Headlines

February 19, 2025

BBC

Trump Suggests Ukraine Started War

Trump criticized Ukraine for not making a deal earlier to avoid the war, claiming the country should have settled the conflict before it began and asserting that he could have negotiated an agreement that preserved most of Ukraine’s territory, prevented destruction, and saved lives.
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New York Post

Hochul Considers Adams' Fate

Governor Kathy Hochul is weighing the unprecedented decision to remove New York City Mayor Eric Adams from office, but is awaiting a federal judge's ruling on the Justice Department’s attempt to dismiss Adams' corruption case before making her move.
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Fox News

Trump, Musk Defend Selves on Hannity

Donald Trump and Elon Musk rejected claims they are causing a constitutional crisis, arguing their critics are guilty of the same actions. In an interview with Sean Hannity, they defended their efforts to reform government through DOGE and criticized the left's opposition as irrational.
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Courthouse News Service

Judge Chutkan Rejects Dem AGs

A federal judge rejected a request from 14 state attorneys general to block the Department of Government Efficiency from accessing federal data or firing staff. She ruled the states' claims of harm were speculative and the court couldn’t act based on media reports or unproven allegations.
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Vatican News

Pope Has Pneumonia in Both Lungs

Despite being diagnosed with double pneumonia, Pope Francis remains in good spirits, continuing to pray, read, and express gratitude for the support and prayers he has received. The Holy See Press Office shared that he spent a restful night, woke up and had breakfast this morning.
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CNN

Clever Airplane Design Credited

All 80 passengers survived a flipped plane crash-landing in Toronto due to modern aviation safety features. These included fuel storage in the wings, 16G seats, and fire-resistant materials. The cabin crew executed a quick and skilled evacuation, completing it in under 90 seconds.
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The Center Square

Biden Student Loan Forgiveness Blocked

A U.S. appeals court set a legal precedent by blocking President Biden's SAVE plan to forgive student loan debt, ruling it exceeded presidential authority. This follows previous legal challenges, including a Supreme Court ruling against Biden's $10,000 per borrower debt cancellation.
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USA Today

WH Says Musk Not in Charge of DOGE

The White House clarified that Elon Musk is not leading the Department of Government Efficiency, stating he is a senior advisor with no decision-making authority. This followed legal challenges to his role. Trump's earlier claims of Musk heading DOGE are now under scrutiny.
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Nieman Lab

Where Age Trumps Nationality

A study across 23 European countries found that age, rather than national context, most influences news consumption. Those aged 35+ seek news for information and knowledge, while younger adults use news for personal growth, entertainment, and social purposes, often favoring videos.
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ABC News

Another Hostage Release Announced

Hamas confirmed it will release six more hostages on Saturday and the bodies of four deceased hostages on Thursday after previously threatening to withhold. Additional hostages and bodies are expected to be released next week as part of the ongoing ceasefire agreement.
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BuzzFeed

MAGA Post Goes Mega Viral

A MAGA supporter and federal employee of 16 years was laid off as part of the Trump administration’s government cuts. She posted a plea to the president that has since gone viral, expressing continued support while asking him to reverse the decision, sparking widespread debate online.
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City Journal

Covid-Era School Closure Has Lasting Impact

The Nation's Report Card results for 2024 reveals stagnant student achievement despite decades of federal and state reforms, highlighting the lasting impact of pandemic-era school closures and raising serious questions about the effectiveness of increased education spending.
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The Guardian

Store's Politics Drive Away Shoppers

A new poll reveals that a quarter of U.S. shoppers have stopped patronizing their favorite stores due to political stances, with four in ten consumers adjusting their spending to reflect personal values, particularly in response to corporate rollbacks of diversity initiatives.
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The Telegraph

Make MAGA Sexy (Again)

Anna Claire Howland gained fame after being featured in "New York Magazine" at a Trump celebration. Raised with conservative values, she embraces the MAGA movement and her role as a young conservative icon, a niche that may be popularizing despite liberal criticism.
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Bring Me The News

GM Wants Trump at Hockey Championship

Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin expressed his desire for President Trump to attend the USA-Canada championship game, highlighting how political tensions between the two nations, particularly around tariffs and Trump's controversial remarks about Canada, has fueled the U.S. team’s performance.
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Setlist.fm

Ultimate Eagles Fan Experience

The Eagles' "Third Encore" fan experience at their Las Vegas residency includes a 1970s-style replica of the Troubadour nightclub, exclusive memorabilia, and a large Eagles merch pop-up. Curated by Cindy Frey, it lets VIP visitors relive the band's early days and connect with the history.
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The Washington Post

Party: "4pm Until the Cops Arrive"

87-year-old Doug Turner of Bucks County in Pennsylvania went viral for delivering handwritten party invitations for his "Celebration of Winter" event, sparking kindness and admiration online. His heartfelt gesture hopefully inspires others to connect with their communities.
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The Atlantic

Frozen Food Is Having a Moment

Food reporter Meghan McCarron writes that frozen food has shifted from bland convenience meals to high-quality, diverse options. Today, the freezer serves as both a time-saving tool and a place to store gourmet or premade meals, blending convenience with culinary creativity.
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Federal News Network

USPS Postmaster General Leaving

Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has announced plans to step down, calling for the USPS Board of Governors to begin the search for his successor while emphasizing the importance of continuing his 10-year reform plan to ensure the agency's long-term financial viability.
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Town & Country

From Roses to Concrete

Trump is reportedly considering replacing the grass in the iconic White House Rose Garden with a hard surface patio like the one at Mar-a-Lago, with designers already drafting plans and discussions ongoing about materials and the possibility of installing hardwood floors for dancing.
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