Summary:

Finnegan Schick is running the 2025 Boston Marathon to support Massachusetts General Hospital’s emergency response team, inspired by their life-saving care for his wife during a critical illness. Witnessing their exceptional work firsthand, he believes in the importance of sustaining life and healing broken pieces, highlighting the crucial role of frontline workers in hospitals like MGH. Through his run, Schick aims to honor the hospital's dedication to saving lives and contributing to the greater Boston community. Full Article

Republican Senator Mitch McConnell announces he won't seek reelection, ending a long tenure marked by conservative causes and battles with Trump; McConnell, who served as Senate party leader, plans to retire after current term expires in 2027. His departure signifies a shift in the GOP towards Trump's populism, setting off a competitive primary for his Kentucky seat and leaving Governor Andy Beshear as a potential Democratic contender. Full Article

Hamas handed over the remains of four Israelis, including a woman and her two young children abducted during the Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel, in a theatrical exchange near Khan Younis. The coffins were displayed in front of a picture of Netanyahu, with threats of more hostages returning in coffins if Israel went back to war. The bodies were returned as part of a larger exchange under a 42-day cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, with Israeli officials confirming the airstrikes as the cause of death. Full Article

In a recent proposal, Donald Trump suggests giving Americans 20 percent of their savings in DOGE, marking a month in office filled with executive orders, firings, tariff announcements, and clashes with foreign leaders. Vice President JD Vance speaks at CPAC, while Trump's purge of the federal bureaucracy continues, with the IRS set to fire 6,700 probationary employees. Meanwhile, the administration addresses issues such as bird flu, an egg shortage, and transgender protections. Full Article

A German court ruled that Birkenstock sandals do not qualify as works of art and cannot be protected by copyright laws, despite the company's claim. The popular sandals, once considered uncool, have gained popularity in recent years and faced numerous copycat versions from rivals. The court decision stated that Birkenstock's footwear did not meet the criteria for copyright protection as they lacked the required degree of individual creativity, leading the company to continue its fight against imitations using legal means. Full Article

Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury stated that the company could prioritize deliveries to non-U.S. customers if tariffs disrupt imports to the United States. Faury emphasized the uncertainty surrounding potential tariffs from President Trump and highlighted Airbus' efforts to increase production in the U.S., including a site in Alabama. The company remains prepared to adapt to any tariff impacts while maintaining flexibility due to its strong relationships with major U.S. carriers. Full Article

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres proposed that the United Nations fund a multinational force in Haiti to combat violent gangs, with salaries covered by an existing trust fund. The mission, led by Kenyan police and soldiers from other countries, aims to restore democratic institutions through elections, despite warnings of premature elections leading to increased gang violence. Challenges include lack of funding, political dysfunction, and gang control over 85% of Haiti's capital, with over 5,600 deaths reported last year due to gang violence. Full Article

By Danylo HawaleshkaPublished On 20 Feb 2025, History Illustrated is a series that uses artificial intelligence to create graphics that provide historical context for news events and current affairs. The series aims to help viewers better understand the significance of key names and events by presenting them in a visually engaging format. Through this unique approach, History Illustrated offers a concise and informative perspective on the interconnectedness of past and present events. Full Article

Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee expressed strong opposition to the confirmation of FBI Director nominee Kash Patel, warning Republican colleagues that approving him would lead to regret. Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Sen. Dick Durbin raised concerns about Patel's qualifications and alleged threats against perceived enemies, urging Republicans to reconsider their support. Despite Democrats' claims of Patel's involvement in FBI terminations and lying during his confirmation hearing, a representative for Patel denied these accusations and emphasized his transparency throughout the nomination process. Full Article

An airlift of more than 1,000 Chinese nationals who worked at online scam centers in Myanmar began in Thailand, with the workers being flown back to China. The scam centers operated in Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos, exploiting victims worldwide through false schemes. Thailand is coordinating the repatriation efforts, with China handling the processing of the workers upon their return. Thailand is also overseeing the evacuation and processing of workers from other nations who were rescued from the scam centers. Thai Prime Minister Shinawatra has pledged to crack down on scam networks, fearing the impact on Thailand's tourism industry. Full Article

Huiren Hospital in Suqian, China faced financial failure due to unpaid wages, leading to closure in September. The pandemic exacerbated financial struggles for hospitals across China, causing decreased revenue and increased expenses. The country's aging population and economic challenges have resulted in a surge of hospital bankruptcies, with over 200 hospitals declaring bankruptcy in the past five years. Full Article

In a Reddit post, a homeowner refused to allow a friend to use their backyard for a wedding after being told not to bring a plus one due to their ex-girlfriend's presence. The homeowner confronted the groom about the unreasonable request, leading to the cancellation of the wedding. Redditors supported the decision, with many criticizing the groom for prioritizing the ex-girlfriend over the homeowner. Full Article

Two armed robbers in a red sedan robbed three men working in Gage Park early Thursday morning, demanding their property before fleeing the scene. Following an overnight pursuit, two suspects were arrested in the Austin neighborhood after traveling from the South to the West Side. The Chicago police reported the incident at 2:45 a.m. on the 2800 block of West 59th Street. Full Article

Merck Foundation, in collaboration with African First Ladies and Ministries of Health, has granted 194 scholarships for Oncology Training to doctors from 32 African countries, aiming to improve cancer care capacity. This initiative has led to the training of the first African Oncologists and Cancer Care Teams in nations such as The Gambia, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. Merck Foundation's Cancer Access Program has provided scholarships for various oncology specialties, addressing the critical need for more oncologists in Africa and promoting early cancer detection and prevention. Full Article

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha met with US special envoy Keith Kellogg to discuss steps towards peace in Ukraine's conflict with Russia, affirming Ukraine's commitment to achieving peace through strength. Kellogg's goal is to listen to Ukraine's concerns and report back to the White House. Amid tensions between Trump and Zelenskyy, European leaders stress the importance of European involvement in achieving lasting peace in Ukraine. Full Article