February 24, 20257 min readTrump Denied Knowledge of Project 2025Now HisHealthCare Plans Follow It CloselyDuring his presidential campaign, Donald Trump distanced himself from the conservative governing plan Project 2025. But its increasingly viewed as a blueprint for his administrations plans for federalhealthprogramsBy Stephanie Armour & KFF Health News Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York, speaks during a press conference about the far-right Project 2025 at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on September 12, 2024. Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty ImagesFew voters likely expected President Donald Trump in the first weeks of his administration to slash billions of dollars from the nations premier federal cancer research agency.But funding cuts to the National Institutes of Health were presaged in Project 2025s Mandate for Leadership, a conservative plan for governing that Trump said he knew nothing about during his campaign. Now, his administration has embraced it.The 922-page playbook compiled by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative research group in Washington, says the NIH monopoly on directing research should be broken and calls for capping payments to universities and their hospitals to help reduce federal taxpayer subsidization of leftist agendas.On supporting science journalismIf you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.Universities, now slated to face sweeping cuts in agency grants that cover these overhead costs, say the policy will destroy ongoing and future biomedical science. A federal judge temporarily halted the cuts to medical research on Feb. 10 after they drew legal challenges from medical institutions and 22 states.Project 2025 as PrologueThe rapid-fire adoption of many of Project 2025s objectives indicates that Trump acolytes many of its contributors were veterans of his first term, and some have joined his second administration have for years quietly laid the groundwork to disrupt the national health system. That runs counter to Trumps insistence on the campaign trail, after Democrats made Project 2025 a potent attack line, that he was ignorant of the document.I have no idea what Project 2025 is, Trump said Oct. 31 at a rally in Albuquerque, New Mexico, one of many times he disclaimed any knowledge of the plan. Ive never read it, and I never will.But because his administration is hewing to the Heritage Foundation-compiled playbook so closely, opposition groups and some state Democratic leaders say theyre able to act swiftly to counter Trumps moves in court.Theyre now preparing for Trump to act on Project 2025 recommendations for some of the nations largest and most important health programs, including Medicaid and Medicare, and for federal health agencies.There has been a lot of planning on the litigation side to challenge the executive orders and other early actions from a lot of different organizations, said Noah Bookbinder, president of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, a watchdog group. Project 2025 allowed for some preparation.The plan, for example, calls for state flexibility to impose premiums for some beneficiaries, work requirements, and lifetime caps or time limits on Medicaid coverage for some enrollees in the program for low-income and disabled Americans, which could lead to a surge in the number of uninsured after the Biden administration vastly expanded the programs coverage.These proposals dont directly alter eligibility for Medicaid or the benefits provided, but the ultimate effect would be fewer people with health coverage, said Larry Levitt, executive vice president for health policy at KFF, a health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News. When you erect barriers to people enrolling in Medicaid, like premiums or documenting work status, you end up rationing coverage by complexity and ability to pay.Congressional Republicans are contemplating a budget plan that could result in hundreds of billions of dollars being trimmed from Medicaid over 10 years.Project 2025 called for expanding access to health plans that dont comply with the Affordable Care Acts strongest consumer protections. That may lead to more choice and lower monthly premiums for buyers, but unwitting consumers may face potentially massive out-of-pocket costs for care the plans wont cover.And Project 2025 called for halting Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood affiliates. The organization, an important health care provider for women across the country, gets roughly $700 million annually from Medicaid and other government programs, based on its 2022-23 report. Abortion made up about 4% of services the organization provided to patients, the report says.The administrations steps to scrub words such as equity from federal documents, erase transgender identifiers, and curtail international medical aid all part of the Project 2025 wish list have already had sweeping ramifications, hobbling access to health care and eviscerating international programs that aim to prevent disease and improve maternal health outcomes.Under a memorandum issued in January, for example, Trump reinstated and expanded a ban on federal funds to global organizations that provide legal information on abortions.Studies have found that the ban, known as the global gag rule or Mexico City Policy, has stripped millions of dollars away from foreign aid groups that didnt abide by it. Its also had a chilling effect: In Zambia, one group removed information in brochures on contraception, and in Turkey, some providers stopped talking with patients about menstrual regulation as a form of family planning.Project 2025 called on the next president to reinstate the gag rule, saying it should be drafted broadly to apply to all foreign assistance.Trump also signed an executive order rolling back transgender rights by banning federal funds for transition-related care for people under age 19. An order he signed also directed the federal government to recognize only two sexes, male and female, and use the term sex instead of gender.The Project 2025 document calls for deleting the term gender identity from federal rules, regulations, and grants and for unwinding policies and procedures that its authors say are used to advance a radical redefinition of sex. In addition, it states that Department of Health and Human Services programs should protect childrens minds and bodies.Radical actors inside and outside government are promoting harmful identity politics that replaces biological sex with subjective notions of gender identity, the Project 2025 road map reads.Data DisappearsAs a result of Trumps order on gender identity, health researchers say, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention took down online information about transgender health and removed data on LGBTQ+ health. A federal judge on Feb. 11 ordered that much of the information be restored; the administration complied but added notices to some webpages labeling them extremely inaccurate and claiming they dont reflect biological reality.The CDC also delayed the release of information and findings on bird flu in the agencys Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Federal workers have said they were told to retract papers that contain words such as nonbinary or transgender. And some hospitals suspended gender-affirming care such as hormone therapy and puberty blockers for youths.Advocacy groups say the orders discriminate and pose barriers to medically necessary care, and transgender children and their families have filed a number of court challenges.Lawyers, advocates, and researchers say implementation of many of Project 2025s health policy goals poses a threat.The playbook presents an antiscience, antidata, and antimedicine agenda, according to a piece last year by Boston University researchers in JAMA.The Project 2025 blueprint sets out goals to curb access to medication abortion, restructure public health agencies, and weaken protections against sex-based discrimination. It would have seniors enroll by default in Medicare Advantage plans run by commercial insurers, in essence privatizing the health program for older Americans. And it calls for eliminating coverage requirements for Affordable Care Act plans that people buy without federal subsidies, which, insurance experts say, risks leaving people underinsured.Its the agenda of the Trump administration, said Robert Weissman, a co-president of Public Citizen, a progressive consumer rights advocacy group. Its to minimize access to care under the guise of strict work requirements in Medicaid, privatizing Medicare, and rolling back consumer protections and subsidies in the Affordable Care Act.The White House didnt respond to a message seeking comment. Conservatives have said implementation of the projects proposals would curb waste and fraud in federal health programs and free health systems from the clutches of a radical woke agenda.Americans are tired of their government being used against them, Paul Dans, a lawyer and former director of Project 2025, said last year in a statement. The administrative state is, at best, completely out of touch with the American people and, at worst, is weaponized against them.Dans did not return messages seeking comment for this article.The Heritage Foundation has sought to separate itself and Project 2025 from Trumps executive orders and other initiatives on health.This isnt about our recommendations in Project 2025 something weve been doing for more than 40 years. This is about President Trump delivering on his promises to make America safer, stronger, and better than ever before, and he and his team deserve the credit, Ellen Keenan, a spokesperson for Heritage, said in a statement.Versions of the document have been produced roughly every four years since the 1980s and have influenced other GOP presidents. Former President Ronald Reagan adopted about two-thirds of the recommendations from an earlier Heritage guide, the group says.In some instances, the Trump administration hasnt just followed Project 2025s proposals but has gone beyond them.The document called on the next president to scale back and deradicalize the U.S. Agency for International Development, an independent federal agency that provides foreign aid and assistance, including for many international health programs. The administration hasnt just scaled back USAID. Trump adviser Elon Musk bragged on his social media platform, X, that his Department of Government Efficiency fed the agency into the wood chipper, physically closing its offices and putting nearly all its staff on administrative leave while ending funding for its programs and disseminating misinformation about them.But the administration risks waning public support if it adopts the projects goals to upend U.S. health care and health policy. Almost 60% of voters said they felt negatively about Project 2025 in a September poll by NBC News.Project 2025 was never a thought exercise; it was always a blueprint, said Ally Boguhn, a spokesperson for Reproductive Freedom for All, an abortion rights group. Were only a few weeks into his presidency, and its setting the groundwork for even more.KFF Health News, formerly known as Kaiser Health News (KHN), is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF the independent source for health policy research, polling, and journalism.

When I began decorating our nursery in preparation for our firstborn, finding thebest nursery rugs was of utmost importance. As a person with cold feetand I mean that in the most literal senserugs are an absolute essential in my home. In a shoes-off household, I like knowing that my toes will be nice and toasty no matter what room Im in or what the weather is like outdoors.Rugs are one of my favorite items to shop for while travelingI have multiplehand-tufted rugs from Morocco, a patterned rug that I found in Bogota, and a kilim rug I love so much that Ive transported it through five moves. But with a newborn, my rug priorities quickly shifted to outfitting ababys nursery. Once focused on pattern, style, and story, my sights are now set onkids rugs that are hypoallergenic, plush, easy on the knees,machine washable, pill-free, andstain-resistant.My partner and I spent months researching, testing, spilling, spot cleaning, spilling some more, and chatting with parents in the design industry to identify whichnursery rugs came out on top for beautifulbaby rooms. Here, some of our favorites that will suit both you and your little one.Our Top Picks:BestRound:Nestig Plaid Rug, $399BestMulticolor:Nestig Sunrise Rug, $399Best Rainbow: Nestig Arches Rug, $399Best Checkerboard: Irregular Checkerboard Rug by Sarah Sherman Samuel, $548Best for a Playroom:HAY Tapis Rug, $645 $483Best Flatweave: Revival Halo Flatweave Wool Rug, $299Browse by category:BestRound:Nestig Plaid RugNestig Plaid RugMaterialsOrganic cotton and nontoxic dyesCare InstructionsWash separately with a low-pH detergent. Run an extra rinse cycle if possible, then tumble dry on delicate using the machines lowest heat setting.Tester: Shoko Wanger, contributorHow did your baby/kid like sitting on it? Its soft, almost towel-like, and appealingly fluffyall things my toddler loves. Its an ideal surface for stretching out and reading books or snuggling. Since its generously sized, we can both fit on it comfortably. Its a greatplayroom addition.How do you like sitting on it? Its very comfortable, and I appreciate that a rug thatsmachine washable can be made from natural materials. The combination of organic cotton and easy cleaning is hard to pass up!BestMulticolor:Nestig Sunrise RugNestig Sunrise RugMaterials100% natural cotton fibers, woven by local artisans in Brazil using nontoxic dyes.Care InstructionsMachine washable, baby! I also found that throwing the rug in the dryer for 10 minutes really fluffs it up and makes it look less towel-like! Highly recommend!Tester: Briana Feigon, contributorHow did your baby/kid like sitting on it? Our daughter enjoys the tactile element of this rug, running her fingers through the fibers of the rug and trying to grasp onto the threads.How do you like sitting on it? I was drawn to this rug for the playful color scheme and the fact that it is made of soft 100% natural cotton fibers. I was impressed with how compact the rug is able to fold up into because of how plush andcomfy it is. The colors are just as rich in person as they look online. That said, I do wish this rug had a bit more padding. I found that the rug looks and feels somewhat towel-like and wouldnt make for a greatplay rug. I imagine this accounts for how easy it is to throw in thewashing machine, and since our daughter is a spit-up queen, this has very much come in handy, but I would recommend putting over arug pad to add some extra cushion.Best Rainbow: Nestig Arches RugNestig Arches RugMaterials100% organic cotton. Its available in two colorways (pink or seaglass, which is a light blue) and uses nontoxic dyes. Each rug is handmade in Brazil.Care InstructionsThe recommended care instructions for this particular rug from Nestig are to wash on a cold, delicate cycle using gentle detergent with a low pH.Tester: Malena Galloway Rivas, contributorHow did your baby/kid like sitting on it? Theres a shagginess to the rug, which I loveit adds a bit of depth and fluff which makes it cozy to sit on. Also, cleaning the rug is a breeze, considering the size. I appreciate that its pretty lightweight so shaking off the dust/dirt isnt too much of an arm workout.How do you like sitting on it? As soon as I enter my daughters nursery, I love stepping onto the rug with my bare feetits soft and the perfect size for both of us to sit on and play. The colors in the rug (dusty rose, beige, orange, and sage) complement the accent wall (forest green) and the natural tones of the furniture. We wanted the nursery to be filled with jewel tones and muted hues and the rug is the perfect addition that ties the space together.Best Checkerboard: Irregular Checkerboard Rug by Sarah Sherman SamuelLulu and Georgia Irregular Checkerboard Rug by Sarah Sherman SamuelMaterials90% natural wool and 10% cottonCare InstructionsIts normal for shedding or loose fibers to occur with this rug and it should diminish over time with regular vacuuming or trimming. I want to note that this rug is easy to vacuum, though it is not recommended to use powerful vacuums or vacuums with beater bars. Blot stains and clean professionally.Tester: Clara Haneberg, contributorHow did your baby/kid like sitting on it? Baby loves sitting on this supersoft, beautifully imperfect rug, and its irregular square shapes always draw his eye. The rug provides a plush foundation for our nursery while also doubling as a whimsical backdrop for our sons toysits unique, contrasting high-low pile create dips for his trucks to drive down and act as pretend parking spots to put his tiny dinosaurs. He always giggles when we enter his room, and Im highly certain this rug has something to do with it!How do you like sitting on it? I enjoy sitting on this well-made rug. Its contrasting high-low pile doesnt negatively affect its comfort when sitting. Its plush enough for me to get on all fours and play along with my little one for hours.Best For a Playroom:HAY Tapis RugHAY Tapis RugMaterialsJute and cotton with a nonslip polyester backingCare InstructionsVacuum regularly and spot treat stains with a product made for natural fibers. Professionally clean as needed.Tester: Shoko Wanger, contributorHow did your baby/kid like sitting on it? He loves playing on it! It definitely sees a lot of action. We have this rug in our playroom and its absolutely perfect for that areaits understated but still characterful, soft but still serves as an ideal surface for play. It really checks all the boxes. And its nonslip backing is a godsend. With all the movement that happens in this area of our house, it would be a terrible nuisance to have to constantly reposition a rug pad.How do you like sitting on it? Im so happy with it! It really feels like an ideal rug for a high-traffic, multipurpose spacedurable, attractive, and so comfortable. And I love the subtle hint of color. Its not a rug Id immediately turn to for a nursery, but for a playroom its a perfect 10.Best Flatweave: Revival Halo Flatweave Wool RugRevival Flatweave Halo RugMaterialsHand-carded all-natural wool on cotton foundationCare InstructionsVacuum regularly with a rug-friendly machine (no beater brush!). Spot-clean by blotting with a paper towel or cloth. Then add clean water or use a damp cloth to dilute the stain before blotting again. Repeat until the stain is removed. Gentle detergent can be used for particularly stubborn stains. Do not dry-clean or steam clean. Professionally clean as needed.Tester: Shoko Wanger, contributorHow did your baby/kid like sitting on it? He plays really happily on it. The weave is flat enough that he can roll his trucks over it with ease and soft enough that its a pleasant surface to walk, run, and dance on. When I asked his opinion on it, he said, Feels like Santa!which is unquestionably a compliment.How do you like sitting on it? Its an impressive rug. You really get a sense of the quality of the hand-carded wool when you sit on it. Also, as a parent who appreciates understated uses of kid-friendly color, I love how subtleyet impactfulthe pink fibers are.Best for an AnimalThemed Nursery: Nestig Tiger RugNestig Tiger RugMaterials100%cotton and made with natural dyesCare InstructionsItsmachine washable, which is one of the reasons I chose it. Since its made with natural dyes, Nestig recommends using a mild detergent with a low pH instead of harsher ones like Tide that might cause the colors to run. They also recommend running an extra rinse cycle to ensure the detergent is fully washed from the rug.Editors note: While this pick is sold out, the Hand-Tufted Velvet Rug in Blue Tigger from Maisonette is a similar and great option if youre looking for a tiger rug option, though made from 100% wool instead of 100% cotton.Tester:Elaheh Nozari, contributorHow did your baby/kid like sitting on it? My three-month old niece didtummy time on itit is supersoft but not itchy, which makes it good for a baby. I also have hardwood floors and I found that its an easy rug to move around to parts of the apartment that might need more cushioning fortummy time or playing. It does slip so if youre planning to keep it in one place as anarea rug, Id recommend buying arug pad to make sure it stays in one place.How do you like sitting on it? Its very comfortable! I was worried that it would feel itchy, but the cotton is supersoft and cushioned.Best for ExtraTummy Time:Lorena Canals Washable RugLorena Canals Washable Rug, Lanes Vintage BlueMaterials97% cotton, 3% other fiber.Care InstructionsMachine wash on delicate wash using a mild detergent (no bleach, no softeners.) Do not leave the wet rug in the washer, as colors may run or stain. Tumble dry at low temperature. Avoid drying in the sun. During the first few days, it is advisable to sweep the rug with a hard brush in the direction of the plush, and then it is recommended to use the vacuum cleaner but not a robot vacuum.Editors note: While this pick is sold out, the Casablanca 704 Rectangle from Maisonette is a great alternative, featuring a very similar design and plush pile texture.Tester: Briana Feigon, contributorHow did your baby/kid like sitting on it? This rug has been a huge hit in the house. Beautiful design and high-quality materials, this gender-neutral rug quickly creates a focal point in any baby room. It is plush enough that I can put our baby down directly on it without needing to lie out a blanket orplay mat. Its also supersoft to the touch and fluffy. The instructions guided us to put in the dryer for 10 minutes after unpacking, and this makes all the difference in fluffing it up!How do you like sitting on it? I actually just set up a set of drawers in the nursery while sitting on this rug, and it was the perfect padding for my postpartum knees and wrists. Very comfortable. I envision many hours of play on this rug in the years to come! Best of all, Lorena Canals pieces are feel-good purchases, as the brand donates a portion of proceeds to support childrens education in Northern India.Best For the Emerging Artist:Ethan Cook RugDesign Within Reach Ethan Cook Flat Works RugMaterialsHandwoven wool and cottonCare InstructionsVacuum on low-power setting. Absorb stains with a paper towel, dab with a damp cloth and mild detergent. (Ive tested this with some of my daughters spit-up and it worked like a charm!)Editors note: While the Ethan Cook Rug is sold out, the Willa Wool Handloom Rug from DWR has a similar design, handloomed from wool and cotton with a similar flatweave, kilim-style to the Flat Works Rug.Tester: Briana Feigon, contributorHow did your baby/kid like sitting on it? The vision for this rug was a kid-friendly rug in an adult room. We spend a substantial amount of time with our daughter in theliving room, and wanted a rug that would be suitable for her but also elegant enough to feel adult-appropriate. Posie loves the color blocking of this rug and we love that it is made of hypoallergenic fibers. Sometimes our daughter will haveplaytime directly on the rug, and other times we will spread out aplay mat or throw blanket on top of the rug to offer Posie some extra padding to play on top of.

What are current trends for home bars?One of the biggest trends in home bars is catering to those who dont drink. Clients are expanding their bar setups beyond traditional beer, wine, and spirits, says Goesling. Sparkling water, coffee, non-alcoholic beverages, and crafted mocktails are redefining how these spaces function throughout the day. As a result, versatile storage, specialized chilling solutions, and multi-use accessories are becoming essential.Speaking of versatility, stealth setups are another trend, especially as home bars climb out of the basement. Goldbach says, Increasingly, home bars are designed to be concealed when not in use. Pocket doors, operable walls, and closed storage solutions are becoming more prevalent, allowing these spaces to blend seamlessly into the home.Are wet bars in style?The wet bar, a staple in the well-to-do homes of the 1970s, seemed to disappear for a few decades. But its back. If you have the room, a wet bar is the way to go, says Renee DiSanto of Park & Oak in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. It adds convenience with a sink and running water, making prep and cleanup seamless. Its countertop-centric cousin, the dry bar (basically a wet bar minus the sink), doesnt have all the bells and whistles but is still usefulespecially if youre simply pouring wine and beer rather than mixing cocktails.Are bar carts on trend?Bar carts remain a popular choice, though their appeal has shifted, says DAgostino. They are now celebrated for their charm and practicality in smaller spaces or settings where a larger bar installation isnt feasible. Though if you have a small bar space and dont need the mobility of a rolling cart, a bar cabinet or repurposed console table are similar decor ideas.How much does it cost to build a home bar?The variety in home bar design means the cost can vary widely as well. On the more accessible end, a simple setupincorporating a bar cart and custom shelvingcan range from $2,000 to $3,000, says DAgostino. On the other end of the spectrum, a luxe space with marble countertops, plumbing installation, and a full-fledged lounge area can run over six figures. A high-end home bar with premium materials, custom cabinetry, appliances like ice makers and wine refrigerators, and finishes such as brass fixtures or bespoke upholstery can easily cost $100,000 or more, he says. Its about finding the blend that suits both your lifestyle and your budget.

WASHINGTON Responses to the Elon Musk-directed email to government employees about what work they'd accomplished over the past week are expected to be fed into an artificial intelligence system to determine whether those jobs are necessary or not, according to three sources with knowledge of the system. The information will go into an LLM (Large Language Model), an advanced AI system that looks at huge amounts of text data to understand, generate, and process human language, the sources said. The AI system will determine whether someones work is mission-critical or not.The U.S. Office of Personnel Management emails were sent out to federal workers Saturday, shortly after Musk wrote in a post on X that all federal employees will shortly receive an email requesting to understand what they got done last week. Failure to respond will be taken as a resignation.The OPM email did not mention the resignation threat, but said: Please reply to this email with approx. 5 bullets of what you accomplished last week and cc your manager. Please do not send any classified information, links, or attachments. Deadline is this Monday at 11:59pm EST.The reason the email requested no links or attachments was because of the plan to send the information to the AI system, the sources said.A request for comment from OPM as to whether or not humans will be involved in reviewing the responses was not answered immediately. The White House declined to comment.In an email to its workforce on Monday, the Justice Department said that during a meeting with the interagency Chief Human Capital Officers Council, OPM informed agencies that employee responses to the email are voluntary. OPM also clarified that despite what Musk had posted, a non-response to the email does not equate to a resignation, the email said. The directive was facing pushback from unions, workers and even some agencies since it was sent, but the effort was praised by President Donald Trump earlier Monday.I thought it was great, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, where he was meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. "We have people that dont show up to work and nobody even knows if they work for the government so by asking the question tell us what you did this week, what he's doing is saying are you actually working. And then, if you dont answer, like, youre sort of semi-fired or you're fired," he said, claiming without providing evidence that "a lot of people are not answering because they don't even exist." "There was a lot of genius in sending it," Trump said. "If people dont respond, its very possible that there is no such person or theyre not working.A coalition of unions and groups that have been fighting the Trump administration's mass layoffs of probationary workers charge the effort was unlawful. They amended their lawsuit against the U.S. Office of Personnel Management over the weekend to add a claim involving the OPM email directing workers to justify their workweek. The lawsuit charges that the administration didn't follow proper procedure for such an order and should be voided by a judge. "The mass firings ordered by OPM are illegal and betray the trust of countless federal employees. The patronizing demand that federal workers still on the job have to justify themselves by enumerating five accomplishments just adds insult to injury. That too is against the law," lawyer Norm Eisen said in a statement on behalf of the plaintiffs.Musk has been tasked by Trump with reducing the size of the government, and the email is seen as part of his push to reduce the federal workforce by as much as 10 percent. Some agencies, including ones led by close Trump allies, have told their employees to ignore the directive.Justice Department employees were informed earlier Monday that they did not need to respond to the message, according to emails seen by NBC News. Due to the confidential and sensitive nature of the Departments work, DOJ employees do not need to respond to the email from OPM. If you have already responded to this email, no further action is needed, read one email sent by Assistant Attorney General for Administration Jolene Ann Lauria.FBI DirectorKash Patelinstructed employees over the weekend to pause any responses to the email, and said his agency would do its own review. Employees of theThe Department of Agriculture also sent out an unsigned email to employees informing them that any response to the email "is voluntary and not required." The email was also sent to an unknown amount of judicial branch employees, including judges and court staffers. Spokespeople for federal courts in Manhattan and the Northern District of Illinois confirmed to NBC News that some people had gotten the message.Julie Hodek, a spokesperson for the Northern District of Illinois, also confirmed the email and said the courts chief judge and clerk communicated with the staff that as we are judiciary employees, our policies and procedures are governed by the Judicial Conference of the United States and our local court HR handbooks.A spokesperson for the Southern District of New York said personnel there had been directed not to respond to the email.Managers within the Environmental Protection Agency on Monday sent employees model responses to the email to make it easier for them. As empathy for their staff, they sent examples, said one agency employee who shared two of the managers own responses with NBC News. The employee asked NBC not to publish the managers responses in full out of fear of reprisal.Officials at the Health and Human Services Department and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services directed employees to respond by the deadlineAn email sent to Department of Transportation employees and obtained by NBC News instructed them to respond to OPMs weekend email asking for five bullet points of their work. The message also asked employees to exclude any classified info from their responses. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy embraced the challenge himself in a post on social media.Musk appears to be following the same playbook he used when he bought Twitter, which he renamed X.Musk began his tenure there with massive layoffs, asking employees to commit to "Extremely hardcore" work in an email titled "A Fork in the Road" or be fired. The email subject line is the same as the email sent out to federal employees by the Office of Personnel Management offering buyouts in January. About 75,000 federal employees took the deal.Twitter employees who stayed were then asked to print out pages of code they'd written from the last month and prepare to present the work to Musk personally. The code reviews reportedly were abandoned, and instead, managers were asked to rank their employees, according to The Verge. Musk and DOGE's access to government data and information has become a central point of friction between the group and its critics. In at least 11 lawsuits, plaintiffs have argued that DOGE has flouted laws and rules around data and privacy. Some of the lawsuits have referenced allegations that DOGE is using artificial intelligence to analyze and process government data. The Washington Post reported in February that DOGE was using artificial intelligence to analyze spending at the Education Department, citing two people familiar with the project.

DOGE in court Judge: US govt violated privacy law by disclosing personal data to DOGE Disclosure of personal information to DOGE "is irreparable harm," judge rules. Jon Brodkin Feb 24, 2025 3:05 pm | 71 A protest against President Donald Trump and Elon Musk in New York on February 19, 2025. Credit: Getty Images | Pacific Press A protest against President Donald Trump and Elon Musk in New York on February 19, 2025. Credit: Getty Images | Pacific Press Story textSizeSmallStandardLargeWidth *StandardWideLinksStandardOrange* Subscribers only Learn moreA federal judge today blocked DOGE from accessing personal data held by the US Department of Education and Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Today's ruling follows one on Friday in a different court that blocked DOGE's access to Department of Treasury information.The American Federation of Teachers and other "plaintiffs have shown that Education and OPM likely violated the Privacy Act by disclosing their personal information to DOGE affiliates without their consent," said the order issued today by US District Judge Deborah Boardman in the District of Maryland."This continuing, unauthorized disclosure of the plaintiffs' sensitive personal information to DOGE affiliates is irreparable harm that money damages cannot rectify," she wrote.Boardman granted a temporary restraining order that's in place until March 10. She declined to extend the temporary restraining order to Department of Treasury data, but only because a different court issued a preliminary injunction blocking that access on Friday."On February 21, 2025, a district judge in the Southern District of New York granted a preliminary injunction that effectively gives the plaintiffs in this case the relief they seek against Treasury," Boardman wrote.Numerous lawsuits pending against Trump adminThe Friday order came in a case filed against President Trump by 19 states led by New York. The order by US District Judge Jeannette Vargas said the preliminary injunction tracks the terms of a temporary restraining order that was previously issued:[T]he United States Department of the Treasury and the Secretary of the Treasury are restrained from granting access to any Treasury Department payment record, payment systems, or any other data systems maintained by the Treasury Department containing personally identifiable information and/or confidential financial information of payees to any employee, officer or contractor employed or affiliated with the United States DOGE Service, DOGE, or the DOGE Team established at the Treasury Department, pending further Order of this Court.Vargas said the remedy is narrowly tailored to prevent disclosure of sensitive bank information contained in Treasury payment systems. She denied the states' additional request for a broader preliminary injunction that would have prohibited "members of the DOGE team from developing automated (or even manual) processes to halt payments coming through Treasury Department payment systems."Numerous lawsuits are pending against the Trump administration over the data access granted to DOGE, or Department of Government Efficiency. Although the White House denied in a court filing that Elon Musk has any authority over DOGE, Trump was quoted as saying last week that he "signed an order creating the Department of Government Efficiency and put a man named Elon Musk in charge."Oral arguments are scheduled for February 27 in one case in New York that was filed by the American Federation of Government Employees and other groups against OPM, DOGE, and Musk. There was also a preliminary injunction hearing today in US District Court for the District of Columbia in another case involving DOGE access to Treasury data; DOGE is already temporarily blocked from Treasury records in that case.Judge: Disclosure of data is injury in factThe Trump administration got a victory in a case filed against OPM, Treasury, and DOGE by the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) and one unnamed federal government employee. US District Judge Rossie Alston Jr. in the Eastern District of Virginia refused to issue a preliminary injunction, saying an injunction can't be issued based on "a mere possibility of harm."But in the American Federation of Teachers lawsuit, Boardman decided that the disclosure of personal data is an injury. "To say that the plaintiffs suffer no cognizable injury when their personal information is improperly disclosed to government employees would nullify their interest in preventing unlawful government intrusion into their private affairs. The unauthorized disclosure of the plaintiffs' sensitive personal information is an injury in fact," Boardman wrote.The plaintiffs include "unions and membership organizations representing current and former federal employees and federal student aid recipients and six military veterans who have received federal benefits or student loans," the judge noted. The order prohibits Education and OPM from disclosing personally identifiable information of the plaintiffs and members of the plaintiff organizations to DOGE affiliates."The plaintiffs have made a clear showing that they are likely to suffer irreparable harm without injunctive relief," the order said. "DOGE affiliates have been granted access to systems of record that contain some of the plaintiffs' most sensitive dataSocial Security numbers, dates of birth, home addresses, income and assets, citizenship status, and disability statusand their access to this trove of personal information is ongoing. There is no reason to believe their access to this information will end anytime soon because the government believes their access is appropriate."The American Federation of Teachers, which represents 1.8 million teachers and nurses, was joined in the lawsuit by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, and National Federation of Federal Employees.No need to knowThe government insisted that the DOGE affiliates are employees of Education and OPM, and the judge assumed that is true for purposes of evaluating the motion for a restraining order. Even with that allowance, Boardman decided the data access is not permissible under the "need-to-know" exception to the law prohibiting unnecessary disclosure.The Trump administration did not explain why "the DOGE affiliates at Education need such comprehensive, sweeping access to the plaintiffs' records to audit student loan programs for waste, fraud, and abuse or to conduct cost-estimate analyses," Boardman wrote, adding that "there appears to be no precedent with similar facts."There are six DOGE affiliates working at Education. They include Adam Ramada, a United States DOGE Service employee, and five "DOGE-affiliated individuals" who have not been identified by name."It may be that, with additional time, the government can explain why granting such broad access to the plaintiffs' personal information is necessary for DOGE affiliates at Education to do their jobs, but for now, the record before the Court indicates they do not have a need for these records in the performance of their duties," Boardman wrote.The DOGE agendaAt OPM, there were more DOGE affiliates with access to data than at Education. They include OPM CIO Greg Hogan and numerous other OPM employees who were granted access to facilitate "the President's initiatives related to workplace reform."While "Hogan's duties as CIO appear to support the level of access he has been granted to OPM's records," the other DOGE affiliates should not have been given access, Boardman wrote. Trump's workplace reform measures do not appear "to require an OPM employee to access records with the sensitive personal information of current and former federal employees," she wrote."The plaintiffs have shown a likelihood of success on the merits of their claim that OPM's disclosure of their records to DOGE affiliates (other than Hogan) does not fall within the need-to-know exception and thus violates the Privacy Act," Boardman wrote. The restraining order forbids OPM from disclosing personally identifiable information "to any OPM employee working principally on the DOGE agenda who has been granted access to OPM records for the principal purpose of implementing the DOGE agenda (other than OPM Chief Information Officer Greg Hogan)."The temporary restraining order may be converted into a preliminary injunction that would remain in effect while litigation continues. Boardman ordered the parties to discuss a schedule for discovery and briefing and file a joint status report tomorrow.Jon BrodkinSenior IT ReporterJon BrodkinSenior IT Reporter Jon is a Senior IT Reporter for Ars Technica. He covers the telecom industry, Federal Communications Commission rulemakings, broadband consumer affairs, court cases, and government regulation of the tech industry. 71 Comments

Be(a)st WishesMonster Hunter Wilds review: just might rocket Capcoms worst-kept Seikret into the mainstreamA reduced-fat, flavourful, and fantastic realisation of the Monster Hunter formula, if you can stand to chew through some half-baked narrative choices.Image credit: VG247 Review by Dom Peppiatt Editor-in-chief Published on Feb. 24, 2025 Do you have a favourite travel destination? Somewhere you just cant stop going back to, even though you know theres a whole world out there to see? Thats Monster Hunter, for me. Its a holiday. A fantastical sabbatical from a real life that is often painful, exhausting, and overwhelming. Even though youre carving up dragons, covering your ears from earth-rumbling roars, eating thunderbolts on the daily, and getting your nice new armour burned to a crisp with alarming regularity, Monster Hunter is a recess, a break, a sojourn.But Monster Hunter Wilds is a bit different. Its like going on holiday to your favourite country but going to a new city. Its familiar enough that you speak the language and recognise the cuisine, but the customs are a bit different. The people behave slightly differently. The shops are loaded with items you dont remember. Its deja vu, not muscle memory. Its a feeling of familiarity, not complete comfort. And its the change you never knew you needed.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Capcom is clearly emboldened right now. It is so confident, in fact, its willing to tinker with its most reliable (and best-selling!) formula. Good. Monster Hunter is no stranger to innovation, just look at the last games DLC offering and youll see what I mean. But Wilds is the sequel to World, the most profitable Monster Hunter to date. Playing it safe, Capcom could have churned out more of the same and sat back, counting the pennies. But it chose not to rest on its laurels, and instead stuck its hand into the belly of the beast and started rearranging the innards. The result is a chimera that is smarter, stronger, faster, friendlier, but - curiously - more simplistic.The most obvious change is in the story. Since Rise and Sunbreak, weve seen the series try and force more narrative around the skeletal hunt, carve, craft, hunt structure it made its name on. In Wilds, the narrative is in your face. The old post a quest, teleport into a zone, do a hunt rhythm is scuppered, replaced with a more fluid path. Wilds has a more open-ended set-up, allowing you to roam from hub world to play area on a whim. It means you get to see more of the world in its natural state, and feel way more immersed in the intricate eco-system Capcom has spent years layering up. There is a lot of focus on 'auto-riding' that robs you of agency to a degree, and there are periods where you can be completely hands-off for minutes at a time. A cardinal sin in a Monster Hunter game, if you ask me. That also means you have to sit through a lot of idle chatter. How much tolerance you have for the paper-thin story will depend on your patience for anime tropes, fan service, and mediocre voice acting. It all looks absolutely stunning, though, so at least theres that. I dont find the story too egregious (you can always skip it) and Im sure its a nice touch for people who want something a bit more arch to tie all their PETA-riling animal murders together. But its not for me. Its too obvious, takes itself too seriously, and feels woven together with fibers made out of tropes, stereotypes, and cliches. One big change is in the cooking; you will need to do it yourself (mostly). | Image credit: Capcom/VG247I dont play Monster Hunter for the story. I never have, and never will. Its set dressing, side salad, a cute enamel pin on an eye-catching outfit. The real meat of Monster Hunter is the gameplay, and let me tell you when you are actually fighting (especially in the post-game HR portion), Wilds is the best Monster Hunter Capcom has ever cooked up.All 14 weapons return from the previous games, but now you can carry two into battle with you. Want to use something that can slice off tails, and something that can shoot out eyeballs? Go ahead. Want to take two different gunlances in so you can poison a big lizard and then set it on fire? Its your game. This alone would be enough of a change-up to keep the game fresh and entice old players back, but theres more. Theres so much more.Take wounds; gaping injuries on a monsters body that can be exploited for huge damage, elemental or status build-up, and that provide more materials when you destroy them. It makes fights way more dynamic, and gives you more options in moment-to-moment fighting that pads out the macro experience to keep things engaging, back to front.It used to be that a Monster Hunter fight had a strict rhythm; engage with a beast, fight it for a bit, pursue it to a new area, fight it for a bit, break a part of its body, pursue it again, and capture or kill it. That dance is still the same in Wilds, but now you can incorporate more fancy footwork in the middle. At any point, you can create a wound and start trying to rip it open. You get to dictate more of the combat flow. There are more choices per fight, and youre always weighing up the most efficient next move. Its moreish, succulent, a treat to the palate. There are many camps you can use to strike out into the open world. | Image credit: CapcomAnd when you start to realise there is more depth than ever to how the world works, you see all the options on the flowchart expand again. The entire Monster Hunter Wilds experience is like opening up a skill tree in a game and zooming out, and zooming out, and zooming out. More and more stuff starts to become visible, and its overwhelming and fascinating and exciting.One of my favourite moments in the game was fighting a Rey Dau - a thunder dragon, basically - in the starting area. Its a boss fight, if you like, a threshold to harder content. During the fight, a herd of p**sed-off buffalo-like monsters (Doshaguma) stormed into the melee. They were panicked, and the alpha monster started butting heads with the Rey Dau. The dragon was screeching and flinging lighting everywhere. The herd was conducting electricity, getting agitated, and causing a rumpus. It was carnage, and me and my fellow hunters were in the middle of it, trying to make sense of everything. Eventually, the herd departed, the Rey Dau had been stunned and knocked to the ground, and there were bits of monster everywhere.It was totally unscripted, and I have done the same fight at least six times since and the same thing has never happened again. The ecosystem and the living world that Capcom has alchemized is so complicated and intricate that I am still left gob-smacked, long after the credits have rolled (both times). I wont spoil things here, but there are so many variations of monsters - and ways in which monsters that live somewhere else can appear in new environments - that I truly dont think one player will ever see absolutely everything this game has to offer. Its staggering. And, in my opinion, more than makes up for the smaller monster roster than World. Doshaguma? I barely knew 'er. | Image credit: CapcomMonster Hunter Wilds isnt quite open world. Its a series of huge areas knitted together with elaborate pathways and multi-layered environments. You can be careering over the canopies of a forest one minute, and exploring the dank, subterranean depths of a hollowed-out oil well the next. You can be blinded in a snowstorm, or buffeted by rain. You can be hopping away from lightning, or basking in the sun on the open plains. RE Engine is a magical piece of tech, and it feels like Capcom is juicing it on all cylinders in Wilds.You can see it in the animations, too. There is so much subtlety to how monsters behave, its mind-blowing. The marionette spider, Lala Barina, moves like a stop-motion puppet. The [redacted] versions of returning monsters tremble with rage and shiver with raw power. The hunters, too, handling their weapons, just look right. I have no idea what it would be like to wield a gun thats also a lance in real life, but Wilds sure makes me believe Capcom has figured it out.But, as compelling as the gameplay is, you've got to contend with Wilds' pacing. Story aside, some essential bits of gameplay - like capturing monsters, rather than killing them - are kicked to the post-credits portion of the title. Odd. Why am I still on-boarding after I have finished the game?Its part of a wider issue in how complicated Wilds is to play. Whilst the formula has been simplified a lot in Wilds, theres still a lot of icon salad on screen at once, and if you dont dig into the menus to really learn how to use your favourite weapon, chances are youre never going to see it shine. You get back what you put in, though, and for those willing to dig, there are veins and veins of gold to strike.But, for every overly-complicated feature, there's something that's also a bit too simple to match. Auto-riding on your mount to locate every monster sounds good in theory, right? In actuality, it puts you on a converyor belt so you ignore so much of the world Capcom spent crafting. The lowered requirements for crafting makes earning powerful gear way easier than in previous games. Tempered monsters don't have their own reward pool, so the number of weapons and armour feels scant in comparison to other titles.This stuff doesn't bug me, so much. I play Monster Hunter because the High Rank content - the stuff you see after the credits roll - is the real meat of the game. I concede that it's frustrating so many of the good armour sets, the most thrilling fights, and the chunkiest bits of the game are hiding some 18+ hours into the experience. But that's Monster Hunter, baby! It feels like Capcom is making you earn the right to take the training wheels off, as illogical as it can sometimes feel. Please remember to keep your cat warm. | Image credit: Capcom/VG247Monster Hunter Wilds is the most sophisticated Monster Hunter game, ever. It is absolutely teeming with stuff to do, it has been streamlined in a smart, player-friendly way, and it layers on so many little boons and boosts compared to Worlds that its impossible to see where Capcom could possibly go next. You could argue that Capcom has sanded down all the rough edges and erased the personality of the series in the process, but I think that's uncharitable: I think this is a more accessible game, with as much depth as World, but it's just tucked away in the folds of the post-game. And that will turn people off. But the new monsters are fun, ferocious, and weird. The nudges and nuances to the weapons are fascinating and make you feel overpowered, without trivialising the fighting. The crafting process feels quicker than it used to, but you can still grind for the perfect set if you want. The drop-in, drop-out online multiplayer is seamless and succinct, and the netcode (on PS5 Pro, with crossplay on) has never failed me. Putting aside some stale story and a few odd choices regarding pacing and player autonomy, this game is exactly what I wanted from the PS5/Xbox Series era of Monster Hunter.I am already 50 hours in, and I cant wait to double - triple, quadruple! - that number in the coming weeks and months. This ones a classic, as far as I'm concerned.Monster Hunter Wilds launches for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC on February 28. This review was written thanks to code provided by the publisher, and tested on both PS5 and PS5 Pro

In BriefPosted:2:19 PM PST February 24, 2025Image Credits:Andrew Harnik / Getty ImagesEven Elon Musk forgets that X isnt Twitter sometimesDo you sometimes refer to X by its old name, Twitter? Thats okay. Even Elon Musk, the man who changed Twitters name to X, still occasionally refers to the social media platform he runs as Twitter. Twitter added far more features with fewer people, said Musk in a post on X Monday. The owner of X calls it Twitter too. (Screenshot: X)The owner of X was responding to another account that praised DOGE, the advisory body on government efficiency which Musk leads, for its efforts to slash the federal workforce. This weekend, Musk told federal employees to detail their work accomplishments from the previous week by Monday or risk losing their jobs. However, a government official then told federal employees that those performance reports were optional.It worked for Twitter, the account Musk responded to said.This is not the first time Musk has called X by its former name, Twitter, and it likely wont be the last.Topics

Elizabeth Holmes and Ramesh Sunny Balwanis appeals to overturn their fraud convictions and reduce their prison sentences were denied Monday by the Northern District Court of California, which also refused to soften their $452 million joint restitution order.Holmes, the founder of Theranos, and Balwani, its former COO, were convicted in separate trials in 2022 for defrauding investors about the capabilities of Theranoss blood-testing technology. Holmes was sentenced to more than 11 years in prison, and Balwani received nearly 13 years. Both began serving their sentences in 2023.In their appeal, the two argued that the district court allowed improper testimony from former Theranos employees who served as lay witnesses but wound up offering improper expert testimony without the necessary legal designation. The appeals panel agreed that some testimony crossed into expert territory but concluded the errors were harmless.Holmes also contested the inclusion of a damning government report that highlighted failures in Theranoss lab, arguing it unfairly influenced the jury. But the court found the report relevant in establishing her knowledge and intent. Holmes argued that her rights were violated when she was prohibited from cross-examining a former Theranos laboratory director regarding aspects of his post-Theranos employment. Again, the appellate panel disagreed, saying the court didnt abuse its discretion in limiting the scope of the cross-examination.Meanwhile, Balwani claimed his charges were improperly expanded during the trial (the panel dismissed this argument pretty forcefully). He also argued that his right to a fair trial was violated because the government didnt correct what he said was false testimony from two investors. The court rejected that argument, too, saying even if there were issues, they wouldnt have affected the outcome of the case.Balwani is serving out his sentence at the grimly named Terminal Island, a minimum-security federal facility just outside of Los Angeles; Holmes is serving hers at FPC Bryan, a minimum security federal prison camp thats approximately 100 miles from Houston.

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Alvar Aalto Studio | Anders BengtssonBeing an independent architect comes with creative freedom and professional satisfaction. However, financial stability remains a persistent challenge. Unlike architects working within firms, independent professionals must balance designing, client management, and financial planning. Without structured payrolls or guaranteed projects, they must actively secure income, manage payments, and keep cash flow consistent.Navigating the financial landscape can be tricky, but independent architects can ensure a stable career by using the right strategies and focusing on their passion.Managing Payments: Ensuring Timely CompensationThe Struggle with Late PaymentsIndependent architects often deal with late or inconsistent payments. Many clients, whether homeowners or developers, may delay transactions due to budget constraints or bureaucratic hurdles. This can create cash flow problems, making paying for business expenses like software subscriptions, equipment, and office space difficult.Setting Up Clear Payment TermsTo minimize delayed payments, architects should establish clear terms before starting any project. Contracts should outline:Payment schedules (e.g., deposits, progress payments, and final payments)Late payment penaltiesPreferred payment methodsHaving these terms in writing helps enforce accountability and reduces financial uncertainty.Invoicing Best PracticesAn efficient invoicing system ensures that payments are requested and received on time. Independent architects should:Send invoices promptly upon completing project milestones.Use invoicing software to track due dates and follow up automatically.Offer multiple payment options, including bank transfers, digital payments, and checks.Architects can maintain financial stability and reduce outstanding balances by implementing structured invoicing.Writing Checks as a Professional Skill Ryan Ancill via Unsplash Ryan Ancill via Unsplash While digital transactions dominate modern business, traditional payment methods still play a role. Some clients, particularly older companies or institutions, prefer paying via check. Independent architects should be comfortable handling both receiving and issuing check payments.For instance, when paying a contractor for a structural consultation, an architect may need to issue a check. Correctly filling out a check ensures smooth transactions and financial clarity. A correctly written check includes:The recipients name is on the Pay to the Order of line.The payment amount is in both numerical and written form.A memo line for reference (e.g., Consultation for residential design).A signature to authorize the payment.While rare, mastering check writing is an essential financial skill that independent architects may still need in certain transactions.Balancing Client Expectations and Financial SecurityHandling Negotiations and PricingMany clients expect high-quality designs at lower costs. Independent architects must confidently price their services while justifying their value. Conducting market research and offering tiered pricing structures can help align client expectations with fair compensation.Dealing with Scope CreepProjects often expand beyond their original scope. Without proper boundaries, additional work can consume extra hours without extra pay. To avoid this, architects should:Clearly define project limits in contracts.Charge for revisions beyond a set limit.Communicate additional costs before taking on extra tasks.Independent architects can ensure profitability while maintaining client satisfaction by staying firm on pricing and scope.Cash Flow Management: Staying Financially StableCreating a Steady Income StreamOne of the biggest hurdles for independent architects is maintaining consistent income. Unlike salaried professionals, their earnings fluctuate based on project availability. To stabilize finances, architects can:Diversify their services (e.g., offering consultations, blueprint modifications, or rendering services).Build long-term client relationships for repeat business.Seek retainer agreements with clients needing ongoing architectural support.Budgeting and Expense TrackingManaging finances requires careful planning. Architects should track income and expenses meticulously to prevent overspending. Accounting software or hiring a financial advisor can help create realistic budgets and monitor financial health.Emergency Funds and Financial PlanningSince income varies, setting aside emergency funds can be a buffer during slow months. Ideally, architects should aim to save at least three to six months expenses. Planning for retirement by investing in IRAs or other financial instruments is equally essential for long-term security.ConclusionFinancial management is a crucial aspect of an independent architects career. Handling payments efficiently, setting clear client expectations, and managing cash flow are necessary for long-term success. By implementing structured financial strategies, independent architects can ensure stability and focus on their creative work without constant financial stress.Tips Leave a comment