which sold the U.S. unit for $650 million. ​

• Trump-Zelenskyy Oval Office Clash Unsettles Investors

  Investors were unsettled on Friday after a heated exchange between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump during a White House meeting. The public confrontation raised concerns about the prospects for a peace deal with Russia, leading to a shift towards safe-haven assets like U.S. Treasuries. Market reactions included a decline in European stock futures and fluctuations in currency values..

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