February 9, 2025
US
•09.02.2025
•Sunday
•196 days ago
•⌨
The morning began with federal judge blocking DOGE's access to Treasury Department data, continuing previous days' legal restraints on Musk's team. By midday, Russell Vought ordered CFPB to cease operations, marking the first complete shutdown of a federal agency under Project 2025.
Trump's interview with Bret Baier revealed plans to expand Musk's oversight role into military and education spending, despite mounting judicial opposition. This announcement triggered Democratic threats of government shutdown.
Musk's response to judicial constraints escalated throughout the day, culminating in calls for the judge's impeachment. Senator Vance joined in questioning courts' authority over executive actions.
The administration's federal restructuring faced multiple challenges as cities and counties sued over sanctuary city policies, while Jordan expressed concerns about Trump's Gaza proposal. Evening brought announcement of new steel and aluminum tariffs, expanding previous week's trade measures.
Trump's interview with Bret Baier revealed plans to expand Musk's oversight role into military and education spending, despite mounting judicial opposition. This announcement triggered Democratic threats of government shutdown.
Musk's response to judicial constraints escalated throughout the day, culminating in calls for the judge's impeachment. Senator Vance joined in questioning courts' authority over executive actions.
The administration's federal restructuring faced multiple challenges as cities and counties sued over sanctuary city policies, while Jordan expressed concerns about Trump's Gaza proposal. Evening brought announcement of new steel and aluminum tariffs, expanding previous week's trade measures.
Israel
•09.02.2025
•Sunday
•196 days ago
•⌨
The morning brought harrowing testimonies from the three hostages released on February 8, revealing systematic starvation and physical abuse during their 491-day captivity. By noon, the first sign of life in 492 days arrived from hostage Alon Ohel, described as chained in Hamas tunnels with eye injuries.
Netanyahu's opposition to a state commission of inquiry into October 7 generated tension when he dismissed the Shin Bet chief as "just a clerk" for attempting to present his position. The cabinet postponed the inquiry decision by three months.
Palestinians approached the Gaza border fence near Nachal Oz following IDF's withdrawal from the Netzarim corridor, while Netanyahu lobbied US lawmakers to support Trump's Gaza resettlement plan. Iran's nuclear program resurfaced in discourse with Netanyahu's admission that Tehran is "days away" from weapons-grade uranium enrichment.
Netanyahu's opposition to a state commission of inquiry into October 7 generated tension when he dismissed the Shin Bet chief as "just a clerk" for attempting to present his position. The cabinet postponed the inquiry decision by three months.
Palestinians approached the Gaza border fence near Nachal Oz following IDF's withdrawal from the Netzarim corridor, while Netanyahu lobbied US lawmakers to support Trump's Gaza resettlement plan. Iran's nuclear program resurfaced in discourse with Netanyahu's admission that Tehran is "days away" from weapons-grade uranium enrichment.
Germany
•09.02.2025
•Sunday
•196 days ago
•⌨
Morning polls showed momentum for Merz ahead of the evening's TV debate with Scholz. The FDP held a crucial party congress, with Kubicki's emotional speech and Lindner's criticism of Merz marking internal party tensions.
A helicopter crash in Bavaria claimed two lives near Greding, while international coverage focused on Russia's shadow fleet troubles under sanctions. Putin dismissed his rocket chief, reportedly over "world destroyer missile" issues.
The evening's TV debate between Scholz and Merz centered on AfD cooperation, migration, and nuclear policy. Scholz accused Merz of "living in a fairy tale," while Merz cited Merkel-style rhetoric. Initial reactions suggested a measured exchange rather than decisive confrontation, with both candidates maintaining previously established positions on key issues. Wagenknecht characterized the debate as "need versus misery," while post-debate polls indicated marginal advantages for Scholz.
A helicopter crash in Bavaria claimed two lives near Greding, while international coverage focused on Russia's shadow fleet troubles under sanctions. Putin dismissed his rocket chief, reportedly over "world destroyer missile" issues.
The evening's TV debate between Scholz and Merz centered on AfD cooperation, migration, and nuclear policy. Scholz accused Merz of "living in a fairy tale," while Merz cited Merkel-style rhetoric. Initial reactions suggested a measured exchange rather than decisive confrontation, with both candidates maintaining previously established positions on key issues. Wagenknecht characterized the debate as "need versus misery," while post-debate polls indicated marginal advantages for Scholz.
France
•09.02.2025
•Sunday
•196 days ago
•⌨
Trump's claimed Ukraine peace plan dominated morning coverage, with Netanyahu promptly endorsing Trump's parallel Gaza displacement strategy. The news cycle shifted as investigators searched for Louise's murder weapon in Épinay-sur-Orge woods, mobilizing over 120 officers.
By afternoon, coverage centered on final preparations for the Paris AI Summit, with Meta's Yann LeCun presenting an alternative vision to current AI development. The discovery cycle returned to Louise's case when the initial suspects were released without charges.
Evening coverage crystallized around Macron's €109 billion AI investment announcement, positioning France within a coalition of eight nations developing "public interest" AI. This marked France's most significant technological commitment since the 1960s nuclear program, though questions emerged about competition with American tech giants and Chinese state initiatives.
By afternoon, coverage centered on final preparations for the Paris AI Summit, with Meta's Yann LeCun presenting an alternative vision to current AI development. The discovery cycle returned to Louise's case when the initial suspects were released without charges.
Evening coverage crystallized around Macron's €109 billion AI investment announcement, positioning France within a coalition of eight nations developing "public interest" AI. This marked France's most significant technological commitment since the 1960s nuclear program, though questions emerged about competition with American tech giants and Chinese state initiatives.
Lebanon
•09.02.2025
•Sunday
•196 days ago
•⌨
PM Nawaf Salam's "Reform and Rescue" cabinet formation dominated morning coverage, with Saint Maron's Day mass at Saint George's Cathedral serving as first public gathering for the new government. Patriarch Al-Rahi's sermon emphasized constitutional adherence while blessing the new administration.
Border tensions intensified on two fronts: Syrian tribal forces engaged Lebanese Army positions near Al-Qaa, with two militant drones shot down over Jarmash. In the south, Israeli forces withdrew from Gaza's Netzarim corridor while maintaining pressure on Lebanon's border, with explosions reported in Yaroun and Meis al-Jabal.
Evening developments saw Israeli airstrikes targeting alleged tunnels along the Syrian-Lebanese border, particularly in Hermel and Harbata regions, marking significant escalation in cross-border operations. The Lebanese Army expanded deployment south of Litani while managing northern border tensions.
Border tensions intensified on two fronts: Syrian tribal forces engaged Lebanese Army positions near Al-Qaa, with two militant drones shot down over Jarmash. In the south, Israeli forces withdrew from Gaza's Netzarim corridor while maintaining pressure on Lebanon's border, with explosions reported in Yaroun and Meis al-Jabal.
Evening developments saw Israeli airstrikes targeting alleged tunnels along the Syrian-Lebanese border, particularly in Hermel and Harbata regions, marking significant escalation in cross-border operations. The Lebanese Army expanded deployment south of Litani while managing northern border tensions.
Ukraine
•09.02.2025
•Sunday
•196 days ago
•⌨
Morning news focused on Trump's claimed phone conversation with Putin regarding war termination, though Kremlin neither confirmed nor denied the call. Simultaneously, Russia launched its largest drone attack of 2025, with over 150 Shaheds targeting six regions.
By midday, Zelenskyy addressed questions about 2025 war conclusion prospects and martial law continuation, stating that lifting restrictions for elections would compromise military capabilities. Biden's proposed $500M security guarantee package emerged as a parallel narrative.
Evening reports detailed Trump advisor's statement that post-war security guarantees should be Europe's responsibility, marking a shift from previous US positions. Military updates showed 133 combat engagements, primarily in Pokrovsk and Kursk sectors, continuing the operational tempo from previous days. Baltic states completed their power grid separation from Russia, accelerating the timeline announced earlier this week.
By midday, Zelenskyy addressed questions about 2025 war conclusion prospects and martial law continuation, stating that lifting restrictions for elections would compromise military capabilities. Biden's proposed $500M security guarantee package emerged as a parallel narrative.
Evening reports detailed Trump advisor's statement that post-war security guarantees should be Europe's responsibility, marking a shift from previous US positions. Military updates showed 133 combat engagements, primarily in Pokrovsk and Kursk sectors, continuing the operational tempo from previous days. Baltic states completed their power grid separation from Russia, accelerating the timeline announced earlier this week.
Palestine
•09.02.2025
•Sunday
•196 days ago
•⌨
Israeli forces completed withdrawal from the Netzarim axis in Gaza, with Hamas claiming victory while warning of delays in agreement implementation. The withdrawal revealed bodies and skeletal remains in the evacuated area.
In Nur Shams camp near Tulkarem, Israeli operations intensified, resulting in the death of a pregnant woman and her unborn child, triggering local protests. By evening, another fatality was reported in the camp.
Trump's Gaza displacement plan continued generating responses, with Gaza residents explicitly rejecting it through media statements. Saudi Arabia rejected Netanyahu's statements about Palestinian relocation, while Egypt threatened to revoke Camp David accords over the displacement plans.
B'Tselem released a report describing systematic targeting of Palestinians in the West Bank, as Iranian hackers claimed access to Israeli police systems. The journalists' union documented 200 media casualties since October.
In Nur Shams camp near Tulkarem, Israeli operations intensified, resulting in the death of a pregnant woman and her unborn child, triggering local protests. By evening, another fatality was reported in the camp.
Trump's Gaza displacement plan continued generating responses, with Gaza residents explicitly rejecting it through media statements. Saudi Arabia rejected Netanyahu's statements about Palestinian relocation, while Egypt threatened to revoke Camp David accords over the displacement plans.
B'Tselem released a report describing systematic targeting of Palestinians in the West Bank, as Iranian hackers claimed access to Israeli police systems. The journalists' union documented 200 media casualties since October.
UK
•09.02.2025
•Sunday
•196 days ago
•⌨
The withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza's Netzarim Corridor marked a shift in military strategy, as troops pulled back while ceasefire negotiations continued in Qatar. Released Thai hostages returned to Bangkok, while reports emerged of severe malnutrition among freed captives.
Labour's internal crisis deepened with the dismissal of Andrew Gwynne over WhatsApp messages, leading to calls for investigation of a second MP. The party simultaneously shelved plans for gender law reforms and faced criticism over school capacity issues ahead of private education VAT changes.
Trump made multiple policy announcements, including 25% steel tariffs and claims of discussions with Putin about ending the Ukraine war. He tasked Musk with investigating military spending while defending him against mounting criticism.
The French double murder investigation of a British couple shifted focus toward organized crime connections, as friends rejected suicide theories.
Labour's internal crisis deepened with the dismissal of Andrew Gwynne over WhatsApp messages, leading to calls for investigation of a second MP. The party simultaneously shelved plans for gender law reforms and faced criticism over school capacity issues ahead of private education VAT changes.
Trump made multiple policy announcements, including 25% steel tariffs and claims of discussions with Putin about ending the Ukraine war. He tasked Musk with investigating military spending while defending him against mounting criticism.
The French double murder investigation of a British couple shifted focus toward organized crime connections, as friends rejected suicide theories.
Iran
•09.02.2025
•Sunday
•196 days ago
•⌨
Morning coverage centered on Trump's repeated statements preferring negotiations over military confrontation, while state media emphasized preparations for the February 22 Revolution Day march. The dollar crossed 90,000 tomans, prompting economic analysis linking the surge to Khamenei's rejection of negotiations.
By afternoon, IRGC Navy Commander's declaration of Iran's capability to close the Strait of Hormuz signaled a military response to economic pressure. The Telegraph's report about IRGC commanders requesting reconsideration of the nuclear weapons fatwa added complexity to the diplomatic standoff.
Evening coverage shifted to nationwide "Allahu Akbar" chants and the announcement of a new 2000km supersonic cruise missile, while state media maintained focus on Revolution Day preparations. Axios's report about an alleged Iranian plot against Trump competed with domestic coverage of severe weather affecting 21 provinces.
By afternoon, IRGC Navy Commander's declaration of Iran's capability to close the Strait of Hormuz signaled a military response to economic pressure. The Telegraph's report about IRGC commanders requesting reconsideration of the nuclear weapons fatwa added complexity to the diplomatic standoff.
Evening coverage shifted to nationwide "Allahu Akbar" chants and the announcement of a new 2000km supersonic cruise missile, while state media maintained focus on Revolution Day preparations. Axios's report about an alleged Iranian plot against Trump competed with domestic coverage of severe weather affecting 21 provinces.
Russia
•09.02.2025
•Sunday
•196 days ago
•⌨
Trump's claim of a phone conversation with Putin dominated morning coverage, with the Kremlin maintaining strategic ambiguity through Peskov's "neither confirm nor deny" stance. This diplomatic dance occurred against reports of military advances, including claims of Orekhovo-Vasilevka capture in DPR.
Two maritime incidents commanded afternoon attention: a cargo vessel's grounding on Sakhalin and three explosions aboard the "Koala" tanker in Ust-Luga port, carrying 130,000 tons of fuel oil. The Baltic states' completion of power grid transition from BRELL to European networks prompted sharp responses from Russian officials.
Evening brought news of Soviet actor Oleg Strizhenov's death, while military reporting focused on claimed advances in Chasovoy Yar. Zelensky's conditional openness to negotiations with Putin emerged late, with Russian media emphasizing perceived Western preconditions.
Two maritime incidents commanded afternoon attention: a cargo vessel's grounding on Sakhalin and three explosions aboard the "Koala" tanker in Ust-Luga port, carrying 130,000 tons of fuel oil. The Baltic states' completion of power grid transition from BRELL to European networks prompted sharp responses from Russian officials.
Evening brought news of Soviet actor Oleg Strizhenov's death, while military reporting focused on claimed advances in Chasovoy Yar. Zelensky's conditional openness to negotiations with Putin emerged late, with Russian media emphasizing perceived Western preconditions.
Italy
•09.02.2025
•Sunday
•196 days ago
•⌨
The morning headlines focused on Trump's claim of a phone conversation with Putin about ending the Ukraine war, though the Kremlin neither confirmed nor denied it. By afternoon, the EU demanded inclusion in any peace negotiations, marking growing tension between Trump's unilateral approach and European interests.
Two parallel crises emerged: Pope Francis interrupted his homily due to respiratory difficulties, while Defense Minister Crosetto prepared legal action against an AI-powered voice fraud scheme targeting Italian business elites. The Paragon spyware controversy continued with government sources confirming its ongoing use despite public concern.
Von der Leyen's announcement of Baltic states' electrical grid separation from Russia aligned with Italy's push for European strategic autonomy. The new ANM president Parodi maintained the planned judges' strike while signaling openness to dialogue with Meloni's government.
Two parallel crises emerged: Pope Francis interrupted his homily due to respiratory difficulties, while Defense Minister Crosetto prepared legal action against an AI-powered voice fraud scheme targeting Italian business elites. The Paragon spyware controversy continued with government sources confirming its ongoing use despite public concern.
Von der Leyen's announcement of Baltic states' electrical grid separation from Russia aligned with Italy's push for European strategic autonomy. The new ANM president Parodi maintained the planned judges' strike while signaling openness to dialogue with Meloni's government.
Japan
•09.02.2025
•Sunday
•196 days ago
•⌨
Following the Trump-Ishiba summit, Japanese media focused on reframing the US Steel deal as "investment" rather than "acquisition," with Ishiba repeatedly emphasizing this distinction across multiple morning shows. The gift of a golden samurai helmet to Trump symbolized the careful diplomatic approach.
Search efforts for the 74-year-old truck driver in Yashio's sinkhole were officially abandoned after a brief 30-minute attempt, with authorities citing toxic gas and unstable ground conditions. This marked a shift from eight days of rescue attempts.
Heavy snowfall continued affecting transportation networks, though some restrictions in the Tokai region were lifted. The Health Ministry launched an investigation into three infant deaths linked to echovirus, while reports emerged of Trump's undisclosed phone call with Putin regarding Ukraine. The evening brought news of Fuji TV canceling its sumo tournament broadcast after sponsors withdrew.
Search efforts for the 74-year-old truck driver in Yashio's sinkhole were officially abandoned after a brief 30-minute attempt, with authorities citing toxic gas and unstable ground conditions. This marked a shift from eight days of rescue attempts.
Heavy snowfall continued affecting transportation networks, though some restrictions in the Tokai region were lifted. The Health Ministry launched an investigation into three infant deaths linked to echovirus, while reports emerged of Trump's undisclosed phone call with Putin regarding Ukraine. The evening brought news of Fuji TV canceling its sumo tournament broadcast after sponsors withdrew.
Netherlands
•09.02.2025
•Sunday
•196 days ago
•⌨
The morning news cycle centered on a medical breakthrough with mice longevity tests advancing to human trials. By midday, Israel's withdrawal from the Netzarim corridor dominated coverage, with Saudi Arabia and Qatar responding strongly to Netanyahu's statements.
Baltic states disconnected from Russia's power grid while Gazprom reported significant losses, marking another step in Europe's energy independence. In Slowakia, mass protests emerged against Prime Minister Fico's meeting with Putin.
Evening coverage focused on the German political sphere, where CDU leader Merz and Chancellor Scholz clashed in their first TV debate, primarily over AfD cooperation. The debate followed widespread protests against AfD across German cities.
Ajax returned to the Eredivisie top position after two years, while reports emerged about potential peace talks between Turkey and PKK.
Baltic states disconnected from Russia's power grid while Gazprom reported significant losses, marking another step in Europe's energy independence. In Slowakia, mass protests emerged against Prime Minister Fico's meeting with Putin.
Evening coverage focused on the German political sphere, where CDU leader Merz and Chancellor Scholz clashed in their first TV debate, primarily over AfD cooperation. The debate followed widespread protests against AfD across German cities.
Ajax returned to the Eredivisie top position after two years, while reports emerged about potential peace talks between Turkey and PKK.
India
•09.02.2025
•Sunday
•196 days ago
•⌨
Following BJP's Delhi victory, CM Atishi submitted her resignation by early morning, ending AAP's 142-day rule. The Delhi Secretariat restricted file movement while BJP leadership met at Amit Shah's residence to select the new CM, with swearing-in planned after PM Modi's US visit.
By afternoon, Manipur CM N. Biren Singh resigned after meeting Amit Shah, marking a potential shift in the state's governance after 21 months of ethnic violence. The Governor accepted his resignation but asked him to continue until alternative arrangements.
Between these political transitions, security forces reported killing 31 Naxalites in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, while two security personnel died in the operation. The cricket match in Cuttack, where Rohit Sharma scored a century leading India to victory, provided a counterpoint to the day's political upheavals.
By afternoon, Manipur CM N. Biren Singh resigned after meeting Amit Shah, marking a potential shift in the state's governance after 21 months of ethnic violence. The Governor accepted his resignation but asked him to continue until alternative arrangements.
Between these political transitions, security forces reported killing 31 Naxalites in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, while two security personnel died in the operation. The cricket match in Cuttack, where Rohit Sharma scored a century leading India to victory, provided a counterpoint to the day's political upheavals.
Poland
•09.02.2025
•Sunday
•196 days ago
•⌨
Russian attacks near the Polish border dominated morning coverage, with reports of new massive bombs being used in Ukraine. By mid-morning, attention shifted to Trump's alleged conversation with Putin, which Kremlin spokesperson unusually claimed to be "unaware of."
The afternoon brought historic news of Baltic states' final disconnection from post-Soviet power systems, marking complete energy independence from Russia. The Kremlin's response, calling it "destruction of nations," highlighted Moscow's diminishing influence.
Migration pact implementation continued generating media discussion, with leaked documents suggesting preparations for "massive migrant waves." Economic coverage focused on wage growth slowdown and demographic challenges, with experts emphasizing migrants' role in filling workforce gaps. The judicial system debate intensified around the term "neo-judge," while historical coverage of Wołyń massacres resurfaced in connection with ongoing Polish-Ukrainian relations.
The afternoon brought historic news of Baltic states' final disconnection from post-Soviet power systems, marking complete energy independence from Russia. The Kremlin's response, calling it "destruction of nations," highlighted Moscow's diminishing influence.
Migration pact implementation continued generating media discussion, with leaked documents suggesting preparations for "massive migrant waves." Economic coverage focused on wage growth slowdown and demographic challenges, with experts emphasizing migrants' role in filling workforce gaps. The judicial system debate intensified around the term "neo-judge," while historical coverage of Wołyń massacres resurfaced in connection with ongoing Polish-Ukrainian relations.
Spain
•09.02.2025
•Sunday
•196 days ago
•⌨
The unprecedented tie at the Goya Awards between 'El 47' and 'La infiltrada' dominated early coverage, with details emerging about the exact vote count that led to the first shared Best Picture in the ceremony's history. Almodóvar won for adapted screenplay, while Eduard Fernández and Carolina Yuste took acting honors.
By midday, attention shifted to Trump's reported conversation with Putin about ending the war, while Spanish companies began exploring China and Mercosur markets in response to Trump's new steel tariff threats. Feijóo launched a housing plan for PP municipalities, while Madrid saw new housing rights protests.
Evening coverage revealed Catalan farmers canceled planned road blockades, while Illa announced bureaucracy reduction measures for agriculture. Constitutional concerns surfaced regarding Musk's influence on US democracy, marking continued spillover of American political turbulence into Spanish discourse.
By midday, attention shifted to Trump's reported conversation with Putin about ending the war, while Spanish companies began exploring China and Mercosur markets in response to Trump's new steel tariff threats. Feijóo launched a housing plan for PP municipalities, while Madrid saw new housing rights protests.
Evening coverage revealed Catalan farmers canceled planned road blockades, while Illa announced bureaucracy reduction measures for agriculture. Constitutional concerns surfaced regarding Musk's influence on US democracy, marking continued spillover of American political turbulence into Spanish discourse.
Turkey
•09.02.2025
•Sunday
•196 days ago
•⌨
The morning began with BirGün newspaper executives facing detention and questioning, culminating in their evening release under judicial control measures. Early reports of structural concerns led to building evacuations in Tuzla, while Istanbul authorities wrestled with water quality issues as residents reported brown water from taps.
By midday, CHP leadership convened a significant meeting between party leader Özel, Istanbul Mayor İmamoğlu, and Ankara Mayor Yavaş, while President Erdoğan prepared for visits to Malaysia, Indonesia, and Pakistan. Foreign Minister Fidan rejected Trump's Gaza displacement proposals, a position later echoed by Erdoğan.
Evening brought multiple earthquakes in the Aegean Sea, with a 5.1 magnitude tremor generating widespread coverage. Weather concerns prompted school closures in several provinces as forecasts predicted renewed snowfall for Istanbul.
By midday, CHP leadership convened a significant meeting between party leader Özel, Istanbul Mayor İmamoğlu, and Ankara Mayor Yavaş, while President Erdoğan prepared for visits to Malaysia, Indonesia, and Pakistan. Foreign Minister Fidan rejected Trump's Gaza displacement proposals, a position later echoed by Erdoğan.
Evening brought multiple earthquakes in the Aegean Sea, with a 5.1 magnitude tremor generating widespread coverage. Weather concerns prompted school closures in several provinces as forecasts predicted renewed snowfall for Istanbul.
China
•09.02.2025
•Sunday
•196 days ago
•⌨
State media maintained parallel coverage of Xi's Northeast China tour and the Sichuan landslide emergency, with 29 people initially reported missing. By mid-morning, the death toll stood at one, with 28 still unaccounted for. Continuous rainfall was cited as the cause.
Xi's presence in Harbin generated coordinated messaging about winter tourism potential and regional development, while continuing previous days' Winter Games narrative. State outlets emphasized his directives for Jilin's development and food security.
International coverage focused on China's potential to fill US aid gaps in the Pacific, following Trump's foreign aid freeze. The afternoon saw London protests against a new Chinese embassy construction, while Chinese media highlighted AI summit participation in Paris. China Digital Times noted the censored fifth anniversary of Li Wenliang's passing, though state media avoided the topic.
Xi's presence in Harbin generated coordinated messaging about winter tourism potential and regional development, while continuing previous days' Winter Games narrative. State outlets emphasized his directives for Jilin's development and food security.
International coverage focused on China's potential to fill US aid gaps in the Pacific, following Trump's foreign aid freeze. The afternoon saw London protests against a new Chinese embassy construction, while Chinese media highlighted AI summit participation in Paris. China Digital Times noted the censored fifth anniversary of Li Wenliang's passing, though state media avoided the topic.
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