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Twelve Conversational Headlines From The Past Week:
- TRUMP AND VANCE CLASH WITH ZELENSKY IN HEATED OVAL OFFICE DISPUTE: Initially intended to finalize a minerals agreement to fund U.S. military aid to Ukraine, the discussion devolved into a heated exchange, culminating in the abrupt termination of the meeting and Zelenskyy’s departure from the White House.
- FORMER GOVERNOR ANDREW CUOMO LAUNCHES POLITICAL COMEBACK WITH NYC MAYORAL RUN: Cuomo stepped down as governor in 2021 after multiple sexual harassment accusations and criticism over his handling of COVID-19 nursing home deaths. His primary competition is incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, seeking re-election but faces federal criminal charges, in the lead for a crowded Democratic primary.
- TRUMP HIGHLIGHTS HIS FIRST SIX WEEKS IN OFFICE DURING LENGTHY ADDRESS TO CONGRESS: President Donald Trump delivered a historic address to a joint session of Congress on March 4, 2025, marking the longest such speech in recent history at approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. In this extensive address, he underscored his administration’s achievements during the initial six weeks of his second term, focusing on economic policies, national security, and social issues.
- U.S. JOB CUTS SURGE 245% IN FEBRUARY DUE TO FEDERAL GOVERNMENT LAYOFFS: In February 2025, the United States experienced a significant surge in job cuts, with announced layoffs totaling 172,017—the highest monthly figure since July 2020 and the largest February total since 2009. This
- NO CHARGES FOR DEPUTY IN FATAL TRAFFIC STOP SHOOTING OF INDIANA MAN PARDONED BY TRUMP: An Indiana sheriff’s deputy will not face charges in the fatal shooting of Matthew Huttle, a 42-year-old man recently pardoned by President Donald Trump for his involvement in the January 6 Capitol riot. The incident occurred on January 26, 2025, during a traffic stop in Jasper County, Indiana.
- U.S. HALTS INTELLIGENCE SHARING WITH UKRAINE, CIA DIRECTOR CONFIRMS: This decision comes after a contentious meeting between President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during which Trump and Vance criticized Ukraine for not showing sufficient gratitude for American support.
- TRUMP PAUSES AUTO TARIFFS ON CANADA AND MEXICO: This decision marks a significant policy shift, as the tariffs were initially imposed just days earlier, leading to market volatility and concerns among businesses.
- SPACEX LOSES ANOTHER STARSHIP IN LATEST TEST LAUNCH: The mission aimed to advance the development of Starship, envisioned as a fully reusable spacecraft capable of carrying humans and cargo to destinations like the Moon and Mars.
- TRUMP ISSUES ‘LAST WARNING’ TO HAMAS TO RELEASE ALL HOSTAGES AS U.S. HOLDS DIRECT TALKS: This warning comes amid direct negotiations between U.S. officials and Hamas representatives, marking a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy. In response, Hamas has dismissed the President’s threats, maintaining that they will only release the hostages in exchange for a lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
- LA CITY COUNCIL UPHOLDS CONTROVERSIAL FIRING OF FORMER FIRE CHIEF KRISTIN CROWLEY: The Los Angeles City Council has upheld Mayor Karen Bass’s decision to dismiss Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, rejecting Crowley’s appeal in a 13-2 vote. This decision follows Crowley’s removal amid criticism over the Los Angeles Fire Department’s (LAFD) response to the devastating Palisades Fire in January, which resulted in significant loss of life and property.
- BLACKROCK SECURES DEAL TO BRING PANAMA CANAL PORTS UNDER U.S. CONTROL: A consortium led by BlackRock has agreed to acquire a majority stake in CK Hutchison Holdings’ port operations, including the strategic Balboa and Cristobal ports on either side of the Panama Canal, in a deal valued at approximately $23 billion. This acquisition effectively places these critical maritime assets under American control, addressing longstanding U.S. concerns about foreign influence over this vital waterway.
- JOHN CENA WINS ELIMINATION CHAMBER, JOINS THE ROCK TO TURN ON CODY RHODES AT WRESTLEMANIA: At WWE’s Elimination Chamber 2025, John Cena clinched victory in the men’s Elimination Chamber match, earning a spot at WrestleMania 41 for a high-stakes showdown against Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes in Las Vegas. Then, the night took an unexpected twist when Cena, alongside Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, betrayed Rhodes in a post-match assault.
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