Headlines

March 13, 2025

Investor's Business Daily

Dow Dives, Gold Hits Record

Bears dominated the stock market Thursday with major indexes dropping up to 2% amid new tariff threats. Gold stocks rose, benefiting from a surge in gold prices. The Nasdaq and S&P 500 saw notable declines, while jobless claims were slightly lower than expected.
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NBC News

Government Shutdown Looms

Senate Democrats are poised to reject the House funding bill, risking a government shutdown while advocating a short-term measure for more negotiation time. Meanwhile, Republicans aim to pass the bill, though it's unclear whether a shutdown can be avoided by Friday's deadline.
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Reuters

Russia Lays Out Its Demands

Russia has presented the U.S. with a list of demands to end the Ukraine war and reset diplomatic relations, including barring Kyiv from NATO membership and foreign troop deployments, though it's unclear if Putin is genuinely committed to peace negotiations.
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BBC

Who Is Mahmoud Khalil?

Khalil, a key figure in Columbia University's 2024 protests for Gaza, was arrested by the Trump administration and faces deportation. His case brings up a new debate over free speech on campuses, with critics arguing the government is targeting activists for their political views.
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Associated Press

What Does Dept. Of Ed Actually Do?

Trump aims to dismantle the U.S. Education Department, which manages funds, loans, financial aid, and civil rights protections. The administration cut staff, reduced contracts, and scaled back federal education roles. Trump opposes loan forgiveness and wants more state control over education.
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CNN

Trump Under Water on Economy

A CNN poll shows 56% of Americans disapprove of President Trump’s handling of the economy, while his approval for immigration enforcement hits a record high. Economic concerns dominate, with widespread discontent over his federal cuts. Trump’s leadership remains deeply polarized.
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Fox News

SpaceX Rescue Mission Postponed

SpaceX and NASA scrubbed the Crew-10 rocket launch due to a hydraulic issue, delaying the mission to bring stranded astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore back from the International Space Station, despite support messages from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Trump.
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ABC News

Tesla Facing Crime Spree

Since Elon Musk's work with DOGE, his company Tesla has faced widespread vandalism, arson, and protests. Incidents include vandalized cars, fire damage at charging stations, and protests against him. These attacks, linked to his controversial role, have led to calls for investigation.
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NPR

Missing Student: Person of Interest ID'd

A 22-year-old U.S. man from Iowa, Joshua Riibe, has been named a person of interest in the investigation of Sudiksha Konanki's disappearance in the Dominican Republic. Authorities are conducting a multi-agency search, but many potential witnesses have already returned to the U.S.
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Politico

Rahm To Run for President?

Rahm Emanuel, fresh from his ambassadorship in Japan, is teasing a 2028 presidential run. With his extensive political and diplomatic experience, he's gaining attention but faces resistance from progressives. His blunt approach and centrist views could make him a strong contender.
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The Hill

Heritage: Wind Down Israel Aid

The Heritage Foundation proposes winding down U.S. military aid to Israel by 2047, shifting toward a 'strategic partnership.' The plan suggests Israel buy U.S. arms starting in 2039, with aid being reduced from 2029, and aims to bolster trade and defense ties without financial dependence.
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National Review

Oped: Trump’s War on Canada

President Trump escalated tensions with Canada, threatening to impose a 50% tariff on its exports. This follows his trade war with Canada, sparked by Ontario’s electricity surcharge. His actions risk harming U.S. business relations and destabilizing diplomacy with a key ally.
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BBC

Tracing the Path of Fentanyl

A fentanyl dealer, Jay, explains how synthetic opioids flow from Mexico to the U.S., with President Trump's tariffs aiming to stop the trade. Despite efforts by Mexico to curb cartels, fentanyl remains widespread, devastating U.S. communities, as seen in places like Kensington in Philadelphia.
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The Washington Post

Russia's Maximalist Position

A Kremlin document demands the dismantling of Ukraine's government, recognition of Russian sovereignty over seized territories in Ukraine, and a buffer zone. The document rejects peacekeepers, Trump’s peace plan, and seeks U.S.-Russia diplomatic normalization by stoking tensions with allies.
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Al Jazeera

Pakistan Says 300+ Hostages Free

Pakistan's military freed 346 hostages from a hijacked train in Balochistan, killing all 33 attackers. The Balochistan Liberation Army claimed responsibility, demanding the release of jailed fighters. The attack left 27 hostages and one soldier dead during the standoff.
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CBS

Columbine Claims Another Victim

The death of Columbine shooting survivor Anne Marie Hochhalter, who passed away in February 2025, has been classified as a homicide, with complications from her paralysis due to gunshot wounds sustained in the 1999 attack being a significant contributing factor.
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Fox News

"This Hearing Is Adjourned"

Rep. Keith Self adjourned a hearing after Rep. Bill Keating objected to Self referring to Rep. Sarah McBride as "Mr. McBride" instead of "Madam Chair." Some GOP members supported Self's gender-binary stance, while McBride responded with gratitude despite the disrespect.
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The Atlantic

The Man Who Owned 181 Renoirs

Albert C. Barnes built a groundbreaking modern art collection, but his authoritarian vision for the Barnes Foundation — focused on education and exclusivity — clashed with the institution's survival. His rigid methods and emotional struggles left a complicated legacy in art history.
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Vatican News

The Pope Is Improving

Pope Francis remains in stable condition at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, with recent X-rays confirming improvements in his health, as he continues high-flow oxygen therapy, non-invasive mechanical ventilation, and spiritual exercises while following his daily routine of prayer and rest.
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Variety

Piano Man Postpones Tour

Billy Joel has postponed eight concerts due to a "medical condition" following recent surgery. He emphasized that his health must come first and is expected to fully recover with doctor-supervised therapy. His next scheduled show is on July 5 in Pittsburgh, with international travel to follow.
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