February 21, 2025
US
•21.02.2025
•Friday
•185 days ago
•⌨
Morning reports focused on a judge's refusal to block federal worker layoffs, allowing Trump's mass dismissals to proceed. The IRS fired 6,000 employees while FDA medical device safety teams faced cuts. The administration defied court orders on foreign aid freezes.
By afternoon, the Senate approved a $340 billion budget framework in an overnight session, while Trump signaled openness to multiple budget bills. Hamas's deception regarding the Bibas family remains dominated Middle East coverage, with IDF confirming only the children's bodies were identified.
Evening brought institutional restructuring plans, with proposals to move USPS under Commerce Department control and gut USAID's workforce. Border Patrol reported steep declines in illegal crossings as ICE's acting director was removed for not meeting deportation targets. Los Angeles removed its fire chief following criticism over wildfire response.
By afternoon, the Senate approved a $340 billion budget framework in an overnight session, while Trump signaled openness to multiple budget bills. Hamas's deception regarding the Bibas family remains dominated Middle East coverage, with IDF confirming only the children's bodies were identified.
Evening brought institutional restructuring plans, with proposals to move USPS under Commerce Department control and gut USAID's workforce. Border Patrol reported steep declines in illegal crossings as ICE's acting director was removed for not meeting deportation targets. Los Angeles removed its fire chief following criticism over wildfire response.
Israel
•21.02.2025
•Friday
•185 days ago
•⌨
The morning brought forensic confirmation that Kfir and Ariel Bibas were murdered by Hamas in November 2023. After Hamas initially provided a Gazan woman's body instead of Shiri Bibas's remains, IDF spokesperson revealed the children were killed by bare hands, not gunfire as previously claimed.
By afternoon, Hamas attempted damage control, claiming Shiri's remains were mixed with others due to IDF strikes. Trump expressed shock at Hamas's "ceremony" with the bodies, while indicating support for any Israeli response. Despite the violations, preparations continued for tomorrow's exchange of six living hostages.
Evening saw Hamas transfer another coffin to the Red Cross, claiming it contained Shiri's remains. The development echoed yesterday's deception, with Israeli officials expressing cautious skepticism while coordinating transfer to forensics.
By afternoon, Hamas attempted damage control, claiming Shiri's remains were mixed with others due to IDF strikes. Trump expressed shock at Hamas's "ceremony" with the bodies, while indicating support for any Israeli response. Despite the violations, preparations continued for tomorrow's exchange of six living hostages.
Evening saw Hamas transfer another coffin to the Red Cross, claiming it contained Shiri's remains. The development echoed yesterday's deception, with Israeli officials expressing cautious skepticism while coordinating transfer to forensics.
Germany
•21.02.2025
•Friday
•185 days ago
•⌨
Morning coverage focused on CDU/CSU's paradoxical position: leading polls with double SPD's numbers yet facing internal anxiety about falling below 30%. The final TV debate ("Schlussrunde") aftermath revealed increasing pressure on Baerbock's foreign policy positions and complex coalition mathematics.
By afternoon, reports emerged of a mysterious Swiss-German billionaire behind controversial AfD donations, while Thyssenkrupp's failed HKM sale threatened 3000 jobs. Ver.di announced new airport strikes for Monday, expanding from Friday's transport disruptions.
Evening brought renewed focus on transatlantic tensions as former French Foreign Minister warned of European dependence on US protection. A knife attack at Berlin's Holocaust Memorial redirected attention briefly, while coverage returned to election scenarios and AfD's sophisticated use of AI in campaign operations. The day ended with growing evidence of coordinated US-Russia pressure on European autonomy.
By afternoon, reports emerged of a mysterious Swiss-German billionaire behind controversial AfD donations, while Thyssenkrupp's failed HKM sale threatened 3000 jobs. Ver.di announced new airport strikes for Monday, expanding from Friday's transport disruptions.
Evening brought renewed focus on transatlantic tensions as former French Foreign Minister warned of European dependence on US protection. A knife attack at Berlin's Holocaust Memorial redirected attention briefly, while coverage returned to election scenarios and AfD's sophisticated use of AI in campaign operations. The day ended with growing evidence of coordinated US-Russia pressure on European autonomy.
France
•21.02.2025
•Friday
•185 days ago
•⌨
Hamas's return of bodies marked the morning news, with Israel confirming the identification of the Bibas children while revealing their mother's body was not among those returned. By midday, Hamas claimed Shiri Bibas's remains were "mixed with others by mistake" under rubble, while IDF stated the children were killed "by hand."
Trump's criticism of Zelensky gained context as Le Monde revealed his anger stemmed from Ukraine's refusal to sign mineral rights agreements. The Bétharram abuse case advanced with one former supervisor charged with rape and detained, while Bayrou faced accusations of prior knowledge.
Jordan Bardella canceled his CPAC speech following Steve Bannon's Nazi gesture, marking another shift in France's far-right positioning. The Pope's doctors issued warnings about his condition, while Macron continued preparing public opinion for increased military support to Ukraine.
Trump's criticism of Zelensky gained context as Le Monde revealed his anger stemmed from Ukraine's refusal to sign mineral rights agreements. The Bétharram abuse case advanced with one former supervisor charged with rape and detained, while Bayrou faced accusations of prior knowledge.
Jordan Bardella canceled his CPAC speech following Steve Bannon's Nazi gesture, marking another shift in France's far-right positioning. The Pope's doctors issued warnings about his condition, while Macron continued preparing public opinion for increased military support to Ukraine.
Lebanon
•21.02.2025
•Friday
•185 days ago
•⌨
Bus explosions in Tel Aviv prompted Netanyahu to order intensive West Bank operations, while diplomatic efforts continued regarding Israel's withdrawal from the five strategic points in South Lebanon. The EU Commissioner offered Lebanon an additional half billion euros in aid, conditional on specific reforms. Storm "Adam" brought unprecedented snowfall to 400-meter altitudes.
Security preparations intensified for Nasrallah's funeral, with reports of restaurant vandalism in Beirut over forced closure demands. A security meeting in Baabda coordinated measures, while controversy arose over which officials would attend. US Congressional delegation expressed support for President Aoun while emphasizing complete Israeli withdrawal.
The Riyadh mini-summit on Gaza concluded without formal statement, while Lebanon's basketball team defeated Bahrain in Asian Cup qualifiers. Reports emerged of Israeli strikes on Lebanon-Syria border crossings.
Security preparations intensified for Nasrallah's funeral, with reports of restaurant vandalism in Beirut over forced closure demands. A security meeting in Baabda coordinated measures, while controversy arose over which officials would attend. US Congressional delegation expressed support for President Aoun while emphasizing complete Israeli withdrawal.
The Riyadh mini-summit on Gaza concluded without formal statement, while Lebanon's basketball team defeated Bahrain in Asian Cup qualifiers. Reports emerged of Israeli strikes on Lebanon-Syria border crossings.
Ukraine
•21.02.2025
•Friday
•185 days ago
•⌨
The morning revealed Russia's demands from Er-Riyadh talks, while Reuters exposed secret US-Russia negotiations in Switzerland. House Speaker Johnson's statement about "no appetite" for Ukraine aid dominated coverage, following previous days' pattern of US-Russia diplomatic engagement excluding Ukraine.
US removed pro-Ukrainian language from G7 statement, with Senator Rubio privately reassuring European allies. The administration's special envoy Kellogg praised Zelenskyy as "courageous," contrasting with Trump's dismissal of the Ukrainian president as "not important" for peace talks.
Evening reports focused on potential Trump-Putin meeting on May 9 in Moscow, though Trump later denied these claims. Ukrainian polling showed increasing support for compromise solutions, while teams from both countries continued working on a new bilateral agreement amid air raid alerts in Kyiv.
US removed pro-Ukrainian language from G7 statement, with Senator Rubio privately reassuring European allies. The administration's special envoy Kellogg praised Zelenskyy as "courageous," contrasting with Trump's dismissal of the Ukrainian president as "not important" for peace talks.
Evening reports focused on potential Trump-Putin meeting on May 9 in Moscow, though Trump later denied these claims. Ukrainian polling showed increasing support for compromise solutions, while teams from both countries continued working on a new bilateral agreement amid air raid alerts in Kyiv.
Palestine
•21.02.2025
•Friday
•185 days ago
•⌨
Multiple bus explosions in Bat Yam dominated morning coverage, with three Israeli suspects arrested amid speculation about West Bank perpetrators. Hamas announced flexibility in Gaza administration proposals while discussing the mixing of Shiri Bibas's remains with others in bombing debris.
The scheduled prisoner exchange preparations continued, with Hamas announcing six Israeli captives for release and sources indicating 602 Palestinian prisoners would be freed. Israeli authorities prevented some prisoners' families from traveling to Egypt for the reception.
By afternoon, reports emerged of two Palestinian children killed in Jenin and Hebron during Israeli operations. The International Organization for Migration reported 90% of Gaza homes destroyed. Evening brought confirmation of Hamas transferring Bibas's remains to the Red Cross, while Trump retreated from his Gaza plan, citing surprise at regional rejection.
The scheduled prisoner exchange preparations continued, with Hamas announcing six Israeli captives for release and sources indicating 602 Palestinian prisoners would be freed. Israeli authorities prevented some prisoners' families from traveling to Egypt for the reception.
By afternoon, reports emerged of two Palestinian children killed in Jenin and Hebron during Israeli operations. The International Organization for Migration reported 90% of Gaza homes destroyed. Evening brought confirmation of Hamas transferring Bibas's remains to the Red Cross, while Trump retreated from his Gaza plan, citing surprise at regional rejection.
UK
•21.02.2025
•Friday
•185 days ago
•⌨
Early morning brought Hamas's return of remains claimed to be Shiri Bibas, which Israel identified as belonging to someone else. Hamas then claimed Bibas's remains were mixed with others in an airstrike rubble, while Israeli forensics suggested her children were killed by physical violence.
By midday, Trump's criticism of Zelensky gained momentum as Musk joined in, describing Ukraine's leadership as a "fraud machine." Trump's envoy Kellogg attempted damage control, calling Zelensky "courageous" after discussions, while reports emerged of potential automatic NATO membership for Ukraine in future peace deals.
Evening saw Trump expanding his criticism to include Starmer and Macron for "doing nothing" to end the war. By late night, Ukraine appeared to shift position, with reports indicating Zelensky's willingness to sign a US-brokered minerals deal that he had rejected earlier in the week.
By midday, Trump's criticism of Zelensky gained momentum as Musk joined in, describing Ukraine's leadership as a "fraud machine." Trump's envoy Kellogg attempted damage control, calling Zelensky "courageous" after discussions, while reports emerged of potential automatic NATO membership for Ukraine in future peace deals.
Evening saw Trump expanding his criticism to include Starmer and Macron for "doing nothing" to end the war. By late night, Ukraine appeared to shift position, with reports indicating Zelensky's willingness to sign a US-brokered minerals deal that he had rejected earlier in the week.
Iran
•21.02.2025
•Friday
•185 days ago
•⌨
The morning began with US National Security Advisor's comments about Trump's frustration over Ukraine's mineral resources, continuing the narrative from previous days. A human rights report detailed 124 executions in Iranian Kurdistan, while state media emphasized youth mobilization against "soft threats."
Multiple bus explosions in central Israel shifted the focus, with Shin Bet attributing the attacks to Iran. Netanyahu threatened Hamas over unreturned hostage bodies, while Iranian officials continued positioning on nuclear capabilities. The US Secretary of State's statement about preventing a nuclear Iran under Trump received extensive coverage.
Evening headlines centered on severe weather alerts across Iran, with crisis management meetings convened. The contrast between domestic subsidies ($12) and Lebanon aid ($900) emerged as a criticism point in opposition media, while military officials announced joint "Zulfiqar" exercises.
Multiple bus explosions in central Israel shifted the focus, with Shin Bet attributing the attacks to Iran. Netanyahu threatened Hamas over unreturned hostage bodies, while Iranian officials continued positioning on nuclear capabilities. The US Secretary of State's statement about preventing a nuclear Iran under Trump received extensive coverage.
Evening headlines centered on severe weather alerts across Iran, with crisis management meetings convened. The contrast between domestic subsidies ($12) and Lebanon aid ($900) emerged as a criticism point in opposition media, while military officials announced joint "Zulfiqar" exercises.
Russia
•21.02.2025
•Friday
•185 days ago
•⌨
Morning coverage focused on Trump's three-week ultimatum to Europe regarding Ukraine's surrender terms, while Russian media amplified reports of Zelensky being advised to "flee to France." The State Department's criticism of Zelensky over mineral resources deal marked a shift in US-Ukraine relations.
By afternoon, Putin unveiled details of the "Oreshnik" weapon system, while Lavrov characterized Western reaction to Riyadh talks as "unhealthy." Reports emerged of possible Russian asset unfreezing for Ukraine's reconstruction.
Evening brought speculation about Trump's attendance at Moscow's Victory Day parade, which the Kremlin and Trump quickly denied. The US removed "aggressor" terminology regarding Russia from UN documents, while Russian media highlighted continued military advances in DPR regions of Nadezhdinka and Novoselka.
By afternoon, Putin unveiled details of the "Oreshnik" weapon system, while Lavrov characterized Western reaction to Riyadh talks as "unhealthy." Reports emerged of possible Russian asset unfreezing for Ukraine's reconstruction.
Evening brought speculation about Trump's attendance at Moscow's Victory Day parade, which the Kremlin and Trump quickly denied. The US removed "aggressor" terminology regarding Russia from UN documents, while Russian media highlighted continued military advances in DPR regions of Nadezhdinka and Novoselka.
Italy
•21.02.2025
•Friday
•185 days ago
•⌨
The morning brought Delmastro's conviction aftermath, with ANM expressing concern over government attacks on judicial independence. By noon, reports emerged of Putin planning to declare victory over Ukraine on February 24th, while Trump's team floated plans for Zelensky's potential exile in France.
Chinese scientists' discovery of a new bat coronavirus capable of human transmission briefly captured media attention, before focus shifted to the Pope's deteriorating condition. Evening medical bulletins revealed Francis faces sepsis risk despite breathing independently, with doctors abandoning earlier optimism for a more grave prognosis.
The night concluded with an attack at Berlin's Holocaust Memorial, while Apple yielded to Trump's pressure by redirecting Mexican investments to the US. The day's coverage reflected the continued erosion of Ukraine's diplomatic position, with Meloni attempting to maintain support while US stance shifts toward compromise.
Chinese scientists' discovery of a new bat coronavirus capable of human transmission briefly captured media attention, before focus shifted to the Pope's deteriorating condition. Evening medical bulletins revealed Francis faces sepsis risk despite breathing independently, with doctors abandoning earlier optimism for a more grave prognosis.
The night concluded with an attack at Berlin's Holocaust Memorial, while Apple yielded to Trump's pressure by redirecting Mexican investments to the US. The day's coverage reflected the continued erosion of Ukraine's diplomatic position, with Meloni attempting to maintain support while US stance shifts toward compromise.
Japan
•21.02.2025
•Friday
•185 days ago
•⌨
Inflation data showing 3.2% rise in January core prices set morning coverage tone, maintaining pressure on BOJ's rate hike path. The ruling coalition reached agreement on 2025 budget modifications, breaking previous days' parliamentary deadlock.
Chinese demand decline caused high-end Japanese whisky prices to drop 20%, while semiconductor components from Japan, US, and Europe reached Russian allies through Chinese channels. Taiwan's Foxconn proposed collaboration with Honda, potentially including Nissan and Mitsubishi, marking strategic realignment in response to previous days' auto tariff tensions.
Heavy snowfall warnings persisted throughout the day for Japan's Sea coast regions, with intensity expected to peak during the three-day weekend. The G20 foreign ministers meeting proceeded in South Africa without U.S. diplomatic presence, while Japan's Oscar-nominated documentary faced recuts over legal concerns.
Chinese demand decline caused high-end Japanese whisky prices to drop 20%, while semiconductor components from Japan, US, and Europe reached Russian allies through Chinese channels. Taiwan's Foxconn proposed collaboration with Honda, potentially including Nissan and Mitsubishi, marking strategic realignment in response to previous days' auto tariff tensions.
Heavy snowfall warnings persisted throughout the day for Japan's Sea coast regions, with intensity expected to peak during the three-day weekend. The G20 foreign ministers meeting proceeded in South Africa without U.S. diplomatic presence, while Japan's Oscar-nominated documentary faced recuts over legal concerns.
Netherlands
•21.02.2025
•Friday
•185 days ago
•⌨
The morning opened with PostNL's urgent request for state support being rejected by the ministry, while ambulance response times showed concerning increases across rural areas. Trump's demand for $500 billion in rare earth metals from Ukraine emerged as context for his recent statements, adding complexity to European defense preparations.
By midday, the Erasmus shooter received a life sentence, while DUO began compensating hundreds of thousands of former students affected by the loan system. The government abandoned plans for Schiphol's fourth approach route.
The evening centered on PVV Minister Faber's statement about Zelensky being "undemocratically elected," which she retracted after VVD's fierce response. This incident highlighted growing tensions within the coalition regarding Ukraine policy. KRO-NCRV terminated its long-running program "Spoorloos" after matching participants with incorrect families.
By midday, the Erasmus shooter received a life sentence, while DUO began compensating hundreds of thousands of former students affected by the loan system. The government abandoned plans for Schiphol's fourth approach route.
The evening centered on PVV Minister Faber's statement about Zelensky being "undemocratically elected," which she retracted after VVD's fierce response. This incident highlighted growing tensions within the coalition regarding Ukraine policy. KRO-NCRV terminated its long-running program "Spoorloos" after matching participants with incorrect families.
India
•21.02.2025
•Friday
•185 days ago
•⌨
Multiple bus explosions in Tel Aviv and Bat Yam dominated early morning coverage, with two additional bombs defused and public transport suspended. The incident shifted attention from Delhi's governance transition.
By mid-morning, India's MEA labeled Trump's claims about USAID's $21 million voter turnout funding as "deeply troubling," marking a significant escalation from previous days' political debate. The controversy deepened when reports emerged suggesting the funds were actually meant for Bangladesh.
In the afternoon, ED imposed a ₹3.44 crore penalty on BBC India for FEMA violations, while Operation Dunki investigations revealed extensive human trafficking networks in Punjab. The language politics surrounding NEP implementation intensified, with Education Minister Pradhan responding to Tamil Nadu CM Stalin's Hindi imposition claims. PM Modi later addressed the language controversy, emphasizing mutual enrichment among Indian languages.
By mid-morning, India's MEA labeled Trump's claims about USAID's $21 million voter turnout funding as "deeply troubling," marking a significant escalation from previous days' political debate. The controversy deepened when reports emerged suggesting the funds were actually meant for Bangladesh.
In the afternoon, ED imposed a ₹3.44 crore penalty on BBC India for FEMA violations, while Operation Dunki investigations revealed extensive human trafficking networks in Punjab. The language politics surrounding NEP implementation intensified, with Education Minister Pradhan responding to Tamil Nadu CM Stalin's Hindi imposition claims. PM Modi later addressed the language controversy, emphasizing mutual enrichment among Indian languages.
Poland
•21.02.2025
•Friday
•185 days ago
•⌨
The morning brought reports of Parliament's approval to detain former Justice Minister Ziobro, while Chinese manufacturers overtook Polish companies in EU home appliance market share. Trump's Ukraine peace terms dominated discourse, with former President Kwaśniewski warning about Trump's preparedness for a second term.
By afternoon, President Duda spoke with Zelenskyy, suggesting Ukraine maintain "calm cooperation" with Trump. The conversation followed Trump's statement that Zelenskyy "isn't crucial" for peace talks. News emerged of Duda's scheduled meeting with Trump on Saturday, while Foreign Minister Sikorski met Senator Rubio in Washington.
Evening coverage focused on reports of a potential Trump-Putin meeting in Moscow on May 9th, while domestic attention turned to internal security agency ABW's investigation into volunteer firefighters' funding sources. Parliament imposed maximum penalties on MPs involved in recent incidents.
By afternoon, President Duda spoke with Zelenskyy, suggesting Ukraine maintain "calm cooperation" with Trump. The conversation followed Trump's statement that Zelenskyy "isn't crucial" for peace talks. News emerged of Duda's scheduled meeting with Trump on Saturday, while Foreign Minister Sikorski met Senator Rubio in Washington.
Evening coverage focused on reports of a potential Trump-Putin meeting in Moscow on May 9th, while domestic attention turned to internal security agency ABW's investigation into volunteer firefighters' funding sources. Parliament imposed maximum penalties on MPs involved in recent incidents.
Spain
•21.02.2025
•Friday
•185 days ago
•⌨
The sexual harassment case against Juan Carlos Monedero dominated morning coverage, with revelations that Podemos gave him VIP treatment days after the first complaint. By midday, Ione Belarra denied knowledge of accusations before 2023, while internal documents showed the party maintained contact with Monedero for three months after his removal.
Hamas's delivery of what they claimed was Shiri Bibas's body, which turned out to be a Gaza woman's remains, sparked Israeli threats of retaliation. By evening, Israel claimed Hamas had directly killed the Bibas children.
The Supreme Court unanimously approved searching Attorney General García Ortiz's office and phone, while former PM Zapatero negotiated with Puigdemont in Switzerland regarding immigration powers. The day closed with reports of a Spanish tourist's stabbing near Berlin's Holocaust Memorial, one day before German elections.
Hamas's delivery of what they claimed was Shiri Bibas's body, which turned out to be a Gaza woman's remains, sparked Israeli threats of retaliation. By evening, Israel claimed Hamas had directly killed the Bibas children.
The Supreme Court unanimously approved searching Attorney General García Ortiz's office and phone, while former PM Zapatero negotiated with Puigdemont in Switzerland regarding immigration powers. The day closed with reports of a Spanish tourist's stabbing near Berlin's Holocaust Memorial, one day before German elections.
Turkey
•21.02.2025
•Friday
•185 days ago
•⌨
Heavy snowfall paralyzed Istanbul, with authorities closing major highways and suspending motorcycle deliveries. The precipitation raised reservoir levels while disrupting urban life. Airport operations faced restrictions, though public transportation continued with adjustments.
The HDK investigation that began with dawn raids three days ago reached its judicial phase, with courts ordering detention for 20 of 53 defendants, including journalist Elif Akgül. Meanwhile, Istanbul Mayor İmamoğlu formally submitted his presidential candidacy papers to CHP, claiming sufficient backing.
The ongoing TÜSİAD investigation prompted responses from multiple government officials, with Communications Director Altun linking critics to "February 28 mentality." Minister Tunç labeled TÜSİAD's stance "unfair," while Parliament Speaker Kurtulmuş advised the business organization to "mind its own business."
Defense Ministry announced neutralizing 12 PKK militants in northern Iraq operations.
The HDK investigation that began with dawn raids three days ago reached its judicial phase, with courts ordering detention for 20 of 53 defendants, including journalist Elif Akgül. Meanwhile, Istanbul Mayor İmamoğlu formally submitted his presidential candidacy papers to CHP, claiming sufficient backing.
The ongoing TÜSİAD investigation prompted responses from multiple government officials, with Communications Director Altun linking critics to "February 28 mentality." Minister Tunç labeled TÜSİAD's stance "unfair," while Parliament Speaker Kurtulmuş advised the business organization to "mind its own business."
Defense Ministry announced neutralizing 12 PKK militants in northern Iraq operations.
China
•21.02.2025
•Friday
•185 days ago
•⌨
State media maintained coordinated messaging about Xi's private enterprise symposium, expanding from previous days' confidence-building narrative to specific legislative promises. The morning brought news of a coronavirus variant discovery and Asia's deepest vertical well completion, strategically timed against US tariff discussions.
By mid-morning, military tensions escalated as China reported expelling Philippine aircraft from the Spratly Islands, while simultaneously promoting the J-35 stealth fighter to Middle East buyers. DeepSeek AI's alleged stock market misinformation emerged as a new concern, connecting to previous days' AI sovereignty themes.
The afternoon saw US-China economic dialogue through Treasury-Vice Premier talks, focusing on tariffs and economic imbalances. Xi's revision of military rules and China's GaN chip breakthrough announcement completed the day's technological sovereignty narrative, while Hong Kong's Democratic Party moved closer to dissolution.
By mid-morning, military tensions escalated as China reported expelling Philippine aircraft from the Spratly Islands, while simultaneously promoting the J-35 stealth fighter to Middle East buyers. DeepSeek AI's alleged stock market misinformation emerged as a new concern, connecting to previous days' AI sovereignty themes.
The afternoon saw US-China economic dialogue through Treasury-Vice Premier talks, focusing on tariffs and economic imbalances. Xi's revision of military rules and China's GaN chip breakthrough announcement completed the day's technological sovereignty narrative, while Hong Kong's Democratic Party moved closer to dissolution.
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