Paris, France – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio signaled that the United States may "have to move on" from existing peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine if actual movement is not seen "in a matter of days." Rubio followed a diplomatic meeting in Paris between U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Ukrainian Presidential Office Head Andriy Yermak, and European representatives.
This notice comes as there is a mounting global diplomatic push led by the Trump administration to bring about a ceasefire for the long-burning conflict.
Meanwhile, after a session with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, President Donald Trump announced he would be going to Italy "in the very near future," declaring mounting ties between Washington and Rome.
GOP's Affection for Italy's Meloni Continues to Grow
Only a day after President Trump welcomed Meloni to the White House, Vice President JD Vance traveled to Rome for further discussions. Vance's office highlighted "cultural and religious ties" between the two nations.
Meloni, whose political background is the Italian far-right, has been a darling of American conservatives for many years. She addressed the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) and uttered anti-immigrant rhetoric prior to becoming the prime minister of Italy in 2022.
Aiding the global shift against Russian aggression was her pro-Ukrainian foreign policy that greeted her warmly, even by President Joe Biden, during her tours of the United States in 2023.
US Immigration Crackdown Rattles Childcare and Eldercare Industries
Camila, an illegal 22-year-old nanny in Texas, was nervous working for a household that is a fan of Donald Trump last spring. Her employer was a Fox News employee, and there was ample Trump memorabilia within the house. She called it "ironic" because of her illegal status and her employer's politics.
Experts caution that Trump's hardline immigration policies have the potential to disrupt critical services such as childcare and eldercare in Texas and elsewhere.
Texas Measles Outbreak Reaches Alarming Levels
The Texas Department of State Health Services recorded 597 measles cases—a nearly doubling of the national total for the entire year of 2024. Two children have died, the first measles-related fatalities in the U.S. since 2015. The outbreak partly is fueled by growing vaccine skepticism.
JD Vance Is Optimistic about Ukraine Peace Process
In opposition to Rubio's warning, Vice President Vance provided a note of optimism in a Rome speech. "We think we have some interesting things to report on," he told reporters, mentioning that there is progress in talks but not offering details. "We feel optimistic that we can hopefully bring this very brutal war to a close."
Trump Administration Reconsiders Powell's Position at the Fed
White House Economic Adviser Kevin Hassett noted that the White House is weighing whether Jerome Powell might be removed as Federal Reserve Chair. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was reported to have cautioned this would destabilize world markets. Powell has publicly criticized Trump's policies of trade tariffs and pushed back regarding calls to reduce interest rates for inflation.
CPJ Issues Warning to Journalists Entering U.S.
The Committee to Protect Journalists advised journalists coming into the U.S. to keep digital data minimal and even refrain from bringing personal devices because of increased border searches. "Be ready for questioning," CPJ's Catalina Cortes advised. "Your digital security is your physical security."
Trump Continues Iran Diplomacy
Despite biting rhetoric and stern ultimatums—such as halting uranium enrichment and dismantling missile programs—Trump, as reported, wants to negotiate with Iran to keep going. Talks are scheduled to resume in Oman on Saturday.
Trump Declassifies 10,000 RFK Assassination Files
The Trump administration has released nearly 10,000 pages of documents related to Robert F. Kennedy’s 1968 assassination. The records will be digitized for public access, with minor redactions. Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy Jr. praised the release as “a step toward restoring public trust.”