Today we're talking about the layoffs of almost 10,000 federal workers, talks to cut defense spending,

peace talks to end the war between Russia and Ukraine, and other top news for Monday, February 17th.

Stay informed while remaining focused on Christ with the poor over today.

Here's the quote of the day. The beginning and the end of all Christian leadership is to give your life for others.

Henri Nowan.

Let's get started with some espresso shots.

Almost 10,000 federal workers were let go on Friday as the White House continues efforts to shrink the government workforce.

The layoffs largely targeted probationary employees in their first year at the Department of Interior, HHS, Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, and Energy, including the National Nuclear Security Administration, NNSA.

The energy agency is responsible for overseeing the U.S. nuclear stockpile.

However, a federal judge promptly, partly rescinded the NNSA's 325 dismissals in order to retain essential nuclear security staff.

The IRS is expected to add to the stack of pink slips this week by laying off thousands of

probationary workers at the height of tax season. President Trump has argued the government's

2.3 million person civilian workforce is

bloated and inefficient, pointing to the $36 trillion national debt, while Congressional

Democrats question his constitutional authority over federal spending.

Here's a verse to consider whether you're in a season of transition or today is the same old, same old.

He has made everything appropriate in its time.

He has also put eternity in their hearts, but no one can discover the work God has done from beginning to end.

Ecclesiastes 311 President Trump has turned his budget-cutting gaze on the Defense Department,

which currently accounts for 13% of federal spending.

Trump floated the idea of a U.S.-China-Russia summit to discuss trilateral defense reforms,

including ending new nuclear weapon production and eventually cutting each country's military spending in half.

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