Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for February 19th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
1. Pope Francis Has Pneumonia, Vatican Says
The Pope was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital on February 14 and he has been suffering from a severe respiratory infection, bronchitis, for more than a week.
2. 10% of NASA Workforce Laid Off Amid Trump Administration Cut
NASA has laid off 10 percent of its workforce as part of a broader federal government downsizing initiative led by President Donald Trump's administration, according to a report from ABC News that cited unnamed sources at the space agency.
The layoffs - reportedly affecting probationary employees and those accepting buyouts, according to ArsTechnica—come as Trump's administration implements workforce reductions across multiple federal agencies with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) being tasked with identifying cost-cutting measures.
3. Trump says he will introduce 25% tariffs on autos, pharmaceuticals and chips
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he intends to impose auto tariffs "in the neighborhood of 25%" and similar duties on semiconductors and pharmaceutical imports, the latest in a series of measures threatening to upend international trade.
On Friday, Trump said levies on automobiles would come as soon as April 2, the day after members of his cabinet are due to deliver reports to him outlining options for a range of import duties as he seeks to reshape global trade.
4. Azerbaijan-Serbia energy cooperation has entered new stage, says minister
Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Serbia has entered a new stage in both traditional and renewable energy sectors, Azerbaijan's Minister of Finance Sahil Babayev said at an event dedicated to Serbia's Statehood Day.
According to the minister, Serbia has become a transit country for Azerbaijan's energy exports to the Balkan countries and rest of Europe.
5. Korea declares 'all-out' efforts to face down Trump-era tariffs
The South Korean government declared an "all-out" efforts in response to escalating global tariff tensions on Tuesday, unveiling a substantial support package for local businesses under growing pressure.
"With the new Trump administration triggering a tariff war, South Korea faces increasing uncertainty on the exports front," acting President Choi Sang-mok said in a Cabinet meeting. "We are now launching an all-out efforts on trade. From this point, how a country responds to the US-led trade war will shape its future."
6. Japan government not to participate in U.N. nuke ban meeting in March
The Japanese government will not participate in next month's meeting of signatories of the U.N. nuclear ban treaty in New York, according to Kyodo news.
Japan is not a member of the U.N. Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons but had faced calls to attend the five-day meeting from March 3 as an observer, as this year marks the 80th anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
7. U.S. pauses immigration applications for certain migrants welcomed under Biden
The Trump administration has enacted a pause on all immigration applications filed by migrants from Latin America and Ukraine allowed into the U.S. under certain Biden-era programs, citing fraud and security concerns, according to two U.S. officials and an internal memo obtained by CBS News.
The application freeze will remain in place indefinitely while government officials work to identify potential cases of fraud and enhance vetting procedures to mitigate concerns related to national security and public safety, according to the directive.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for February 20th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for February 18th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for February 14th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for February 13th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for February 12th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Israel has accused Hamas of violating a ceasefire agreement after discovering that one of the bodies handed over during Thursday’s exchange did not belong to any known hostage. The military is demanding the return of the missing remains.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Thursday that Ukraine is ready to work quickly on a strong security and investment agreement with the U.S. after meeting with envoy Keith Kellogg.
Greece is struggling with severe water shortages as climate change intensifies droughts and aging infrastructure leaks nearly half of its drinking water. The crisis threatens agriculture, public health, and daily life.
The Trump administration has halted U.S. scientists' participation in key U.N. climate change assessments, marking another step in its retreat from international climate efforts. The decision affects researchers working with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Elon Musk brandished a chainsaw on stage at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Thursday, calling it “the chainsaw for bureaucracy” as he backed Donald Trump’s sweeping government reforms.
Estée Lauder and L’Oréal are facing challenges in the Chinese market as local beauty brands gain popularity. Rising competition, shifting consumer preferences, and economic factors have impacted sales, forcing global cosmetics giants to adapt their strategies.
Russian President has invited his U.S. counterpart, along with leaders from many other countries to Moscow in May to attend the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, which Russians refer to as the "Great Patriotic War."
USAID has long promoted itself as a supporter of press freedom, but reports suggest its media funding may have influenced domestic narratives in Europe and post-Soviet states. With the Trump administration freezing its grants, the agency’s role in shaping global information is under scrutiny.
A Delta Air Lines regional jet flipped upside down upon landing at Toronto Pearson Airport on Monday, injuring 18 people. Officials are investigating whether strong winds and snow played a role in the incident.
Berlin, February 21, 2025 – German citizens will head to the polls on Sunday, February 23, for a snap general election after the coalition government collapsed late last year.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Thursday that Ukraine is ready to work quickly on a strong security and investment agreement with the U.S. after meeting with envoy Keith Kellogg.
The Trump administration has halted U.S. scientists' participation in key U.N. climate change assessments, marking another step in its retreat from international climate efforts. The decision affects researchers working with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Elon Musk brandished a chainsaw on stage at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Thursday, calling it “the chainsaw for bureaucracy” as he backed Donald Trump’s sweeping government reforms.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that any talks to end the war with Russia must include Ukraine, following concerns over U.S. President Donald Trump’s approach to negotiations.
Israel has accused Hamas of violating a ceasefire agreement after discovering that one of the bodies handed over during Thursday’s exchange did not belong to any known hostage. The military is demanding the return of the missing remains.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Thursday that Ukraine is ready to work quickly on a strong security and investment agreement with the U.S. after meeting with envoy Keith Kellogg.
Greece is struggling with severe water shortages as climate change intensifies droughts and aging infrastructure leaks nearly half of its drinking water. The crisis threatens agriculture, public health, and daily life.
The Trump administration has halted U.S. scientists' participation in key U.N. climate change assessments, marking another step in its retreat from international climate efforts. The decision affects researchers working with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Elon Musk brandished a chainsaw on stage at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Thursday, calling it “the chainsaw for bureaucracy” as he backed Donald Trump’s sweeping government reforms.
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