February 8, 2025
US
•08.02.2025
•Saturday
•197 days ago
•⌨
Trump's morning revocation of Biden's security clearance initiated a wave of similar actions against political opponents, citing Biden's 2021 precedent. The move coincided with multiple legal setbacks for the administration's federal restructuring.
A federal judge blocked DOGE's access to Treasury payment systems, warning of "irreparable harm," while another ruling halted the placement of 2,200 USAID employees on administrative leave. Nineteen states filed suit to prevent DOGE from accessing Treasury Department personal data records.
By evening, reports emerged of DOGE obtaining Treasury data despite court orders, raising security concerns. Federal workers' unions reported membership surges in response to the restructuring. The administration announced plans for reciprocal tariffs and new NIH funding policies, while Trump's takeover of the Kennedy Center board faced institutional resistance.
A federal judge blocked DOGE's access to Treasury payment systems, warning of "irreparable harm," while another ruling halted the placement of 2,200 USAID employees on administrative leave. Nineteen states filed suit to prevent DOGE from accessing Treasury Department personal data records.
By evening, reports emerged of DOGE obtaining Treasury data despite court orders, raising security concerns. Federal workers' unions reported membership surges in response to the restructuring. The administration announced plans for reciprocal tariffs and new NIH funding policies, while Trump's takeover of the Kennedy Center board faced institutional resistance.
Israel
•08.02.2025
•Saturday
•197 days ago
•⌨
The fifth phase of hostage exchange began with Hamas staging a propaganda event in Deir al-Balah, where Or Levy, Eli Sharabi, and Ohad Ben Ami appeared visibly emaciated after 491 days in captivity. The Red Cross vehicles arrived at 8:30 AM, with the transfer completed by 10:00 AM.
By afternoon, medical reports revealed severe malnutrition and psychological trauma. The hostages were kept underground, isolated from news, and received increased food portions only days before release. Or Levy's reunion with his 3-year-old son Almog generated significant coverage, while Eli Sharabi learned about his wife and daughters' deaths on October 7.
Security officials warned about deteriorating conditions of remaining hostages, using the returnees' state to pressure for accelerated negotiations. The cabinet postponed decisions about phase two until after evaluating Hamas's staged release ceremony.
By afternoon, medical reports revealed severe malnutrition and psychological trauma. The hostages were kept underground, isolated from news, and received increased food portions only days before release. Or Levy's reunion with his 3-year-old son Almog generated significant coverage, while Eli Sharabi learned about his wife and daughters' deaths on October 7.
Security officials warned about deteriorating conditions of remaining hostages, using the returnees' state to pressure for accelerated negotiations. The cabinet postponed decisions about phase two until after evaluating Hamas's staged release ceremony.
Germany
•08.02.2025
•Saturday
•197 days ago
•⌨
The morning began with Scholz acknowledging the heating law failure while preparing for his debate with Merz. Hamas released three hostages, including German-Israeli Ohad Ben Ami, after 491 days of captivity.
By early afternoon, Munich witnessed one of Germany's largest demonstrations, with police confirming 200,000 participants protesting against right-wing movements. The CSU party conference saw Söder and Dobrindt intensifying criticism of both the Greens and public broadcasters.
Evening coverage centered on mounting criticism of ARD and ZDF's political programming, with accusations of audience manipulation spreading across political spectrum. Reports of decreasing illegal migration numbers emerged, attributed to enhanced border controls. The Baltic states' disconnection from Russian power grid marked a shift in energy independence strategy.
By early afternoon, Munich witnessed one of Germany's largest demonstrations, with police confirming 200,000 participants protesting against right-wing movements. The CSU party conference saw Söder and Dobrindt intensifying criticism of both the Greens and public broadcasters.
Evening coverage centered on mounting criticism of ARD and ZDF's political programming, with accusations of audience manipulation spreading across political spectrum. Reports of decreasing illegal migration numbers emerged, attributed to enhanced border controls. The Baltic states' disconnection from Russian power grid marked a shift in energy independence strategy.
France
•08.02.2025
•Saturday
•197 days ago
•⌨
Morning coverage centered on the funeral of young Émile, whose remains were found after 19 months of searching. The ceremony occurred as news broke of 11-year-old Louise's body discovery in Essonne woods, with initial reports of multiple stab wounds.
The fifth Hamas-Israel prisoner exchange proceeded as scheduled, with three Israeli hostages (Or Levy, Eli Sharabi, Ohad Ben Ami) exchanged for 183 Palestinian prisoners - following Trump's controversial Gaza plan from earlier this week.
François Bayrou's government continued pushing its identity politics agenda, extending beyond Mayotte's birthright citizenship restrictions to broader national debates. Marine Le Pen gathered with European far-right leaders in Madrid, while Nicolas Sarkozy, following his electronic monitoring bracelet assignment, announced suspension of his former president activities.
The fifth Hamas-Israel prisoner exchange proceeded as scheduled, with three Israeli hostages (Or Levy, Eli Sharabi, Ohad Ben Ami) exchanged for 183 Palestinian prisoners - following Trump's controversial Gaza plan from earlier this week.
François Bayrou's government continued pushing its identity politics agenda, extending beyond Mayotte's birthright citizenship restrictions to broader national debates. Marine Le Pen gathered with European far-right leaders in Madrid, while Nicolas Sarkozy, following his electronic monitoring bracelet assignment, announced suspension of his former president activities.
Lebanon
•08.02.2025
•Saturday
•197 days ago
•⌨
The morning began with the fifth Hamas-Israel prisoner exchange, involving 3 Israeli captives for 183 Palestinians. Progress on Lebanon's cabinet formation accelerated after US envoy Ortagus's meetings with officials, despite her opposition to Hezbollah's participation. By early afternoon, PM-designate Salam visited Baabda Palace, leading to the announcement of the "Reform and Rescue" government.
Border tensions persisted with Israeli operations in Adeisseh and artillery fire from Syria hitting Hermel. Tribal forces shot down HTS drones in northern regions. The army received orders to respond to fire from Syrian territory.
Evening brought international recognition of the new cabinet, with France's foreign minister congratulating Aoun and Salam. Israeli forces began withdrawing from the Netzarim axis in Gaza, while maintaining pressure on Lebanon's southern border.
Border tensions persisted with Israeli operations in Adeisseh and artillery fire from Syria hitting Hermel. Tribal forces shot down HTS drones in northern regions. The army received orders to respond to fire from Syrian territory.
Evening brought international recognition of the new cabinet, with France's foreign minister congratulating Aoun and Salam. Israeli forces began withdrawing from the Netzarim axis in Gaza, while maintaining pressure on Lebanon's southern border.
Ukraine
•08.02.2025
•Saturday
•197 days ago
•⌨
Ukrainian forces advanced 2.5 kilometers into Russia's Kursk region, with Zelenskyy confirming the operation struck a command post, killing 20 Russian officers. The offensive involved North Korean troops on the Russian side, marking their first confirmed combat engagement.
Russia launched its largest drone attack of 2025, with nearly 140 UAVs targeting four Ukrainian regions. Defense forces claimed to have shot down 67 drones, with 71 more "locationally lost."
The Baltic states completed their power grid separation from Russia, ending a 20-year transition process. The Defense Ministry prepared to announce details of new military contracts for ages 18-24, following yesterday's recruitment discussions.
Evening reports focused on Putin's plans to expand his army by 100,000 troops, while Trump's recent concessions to Putin generated analysis in Western media. Ukraine selected Ziferblat to represent the country at Eurovision 2025.
Russia launched its largest drone attack of 2025, with nearly 140 UAVs targeting four Ukrainian regions. Defense forces claimed to have shot down 67 drones, with 71 more "locationally lost."
The Baltic states completed their power grid separation from Russia, ending a 20-year transition process. The Defense Ministry prepared to announce details of new military contracts for ages 18-24, following yesterday's recruitment discussions.
Evening reports focused on Putin's plans to expand his army by 100,000 troops, while Trump's recent concessions to Putin generated analysis in Western media. Ukraine selected Ziferblat to represent the country at Eurovision 2025.
Palestine
•08.02.2025
•Saturday
•197 days ago
•⌨
The fifth prisoner exchange occurred, with Al-Qassam Brigades releasing three Israeli captives in Deir al-Balah in exchange for 183 Palestinian prisoners. The exchange's staging included symbolic messaging, with Al-Qassam raising a banner reading "We are the flood... we are the next day."
Released Palestinian prisoners reported severe health conditions in Israeli prisons, while Israeli media criticized Netanyahu's handling of the captives' situation. Gallant contradicted Netanyahu's claims about prisoner health awareness.
Mass displacement continued at Al-Faraa camp, with 2,000 residents forced to evacuate. Israeli forces withdrew from Tammoun after a seven-day operation, leaving infrastructure destruction. The Gaza death toll reached 48,181.
By evening, 79 ICC member states condemned US sanctions, while reports emerged of Hamas seeking all life-sentence prisoners' release in the second phase of exchanges.
Released Palestinian prisoners reported severe health conditions in Israeli prisons, while Israeli media criticized Netanyahu's handling of the captives' situation. Gallant contradicted Netanyahu's claims about prisoner health awareness.
Mass displacement continued at Al-Faraa camp, with 2,000 residents forced to evacuate. Israeli forces withdrew from Tammoun after a seven-day operation, leaving infrastructure destruction. The Gaza death toll reached 48,181.
By evening, 79 ICC member states condemned US sanctions, while reports emerged of Hamas seeking all life-sentence prisoners' release in the second phase of exchanges.
UK
•08.02.2025
•Saturday
•197 days ago
•⌨
The morning began with Hamas's theatrical release of three Israeli hostages - Eli Sharabi, Ohad ben Ami, and Or Levy - who were paraded on stage before cameras, prompting Netanyahu's denunciation of the "shocking" spectacle. Israel responded by releasing 183 Palestinian prisoners.
A British couple's murder in France, initially reported as a local crime, evolved into a potential organized crime case as the woman was identified as a Hollyoaks actor's mother. The story gained prominence throughout the day as details of prior threats emerged.
The evening brought extensive coverage of the Southport attack aftermath, with multiple outlets carrying parallel accounts from victims' parents describing the moment they learned of their daughters' deaths.
The day concluded with the dismissal of a Labour minister over leaked messages hoping for the death of non-Labour voting pensioners, while Harry and Meghan appeared at the Invictus Games opening ceremony.
A British couple's murder in France, initially reported as a local crime, evolved into a potential organized crime case as the woman was identified as a Hollyoaks actor's mother. The story gained prominence throughout the day as details of prior threats emerged.
The evening brought extensive coverage of the Southport attack aftermath, with multiple outlets carrying parallel accounts from victims' parents describing the moment they learned of their daughters' deaths.
The day concluded with the dismissal of a Labour minister over leaked messages hoping for the death of non-Labour voting pensioners, while Harry and Meghan appeared at the Invictus Games opening ceremony.
Iran
•08.02.2025
•Saturday
•197 days ago
•⌨
Morning coverage centered on Hamas leadership's meeting with Khamenei, where state media emphasized resistance against America while independent sources focused on the ongoing prisoner exchange - three Israeli civilians for 183 Palestinians. The meeting followed Khamenei's previous day's explicit rejection of US negotiations.
By afternoon, attention shifted to Lebanon's government formation, where Hezbollah's loss of veto power marked a significant regional development. Iranian state media downplayed this setback for their ally, maintaining focus on Khamenei's defiant stance against US pressure.
Evening headlines captured the economic impact of the diplomatic standoff, with the dollar approaching 90,000 tomans. Aragchi's statement about refusing negotiations under maximum pressure reinforced the morning's anti-negotiation narrative, while weather-related closures continued to affect 28 provinces.
By afternoon, attention shifted to Lebanon's government formation, where Hezbollah's loss of veto power marked a significant regional development. Iranian state media downplayed this setback for their ally, maintaining focus on Khamenei's defiant stance against US pressure.
Evening headlines captured the economic impact of the diplomatic standoff, with the dollar approaching 90,000 tomans. Aragchi's statement about refusing negotiations under maximum pressure reinforced the morning's anti-negotiation narrative, while weather-related closures continued to affect 28 provinces.
Russia
•08.02.2025
•Saturday
•197 days ago
•⌨
Overnight drone attacks on Rostov-on-Don damaged 14 apartment buildings, with reports of 36 drones intercepted across four regions. The incidents expanded to include attacks on oil facilities in Volgograd region.
The Baltic states completed their disconnection from the BRELL power grid, followed by Rostelekom reporting damage to its Baltic Sea cable - timing that raises questions about infrastructure vulnerabilities.
State media emphasized claimed military successes near Kursk and Dzerzhinsk, continuing narratives from previous days while introducing new casualty figures. Putin's orders regarding phone fraud from Ukraine and potential school behavior grades introduced new domestic policy directions.
Evening brought focus to a major fire at Moscow's Elektrozavod building, with multiple casualties reported and a criminal case opened, while coverage of the Baltic disconnection shifted to emphasizing potential economic consequences.
The Baltic states completed their disconnection from the BRELL power grid, followed by Rostelekom reporting damage to its Baltic Sea cable - timing that raises questions about infrastructure vulnerabilities.
State media emphasized claimed military successes near Kursk and Dzerzhinsk, continuing narratives from previous days while introducing new casualty figures. Putin's orders regarding phone fraud from Ukraine and potential school behavior grades introduced new domestic policy directions.
Evening brought focus to a major fire at Moscow's Elektrozavod building, with multiple casualties reported and a criminal case opened, while coverage of the Baltic disconnection shifted to emphasizing potential economic consequences.
Italy
•08.02.2025
•Saturday
•197 days ago
•⌨
The morning began with intensifying tensions between intelligence services and Rome's prosecutor Lo Voi over leaked classified information, continuing the previous day's institutional conflict. By mid-morning, attention shifted to Gaza as Hamas staged a public presentation of three released Israeli hostages - Sharabi, Ben Ami, and Levy - with extensive media coverage of their physical condition.
In the afternoon, the vandalization of the Basovizza foiba memorial with pro-Yugoslav slogans prompted responses from President Mattarella and PM Meloni. The European far-right summit in Rome saw Salvini aligning with Trump's positions while distancing from Brussels. By evening, the government shifted toward reconciliation with magistrates, as Meloni accepted new ANM president Parodi's request for dialogue, marking a departure from the confrontational stance of previous days.
The Crosetto voice scam targeting prominent Italian business families emerged as a significant cybersecurity concern, with multiple victims filing formal complaints.
In the afternoon, the vandalization of the Basovizza foiba memorial with pro-Yugoslav slogans prompted responses from President Mattarella and PM Meloni. The European far-right summit in Rome saw Salvini aligning with Trump's positions while distancing from Brussels. By evening, the government shifted toward reconciliation with magistrates, as Meloni accepted new ANM president Parodi's request for dialogue, marking a departure from the confrontational stance of previous days.
The Crosetto voice scam targeting prominent Italian business families emerged as a significant cybersecurity concern, with multiple victims filing formal complaints.
Japan
•08.02.2025
•Saturday
•197 days ago
•⌨
The morning news focused on Trump's unexpected reframing of the Nippon Steel-US Steel deal from "acquisition" to "investment" during the Ishiba summit. This shift accompanied Japan's pledge of $1 trillion in US investments. Media coverage emphasized Ishiba's careful preparation and surprisingly warm rapport with Trump, who referenced Abe five times during their joint appearance.
Heavy snowfall intensified across central Japan, with Niigata's Aga town recording a historic 194cm accumulation. The weather system caused 338 accidents in Aichi alone and multiple highway closures. By afternoon, opposition parties offered measured praise for the summit outcomes, while analysts noted Trump's deliberate avoidance of trade friction topics. Evening coverage revealed Trump's plans for "reciprocal tariffs," which hadn't been discussed during the summit, suggesting potential tensions ahead.
Heavy snowfall intensified across central Japan, with Niigata's Aga town recording a historic 194cm accumulation. The weather system caused 338 accidents in Aichi alone and multiple highway closures. By afternoon, opposition parties offered measured praise for the summit outcomes, while analysts noted Trump's deliberate avoidance of trade friction topics. Evening coverage revealed Trump's plans for "reciprocal tariffs," which hadn't been discussed during the summit, suggesting potential tensions ahead.
Netherlands
•08.02.2025
•Saturday
•197 days ago
•⌨
Trump's evolving plans dominated morning coverage, from an expected Zelensky meeting to claims about annexing Canada as the 51st state. Queen Máxima warned about buy-now-pay-later schemes' societal impact.
By midday, attention shifted to the release of three Israeli hostages in Gaza - Eli (52), Ohad (56), and Or (34) - alongside 183 Palestinian prisoners. Their emaciated condition sparked outrage in Israel and led to Netanyahu's condemnation.
Evening coverage focused on mass protests across Germany against AfD, with 250,000 gathering in Munich alone. Similar anti-government protests emerged in Slovakia against Fico's pro-Russian stance. The Dutch government's position on AI regulation surfaced late, pushing for increased European control over American AI companies.
Local issues included ongoing concerns about Polish construction workers affected by new self-employment laws and Amsterdam residents increasingly avoiding the city center.
By midday, attention shifted to the release of three Israeli hostages in Gaza - Eli (52), Ohad (56), and Or (34) - alongside 183 Palestinian prisoners. Their emaciated condition sparked outrage in Israel and led to Netanyahu's condemnation.
Evening coverage focused on mass protests across Germany against AfD, with 250,000 gathering in Munich alone. Similar anti-government protests emerged in Slovakia against Fico's pro-Russian stance. The Dutch government's position on AI regulation surfaced late, pushing for increased European control over American AI companies.
Local issues included ongoing concerns about Polish construction workers affected by new self-employment laws and Amsterdam residents increasingly avoiding the city center.
India
•08.02.2025
•Saturday
•197 days ago
•⌨
Vote counting in Delhi revealed BJP's return to power after 27 years, securing 48 seats against AAP's 22. Morning trends showed key AAP leaders trailing, including Kejriwal in New Delhi constituency and Sisodia in Jangpura. By noon, both had lost their seats, though Atishi managed to win Kalkaji.
The Delhi Secretariat was sealed to prevent document removal, while the Election Commission reported significant voter demographic changes - including 25% voter deletion in New Delhi constituency over five years. PM Modi arrived at BJP headquarters in the afternoon, opening his victory speech with "Yamuna Maiya ki Jai" and promising to make the river Delhi's identity.
Evening coverage shifted to analyzing potential CM candidates, with Pravesh Verma emerging as frontrunner. Congress lost deposits in 67 of 70 seats, marking its continued decline in the capital.
The Delhi Secretariat was sealed to prevent document removal, while the Election Commission reported significant voter demographic changes - including 25% voter deletion in New Delhi constituency over five years. PM Modi arrived at BJP headquarters in the afternoon, opening his victory speech with "Yamuna Maiya ki Jai" and promising to make the river Delhi's identity.
Evening coverage shifted to analyzing potential CM candidates, with Pravesh Verma emerging as frontrunner. Congress lost deposits in 67 of 70 seats, marking its continued decline in the capital.
Poland
•08.02.2025
•Saturday
•197 days ago
•⌨
Morning coverage focused on leaked government documents revealing preparations for "massive migrant waves," connecting to previous days' debates about EU migration quotas. These revelations prompted coalition tensions, with Trzaskowski dismissing concerns as "paranoid visions."
By afternoon, attention shifted to a major industrial fire in Cigacice, where explosions were reported and multiple fire brigades responded. Meanwhile, Tusk's office leaked plans for government restructuring, including creation of a "super-ministry," signaling potential coalition reshuffling.
Evening coverage returned to migration themes as Bodnar announced plans to combat foreign criminal groups. The Madrid right-wing summit coverage highlighted PiS's notable absence, while Trump's influence continued through the Rose ambassadorial nomination aftermath. Military concerns emerged regarding Chinese equipment in Polish armed forces, while reports surfaced of another Baltic Sea cable disruption.
By afternoon, attention shifted to a major industrial fire in Cigacice, where explosions were reported and multiple fire brigades responded. Meanwhile, Tusk's office leaked plans for government restructuring, including creation of a "super-ministry," signaling potential coalition reshuffling.
Evening coverage returned to migration themes as Bodnar announced plans to combat foreign criminal groups. The Madrid right-wing summit coverage highlighted PiS's notable absence, while Trump's influence continued through the Rose ambassadorial nomination aftermath. Military concerns emerged regarding Chinese equipment in Polish armed forces, while reports surfaced of another Baltic Sea cable disruption.
Spain
•08.02.2025
•Saturday
•197 days ago
•⌨
The day's media coverage centered on the far-right summit in Madrid, where European populist leaders gathered to capitalize on Trump's influence. By midday, speeches shifted from anti-EU rhetoric to calls for a "new reconquista," with Abascal positioning the green deal as "the real tariff."
Constitutional Court discussions on the amnesty law accelerated, with predictions of a ruling within 2.5 months. PSOE and Junts continued negotiations on border control transfer to Mossos, examining Bavaria's shared custody model.
Evening coverage split between the Madrid derby's 1-1 draw and the Goya Awards in Granada. Richard Gere's International Goya acceptance speech referenced Trump as "the bully president," while 'El 47' began accumulating early awards, including Best Supporting Actor for Salva Reina.
Constitutional Court discussions on the amnesty law accelerated, with predictions of a ruling within 2.5 months. PSOE and Junts continued negotiations on border control transfer to Mossos, examining Bavaria's shared custody model.
Evening coverage split between the Madrid derby's 1-1 draw and the Goya Awards in Granada. Richard Gere's International Goya acceptance speech referenced Trump as "the bully president," while 'El 47' began accumulating early awards, including Best Supporting Actor for Salva Reina.
Turkey
•08.02.2025
•Saturday
•197 days ago
•⌨
The morning began with arrests at BirGün newspaper, as three editors were taken into custody. This followed ongoing tensions between media and state authorities, with RTÜK issuing new "warnings" to news bulletins about "violence and impartiality." The bootleg alcohol crisis continued to escalate, with death counts reaching 103 across two cities.
By midday, government attention shifted to Gaza narratives, with multiple ministers criticizing CHP leader Özgür Özel's statements. The Interior Ministry announced the capture of two grey-listed terrorists in Edirne, while archaeological discoveries from earthquake excavations generated substantial coverage.
Evening developments centered on Finance Minister Şimşek's statements about inflation control measures and public spending cuts, while the detention of astrologist Hilal Saraç for alleged insults against political leaders marked another instance of state pressure on public discourse.
By midday, government attention shifted to Gaza narratives, with multiple ministers criticizing CHP leader Özgür Özel's statements. The Interior Ministry announced the capture of two grey-listed terrorists in Edirne, while archaeological discoveries from earthquake excavations generated substantial coverage.
Evening developments centered on Finance Minister Şimşek's statements about inflation control measures and public spending cuts, while the detention of astrologist Hilal Saraç for alleged insults against political leaders marked another instance of state pressure on public discourse.
China
•08.02.2025
•Saturday
•197 days ago
•⌨
State media orchestrated extensive coverage of Xi Jinping opening the Asian Winter Games in Harbin, coordinating messaging across multiple outlets to emphasize regional unity. This sports diplomacy narrative intertwined with announcements of Northeast China revitalization plans.
By mid-morning, coverage expanded to include Caixin's forecast of CPI rise to 0.4% and DeepSeek's emerging role in reshaping China's AI narrative. The addition of a neutrino detector to South China Sea installations signaled continued technological advancement claims.
Afternoon coverage shifted to emergency response following a landslide in Sichuan's Yunlian County, while maintaining parallel narratives about EU-China relations and physics research leadership. The temporary US duty-free relief for small parcels from China and Hong Kong marked a slight easing in ongoing trade tensions, though exporters continued facing uncertainty for 2025.
By mid-morning, coverage expanded to include Caixin's forecast of CPI rise to 0.4% and DeepSeek's emerging role in reshaping China's AI narrative. The addition of a neutrino detector to South China Sea installations signaled continued technological advancement claims.
Afternoon coverage shifted to emergency response following a landslide in Sichuan's Yunlian County, while maintaining parallel narratives about EU-China relations and physics research leadership. The temporary US duty-free relief for small parcels from China and Hong Kong marked a slight easing in ongoing trade tensions, though exporters continued facing uncertainty for 2025.
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