February 7, 2025
US
•07.02.2025
•Friday
•198 days ago
•⌨
Russell Vought's confirmation as OMB director in the morning signaled acceleration of Project 2025's federal restructuring. By afternoon, reports emerged of USAID's reduction to 290 employees from 10,000, triggering union lawsuits and international concern.
A federal judge blocked the administration's attempt to place 2,200 USAID workers on administrative leave, marking the first successful legal challenge to Trump's federal workforce reduction. The ruling came as companies like GM, Pepsi, and Disney quietly removed DEI references from investor documents.
DOGE faced multiple setbacks as a senior staffer resigned over racist social media posts, while 14 states prepared legal action regarding its access to Treasury payment systems. Netanyahu praised Trump's Gaza proposal as "the first original idea," while three NATO members announced plans to disconnect from Russia's electricity grid.
A federal judge blocked the administration's attempt to place 2,200 USAID workers on administrative leave, marking the first successful legal challenge to Trump's federal workforce reduction. The ruling came as companies like GM, Pepsi, and Disney quietly removed DEI references from investor documents.
DOGE faced multiple setbacks as a senior staffer resigned over racist social media posts, while 14 states prepared legal action regarding its access to Treasury payment systems. Netanyahu praised Trump's Gaza proposal as "the first original idea," while three NATO members announced plans to disconnect from Russia's electricity grid.
Israel
•07.02.2025
•Friday
•198 days ago
•⌨
The morning began with Defense Minister Katz ordering a reprimand of Military Intelligence Chief Binder for warning about potential Ramadan escalation due to Trump's Gaza population transfer plan. By afternoon, tension mounted as Hamas missed the 4 PM deadline for submitting names for the fifth hostage exchange, claiming humanitarian protocol violations. After a two-hour delay, Hamas provided the names of three male hostages: Eli Sharabi (51), Or Levy (34), and Ohad Ben Ami (56), all in captivity for 491 days.
The media coverage reflected the continuing impact of Trump's Gaza plan announcement from February 5, with Netanyahu's support generating internal military and political friction. Released prisoners are now being shown footage of Gaza's destruction before their release, while preparations continue for tomorrow's exchange from central Gaza positions.
The media coverage reflected the continuing impact of Trump's Gaza plan announcement from February 5, with Netanyahu's support generating internal military and political friction. Released prisoners are now being shown footage of Gaza's destruction before their release, while preparations continue for tomorrow's exchange from central Gaza positions.
Germany
•07.02.2025
•Friday
•198 days ago
•⌨
Trump's leaked Ukraine settlement proposal dominated morning coverage, suggesting Russian territorial gains and an April 20th ceasefire. The plan emerged alongside his ICC sanctions and Gaza proposals, forming a pattern of international policy reversals.
By midday, Ukrainian forces advanced in Kursk while announcing plans to replace Russian gas with US LNG imports. The military success contrasted with mounting domestic challenges, as public sector strikes expanded and healthcare costs reached record levels.
Evening coverage focused on election dynamics, with mass demonstrations failing to affect polling numbers. The CDU maintained stability despite church criticism of Merz's migration stance, while AfD received significant Austrian donations. The Left Party gained unexpected momentum, particularly through candidate Heidi Reichinnek.
Trump's appointment of Musk to review Pentagon budgets and his "faith office" plans closed the day's coverage, alongside reports of new bird flu variants affecting cattle.
By midday, Ukrainian forces advanced in Kursk while announcing plans to replace Russian gas with US LNG imports. The military success contrasted with mounting domestic challenges, as public sector strikes expanded and healthcare costs reached record levels.
Evening coverage focused on election dynamics, with mass demonstrations failing to affect polling numbers. The CDU maintained stability despite church criticism of Merz's migration stance, while AfD received significant Austrian donations. The Left Party gained unexpected momentum, particularly through candidate Heidi Reichinnek.
Trump's appointment of Musk to review Pentagon budgets and his "faith office" plans closed the day's coverage, alongside reports of new bird flu variants affecting cattle.
France
•07.02.2025
•Friday
•198 days ago
•⌨
The morning began with FNSEA's historic loss in agricultural elections to Rural Coordination, continuing the previous week's agricultural crisis momentum. By midday, François Bayrou shifted national discourse by calling for a broader debate on French identity beyond birthright citizenship, sparking responses from across the political spectrum. A Macronist deputy left his parliamentary group in protest.
The afternoon centered on Nicolas Sarkozy receiving his electronic monitoring bracelet - a first for a former French president. Simultaneously, Macron announced an aggressive AI development strategy through the new Current AI foundation, while content creators protested against AI companies' use of their work.
Evening coverage focused on the Hamas-Israel prisoner exchange announcement, with three Israeli hostages to be freed Saturday, while Russian forces captured Toretsk in northern Donbass, marking their first significant territorial gain of 2025.
The afternoon centered on Nicolas Sarkozy receiving his electronic monitoring bracelet - a first for a former French president. Simultaneously, Macron announced an aggressive AI development strategy through the new Current AI foundation, while content creators protested against AI companies' use of their work.
Evening coverage focused on the Hamas-Israel prisoner exchange announcement, with three Israeli hostages to be freed Saturday, while Russian forces captured Toretsk in northern Donbass, marking their first significant territorial gain of 2025.
Lebanon
•07.02.2025
•Friday
•198 days ago
•⌨
US Deputy Envoy Morgan Ortagus's visit to Baabda Palace marked a shift in Lebanon's cabinet formation, declaring Hezbollah's defeat and demanding its exclusion from government. This triggered protests at Beirut Airport and distancing statements from the presidency. The morning saw Pope Francis sending a message to President Aoun emphasizing Lebanon's role in civilization.
Israeli strikes continued in Bisariye and Tirharfa, where a Hezbollah official and his daughters were killed in a house explosion. By afternoon, border clashes intensified with Lebanese clans fighting HTS militants, resulting in ten casualties and the recapture of Jarmash village.
Evening developments focused on weapons deals, with Pentagon announcing $6.75 billion in arms sales to Israel. Cabinet negotiations continued with reports of Raed Sharafeddine emerging as potential fifth Shiite minister, while Trump signed new sanctions against ICC amid regional discussions on Gaza's future.
Israeli strikes continued in Bisariye and Tirharfa, where a Hezbollah official and his daughters were killed in a house explosion. By afternoon, border clashes intensified with Lebanese clans fighting HTS militants, resulting in ten casualties and the recapture of Jarmash village.
Evening developments focused on weapons deals, with Pentagon announcing $6.75 billion in arms sales to Israel. Cabinet negotiations continued with reports of Raed Sharafeddine emerging as potential fifth Shiite minister, while Trump signed new sanctions against ICC amid regional discussions on Gaza's future.
Ukraine
•07.02.2025
•Friday
•198 days ago
•⌨
The morning began with reports detailing Trump's envoy Kellogg's first meeting with Ukraine's ambassador, where he rated current sanctions against Russia "three out of ten" while promising to double them under Trump. By midday, sources claimed Trump's peace deal was "90% ready," coinciding with confirmation of Ukraine's 5km advance into Russia's Kursk region.
The afternoon saw Trump announcing plans to meet Zelenskyy next week, while also indicating intention to speak with Putin. Zelenskyy confirmed upcoming negotiations with Trump's team and validated the Kursk offensive's progress.
Evening developments centered on Ukraine's military recruitment plans for ages 18-24 and a potential US-Ukraine gas storage deal. The Justice Department's dissolution of its Russian oligarch task force continued generating discussion throughout the day, marking a shift in US policy approach.
The afternoon saw Trump announcing plans to meet Zelenskyy next week, while also indicating intention to speak with Putin. Zelenskyy confirmed upcoming negotiations with Trump's team and validated the Kursk offensive's progress.
Evening developments centered on Ukraine's military recruitment plans for ages 18-24 and a potential US-Ukraine gas storage deal. The Justice Department's dissolution of its Russian oligarch task force continued generating discussion throughout the day, marking a shift in US policy approach.
Palestine
•07.02.2025
•Friday
•198 days ago
•⌨
Trump's imposition of sanctions on the International Criminal Court generated immediate international opposition, with 79 countries explicitly rejecting the measures by early afternoon. The European Commission warned of undermining global accountability.
Hamas announced the names of three Israeli prisoners to be released tomorrow, while Israel prepared to free 183 Palestinian prisoners. The exchange coordination revealed a single designated transfer point in Gaza.
Reports emerged of Egyptian diplomatic intensification against Trump's Gaza transfer plan, with sources indicating preparations for an emergency Arab summit in Cairo. The Washington Post reported Egyptian military readiness to intervene if forced displacement occurs.
UNRWA warned of flooding in displacement camps as winter storms intensified, while revealing that only 10% of agreed humanitarian aid has entered Gaza under the current protocol.
Hamas announced the names of three Israeli prisoners to be released tomorrow, while Israel prepared to free 183 Palestinian prisoners. The exchange coordination revealed a single designated transfer point in Gaza.
Reports emerged of Egyptian diplomatic intensification against Trump's Gaza transfer plan, with sources indicating preparations for an emergency Arab summit in Cairo. The Washington Post reported Egyptian military readiness to intervene if forced displacement occurs.
UNRWA warned of flooding in displacement camps as winter storms intensified, while revealing that only 10% of agreed humanitarian aid has entered Gaza under the current protocol.
UK
•07.02.2025
•Friday
•198 days ago
•⌨
Trump's sanctions against the ICC over its Israel-Hamas investigations prompted immediate international response, with the court vowing to continue its work despite US pressure. Throughout the day, dozens of countries voiced support for the ICC, though some notable allies remained silent.
The government's confirmation of Grenfell Tower's demolition sparked controversy among survivors, marking a significant shift in the building's post-fire legacy. Meanwhile, ITV pulled all Gino D'Acampo's shows following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct spanning 12 years.
By evening, attention turned to the Franco-British murder investigation, as new details suggested UK organized crime involvement in the death of a former financial investigator and spouse. The Swedish response to the Örebro shooting materialized in planned gun law reforms, while Hamas named the next three hostages for release, continuing the exchange process that began earlier in the week.
The government's confirmation of Grenfell Tower's demolition sparked controversy among survivors, marking a significant shift in the building's post-fire legacy. Meanwhile, ITV pulled all Gino D'Acampo's shows following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct spanning 12 years.
By evening, attention turned to the Franco-British murder investigation, as new details suggested UK organized crime involvement in the death of a former financial investigator and spouse. The Swedish response to the Örebro shooting materialized in planned gun law reforms, while Hamas named the next three hostages for release, continuing the exchange process that began earlier in the week.
Iran
•07.02.2025
•Friday
•198 days ago
•⌨
Following Trump's sanctions on the International Criminal Court and amid new restrictions on Iran-China oil networks, Khamenei delivered his most forceful rejection of negotiations with the US during a meeting with Air Force commanders. His morning speech explicitly cited the JCPOA experience as evidence of futility, while warning of reciprocal threats.
The White House responded by characterizing Iran's government as being at its "weakest position." Meanwhile, domestic attention shifted to severe weather conditions, with 28 provinces announcing office closures and nationwide schools moving to remote learning. The weather crisis overshadowed other developments, including UN calls to halt Pakhshan Azizi's execution and a fatal accident involving the women's water polo team.
Evening coverage returned to the diplomatic standoff, as Iranian officials condemned the US extension of unilateral sanctions to international institutions.
The White House responded by characterizing Iran's government as being at its "weakest position." Meanwhile, domestic attention shifted to severe weather conditions, with 28 provinces announcing office closures and nationwide schools moving to remote learning. The weather crisis overshadowed other developments, including UN calls to halt Pakhshan Azizi's execution and a fatal accident involving the women's water polo team.
Evening coverage returned to the diplomatic standoff, as Iranian officials condemned the US extension of unilateral sanctions to international institutions.
Russia
•07.02.2025
•Friday
•198 days ago
•⌨
Russian state media morning coverage focused on FSB claims of detaining four female agents allegedly planning attacks on military officers, while simultaneously reporting on Trump's potential Ukraine peace plan leaks. By mid-morning, coverage shifted to economic claims, with Putin and Mishustin announcing record GDP growth amid reports of "friendly" nations refusing investments.
The afternoon brought coordinated announcements of Dzerzhinsk/Toretsk capture in DPR, with state media claiming 26,000 Ukrainian casualties over five months of fighting. This narrative dominated coverage through evening, pushing other stories aside.
The day concluded with sudden leadership changes - Novgorod Governor Nikitin's resignation and immediate appointment as Deputy Transport Minister - while diplomatic tensions rose over France's visa denials to Russian journalists and Azerbaijan's closure of the Russian House in Baku.
The afternoon brought coordinated announcements of Dzerzhinsk/Toretsk capture in DPR, with state media claiming 26,000 Ukrainian casualties over five months of fighting. This narrative dominated coverage through evening, pushing other stories aside.
The day concluded with sudden leadership changes - Novgorod Governor Nikitin's resignation and immediate appointment as Deputy Transport Minister - while diplomatic tensions rose over France's visa denials to Russian journalists and Azerbaijan's closure of the Russian House in Baku.
Italy
•07.02.2025
•Friday
•198 days ago
•⌨
The morning began with Trump's executive order imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court, creating an immediate split between Italy and other EU members. While 79 countries signed against Trump's sanctions, Italy notably abstained, marking its first major break from EU consensus on international justice.
By afternoon, tensions escalated between Rome's intelligence services and prosecutors, with DIS filing a formal complaint against Prosecutor Lo Voi for allegedly leaking classified information. This development connected to the ongoing Paragon surveillance controversy and Almasri case.
A significant earthquake (magnitude 4.8) near the Aeolian Islands disrupted the news cycle, while Hamas prepared to release three named hostages. The evening saw Meloni attempting to defuse internal coalition tensions over leaked FdI chat messages mocking Salvini, while maintaining support for Trump's ICC position despite EU criticism.
By afternoon, tensions escalated between Rome's intelligence services and prosecutors, with DIS filing a formal complaint against Prosecutor Lo Voi for allegedly leaking classified information. This development connected to the ongoing Paragon surveillance controversy and Almasri case.
A significant earthquake (magnitude 4.8) near the Aeolian Islands disrupted the news cycle, while Hamas prepared to release three named hostages. The evening saw Meloni attempting to defuse internal coalition tensions over leaked FdI chat messages mocking Salvini, while maintaining support for Trump's ICC position despite EU criticism.
Japan
•07.02.2025
•Friday
•198 days ago
•⌨
The Agriculture Ministry announced emergency release of rice reserves to counter price spikes, as harvests hit historic lows - Hamanako's clam production dropped from 6,000 tons to 180kg since 2009. Former Ohtani interpreter Mizuhara received 4 years 9 months prison sentence and $26 million restitution order.
Prosecutors raided PR firm Melchu over suspected election law violations in Hyogo Governor Saito's social media campaign. The 10-year operation of a previously undisclosed US military radar base in Kyoto came to light.
By afternoon, severe weather warnings expanded as the season's strongest cold wave returned. The Meteorological Agency issued special snow warnings for Niigata and Noto Peninsula, expecting significant transportation disruptions. Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance announced plans for $5 billion expansion into US and UK markets, while manufacturing sector reported 8% profit growth driven by AI investments.
Prosecutors raided PR firm Melchu over suspected election law violations in Hyogo Governor Saito's social media campaign. The 10-year operation of a previously undisclosed US military radar base in Kyoto came to light.
By afternoon, severe weather warnings expanded as the season's strongest cold wave returned. The Meteorological Agency issued special snow warnings for Niigata and Noto Peninsula, expecting significant transportation disruptions. Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance announced plans for $5 billion expansion into US and UK markets, while manufacturing sector reported 8% profit growth driven by AI investments.
Netherlands
•07.02.2025
•Friday
•198 days ago
•⌨
Trump's sanctions against the International Criminal Court in The Hague, following his Gaza resort plan from yesterday, prompted 79 countries to issue condemnations. The Netherlands, as host country, expressed particular concern.
Internal PVV tensions dominated coverage as Wilders threatened to dismiss his own state secretary Coenradie, with shouting heard through ministry doors. Minister Faber intervened to protect Coenradie, while simultaneously maintaining a firm stance on asylum laws despite Council of State advice. The controversial PVV plan to release prisoners early was abandoned, with the ministry arranging additional cells at Schiphol.
Putin acknowledged "very difficult" situation in Kursk as Ukraine prepared to deploy French Mirage fighters. Gas prices surged 30% due to Siberian polar vortex, while Canadian consumers launched boycotts against American products in response to Trump's trade threats.
Internal PVV tensions dominated coverage as Wilders threatened to dismiss his own state secretary Coenradie, with shouting heard through ministry doors. Minister Faber intervened to protect Coenradie, while simultaneously maintaining a firm stance on asylum laws despite Council of State advice. The controversial PVV plan to release prisoners early was abandoned, with the ministry arranging additional cells at Schiphol.
Putin acknowledged "very difficult" situation in Kursk as Ukraine prepared to deploy French Mirage fighters. Gas prices surged 30% due to Siberian polar vortex, while Canadian consumers launched boycotts against American products in response to Trump's trade threats.
India
•07.02.2025
•Friday
•198 days ago
•⌨
Morning began with RBI's first interest rate cut in five years, lowering the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.25%. This economic shift was overshadowed by ACB officers arriving at Delhi CM Kejriwal's residence following his allegations of BJP offering ₹15 crore to AAP candidates. The officers left after 1.5 hours without meeting Kejriwal, leaving only a notice.
The Foreign Ministry confirmed 487 more Indians face deportation from the US, while addressing concerns about handcuffed deportees from previous flights. As PM Modi prepared for his February 12-13 US visit, diplomatic tensions rose with Bangladesh after India summoned their envoy over the Yunus government's protest of Sheikh Hasina's remarks.
Evening coverage focused on tomorrow's Delhi election results, with media analyzing potential scenarios for BJP's first victory in 27 years or AAP's fourth term.
The Foreign Ministry confirmed 487 more Indians face deportation from the US, while addressing concerns about handcuffed deportees from previous flights. As PM Modi prepared for his February 12-13 US visit, diplomatic tensions rose with Bangladesh after India summoned their envoy over the Yunus government's protest of Sheikh Hasina's remarks.
Evening coverage focused on tomorrow's Delhi election results, with media analyzing potential scenarios for BJP's first victory in 27 years or AAP's fourth term.
Poland
•07.02.2025
•Friday
•198 days ago
•⌨
Trump's nomination of Thomas Rose as US Ambassador dominated morning coverage, with PiS claiming two-month prior knowledge of the appointment. The nomination connects to previous days' repositioning of US-Poland relations. Rose's critical stance toward Tusk's coalition sparked media discussion about potential diplomatic tensions.
By afternoon, Tusk announced deportation plans for criminal foreigners, presenting it as immediate response to security concerns. This coincided with EU confirmation of migrant quota requirements for Poland.
Mass layoff reports emerged showing highest numbers since pandemic, while controversy grew over police dawn raid of 66-year-old woman over Owsiak-related social media posts. Pentagon chief's announced visit to Poland emerged as significant development by evening, while Trump-Zelenskyy meeting date confirmation added context to ongoing regional security discussions.
By afternoon, Tusk announced deportation plans for criminal foreigners, presenting it as immediate response to security concerns. This coincided with EU confirmation of migrant quota requirements for Poland.
Mass layoff reports emerged showing highest numbers since pandemic, while controversy grew over police dawn raid of 66-year-old woman over Owsiak-related social media posts. Pentagon chief's announced visit to Poland emerged as significant development by evening, while Trump-Zelenskyy meeting date confirmation added context to ongoing regional security discussions.
Spain
•07.02.2025
•Friday
•198 days ago
•⌨
The morning opened with developments in migration policy, as PP opposed Moncloa's plan for redistributing unaccompanied minors that excluded Basque Country and Catalonia. Junts demanded special treatment for Catalonia in migration management.
By midday, the far-right summit in Madrid gained prominence, with Vox positioning itself as bridge between European and American ultra-right movements. Le Pen, Salvini, and Orbán converged to discuss reshaping the EU following Trump's US model. The EU's careful response to Trump's Gaza statements continued, maintaining support for two-state solution while avoiding direct confrontation.
Barcelona municipality finalized the €9.2 million purchase of Casa Orsola with Hàbitat 3, addressing rental crisis concerns. Meanwhile, Golden Visa's approaching end accelerated foreign purchases of luxury properties. Five pro-Russian suspects were arrested in Barcelona for alleged terrorist actions against Ukraine support.
By midday, the far-right summit in Madrid gained prominence, with Vox positioning itself as bridge between European and American ultra-right movements. Le Pen, Salvini, and Orbán converged to discuss reshaping the EU following Trump's US model. The EU's careful response to Trump's Gaza statements continued, maintaining support for two-state solution while avoiding direct confrontation.
Barcelona municipality finalized the €9.2 million purchase of Casa Orsola with Hàbitat 3, addressing rental crisis concerns. Meanwhile, Golden Visa's approaching end accelerated foreign purchases of luxury properties. Five pro-Russian suspects were arrested in Barcelona for alleged terrorist actions against Ukraine support.
Turkey
•07.02.2025
•Friday
•198 days ago
•⌨
The bootleg alcohol crisis reached new heights as death counts hit 33 in Ankara and 70 in Istanbul. Morning coverage focused on judicial developments, with nine defendants receiving life sentences in the Hrant Dink case, while the Istanbul Governor's office rejected CHP's request for a Gaza solidarity march.
By afternoon, President Erdoğan's direct confrontation with Mayor İmamoğlu during the AKP Istanbul congress generated multiple response cycles, culminating in Justice Minister Tunç's intervention regarding İmamoğlu's comments about the judiciary. The evening brought Kılıçdaroğlu's first substantial statement since his electoral defeat, speaking of "betrayal by companions" - a clear reference to İmamoğlu and Yavaş.
Weather continued affecting Istanbul operations, while officials processed MHP leader Bahçeli's successful heart surgery from the previous day. The Central Bank's inflation forecast revision sparked minimal coverage, suggesting media focus remained on political narratives.
By afternoon, President Erdoğan's direct confrontation with Mayor İmamoğlu during the AKP Istanbul congress generated multiple response cycles, culminating in Justice Minister Tunç's intervention regarding İmamoğlu's comments about the judiciary. The evening brought Kılıçdaroğlu's first substantial statement since his electoral defeat, speaking of "betrayal by companions" - a clear reference to İmamoğlu and Yavaş.
Weather continued affecting Istanbul operations, while officials processed MHP leader Bahçeli's successful heart surgery from the previous day. The Central Bank's inflation forecast revision sparked minimal coverage, suggesting media focus remained on political narratives.
China
•07.02.2025
•Friday
•198 days ago
•⌨
State media orchestrated extensive coverage of Xi Jinping's presence at the Asian Winter Games in Harbin, with coordinated messaging about peace and prosperity across multiple outlets. This sports diplomacy occurred against intensifying trade tensions, as Hong Kong suspended US-bound mail services and announced WTO complaints about Trump's tariffs.
DeepSeek's content restrictions on sensitive topics generated international attention, while reports emerged of China becoming ASML's largest customer. The morning's coverage revealed Canada's termination of the Hong Kong graduate work permit scheme, implemented after the 2020 security law.
By afternoon, coverage shifted to Chinese military joint training in the Taiwan Strait and discussions of industrial competitiveness. The Flower Market redevelopment approval in Hong Kong, despite public opposition, highlighted ongoing urban transformation tensions. Third and fourth-tier cities emerged as key drivers of Lunar New Year consumption, indicating economic activity's geographic shift.
DeepSeek's content restrictions on sensitive topics generated international attention, while reports emerged of China becoming ASML's largest customer. The morning's coverage revealed Canada's termination of the Hong Kong graduate work permit scheme, implemented after the 2020 security law.
By afternoon, coverage shifted to Chinese military joint training in the Taiwan Strait and discussions of industrial competitiveness. The Flower Market redevelopment approval in Hong Kong, despite public opposition, highlighted ongoing urban transformation tensions. Third and fourth-tier cities emerged as key drivers of Lunar New Year consumption, indicating economic activity's geographic shift.
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