Hello. It's Monday, 17th Feb, and we're covering Ukraine peace talks, necessary childcare improvements & much more.

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European Leaders Push for Greater Role in Ukraine Peace Talks

As the U.S. moves forward with peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, European leaders are demanding a stronger role in the process. Finnish President Alexander Stubb has proposed appointing a special EU envoy for Ukraine, citing the Kosovo peace process as a model.

This follows President Donald Trump's direct outreach to Russian President Vladimir Putin to initiate talks, bypassing both European allies and Ukraine itself.

French President Emmanuel Macron and other European leaders are working to present a unified strategy that ensures Ukraine's security and prevents Europe from being sidelined in negotiations. Many argue that the EU must play a central role in shaping any peace deal, given the region’s security stakes.

The lack of European involvement so far has raised concerns about long-term stability and diplomatic influence. As discussions progress, European leaders are expected to push for a greater say in shaping Ukraine’s future.

Trump Administration Seeks Supreme Court Approval to Dismiss Agency Head

The Trump administration has petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to authorize the removal of Hampton Dellinger, head of the Office of Special Counsel (OSC), an independent agency safeguarding whistleblowers.

Dellinger, appointed by former President Joe Biden for a five-year term ending in 2029, was abruptly dismissed on February 7. A federal judge temporarily blocked this action, leading the administration to seek higher court intervention.

The administration contends that Dellinger's removal is warranted, citing an "unprecedented assault on the separation of powers." The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit dismissed the administration's appeal, deeming the temporary order premature.

This move aligns with a broader pattern of the Trump administration removing officials engaged in federal misconduct investigations. The outcome of this legal battle could have significant implications for the independence of federal agencies and the protection of whistleblowers.

Judge Schedules Unprecedented Holiday Hearing in Musk's DOGE Case

In an unusual move, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan has convened a court session on Presidents Day to address a lawsuit filed by 13 Democratic state attorneys general.

The suit seeks a temporary restraining order to prevent Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing information systems across several federal agencies, including Labor, Education, and Transportation.

Appointed by President Donald Trump, Musk's DOGE has initiated significant job cuts and aims to eliminate perceived governmental waste. The plaintiffs argue that Musk's authority requires Senate confirmation under the U.S. Constitution's Appointments Clause and contend that DOGE lacks proper Congressional authorization.

This case is among approximately 20 lawsuits challenging DOGE's legitimacy, with mixed rulings to date. Judge Chutkan's decision to hold a hearing on a federal holiday underscores the urgency and significance of the issues at stake.

Sports & Entertainement

• Honoring 50 Years of SNL: "Saturday Night Live" commemorated its 50th anniversary with a star-studded special, "SNL50: The Anniversary Celebration," featuring appearances by Steve Martin, Bill Murray, Paul McCartney, Eddie Murphy, and Alec Baldwin. The event included musical performances by Paul Simon and Sabrina Carpenter, and a monologue by Steve Martin. The special paid tribute to the show's cultural impact, revisiting iconic sketches and characters, and honoring producer Lorne Michaels.

• Trout to Right Field Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout is transitioning from center field to right field this season to reduce physical strain and extend his career. At 33, Trout has faced multiple injuries over the past four seasons, limiting his playtime. Despite these setbacks, he remains a formidable offensive player with a .299 career batting average and 378 home runs. The Angels aim to preserve his health while maintaining his impactful presence in the lineup. Trout's contract with the Angels extends through the 2030 season.

Business & Economy

• Childcare Challenges: The new Parental Work Disruption Index reveals that improving access to affordable childcare is crucial for U.S. economic growth. With millions of workers, especially women, missing work due to childcare challenges, the nation risks losing over a billion hours annually. A bipartisan legislative effort led by Senators Katie Britt and Tim Kaine aims to enhance childcare access, benefiting both families and the economy.

• Google Fined: A Russian court has fined Alphabet's Google 3.8 million roubles ($41,530) for hosting YouTube videos instructing Russian soldiers on how to surrender. Russia has been pressuring foreign tech platforms to remove content it deems illegal, particularly concerning the Ukraine conflict. Critics allege that Russian authorities are intentionally slowing YouTube's download speeds to restrict access to content critical of President Vladimir Putin, a claim the government denies. Google has not yet commented on the fine.

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