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1. Andrew Puzder
President Trump’s nominee for labor secretary has withdrawn amid a flurry of bipartisan criticism. Puzder is the CEO of the company that owns the Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. fast food chains. Negative stories about him have been piling up, making critics nervous on both sides of the aisle. Among the snags: Puzder’s reportedly contentious divorce, some questionable business practices and labor ethics stances, and, oh yeah, the fact that he employed an undocumented housekeeper. His exit comes one day after Trump’s national security adviser, Michael Flynn, resigned after it became public Flynn misled the Vice President about conversations he had with a Russian diplomat about sanctions.
2. Venezuela
The Venezuelan government on Wednesday ordered cable providers to take CNN en Español off the air, days after CNN aired an investigation into the alleged fraudulent issuing of Venezuelan passports and visas.
Foreign Minister Delcy Rodríguez accused CNN of performing what she defined as an “imperialistic media operation” against her country in last week’s broadcast of the yearlong investigation.
Read more of this story here.
3. Trump administration
Puzder may be the latest one out the door, but there is still a LOT of focus on Michael Flynn. Two top House Republicans have asked the Inspector General to investigate leaks surrounding Flynn’s departure. Trump says leaks are the “real scandal.” In any case, leaks — and the ties to Russia some of them suggest — have been a major problem for the young administration.
Despite it all, Trump has his sights set on something a little more positive: He is holding a campaign rally this weekend in Melbourne, Florida. Yes, you read that right. A campaign rally. After less than a month in office. It’s never too early?
4. Protests
On the flip side of campaign rallies, two major protests by groups opposing Trump’s leadership are coming up on the docket. Today, some workers at schools, restaurants and other businesses in Washington DC will take part in a “Day Without Immigrants,” a strike of sorts meant to highlight the contributions of immigrants to society. Meanwhile, organizers of the globally popular Women’s March have set a date for a protest. The March 8 strike will be dubbed “A Day Without a Woman” to highlight the contributions of — well, you get it.
5. North Korea
Mystery continues to surround the murder of Kim Jong Nam, half-brother to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Two more people were arrested Thursday in connection with his death, bringing the total number of arrests to three. Kim Jong Nam’s death shines a light on the reclusive and combative nation, whose aggression continues to present a diplomatic challenge for the US.
BREAKFAST BROWSE
People are talking about these. Read up. Join in.
Little Caesars founder quietly paid Rosa Parks’ rent for years
That feeling you’re feeling is called faith in humanity.
Ashton Kutcher testifies before Senate on anti-sex trafficking efforts
He’s come a long way from “That ’70s Show,” that’s for sure.
Dominican radio host killed during broadcast
The horrifying ordeal was captured on Facebook Live.
Pagani reveals $2.4 million car
You know a car is fancy when you’ve never even heard of the brand.
Firefighters dance with senior citizens on Valentine’s Day
And finally …
Now THAT’S talent
While we struggle through our BYOB painting classes, this guy is creating masterworks in minutes… with spray paint! (Click to view.)