Attachment 2492570


U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) head Elon Musk claimed that improbably old people — including people "about 150 years old" and more than 220 years old — were "collecting Social Security" payments, implying that widespread fraud was occurring in that program, which provides income for retirees, people with disabilities and families with a deceased spouse or parent.
While an audit published in 2023 found that the central Social Security database, known as the Numident, does include 18.9 million people born before 1920 who do not have death information on record — making them more than 100 years old if alive — only 44,000 of them were receiving Social Security Administration (SSA) payments.
The auditors wrote that the Numident has spotty death records because these individuals died before the use of electronic death reporting. While the agency's missing death records may make it more vulnerable to fraud, the small number of people aged 100 or older actually collecting payments suggests it is not a widespread issue.
An earlier audit, published in 2015, determined that while 6.5 million people in the Numident database were found to be above the age of 112, payments were only sent to 266 beneficiaries, most of whom records showed were likely actually under the age of 112. However, that audit also found thousands of potentially fraudulent uses of Social Security numbers connected to improbably old people.
While the SSA has undergone some efforts to update its records, officials decided not to implement recommendations from the auditors because so few people above the age of 112 receive payments and the cost of fixing the Numident's records was not worth the benefits.

By Jack Izzo & Grace Deng


On Feb. 11, 2025, Elon Musk, tech billionaire and head of U.S. President Donald Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative, claimed during a news conference at the White House that a "cursory examination of Social Security" showed "people in there that are about 150 years old."

Days later, Musk posted a screenshot on X (archived), the social media platform he owns, allegedly showing people marked as alive in the Social Security database at impossibly high ages, including more than 1,000 individuals above the age of 220 and one person aged between 360 and 369 years old.

"Maybe Twilight is real and there are a lot of vampires collecting Social Security," Musk said, implying that the graph showed improbably old people receiving government payments through the Social Security program, which provides income for American retirees, people with disabilities and families with a deceased spouse or parent.

Embedded Tweet

Musk's claims were spread by other X users, including one of the president's sons, Donald Trump Jr., while a related rumor also circulated online suggesting Musk discovered millions of improbably old people collecting Social Security benefits.

The oldest living person in recorded history was reportedly a French woman named Jeanne Calment, who is believed to have lived to 122 (archived). Therefore, if these claims were true, they would likely point to some kind of fraud.

However, these claims need context. The Social Security Administration (SSA) does more than just send out payments — it is also in charge of registering unique Social Security numbers and their related information for nearly every legal resident in the U.S. The government and businesses then use these numbers to identify individuals and to track their financial records.

A government audit published in July 2023 showed that as of 2020, there were 18.9 million registrants in the central SSA database born in or before 1920 whose death record information was not properly recorded, suggesting they would be more than 100 years old if still alive.

However, just because some people were improperly recorded as "alive" did not mean they were receiving payments from the SSA. While the missing death records could make the agency vulnerable to fraud, the same audit found that "almost none" of the registrants born in or before 1920 were receiving benefits at the time of the report. These records were likely spotty because the individuals died before the use of electronic death reporting, the auditors wrote.

DOGE and the SSA did not return answers to our inquiries as of this writing. However, we will update this article if they reply.

SSA's database

The SSA's central database is called the Numident, or "Numerical Identification System." The Numident is the "numerically-ordered master file" of all assigned Social Security numbers. It is also used to create the SSA's "full file of death information," referred to as the Death Master File (DMF). The DMF is then shared with federal agencies that pay people's benefits.

The 2023 audit by the SSA's Office of the Inspector General investigated Social Security number holders older than 100 who did not have death information recorded but were in the Numident. This audit, which used data updated as of December 2020, determined that 18.9 million number holders were born in or before 1920 and did not have death information in the Numident, meaning they were technically recorded as alive in the administration's system.

But the same audit found that approximately 98% of these number holders were not receiving SSA payments and had not reported earnings to the SSA in the past 50 years. In other words, only 44,000 were receiving payments. In 2020, at the time of this audit's research, about 80,000 Americans were centenarians, according to the Pew Research Center, a self-described nonpartisan fact tank "that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world." The center said it reached the estimate by analyzing Census Bureau data; however, it was not immediately clear which Census Bureau data the center was referring to.

Musk's X post suggests that roughly 20.8 million people aged 100 or older were registered in the SSA database. Given that he posted this several years after auditors collected data for the 2023 report, it is possible that his post correctly shows how many people aged 100 or older do not have death information recorded in the Numident, rather than the number of improbably old people collecting Social Security benefits. However, it was not possible to confirm this without comment from the SSA.

Missing death records explained

It is possible that some of the 44,000 number holders — who were born in or before 1920 at the time of the audit and were receiving SSA benefits — are cases of fraud and listed as "about 150 years old" or even above 200, as Musk claimed.

The auditors wrote that the SSA's failure to keep updated death records leaves the agency and other federal agencies that use the Numident open to fraud. However, there were no specific examples presented in the audit of "150-year-old" fraudsters, nor was there any mention of systematic fraudulent activity uncovered by the auditors. SSA also acknowledged on its website that its death records were not comprehensive (emphasis theirs):

We collect death information to administer our programs. We receive death reports from many sources, including family members, funeral homes, financial institutions, postal authorities, States and other Federal agencies. It is important to note our records are not a comprehensive record of all deaths in the country.

Most of the number holders — about 10.9 million — older than 100 were born in 1899 or earlier and the auditors wrote that it is "likely SSA did not receive or record most of the 18.9 million individuals' death information primarily because the individuals died decades ago—before the use of electronic death reporting."

Furthermore, the audit noted that the Numident is not the only way the SSA keeps death records used to terminate payments to deceased Social Security recipients. Per the audit:

SSA terminated payments to approximately 623,000 beneficiaries and input death information in its payment records but did not input the death information on the Numident. For example, a retirement beneficiary born in 1917 died in April 2005. SSA terminated her payments and input her date of death in her payment record; however, SSA did not input the death information on the Numident.

A related 2015 audit

An earlier Office of the Inspector General audit by the SSA, published in March 2015, looked into individuals above the age of 112 with no death information recorded in the Numident and found 6.5 million people matching this description.

It is likely that the claim that Musk discovered 6.5 million people above the age of 112 collecting Social Security payments misrepresents the findings of this audit. While the report did find 6.5 million people with no death information above the age of 112 in the Numident, payments were only sent to 266 beneficiaries recorded as 112 or older.

In 253 of these cases, "discrepancies in SSA records indicated the beneficiary receiving payments was not actually born before June 16, 1901," thus making them younger than 112 as of June 15, 2013 (while published in 2015, the audit was conducted between November 2013 and September 2014).

Only 13 people who "were likely" above the age of 112 were still collecting payments, according to the audit, which also noted that as of 2015, only 35 known living individuals worldwide were aged 112 or older. The audit did, however, find some potential fraud:

We identified thousands of instances of potential identity theft or other fraud involving these SSNs. Specifically, we identified approximately $3.1 billion in earnings reported by employers and self-employed individuals using 66,920 SSNs although they were not the actual numberholder.

Why SSA didn't fix the issue

After the 2015 audit revealed the scope of the SSA's missing death records, SSA officials improved its systems and used historical death information already in its records to "post dates of death to over 10.7 million Numident records, including over 6 million records for individuals over age 112."

However, the auditors wrote that SSA officials "disagreed" with the auditors' recommendations to fix the Numident death information records, which included updating its records using death data already held by federal and state governments and developing a way to add death information to the millions of number holders not receiving payments and identified by the audit. They added that "correcting records for non-beneficiaries would divert resources from work necessary to administer and manage its programs."

The officials said that the 18.9 million number holders above the age of 100 without recorded death information represent a small fraction of the 531 million unique Social Security numbers issued by the administration and that "almost none" of the 18.9 million currently receive SSA payments.

SSA also determined that the "options would be costly to implement, would be of little benefit for the agency, would largely duplicate information already available to data exchange consumers and would create cost for the states and other data exchange partners."

However, the auditors said that SSA's decision not to establish "controls to annotate death information" for the records of Social Security number holders who "exceeded maximum reasonable life expectancies" means identity thieves could use these SSNs to create fake identities, open bank accounts or obtain employment, credit, government benefits or private insurance.

"We acknowledge that almost none of the number holders discussed in the report currently receive SSA payments," the auditors wrote. "However, SSA issued each of these individuals a valid SSN and these SSNs could allow for a wide range of potential abuse."

Improving the records system, the auditors said, could help alert federal agencies to the "suspect nature of activities occurring under these SSNs."

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Herbal teas made from ingredients like milk thistle, mint, turmeric, dandelion, ginger, and basil are widely recognized for their ability to support liver detoxification and promote overall body cleansing.

The liver plays a crucial role in the body's detoxification process, breaking down toxins, metabolizing nutrients, synthesizing proteins, and storing essential vitamins and minerals. It also produces bile, which aids in digestion. Maintaining liver health is essential for overall well-being, and in addition to a balanced lifestyle, limited alcohol intake, and a nutritious diet, certain herbal teas can further enhance liver function.

Dr. Tran Thi Tra Phuong, a specialist in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi, highlights the benefits of various herbal teas for liver support:

1. Milk Thistle Tea
Milk thistle contains silymarin, a powerful antioxidant that protects liver cells from damage and promotes regeneration. To prepare milk thistle tea, crush a teaspoon of milk thistle seeds, steep them in hot water for 10 minutes, strain, and consume daily for improved liver function.

2. Turmeric Tea
Rich in curcumin, turmeric helps boost bile production and enhances liver detoxification. For an effective turmeric tea, mix half a teaspoon of turmeric powder with warm water, add a pinch of black pepper and a few drops of lime juice to increase absorption, and drink daily as a natural liver tonic.

3. Dandelion Root Tea
Dandelion root encourages bile flow and assists in flushing out toxins from the liver. To make dandelion root tea, boil two teaspoons of dried dandelion root in two cups of water for about 15 minutes, strain, and consume daily to support liver cleansing.

4. Ginger Tea
Ginger possesses strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to reduce liver inflammation and oxidative stress. To prepare ginger tea, grate fresh ginger, steep it in hot water for 5–10 minutes, strain, and add honey for a soothing effect. Drinking this tea in the morning can help protect the liver and aid digestion.

5. Basil Tea
Basil is known for its detoxifying properties, helping to cleanse the liver and reduce inflammation. To make basil tea, boil 8–10 basil leaves in water for 5–7 minutes, strain, and sweeten with honey or add lime juice. Drinking this tea in the evening can support liver function and promote relaxation.

6. Mint Tea
Mint helps stimulate bile flow, soothe liver inflammation, and improve digestion. For a refreshing mint tea, steep fresh or dried mint leaves in hot water for 5 minutes, strain, and drink after meals to aid liver health.

Dr. Phuong advises individuals with liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, hepatitis, or elevated liver enzymes to seek medical consultation for appropriate treatment. She also emphasizes the effectiveness of natural extracts like Silybum Marianum (milk thistle) and Wasabia, which regulate Kupffer cell activity, enhance detoxification, and provide liver protection. These extracts support bile production, relieve constipation, lower liver enzyme levels, and aid in liver function recovery, particularly in cases of chronic hepatitis, viral hepatitis B and C, cirrhosis, and fatty liver disease.

By incorporating these herbal teas into a healthy lifestyle, individuals can effectively support their liver's natural detoxification processes and overall well-being.

In March and April of last year, nearly 50,000 foreign students failed to enroll at their designated institutions after arriving in Canada, with Indian nationals making up the largest portion of these missing students.

According to a report by The Globe and Mail, which cited data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), these absent students represented 6.9% of the 717,539 international students being tracked at the time. Of the total, 644,349 (89.8%) were confirmed to be enrolled, while the status of another 23,514 remained unrecorded.

Breaking down the numbers, Indian students accounted for the highest share of non-enrolled individuals at 19,582, followed by 4,279 from China, 3,902 from Nigeria, and 2,712 from Ghana.

Many of these missing students are believed to have taken up low-wage jobs instead of pursuing their studies, while others fell victim to fraudulent educational institutions.

A Times of India investigation shed light on one such case involving a 24-year-old Indian student who arrived in Canada under the belief that he had been admitted to a prestigious university in Brampton. However, upon reaching the campus, he discovered that the so-called university was nothing more than a small office with no classrooms. School representatives informed him that classes were full and asked him to wait.

It was only later that he realized he had been scammed. Fortunately, he had only paid 420,000 rupees (US$4,800) of the 1.2 million rupees in tuition fees. His education consultancy firm in India had only communicated with him via phone before his departure, reassuring him that he could pay the remainder through part-time work. With no viable options, he took up a job at a local gas station to support himself.

Meanwhile, some international students have been accused of deliberately exploiting Canada’s relatively lenient student visa policies. Unlike countries such as the U.S. and Australia, Canada does not mandate that students pay tuition before arrival. This loophole has allowed some to enter the country on study permits but focus on working rather than attending school. Many opt for affordable community colleges as a means to secure employment and eventual permanent residency.

One 27-year-old from Gujarat admitted to The Times of India that his primary reason for enrolling in a community college was to work in Canada. He currently juggles two jobs—one at a restaurant during the day and another as a food delivery driver at night—to send money home to his family.

“Many people from my region have done the same, so I followed suit. I know it’s illegal, but this was my only way in. Besides, even those who attend reputable colleges are working the same jobs as me and are burdened with massive loans,” he explained.

Students from Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra were among those most frequently identified in the report as engaging in similar practices.

In response to growing concerns, Canada implemented stricter penalties in November for educational institutions that fail to report international students’ enrollment status to the IRCC. However, even with these measures, Canada still has the most lenient reporting system among the world’s top four study destinations.

For example, in the U.K., institutions are required to report student no-shows within 10 working days, while those in the U.S. and Australia have about a month to do so. In Canada, however, universities and colleges only need to submit a compliance report within 60 days of receiving a request.

India has also launched an investigation into possible links between Canadian educational institutions and illegal migration networks in India. Some of the students who never enrolled are suspected of using their study permits as a means to enter Canada before illegally crossing into the U.S.

Government data from early 2024 revealed that Indian students made up nearly half (49%) of all international students in Canada, with Chinese students accounting for the second-largest group at 12%.

The revelations come at a time when Canada is reconsidering its immigration policies. Between 2010 and 2019, the number of international students in the country more than doubled to over 640,000. After the pandemic, that figure surged past one million, as Canada actively encouraged foreign workers to fill labor shortages.

However, rising concerns over housing shortages, healthcare strain, and overburdened public services have prompted the government to tighten immigration policies. In January 2024, authorities announced new restrictions, including caps on study permits and limitations on post-graduation work eligibility. In 2025, Canada plans to issue only 437,000 study permits—a 10% reduction from the previous year.

On Monday, a Delta Air Lines regional jet overturned upon landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport amid strong winds following a major snowstorm, injuring 18 of the 80 people on board, officials reported. Among the injured, three passengers, including a child, suffered critical injuries.

The aircraft involved in the accident was a Bombardier CRJ900 operated by Endeavor Air, a subsidiary of Delta Air Lines. The 16-year-old jet, which is powered by GE Aerospace engines and has a seating capacity of up to 90 passengers, had departed from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. It was not immediately clear what caused the crash, and Canadian authorities announced an investigation into the incident.

Footage shared by passenger John Nelson on Facebook captured the aftermath, showing emergency responders spraying water on the overturned aircraft, which lay on a snow-covered tarmac. Nelson, who later spoke with CNN, recalled that there were no prior indications of trouble before landing.

“We hit the ground, and suddenly we were sideways, then upside down,” he described. “I was able to unbuckle my seatbelt and push myself to the ground. Some people needed help getting down, while others managed on their own.”

The severe weather conditions at Pearson Airport complicated flight operations. Earlier that day, the airport had been working to recover from weekend disruptions caused by a snowstorm that dumped over 22 centimeters (8.6 inches) of snow. Strong winds and frigid temperatures persisted, impacting flight schedules.

According to FlightRadar24, the Delta jet completed its 86-minute flight and touched down at 2:13 p.m. local time (1913 GMT). The plane ultimately came to a stop near the intersection of runway 23 and runway 15. A recording posted on liveatc.net captured an emergency worker reporting to air traffic control, “The aircraft is upside down and burning,” shortly after a controller observed passengers walking near the wreckage.

Toronto Pearson Airport president Deborah Flint credited the swift response of first responders for preventing any fatalities. “We are very grateful that there is no loss of life and only relatively minor injuries,” she stated during a press conference.

Michael J. McCormick, an associate professor specializing in air traffic management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, noted that the aircraft’s unusual upside-down position made this crash particularly unique. “The fact that 80 people survived an event like this is a testament to the engineering, technology, and regulatory safeguards that have been put in place,” he said. “Not too long ago, an accident like this might have been fatal.”

All 18 injured passengers were transported to hospitals for medical treatment. According to Supervisor Lawrence Saindon of Peel Regional Paramedic Services, two critically injured passengers were airlifted to trauma centers, while a child was taken to a pediatric hospital for specialized care.

The crash temporarily shut down Toronto Pearson Airport for more than two hours, resulting in numerous flight delays and diversions. Some flights were rerouted to Montreal-Trudeau International Airport, which announced that it was preparing to accommodate additional diverted aircraft, potentially causing further scheduling disruptions. Flint later confirmed that airport operations would continue to be affected in the coming days, as two runways would remain closed for the ongoing investigation.

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) announced it was sending a team of investigators to examine the cause of the crash. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) also stated that it would assist Canada’s investigation. Meanwhile, Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, which acquired the CRJ aircraft program from Bombardier in 2020, pledged its full cooperation with authorities.

This crash in Toronto follows a series of recent aviation accidents in North America. In Washington, an Army helicopter collided with a CRJ-700 passenger jet, resulting in 67 fatalities. In another tragic incident, a medical transport plane crashed in Philadelphia, claiming at least seven lives, while a separate passenger plane crash in Alaska killed 10 people.

On February 17, Myanmar authorities detained 273 foreign nationals from scam compounds located along the country’s border with Thailand as part of an intensified crackdown on illegal online fraud operations. The move coincided with a visit by a senior Chinese official, Liu Zhongyi, to border towns on both sides, reflecting the increasing cooperation between Myanmar, Thailand, and China in addressing the growing issue of human trafficking and cybercrime.

According to the United Nations, criminal syndicates have trafficked hundreds of thousands of individuals into scam centers across Southeast Asia, where they are coerced into running fraudulent online schemes. These illicit operations have been ongoing for years but have only recently come under heightened scrutiny, particularly following the dramatic rescue of Chinese actor Wang Xing. Wang had been kidnapped in Thailand after falling victim to a deceptive job offer and was later found in the Myanmar border town of Myawaddy, an area notorious for scam compounds.

In response to the escalating problem, officials from China, Myanmar, and Thailand held a coordination meeting in Myawaddy this week. During the discussions, the three countries focused on establishing preventative measures against telecom fraud and human trafficking. Myanmar’s state-run newspaper, Global New Light of Myanmar, reported on February 18 that authorities had been conducting extensive operations in the Myawaddy region since the end of January, uncovering a total of 1,303 foreigners who had entered the country illegally to work in scam compounds. The 273 individuals detained on February 17 were part of this broader effort.

Amid mounting regional pressure to dismantle scam operations, Myanmar authorities have been taking more aggressive actions, including cutting off electricity, fuel, and internet access to certain border areas known to harbor scam centers. These measures aim to disrupt the operations of criminal networks and prevent them from exploiting trafficked victims.

Meanwhile, Thailand has also been working to assist victims of these scams. Last week, a group of 260 individuals who had been rescued from scam compounds in Myawaddy arrived in Thailand. Most of them were identified as victims of human trafficking. Thai authorities have taken custody of two individuals for further investigation to determine their involvement in criminal activities.

The crackdown on scam operations along the Thailand-Myanmar border underscores the increasing collaboration between regional governments in combating transnational crime. Authorities in Myanmar, Thailand, and China have vowed to continue their efforts until human trafficking and cyber fraud operations in the region are completely eradicated.

Oranges, tangerines, strawberries, grapes, and pomegranates are rich in antioxidants like flavonoids and vitamin C, which are essential for reducing cancer risk and preventing chronic diseases. Fruits are an integral part of a healthy diet, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that counteract the harmful effects of free radicals, slow aging, and lower the chances of developing cancer and other chronic conditions. Additionally, the fiber in fruits and vegetables helps fight obesity, lowering the risk of various types of cancer.

According to nutritionist Tran Pham Thuy Hoa from Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi, the following five fruits are particularly high in antioxidants and play an important role in reducing cancer risk:

Blueberries
Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, especially anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid that boosts the immune system, reduces inflammation, and protects cells from oxidative stress. These fruits also support brain health by enhancing memory and concentration and can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. You can enjoy blueberries fresh in yogurt, smoothies, or oatmeal, or use them in baked goods.

Strawberries
Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system and aids in iron absorption. They also contain ellagic acid, an antioxidant that protects the skin from UV damage, reduces inflammation, slows aging, and helps prevent cancer. Additionally, methanol in strawberries has been shown to act as a toxin to breast cancer cells, promoting their destruction and hindering tumor growth. Enjoy strawberries in salads, desserts, smoothies, or paired with dark chocolate for added flavor and antioxidant benefits.

Pomegranates
Pomegranates are loaded with polyphenols, a powerful group of antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals and regulate cancer cell growth. Regular consumption of pomegranates may lower blood pressure, reduce LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol), increase HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol), and prevent blood clots. The seeds also provide fiber that supports digestive health. You can enjoy pomegranates fresh, juiced, in salads, or mixed with yogurt for added flavor.

Oranges
The vitamin C and flavonoids in oranges enhance the immune system, reduce inflammation, and promote skin health by stimulating collagen production. Regular consumption of oranges may lower the risk of stomach and lung cancers. It’s recommended to eat whole oranges rather than drinking juice to fully benefit from their fiber content.

Grapes
Grapes contain resveratrol, an antioxidant that protects cells from free radical damage, reduces cancer risk, and supports cardiovascular health. Resveratrol is known for its potential to extend lifespan, reduce inflammation, and improve heart health. Grapes also contain quercetin, which helps alleviate allergies and inflammation. Enjoy grapes fresh as a snack, in juice, or consume grape-derived wine in moderation to benefit from their health-promoting properties.

These fruits provide vital nutrients and antioxidants that can significantly contribute to overall health and help in preventing various diseases, especially cancer. Incorporating them into your diet can be a tasty and beneficial way to enhance your well-being.

Almonds are highly nutritious, packed with healthy fats, protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals that provide various health benefits. They are particularly known for supporting heart health and helping with weight management.

A single ounce (28 grams) of almonds contains 3.5 grams of fiber, 6 grams of protein, 6 grams of carbohydrates, and 14 grams of fat, including 9 grams of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Additionally, it provides 48% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin E, along with substantial amounts of manganese and magnesium, all for just 164 calories.

Given this impressive nutritional profile, almonds offer several health advantages:

Reduce Inflammation
Almonds contain antioxidants that help protect against oxidative stress and may reduce inflammation in the body. A study from 2022 found that eating almonds can significantly lower inflammation markers. The antioxidants, particularly found in the skin of almonds, may also reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer.

Protect Cells
The vitamin E found in almonds plays a crucial role in protecting cells from oxidative damage, which could help lower the risks of heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Regulate Blood Sugar
Almonds are low in carbohydrates but rich in healthy fats, protein, and magnesium, a mineral that is vital for over 300 body functions, including blood sugar regulation. Magnesium in almonds helps control blood sugar levels, making them a beneficial snack for those managing blood sugar levels.

Support Heart Health
The magnesium content in almonds helps lower blood pressure, which, if left uncontrolled, can lead to heart disease. Almonds also help reduce levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) while increasing HDL (good cholesterol), promoting overall heart health.

Aid Weight Management
Almonds are high in protein and fiber, which contribute to feelings of fullness and reduce overall calorie intake. Interestingly, the body absorbs only about 94% of the calories in almonds, meaning you get fewer calories than you consume. A study showed that overweight women who included almonds in their diet lost more weight compared to those on a nut-free diet.

These health benefits make almonds an excellent addition to a balanced diet, providing both nutritional value and support for long-term well-being.

A 20-year-old man named Dao Phuoc Phap was arrested on Saturday in Binh Duong Province for allegedly stabbing a ride-hailing driver and stealing his motorbike. Phap, who was struggling with financial difficulties, reportedly resorted to robbery to resolve his monetary issues.

The incident occurred late Thursday night when Phap booked a ride through a motorbike-hailing app from Tan Phu District in Ho Chi Minh City to Binh Duong Province. After traveling approximately 20 kilometers, Phap allegedly stopped at a remote area. There, he attacked the 41-year-old driver, stabbing him multiple times in the back and abdomen with a knife.

After the driver collapsed from the attack, Phap took the victim's phone and motorbike, a high-end SH model, which is worth around VND100 million (approximately US$4,000), and fled the scene. Bystanders discovered the injured driver shortly afterward and immediately rushed him to the hospital for medical treatment.

Following a day-long search, police successfully located Phap, arrested him, and confiscated evidence related to the crime. The investigation into the robbery and assault is ongoing.

Australia announced on Sunday that it will impose a two-year ban on foreign investors purchasing existing homes, effective from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2027. This decision aims to alleviate pressure on the country's housing supply. The government also stated that it would review the ban at the end of the period to determine whether it should be extended.

The housing issue has become a significant concern in Australia, with dissatisfaction reaching record levels last year. It is expected to be a major focus in the upcoming general election, which is due by May. Housing Minister Clare O'Neil commented that the ban is expected to free up approximately 1,800 properties annually for local buyers.

This ban is part of a broader strategy to tackle housing affordability, which is one of the key factors driving the rising cost of living in Australia. The government has also passed housing reforms, including a shared equity scheme and tax incentives for developers, as part of a plan to build 1.2 million new homes by 2030. Housing remains a central issue as the government faces competition from the main conservative opposition in the election.

Vietnamese police arrested 24 suspects on Saturday in connection with a large-scale scam operating from Cambodia, in which victims were deceived into investing in fraudulent online casino platforms. The operation defrauded individuals of trillions of Vietnamese dong, with one trillion dong equaling approximately US$39.5 million.

The suspects, whose identities have not been revealed, are under investigation for using computer networks, telecommunications, and electronic means to commit fraud. The arrests came after a collaborative effort by Tay Ninh police, the Criminal Police Department, and the Border Guard, following the detention of 177 Vietnamese citizens in Cambodia for illegal labor and residency in Bavet City, Svay Rieng Province.

The scam was reportedly run by a Chinese national identified as "HeYuki," who rented two floors of a building in Bavet City to operate the fraudulent operation. Employees were organized into specialized roles, including management, sales, and support staff. The scheme targeted Vietnamese victims by sending them a link to a fake online casino website, "Casino Bay Sands," where they were promised substantial winnings by exploiting alleged "system errors" in the casino platform.

Initially, victims who made small deposits received winnings, which encouraged them to invest larger sums. However, once victims deposited substantial amounts, their chances of winning decreased, and their accounts were eventually locked.

One of the arrested suspects, a 36-year-old woman from Soc Trang Province, claimed she was trafficked to Cambodia under the pretext of selling fruit, only to be coerced into working for scam companies. As a "salesperson," she contacted victims, posing as a representative of major businesses, and convinced them that the casino app would "malfunction" at certain intervals, guaranteeing wins during these times. These errors, however, were staged.

Authorities have worked with at least six victims who lost more than VND35 billion in total. The Tay Ninh police, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Security, is continuing to investigate the case and uncover the roles of additional suspects involved in the scam.

Thailand has deported 10 Chinese nationals linked to the alleged kidnapping of actor Wang Xing, who was rescued from a cyber-fraud center in Myanmar, according to Thai police.

Wang Xing, also known as Xing Xing, traveled to Thailand believing he had secured a role in a Thai film production. However, he was reported missing near the Thai-Myanmar border and was later found in Myanmar, where he had been held in a scam compound.

Cyber-fraud centers have proliferated in Myanmar’s border regions, employing trafficked foreign workers who are forced to defraud victims in a billion-dollar criminal industry.

The 10 suspects were identified as part of a scam ring operating in Myawaddy, Myanmar, and were accused of defrauding Chinese citizens, including Wang.

On Friday evening, Thai police deported them via Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, escorted by immigration officers. They were handed over to Chinese authorities for prosecution.

The suspects played various roles in the cyber-fraud operation, including managers, security guards, and call center operators who deceived victims. After Wang’s rescue in January, the gang fled Myanmar to Cambodia before being arrested in Thailand.

Thai police have vowed to intensify asset investigations and collaborate with the country’s anti-money laundering agency to combat call center scams.

South Korean authorities have temporarily suspended the availability of the Chinese AI app DeepSeek for download while conducting a review of its data handling practices.

DeepSeek’s R1 chatbot recently gained international attention for delivering performance on par with its Western counterparts at a much lower cost. However, concerns have been raised in multiple countries regarding the storage of user data, which DeepSeek confirms is kept on “secure servers located in the People’s Republic of China.”

On Monday, Seoul's Personal Information Protection Commission announced that DeepSeek would remain unavailable for new downloads until its compliance with South Korea’s data privacy regulations is fully assessed. The Chinese company acknowledged that it had not sufficiently accounted for local privacy laws, the commission stated.

The agency further noted that aligning the app with South Korean regulations would take considerable time. To mitigate growing concerns, it recommended that DeepSeek voluntarily suspend its services while implementing necessary adjustments—a proposal that the company has accepted.

Limited Access and Caution Advised
As of Saturday at 6:00 p.m. (0900 GMT), DeepSeek has been removed from app stores in South Korea. However, those who had already downloaded the chatbot can continue using it.

The data protection commission has strongly advised users to exercise caution, recommending that they avoid entering personal information into the app until the review is complete.

Cybersecurity expert Youm Heung-youl, a professor at Soonchunhyang University, told AFP that DeepSeek has yet to implement a privacy policy tailored specifically for South Korean users. In contrast, the company has already detailed privacy policies for the European Union and other regions, asserting compliance with those jurisdictions’ laws.

"DeepSeek needs to establish a privacy policy specific to Korea," Youm emphasized.

Global Scrutiny and Restrictions
Earlier this month, several South Korean government agencies and police departments blocked access to DeepSeek on their official computers. Other nations have also taken action against the AI chatbot due to security concerns:

Italy has launched an investigation into DeepSeek’s R1 model and banned it from processing data from Italian users.
Australia has prohibited the use of DeepSeek on all government devices following security agency recommendations.
The United States is considering a legislative proposal to ban the app from government devices over data security fears.
China has responded to the growing restrictions by condemning what it calls the "politicization of economic, trade, and technological issues." Beijing has maintained that it does not and will not compel businesses or individuals to collect or store data illegally.

A devastating explosion at a shop in northern Laos claimed the lives of four individuals, including Chinese nationals, according to a statement from Beijing's consulate general in the country.

The incident occurred on Friday at a Chinese-owned store in Oudomxay province, as confirmed by the Chinese consulate in Luang Prabang.

Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the explosion, with investigations currently underway, both the consulate and local media reported.

Laos National Radio stated that three additional people sustained injuries in what was described as a "fire incident and explosion" at the shop in Nasao village.

The blast also inflicted "significant damage" to nearby houses, as reported by China's state-run Xinhua news agency.

In response to the tragedy, China’s ambassador to Laos, Fang Hong, has launched "all-out efforts" to facilitate medical treatment for the injured and provide support to the families of the victims.

Pope Francis, who has been experiencing breathlessness in recent days and has relied on aides to deliver his speeches, followed through with his scheduled morning meetings before being admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital, the Vatican announced.

He was hospitalized for "necessary diagnostic tests and continued treatment for ongoing bronchitis in a hospital setting," the statement added.

Due to his hospitalization, two scheduled audiences on Saturday and Monday were canceled, and a cardinal will now preside over Sunday’s Mass in his place.

According to a Vatican update on Friday evening, preliminary tests confirmed a respiratory tract infection, and his condition remains "stable, with a slight fever." Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni reassured the public, stating, "The Pope is calm, in good spirits, and has been reading newspapers."

The Argentine-born pontiff, who has led the Catholic Church since 2013, is staying in a special suite at Gemelli hospital, reserved exclusively for popes, complete with its own chapel.

Outside the hospital, a well-wisher left a candle with an image of Pope Francis at the base of a statue of Pope John Paul II.

Reports in Italian media suggest that Francis was admitted after struggling to recover from weeks of illness, and he may remain hospitalized for several days.

Having lost part of one of his lungs in his youth, the pope has recently had to delegate the reading of his speeches to aides. During his weekly general audience on Wednesday, he acknowledged his difficulty, saying, "I cannot yet read my speeches," before optimistically adding, "I hope that next time I can."

To aid his recovery, Francis had conducted meetings from home last week. However, he still held official engagements on Friday morning, including an audience with Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico.

Overcoming Health Challenges
Despite ongoing health concerns, Pope Francis has maintained a demanding schedule.

Last year, he withdrew from a Good Friday event due to what the Vatican described as a "light flu," yet he still went on to lead Easter services.

In March 2023, he spent three nights in the hospital due to bronchitis, which was treated with antibiotics. Another bronchitis episode forced him to cancel a planned trip to Dubai for the COP28 climate summit in December 2023.

The pontiff also underwent hernia surgery in June 2023 and a procedure for diverticulitis—an intestinal inflammation—in 2021.

Since 2022, he has relied on a wheelchair due to persistent knee pain, occasionally using a cane when standing. Additionally, he has suffered multiple falls in recent months, including one in January that resulted in a bruised forearm and another in December that left a visible bruise on his jaw after he fell from his bed.

Yet, despite his health struggles, Pope Francis remains highly active.

In September 2024, he completed a four-nation Asia-Pacific tour, the longest of his papacy in terms of duration and travel distance.

Renowned for his tireless work ethic, he does not take holidays and often schedules as many as a dozen meetings in a single morning.

His health issues have frequently fueled speculation about his potential resignation, particularly since his predecessor, Benedict XVI, stepped down in 2013 due to declining health.

Although Pope Francis has acknowledged that he might resign if he becomes incapable of fulfilling his duties, he has firmly stated that, for now, he has no such plans.

In a memoir published last year, he wrote that he had "no serious reason" to consider resignation, describing it as a "distant possibility" that would only be warranted by "a serious physical impediment."

A Myanmar ethnic militia announced on Saturday that it is preparing to deport approximately 10,000 individuals linked to cyber scam operations in its territory to Thailand. This move is part of a broader crackdown on illicit compounds that have flourished in Myanmar’s border regions.

These scam compounds, which have become a major industry in Myanmar’s borderlands, are largely staffed by foreigners who are trafficked and coerced into working in fraudulent schemes. Analysts estimate that the cyber scam industry generates billions of dollars by swindling victims worldwide.

Major Naing Maung Zaw, a spokesperson for the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF), emphasized the group’s commitment to eradicating scams from their controlled areas. "We have announced our plan to eliminate all scams from our soil. We are now implementing it," he stated. According to him, the BGF has compiled a list of individuals to be deported, with plans to transfer about 10,000 people to Thailand.

The deportation process will occur gradually, with groups of 500 people being sent daily. The BGF has already handed over 61 individuals to Thai authorities via a border bridge and is preparing to transfer additional groups of mixed nationalities each day.

Thai media reported that the military task force in Thailand's Tak province has been coordinating with BGF leaders to receive around 7,000 workers from these scam compounds.

As part of the crackdown, BGF soldiers conducted patrols in workplaces at Shwe Kokko, located in Myanmar’s eastern Myawaddy township, on Friday. Shwe Kokko, a known scam compound in Karen state, stands out as a modern city amid its surrounding agricultural lands.

Cyber scam compounds operate by luring victims from around the world with false promises of high-paying jobs. Once recruited, individuals are effectively held captive and forced to engage in online fraud under the threat of severe punishment.

Authorities and militia groups in both Myanmar and Thailand have previously launched operations against these scam centers, which have also been linked to drug smuggling and illegal gambling. Raids often lead to the release and repatriation of trafficked foreigners found inside these compounds.

At least 15 people lost their lives in a stampede at a railway station in India's capital, New Delhi, late Saturday night. The tragedy occurred as large crowds rushed to board trains heading toward the ongoing Kumbh Mela, the world's largest religious gathering.

The Kumbh Mela, which takes place every 12 years in the northern city of Prayagraj, draws tens of millions of Hindu pilgrims. Due to the sheer number of attendees, the event has a history of crowd-related disasters. Just last month, another stampede at the sacred confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers resulted in the deaths of at least 30 people.

Authorities believe the chaos at the train station erupted as devotees scrambled to secure seats on the overcrowded trains bound for the festival. The event is set to conclude on February 26, further intensifying the rush of pilgrims trying to reach Prayagraj.

Dr. Ritu Saxena, deputy medical superintendent at Lok Nayak Hospital in New Delhi, confirmed that 15 people were pronounced dead at the hospital. She noted that the victims did not appear to have suffered external injuries. "Most likely, they died from hypoxia or possibly blunt force trauma, but that will only be confirmed after autopsies," she stated. In addition to the fatalities, 11 other individuals were reported injured, with most sustaining orthopedic injuries. Fortunately, their conditions are stable.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the tragedy, stating that he was "distressed" by the loss of lives. "My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured have a speedy recovery," he posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Vinai Kumar Saxena, the governor of Delhi, announced that disaster management teams had been deployed to assist with the situation, and all hospitals had been placed on high alert to handle any further emergencies. Meanwhile, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that additional special trains were being arranged from New Delhi to help clear the overwhelming rush of passengers.

The ongoing Kumbh Mela, which spans six weeks, is the most significant religious event in the Hindu calendar. Officials estimate that approximately 500 million devotees have already participated in the festival since it began last month.

The Kumbh Mela has seen multiple tragedies in the past due to massive crowds. One of the deadliest incidents occurred in 1954 when more than 400 people lost their lives in a single day after being trampled or drowning in the river. In a more recent tragedy, 36 people were crushed to death in 2013, the last time the festival was held in Prayagraj.

At least nine people have lost their lives in the latest bout of extreme weather to hit the United States, with eight of the fatalities occurring in Kentucky due to severe flooding. Rising water levels in creeks and roads being submerged under heavy rainfall created hazardous conditions across the state.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed on Sunday that emergency responders had carried out hundreds of rescues to assist individuals stranded by the floodwaters. In response to the crisis, President Donald Trump approved Kentucky’s request for a federal disaster declaration, allowing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate relief efforts and provide much-needed assistance to affected areas.

According to Beshear, most of the casualties were the result of vehicles becoming trapped in high water, including a tragic incident involving a mother and her 7-year-old child. The governor urged residents to stay off the roads for their own safety, emphasizing that the state was currently focused on search-and-rescue operations. He praised the dedication of emergency personnel and volunteers who risked their lives to help those in danger.

Since the storms began on Saturday, authorities have conducted an estimated 1,000 rescues across Kentucky. The severe weather also caused widespread power outages, affecting approximately 39,000 homes. Beshear warned that strong winds in certain regions could lead to additional outages in the coming days.

The National Weather Service reported that portions of Kentucky and Tennessee received as much as six inches (15 centimeters) of rain, leading to extensive flooding. Meteorologist Bob Oravec stated that the effects of the storm would continue to be felt for some time, as swollen streams and rivers maintained high water levels, prolonging the risk of further flooding.

In Alabama, officials confirmed that an EF-1 tornado had touched down in Hale County overnight, causing damage to mobile homes, downing trees, and knocking out power lines. While no injuries were immediately reported, authorities urged residents to remain cautious. The city of Tuscumbia, in northern Alabama, experienced significant damage, with strong winds ripping off rooftops and damaging downtown buildings. Local officials advised people to stay away from the affected area until further assessments could be made.

Meanwhile, in Tennessee, a state of emergency was declared for parts of Obion County after a levee breach on Saturday resulted in widespread flooding in the small town of Rives, which has a population of around 300. Mayor Steve Carr announced that mandatory evacuations were being enforced due to the rising water levels, lack of electricity, and dangerously cold temperatures that posed a life-threatening risk to residents.

In Atlanta, Georgia, the storm claimed another life when a large tree fell onto a home early Sunday morning. Atlanta Fire Rescue officials confirmed the fatality but did not release further details.

As the winter storm system continues to move across the country, dangerously low temperatures are being recorded in several northern states. The National Weather Service issued an "extreme cold warning" for North Dakota, where wind chills were expected to drop to as low as -50°F (-45.6°C). Similar warnings were in place for parts of Montana, South Dakota, and Minnesota, where freezing conditions presented serious risks for residents and travelers alike.

Severe Flooding in Kentucky and Neighboring States
Heavy rainfall led to severe flooding across multiple states, submerging roads, vehicles, and buildings in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. Both Kentucky and Virginia were placed under flood warnings, as emergency officials worked tirelessly to manage the crisis.

In Bonnieville, Kentucky, floodwaters tragically claimed the lives of a mother and her young child when they were swept away in the rising current, according to Hart County Coroner Tony Roberts. In a separate incident, a 73-year-old man was found dead in floodwaters in Clay County, southeastern Kentucky. Governor Beshear reported that a total of four deaths occurred in Hart County due to the extreme weather.

The flooding forced the closure of the Kentucky River Medical Center in Jackson, where patients had to be relocated to other hospitals in the region. The decision was made as a precaution after a nearby river overflowed, threatening the facility’s operations.

Images circulating on social media showed distressing scenes of submerged vehicles and homes in parts of south-central and eastern Kentucky. In Buchanan County, Virginia, authorities reported multiple road closures caused by mudslides, further complicating emergency response efforts.

Elsewhere in Virginia, strong winds knocked down trees and power lines in Albemarle County, leading to widespread power outages. The Charlottesville Police Department warned residents that emergency response times might be delayed due to the overwhelming number of weather-related calls for assistance. Law enforcement officials urged the public to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.

Power outages were also widespread along the Eastern Seaboard, from New York to Georgia, as the storm system moved eastward. High winds, heavy rainfall, and snow contributed to downed power lines, leaving thousands of homes without electricity.

In West Virginia, 13 counties in the southern part of the state were placed under a state of emergency due to flooding. Some areas became inaccessible by vehicle, making evacuations and rescue efforts more difficult. Several volunteer fire departments struggled to respond to calls, as floodwaters entered their own stations and disrupted operations.

Winter Storms and a Polar Vortex Threaten the Midwest and Northeast
While flooding and severe storms affected the southern and eastern U.S., icy conditions and heavy snowfall created hazardous travel conditions across parts of the Midwest and Northeast.

In Michigan, authorities warned drivers of treacherous road conditions as ice and snow covered highways. A winter weather advisory remained in effect for much of the state until Monday afternoon. Michigan State Police reported that at least 114 vehicle crashes had occurred in the Detroit area since snowfall began on Saturday. Fortunately, the majority of these incidents were minor, with no reports of severe injuries. However, officials stressed that many of the crashes were caused by drivers traveling too fast for the conditions or following other vehicles too closely.

In Colorado, officials reported that since Valentine’s Day, at least eight people had died in fatal car accidents linked to the ongoing winter storm. The Colorado State Patrol urged residents to exercise extreme caution while driving, as icy roads and blowing snow continued to make travel dangerous, particularly in mountainous regions.

The Midwest also faced significant snowfall and blizzard-like conditions, affecting areas in Nebraska, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Authorities closed several highways due to whiteout conditions.

Attachment 2490871

ByMedia Bias Fact Check

Claim:

Elon Musk’s company, SpaceX, received millions of dollars from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to provide Starlink internet terminals to Ukraine, contradicting claims that SpaceX fully funded the initiative.

Reasoning:

In early 2022, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, USAID collaborated with SpaceX to deliver 5,000 Starlink terminals to Ukraine. USAID’s contribution amounted to approximately $3 million for these terminals. While SpaceX and Elon Musk publicly suggested that the company donated these terminals, documents revealed that a significant portion of the costs was covered by USAID and other entities. This contrasts with earlier claims that SpaceX bore the entire financial burden. However, SpaceX did contribute by providing service for free and potentially offering discounts on the terminals.

Additional reports indicate that USAID’s partnership with SpaceX was instrumental in deploying these terminals to support Ukraine’s internet infrastructure during the conflict. The collaboration ensured that critical communication services remained operational amidst the challenges posed by the invasion.

Furthermore, the USAID Office of Inspector General initiated an inspection to assess the agency’s oversight of the Starlink terminals provided to the Ukrainian government, highlighting the significance and scale of this collaboration.

Fact or Fiction? ✅ Fact – USAID provided millions in funding for Starlink terminals in Ukraine, indicating that the initiative was not solely funded by SpaceX, contrary to some public claims.

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Attachment 2490870

ByMedia Bias Fact Check

Claim: Foreign countries pay the tariffs that the U.S. imposes on imported goods.

Reasoning: When the U.S. imposes tariffs, these are taxes levied on imported goods. The responsibility for paying these tariffs falls on U.S. importers—the companies that bring foreign products into the country. These importers often pass the increased costs onto American consumers through higher prices on goods. Therefore, while the tariff is collected from the importer, the economic burden is shared between U.S. businesses and consumers. Foreign exporters might respond by lowering their prices to maintain competitiveness, but the tariff payment itself is made by the U.S. importer.

Fact or Fiction? Fiction. The claim that foreign countries pay U.S. imposed tariffs is incorrect. In reality, U.S. importers pay these tariffs, and the costs are often passed on to American consumers.

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Attachment 2490184

The DOGE social media account only claims about $2 billion, with another $4 billion from cutting medical research funds.

Analysis by Glenn Kessler

“We’re talking about tens of billions of dollars that we’ve already found. … But you’re talking about maybe 500 billion. It’s crazy the numbers you’re talking about.”

— President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters, Feb. 11

The president, with billionaire Elon Musk at his side, asserted that Musk’s U.S. DOGE Service had already identified “tens of billions” of “waste, fraud and abuse.” He suggested it could be as much as $500 billion and “when you get down to it, it’s going to be probably close to a trillion dollars. It could be close to a trillion dollars that we’re going to find.”

The president’s numbers do not come anywhere close to matching figures posted on the DOGE account on X, Musk’s social media site. (DOGE stands for Department of Government Efficiency, though it is not a Cabinet-level agency.) We added up all the figures posted, taking most of them at face value, though virtually no documentation was presented. The numbers add up to about $6 billion a year, though $4 billion comes from a proposed cap on National Institutes of Health research overhead payments to universities, medical centers and other grant recipients. A judge has blocked that for now.

In other words, DOGE has claimed only about $2 billion in annual savings from specific line items — most of which appear to come from ending diversity or climate change programs. Whether that constitutes “waste, fraud and abuse” is a matter of opinion.

Below is a list of DOGE social media posts identifying the claimed savings at the time the president spoke. We sent our accounting to the White House, which did not dispute it. Instead, we received a statement that the federal government could save up to $747 billion annually.

Two Government Accountability Office reports were the source of this figure. One report, issued last year, said that the “federal government loses an estimated $233 billion to $521 billion” every year to fraud. The other report, also issued in 2024, cited an estimated $236 billion of improper payments for fiscal year 2023.

These reports are filled with caveats, as they are estimates. The 2024 report on fraud relied on information from agency inspectors general, whom Trump has fired, and existing cases — fraud that had already been identified. Then an estimate of potential fraud was developed. As for the improper payments, these were mostly agency estimates of overpayments.

But, again, these are estimates, not hard facts, as Trump claimed.

Here’s the full accounting of what DOGE has claimed so far. “MM” and “M” both refer to million; “B” refers to billion.

Jan. 21: Savings from elimination of the penny: $179 million a year. (DOGE noted a penny cost this much, but then Trump later ordered the U.S. Mint to stop making the penny, so we will credit this to DOGE. The Mint, in its annual report, said it lost $85.3 million in fiscal year 2024 from producing the penny.)

Jan. 22: “$784 MILLION in taxpayer dollars for a new U.S. Embassy in South Sudan, initiated in 2023. This is not a reasonable expenditure.” (No indication this has been canceled, so we will not count this.)

Jan. 27: $1.6 million in leases terminated (superseded by Feb. 2 tweet).

Jan. 28: “DOGE is saving the Federal Government approx. $1 billion/day, mostly from stopping the hiring of people into unnecessary positions, deletion of DEI and stopping improper payments to foreign organizations, all consistent with the President’s Executive Orders.” (No documentation provided, so we will not count this.)

Jan. 29: $45 million in “DEI scholarships” in Myanmar canceled. (This program allowed Burmese students from marginalized and underprivileged backgrounds to study at universities across Asia.)

Jan. 29: The account claims that $1 billion in diversity, equity and inclusion contracts were canceled. (A list was provided by agency, though with few details, but we will count this.)

Feb. 2: “In the past 6 days, the number of lease terminations of underutilized buildings has increased from 3 to 22, with savings increased from $1.6M to $44.6M.”

Feb. 3: “This morning, 20 consulting contracts, mostly focused on ‘strategic communication’ and ‘executive coaching,’ were terminated for immediate savings of $26mm.”

Feb. 3: “All in today, 36 contracts were terminated for a total savings of ~$165mm across 6 agencies, including a DHS contract for ‘people and culture survey and climate support services.’”

Feb. 4: “12 consulting contract terminations (in GSA and the Dept. of Education) for a total savings of ~$30mm, including a $23mm work order for ‘digital modernization Program Management Office support’. -12 underutilized lease cancellations for an annual savings of ~$3mm.”

Feb. 5: “The Social Security Administration has terminated its contract for the ‘Gender X initiative marker’ and removed all references to gender ideology from public facing applications. This saves > $1M.”

Feb. 5: $500,000 to Politico via NASA. (These were subscription payments.)

Feb. 6: $600,000 to the Associated Press.

Feb. 6: “Today, 78 contracts were terminated for convenience across DEI, Non-Performing, Media, and Consulting categories, including one for ‘groundwater exploration and assessment in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.’ Approximately $110mm of total savings.”

Feb. 7: “In the past 48 hours, HHS canceled 62 contract [sic] worth $182 million. These contracts were entirely for administrative expenses — none touched any health care programs. This included terminating a $168,000 contract for an Anthony Fauci exhibit at NIH Museum.”

Feb. 7: “Saved > $4B annually in excessive [National Institutes of Health] grant administrative costs.”

Feb. 7: “Today, the Department of Education terminated three DEI training grants totaling $15M.”

Feb. 7: “Great coordination across 35 agencies over the last two days to terminate 199 wasteful contracts saving ~$250mm, including: Contract for ‘Asia Pacific — Sri Lanka climate change mitigation adaption and resilience coordinator services for forest service.’”

Feb. 10: “Today, the Department of Agriculture terminated 18 contracts for a total of ~$9mm, including contracts for ‘Central American gender assessment consultant services’, ‘Brazil forest and gender consultant services’, and the ‘women in forest carbon initiative mentorship program.’”

Feb. 10: “Today, the Department of Education terminated 29 DEI training grants totaling $101mm.”

Feb. 10: “Also today, the Department Of Education terminated 89 contracts worth $881mm.”

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