Headlines

February 24, 2025

Axios

3 Years Later, Trump Has Ukraine in Vise

Three years into the war, the Trump administration is pressuring Ukraine with economic demands to end the conflict, raising concerns among U.S. allies. Trump’s shift in focus from Russia to Kyiv, while condemning Zelensky's actions, has strained relations with Ukraine and its partners.
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Associated Press

State Dept., FBI Don't Respond to Musk

Key U.S. agencies are resisting Elon Musk’s demand for federal employees to report weekly accomplishments, with some workers told to ignore the request, causing confusion and legal concerns. The move, backed by President Trump, has led to opposition from unions and other officials.
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NBC News

Jane Fonda Fires Up the SAG Awards

At the 31st Screen Actors Guild Awards, "Shōgun" continued its dominance. Kieran Culkin took home another supporting actor win, while Jane Fonda, receiving the Life Achievement Award, delivered a political speech warning of resistance, indirectly critiquing the Trump administration.
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Fox News

Bongino to Deputy Director of FBI

Trump has appointed former Secret Service agent, ex-Fox News host, and conservative commentator Dan Bongino as the deputy director of the FBI, praising his law enforcement background and commitment to justice while he joins newly confirmed FBI Director Kash Patel in leading the bureau.
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New York Post

Zelensky: “A Grant Is Not a Debt”

The Ukrainian President rejected a U.S. proposal linking mineral rights to aid repayment, insisting the assistance was a grant, not a debt, and stating that any deal must include written security guarantees to ensure protection beyond Trump’s administration.
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Deutsche Welle

Right-Leaning Parties Win Over Germany

In Germany's election, the right-leaning CDU/CSU coalition won the most votes, followed by the far-right AfD. The left-leaning SPD suffered losses, and the more liberal FDP failed to meet the 5% threshold. The CDU/CSU now needs to form a coalition to secure a majority.
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BET

Harris Receives NAACP Chairman's Award

Kamala Harris received the award for her public service at the 56th NAACP Image Awards. She spoke about the importance of activism, unity, and vigilance in the fight for justice. Harris's career, from District Attorney to Vice President, inspires her commitment to civil rights and social equity.
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Variety

Joy Reid and Alex Wagner Axed at MSNBC

MSNBC is making major changes to its primetime lineup, removing Joy Reid and Alex Wagner from their evening slots as part of a broader shake-up under new network president Rebecca Kutler, with Symone Sanders-Townsend, Alicia Menendez, and Michael Steele set to take over the 7 p.m. hour.
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CBS News

Pope Critical, Asks for Prayers

Pope Francis remains in critical condition with a complex lung infection and early kidney failure, though he remains alert. The Vatican has denied speculation about his resignation, emphasizing the need for prayers as he continues treatment at Rome's Gemelli hospital.
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BBC

Zelensky Would Quit for NATO Membership

Zelensky said he'd give up his presidency, after five years of leadership, for peace and NATO membership, rejecting deals that burden future generations. He responded to Trump's "dictator" comment, focusing on Ukraine's security amid ongoing Russian drone attacks.
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MSN

Why DOGE Will Backfire

Donald Moynihan argues Trump and Musk's efforts to reduce the civil service may cut costs but risk harming government efficiency. Their actions could politicize agencies, slow essential services, and deter recruitment, weakening the government's ability to perform critical tasks long term.
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The Washington Post

Makes No Cents: Deficit DOGE Checks

The Washington Post Editorial Board says that using savings from the U.S. DOGE Service to fund stimulus checks, as Trump has considered, would be fiscally reckless and could exacerbate inflation given the nation’s mounting debt, ongoing deficits, and looming entitlement crises.
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Audacy

States Move to “Lock the Clock”

As nearly two dozen states move to eradicate daylight saving time—potentially springing forward for the last time this March—sleep experts and health organizations agree that standard time better aligns with human circadian rhythms, though the nation is divided on how to "lock the clock."
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WBZ Boston

Homan “Bringing Hell” to Boston

Tom Homan criticized Boston's sanctuary city policies, threatening to bring "hell" after the police commissioner refused to assist ICE. Mayor Michelle Wu defended the police, highlighting low crime rates. The state of Massachusetts is under investigation for its sanctuary cities.
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USA Today

DeNiro's "Emergency" Warning on Netflix

In Netflix's "Zero Day," ex-president Robert Mullen (Robert De Niro) investigates a cyberattack orchestrated by Speaker Richard Dreyer (Matthew Modine) to manipulate public trust in the government. The series explores power, compromise, and the dangerous consequences of drastic actions.
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Mediaite

Carville: Trump Collapse Within 30 Days

James Carville predicted the Trump administration would collapse within 30 days due to its rapidly declining public support, advising Democrats to remain passive and let it unravel. He suggested the administration's struggles would provide opportunities for Democrats to capitalize on.
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Gallup

LGBTQ+ ID Rises to 9.3%

A Gallup poll shows 9.3% of U.S. adults identify as LGBTQ+, nearly doubling since 2012, driven by younger generations, especially Gen Z, where over 20% identify as a part of the community. There is higher bisexual identification among youth, while older generations show small changes in LGBTQ+ identification.
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The US Sun

Report: Eagles To Snub Trump

The Philadelphia Eagles plan to decline an invitation to the White House after their Super Bowl victory, continuing their 2018 snub of Trump due to differences in values regarding respect, equality, and racial justice, with players and ownership emphasizing their commitment to standing firm on these principles.
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TIME Magazine

Somewhere Between a Text and Phone Call

Voice notes are a small but meaningful act of love, offering a personal connection that blends the richness of hearing someone’s voice with the convenience of asynchronous communication, allowing people to stay involved in each other's lives despite distance.
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Daily Mail

Bieber Drops Gloves in Charity Match

Justin Bieber surprised fans at a charity hockey game in Los Angeles by dropping his gloves and getting in a physical altercation with NHL legend Jeremy Roenick, as rumors about his health and possible drug use continue to circulate amid his participation in the event.
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