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U.S. Judge Temporarily Blocks Musk’s DOGE Team from Accessing Payment Systems 

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A federal judge on Saturday issued a temporary order preventing Elon Musk’s government efficiency team from accessing U.S. government payment systems, citing concerns over the improper disclosure of sensitive financial information. 

U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer of Manhattan granted the order after 19 Democratic attorneys general filed a lawsuit arguing that Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) lacks legal authority to access Treasury Department systems. The ruling also applies to other political appointees in President Donald Trump’s administration. 

Musk reacted on X, calling the ruling “absolutely insane!” and defending DOGE’s role in government payments. He stated that the Treasury Department and DOGE had agreed to require a rationale and categorization code for all outgoing payments. Additionally, Musk advocated for a frequently updated do-not-pay list to prevent unauthorized disbursements. 

The lawsuit alleges that Musk’s access could disrupt funding for vital programs such as health clinics, preschools, and climate initiatives. It also warns that Trump might leverage the information for political purposes. The attorneys general further argue that DOGE’s involvement poses “huge cybersecurity risks” to government finances and American citizens. 

Judge Engelmayer, an Obama appointee, found the case “particularly strong” and approved emergency relief ahead of a February 14 hearing. His ruling bars political appointees, special government employees, and non-Treasury personnel from accessing payment and data systems. The order also mandates the destruction of any previously accessed or downloaded data. 

Neither the White House nor the Treasury Department has commented. Meanwhile, New York Attorney General Letitia James praised the ruling, stating, “Americans can trust that Musk – the world’s richest man – and his friends will not have free rein over their personal information while our lawsuit proceeds.” 

Trump tasked Musk with leading DOGE to combat government fraud and inefficiency. However, critics argue Musk is exceeding his authority by attempting to overhaul agencies and cut federal jobs. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, a Trump appointee, assured this week that Musk would not interfere with the department’s payment system and that decisions regarding payments remain with federal agencies. 

Trump Freezes U.S. Aid to South Africa Over Land Expropriation Law

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President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday to freeze U.S. assistance to South Africa, citing a controversial land expropriation law that the White House claims discriminates against the country’s white minority. 

The White House defended the decision, stating, “As long as South Africa continues to support bad actors on the world stage and allows violent attacks on innocent disfavored minority farmers, the United States will stop aid and assistance to the country.”

The administration also announced plans to create a program to resettle white South African farmers and their families as refugees. 

The law at the center of the dispute, the Expropriation Act, was signed by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa last month. It grants the government authority to seize land in cases where it is underutilized or where redistribution serves the public interest. 

The law is intended to address historical injustices from the apartheid era, during which Black South Africans were forcibly removed from their land. However, the White House condemned the policy, saying it “blatantly discriminates against ethnic minority Afrikaners.”

Elon Musk, a close Trump ally and head of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency, has drawn attention to the law in recent social media posts, warning that it threatens South Africa’s white minority. 

The executive order also cites South Africa’s role in bringing genocide accusations against Israel before the International Court of Justice as a contributing factor to the aid freeze. 

The move aligns with Trump’s broader efforts to cut foreign aid, as part of what he calls an “America First” approach to U.S. foreign policy. 

Rescuers Search for 30 Missing After Landslide in Southwest China 

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Emergency crews are searching for around 30 people after a massive landslide struck a village in southwestern China’s Sichuan province on Saturday, burying 10 houses and forcing hundreds to evacuate. 

The Ministry of Emergency Management deployed hundreds of rescuers, including firefighters, to Junlian County, where the landslide occurred. State broadcaster CCTV reported that two people were pulled from the debris alive, while approximately 200 residents were safely relocated. 

Local villagers had observed warning signs before the disaster. A resident told Beijing News that rocks had frequently tumbled down the mountain since mid-2024, sometimes producing sounds similar to firecrackers. Geologists had inspected the area late last year, according to the state-run newspaper. 

President Xi Jinping expressed deep concern over the incident and called for an all-out effort to locate the missing and minimize casualties, Xinhua news agency reported. 

Chinese Premier Li Qiang urged authorities to investigate geological risks in surrounding areas and evacuate residents in potential danger zones to prevent further tragedy. 

The National Development and Reform Commission has allocated 50 million yuan ($6.9 million) from the central budget to support emergency infrastructure repairs and restore public services in the affected region. 

With rescue operations ongoing, authorities are working against the clock to find survivors and prevent further devastation in the landslide-stricken village. 

Sweden’s Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia Welcome Baby Girl 

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Sweden’s Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia have announced the birth of their fourth child, a baby girl. 

The young princess was born on Friday in Stockholm, though her name and first official photo have yet to be released. The royal couple shared that their daughter weighs 3,645 grams (8 lbs) and measures 49 centimeters (19 inches) in length. 

Prince Carl Philip, the son of King Carl XVI Gustaf, is fourth in line to the Swedish throne. He married Sofia Hellqvist in June 2015, and their newborn daughter joins three older brothers—Prince Alexander, 8, Prince Gabriel, 7, and Prince Julian, 3. 

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and the government extended their congratulations to the royal family. 

“We wish the family all the best,” Kristersson said in a statement. 

As part of royal tradition, a series of 21-gun salutes were fired across Sweden at midday on Saturday to mark the birth, according to Swedish news agency TT. 

While Sweden’s monarchy is purely ceremonial with no political power, the royal family remains widely admired in the Nordic nation. Despite Sweden’s strong egalitarian values, the monarchy continues to enjoy significant public support. 

With the arrival of the new princess, the Swedish royal family celebrates another joyous milestone, strengthening its legacy for future generations. 

Modi’s Party Wins New Delhi State Elections for First Time in 27 Years 

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a decisive victory in the high-stakes New Delhi state legislature elections, winning the most seats in India’s capital for the first time in over a quarter-century, official data confirmed on Saturday. 

The BJP claimed 47 out of the 70 seats in the Delhi Assembly, ousting the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which had governed the city since 2015. AAP managed to secure only 22 seats, while the result for one remaining constituency was yet to be announced, according to the Election Commission of India. 

India’s main opposition party, Congress, failed to win a single seat for the third consecutive election cycle. 

In a major upset, AAP’s leader and founder, Arvind Kejriwal, along with his deputy, Manish Sisodia, lost their seats despite the party’s stronghold in Delhi over the past decade. AAP had built its support base through extensive welfare policies and a strong anti-corruption stance. 

“We accept the mandate of the people with great humility,” Kejriwal said in a video statement while congratulating the BJP. He expressed hope that the new government would fulfill its election promises. 

“We have worked extensively in health, education, and infrastructure over the last 10 years,” he added. “We will not only serve as a constructive opposition but will also remain among the people and continue working for them.” 

As vote counts rolled in, BJP supporters flooded the streets outside the party’s headquarters, waving flags, chanting slogans, and dancing in celebration. Many carried posters of Prime Minister Modi as they rejoiced in the party’s victory. 

Amit Shah, India’s home minister and a key BJP strategist, described the election outcome as proof that “people can’t be misled with lies every time.” He asserted that under Modi’s leadership, the BJP would transform New Delhi into “the world’s No. 1 capital by fulfilling all promises.” 

“Our victory is a sign of the people’s faith in Prime Minister Modi’s vision of progress,” Shah declared in a statement. 

The BJP’s win in Delhi is seen as a significant political boost after the party failed to secure a parliamentary majority in last year’s general elections. While the BJP still formed the national government with coalition allies, its dominance was challenged. 

However, the party has since regained momentum, winning two key state elections in Haryana and Maharashtra last year. Ahead of the Delhi election, Modi’s administration announced income tax cuts for the salaried middle class, a crucial voting bloc. 

Both Modi and Kejriwal campaigned on promises to improve public services, including revamping government schools, expanding free healthcare, and providing subsidized electricity. They also pledged a monthly stipend of over 2,000 rupees ($25) to low-income women. 

Kejriwal and two senior AAP leaders were arrested last year on charges of accepting bribes from a liquor distributor. They denied the accusations, calling them a politically motivated attack by the BJP-led central government. 

The Supreme Court later granted them bail, allowing Kejriwal to resume political activities. However, he stepped down as Delhi’s chief minister, handing over leadership to senior AAP member Atishi, who successfully defended her seat in Saturday’s election. 

With BJP now in control of the Delhi government, attention will turn to whether the party fulfills its promises on infrastructure, public welfare, and economic development in the capital. Meanwhile, AAP faces the challenge of rebuilding after a major electoral setback. 

The election outcome marks a turning point for Delhi’s political landscape, setting the stage for new leadership and policies under BJP rule after 27 years. 

Tunisia Jails Opposition Politicians and Journalist in Renewed Crackdown on Dissent 

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A Tunisian court has sentenced prominent opposition politicians and a journalist to lengthy prison terms in what critics call the latest effort to silence dissent under President Kais Saied. 

Among those sentenced Wednesday was Rached Ghannouchi, Tunisia’s most prominent opposition leader and the 83-year-old co-founder of the Islamist movement Ennahda. Already imprisoned for nearly two years, Ghannouchi received an additional 22-year sentence for allegedly undermining state security. He boycotted the trial, calling it politically motivated. 

The National Salvation Front, a coalition of opposition parties including Ennahda, condemned the verdicts, stating that more than 760 years in total sentences had been handed down to bloggers, politicians, and former officials. 

“This particular chamber is becoming a specialized tool for issuing harsh sentences against politicians,” said Ahmed Nejib Chebbi, a leader in the coalition. 

The charges stem from a 2019 investigation into a media company accused of providing services to various candidates during that year’s presidential elections. Prosecutors alleged that those involved engaged in defamation, spreading falsehoods, money laundering, and illegally accepting foreign funds. 

Ennahda denied any affiliation with the company but was still targeted by the court as part of the probe. 

Human rights organizations denounced the trials as a means to suppress opposition voices. Saied, who won a second term in a landslide election last October, has been accused of using the judiciary to eliminate rivals—including Ghannouchi and other leading opposition figures, many of whom remain imprisoned. 

“These rulings bring Tunisia back to a period the people sought to leave behind through their revolution,” Ennahda said in a statement Thursday, referencing the 2011 ousting of Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, Tunisia’s longtime dictator. 

Following Ben Ali’s fall, Tunisia was widely seen as a rare success story of the Arab Spring, drafting a new constitution and earning a Nobel Peace Prize for democratic progress. However, critics say Saied’s presidency has reversed those gains, shifting the country toward authoritarian rule. 

The court also sentenced former Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi—now living in exile—to 35 years in absentia on similar state security charges. 

In a move condemned by media groups, journalist Chadha Haj Mubarak was sentenced to five years in prison in connection with the same case. The National Syndicate of Tunisian Journalists called for her immediate release, denouncing the court’s disregard for press freedoms. 

Her attorney, Souhail Medimegh, stated that Mubarak was charged purely for her journalism. 

Since taking office in 2019, President Saied has dissolved parliament, rewritten Tunisia’s constitution, and ordered the arrests of politicians, activists, and journalists critical of his rule. 

Wednesday’s verdicts further confirm growing fears that Tunisia’s democratic transition has unraveled, as opposition figures and independent media face increasing suppression. 

Hamas Releases 3 Israeli Hostages for 183 Palestinian Prisoners Under Gaza Ceasefire

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Hamas militants released three Israeli hostages on Saturday in exchange for 183 Palestinian prisoners under a ceasefire agreement that has paused the war in the Gaza Strip. The emaciated condition of the hostages has sparked outrage in Israel, increasing pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to extend the truce.

The hostages, identified as Eli Sharabi, 52, Ohad Ben Ami, 56, and Or Levy, 34, were brought before a crowd by armed Hamas fighters and made to give public statements before being handed over to the Red Cross. The three men were among roughly 250 people abducted during Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel, which triggered the ongoing war. 

Their frail condition was noticeably worse than that of the 18 hostages released earlier in the ceasefire, which began on January 19. 

Later Saturday, Israel freed 183 Palestinian prisoners, including individuals who appeared weak and malnourished. The Red Crescent reported that seven of those released were taken to hospitals for treatment. 

The Palestinian prisoners included 18 serving life sentences for deadly attacks on Israelis, 54 with long-term sentences, and 111 from Gaza who had been detained after the October 7 attack but had not been formally charged. 

Israeli officials condemned Hamas for forcing the hostages to speak in a public ceremony. Gal Hirsch, Israel’s coordinator for hostage affairs, said the government views “Hamas’ repeated violations with great severity, and the condition of the three hostages with even greater severity.” 

The condition of the hostages has fueled calls for an extension of the ceasefire. Opposition leader Yair Lapid said the “difficult scenes” reinforced the need to bring more hostages home. 

Hamas’ military wing, the Qassam Brigades, claimed it “made efforts to preserve their lives despite the (Israeli) bombardment.” 

The current truce agreement calls for the release of 33 hostages and nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza, and increased humanitarian aid. Israel reports that Hamas has confirmed eight of the 33 hostages are deceased. 

Negotiations for the next phase of the ceasefire remain uncertain. Hamas demands an end to the war and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza in exchange for releasing the remaining hostages. Israel, however, remains committed to dismantling Hamas. 

Since October 7, around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, have been killed in Hamas’ attack on Israel. Gaza’s Health Ministry reports over 47,000 Palestinian deaths from Israeli military operations, over half of them women and children. Israel claims to have killed over 17,000 militants but has not provided evidence. 

Danette Colbert, 48, Arrested in Connection to Super Bowl Reporter’s Mysterious Death

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Police have arrested Danette Colbert, 48, in connection with the death of sports reporter Adan Manzano, who was found unresponsive in his hotel room while covering the Super Bowl. 

Colbert, a known career criminal with a history of fraud and theft, was taken into custody Thursday after investigators linked her to Manzano’s final hours. Surveillance footage from the hotel showed her entering his room with him early Wednesday morning—only to leave alone an hour later. 

Authorities launched a search for Colbert after discovering Manzano’s credit card had been used at multiple stores in New Orleans following his death. Upon her arrest, police recovered the journalist’s phone and credit card at her residence in Slidell, about 33 miles north of the city. 

Colbert has been charged with fraud and theft, though investigators are working to determine if she played a direct role in Manzano’s death. Police also found narcotics and a stolen firearm in her home, though no illegal substances were discovered in Manzano’s hotel room. 

“We are looking at all angles in this case,” Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley stated at a press conference. “This is an ongoing investigation, and we are not ruling anything out.” 

Colbert, known locally as the “Bourbon Street Hustler,” has a lengthy rap sheet spanning multiple states, including New Orleans, Las Vegas, and Nashville. Her criminal history includes allegations of drugging men, theft, and financial fraud. 

“She plays a confidence game,” Conley said. “She gains her victims’ trust before exploiting them. She’s a career criminal.”

Her record dates back to at least 2014, when New Orleans police sought her for allegedly stealing a Rolex watch, credit cards, and cash from a man’s hotel room. In 2022, she was arrested in Las Vegas after a man claimed she drugged him before stealing $50,000 in cash, a $30,000 Rolex, and other valuables. 

While Colbert is currently facing fraud and theft charges, police have not yet determined Manzano’s cause of death. The Jefferson Parish Coroner’s Office is awaiting toxicology results, but there were no signs of visible trauma on his body. 

“At this point, we don’t have enough evidence to charge her in his death, but we are investigating her involvement,” Conley added. 

Manzano, 27, had been in New Orleans covering the Super Bowl for Telemundo Kansas City and Tico Sports. He was found dead in his hotel in Kenner, Louisiana, after missing his scheduled assignment on Wednesday. 

His sudden passing comes just months after the tragic death of his wife, Ashleigh LeeAnn Boyd, who was killed in a car crash in Topeka. The couple’s 15-month-old daughter survived the accident but was seriously injured. 

Police have warned visitors to New Orleans to be extra cautious, especially with major events like the Super Bowl attracting opportunistic criminals. 

“These types of predators look for high-profile events to target unsuspecting victims,” Conley said. “This case should serve as a reminder to be vigilant.”

Colbert remains in custody as the investigation continues. Additional charges could be filed pending the results of the autopsy and further police inquiries.

Crashed Plane Found in Alaska After Going Missing With 10 Aboard

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A crashed aircraft with three deceased individuals inside was discovered in Alaska on Friday during the search for a missing Bering Air flight that vanished with 10 people on board, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. 

The wreckage was located approximately 34 miles southeast of Nome, officials said in a statement on X (formerly Twitter). 

“Three individuals were found inside and reported to be deceased. Our thoughts are with those affected by this tragic incident,” the Coast Guard said. 

The Bering Air Cessna Caravan, carrying nine passengers and one pilot, departed Unalakleet on Thursday afternoon, heading west toward Nome, a journey of about 140 miles. 

The aircraft took off at 2:37 p.m. local time, according to Bering Air Director of Operations David Olson. However, radar analysis indicated that at approximately 3:18 p.m., the plane experienced a “rapid loss in elevation and speed” before disappearing from tracking systems, Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Benjamin McIntyre-Coble said at a press briefing Friday. 

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy expressed sorrow over the incident, stating that he and his wife, Rose, were “heartbroken by the disappearance of the Bering Air flight over Norton Sound.” 

“Our prayers are with the passengers, the pilot, and their loved ones during this difficult time,” Dunleavy said in a statement. 

Nome and Unalakleet, both located in western Alaska, are not connected by the state’s highway system, making air travel a primary mode of transportation in the region. The area’s remote nature adds to the difficulty of search and rescue operations. 

Authorities have not yet released details on the cause of the crash or the status of the remaining passengers. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is expected to launch an investigation into the incident. 

Bering Air has yet to issue an official statement regarding the crash, as rescue crews continue to assess the situation. 

This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more information becomes available. 

Chinese Tech Giant Unveils Advanced AI Model Amid TikTok Battle

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Chinese tech giant ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, has quietly introduced an advanced artificial intelligence model capable of generating realistic human videos from a single still image. The unveiling of the OmniHuman-1 model puts ByteDance ahead of U.S. competition in AI video generation but raises national security concerns about the potential for deepfake abuse. 

According to a research paper published by ByteDance, OmniHuman-1 can create high-fidelity videos of people talking and moving naturally with unprecedented accuracy and personalization. The technology, which was trained on over 18,700 hours of human video footage, allows users to produce AI-generated content that appears authentic and can evade traditional deepfake detection tools. 

AI experts warn that the model could be exploited for disinformation, election interference, and fraudulent activities if made widely available. Henry Ajder, a leading expert on generative AI, told ABC News that the ability to generate a convincing video from just one image makes it easier to create deceptive content. 

“Previously, you might have needed thousands of images to train these models, but now, with just one picture, you can fabricate a completely realistic video,” Ajder said. 

The release of OmniHuman-1 comes amid heightened scrutiny of ByteDance by U.S. lawmakers, who have raised concerns over the company’s ties to the Chinese government. Experts fear that the AI tool could be weaponized for state-backed propaganda campaigns or used to create non-consensual deepfake content. 

ByteDance has not publicly commented on OmniHuman-1, but in a statement to Forbes, the company claimed that any future deployment of the tool would include safeguards against misinformation and abuse. The company also pointed to TikTok’s existing policies, which require AI-generated content to be labeled. 

Among the AI-generated videos showcased in ByteDance’s research paper were clips of Albert Einstein appearing to deliver a lecture, TED Talk speakers animated from still images, and musicians playing instruments while singing. The technology enables seamless lip-syncing and expressive movements, setting a new benchmark for AI-generated video. 

John Cohen, a former intelligence official at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, warned that AI-generated content could be exploited by foreign adversaries to manipulate public opinion. 

“The ability to generate hyper-realistic deepfake videos could significantly expand the spread of disinformation, particularly in the lead-up to the 2024 elections,” Cohen said. 

Recent reports indicate that AI-generated content has already been used in political campaigns worldwide. In Moldova, deepfake videos falsely depicted the country’s president endorsing a pro-Russian party, while in Bangladesh, AI-generated images were used in smear campaigns. 

In the United States, AI was deployed in an election-related robocall that mimicked President Joe Biden’s voice, misleading voters in New Hampshire. 

As ByteDance advances its AI capabilities, the U.S. is investing heavily in artificial intelligence to compete with China’s technological growth. Last month, former President Donald Trump announced a $500 billion private-sector AI initiative, bringing together OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle to develop cutting-edge AI technologies. 

However, Cohen believes the U.S. government remains unprepared for the potential security risks posed by AI. 

“Our federal agencies have been slow to address these threats,” Cohen said. “Until we take more proactive steps, we’ll be playing catch-up against emerging AI-driven dangers.”

While ByteDance has yet to release OmniHuman-1 for public use, experts predict it could soon be integrated into TikTok and other platforms, adding to the ongoing debate over the app’s security risks. 

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