I mentioned it in another comment but this functionality is included with the "base-files" package: $ sudo apt remove base-files ... WARNING: The followi

I mentioned it in another comment but this functionality is included with the "base-files" package: $ sudo apt remove base-files ... WARNING: The following essential packages will be removed. This should NOT be done unless you know exactly what you are doing! base-files bash ... You are about to do something potentially harmful. To continue type in the phrase 'Yes, do as I say!' ?] Have fun with your broken system after removing that! The best you can do is disable it (and hope it isn't silently re-enabled later): $ sudo systemctl disable motd-news.timer