Happy New Year 2025

Blog

4 Nations Face-Off: Team USA falls to Sweden; set to face Canada in title game

Team USA lost its first game in the 4 Nations Face-Off on Monday night, falling to Sweden, 2-1, at the TD Garden in Boston.

However, despite the blemish on the record, they will still be playing in the championship game on Thursday night in the same arena against Canada, who they defeated, 3-1, on Saturday.

Team USA wasn’t at full strength in this matchup, as Matthew Tkachuk was absent from the bench with a lower-body injury. Auston Matthews also took the night off to battle an illness.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Team Sweden forward Adrian Kempe (10) and Team USA defenseman Zach Werenski (8) battle for the puck in front of goalie Jake Ottinger (30) during the second in a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at TD Garden. (Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images)

Also, his brother, Brady, was injured early in the first period during an attack in Sweden’s zone, which is worth monitoring heading into that title game against Canada.

Still, it was the U.S. getting on the board first thanks to Chris Kreider, the New York Rangers star, who scored his first goal of the tournament.

Kreider hadn’t played yet in the tournament, but was needed with the number of forwards out. And he wasted no time getting involved, scoring before one minute ticked off the first period clock.

BOSTON CROWD BOOS CANADIAN NATIONAL ANTHEM AFTER TEAM USA HEARD SAME JEERS DURING 4 NATIONS FACE-OFF

Zach Werenski had gotten a pass from Jack Eichel and took a shot on net that was saved by Samuel Ersson, but the deflection went right to Kreider’s stick. Kreider didn’t waste any time, one-timing the deflection to find the back of the net.

But Sweden made sure to take the lead into the locker room after the first period after Jesper Bratt sniped his first goal of the tournament with just 56 seconds left to play.

That goal gave Sweden the lead after Gustav Nyquist tied things up earlier with his first goal of the tournament as well.

The second and third periods both went scoreless, but Team USA was threatening late in the third when Jake Oettinger was called back to the bench to allow an extra U.S. attacker on the ice.

Team Sweden forward Jesper Bratt (63) is congratulated by his teammates after scoring a goal during the first period in a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game against Team USA at TD Garden. (Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images)

Multiple chances were seen with the 6-on-5, but Sweden was able to thwart any comeback from the U.S. to come away with its first win of the tournament.

Prior to this matchup, Sweden had lost to both Canada and Finland in overtime, which gave them two points total.

It may be a loss, but Team USA will be pitted against Team Canada in what’s expected to be another fiery clash after what transpired over the weekend.

Three fights broke out in nine seconds, as United States players took exception to the Montreal crowd booing during “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Canada got on the scoreboard first thanks to Connor McDavid, but Team USA responded with three unanswered goals to win the rivalry game.

Team Sweden forward Leo Carlsson (91) controls the park while Team USA defenseman Brock Faber (14) defends during the second period in a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at TD Garden. (Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Now, the scene will be Boston for this championship bout, and Canada, who defeated Finland, 5-3, earlier on Sunday, will be looking for some revenge and the ultimate bragging rights before the second half of the NHL season kicks off.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 18, 2025
February 18, 2025 Special Days: Which Day Is Today? Know Holidays, Festivals, Events, Birthdays, Birth and Death Anniversaries Falling on Today’s Calendar Date
February 18, 2025, Special Days: February 18, 2025, is observed as various special days across the world. Yashoda Jayanti 2025, celebrating the birth of Mata Yashoda, Lord Krishna’s foster mother, falls on Tuesday. The date also marks Pluto Day, celebrating the discovery of Pluto in 1930. In the U.S., National Battery Day highlights the importance of batteries in daily life. Flirting Day, observed on 18th February, is the fourth day of Anti-Valentine’s Week, encouraging playful and lighthearted romantic interactions. Additionally, some cultures and regions may celebrate local festivals or observances, making the day significant in different ways. There are major February 18 famous birthdays. February 2025 Holidays and Festivals Calendar: Basant Panchami, Valentine’s Day, Maha Shivratri and More – Get a Full List of Major Events in the Second Month of the Year.

List of Festivals & Events Falling on February 18, 2025 (Tuesday)
1. Anti-Valentine Week Day 4 – Flirting Day
2. Yashoda Jayanti
3. Gambia Independence Day
4. National Battery Day
5. National Crab Stuffed Flounder Day
6. National Drink Wine Day
7. Pluto Day
8. Thumb Appreciation Day
Famous February 18 Birthdays and Birth Anniversaries
1. Ramakrishna Paramahansa (1836-1886)
2. J-Hope
3. Manu Bhaker
4. John Travolta
5. Dre
6. Park Shin-hye
7. Matt Dillon
8. Sajid Nadiadwala
9. Giaa Manek
10. Vrushika Mehta
February 17, 2025, Special Days.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 18, 2025 10:18 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
February 18, 2025
Trump admin cancels another $350M in contracts as it targets DEI initiatives

The Department of Education last week said it canceled nearly $350 million in “woke” spending, purportedly addressing the most pressing problems of education policy and practice.

The agency canceled 10 contracts with Regional Educational Laboratories (REL), totaling $336 million, after a review of the contracts uncovered “wasteful and ideologically driven spending not in the interest of students and taxpayers,” a news release states.

It’s not clear if the cuts were related to the Department of Government Efficiency slashing the Education Department’s activities related to DEI.

DOGE SLASHES OVER $100M IN DEI FUNDING AT EDUCATION DEPARTMENT: ‘WIN FOR EVERY STUDENT’

The Department of Education has canceled various grants and contracts since President Donald Trump took office last month. (Getty Images)

RELs have been around for nearly 60 years, according to the Institute of Education Sciences, which administers the 10 RELs across the country, which are divided by region.

The programs “contribute to the growing body of research on how experiences within the nation’s education system differ by context and student group, thereby impacting outcomes and identifying potential solutions,” the IES website states.

However, a review found instances where DEI initiatives were being funded, the Department of Education said.

“For example, the Regional Educational Laboratory Midwest has been advising schools in Ohio to undertake ‘equity audits’ and ‘equity conversations,’” the agency said. “The Department plans to enter into new contracts that will satisfy the statutory requirements, improve student learning, and better serve school districts, State Departments of Education, and other education stakeholders.”

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION WARNS THAT PUBLIC SCHOOLS MUST REMOVE DEI POLICIES OR LOSE FEDERAL FUNDING

President Donald Trump and Elon Musk (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Also terminated were $33 million in grant funds to four Equity Assistance Centers, which supported training in DEI, critical race theory and gender identity for state and local education agencies as well as school boards, the Education Department said.

On Monday, the department announced the termination of more than $600 million in grants to institutions and nonprofits that were using taxpayer funds to train teachers and education agencies on allegedly divisive ideologies.

“Training materials included inappropriate and unnecessary topics such as Critical Race Theory; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI); social justice activism; ‘anti-racism,’ and instruction on white privilege and white supremacy,” a news release states. “Additionally, many of these grants included teacher and staff recruiting strategies implicitly and explicitly based on race.”

President Donald Trump has said he wants to abolish the Department of Education, calling it a “con job” that has failed to properly educate American students.

Elon Musk and the Department of Education (Getty Images)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

“Oh, I’d like it to be closed immediately. Look at the Department of Education. It’s a big con job,” he said last week. “They ranked the top countries in the world. We’re ranked No. 40, but we’re ranked No. 1 in one department: cost per pupil.”

“So, we spend more per pupil than any other country in the world, but we’re ranked No. 40,” he added.

February 18, 2025
Noem sends message to those considering entering US illegally: ‘Don’t even think about it’

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem sent a stern warning on behalf of President Donald Trump, to those planning on entering the U.S. illegally, saying, “Don’t even think about it.”

Noem announced Monday that she is launching a major multi-million-dollar ad campaign targeting illegal immigrants.

“Tonight, I’m announcing a nationwide and international multimillion-dollar ad campaign warning illegal aliens to leave our country NOW or face deportation with the inability to return to the US,” the DHS secretary said in a post on X. “This serves as a strong warning to criminal illegal aliens to not come to America. If they do, they will be hunted down and deported.”

Noem also shared a video of her delivering a message to illegal aliens thinking about coming to the U.S. illegally.

“Let me deliver a message from President Trump to the world. If you are considering entering America illegally, don’t even think about it,” she said. “Let me be clear. If you come to our country and you break our laws, we will hunt you down. Criminals are not welcome in the United States. For too long, weak leadership has left our borders wide open, flooding our communities with drugs, human trafficking, and violent criminals. Well, those days are over.

DHS SECRETARY NOEM APPEARS TO ACCUSE ‘CORRUPT’ FBI OF LEAKINGLA ICE RAIDS

“Under President Trump, we are defending American families and restoring their safety. If you try to enter illegally, you will be caught, you will be removed and you will never return,” Noem added. “Follow the law and you’ll find opportunity. If you break it, you’ll find consequences. Strong borders mean a stronger America. President Trump is making America safe again.”

Noem was the fourth member of the Trump administration to gain approval from the Senate, and she has taken the role to lead the department at a time when securing the border and tackling illegal immigration are top priorities for the new administration.

The administration has taken a number of actions to secure the border, including deploying the military, restarting wall construction and ending Biden-era parole programs.

LARGEST LAPD UNION SLAMS ANTI-TRUMP PROTEST DIRECTIVES, SAYS ARRESTS ‘SHOULD BE A NO-BRAINER’ IN ALTERCATIONS

Then-Gov Kristi Noem helps construct border fencing on May 16, 2024 (Fox News Digital )

Meanwhile, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been launching deportation operations throughout the country to fulfill Trump’s promise of a “historic” operation.

At her confirmation hearing, Noem pointed to other parts of the DHS mission, including cybersecurity, disaster relief and counterterrorism. However, she emphasized that border security is a “top priority.”

BORDER CZAR TOM HOMAN SENDS MESSAGE TO FAR-LEFT OFFICIALS PUSHING BACK AGAINST MASS DEPORTATIONS: ‘GAME ON’

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, left, and White House border czar Tom Homan speak with reporters at the White House, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

As governor, she pledged in 2021 not to take any more migrants from the Biden administration and also deployed the National Guard to the border in Texas. She also had experience with disaster response, working with federal officials to tackle floods that hit the state in June.

At her hearing, Noem was also asked about how she would work with border czar Tom Homan, who has been tapped to lead the deportation effort and secure the border.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Noem responded by saying that she and Homan “work very well together and talk and communicate all the time. And we’ll be working together on a daily basis when we’re in our positions under the new administration. And I would say there’s no authority being planned to be taken away from the department or myself if I’m in the role.”

Fox News Digital’s Julia Johnson and Adam Shaw contributed to this report.

Greg Wehner is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital.

Story tips and ideas can be sent to [email protected] and on Twitter @GregWehner.

February 18, 2025
France soccer star has $500K in watches stolen from home

Another professional athlete has been targeted in a home burglary, as Los Angeles Football Club star Olivier Giroud had $500,000 in watches stolen earlier this month, per TMZ.

Giroud’s wife, Jennifer, reported the burglary to authorities on Feb. 5 after noticing a shattered window at their home.

Among the property stolen from their home was 10 of Giroud’s watches, which his wife valued at around $500,000.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

LAFC forward Olivier Giroud (9) arrives before a 2024 MLS Cup western conference semifinal match against Seattle Sounders FC at BMO Stadium. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)

The LAPD have currently not made any arrests related to the burglary, per TMZ, and they are still investigating.

Giroud is, unfortunately, among the likes of Cincinnati Bengals star Joe Burrow, Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce and Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic, who all had their homes burglarized in some capacity in recent months.

For Burrow, three Chilean migrants face charges on suspicion of breaking into his home after posing for photos with some of the items that were stolen, including a jeweled necklace reading “JB9” and a diamond “9” necklace, a recently filed federal criminal complaint showed.

BENGALS REACT AFTER CHILEAN MEN INDICTED, TAKE SELFIE WITH STOLEN ITEMS IN ROBBERY OF JOE BURROW’S HOME

Burrow’s number is nine, which he wore in college at LSU and currently with Cincinnati.

Jordan Francisco Quiroga Sanchez, 22, Bastian Alejandro Orellana Morales, 23, and Sergio Andres Ortega Cabello, 38, all of Chile, were nabbed by Ohio State Patrol after authorities tracked them in multiple states following the burglary, according to court documents.

The Bengals released a statement on the matter as well.

LAFC forward Olivier Giroud (9) warms up before the match against the Vancouver Whitecaps in a 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One match at BC Place. (Simon Fearn-Imagn Images)

“The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department and their partner agencies at the local, state and federal level did a wonderful job investigating the crime and bringing bad actors to justice. The Cincinnati Bengals would like to thank them for their efforts and extend our sincere appreciation for their good work. We recognize there was a tremendous amount of complex investigative work that led to these indictments, and the Sheriff’s Department was exemplary in this work,” the Bengals stated.

“The Bengals have worked with the Sheriff’s Department for decades on many matters, and we know them to be a real source of strength and pride for the community. The Bengals appreciate their good work and will continue to fully support their efforts as the criminal process moves forward.”

As for Giroud, he is just in his first full season with LAFA after coming overseas to join MLS midway through last season.

Giroud has played for prime European powers in soccer, including Arsenal, Chelsea and AC Milan.

LAFC forward Olivier Giroud (9) and teammates line up for the national anthem before the first half against Seattle Sounders FC in a 2024 MLS Cup western conference semifinal match at BMO Stadium. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Internationally, Giroud has been a national star, scoring four goals in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, including a game-winning score against England in the quarterfinals. He also played with the 2018 World Cup team that won it all in Russia.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 18, 2025
Flirting Day 2025 Date in Anti-Valentine’s Week: Know Aim, Significance and Celebrations of the Fourth Day of Week-Long Event

Flirting Day is the fourth day of the Anti-Valentine’s Week which falls on February 18 every year and is celebrated by people across the world. The annual event, which is part of Anti-Valentine’s Week, is a light-hearted day that encourages playful interactions, fun conversations, and harmless flirting. Anti-Valentine’s Week is often seen as a counter to the romantic intensity of Valentine’s Week and includes week-long days that have their own significance. Flirting Day 2025 falls on Tuesday, February 18 and is marked by playful activities by individuals. Anti-Valentine Week 2025 Calendar With Full Dates: What Are the 7 Days of Anti-Romance? Slap Day, Flirt Day, Break Up Day and More, Date Sheet of Self-Growth and Healing.

On this day, people engage in light-hearted and fun flirting with crushes or new people. This day is celebrated mostly for fun without any serious commitments. In this article, let’s know more about Flirting Day 2025 Date and the significance of the annual event.

Flirting Day 2025 Date

Flirting Day 2025 falls on Tuesday, February 18.

Flirting Day Significance

Flirting Day is all about playful charm, witty banter, and light-hearted romance. This day is a perfect chance to break the ice, share a laugh, and maybe even spark a connection with someone special. Unlike the serious commitments of Valentine’s Day, Flirting Day deals with a fun and carefree approach to relationships, where a simple compliment or a clever joke can brighten someone’s day.

Flirting Day isn’t just for those looking to impress a crush; it’s also a day to spread positivity and joy. On this day, people usually engage in teasing remarks, playful eye contact, or send a charming text, to enjoy the art of flirtation without any pressure.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 18, 2025 08:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

February 18, 2025
Acting head of Social Security quits after clash with DOGE over data: Report

Join Fox News for access to this content

You have reached your maximum number of articles. Log in or create an account FREE of charge to continue reading.

By entering your email and pushing continue, you are agreeing to Fox News’ Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, which includes our Notice of Financial Incentive.

Please enter a valid email address.

Having trouble? Click here.

The acting head of the Social Security Administration (SSA) quit her job over the weekend after butting heads with the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), over efforts to access certain sensitive government records, according to reports.

The Washington Post reported that three people familiar with Michelle King’s departure said on Monday that she stepped down from her position after the disagreement.

In response to King’s departure, President Donald Trump reportedly appointed Leland Dudek to lead the agency as the president’s nominee to serve as commissioner of the SSA, Frank Bisignano, is vetted by federal lawmakers.

Principal Deputy Press Secretary at the White House, Harrison Fields, said they expect Bisignano to be “swiftly confirmed in the coming weeks.”

ELON MUSK SAYS MILLIONS IN SOCIAL SECURITY DATABASE ARE BETWEEN AGES OF 100 AND 159

The logo of the US Social Security Administration is seen outside a Social Security building, November 5, 2020, in Burbank, California. (Photo by VALERIE MACON / AFP) (Photo by VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images) (VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images)

“In the meantime, the agency will be led by a career Social Security anti-fraud expert as the acting commissioner,” Fields said without naming the replacement. “President Trump is committed to appointing the best and most qualified individuals who are dedicated to working on behalf of the American people, not to appease the bureaucracy that has failed them for far too long.”

The three individuals who spoke to the Washington Post on the condition of anonymity, reportedly told the publication that Dudek posted positive remarks about DOGE’s efforts to seek out fraud and cut costs across federal agencies.

The SSA did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment on the matter.

DEMOCRATS LOVED IDEA OF DOGE BEFORE TRUMP, WHITE HOUSE QUIPS

Elon Musk speaks during an event in the Oval Office with President Donald Trump at the White House, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in Washington. (Photo/Alex Brandon) (AP Images)

Musk is leading DOGE to aggressively slash government waste when it comes to federal spending under President Trump. The department was created via executive order and is a temporary organization within the White House that will spend 18 months carrying out its mission.

One of the department’s most recent targets is the SSA, which was created by the Social Security Act under President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1935 and tasked with establishing a federal benefits system for older Americans.

As DOGE continues to find fraud and wasteful spending at SSA, Musk turned to X on Monday to say millions of people listed in a Social Security database are recorded as centenarians “with the death field set to FALSE!”

TREASURY DEPARTMENT RECOUPS $31 MILLION IN IMPROPER GOVERNMENT PAYMENTS TO DEAD PEOPLE

“According to the Social Security database, these are the numbers of people in each age bucket with the death field set to FALSE! Maybe Twilight is real and there are a lot of vampires collecting Social Security,” Musk posted, adding a couple of rolling on the floor laughing emojis.

His post features a chart indicating there are more than 20 million listed with ages 100 and higher, including more than 3.9 million in the 130-139 age range, more than 3.5 million in the 140-149 range and more than 1.3 million in the 150-159 range.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

While the U.S. population count in the 2020 census was more than 331 million, the count of people ages 100 and older was more than 80,000, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

Fox News Digital’s Alex Nitzberg contributed to this report.

February 18, 2025
National Drink Wine Day 2025 Quotes, Images and GIFs: Witty Wine Sayings, Instagram Captions, HD Wallpapers and Messages for the Happy Hour

National Drink Wine Day, celebrated annually on February 18, is a day dedicated to appreciating and enjoying wine in all its varieties. This day encourages people to explore the rich history and cultural significance of wine, which has been cherished for centuries across different civilisations. From ancient Roman feasts to modern-day gatherings, wine has remained a symbol of celebration, relaxation, and connection. To celebrate National Drink Wine Day 2025, share these National Drink Wine Day 2025 quotes, images, GIFs, witty wine sayings, Instagram captions, HD wallpapers and messages to celebrate the happy hour during wine o’clock! February 2025 Holidays and Festivals Calendar: Get Full List of Major Events in the Second Month of the Year.

National Drink Wine Day is not just about indulging in a glass of wine but also about recognising its benefits when consumed in moderation. Studies suggest that red wine, in particular, contains antioxidants like resveratrol, which may contribute to heart health. Wine enthusiasts use this occasion to learn more about winemaking, different grape varieties, and the best ways to pair wine with food, enhancing their appreciation of this timeless beverage. As you celebrate National Drink Wine Day 2025, share these National Drink Wine Day 2025 quotes, images, GIFs, witty wine sayings, Instagram captions, HD wallpapers and messages.

National Drink Wine Day Quotes

National Drink Wine Day Quotes (Photo Credits: File Image)

National Drink Wine Day Quotes

National Drink Wine Day Quotes (Photo Credits: File Image)

National Drink Wine Day Quotes

National Drink Wine Day Quotes (Photo Credits: File Image)

National Drink Wine Day Quotes

National Drink Wine Day Quotes (Photo Credits: File Image)

National Drink Wine Day Quotes

National Drink Wine Day Quotes (Photo Credits: File Image)

National Drink Wine Day Quotes

National Drink Wine Day Quotes (Photo Credits: File Image)

National Drink Wine Day GIFs:

National Drink Wine Day GIFs:

Many people celebrate National Drink Wine Day by hosting wine tastings, visiting vineyards, or simply enjoying a glass with friends and family. Restaurants and wineries often offer special deals and events, making it a perfect time to try new wines and discover unique flavors. Whether it’s a bold red, a crisp white, or a refreshing rosé, this day is about savoring the experience and understanding the craftsmanship behind every bottle.

Beyond the enjoyment, National Drink Wine Day highlights wine’s role in fostering social connections. Sharing a bottle of wine with loved ones often leads to meaningful conversations and memorable moments. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a casual drinker, National Drink Wine Day is a great reminder to slow down, appreciate good company, and raise a glass to the joy of wine.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 18, 2025 07:30 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

February 18, 2025
When Is Pluto Day 2025? Know Date, Aim and Significance of the Day That Marks the Anniversary Of The Planet’s Discovery

Every year, Pluto Day is celebrated across the United States of America (USA) on February 18 to mark the anniversary of the discovery of Pluto. This planet was the former ninth planet of our solar system. It was discovered on February 18, 1930, by Clyde Tombaugh at the Lowell Observatory in Arizona, USA. Pluto’s discovery expanded the understanding of the solar system and sparked decades of astronomical research. Until 2006, Pluto was classified as the ninth planet until 2006, when the International Astronomical Union (IAU) redefined what constitutes a planet, leading to Pluto being reclassified as a dwarf planet. In this article, let’s know more about the Pluto Day 2025 date and the significance of the annual US event. Pluto Atmosphere Pics: NASA Shares Stunning Visuals of the Dwarf Planet’s Hazy Atmosphere Captured by the New Horizons Spacecraft.

Some of us still want to know the answer to why is Pluto no longer a planet. Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006 by the International Astronomical Union because other objects might cross its orbit. Discovered in 1930, Pluto was long considered our solar system’s ninth planet. But after the discovery of similar worlds deeper in the Kuiper Belt, Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006. February 2025 Holidays and Festivals Calendar: Get Full List of Major Events in the Second Month of the Year.

Pluto Day 2025 Date

Pluto Day 2025 falls on Tuesday, February 18.

Pluto Day Significance

Pluto Day is an important annual event in the US that highlights the importance of Pluto’s discovery that expanded our understanding of the solar system and sparked decades of astronomical research. Pluto was named by an 11-year-old girl. In 1930, Venetia Burney of Oxford, England, suggested to her grandfather that the new discovery be named for the Roman god of the underworld. He forwarded the name to the Lowell Observatory and it was selected.

Pluto is orbited by five known moons, the largest of which is Charon and is said to be about half the size of Pluto itself, making it the largest satellite relative to the planet it orbits in our solar system. Pluto and Charon are often referred to as a “double planet.” The only spacecraft to explore Pluto up close was NASA’s New Horizons. It flew by the dwarf planet and its moons in 2015. On this day, space enthusiasts and astronomers reflect on Pluto’s importance in planetary science.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 18, 2025 07:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

February 18, 2025
NYC comptroller asking Adams to provide plan amid City Hall instability

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander (D) on Monday called on Mayor Eric Adams to prove he can still govern the city amid calls for his resignation after the Justice Department dropped bribery charges against him and four deputy mayors submitted their intent to resign.

In a letter to Adams, Lander said the potential resignations of the deputy mayors could “create an unprecedented leadership vacuum at the highest levels of City government and wreak havoc on the City’s ability to deliver essential services to New Yorkers.”

“Given the gravity of this situation and the chaos it has unleashed among New Yorkers, I formally request that your office promptly develop and present a detailed contingency plan outlining how you intend to manage the City of New York during this period of leadership transition,” he wrote.

NEW YORK CITY MAYOR ERIC ADAMS SAYS HE WILL RUN FOR RE-ELECTION AS DEMOCRAT

New York City Mayor Eric Adams departs Thurgood Marshall United States Courthouse in New York City on Friday, November 1, 2024. Adams’ lawyers are seeking to have a bribery charge, one of the five federal corruption charges that have been filed against the mayor, dropped. (Adam Gray for Fox News Digital )

“Specifically, please provide immediate confirmation of your plan for appointing interim Deputy Mayors and key managerial staff, along with an anticipated timeline for stabilizing the administration, no later than Friday, February 21, 2025,” Lander added.

If Adams fails to provide a plan, Lander said he would seek to convene a meeting of the Inability Committee. Fox News Digital has reached out to Adams’ office.

In a letter last week to Attorney General Pam Bondi, acting U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon said Adams was being granted special treatment by the Trump administration after receiving a memo drafted by Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove directing the case against the mayor to be dropped.

Rather than carry out the directive, Sassoon and several others resigned instead. Adams was charged last year with bribery, soliciting campaign contributions from foreign nationals, wire fraud and conspiracy. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

NYC MAYOR ERIC ADAMS PROMISES TO REOPEN ICE OFFICE ON RIKERS ISLAND AFTER MEETING WITH TRUMP BORDER CZAR

Former U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon pictured in an undated official portrait. (Reuters)

Critics say Adams has cozied up to the Trump administration, and offered to cooperate on Trump’s illegal immigration crackdown in an effort to get a pardon.

“These resignations come in the wake of deeply concerning actions by the U.S. Justice Department, asking the U.S. District Court to drop the indictments against you, so long as you comply with the White House on matters of immigration and criminal justice policy, which call into question your ability to continue to comply with your duties to New Yorkers under the City Charter,” Lander wrote in his letter.

On Sunday, Adams told churchgoers in Queens that he is refusing to resign.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has rebuffed calls for him to resign after the Justice Department dropped a bribery case against him. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

“I have a mission to finish, the mission that God put me on many years ago,” Adams said, adding that “God has fortified me.”

Adams told “Fox & Friends” in an interview on Friday that he plans to run for re-election as a Democrat.

February 18, 2025