{"href":"https://api.simplecast.com/oembed?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftodays-news.simplecast.com%2Fepisodes%2Ftodays-news-february-18-20-2025-UhcTiGGl","width":444,"version":"1.0","type":"rich","title":"Today's News, February 18-20, 2025","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/01f7d4b2-716c-43f9-8a03-c96056c76782/1aff33bb-eb1c-49b2-9bd9-010c7cb372b1/wwop-todays-20news-20cover.jpg","thumbnail_height":300,"provider_url":"https://simplecast.com","provider_name":"Simplecast","html":"","height":200,"description":"President Trump issued an executive order placing independent agencies under direct White House control, sparking debate over executive power. A watchdog report revealed the U.S. Treasury misallocated $4.7 trillion, while Trump hit a record 55% approval rating. Concerns over voter fraud surfaced as Trump highlighted dubious Social Security age records. Judge Chutkin denied a legal request against a DOJ investigation, and maternal mortality remained stable post-Dobbs. Kash Patel is set for FBI director confirmation, the IRS is cutting 6,000 jobs, and Congress saw a 4% approval boost due to Trump. Election shifts favor Republicans, particularly in Pennsylvania, and young deaths are surging due to drugs and health issues. The TSA and the FBI saw mass layoffs and renewed action, respectively, while the Energy Secretary criticized green policies. Economic struggles hit EV manufacturers and KFC moved headquarters to Texas. Internationally, U.K. nuclear plans face delays, Zelensky’s election prospects are shaky, and China’s high-speed rail advances. Trump ordered defunding of vaccine-mandating schools, launched a COVID fraud probe, and Franklin County banned mRNA vaccines. Meanwhile, Arctic cleanup removed 50,000 pounds of trash."}