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In the news today: The U.S. Social Security Administration’s acting commissioner has stepped down over DOGE efforts to access information; US and Russian officials meet for talks without Ukraine; and New York’s governor weighs removing the New York City mayor. Also, all 80 people aboard a Delta jet survived its crash landing in Toronto.

Demonstrators protest Trump administration's policies and the involvement of billionaire Elon Musk in dismantling large parts of the federal government on Monday, in Denver, CO. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

POLITICS

Social Security head steps down over DOGE access of recipient information: AP sources

The Social Security Administration’s acting commissioner has stepped down from her role at the agency over Department of Government Efficiency requests to access Social Security recipient information, according to two people familiar with the official’s departure who were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly. Read more.

Why this matters:

• Acting Commissioner Michelle King’s departure from the agency over the weekend — after more than 30 years of service — was initiated after King refused to provide DOGE staffers at the SSA with access to sensitive information, the people said Monday. The White House has replaced her as acting commissioner with Leland Dudek, who currently works at the SSA, the people said.

RELATED COVERAGE ➤

• Elon Musk’s DOGE seeks access to taxpayer data at IRS: AP sources

   

• Judge to rule swiftly on effort to block DOGE from assessing data and firing federal employees

   

• Trump begins firings of FAA staff just weeks after fatal DC plane crash

   

• Trump nominates Ed Martin, an ally who defended Jan. 6 rioters, to stay as top DC federal prosecutor

   

• EEOC seeks to drop transgender discrimination cases, citing Trump’s executive order

   

• Trump creates council for ‘energy dominance,’ boosts natural gas exports and offshore drilling

   

• Egypt is developing a plan to rebuild Gaza, countering Trump’s call to depopulate the territory
  
  

• China says US has ‘gravely backpedaled’ on Taiwan

   

• US deports immigrants to Venezuela after judge blocked transfer to Guantanamo Bay
  
  

• Tracking Trump’s presidential promises

   

• ‘No kings on Presidents Day’ rings out from protests against Trump and Musk
  
  

• Mike Pence emerges as one of the few Republicans willing to challenge Trump 2.0

  
  

• Coins, watches and more: A look at Trump’s crypto-related ventures, by the numbers

   

• Utah governor signs collective bargaining ban for teachers, firefighters and police unions
  
  
• Kindergarteners could learn gun safety in school under a bill gaining momentum in Utah
  
  

• Wisconsin governor floats plan to close 19th-century prison and overhaul corrections system

WORLD NEWS

Top Russian and US officials meet for talks on Ukraine war without Kyiv

The top diplomats from Russia and the U.S. met Tuesday in Saudi Arabia to discuss improving ties and negotiating an end to the war in Ukraine — talks that represented a rapid and major change in American foreign policy under President Donald Trump. Read more.

Why this matters:

• No Ukrainian officials were present at the meeting, which comes as the beleaguered country is slowly but steadily losing ground against more numerous Russian troops in the grinding war. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his country won’t accept any outcome from this week’s talks if Kyiv doesn’t take part.

RELATED COVERAGE ➤

• European leaders want a say in talks to end Russia’s war in Ukraine. The US is brushing them off
  
  
• American arrested in Moscow on drug smuggling charges is freed ahead of Russia-US talks
  
  
• Trump’s tariffs expose Ukraine’s steel industry to another war

U.S. NEWS

Governor weighs removing NYC mayor after his top deputies quit amid criminal case turmoil 

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said Monday she is weighing removing New York City Mayor Eric Adams from office after four of his top deputies announced their resignations in the latest fallout from the Justice Department’s push to end his corruption case. Read more.

Why this matters:

• Adams has been under increasing scrutiny since the Justice Department’s second-in-command ordered federal prosecutors in Manhattan last week to drop his corruption case to ensure his cooperation in Republican President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown — raising questions about the mayor’s political independence and ability to lead the city.

RELATED COVERAGE ➤

• Ex-Watergate prosecutor urges judge to reject request to drop charges against NYC mayor
  
  
• Trump border czar and NYC mayor interview with ‘Fox & Friends’ on immigration commitments

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IN OTHER NEWS

READ

Runway crash: Delta jet flips upside down on a snowy Toronto runway and all 80 aboard survive

South China Sea: Chinese navy helicopter flies within 10 feet of Philippine patrol plane over disputed shoal

Muhsin Hendricks: The first openly gay Muslim imam is killed in South Africa

Cross-country investigation: Police arrest apparent leader of ‘Zizian’ group linked to multiple killings

Polar vortex: ‘Life-threatening cold’ hits parts of US following deadly weekend flooding

NOVA1 protein: Researchers link a gene to the emergence of spoken language

Today in History: In 1930, Pluto was discovered

WATCH

AP Explains: Pope's stay at Rome hospital is extended due to 'complex clinical situation'

Air travel disrupted: Italy's Mount Etna erupts in dramatic fashion

A CHANGE OF PACE

Boats sail as confetti explodes under the Rialto bridge during the traditional water parade, in Venice on Sunday. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)

Venice Carnival opens with biodegradable streamers and an ode to Casanova
Venice’s Carnival brings thousands of people to the lagoon city to watch the water procession and check out people in elaborate costumes and masks. This year’s Carnival celebrations are dedicated to the famed philanderer Giacomo Casanova, who was born in Venice 300 years ago.

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