ACTUAL NEWS: Friday, March 21st 2025 Recap
- Olga Nesterova
- Mar 21
- 12 min read
"Today in History", the Latest National and Global News
QUICK HITS
UK Prime Minister Starmer: “Putin will breach peace deal without security guarantees.”
"We know that because it's happened before, and I am absolutely clear in my mind that it will happen again," Starmer said at a meeting of military planners from 31 countries.
President of Czechia Petr Pavel arrived in Odesa as the city was under a massive Russian drone attack.
Czechia has been standing firmly with Ukraine during the war.
President Zelenskyy: "We have definitely not discussed the ownership issue with President Trump. If the Americans want to take it from the Russians and want to invest and modernize it, that's another question. We can talk about it. We will also not discuss the power generation of Ukraine in general. We have 15 nuclear power units in operation today. This all belongs to our state."
Hence, it seems that the idea for US to “own” Ukrainian power plants was allegedly added to the conversation readout between Zelenskyy and Trump by the White House. Zelenskyy claims that, if anything, they only have mentioned the Zaporizhzhia power plant in the conversation.
Trump continues to increase pressure on Ukraine, but has never exerted pressure on the aggressor, Russia.
US wants to expand terms of subsoil deal by adding energy assets - Financial Times
Talks of including Ukraine's nuclear power plant in the expanded deal were confirmed by two anonymous Ukrainian officials, who in a conversation with the FT expressed concern that they could be pressured to accept unfavorable terms in a broader deal.
The new version of the deal also would add detailed provisions on ownership and control of a joint Ukrainian-American investment fund.
The leaders of the following countries will meet in Paris next week for an emergency meeting on Ukraine:
🇬🇧 Starmer
🇫🇷 Macron
🇩🇪 Scholz
🇮🇹 Meloni
🇵🇱 Tusk
🇨🇦 Carney
President Trump on his decision to withdraw an EO targeting Paul Weiss law firm:
"Its chairman agreed to, among other things, “dedicate the equivalent of $40 million in pro bono legal services over the course of President Trump’s term to "support the Trump administration."
TODAY IN HISTORY
1556: Thomas Cranmer, the first Protestant archbishop of Canterbury, was burned at the stake for violating heresy laws revised under the Roman Catholic Queen Mary I, known as Bloody Mary.
1918: The Second Battle of the Somme began during World War I.
1925: The Butler Act, which outlawed the teaching of evolution in Tennessee schools, was signed into law; the legislation was at the center of the Scopes Trial, and it was not repealed until 1967.
1960: About 70 Black African demonstrators were killed by police in Sharpeville, Gauteng province, during a protest against South Africa's pass laws.
1963: The U.S. federal prison on San Francisco Bay's Alcatraz Island, which had held some of the most dangerous civilian prisoners—including Al Capone and Robert Stroud, the “Birdman of Alcatraz”—was closed.
1965: American civil rights activists led by Martin Luther King, Jr., began a protest march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama.
1980: U.S. President Jimmy Carter announced that the United States was boycotting the Summer Olympics in Moscow to protest the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
1990: After 106 years of German and South African rule, Namibia became independent.
QUICK ACTUAL NEWS
NATIONAL
Trump Administration & Policy
Judge Recusal Request: The Trump administration asked a federal judge to step aside from a case involving Trump's executive order targeting Perkins Coie, citing a "pattern of hostility" toward the president.
Executive Order on "Government Transparency": Trump signed an executive order directing agencies to grant federal officials access to unclassified records, data, and systems to "combat waste and fraud".
Transgender Military Ban: The Department of Defense released new guidance on enforcing Trump's transgender military ban and requested a judge lift an order blocking its implementation.
Justice Department & January 6 Lawsuits: The DOJ moved to shield Trump from civil lawsuits related to the January 6 attack, arguing he was acting within his official duties.
Military & Defense
New Fighter Jet Announcement: Trump, alongside Pete Hegseth, unveiled the 6th-generation F-47 fighter jet. Boeing, after a $1M donation to Trump's inauguration fund, received a $20B+ contract under the NGAD program to replace the F-22 Raptor. Trump emphasized the jet’s ability to operate alongside "many, many drones."
Pentagon Budget & Space Force: The U.S. Space Force will operate with a $28.7B budget for FY2025—$800M less than requested—under the continuing resolution passed by Congress.
Military Spending Shifts: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the administration plans to increase funding for offensive and defensive space operations.
U.S. Air Force Academy Appointments: Trump appointed five new members to the oversight board of the Air Force Academy.
Government & Agencies
Small Business Administration Cuts: The agency announced a reduction of over 40% of its workforce.
Social Security Controversy: Lawmakers and advocacy groups are pushing back against SSA’s plan to require in-person identity checks while closing government offices.
SEC & Cryptocurrency Regulation: The SEC's crypto task force held its first public meeting on how securities laws apply to digital assets, as the Trump administration pushes to overhaul regulations.
FBI Domestic Terrorism Unit Cuts: The FBI has reduced staffing and scrapped a tool for tracking domestic terrorism cases, raising concerns about law enforcement’s ability to counter threats from extremist groups.
SEC Staff Exodus: The SEC is experiencing a wave of resignations amid Trump and Musk’s push to restructure government agencies.
Elon Musk & Government Relations
Military Briefing on China War Plans: Musk was scheduled to receive a classified briefing on U.S. military plans regarding China.
Pentagon Visit & Leaks: Musk held a meeting at the Pentagon and called for the prosecution of officials who leaked details of his visit to the press.
Other News
American Released from Taliban Detention: 66-year-old U.S. citizen Mr. Glassman, detained for two years in Afghanistan, was released following negotiations by the Biden administration, with (now) Secretary Rubio crediting Qatar for its role.
Historic Airstrip Sold: Eagle Field, a WWII-era airstrip in California, has been sold to Guy Kaplinsky, the CEO of flying car company AKSA.
Venice Goodwine Retirement: The Air Force’s Chief Information Officer, Venice Goodwine, will retire in May after 31 years of service.
RFK Jr’s "New" Assignment: Trump announced that RFK Jr. will oversee “special needs, nutrition programs, and everything else” within the HHS.
GLOBAL
Trump’s Trade Negotiations and Tariffs
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday that his top trade chief, Jamieson Greer, will speak with his Chinese counterpart next week. Trump reiterated his commitment to using tariffs to narrow the U.S. trade deficit with China.
U.S. Policy on Syria’s New Leadership
The United States is closely monitoring the actions of Syria’s new leaders as it evaluates future policy. Washington continues to advocate for an inclusive, civilian-led government in Syria, U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said on Friday.
U.S. Blames Hamas for Gaza Deaths
During a U.N. Security Council session on Friday, the U.S. attributed the recent deaths in Gaza to Hamas, following the resumption of Israeli military operations.
U.S. Sanctions Cristina Fernández de Kirchner
The United States on Friday sanctioned Argentina's former president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner and former planning minister Julio Miguel De Vido, citing their involvement in significant corruption. As a result, both officials and their immediate family members are now ineligible for entry into the U.S., Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced.
Canada-U.S. Border Library Dispute
A town in Quebec has protested a unilateral U.S. decision to restrict Canadian access to the Haskell Free Library and Opera House, a historic site that straddles the Canada-U.S. border. The library has long served as a symbol of cross-border unity and a meeting place for separated families.
Canada Cancels Capital Gains Tax Hike
Canadian Prime Minister Carney announced on March 21, 2025, that his government will cancel the proposed increase in the capital gains inclusion rate. However, the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption limit will still rise to $1.25 million for the sale of small business shares and farming and fishing properties.
UAE Commits $1.4 Trillion in U.S. Investments
Following high-level meetings with President Trump this week, the United Arab Emirates has committed to a 10-year, $1.4 trillion investment framework in the United States, a White House official confirmed.
U.S.-Venezuela Diplomatic Dispute Over Repatriation Flights
A diplomatic spat between the U.S. and Venezuela escalated on Thursday. The U.S. denied Venezuela’s claims of repatriation flights from Mexico, while Venezuela accused Washington of obstructing them.
EU Scales Back Ukraine Military Aid Package
The EU’s initial plan for €40 billion in military aid to Ukraine failed to gain sufficient support from key nations, according to Politico. Resistance from France, Italy, and Slovakia led to a significantly reduced package of €15 billion and a phased approach to additional assistance. The EU summit also focused on economic policy, reducing reliance on the U.S., with leaders committing to increase defense spending to €650 billion.
Germany Seizes Russian Oil Tanker
German authorities have seized the Russian-owned shadow fleet tanker Eventin, which was carrying 100,000 tons of oil valued at €40 million.
Concerns Over Germany’s F-35 Contracts
German media have revealed secret clauses in the country’s F-35 procurement contracts with the U.S., which allegedly allow the U.S. to block deliveries without compensation and impose strict monitoring of aircraft use.
Danish Ex-Minister Criticizes F-35 Purchases
A former Danish minister has expressed deep regret over Denmark’s F-35 acquisition, advocating for their deactivation and urging other NATO nations to cancel their orders.
Germany Approves Major Defense and Infrastructure Spending
Germany’s Bundesrat has approved a multi-billion-euro financial package, relaxing the “debt brake” to boost defense spending and allocate €500 billion for national infrastructure modernization.
Russia Orders Ukrainians to Leave Occupied Territories
A decree signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 20 mandates that Ukrainian citizens in Russia and Russian-occupied territories must either leave by September 10 or adjust their legal status.
EU Considers Cutting Ukrainian Sugar Imports
The European Commission is weighing significant reductions in Ukrainian sugar imports following complaints from EU producers about declining sugar prices, Reuters reported on March 20.
Escalating Violence in Gaza
The Israeli military expanded its ground operations across Gaza on March 20, as Hamas launched rockets at central Israel for the first time in months, increasing fears of a return to full-scale war.
Denmark Warns Transgender Citizens About U.S. Travel
Denmark has begun advising transgender citizens to contact the U.S. embassy in Copenhagen before traveling to the United States, citing concerns over the potential impact of President Trump’s gender policies on travel documents.
MEME OF THE DAY
POSTS OF THE DAY
VIDEO QUICK NEWS
Trump: We are not seeking war with China, but if it happens, we are fully prepared
Hegseth on canceling $580M in fed contracts and grants
In the latest attack on Ukraine’s Odesa, Russia targeted shopping centers and residential buildings
Shoigu has traveled to North Korea for talks with Kim Jong-un for the second time in six months, according to Russian media. The Secretary of the russian Security Council last visited Pyongyang in September 2024, where he also held talks with the DPRK leader. This month, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko visited North Korea, where he met with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Song-hui.
AOC comments on Alina Habba’s insults in her address
Canadian PM Carney: “Always knew I’d make it to the show.”
RECOMMENDED READS
ICYMI
The U.S. Treasury on Friday lifted economic sanctions on Tornado Cash, a cryptocurrency platform that obscures transaction tracking. The Biden administration had previously accused the firm of facilitating over $7 billion in money laundering for North Korean and other cybercriminals.
White House-led negotiations on TikTok’s future are converging on a plan for its largest non-Chinese investors to increase their stakes and acquire the app’s U.S. operations, according to two sources familiar with the discussions. The proposal involves spinning off TikTok’s U.S. business and reducing Chinese ownership to below the 20% threshold required by U.S. law, potentially saving the app from a looming ban, the sources said. Jeff Yass' Susquehanna International Group and Bill Ford's General Atlantic—both represented on ByteDance’s board—are leading discussions with the White House. Private equity firm KKR is also involved, according to one of the sources. Under the plan, Oracle would continue to store U.S. user data and ensure it remains inaccessible from China, the source added.
The founder of a cryptocurrency financial services firm pleaded guilty on Friday to U.S. charges of participating in a widespread scheme to manipulate digital token markets on behalf of client companies.
Johnson & Johnson announced plans to increase U.S. investments by 25%—bringing the total to more than $55 billion over the next four years—as the Trump administration considers imposing drug import duties, prompting companies to expand domestic manufacturing.
A preliminary report from Canada’s Transportation Safety Board (TSB) found that the Delta flight that crash-landed, flipped upside down, and caught fire on February 17 was descending too rapidly. The aircraft was traveling at 155 mph approximately 2.6 seconds before touchdown when its ground proximity warning system activated. TSB Chair Yoan Marier noted that factors beyond descent speed may have contributed to the crash, which left 21 people hospitalized. The incident is one of several recent high-profile aviation accidents in North America, raising safety concerns among travelers and impacting airline sales forecasts.
Apple has reshuffled its executive ranks, placing Vision Pro creator Mike Rockwell in charge of Siri as part of efforts to revamp its lagging AI division, Bloomberg reported.
TikTok is partnering with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children to introduce AMBER Alerts into users’ For You feeds, a feature already available on Facebook and Instagram.
The European Union has postponed implementing retaliatory tariffs on the U.S. until mid-April to allow more time for negotiations.
GUEST ARTICLE
GIVE ME FREEDOM – THE PHILADELPHIA KIND
James Casey, Esq., CPP
When I need inspiration during these trying times, I most often turn to Philadelphia Freedom, a #1 USA hit song for Elton John in 1975. While originally intended as a tribute to tennis star Billy Jean King, it has since become a symbol of the energy, beauty, and legacy of America. As a kid during the Bicentennial year of 1976, when pride in the USA was high in the aftermath of the Watergate scandal, that song made us - young and old- all proud to be Americans.
Today, increasing hate and division are the order of the day. Government corruption is happening in plain sight. The rule of law is under attack in courtrooms and in the legal profession. Instead of advancing the country forward given demographic trends, we have one political party bent on returning us to the 50s – the 1850s, that is. We humiliate and abandon our allies. While many people profess to be Christians, they also have no problem watching food aid rot in overseas warehouses. On a global scale, people unnecessarily dying. Attacks on the rights of women gained over the last 60+ years have gained steam since 2016. In many ways, the United States is moving backwards. That was not the promise of 1976, and it certainly is not the legacy of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence (July 4, 2026). America today is not the America of my youth.
The current American president is constantly on social media, communicating all kinds of thoughts, issuing policy in short bursts. Many of his announcements are embarrassing, but he doesn’t seem to care. Indeed, our presidential campaign system is broken and needs reform. In the meantime, we are stuck with deliberate chaos in the Federal Government, the national economy, and international relations. I was a close observer of the 2024 presidential election, and I do not remember such radical change promised in such a short period of time.
It is fair to say that if the current president had promised, with specificity, these changes during the campaign, he would not have been elected.
Here is the link to this quintessential song of American heritage and all-encompassing patriotism.
James Casey, Esq., CPP, is a research attorney, certified privacy professional, and data protection executive in San Antonio, TX. At the City University of New York (CUNY) he serves as the academic community leader and adjunct associate professor in their M.S. in Research Administration and Compliance Program. A graduate of the University of Dayton School of Law, he holds master’s degrees in international affairs (Marquette University) and public administration (University of Dayton). He is a member of the U.S. Supreme Court and Wisconsin Bars.
TODAY'S COVER PHOTO
New York City, NY, March 15, 2025
Last Saturday, former President Joe Biden made a surprise appearance at the Model UN Conference in NYC.
He spoke to young leaders about the power of diplomacy, the importance of listening—even to those we disagree with—and the responsibility to create real change.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Join me on Sunday at 8:00 pm ET for the Weekly Recap LIVE on YouTube
🔍 Introducing ONEST Eyes – the community-powered truth squad behind the What's Actually True? podcast.
Every day, disinformation campaigns flood our feeds, targeting voters with lies and propaganda. That’s where you come in. As part of ONEST Eyes, you’ll help track and expose the misinformation you’re being targeted with — so we can break it down, debunk it, and set the record straight.
📩 See something misleading? Submit it! Use the Google Form below to upload screenshots, links, and examples of disinformation. Your submissions will help shape the conversations on What's Actually True?, giving political leaders the chance to respond with facts, clarity, and truth.
Together, we’re watching the truth and exposing the lies. Let’s make sure the facts win.
PS: More details on the What’s Actually True? podcast will be shared in due time. Stay tuned!
SUPPORT INDEPENDENT JOURNALISM
ONEST Network is an independent media company that relies solely on your support. We value independence, enabling us to report ACTUAL NEWS while keeping your data secure. Your donation would be greatly appreciated to help us continue our operations.
Commentaires