ACTUAL NEWS: Thursday, March 20th 2025 Recap
- Olga Nesterova
- Mar 20
- 12 min read
"Today in History" and the Latest National and Global News
QUICK HITS
In response to President Trump's willingness to "own Ukrainian power plants," Ukraine's President Zelenskyy stated, "All nuclear power plants belong to the people of Ukraine. They are not private property, including the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant."
Parents of unvaccinated child who died of measles still tell other parents to be anti-vax.
Mother: "We would still say don't do the shots... It’s not as bad as they're making it out to be."
Father: "The measles are good for the body... in long run you won't get cancer as easily as part of the immunity that you get."
Later on in the video, the parents said their daughter's death was God's will: "It was her time on Earth... she’s better off where she is now, versus all the negativity and all the stuff going on."
Staffers from the anti-vax group that RFK Jr. led conducted the interview — using the video of the grieving parents to solicit donations.
TODAY IN HISTORY
1815: The Hundred Days—during which Napoleon, having ended his exile by escaping the island of Elba, attempted to recapture his empire in France—began with his arrival in Paris.
1854: A meeting of Whigs, anti-Nebraska Democrats, and Free-Soilers in Ripon, Wisconsin, proposed the formation of what became the Republican Party in the United States.
1987: AZT (azidothymidine; also called zidovudine) became the first drug to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of AIDS.
1995: Top leaders of AUM Shinrikyo (Japanese: “AUM Supreme Truth”), a Japanese Buddhist sect founded in 1987 by Asahara Shoko, released nerve gas into a Tokyo subway, killing 12 people and injuring thousands.
1999: As they floated past longitude 9°27′ W above Mauritania, Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones became the first aviators to circumnavigate the globe nonstop by balloon; they landed the following day in Egypt.
QUICK ACTUAL NEWS
NATIONAL
President Trump directed Education Secretary Linda McMahon to begin shutting down the department, a process that cannot be completed without congressional approval.
U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced plans to open more land for oil and gas leasing and lift restrictions on building an LNG pipeline and mining road in Alaska. These actions follow President Trump's executive order to remove barriers to energy development in the state.
The Trump administration appointed two officials previously involved in dismantling USAID to lead the agency.
A panel of immunization experts advising the CDC will meet in April after a previously scheduled session was postponed, according to an HHS spokesperson.
The FDA has approved Alnylam's new treatment for a rare and deadly heart disease, introducing a competitor to Pfizer’s blockbuster drug Vyndaqel.
A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration not to deport Badar Khan Suri, an Indian student at Georgetown University, whose lawyer claims U.S. officials sought his removal over alleged harm to U.S. foreign policy.
A conservative U.S. appeals court judge took the unusual step of recording himself handling handguns to illustrate why he believes a California law banning high-capacity magazines is unconstitutional.
A federal judge has given the Justice Department an additional day to reveal details about two deportation flights that may have violated court orders.
Elon Musk contributed to members of Congress advocating for the impeachment of federal judges who oppose Trump’s policies, including Eli Crane (AZ), Lauren Boebert (CO), Andy Ogles (TN), Andrew Clyde (GA), Derrick Van Orden (WI), Brandon Gill (TX), and Sen. Charles E. Grassley (IA).
The Justice Department is moving to restore firearm rights for certain convicted individuals, a contentious issue after officials sought to reinstate Mel Gibson’s gun access.
The recently released JFK assassination files provide little new insight into the shooting. However, in the rush to make the documents public, the administration inadvertently exposed personal details of at least one CIA agent and Social Security numbers of hundreds of living individuals.
The Trump administration has given New York until tomorrow to halt its congestion pricing program. State leaders have refused to comply.
U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi announced that three individuals have been charged in connection with arson attacks targeting Tesla dealerships and charging stations. If convicted, they each face sentences ranging from five to 20 years in prison.
DEFENSE
The Air Force and Navy have briefed President Donald Trump on their respective Next-Generation Air Dominance programs, requesting that the projects continue as planned, according to government and industry sources cited by Air & Space Forces Magazine. It remains unclear whether the services received firm decisions on the future of the aircraft.
U.S. Air Force fighters have been using laser-guided rockets to intercept Houthi drones attacking ships in the Red Sea, as the U.S. military seeks cost-effective methods to counter inexpensive uncrewed systems, according to U.S. officials.
The U.S. Air Force is testing key capabilities and operational concepts—including F-35s, Air Task Forces, and Agile Combat Employment—during this month's Freedom Shield exercise in South Korea.
The Pentagon is considering major reductions at the highest levels of the U.S. military as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to shrink the federal government, according to a briefing document obtained by CNN and a U.S. defense official. Proposed cuts include consolidating combatant commands, potentially eliminating a directorate overseeing joint force development, training, and education, and halting the expansion of U.S. Forces Japan.
President Trump stated on March 19 that the Iran-backed Houthi militant group in Yemen would be “completely annihilated” by U.S. military strikes and warned Tehran to “immediately” stop supplying the group with military equipment and support, saying, “Let the Houthis fight it out themselves.”
The Trump administration is evaluating plans for the Pentagon to assume control of a buffer zone along a vast stretch of the southern border, empowering active-duty U.S. troops to temporarily detain migrants who cross into the United States illegally, according to five U.S. officials familiar with the discussions.
Military officials are considering cutting the number of U.S. troops assigned to the Guantanamo Bay naval base in Cuba to process detained migrants by as much as half, as no detainees are currently being held and the program has faced legal challenges, The Associated Press has learned.
Some Airmen have turned to thrift stores and other retailers to find proper attire as the Air Force ramps up uniform inspections ahead of a new policy requiring quarterly checks. Inspections begin on March 31, and unit commanders started scheduling them shortly after receiving a January 30 memo from Lt. Gen. Scott L. Pleus, Air Force director of staff, leading to a surge in demand for required uniform items.
The U.S. Space Force has released a strategic blueprint outlining how it plans to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into its operations and enhance AI literacy among personnel. The document, titled Data and Artificial Intelligence FY 2025 Strategic Action Plan, was published on March 19 in response to Defense Department directives emphasizing a more data-driven, AI-enabled force.
The Navy plans to deploy a second warship to patrol waters off the U.S. and Mexico by the end of the week, following the deployment of a destroyer on Saturday as part of the Trump administration’s immigration and border security crackdown, a U.S. official confirmed to Military.com on March 19.
GLOBAL
The United States and Israel will hold high-level talks on Iran’s nuclear program at the White House early next week, according to a source familiar with the matter. The meeting follows U.S. President Donald Trump's recent letter to Iran’s leadership, warning that Tehran must either agree to a nuclear deal with the U.S. or face potential military action.
The U.S. State Department has approved the first sale of advanced precision-kill weapon systems to Saudi Arabia, valued at an estimated $100 million, the Pentagon announced on Thursday.
The White House is considering former Republican Representative Michael Burgess to lead the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) after withdrawing vaccine skeptic Dave Weldon’s nomination last week, according to three sources familiar with the discussions. One source, who was briefed on the matter, said Burgess is the leading candidate but emphasized that no final decision has been made. A 74-year-old physician from Texas, Burgess retired from Congress in January after serving for 22 years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he described vaccines as “safe and effective tools that protect Americans from preventable, life-threatening diseases” and spoke about the need to combat vaccine hesitancy.
On Thursday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration launched an online searchable database listing contaminant levels in human foods. The initiative aligns with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s ongoing efforts to reduce chemical exposure in food since taking office.
A federal judge ruled on Thursday that the Social Security Administration likely violated privacy laws by granting tech billionaire Elon Musk’s aides “unrestricted access” to millions of Americans’ private data. The judge ordered an immediate halt to further data-sharing.
American arms manufacturers have been excluded from the European Union’s massive new defense spending initiative, which aims to bolster military capabilities among EU and allied nations, according to defense spending plans released Wednesday. The United Kingdom has also been left out of the program—for now. “We must buy more European. That means strengthening the European defense technological and industrial base,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen while announcing the Readiness 2030 program.
The European Commission has disbursed an additional €1 billion in exceptional Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA) to Ukraine. The loan, which will be repaid using proceeds from frozen Russian state assets in the EU, reinforces the bloc’s position as Ukraine’s largest donor since the beginning of Russia’s war.
Hungary has proposed that Ukraine serve as a "buffer zone" between Russia and Europe. Hungarian European Affairs Minister János Bóka told the Financial Times that such a zone would serve the interests of both Russia and Europe.
Analysts warn that Russia’s recent discussions of a cease-fire may be a strategic move to buy time, anticipating a potential collapse in U.S.-Ukrainian relations.
Ukraine claims to have successfully developed one of the world’s first laser-based anti-aircraft weapons, according to a high-ranking military official. The secretive technology has reportedly been deployed on the battlefield against low-flying targets, such as Iranian-made Shahed drones.
Israel-based drone manufacturer BlueBird and U.S. defense firm Mach Industries are collaborating to co-produce hydrogen fuel cell-powered drones. These drones offer significantly greater range but have historically faced technological challenges preventing their battlefield deployment.
Canada’s space industry is expanding rapidly. Ontario-based startup NordSpace has announced the creation of the Supersonic and Hypersonic Applications Research Platform (SHARP), which aims to enhance the country’s hypersonic capabilities with three new technological developments.
Meanwhile, Canada is in talks to support Europe’s military expansion in a deal that could reduce its economic dependence on the U.S.
Donald Trump Jr. visited Serbia to show support for the country’s embattled leadership. The Serbian capital, Belgrade, is also the planned site of a future Trump-branded hotel.
In a bid to secure U.S. support, Democratic Republic of Congo President Félix Tshisekedi has offered President Trump a deal: assistance in defeating a powerful rebel force in exchange for access to the country's vast mineral resources, which are critical to U.S. high-tech industries. Tshisekedi detailed his proposal in a February 8 letter to Trump.
Israeli ground troops have pushed deeper into Gaza, seizing partial control of a central corridor that was previously held before the recent cease-fire.
Meanwhile, thousands of Israelis gathered outside Parliament, calling for a renewed cease-fire. The protests suggest growing divisions in national sentiment over the ongoing war.
The U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has sanctioned a "teapot" oil refinery and its chief executive for purchasing and refining hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of Iranian crude oil. The shipments reportedly involved vessels linked to the Iranian Ministry of Defense and the Foreign Terrorist Organization Ansarallah, also known as the Houthis.
Afghanistan and Pakistan have reopened their main border crossing after nearly a month of closure due to military hostilities. Afghanistan heavily depends on food imports from Pakistan, which had been disrupted during the standoff. Freight traffic resumed on Thursday, with passenger travel set to follow tomorrow.
In Turkey, thousands of protesters rallied in support of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, a key political rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. İmamoğlu was detained on Wednesday along with dozens of associates in what he called an attempt to suppress his movement. Turkish authorities have charged him with corruption and ties to terrorism. Authorities also announced the detention of 37 individuals for posting “provocative” content about İmamoğlu on social media.
South Africa is reviewing its tariff policies as steelmaker ArcelorMittal considers shutting down two mills due to competition from low-cost Chinese imports. ArcelorMittal’s South African division has proposed a trade surveillance mechanism to curb import tax evasion. The Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition has invited public feedback on a potential tariff increase for imported steel.
The Philippines is pushing to expand the informal Asia-Pacific military alliance known as "the Squad" by adding India and potentially South Korea. The current grouping—comprising the U.S., Japan, Australia, and the Philippines—has conducted joint military exercises for over a year to counter China’s actions in the South China Sea. Neither the Indian Defense Ministry nor the embassies of China and South Korea have commented on the proposal.
CARTOON OF THE DAY
POSTS OF THE DAY
NEWS CLIPS - NO COMMENTARY
Kallas: on €5 billion in ammunition for Ukraine is a realistic plan
Macron called Zelenskyy during a press briefing. The latter said they talk at least once a day
Trump shows off his Coke button
Canadian MP Charlie Angus urges Canadians to avoid travel to the United States if at all possible
Meloni insists on extending Article 5 of the NATO Treaty to Ukraine
INTERESTING READ
ICYMI
The National Association of Realtors reported that existing home sales are at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.26 million. Economists and real estate agents note that some buyers and sellers, who had been holding out for lower prices, are now moving forward despite the market’s conditions. However, affordability challenges have kept activity sluggish for the third consecutive year.
Immigration officers have intensified their scrutiny of visitors and immigrants, employing more aggressive questioning tactics and detaining individuals more frequently, according to lawyers and former officials. In a stark shift from previous practices, border authorities have held U.S. tourist and work visa holders for extended periods over seemingly minor issues. One such case involved a German national with a U.S. green card who was reportedly strip-searched during questioning and required hospitalization.
A jury in North Dakota has ordered Greenpeace to pay over $660 million in damages for its role in protests against a natural gas pipeline. The organization warns that the ruling could force it to shut down its U.S. operations.
Ben & Jerry’s has accused its parent company, Unilever, of firing CEO Dave Stever for political reasons. The ice cream brand claims Unilever violated their merger agreement by removing Stever without board approval—not due to performance concerns but because of his support for the company’s progressive positions. The dispute between the two companies dates back to 2021 when Ben & Jerry’s announced it would stop selling its products in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. A lawsuit filed in November alleged that Unilever threatened to dismantle the board and sue its members to prevent the brand from expressing support for Palestinian refugees and an immediate ceasefire. The latest filing claims Unilever has since blocked Ben & Jerry’s from making social media posts about Black History Month, as well as posts advocating for the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian Columbia University student detained by ICE. Last month, the brand also accused Unilever of censoring statements on abortion, climate change, and minimum wage because they mentioned President Trump. While Unilever has denied earlier allegations, it has yet to respond to the most recent claims. The company has been seeking to sell Ben & Jerry’s along with its other ice cream brands, though no deal has materialized. Founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield are reportedly interested in buying the company back.
IOC Session in Greece: Wasserman Addresses Visa Concerns for 2028 Los Angeles Olympics; Kirsty Coventry Elected IOC President
At the 144th International Olympic Committee (IOC) session in Pylos, Greece, Casey Wasserman addressed concerns regarding visa and entry requirements for athletes and delegations attending the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. He reassured IOC members that despite current political tensions, the U.S. would remain open and welcoming to all 209 participating countries. Wasserman, the chairman of the Los Angeles Games organizing committee, emphasized that Los Angeles is the most diverse city in history and would ensure a positive experience for all attendees.
The session also saw Kirsty Coventry, Zimbabwe’s sports minister and a two-time Olympic gold medalist, elected as the first female and first African president of the IOC, securing an eight-year term.
The concerns about visas stemmed from reports that the Trump administration was considering broad travel restrictions on citizens from 43 countries, following an executive order issued by President Trump.
Trump Administration Proposes Overhaul of U.S. Foreign Aid Structure
The Trump administration has proposed a significant restructuring of U.S. foreign aid, focusing on “aligning funding with U.S. geopolitical interests”.
The proposal calls for scaling back the scope of foreign assistance, arguing that the current system is too broad and costly, while also failing to reduce foreign dependency on U.S. aid. The plan suggests eliminating several USAID bureaus, renaming the agency to the U.S. Agency for International Humanitarian Assistance, and limiting its role to humanitarian aid, disaster response, global health, and food security.
Politically-oriented programs, such as democracy promotion, would be transferred to the State Department.
The restructuring is part of President Trump's broader effort to “reduce government spending and increase efficiency”. However, a recent federal court ruling has temporarily blocked the closure of USAID, raising uncertainties about the future of the agency's operations. It remains unclear how the court ruling may affect USAID operations or staff reinstatement.
USAID's new leadership outlined priorities for the agency in light of recent developments. Key goals include maintaining approximately 1,000 ongoing humanitarian aid programs, ensuring the safety and productivity of personnel during the transition, and working with Congress and Secretary Rubio on USAID's handover to the State Department. The leadership, including newly appointed CFO Kenneth Jackson and COO Jeremy Lewin, emphasized the importance of continuing aid efforts and providing support to staff. Lewin was named as a DOGE staffer this month by the COO of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
The memo with proposed changes was first reported by Politico.
TODAY'S PHOTO
Washington, D.C.
President Trump, seated in a mock-up classroom, signed an executive order to dismantle the Department of Education.
While a U.S. president can issue executive orders to influence education policy or restructure executive agencies, only Congress has the authority to dismantle the Department of Education, as it was established by law in 1979. Any attempt to eliminate the department would require congressional approval through legislation.
Photo Credit: CNN
That's all from me for now. Thank you for reading.
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