{"href":"https://api.simplecast.com/oembed?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftodays-news.simplecast.com%2Fepisodes%2Ftodays-news-march-18-19-2025-kf_r_7C1","width":444,"version":"1.0","type":"rich","title":"Today's News, March 18-19, 2025","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/01f7d4b2-716c-43f9-8a03-c96056c76782/d6495e80-d797-44e3-8374-c4faa5d4becd/wwop-todays-20news-20cover.jpg","thumbnail_height":300,"provider_url":"https://simplecast.com","provider_name":"Simplecast","html":"","height":200,"description":"In political news, Trump and Putin discussed peace in Ukraine, trade, and Middle East stability, while more JFK files revealed little new information. The GOP continues to gain voter registrations, Utah is ending universal mail-in voting, and Trump revoked Secret Service protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden. The DOJ labeled Tesla attacks as terrorism, and SpaceX successfully rescued stranded NASA astronauts. Border facilities are closing as illegal crossings drop, and the first contract for new border wall construction was issued. The VA is phasing out chemical castration drugs for trans individuals, while Ohio’s puberty blocker ban was struck down. Economically, inflation is improving, industrial production is rising, and housing starts increased. Internationally, Putin paused attacks on Ukraine’s energy system, and EU nations are hesitant on further Ukraine aid. Hollywood actors now seek protection from AI, despite previously criticizing Trump, and Robert De Niro’s latest film flopped. Finally, a study challenges lockdown and vaccine policies, and McDonald’s quietly retired Ronald after the “killer clown” panic."}