The Bulletin

• Trump declines to endorse JD Vance: President Donald Trump said on Monday that it's "too early" to endorse Vice President JD Vance as his Republican successor. His full remarks.

• Eric Adams gets lifeline from DOJ: A senior official at the U.S. Department of Justice has directed federal prosecutors to dismiss charges against New York Mayor Eric Adams, a Democrat known for his close ties to President Trump.

• Iran's warning to Trump: Hundreds of thousands of Iranians took to the streets on February 10 to mark the 46th anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, with senior officials using the occasion to send a direct warning to President Trump.

• Texas has a debt problem: Texas has seen rapid population growth due to its job market and affordable housing, yet Austin, San Antonio and Houston are among the most debt-ridden cities in the U.S., according to LendingTree.

• Trump rejects Palestinian right to return: President Trump told Fox News' Bret Baier that Palestinians won't have the right to return to Gaza under his plan for United States "ownership" the of war-torn territory amid the Israel-Hamas war.

• Chinese stealth jet in 'beast mode': A video reportedly shows the Chinese J-20 stealth fighter jet in so-called "beast mode," a weapons configuration in which the aircraft carries missiles under its wings. See the video.

• Judge blocks Trump's health funding cut: A federal judge in Boston temporarily blocked the Trump administration's efforts to cut $4 billion in funding for health research grants. Here's what we know.

The rundown: Frustration is rising within the Democratic Party as many liberals feel the leadership has failed to meet their expectations, especially in the face of Trump's aggressive policies. Read more.

Why it matters: Discontent is brewing in online discussions, with voters increasingly dissatisfied by leaders' inability to effectively resist Trump's overhaul of federal bureaucracy. This dissatisfaction mirrors the rise of the Tea Party in 2008, when conservatives challenged their own leadership in the wake of the global financial crisis. Some Democrats are now considering primary challengers or even a new political movement to represent their views. Key criticisms include the party's lack of action against Trump's dismantling of government institutions and its failure to address the struggles of ordinary people, particularly the poor.

Read more in-depth coverage:
Democrats Search for a Voice. Any Voice

TL/DR: There is a rumbling coming from deep inside the Democratic Party.

What happens now? As Democrats grapple with internal divisions, there’s growing pressure for fresh, more responsive leadership to better connect with the base and counter Trump’s agenda.

Deeper reading Frustrated Democrats Near Their Tea Party Moment: 'This Is Not Okay'

The rundown: Staffing shortages at air traffic control facilities have a negative impact on public safety and have made conditions more dangerous for years, two air traffic controllers told Newsweek in the aftermath of the deadliest U.S. aviation disaster in decades.

Why it matters: Staff shortages at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have led to dangerous conditions for air traffic controllers, who face long hours, mandatory overtime and high turnover. Despite ongoing recruitment efforts, staffing targets remain unmet, contributing to safety concerns. The controller said the FAA's workforce suffered from relatively low pay within the aviation industry compared to pilots and brutal schedules, especially for employees with children. While FAA officials have not linked the January 29 crash to the staffing issues, controllers warn of a growing risk.

Read more in-depth coverage:
Timeline of Trump's Impact on FAA Prior to D.C. Plane Crash

TL/DR: "The air traffic system, especially in reference to staffing, is absolutely critical," one veteran controller told Newsweek. "It's been dangerous for years."

What happens now? Increased pressure on controllers due to staffing gaps and inadequate support has raised alarms about potential future disasters.

Deeper reading FAA's Staffing Troubles Make Flying More Dangerous, Controllers Say

The rundown: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman responded to a potential offer by a group of investors, led by his former business partner and head of Department of Government Efficiency Elon Musk, to buy the nonprofit that controls OpenAI. Here's his response.

Why it matters: Billionaire Musk is leading a group of investors to offer $94.4 billion to buy the nonprofit that controls OpenAI, as reported by the Wall Street Journal on Monday. Altman responded on X, formerly known as Twitter, "no thank you but we will buy twitter for $9.74 billion if you want." Musk and Altman co-founded OpenAI in 2015 to develop AI for humanity's benefit, with the company now at the forefront of the AI boom, notably through ChatGPT. Musk left OpenAI's board in 2018, citing potential conflicts of interest due to his role at Tesla.

Read more in-depth coverage:
Elon Musk Spends 18 Hours Repeatedly Attacking Sam Altman

TL/DR: Musk and Altman's relationship goes back more than a decade when the two swashbuckling entrepreneurs were making waves in the Silicon Valley startup scene.

What happens now? Musk and Altman are battling it out in court over the future direction of OpenAI.

Deeper reading Sam Altman Reacts to Elon Musk's Reported $94.4 Billion OpenAI Bid

The rundown: Iran's economy is in freefall, with soaring inflation, a collapsing currency, and growing poverty pushing millions to the brink. Here's how.

Why it matters: Under Trump's orders, the U.S. has reimposed sanctions aimed at crippling Iran's economy, and their effects are already being felt. Prices for food, housing, and essentials have skyrocketed, making survival a daily struggle for many Iranians. Iran's currency fell to a record low of 928,000 rials to $1 in aftermarket trading, a drop of more than 6 percent from Friday. Inflation is above 45 percent, and nearly half the population is now living in poverty, according to the Statistical Centre of Iran.

Read more in-depth coverage:
Trump Calls Iran's Bluff

TL/DR: As Iran grapples with the fallout, Trump has signaled a willingness to negotiate, even as he threatens further pressure over Tehran's advancing nuclear program.

What happens now? With Iran's economy continuing to spiral, the government is under increasing pressure to act. Whether through diplomacy, economic reforms, or further confrontation with the U.S., Tehran faces tough choices in the months ahead. Meanwhile, millions of Iranians are left wondering how much worse things can get.

Deeper reading Trump Pushes Iran's Economy to the Brink

The rundown: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth moved to restore Fort Bragg's name, reversing its renaming to Fort Liberty under the administration of former President Joe Biden. But there's a catch. Find out here.

Why it matters: North Carolina's Fort Bragg is the largest military base in the United States, employing over 50,000 military personnel and housing over 60,000 active-duty family members. The base also houses civilian employees. Fort Bragg was originally named after Confederate General Braxton Bragg. The renaming gained attention after George Floyd's murder and Black Lives Matter protests. Hegseth's move aims to honor Private First Class Roland L. Bragg, a WWII veteran stationed at Fort Bragg.

Read more in-depth coverage:
Military Families Think US Will Be Involved in 'Major Conflict' Soon

TL/DR: The memorandum notes the base's name restoration "honors the personal courage and selfless service of all those who have trained to fight and win our nation's wars, including Pfc. Bragg, and is in keeping with the installation's esteemed and storied history."

What happens now? The memorandum notes that the Army will now inform the undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment of a timeline for implementation.

Deeper reading Pete Hegseth Moves to Restore Fort Bragg's Name, But With Key Difference