The ACTUAL NEWS: Wednesday, February 19th 2025 Recap
"Today in History" and the Latest National and Global News
TODAY IN HISTORY
1878: American inventor Thomas Edison patented the phonograph.
1881: Kansas became the first U.S. state to include the prohibition of alcoholic beverages in its state constitution.
1942: U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the executive order allowing the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.
1945: During the final phases of World War II, U.S. Marines invaded Iwo Jima to wrest control of the strategically important island from the Japanese, who put up fierce resistance in the ensuing battle.
2008: Fidel Castro formally resigned as president of Cuba; he was succeeded by his brother Raúl.
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NATIONAL
U.S. President Donald Trump's approval rating has slightly decreased in recent days, with more Americans expressing concern about the direction of the U.S. economy. This shift in sentiment comes as Trump’s administration threatens several countries with tariffs, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll.
On Wednesday, Trump signed an executive order aimed at eliminating or significantly reducing several federal advisory committees. The order focuses on organizations such as the United States Institute of Peace and the Inter-American Foundation.
Environmental groups, on Wednesday, filed a court motion to block the Trump administration’s efforts to allow offshore oil drilling along vast sections of the U.S. coastline. This move marks what appears to be the first legal challenge to the Republicans’ push to increase fossil fuel production.
In another development, the director of the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) food division resigned, citing the difficulty of protecting the nation’s food supply due to recent layoffs.
Similarly, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is set to lay off approximately 6,700 employees on Thursday as part of a restructuring that could strain the agency’s resources during the critical tax-filing season.
Meanwhile, Elon Musk’s government-slashing DOGE team has been granted temporary access to data at several federal agencies, including the U.S. Treasury Department. However, a federal judge has left open the possibility of a future ban on the team’s activities.
Musk’s team claimed to have saved $8 billion in one contract, though reports indicate it was actually $8 million.
Right-wing media figures have been celebrating America’s "negotiations" with Russia.
A White House official stated that Musk is not the head of the DOGE team, but the question remains as to who, other than Musk, is in charge of the effort.
Meanwhile, members of the Kennedy family have confirmed that cuts by DOGE forced the temporary closure of John F. Kennedy’s presidential library.
The Trump administration has also made substantial cuts to the Forest Service and National Parks, laying off at least 3,000 employees. The loss of these workers, who are responsible for patrolling rivers, maintaining trails, and studying forests, could jeopardize safety in U.S. national parks, according to employees.
The U.S. aviation sector has called for "robust emergency funding" from Congress for air traffic control technology and staffing. This plea comes in the wake of several crashes that have raised alarm within the industry. A joint letter from major aviation unions and organizations, including Airlines for America, urges Congress to address critical technology needs and staffing shortages, as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is about 3,500 air traffic controllers short of its staffing target.
Furthermore, President Trump has declared a national energy emergency, with the Army Corps of Engineers identifying over 600 energy and infrastructure projects that could be fast-tracked under the declaration.
Elon Musk's DOGE team will continue to assist in modernizing U.S. national airspace by visiting various FAA facilities, according to the acting head of the agency. Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau confirmed that the team will "help engineer solutions" while ensuring airspace safety.
In the military sector, the U.S. Air Force will send an inspection team to Space Development Agency facilities amid concerns over the future of the Pentagon’s space-acquisition program.
The Department of Defense has announced plans to decommission the online portal that allows patients to access their military health information, advising patients to download their digital medical records if they wish to retain copies.
Elbridge Colby, nominated by President Trump for a key Pentagon position, is receiving support from the president’s vocal allies, as some Republican senators are reportedly resistant to his nomination.
At the Pentagon, Musk's team is working with military leaders to identify probationary employees. As of February 18, the military services were tasked with identifying these employees, though it remains unclear whether they will all be let go.
In Kentucky, National Guard troops conducted a successful airlift operation, evacuating 296 people trapped by floods in a single day.
Meanwhile, uncertainty over how the U.S. Treasury will manage debt issuance has led some Federal Reserve officials to consider slowing or pausing the ongoing drawdown of their balance sheet until more clarity is available.
In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul has threatened to deploy the National Guard after more than half of the state’s corrections officers went on strike due to staff shortages.
NASA is facing significant departures from its key leadership team, particularly within its moon program. This adds uncertainty to the agency’s future space exploration plans, particularly as private sector players like Elon Musk and President Trump push forward with Mars missions.
On the legislative front, the Republican-controlled Kansas Legislature has overridden the Democratic governor’s veto of a bill banning gender-transition treatments for minors.
Trump’s administration has also made moves to end New York’s congestion pricing program, expressing concerns that the tolling initiative could deter visitors and businesses from Manhattan.
In environmental news, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted the Biden administration’s approval of California’s plan to end the sale of gasoline-only vehicles by 2035 to Congress for review, which could lead to its repeal.
A group of Democratic senators has requested an investigation into the resignation of a senior federal prosecutor, who left the U.S. Attorney’s office under pressure from Trump administration officials. The senators argue that this was a gross abuse of prosecutorial authority.
A Republican ally of President Trump has moved to impeach a federal judge who blocked a team led by Musk from accessing critical U.S. Treasury Department systems.
In another budgetary move, the Trump administration has ordered the Pentagon and U.S. military leaders to develop plans for an 8% cut to the defense budget each year for the next five years.
Dozens of Democratic lawmakers have urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to renew the U.S.-Russia nuclear weapons pact, which expires next year, citing its importance in reducing the risk of nuclear war even amid tense political times.
In Florida, the state’s hate crimes unit is investigating a shooting incident where a male suspect fired at two men "he believed were Palestinians", but they turned out to be Israeli visitors.
In a significant move, Trump has announced that he will block the Associated Press from covering the Oval Office and Air Force One unless the news agency stops referring to the Gulf of Mexico in its reporting.
In the Senate, Republicans are pushing ahead with their own plan to advance Trump’s agenda on border security, immigration, fossil fuel production, and defense, aiming to outpace a rival plan in the House of Representatives.
President Trump has instructed the Justice Department to terminate all remaining Biden-era U.S. attorneys, claiming that the department had been "politicized like never before." This move is part of his broader efforts to reshape the administration.
Angry over delays in building two new Air Force One jets, Trump has given Elon Musk the green light to "push Boeing to speed up"— even if it means lowering security clearance standards for some workers on the planes, the NYT reports.
GLOBAL
General Gregory M. Guillot, Commander of U.S. Northern Command, and General Ricardo Trevilla Trejo, Mexico's Secretary of National Defense, recently met to discuss security cooperation along the U.S.-Mexico border. They signed a Joint Statement of Understanding outlining coordinated border patrols, increased information sharing, and methods for immediate communication, while respecting each country's sovereignty. Both leaders anticipate the agreement will foster further discussions and coordination to enhance mutual border security.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Wednesday that U.S. drone flights over Mexican territory were part of a collaborative agreement with the U.S. government, emphasizing that there was nothing illegal about them.
On Wednesday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasized his government's complete focus on ensuring the United States does not proceed with its threat to impose tariffs on Canadian imports.
The World Trade Organization stated Wednesday that discussions on global trade tensions were "constructive," following a meeting in Geneva that centered on U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff policies. WTO spokesperson Ismaila Dieng noted that most of the six participating countries expressed concern over escalating trade tensions and called for restraint.
A senior U.S. military commander overseeing operations across much of Latin America will visit Panama this week to discuss security cooperation, as well as the Panama Canal and migration, according to the U.S. embassy in Panama.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Angolan Foreign Minister Tete Antonio on Wednesday, discussing efforts to find "a peaceful end to the conflict" in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to the State Department.
French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will visit Washington next week for meetings aimed at ending Russia's war in Ukraine, U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz announced on Wednesday.
U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey urged the Trump administration to commit to a security “backstop” for Ukraine, stressing that only the U.S. could prevent Russia from launching another attack on Europe. Healey added that U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and U.S. President Donald Trump would discuss this plan during their upcoming meeting in Washington.
France expressed confusion Wednesday over U.S. President Donald Trump's suggestion that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was to blame for Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the ensuing war, according to a French government spokesperson.
On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump denounced Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as "a dictator without elections" and warned he must act quickly to secure peace or risk losing his country.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated, “Decisions on how to end the war in Ukraine cannot be made without Ukraine.”
Ukrainians rejected President Donald Trump’s harsh comments on Wednesday, asserting that they had no choice but to continue fighting Russia, especially as their key ally engages in talks with their adversary without Kyiv's involvement.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron, who shared details of his ongoing discussions with European and Canadian leaders. Macron emphasized the need for sustainable peace in Europe, which can only be built on reliable security guarantees. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for France’s unified position and highlighted the shared values of freedom between Ukraine and France.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Wednesday that Ukraine would not be excluded from peace negotiations, but noted that success would depend on improving trust between Moscow and Washington.
The Kremlin indicated on Wednesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump may meet this month, although preparations for the first in-person meeting between the two leaders since 2021 may take longer.
Vice President Vance stated that elections in Ukraine must occur, and that this is now part of U.S. policy.
China's foreign minister assured his Bolivian counterpart on Wednesday that China will always be Latin America’s "trustworthy" friend and partner, as Beijing aims to strengthen its presence in a region historically influenced by the United States.
The Trump administration is deporting hundreds of migrants, including individuals from Afghanistan and China, to Panama, where they are being detained in a hotel.
Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves confirmed on Wednesday that migrants deported from the U.S. could be held in Costa Rica for up to six weeks before being sent back to their home countries.
Reuters reported that Donald Trump has altered this year’s Canadian election dynamics, turning what appeared to be an easy win for the Conservative opposition into a much tighter race, potentially leading to a deadlock.
Trump’s decision to cut aid to South Africa, in response to its land reform policies that he claims harm the white minority, has raised concerns about a potential trade deal, despite such a move potentially harming the same farmers Trump intends to protect.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s Trump Media & Technology Group and video-sharing platform Rumble have filed a lawsuit against Brazilian Supreme Court justice Alexandre de Moraes over allegations of illegal censorship. This follows charges brought against former President Jair Bolsonaro on Tuesday, accusing him of attempting to overthrow Brazil's government after his 2022 election loss.
Brazil’s attorney general has charged former President Jair Bolsonaro with attempting to overturn the 2022 election results. The case will be heard by the nation’s Supreme Court.
North Korean state media criticized the United States on Thursday for its nuclear submarine deal with Australia under the AUKUS partnership signed in 2021, calling it a "threat to regional peace."
Australia's military faces growing espionage and sabotage risks linked to its AUKUS nuclear submarine partnership with the United States and Britain, Australia’s spy chief said on Wednesday.
Australian billionaire Clive Palmer launched a political party on Wednesday, inspired by U.S. President Donald Trump, ahead of a nationwide federal election. Palmer’s Trumpet of Patriots party aims to "drain the swamp" in Australia’s capital, referencing Trump’s government downsizing plans.
Pope Francis, 88, has been diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs and has been in a Rome hospital since Friday.
Hamas announced on Wednesday that it would release the remains of four Israeli hostages tomorrow, including a mother and her two red-haired children, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
The Trump administration has halted all funding to the Palestinian Authority's security forces as part of a global freeze on foreign aid, according to the Washington Post, citing U.S. and Palestinian officials.
The UAE leader told U.S. Secretary of State on Wednesday that his country rejects any proposal to displace Palestinians from their land, according to the Emirati state news agency WAM.
The Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary group involved in Sudan's civil war, announced plans to form its own government.
Nepal accepted a $500 million U.S. grant for infrastructure projects, but the Trump administration’s freeze on foreign aid has put the project at risk, potentially opening the door for China to intervene.
Rwanda is fueling a war in neighboring Congo where thousands have died in ongoing fighting.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro named General Pedro Sanchez as the country’s new defense minister on Tuesday, replacing Ivan Velasquez in a cabinet reshuffle following the resignation of several ministers.
Humanitarian organizations across the globe have ceased operations, laid off staff, and halted life-saving work, including aid for malnourished children, due to the U.S. President Donald Trump’s freeze on foreign assistance, according to a survey of 246 groups.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that if Tesla builds a factory in India to bypass the country’s tariffs, it would be "unfair" to the U.S., in an interview aired Tuesday on Fox News.
A Jewish American organization, which has long been supported by the U.S. government to help those fleeing conflict and oppressive regimes, is scaling back its operations following Trump’s order to stop refugee admissions and nearly all development assistance spending.
On Wednesday, the United States designated Tren de Aragua, the Sinaloa Cartel, and other drug cartels as global terrorist organizations, according to a Federal Register notice. This comes as President Donald
Trump intensifies immigration enforcement against alleged gang members.
Today, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent held an introductory meeting with (pro-Russian) Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó, where they discussed shared economic and national security priorities. Secretary Bessent highlighted the importance of the U.S.-Hungary relationship and the need for continued coordination between the two countries during this crucial time for Europe.
RECOMMENDED READ(S)
“We all want to reach a durable peace as soon as possible, no one more so than Ukraine. Russia could end this war tomorrow, if Russia chose to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and withdraw its troops.”
UK Statement to OSCE (Vienna)
CARTOON OF THE DAY
POSTS OF THE DAY
VIDEO QUICK NEWS
Mario Draghi's Urgent Call: Can Europe Rise to the Challenge?
Hochul: NY hasn't labored under a king in over 250 years. We sure as hell are not going to start now
Flashback Lewis: If you see something that isn’t right, you have a moral obligation to do something
Trump orders the Kennedy Library in Boston to be shut down immediately.
Zelenskyy: Trump’s $500 billion fossil fuel claim isn’t a serious conversation
Trudeau: Canada will always stand up for Ukraine
Zelenskyy Rejects U.S. Proposal for Mineral Wealth in Exchange for Aid
On Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy firmly rejected U.S. demands for $500 billion in mineral wealth from Ukraine to repay Washington for its wartime assistance. Zelenskyy argued that the U.S. had not provided nearly that amount in aid and had failed to offer sufficient security guarantees, crucial for Ukraine’s protection against Russian aggression.
In the nearly three years of conflict with Russia, the U.S. has contributed a total of $67 billion in weapons and $31.5 billion in direct budget support to Ukraine. Zelenskyy responded sharply to the notion that Ukraine owed $500 billion in rare earth minerals in return for U.S. assistance: "You can't call this 500 billion and ask us to return 500 billion in minerals or something else. This is not a serious conversation."
The proposal, reportedly championed by President Donald Trump's White House, involved Ukraine transferring 50% of its critical mineral resources to the U.S. in exchange for continued American support.
However, Zelenskyy emphasized that the deal lacked essential security guarantees and was ultimately unacceptable to Ukraine.
"I defend Ukraine, I can't sell our country," Zelenskyy remarked. He also stated that he had been willing to entertain some form of agreement if it included security assurances, but the deal proposed to him fell short of that requirement. "I said OK, give us some sort of positive. You write some sort of guarantees, and we will write a memorandum... some sort of percentages," he continued.
Zelenskyy recounted his decision-making process, explaining that when he was told the U.S. would only accept 50% of Ukraine's critical minerals, he firmly rejected the offer. "I said: OK, no. Let the lawyers work some more, they did not do all the necessary work. I am just the decision maker, I don't work on the details of this document. Let them work on it."
The disagreement over this proposed deal comes at a time of growing diplomatic tension, as Ukraine seeks to preserve the support of its most significant ally, the United States. The question of how much aid has been provided by the U.S. has become a key issue in the ongoing dialogue.
In a recent statement, Trump raised doubts about where U.S. aid to Ukraine had been allocated. Zelenskyy responded by clarifying that the U.S. and European Union combined had provided $200 billion of the $320 billion spent on military aid, while Ukraine itself shouldered the remaining $120 billion of the war effort's costs.
ICYMI
Leonard Peltier's Release: Leonard Peltier, a Native American rights activist convicted of killing two FBI agents in 1975, was released from prison after President Joe Biden commuted his life sentence to home confinement before leaving office. Peltier had been serving a life sentence for the deaths of agents Jack Coler and Ronald Williams during a shootout at the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, though his conviction has been controversial, with many arguing that he was wrongfully convicted.
Asteroid Threat: Astronomers have reported that an asteroid has a 3.1% chance of hitting Earth in 2032, marking the highest chance ever recorded for a space rock. While this chance is still relatively small, it has sparked concern and renewed discussions about planetary defense.
Cold Front Hits U.S.: Arctic air from Canada has swept over the Central and Eastern U.S., bringing record-breaking cold temperatures. This cold front is affecting large swaths of the country, including areas that typically don’t experience such extreme winter conditions.
Florida Shooting Incident: A Florida man charged with attempted murder in the shooting of two Israeli tourists claimed he mistook them for Palestinians. The tourists were shot while walking in the area, but fortunately, they survived. The man was charged with multiple counts including attempted murder.
Avalanche in Oregon: Two backcountry skiers tragically died in an avalanche in Oregon’s Cascade Mountains near Bend. The incident occurred in a popular skiing area, and rescue teams were dispatched, but the skiers did not survive.
Apple Launches iPhone 16e: Apple launched the iPhone 16e on Wednesday, a budget-friendly model designed to appeal to mid-market customers, particularly in key growth markets like China and India. The new phone incorporates artificial intelligence features and is aimed at competing with popular Android smartphones, especially those from Samsung and Huawei, who have increasingly added AI tools to their devices.
A$AP Rocky Verdict: A Los Angeles jury found Grammy-nominated rapper A$AP Rocky not guilty of two felony counts of assault with a semi-automatic weapon. The charges stemmed from a 2021 altercation with another hip-hop artist in Hollywood. The jury’s decision cleared him of any wrongdoing in the incident.
Delta Air Lines Jet Investigation: Canadian investigators confirmed on Tuesday that they had recovered the black boxes (the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder) from a Delta Air Lines regional jet that flipped upside down while landing at Toronto’s Pearson Airport. The incident occurred in windy conditions and resulted in 21 injuries among the 80 people aboard. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is leading the investigation to understand what caused the CRJ900 aircraft, operated by Delta’s Endeavor Air subsidiary, to flip during landing. The black boxes have been sent for further analysis.
TODAY'S COVER PHOTO
Edmonton, Canada
Icicles form over a car as extreme cold grips the region, with temperatures dropping to -29C
That's all from me for now. Thank you for reading.
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