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Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi 2025 Images and HD Wallpapers for Free Download Online: Celebrate Sankashti Chaturthi in February With Photos, Greetings and Wishes

Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi is a significant Hindu observance dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It is celebrated on the Chaturthi (fourth day) of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the month of Phalguna. Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi 2025 falls on Sunday, February 16. The term “Dwijapriya” translates to “beloved of the twice-born,” referring to Lord Ganesha’s special association with the Brahmins or the spiritually initiated. As we celebrate Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi 2025, here’s a collection of Happy Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi 2025 greetings, Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi images, Happy Sankashti Chaturthi February 2025 messages, Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi HD wallpapers and messages to share with family and friends.

Messages to Share on Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi 2025

WhatsApp Message Reads: May Lord Ganesha bless you with wisdom, prosperity, and happiness on this auspicious Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi. May all obstacles in your life be removed! Ganpati Bappa Morya!

WhatsApp Message Reads: On this sacred day of Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi, may Lord Ganesha grant you strength, success, and wisdom to overcome challenges. Wishing you and your family a blessed celebration!

WhatsApp Message Reads: Celebrate the divine blessings of Lord Ganesha on Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi! May your life be filled with joy, peace, and prosperity. Happy Sankashti Chaturthi!

WhatsApp Message Reads: Let us offer prayers and devotion to Lord Ganesha on this Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi, seeking his guidance to lead us on the path of righteousness and success. Wishing you a joyous and blessed day!

WhatsApp Message Reads: On this auspicious occasion of Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi, may Lord Ganesha bless you with endless happiness, success, and the wisdom to overcome all obstacles. Shubh Sankashti Chaturthi!

Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi 2025 Images and HD Wallpapers

Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi (File Image)

Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi 2025 Images and HD Wallpapers

Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi (File Image)

Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi 2025 Images and HD Wallpapers

Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi (File Image)

Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi 2025 Images and HD Wallpapers

Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi (File Image)

Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi 2025 Images and HD Wallpapers

Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi (File Image)

On this auspicious day, devotees undertake a day-long fast, breaking it only after sighting the moon at approximately 9:38 PM. They also perform rituals, including the recitation of the “Ganapati Atharvashirsha” and offering modaks, seeking Lord Ganesha’s blessings for the removal of obstacles and the attainment of prosperity and wisdom. Feel free to share the aforementioned messages and images with your loved ones! Happy Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 16, 2025 06:38 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

February 16, 2025
Egg customers crying fowl over empty shelves, high prices can now rent their own chickens

USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins discusses how she is preparing to reform the agency and how she and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will tackle the egg crisis on ‘Kudlow.’

As customers face empty shelves and rapidly rising egg prices at the supermarket due to the avian flu and a lower national supply, breakfast lovers have another option – their own backyard.

Founded 12 years ago, Rent the Chicken provides customers with two egg-laying hens, a portable chicken coop, up to 200 pounds of feed, food and water dish and a book on taking care of chickens.

“Within two days of the arrival, your chickens will lay eggs ready to use!” the company promises, adding that the homegrown eggs have one-third the cholesterol, one-fourth of the saturated fat and two times more omega three fatty acids that store-bought eggs.

The company adds, “Your Rent The Chickens should lay about a dozen to two dozen eggs per week depending on your Rental Package. You will know exactly what your chickens eat!”

NEW YORK RESTAURANT OWNERS SLAMMED BY SURGING EGG PRICES

As customers face empty shelves and rapidly rising egg prices at the supermarket due to the avian flu and a lower national supply, breakfast lovers have another option – their own backyard. (Tim Graham/Getty Images / Getty Images)

Customers can schedule a date on the website or the phone and the company will bring out the chickens, which are already laying eggs, as well as the supplies.

The chickens are also available for adoption if the customer realizes they want to keep them at the end of the rental period, the company added.

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Rent the Chicken co-founder Jenn Tompkins told ABC News that their phone is “ringing off the hook” as egg prices go up.

“Our online inquiries are filling up very quickly as well,” Tompkins said. “We will run out of hens available for rent. If anyone is interested, please make sure to put their reservation in sooner than later.”

She said that the chickens cost around $500 to rent for about six months.

EGG SHORTAGES FORCE SOME GROCERY STORES TO IMPOSE LIMITS

More and more stores are seeing empty shelving because of dwindling egg supplies. (Getty Images)

While that averages out to about $20 a week for eggs, Tompkins said the chickens provide food assurance amid scarcity.

“We are not coming against the high price of eggs,” she explained to USA Today. “We are solving a problem of food insecurity; of not having eggs on the shelf. People can have eggs in their backyard.”

Eggs Unlimited Vice President Brian Moscogiuri told “Fox & Friends” on Thursday that the country is going through “the worst bird flu outbreak that we’ve had in the last 10 years since 2015, potentially the worst bird flu outbreak that we’ve ever had in the history of this country.”

In the last year, egg prices have risen 53% since January 2024, and they’re already up 15% since January of this year.

In the last three years, 153 million cases of bird flu have been found in poultry.

“We’ve lost 120 million birds since the beginning of 2022. In the last few months alone, since the middle of October, we’ve lost 45 million egg-laying hens,” he added. “We’ve lost a significant amount of production, more than 13%. So we’re just dealing with supply shortages. And it’s just a disaster right now because this virus is in three of the top egg-laying states in the country. It doesn’t seem like it’s stopping anytime soon.”

In the last year, egg prices have risen 53% since January 2024, and they’re already up 15% since January of this year. (Celal Gunes /Anadolu via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Joe Defrancesco, a Connecticut farmer who started renting his chickens out five years ago, told WVIT-TV, “It’s really a learning experience. Yes you get an egg per chicken per day and it’s a great thing knowing you have eggs right in your backyard and you’re guaranteed.”

Tompkins told Axios that the birds also have an added benefit for renters.

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“The chickens provide a level of therapy that people didn’t know that they needed,” she said.

February 16, 2025
Sankashti Chaturthi 2025 Recipes: How To Make Valachi Bhaji and Alu Vadi? Watch Step-by-Step Recipe Video To Prepare the Traditional Meal

Sankashti Chaturthi is an auspicious and significant Hindu observance. It is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Sankashti Chaturthi 2025 falls on Sunday, February 16. It is believed that worshipping Lord Ganesha on this day helps remove obstacles in life. For the auspicious occasion, watch the below videos to prepare two traditional Maharashtrian dishes known as Valachi Bhaji and Alu Wadi. Valachi Bhaji is a flavourful dish made using dry coconut, fava beans, and more. Alu wadi is made using Colocasia leaves and a tangy tamarind-jaggery paste. For the full recipes, watch the below Tyohaar Ki Thaali video. Hindu Festivals Calendar 2025: Know Dates of Holi, Chaitra Navratri, Durga Puja, Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali and Other Major Festivals in India.

Sankashti Chaturthi Recipes Video:

(SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter (X), Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user’s social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)

February 16, 2025
How federal layoffs are affecting DC housing market: report

The Mike Aubrey Group EVP and principal Mike Aubrey explains why housing prices are still high as mortgage rates come down on ‘Cavuto: Coast to Coast.’

Housing markets in Washington, D.C. and other areas with high concentrations of government workers have already been impacted by the Trump administration’s new policies, according to Redfin agents.

Return-to-office mandates for federal workers have led to an increase in home buyers, but “uncertainty” about federal job cuts has discouraged others from buying or selling their homes, according to the report.

President Donald Trump announced on Jan. 29 that federal employees would be fired if they did not return to in-person work by early February.

President Donald Trump signs a series of executive orders in the Oval Office at the White House on Feb. 10. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images / Getty Images)

DOGE SAYS IT DUG UP ANOTHER $1.9 BILLION IN TAXPAYER MONEY ‘MISPLACED’ BY BIDEN ADMINISTRATION

“I recently worked with a couple who bought their dream home with me a few years ago, but now they’re considering listing because they want to be closer to public transportation,” said Stuart Naranch, a Redfin Premier agent in Washington, D.C. “They both work for the government, and want a more convenient commute because they’ll need to return to in-person work soon.”

Home prices in the nation’s capital were down 8.6% in January, compared to last year, selling for a median price of $560,000, according to Redfin data.

While homes spent about a week longer on the market in January of this year, overall sales for the month were up from last year.

Demonstrators hold signs during a protest against Elon Musk outside the U.S. Treasury building in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, Feb. 4. (Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

However, instability in the federal job market may translate over into the housing market.

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which is tasked with eliminating wasteful government spending and increasing efficiency, aims to cut $2 trillion from the federal government budget by eliminating programs and trimming the federal workforce.

A buyout offer, which has been extended, has already been accepted by about 65,000 employees, Fox News Digital previously reported.

DOGE SAYS IT DUG UP ANOTHER $1.9 BILLION IN TAXPAYER MONEY ‘MISPLACED’ BY BIDEN ADMINISTRATION

“The number of deferred resignations is rapidly growing, and we’re expecting the largest spike 24 to 48 hours before the deadline,” a White House official told Fox News Digital on Feb. 4.

The Trump administration on Thursday ordered agencies to lay off most probationary employees without civil service protection, potentially affecting hundreds of thousands of federal workers.

“Since the inauguration, I’ve met with a few people, including one federal government employee, who are selling specifically because of anticipated return-to-office orders,” said Jo Chavez, a Redfin Premier agent in Kansas City, Missouri. “I also spoke to a client who was looking to sell and upgrade to a larger home, but he canceled those plans because he’s worried about losing his job due to restructuring of government jobs.”

Demonstrators rally outside the U.S. Treasury Department after it was reported billionaire Elon Musk, who is heading U.S. President Donald Trump’s drive to shrink the federal government, has gained access to Treasury’s federal payments system that se (REUTERS/Kent Nishimura / Reuters)

Most recently, DOGE on Friday fired 3,600 probationary Health and Human Services employees.

Federal workers on Friday gathered outside the Department of Health and Human Services in D.C. to protest the cuts, affiliate FOX 5 D.C. reported.

Demonstrators carried signs saying, “No One Voted For Elon Musk,” and “Federal Workers Defy DOGE,” according to the report.

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Fox 5 D.C.’s Sam Kosmas contributed to this report.

February 16, 2025
Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi 2025 Date: Know Moon Rise Time, Auspicious Tithi, Shubh Muhurat, Significance and Rituals of the Sacred Fast Dedicated to Lord Ganesha
Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi is an important occasion observed by Hindus to honor Lord Ganesha and seek his blessings for the removal of obstacles and the fulfillment of desires. Falling on the Chaturthi Tithi (the fourth day of the lunar phase) in the Krishna Paksha (waning moon) of the Phalguna month, this sacred event holds deep spiritual significance. It is believed that fasting and worshipping Lord Ganesha on this day ensures peace, prosperity, and the removal of any hindrances in one’s life. In this article, let us know more about Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi 2025 date, moon rise time, auspicious tithi, shubh muhurat, significance and rituals to observe the sacred fast. Hindu Festivals Calendar 2025: Know Dates of Holi, Chaitra Navratri, Durga Puja, Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali and Other Major Festivals in India.

Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi 2025 Date and Timing

The Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi 2025 falls on February 16. The Chaturthi Tithi begins on Saturday, February 15 at 11:53 PM and concludes on Monday, February 17 at 02:15 AM. However, according to the Udaya Tithi (the prevailing lunar day at sunrise), the fast will be observed on Sunday, February 16, 2025. The Moon rise time on Sankashti Dat, February 16 is at 09:38 PM. February 2025 Holidays and Festivals Calendar: Get Full List of Major Events in the Second Month of the Year.

Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi 2025 Shubh Muhurat

The following are the shubh muhurats (auspicious timings) for performing the rituals and worship during Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi in 2025:
- Brahma Muhurta: 05:16 AM – 06:07 AM
- Vijay Muhurta: 02:28 PM – 03:12 PM
- Godhuli Muhurta: 06:09 PM – 06:35 PM
- Amrit Kaal: 09:48 PM – 11:36 PM
These timings are considered highly auspicious for performing prayers and rituals during the day. Devotees are encouraged to perform the worship during these periods for maximum spiritual benefits.

Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi Rituals and Significance

The observance of Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi involves several steps, beginning with early morning rituals and culminating in the worship of Lord Ganesha. Here is a step-by-step guide for performing the puja:

Early Morning Rituals:
- Wake up early and take a holy bath (snan).
- Offer Arghya (water offering) to the Sun God as a part of purification and devotion.
Setting Up the Puja Space:
- Prepare a clean and sacred space for performing the puja.
- Lay a clean cloth on a wooden platform, which will be used for placing the idols.
- Installation of Idols:
- Place idols or images of Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva on the platform.
Offerings to Lord Ganesha:

Modaks, Laddoos, Akshat (rice grains), and Durva grass are considered auspicious offerings to Lord Ganesha. Place these offerings in front of the idols.

Performing Aarti and Reciting Vrat Katha:
- Apply a Tilak (sacred mark) on Lord Ganesha’s forehead as a mark of respect and devotion.
- Light a lamp with pure ghee and perform the Aarti to Lord Ganesha.
- Recite the Vrat Katha (the story or narration associated with the Sankashti Chaturthi fast) with devotion. This Katha is an important aspect of the fast as it connects the devotee to the divine blessings of Lord Ganesha.
- After the Katha, offer sweets, Modaks, and fruits to Lord Ganesha as a mark of gratitude. Distribute the prasad (holy offerings) among family members and others in the household. This is considered a way to share the blessings received from Lord Ganesha.
Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi holds immense spiritual significance. Observing a fast and worshipping Lord Ganesha on this day is believed to remove all obstacles, both material and spiritual, from one’s life. The fast is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, who is revered as the remover of Vighnas (obstacles) and the lord of intellect and wisdom.

Devotees believe that by honoring Lord Ganesha, their lives will be filled with peace, prosperity, and success. Additionally, performing this fast is believed to bring the blessings of Lord Shiva, as Lord Ganesha is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Therefore, this day holds an important place in the hearts of devotees who seek divine blessings for their personal and professional wellbeing.

Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi is a day of immense spiritual significance for Hindus, particularly for those who seek Lord Ganesha’s blessings for the removal of obstacles and the attainment of peace and prosperity. The rituals performed on this day, including fasting, offering prayers, and following the sacred puja vidhi, help devotees purify their minds and bodies while bringing them closer to the divine.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 16, 2025 05:45 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
February 16, 2025
Quaker Oats Company recalls Pearl Milling pancake, waffle mix: FDA

New Yorkers are feeling the pinch in their pocketbooks after a listeria outbreak has affected 7 million pounds of cold cuts. (Credit: WNYW)

Officials from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently escalated the recall of certain Quaker Oats pancake mixes earlier this week, increasing the recall category to the most serious level.

The Quaker Oats Company, a subsidiary of Pepsi Co, previously announced the limited recall of certain boxes of Pearl Milling Company Original Pancake & Waffle Mix on Jan. 14. Pearl Milling was originally branded as Aunt Jemima before 2021.

On Thursday, the FDA updated the recall category to Class I, which pertains to “situation[s] in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”

In a January press release, the company noted that certain two-pound boxes of the product contained “undeclared milk.”

TUNA CANS SOLD AT TRADER JOE’S, WALMART AND OTHER SUPERMARKETS RECALLED OVER ‘POTENTIALLY FATAL’ FLAW

A Quaker Oats Company product is being recalled by the FDA. (Gabby Jones/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

“[The recall was announced] after being alerted by a retail partner,” the statement noted. “Those with an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the recalled product.”

The mixes were distributed to retailers in 11 states: Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Utah and Wisconsin. Consumers could have bought the recalled products as early as Nov. 18 of last year.

No other Pearl Milling pancake and waffle mixes have been recalled, and the recall strictly pertains to products with a UPC code of 30000 65040 and a best-by date of Sept. 12, 2025.

POPULAR BRAND OF PET FOOD RECALLED DUE TO SALMONELLA CONCERNS: ‘CONTACT YOUR VETERINARIAN’

Aunt Jemima logo updated to Pearl Milling Company, Quaker Oats stated old logo was based on a racial stereotype. (Lindsey Nicholson/Universal Images Group via Getty Images / Getty Images)

“No allergic reactions related to this matter have been reported to date,” the company noted. “If consumers have an allergy or sensitivity to milk, they should not consume the product and discard it immediately.”

Quaker Oats has recalled multiple products in the past few years. In December 2023, Quaker Oats recalled over two dozen types of granola bars and cereals due to a salmonella contamination risk.

In March 2021, the company recalled thousands of bags of its Quaker Rice Crisps Sweet Barbecue Flavor over the possibility of undeclared soy.

Consumers are urged to check their pancake boxes to see if their products are included in the recall. (iStock / iStock)

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FOX Business reached out to Quaker Oats for additional comment.

February 15, 2025
D.C. Mayor Bowser open to using public money help fund potential multi-billion Commanders stadium at RFK site

Washington’s NFL franchise has spent the last 28 seasons playing home games in Maryland. The Commanders currently call Northwest Stadium, formerly FedEx Field, home.

The stadium opened in time for the 1997 season and is located roughly 13 miles from the U.S. Capitol Building in neighboring Washington, D.C. The stadium replaced the once iconic Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium (RFK Stadium). But, the open-air venue where the Commanders have welcomed opposing teams for nearly the last three decades has rapidly deteriorated, prompting discussions about an eventual alternative.

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General view of the exterior of RFK Stadium on May 24, 2005 during the Washington Nationals first season in Washington, DC. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Earlier this week, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser met with residents who live in the area surrounding the dilapidated RFK Stadium site to discuss the possibility of building a state-of-the art building that could host the Washington Commanders. Bowser has long supported the push to bring the football team back to the District of Columbia.

“I believe firmly that in global cities — world-class cities like ours — we do big things,” Bowser told residents. “We have arts and culture, entertainment, nightlife, and sports. We have great neighborhoods, and we can invite the world to our city. But the fact is, until we have a modern stadium, we will not be able to host events that the world is used to.”

COMMANDERS’ JOSH HARRIS MAINTAINS TEAM NAME IS HERE TO STAY

Proposals estimate the stadium structure could comprise up to 25 acres of the 174-acre site. A mixed-used development featuring housing, restaurants, and parks could take up the remaining portion of land.

The city recently gained control over the swath of land after years of back-and-forth with federal lawmakers. In December, the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan resolution to transfer the land from the federal government to D.C. The federal government would effectively lease the acerage back to the city for 99 years.

“This is a win for DC, for our region, and for America,” Bowser wrote on her social media account after news of the approval surfaced. “Everybody loves a good comeback story – and that’s DC’s story. #OurRFK”

Mayor Muriel Bowser reveals plans for a new DC Jail on Hill East as well as a proposal for a new SportsComplex on the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium site, photographed in Washington, DC on March 28, 2022. (Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

The bill was signed into law by then-U.S. President Joe Biden in January. The move was viewed as a major step toward the Commanders returning to the nation’s capital, although several hurdles remain.

On Thursday, Bowser stressed the importance of constructing a world-class stadium if the city wanted to become a viable host for concerts, Super Bowls, and other major sporting events.

Jan 9, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; General view of FedEx Field before the game between the Washington Football Team and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. (Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports)

“Until we have a modern stadium, we will not be able to host events like the world is used to, including a World Cup, including a Super Bowl — and yes, Beyoncé and Taylor Swift,” Bowser said.

The mayor said she is committed to working with the Commanders, as she aims to convince the franchise that building a stadium within the city limits is the best alternative to their current home. Bowser also vowed to reach terms on a stadium deal that would be beneficial to those who live in the community.

Commanders principal owner Josh Harris has not made any public declarations about his preferred stadium location, but acknowledged the team could end up playing in D.C., Maryland, or nearby Virginia.

Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris speaks at a press conference at Commanders Park in Ashburn, VA on January 08, 2024. The conference was to announce that the Commanders are parting ways with head coach Ron Rivera following a disappointing 4-13 season. (Craig Hudson for The Washington Post via Getty Images)

The use of public funds to help fund a multi-billion stadium project is often met with some considerable push back. Bowser and city lawmakers will likely face strong headwinds as they make their case to constituents about the potential allocation of public dollars towards a stadium project.

At one point during her roughly 20-minute presentation on Thursday, Bowser referenced a sports study she commissioned which estimated economic benefits in excess of $1 billion. The revenue would come from a mixed-used development along with a modern NFL stadium. The development could also create thousands of jobs.

Bowser stopped short of sharing details about the amount of public funds she would be comfortable with the team using. She instead noted that her administration’s “detailed analysis” determined that an NFL stadium would be a strong investment.

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Aside from hosting an NFL team, RFK Stadium was the home to two MLB teams, two college football teams, and multiple professional soccer clubs. The stadium was also the site of several World Cup matches.

On the field, the Commanders experienced a major turnaround this season. Harris selected Dan Quinn as the team’s next coach last February, while Adam Peters was brought in to handle general manager duties. The Commanders selected quarterback Jayden Daniels in last April’s NFL Draft. Daniels earned Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and helped lift Washington to an appearance in the NFC Championship game.

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Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 15, 2025
Trump administration fires more than a dozen immigration judges

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More than a dozen immigration judges were fired on Friday, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s promise to trim the federal workforce.

A union official told the Associated Press that 13 judges who were set to be sworn in, and five assistant chief immigration judges, were fired on Friday without warning.

The move comes after two other judges were dismissed this week, the AP reported. No replacements have been announced.

The Trump administration dismissed more than a dozen judges on Friday. (Donald Trump/Truth Social)

US IMMIGRATION BACKLOG REACHES NEW RECORD OF 3 MILLION PENDING CASES: REPORT

Fox News Digital previously reported the U.S. immigration court backlog surpassed three million pending cases.

Immigration judges currently average 4,500 pending cases each, according to Syracuse University’s Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse.

The AP reported five top court officials were replaced by the Trump administration, including Mary Cheng, the agency’s acting director.

Department of Justice, Washington, D.C. (iStock)

TRUMP BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP EXECUTIVE ORDER BLOCKED BY THIRD FEDERAL JUDGE

In a memo released on Jan. 27, Sirce Owen, acting director of the Department of Justice, noted the Biden administration “severely undermined” core values of the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR).

“An effort to restore those values and to re-establish EOIR as a model administrative adjudicatory body is well underway,” Owen wrote. “If all employees are willing to join that effort, then there will be no limit to what EOIR can achieve.”

FILE PHOTO: A U.S. Justice Department logo or seal showing Justice Department headquarters, known as “Main Justice,” is seen behind the podium in the Department’s headquarters briefing room before a news conference with the Attorney General in Washington, January 24, 2023. (REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/File Photo)

The Trump administration on Thursday instructed agencies to lay off most probationary workers without civil service protection, the AP reported.

The International Federation of Professional & Technical Engineers, which represents federal employees, and the U.S. Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment on Saturday.

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Fox News Digital’s Landon Mion and the Associated Press contributed to this report.

February 15, 2025
NHL exec hopes Canadians avoid ‘unfortunate situation’ of booing US national anthem ahead of rivalry game

The USA-Canada rivalry on the ice is a longstanding one, but the rivalry appears to have gone political.

The bordering countries will take the ice Saturday night in Montreal for the 4 Nations Face-Off, the first time the two countries have played against each other in a best-on-best format since the World Cup of Hockey in 2016.

When Team USA faced Finland Thursday night in Canada, the crowd was anti-U.S., booing the American players and, later, the national anthem despite the public address announcer pleading with fans to respect both anthems.

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Team USA forward Brady Tkachuk celebrates a goal against Team Finland in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off game at Bell Centre. (David Kirouac/Imagn Images)

“I think it’s obviously an unfortunate situation. I don’t think anybody likes when anthems are booed or disrespected in any way, and certainly we count ourselves among that group,” Bill Daly, the NHL’s deputy commissioner, told Bloomberg’s “Business of Sports” podcast.

A rivalry is a rivalry, but tensions between Canadians and the United States are high after President Donald Trump announced 25% tariffs on goods imported from the north. He also said Canada could become the “51st state.”

Raptors and Senators fans also booed the “Star-Spangled Banner” earlier this month when American teams visited Toronto and Ottawa. Vancouver Canucks announcer John Shorthouse even joked that a penalty would be 2½ minutes because of the 25% tariffs.

Charlie McAvoy (25), Jake Guentzel (59), Zach Werenski (8), Auston Matthews (34) and Jack Hughes (86) of the United States stand at their blue line during the singing of the United Sates national anthem before a 4 Nations Face-Off game against Finland at Bell Centre Feb. 13, 2025, in Montreal. (Vitor Munhoz/4NFO/World Cup of Hocky via Getty Images)

TEAM USA STAR MATTHEW TKACHUK DELIVERS STERN ONE-LINER AFTER CANADIAN FANS BOO DURING AMERICAN NATIONAL ANTHEM

Daly said the NHL is “monitoring the situation.”

“I do think it’s ebbing a little bit,” Daly said. “Our experience just this past week in Montreal was a positive experience, with two American teams playing there. So, I hope that that will continue. Sport is a way of breaking down barriers and bringing people closer together, and we hope that this tournament can help do that, for sure.”

The puck drops at 8 p.m. A win in regulation for the U.S. will clinch a spot in next Saturday’s one-game final. There is a chance the two could play each other for the tournament title when it moves to Boston next week.

Matt Boldy (12) of the United States celebrates with Jaccob Slavin (74), Brock Faber (14), Kyle Connor (8) and J.T. Miller (10) after Boldy scored a goal during the second period of a 4 Nations Face-Off game against Finland at Bell Centre Feb. 13, 2025, in Montreal. (Andrea Cardin/4NFO/World Cup of Hockey via Getty Images)

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Canada famously beat the U.S. in the 2010 Olympic gold medal game in Vancouver with a Sidney Crosby overtime goal.

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February 15, 2025
Marco Rubio arrives in Israel on first trip to Middle East as U.S. secretary of state

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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Israel late on Saturday on his first trip to the Middle East, after a widely condemned proposal by President Donald Trump to displace Palestinians in Gaza.

Trump first floated the suggestion that Egypt and Jordan should take in Palestinians from Gaza on January 25, a proposal they strongly opposed.

TRUMP’S GAZA RELOCATION PROPOSAL SPARKS HEATED DEBATE AMONG PALESTINIANS: ‘NO LIFE LEFT HERE’

In a shock announcement on February 4, after meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington, Trump proposed resettling Gaza’s 2.2 million Palestinians and the U.S. taking control and ownership of the demolished seaside enclave, redeveloping it into the “Riviera of the Middle East.”

On February 10, he said Palestinians would not have the right of return to Gaza under his plan, contradicting his own officials who had suggested Gazans would only be relocated temporarily.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar welcomes U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio as he arrives in Israel, on the first leg of his Middle East trip, in Tel Aviv, Israel, February 15, 2025. (REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein/Pool)

The U.S. president’s comments echoed long-standing Palestinian fears of being permanently driven from their homes and were labeled as a proposal of ethnic cleansing by some critics.

U.S. ally Israel’s military assault on Gaza, now paused by a fragile ceasefire, has killed more than 47,000 Palestinians in the last 16 months, the Gaza health ministry says, and provoked accusations of genocide and war crimes that Israel denies.

The assault internally displaced nearly all of Gaza’s population and caused a hunger crisis.

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The latest bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered on October 7, 2023, when Palestinian Hamas militants attacked Israel, killing 1,200 and taking some 250 hostages, Israeli tallies show.

Rubio will discuss Gaza and the aftermath of the Hamas attack on Israel during the trip, and will pursue Trump’s approach of trying to disrupt the status quo in the region, a State Department official said last week.

February 15, 2025