February 10, 2025 by Olivia Clemmensen (‘26)
Local:
-Winter Storms Pummeling the Northeast: Last Thursday, the Saratoga Springs School District got their first Snow Day of the 2024-2025 school year! While some may have their doubts there will be more of these snowy days off, there is a possibility it may be in the cards again soon. Yesterday, many areas of the Northeast, Saratoga included, woke up to see upwards of a foot of snow outside their window. This is only the beginning of what will be a cold and snowy month of February, said The Weather Channel. They have predicted that Saratoga will have scattered snow showers and cold temperatures up until the 21st due to an incoming storm from the west, moving eastward over the Mississippi River Valley, Great Lakes Region, and Northeast in the coming weeks. Stay tuned and think SNOW!
Fast-moving winter storm is bringing snow, sleet and ice to the Northeast
10-Day Weather Forecast for Saratoga Springs, NY – The Weather Channel | weather.com
National:
-Philadelphia Eagles Win Super Bowl LIX: On Sunday, the Philadelphia Eagles won the 59th Super Bowl, played in New Orleans. The Eagles had a powerful first half of the game, ending the first two quarters with a 24-0 advantage over the Kansas City Chiefs. Quarterback Jalen Hurts scored the first touchdown, giving the Eagles the first 7 points of the game. Into the second quarter, the Eagles powerfully gained 17 more points, including a second touchdown by Cooper DeJean, and a third touchdown made by Antonio Brown. This finished the second quarter 24-0 in Philadelphia’s favor. Kendrick Lamar and SZA performed the half time show, with a total of 10 songs on Lamar’s set, including hits like “Humble”, “Squabble Up” and “Not Like Us.” In the second half of the game, the Chiefs were able to make their first touchdown with 34 seconds left into the 3rd Quarter, by Patrick Mahomes. And, as the 4th Quarter progressed, the Chiefs’ wide receivers DeAndre Hopkins and Xavier Worthy were able to secure Kansas City another 2 touchdowns. Regardless of their attempt to take back the game, the night ended with a big win for the Philadelphia Eagles-marking the team’s second super bowl win after Super Bowl LII in 2017-, with the final standings of 40-22 in their favor. This game was two years in the making for the Eagles after a tight 2023 Super Bowl of 38-35 when the Chiefs won at State Farm Stadium in Arizona; the Eagles finally being able to rematch the Chiefs in a super bowl and win.
left: photo by parkbench.com right: photo by people.com
-A Day to Celebrate Love, Friendship and Chocolate: Valentine’s Day is approaching! Valentine’s day was originally the celebration of Saint Valentine from ancient Rome, who died around 270 AD. Throughout his life, St. Valentine became known to make love matches, securing his title as the patron saint of love. The 14th is no longer considered a Catholic holiday but is now heavily commercialized all over the U.S. and the world. Now, every February, Valentine’s Day staples like red roses, boxed chocolate, cards and candy hearts are guaranteed to show up at the top of many people’s shopping lists. However, the holiday is still a day to spend time with loved ones whether romantically or in friendship. This Friday the 14th, celebrate your friendships or relationships by going out (or staying in) to have dinner or see a movie… most importantly, make your loved ones feel special on this holiday this year!
Valentine’s Day 2025: Origins, Background & Traditions | HISTORY
-U.S. Presidential Administration Plans to Close the Department of Education: On February 4th, the White House confirmed that by the end of the month, their plan to cut programs and staff at the U.S. Department of Education would be issued. The Trump administration has recently placed many staff working in this department on paid administrative leave, leading many citizens to think that the agency is on its way out. However, the end of this department is not in the control of the U.S. President, rather in Congress, according to npr.org. “The department was created by an act of Congress in 1979 and, as such, can be closed only by an act of Congress,” NPR said. If this department is to be closed, its responsibilities of enforcing the nation’s special education law, overseeing nation-wide educational systems, and improving the outcomes and education of lower-income students will be transferred over to the federal administration. Trump is developing this plan through the creation of an Executive order planned to dial back the responsibilities of the agency rather than completely abolish it. The Department of Education’s future is still up in the air, as the Trump administration is still in the process of developing their course of action. photo: msn.com
Can Trump Dismantle the Department of Education?
Trump proposes cuts to Education Department : NPR
-Federal Judge Restricts Elon Musk’s DOGE Access to National Treasury Payment System: On Saturday, U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer temporarily blocked Elon Musk’s government efficiency team from gaining access to the Treasury Department system, reported CNN.com. This system holds the confidential financial data of federal employees, social security information, and American citizens’ tax returns. This action is following the suing of the Trump Administration by multiple state attorneys after the DOGE was given access to this data and records, claiming that Musk’s position isn’t an “official government department” thus violating federal law, explained BBC News. Court hearings are to be carried out this coming weekend, so these conditions will remain in place until an outcome is reached from these hearings.
Judge blocks Elon Musk’s team from Treasury Department records-BBC
Federal judge blocks Elon Musk’s DOGE access to critical Treasury payment system | CNN Politics
Global:
-U.S. Relationships with Mexico, Canada and China Muddy as Negotiations over Tariffs Continue: On February 1, President Trump signed a series of executive orders imposing tariffs on imports coming from Mexico, Canada, and China. There was a 25% tariff on all exports to the United States from Mexico and Canada and a 10% tariff on all imports coming from China. These impositions were related to concerns regarding national security, illegal immigration and drug trade across these borders. As a result of these actions, Mexico’s and Canada’s leaders both spoke to President Trump in efforts to delay these tariffs, leading to a current one-month delay to these trade actions. Additionally, China is now imposing 10-15% tariffs on U.S products going into their country to counter American actions, spurring on tension between the United States and China regarding trade.
Trump Tariffs Live Updates: Exemption For Cheaper Chinese Goods Reinstated
February 3, 2025: Donald Trump presidency news | CNN Politics