February 26, 2025
US
•26.02.2025
•Wednesday
•180 days ago
•⌨
House Republicans narrowly passed Trump's $4.5T budget resolution in early morning hours after significant pressure. The plan includes deep tax cuts and federal spending reductions, particularly targeting Medicaid.
By midday, Trump's first Cabinet meeting dominated coverage, with Elon Musk's unexpected attendance drawing scrutiny. Some Cabinet members expressed disagreement with Musk's approach as agencies received directives to prepare for "large-scale" workforce reductions. The Washington Post's opinion editor resigned following Bezos's directive to focus on free markets.
Evening coverage centered on Ukraine developments, as Trump refused to guarantee Ukraine's security in the minerals deal scheduled for Zelensky's Friday signing. The EPA moved to repeal climate findings that underpin electric vehicle regulations, while federal agencies continued resisting Musk's workforce demands. Reports emerged of over 100 intelligence officials facing dismissal over inappropriate communications.
By midday, Trump's first Cabinet meeting dominated coverage, with Elon Musk's unexpected attendance drawing scrutiny. Some Cabinet members expressed disagreement with Musk's approach as agencies received directives to prepare for "large-scale" workforce reductions. The Washington Post's opinion editor resigned following Bezos's directive to focus on free markets.
Evening coverage centered on Ukraine developments, as Trump refused to guarantee Ukraine's security in the minerals deal scheduled for Zelensky's Friday signing. The EPA moved to repeal climate findings that underpin electric vehicle regulations, while federal agencies continued resisting Musk's workforce demands. Reports emerged of over 100 intelligence officials facing dismissal over inappropriate communications.
Israel
•26.02.2025
•Wednesday
•180 days ago
•⌨
The funeral procession of Shiri Bibas and her children Ariel and Kfir dominated media coverage, with masses lining routes from Rishon LeZion through southern communities. Following yesterday's investigation releases about October 7, Unit 8200's outgoing commander delivered public criticism of IDF leadership, revealing no comprehensive investigation has occurred.
By afternoon, Israel and Hamas finalized agreement for returning four hostage bodies - Tzachi Idan, Itzik Algrat, Shlomo Mantzur and another captive - without ceremony, resolving the crisis that emerged after Saturday's staged viewing. The Red Cross vehicles began moving towards handover points by evening.
The media's intense focus on the Bibas funeral, particularly on Ariel's red hair and Yarden's absence, demonstrated how this family became a symbol of October 7 trauma in Israeli consciousness.
By afternoon, Israel and Hamas finalized agreement for returning four hostage bodies - Tzachi Idan, Itzik Algrat, Shlomo Mantzur and another captive - without ceremony, resolving the crisis that emerged after Saturday's staged viewing. The Red Cross vehicles began moving towards handover points by evening.
The media's intense focus on the Bibas funeral, particularly on Ariel's red hair and Yarden's absence, demonstrated how this family became a symbol of October 7 trauma in Israeli consciousness.
Germany
•26.02.2025
•Wednesday
•180 days ago
•⌨
The US-Ukraine raw materials agreement dominated morning coverage, with Trump securing strategic minerals access in exchange for military support commitments. By early afternoon, Klingbeil consolidated SPD leadership while confronting coalition talks with Merz's CDU, gaining 85.6% faction support despite internal resistance to conservative partnership.
Trump's announcement of 25% EU tariffs marked a significant shift in transatlantic relations, while Merz's unexpected Paris visit to meet Macron suggested attempts to maintain European alignment. The CDU's controversial 551 questions about NGO funding drew parallels to AfD tactics, revealing emerging political realignments.
Evening coverage centered on Trump's NATO statements regarding Ukraine, effectively closing the door on membership prospects while demanding concessions from Putin, marking a substantial deviation from previous US positions on European security architecture.
Trump's announcement of 25% EU tariffs marked a significant shift in transatlantic relations, while Merz's unexpected Paris visit to meet Macron suggested attempts to maintain European alignment. The CDU's controversial 551 questions about NGO funding drew parallels to AfD tactics, revealing emerging political realignments.
Evening coverage centered on Trump's NATO statements regarding Ukraine, effectively closing the door on membership prospects while demanding concessions from Putin, marking a substantial deviation from previous US positions on European security architecture.
France
•26.02.2025
•Wednesday
•180 days ago
•⌨
Morning coverage focused on Bayrou's immigration control committee addressing tensions with Algeria through potential revision of 1968 accords. By midday, Trump's announcement blocking Ukraine's NATO path and imposing 25% tariffs on European exports marked a decisive break with European allies.
The Le Scouarnec trial continued with his ex-wife's testimony denying knowledge of abuse, while Hamas returned four hostage bodies to Israel through Red Cross mediation. The day's coverage showed media grappling with America's eastward pivot, as China watched the Trump-Putin alignment with stated perplexity.
Evening reports detailed the high-security conditions of Mohamed Amra's detention at Condé-sur-Sarthe prison, while General Bellanger warned of increased Russian testing of NATO defenses. The Mulhouse attack suspect's indictment closed the news cycle.
The Le Scouarnec trial continued with his ex-wife's testimony denying knowledge of abuse, while Hamas returned four hostage bodies to Israel through Red Cross mediation. The day's coverage showed media grappling with America's eastward pivot, as China watched the Trump-Putin alignment with stated perplexity.
Evening reports detailed the high-security conditions of Mohamed Amra's detention at Condé-sur-Sarthe prison, while General Bellanger warned of increased Russian testing of NATO defenses. The Mulhouse attack suspect's indictment closed the news cycle.
Lebanon
•26.02.2025
•Wednesday
•180 days ago
•⌨
The morning parliamentary session continued discussions on the ministerial statement, with Berri managing heated exchanges between MPs. Washington's envoy Witkoff suggested Lebanon could potentially join the Abraham Accords, while Israeli operations intensified in southern Syria. By early afternoon, an Israeli drone strike in Hermel killed one person and injured another, marking a significant geographic expansion of operations northward.
After 18 hours of deliberations across three days, Parliament granted Prime Minister Nawaf Salam's government 95 votes of confidence. Salam immediately declared rejection of any political conditions tied to reconstruction aid. The vote occurred against the backdrop of continued Israeli military activity, with jets conducting low-altitude flights over various regions.
Hamas announced plans to transfer four Israeli hostage bodies in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, while reports emerged of potential Ramadan restrictions at Al-Aqsa mosque.
After 18 hours of deliberations across three days, Parliament granted Prime Minister Nawaf Salam's government 95 votes of confidence. Salam immediately declared rejection of any political conditions tied to reconstruction aid. The vote occurred against the backdrop of continued Israeli military activity, with jets conducting low-altitude flights over various regions.
Hamas announced plans to transfer four Israeli hostage bodies in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, while reports emerged of potential Ramadan restrictions at Al-Aqsa mosque.
Ukraine
•26.02.2025
•Wednesday
•180 days ago
•⌨
Russian drone attacks killed two in Kyiv region - a prominent surgeon and his TV journalist wife - and five in Kostiantynivka. The full text of the US-Ukraine minerals agreement emerged, revealing direct links to security guarantees. While Zelensky emphasized Ukraine would incur no debt, Trump framed the deal as giving Ukraine "the right to fight."
Initial uncertainty about Zelensky's Washington visit cleared when Trump confirmed their Friday meeting. The Ukrainian government approved the agreement text, but Trump dampened expectations, stating Ukraine must "forget about NATO" and that Europe, not the US, should provide security guarantees.
Former Russian Foreign Minister Kozyrev suggested Ukraine should develop nuclear weapons in response. By evening, Trump acknowledged he "can't guarantee" a peace deal, noting Putin "wanted the whole thing," while maintaining his promise of seeking "the best peace agreement."
Initial uncertainty about Zelensky's Washington visit cleared when Trump confirmed their Friday meeting. The Ukrainian government approved the agreement text, but Trump dampened expectations, stating Ukraine must "forget about NATO" and that Europe, not the US, should provide security guarantees.
Former Russian Foreign Minister Kozyrev suggested Ukraine should develop nuclear weapons in response. By evening, Trump acknowledged he "can't guarantee" a peace deal, noting Putin "wanted the whole thing," while maintaining his promise of seeking "the best peace agreement."
Palestine
•26.02.2025
•Wednesday
•180 days ago
•⌨
Morning coverage focused on the resolution of the seventh batch prisoner exchange crisis through Egyptian mediation, with Hamas agreeing to return four Israeli bodies. The agreement emerged after three days of deadlock that began February 23.
A seventh infant death from cold was reported in Gaza's Shuja'iyya neighborhood, continuing the pattern from previous days. Israeli forces maintained operations in West Bank camps, with demolition notices issued for 11 homes in Nur Shams camp.
By afternoon, Palestinian prisoner Rafat Abu Fanouneh died in Ramle prison, the second detention death in two days. Evening coverage centered on the logistics of the night's exchange, with Hamas set to deliver four bodies in return for over 600 Palestinian prisoners.
Washington's House committee formally adopted "Judea and Samaria" terminology for the West Bank, while Egypt rejected Lapid's proposal for Egyptian administration of Gaza.
A seventh infant death from cold was reported in Gaza's Shuja'iyya neighborhood, continuing the pattern from previous days. Israeli forces maintained operations in West Bank camps, with demolition notices issued for 11 homes in Nur Shams camp.
By afternoon, Palestinian prisoner Rafat Abu Fanouneh died in Ramle prison, the second detention death in two days. Evening coverage centered on the logistics of the night's exchange, with Hamas set to deliver four bodies in return for over 600 Palestinian prisoners.
Washington's House committee formally adopted "Judea and Samaria" terminology for the West Bank, while Egypt rejected Lapid's proposal for Egyptian administration of Gaza.
UK
•26.02.2025
•Wednesday
•180 days ago
•⌨
Morning reports announced Ukraine's agreement to sign a minerals deal with the US, seemingly securing American support. Trump's release of an AI-generated vision for Gaza's future, featuring casinos and his golden statue, briefly diverted media attention.
By early afternoon, Zelensky challenged the narrative, stating no security guarantees were agreed upon and the deal's success "depends on Trump." This revelation aligned with Trump's subsequent announcement that Europe, not the US, would handle Ukraine's security, telling Kyiv to "forget about" NATO membership.
Evening coverage shifted to Starmer's US visit, as he prepared to confront Trump with warnings about Putin's ambitions. This diplomatic tension followed Starmer's earlier announcement of Britain's largest defense spending increase since the Cold War, funded through foreign aid cuts - a move appearing to preemptively align with Trump's demands while maintaining strategic independence.
By early afternoon, Zelensky challenged the narrative, stating no security guarantees were agreed upon and the deal's success "depends on Trump." This revelation aligned with Trump's subsequent announcement that Europe, not the US, would handle Ukraine's security, telling Kyiv to "forget about" NATO membership.
Evening coverage shifted to Starmer's US visit, as he prepared to confront Trump with warnings about Putin's ambitions. This diplomatic tension followed Starmer's earlier announcement of Britain's largest defense spending increase since the Cold War, funded through foreign aid cuts - a move appearing to preemptively align with Trump's demands while maintaining strategic independence.
Iran
•26.02.2025
•Wednesday
•180 days ago
•⌨
Morning coverage centered on the US-Ukraine minerals agreement, with Trump confirming Zelenskyy's upcoming Washington visit. Lavrov's Tehran visit generated competing narratives, with Iranian sources emphasizing no US messages were delivered.
By midday, President Pezeshkian compared current economic pressures to the Iran-Iraq war, while Hamas-Israel prisoner exchange details emerged: 600 Palestinians for four Israeli bodies.
The afternoon brought IAEA warnings about Iran's increased uranium enrichment, with the agency reporting enough material for six potential weapons. Israeli officials discussed military options, while Iranian sources maintained focus on economic independence and regional cooperation.
Evening coverage shifted to US sanctions on Iranian drone networks, while state media emphasized independence from oil revenues amid growing economic challenges.
By midday, President Pezeshkian compared current economic pressures to the Iran-Iraq war, while Hamas-Israel prisoner exchange details emerged: 600 Palestinians for four Israeli bodies.
The afternoon brought IAEA warnings about Iran's increased uranium enrichment, with the agency reporting enough material for six potential weapons. Israeli officials discussed military options, while Iranian sources maintained focus on economic independence and regional cooperation.
Evening coverage shifted to US sanctions on Iranian drone networks, while state media emphasized independence from oil revenues amid growing economic challenges.
Russia
•26.02.2025
•Wednesday
•180 days ago
•⌨
Russian media opened with reports of 128 Ukrainian drones targeting multiple regions overnight, marking 2025's largest drone attack. Defense ministry claimed interception of all drones, with damage to a gas pipeline near Novorossiysk.
By midday, coverage shifted to Trump-Zelensky meeting preparations, with leaked details of the US-Ukraine minerals agreement emerging. Russian outlets emphasized Moscow's counter-offer of rare earth access while reporting military claims of liberating Orlovka and Pogrebki villages in Kursk region.
Evening broadcasts centered on Trump's explicit statement that Ukraine should "forget about NATO," while Russian-US talks in Istanbul were confirmed for February 27. Sources revealed discussions about joint Arctic resource extraction, suggesting broader economic negotiations beyond Ukraine. Foreign Minister Lavrov repeatedly dismissed proposals to freeze conflict along current lines.
By midday, coverage shifted to Trump-Zelensky meeting preparations, with leaked details of the US-Ukraine minerals agreement emerging. Russian outlets emphasized Moscow's counter-offer of rare earth access while reporting military claims of liberating Orlovka and Pogrebki villages in Kursk region.
Evening broadcasts centered on Trump's explicit statement that Ukraine should "forget about NATO," while Russian-US talks in Istanbul were confirmed for February 27. Sources revealed discussions about joint Arctic resource extraction, suggesting broader economic negotiations beyond Ukraine. Foreign Minister Lavrov repeatedly dismissed proposals to freeze conflict along current lines.
Italy
•26.02.2025
•Wednesday
•180 days ago
•⌨
Morning papers reported on Ukraine-US rare earth minerals negotiations, with Trump setting conditions for Zelensky's visit. By noon, Russia's Lavrov opposed EU peacekeeping proposals while Crosetto questioned troop deployment mechanisms. The afternoon brought confirmation of Zelensky's Friday Washington visit, as Trump announced 25% EU tariffs.
Pope Francis's condition evolved from "stable" in morning bulletins to "improved" by evening, with kidney function normalizing. The Vatican's measured communication pattern suggested institutional preparation for various scenarios.
The Molise corruption investigation involving President Roberti and 47 others emerged as a significant domestic story. Minister Santanchè's parliamentary defense, focusing on fashion choices rather than substance, continued from previous day's coverage. The Milan stock exchange reached 39,000 points, its highest since 2007.
Pope Francis's condition evolved from "stable" in morning bulletins to "improved" by evening, with kidney function normalizing. The Vatican's measured communication pattern suggested institutional preparation for various scenarios.
The Molise corruption investigation involving President Roberti and 47 others emerged as a significant domestic story. Minister Santanchè's parliamentary defense, focusing on fashion choices rather than substance, continued from previous day's coverage. The Milan stock exchange reached 39,000 points, its highest since 2007.
Japan
•26.02.2025
•Wednesday
•180 days ago
•⌨
The morning revealed the disappearance of twenty Japanese nationals in a Myanmar scam operation, adding urgency to regional security concerns following recent Philippines defense agreements. Seven & I Holdings' buyout negotiations stalled as Itochu withdrew from the founding family's proposal, connecting to previous weeks' retail sector restructuring.
Foreign currency markets responded to yen strength while food import costs reached ¥11.6 trillion, marking continued economic shifts. The administration emphasized school lunch subsidies, building on previous education funding initiatives.
By afternoon, attention turned to Ofunato's extensive wildfire, damaging over 80 buildings amid unusual winter dryness. The U.N. nuclear treaty conference proceedings gained prominence, while Indonesia's reversal of iPhone restrictions indicated evolving tech-sector dynamics in Southeast Asia.
Foreign currency markets responded to yen strength while food import costs reached ¥11.6 trillion, marking continued economic shifts. The administration emphasized school lunch subsidies, building on previous education funding initiatives.
By afternoon, attention turned to Ofunato's extensive wildfire, damaging over 80 buildings amid unusual winter dryness. The U.N. nuclear treaty conference proceedings gained prominence, while Indonesia's reversal of iPhone restrictions indicated evolving tech-sector dynamics in Southeast Asia.
Netherlands
•26.02.2025
•Wednesday
•180 days ago
•⌨
Morning coverage focused on Ukraine accepting US terms for a raw materials deal, following days of speculation about Trump's interest in Ukrainian resources. The agreement, seen by some outlets as extortion, involves Zelensky's planned Friday visit to Washington for signing.
By midday, the Central Planning Bureau released unexpectedly positive economic forecasts, providing an €8 billion budget windfall. This coincided with leaked messages revealing tensions between Princess Laurentien and ministry officials, leading to unprecedented public criticism of royal involvement in government affairs.
Evening brought Trump's announcement of planned 25% tariffs on EU products, coupled with claims the EU was "created to screw the US." This development, alongside his sharing of fake Gaza transformation videos, emerged as Trump solidified his position on both the Ukraine deal and European relations. Meanwhile, Go Ahead Eagles achieved a historic victory over PSV in cup semifinals.
By midday, the Central Planning Bureau released unexpectedly positive economic forecasts, providing an €8 billion budget windfall. This coincided with leaked messages revealing tensions between Princess Laurentien and ministry officials, leading to unprecedented public criticism of royal involvement in government affairs.
Evening brought Trump's announcement of planned 25% tariffs on EU products, coupled with claims the EU was "created to screw the US." This development, alongside his sharing of fake Gaza transformation videos, emerged as Trump solidified his position on both the Ukraine deal and European relations. Meanwhile, Go Ahead Eagles achieved a historic victory over PSV in cup semifinals.
India
•26.02.2025
•Wednesday
•180 days ago
•⌨
The Maha Kumbh 2025 concluded with administration reporting 1.53 crore devotees taking the final holy dip by evening, bringing the total attendance to 66 crore over 45 days. Morning coverage focused on security arrangements and Naga Sadhus' processions.
Bihar's political landscape shifted as Nitish Kumar inducted seven BJP ministers, carefully balanced across castes, signaling NDA's electoral strategy. The expansion followed BJP state president Dilip Jaiswal's resignation.
A rape inside a parked bus at Pune's Swargate depot sparked protests and NCW intervention, while 23 security guards were suspended. Evening attention turned to Afghanistan's historic Champions Trophy victory over England, effectively eliminating the defending champions through Ibrahim's 177-run innings and Omarzai's final over defense of 13 runs.
Bihar's political landscape shifted as Nitish Kumar inducted seven BJP ministers, carefully balanced across castes, signaling NDA's electoral strategy. The expansion followed BJP state president Dilip Jaiswal's resignation.
A rape inside a parked bus at Pune's Swargate depot sparked protests and NCW intervention, while 23 security guards were suspended. Evening attention turned to Afghanistan's historic Champions Trophy victory over England, effectively eliminating the defending champions through Ibrahim's 177-run innings and Omarzai's final over defense of 13 runs.
Poland
•26.02.2025
•Wednesday
•180 days ago
•⌨
The morning brought confirmation of four elderly women murdered in Warsaw, with prosecutors drawing literary parallels to Dostoevsky's Raskolnikov. Two handymen were arrested as suspects.
The US-Ukraine minerals agreement reached its final form, with Zelenskyy scheduled to visit Washington Friday. White House sources questioned the visit's utility, while Ukrainian officials presented it as crucial for securing future support. The agreement follows Trump's conditions outlined in previous days.
Internal political developments included the dismissal of Poland's fire service chief and tightening of visa regulations for foreign workers. The Foreign Ministry's stance against "unqualified workers" faced criticism from employers.
Belarus conducted unannounced military readiness checks near Polish borders, while Romania's political crisis deepened with the arrest of a leading presidential candidate.
The US-Ukraine minerals agreement reached its final form, with Zelenskyy scheduled to visit Washington Friday. White House sources questioned the visit's utility, while Ukrainian officials presented it as crucial for securing future support. The agreement follows Trump's conditions outlined in previous days.
Internal political developments included the dismissal of Poland's fire service chief and tightening of visa regulations for foreign workers. The Foreign Ministry's stance against "unqualified workers" faced criticism from employers.
Belarus conducted unannounced military readiness checks near Polish borders, while Romania's political crisis deepened with the arrest of a leading presidential candidate.
Spain
•26.02.2025
•Wednesday
•180 days ago
•⌨
France and UK advanced plans for deploying 150,000 European troops in Ukraine, seeking US support for this "armed peace" strategy. The initiative emerged as Trump secured Ukraine's rare earth minerals while avoiding defense commitments.
Debt relief negotiations collapsed when PP-governed regions walked out of talks with Minister Montero, after learning of disparate forgiveness rates favoring high-debt regions. Former PM González dismissed the entire scheme as "a lie we'll all pay for."
The DANA flood investigation revealed most victims died before the alert system activated, contradicting Mazón's shifting timeline claims. Attorney General García Ortiz's case deteriorated as investigators discovered he had reset key mobile evidence.
Trump announced plans for 25% EU tariffs, claiming the union "was created to harm the US," marking further deterioration in transatlantic relations.
Debt relief negotiations collapsed when PP-governed regions walked out of talks with Minister Montero, after learning of disparate forgiveness rates favoring high-debt regions. Former PM González dismissed the entire scheme as "a lie we'll all pay for."
The DANA flood investigation revealed most victims died before the alert system activated, contradicting Mazón's shifting timeline claims. Attorney General García Ortiz's case deteriorated as investigators discovered he had reset key mobile evidence.
Trump announced plans for 25% EU tariffs, claiming the union "was created to harm the US," marking further deterioration in transatlantic relations.
Turkey
•26.02.2025
•Wednesday
•180 days ago
•⌨
The Justice Ministry approved DEM Party's third İmralı visit, with a seven-member delegation scheduled to meet Öcalan. Large screens were set up in Diyarbakır and Van for an anticipated February 28 announcement, suggesting coordination with the Kurdish movement's traditional commemoration date.
The ongoing diploma verification process targeting İmamoğlu generated contradictory statements from prosecutors throughout the day, while Erdoğan issued threats to opposition leader Özel during his birthday celebrations. The presidential communications office issued denials of BBC reporting about ongoing military operations.
Heavy snow continued affecting eastern provinces, with multiple school closures. Foreign Minister Fidan appeared on Al Jazeera to criticize Trump's Gaza plan, while Turkish diplomacy positioned itself for upcoming Russia-US talks in Istanbul. The Ministry of Defense announced neutralizing six PKK militants in northern Syria.
The ongoing diploma verification process targeting İmamoğlu generated contradictory statements from prosecutors throughout the day, while Erdoğan issued threats to opposition leader Özel during his birthday celebrations. The presidential communications office issued denials of BBC reporting about ongoing military operations.
Heavy snow continued affecting eastern provinces, with multiple school closures. Foreign Minister Fidan appeared on Al Jazeera to criticize Trump's Gaza plan, while Turkish diplomacy positioned itself for upcoming Russia-US talks in Istanbul. The Ministry of Defense announced neutralizing six PKK militants in northern Syria.
China
•26.02.2025
•Wednesday
•180 days ago
•⌨
State media orchestrated extensive coverage of senior Party officials submitting performance reports to Xi Jinping, maintaining the modernization narrative from previous days. By dawn, scientific warnings emerged about China potentially losing 35% of its cropland by 2100, connecting to the previous week's focus on rural development and food security.
Hong Kong's budget announcement dominated midday coverage, revealing commercial land sales suspension, public transport subsidy cuts, and airport tax increases. The territory's opposition canceled their traditional budget protest citing "immense pressure."
Ukraine-US mineral development agreement details emerged throughout the day, while Taiwan's indigenous submarine program announced April sea trials. Evening coverage returned to cryptocurrency capital flows, as Caixin revealed billions in yuan moving across borders through crypto channels, while Taiwan's semiconductor manufacturers explored US production facilities to avoid tariffs.
Hong Kong's budget announcement dominated midday coverage, revealing commercial land sales suspension, public transport subsidy cuts, and airport tax increases. The territory's opposition canceled their traditional budget protest citing "immense pressure."
Ukraine-US mineral development agreement details emerged throughout the day, while Taiwan's indigenous submarine program announced April sea trials. Evening coverage returned to cryptocurrency capital flows, as Caixin revealed billions in yuan moving across borders through crypto channels, while Taiwan's semiconductor manufacturers explored US production facilities to avoid tariffs.
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