DAILY NEWS Stream – February 13, 2025

US President Trump reveals He has spoken to Russia’s Putin about ending Ukraine war, saying He believes Putin “does care” about the death toll and “he wants to see people stop dying” (Sky News Australia)

US President Trump is ready to double-down on sanctions if Russia refuses to end war in Ukraine, says special envoy Keith Kellogg (Tiền Phong)

Top NATO general Admiral Dragone visits Ukraine and meets Foreign Minister Sybiha to discuss further military assistance to Ukraine, how to strengthen its defense capabilities, and the path to a just peace (Ukrainska Pravda)

US President Trump rules out deporting UK’s estranged Prince Harry despite His past drug use and dishonesty on His visa application, saying: “I’ll leave him alone. He’s got enough problems with His wife [Meghan Markle]. She’s terrible” (New York Post)

President Trump says He has instructed the US Treasury to stop minting new pennies, which cost more than three times their value to make, saying, “This is so wasteful!” and adding, “Let’s rip the waste out of our great nation’s budget, even if it’s a penny at a time” (Fox News)

President Donald Trump’s energy is “unmatched,” says American commentator and comedian Alex Stein. “At His age, the way that He moves and travels on a daily basis is unlike any 20-year-old. Anybody in their prime cannot have the same level of energy as Donald Trump” (Sky News Australia)

Inside US President Trump’s hectic day-to-day schedule: Long Hours: Starts at 6 am, works close to midnight, often over dinner with dignitaries. Rolling Meetings: Introduces one visitor to the next, creating a burst of high-energy chemistry and humor. Press Access: Regular press conferences, open to all questions. High Output: President Trump has signed more than 500 executive actions and met with dozens of world leaders and US politicians in just three weeks. Physical Toll: Constant handshakes leave His right hand bruised, has to wear a band-aid. Relentless Focus: Says first thought upon waking is “business. Everything’s business.” “We have a country to save,” His chief of staff Susie Wiles tells supporters when explaining the lightning-fast pace (New York Post)

President Trump voters tell ABC News host they’re pleased with the President’s actions so far, including cracking down on illegal immigration and setting tech billionaire Elon Musk and DOGE [Department of Government Efficiency] to cut out waste in the US federal government (Fox News)

US: Tech billionaire Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, tasked with cutting wasteful, corrupt, or fraudulent federal government spending, consists of six or more Gen Z engineers, aged 19 to 25, who are considered top global experts in software engineering, with President Trump describing them and Mr. Musk as “geniuses” (Tiền Phong)

President Trump criticizes federal judge Paul Engelmayer for blocking DOGE [Department of Government Efficiency] access to the US Treasury, calling him “crazy” and saying, “We have to solve the efficiency problem; we have to solve the fraud, waste, abuse… When a president can’t look for fraud and waste and abuse, we don’t have a country anymore.” Meanwhile, Efficiency Commissioner Elon Musk has called for Judge Engelmayer’s impeachment, calling him “corrupt” and accusing him of “protecting corruption.” DOGE’s access to the Treasury is limited until February 14, 2025 at the earliest, when a legal hearing has been scheduled on the matter (The Hill; CNN)

President Trump orders consumer protection agency CFPB [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau] to stop work and closes building as Elon Musk’s DOGE [Department of Government Efficiency] accesses computers and begins searching for criminality, fraud, and abuse (AP)

Analysis: President Trump’s tariff threats target long-standing US issues like illegal immigration, drug cartels, trade violations, and allies exploiting America for defense. America’s friends, allies, and enemies pretending to be “shocked” know that all too well, says American historian Victor Davis Hanson (Sky News Australia)

Sweden to tighten gun control laws, including a ban on certain semiautomatic weapons, after country’s worst-ever mass shooting leaves 11 dead (The Washington Post)

Brazilian plane crashes into traffic, engulfing bus in flames and killing 2 in São Paulo, with cause under investigation (The Washington Post)

China cracked 73,000 cross-border gambling and related cases and dismantled over 4,500 online gambling platforms in 2024 as police intensify efforts (VTV.vn)

HCM CT [Vietnam] Department of Health issues urgent dispatch on seasonal influenza, recommending people wear masks and take other precautions (VietNamNet)

New York State [US] closes all live bird markets in New York City and nearby counties for a week due to avian flu cases (AP)

Experts warn H5N1 bird flu arrival in Australia is “inevitable” and will cause the country’s “most complex wildlife emergency ever,” with black swans and emus at particular risk (SBS News)

Flies in hospital wards may be spreading drug-resistant bacteria to patients, Nigerian scientists find, adding to fears about superbugs (The Guardian)

Expert shares 5 types of legumes that help stabilize blood sugar levels while providing an array of health benefits: 1) Mung beans; 2) Red [adzuki] beans; 3) Black beans; 4) Soybeans; 5) Peas (Sức Khỏe Cổ Xưa)

Doctors advise 8 tips to prevent or reduce headaches in cold weather: 1) Avoid sudden temperature changes by wearing warm clothing, hats, and scarves to prevent blood vessel constriction in the head. 2) Manage sinus issues by keeping nasal passages clear to prevent congestion that leads to headaches. 3) Control blood pressure, as cold weather can cause blood vessel constriction, increasing hypertension risks. 4) Stay hydrated by drinking at least 1.5-2 liters [6.5-8 cups] of water daily to maintain oxygen circulation and prevent headaches. 5) Eat a balanced diet and limit fatty, fried, and spicy foods that can affect blood circulation and trigger headaches. 6) Keep warm indoors by ensuring your living space is heated and ventilated. 7) Exercise regularly with light physical activity to improve blood circulation. 8) Seek medical help if headaches persist or worsen (VnExpress)

Argentina’s Sarandí Canal mysteriously turns bright red, looks like it’s “covered in blood,” and emits sickening odor, with locals blaming leather and textile factories while authorities race to determine the cause (New York Post)

Sichuan [China]: At least one dead, 28 missing after landslide strikes Jinping village, burying ten houses (BBC)

Scientists race to understand why birds are dying in massive numbers as die-off events become more common worldwide, with chemical pollution, microplastics, and human-caused climate change all thought to be factors (Tiền Phong TV)

Jersey: More than 10,000 trees planted after Storm Ciarán hit the island in 2023, initiated by non-profit Jersey Trees for Life, with help from public, private, and government donations (BBC)

Oregon [US]: Proposed US$1.5 million beaver conservation fund supported by unlikely alliance of agriculture, environmental protection, and animal rights advocates, who find common ground over beavers’ tremendous value as ecosystem improvers (Capital Press)

Analysis: AI [artificial intelligence] is opening up breakthrough opportunities in everything from healthcare and education to business and creativity. However, if not developed according to clear ethical principles, AI can become a double-edged sword, causing serious consequences such as algorithmic bias [systemic errors that create unfair or discriminatory outcomes] and invasion of privacy – and could even go “rogue,” moving beyond human control and turning against humanity (VTV24)

Florida [US]: Proposed state Senate bills would bring harsher penalties for animal abusers and open an animal abuser registry to enhance pet welfare (iHeartDogs)

Las Vegas [Nevada, US]: Animal activists rally seeking harsher punishments for animal cruelty cases, specifically asking for removal of plea deals, which are often too lenient towards guilty animal abusers (FOX5)

Renowned UK vegan dog food brand Omni gains celebrity investors and £75,000, winning over two of the toughest dragons on BBC investment show “Dragon’s Den” (Nottingham Post)

Cautionary quote of the day: “If a man going down into a river, swollen and swiftly flowing, is carried away by the current – how can he help others across? In the same way, he who has not comprehended the Dharma, has not grasped the true, inner Meaning as expounded by the Wise, being himself without direct knowledge and unrelieved of doubt - how can he make others understand?” – The Worshipped Shakyamuni Buddha (vegan)