THE WEEK IN REVIEW: FEBRUARY 16-22, 2025: NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

 

ALTHOUGH W.H.O. HAS ENDED THE PANDEMIC,

THE VIRUSES ARE STILL ONGOING.

PLEASE GET VACCINATED,

WEAR A MASK😷 WHEN NECESSARY

& BEWARE ANY VERSION OF

THE COVID-19/CORONAVIRUS!

FEBRUARY IS HEART💖 HEALTH MONTH, BLACK HISTORY MONTH

& CHILDREN’S DENTAL HEALTH😁 MONTH.

FEBRUARY 24 IS ESTONIA’S INDEPENDENCE DAY.

FEBRUARY 26 IS WORLD PISTACHIO DAY.

FEBRUARY 27 IS POLAR BEAR DAY.

FOR THOSE WHO BELIEVE, FEBRUARY 28 IS TOOTH FAIRY🧚 DAY.

MARCH IS WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH.

MARCH 1 IS THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF CRUSADER RABBIT.

MARCH 3 IS WORLD WILDLIFE DAY.

AMONGST EVENTS AROUND THE W🌍RLD THIS PAST WEEK…

*After all these years, Chernobyl is still a potential threat.

*The United Nations’ Security Council held an emergency meeting concerning the ongoing conflict in the Congo February 19.

*Mexico is planning to update their Constitution.

*The latest on Pope Francis' health.

*On the fifth anniversary of COVID...

*The COVID state of the world, as of February 22, 2025.

*The MPOX state of the world, as of February 22, 2025.

*What is under Africa???

*The first “new” tomb since King Tut??? (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)

*At the 2025 BAFTA Awards...

*At the 2025 Berlin International Film Festival...

*Tesla in India???

IN THE MIDDLE EAST…

*Concerning Israel, Palestine, Hamas, Hezbollah, the Gaza Strip and more. (There are 4/FOUR separate links in this item.)

*Is Israel still conducting attacks during the ceasefire???

*More hostages were released February 22.

*Yet Israel has (indefinitely?) delayed releasing over 600 Palestinian prisoners.

THE RUSSIA UKRAINE WAR!

*As the war continues… 

*Let us review everything that led to today.

*Starting with the fact that it was RUSSIA who invaded the Ukraine, NOT the other way around!

*Finland, China and Brazil comment on the Ukraine. (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)

*Despite Russian opposition, European leaders have decided to have their own summit about ending the war after not being invited to participate in the US-Russia conference about that topic without the Ukraine being there. Considering US President Donald Trump has stated the belief that the Ukraine started the war, among other mistakes… (There are 4/FOUR separate links in this item.)

*France’s President Emmanuel Macron has kept the Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy up to date.

*China is siding with the US and Russia.

*US President Trump, besides wanting the Ukraine to withdraw their United Nations resolution against Russia, has allegedly given Europe 3/THREE weeks to accept whatever deal is worked out with Russia or else America “will leave Europe”. (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)

*A silver lining in this mess???

THE TERRORIST REPORT…

*The Free Choice E-zine does not support terrorism, no matter what the “cause” or alleged “justification”. Thus we will only be posting news items in this section whenever terrorists are brought to justice through arrest and trial.

🌐THE CLIMATE CHANGE CHRONICLES…

*The South Sedan Heat Wave forces school closures.

*Climate Change versus Ice Fishing.

*Jets are doing more than flying at one airport.

*Opinion: US President Trump versus the environment.

*February 27 is Polar Bear Day.

*March 3 is World Wildlife Day.

🌌SPACE NEWS...

*The interesting black hole.

*A wall at the edge of the solar system???

*A strange new world???

*The status of The Blue Ghost.

*The latest from SpaceX, but is Elon Musk against the International Space Station??? (There are 3/THREE separate links in this item.)

😢PASSING PARADE…

*The innocent lives lost to war.  

*The innocent lives lost during a shooting at a Motor Vehicles Office in Louisville, Kentucky February 21.

*Actress Kim Sae-Ron (Bloodhounds, A Brand New Life, more) has taken her last bow on life’s stage.

*Singer Gwen McCree (♫Rocking' Chair♫, ♫For Your Love♫, more) has passed away.

*Actress Lynne Marie Steward (a long career from 1967-2025) has taken her last bow on life's stage.

*Drummer🥁 Rick Buckler of The Jam is no longer with us.

*Actor Peter Jason (many roles in a decades long career) has taken his last bow on life’s stage.

*Hurricane, perhaps the most decorated canine agent of the American Secret Service, has crossed the Rainbow Bridge.🌈

WITHIN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA…

WE NEED MORE

GUN RESPONSIBILITY

NOW!

ALL INEQUALITY HAS TO STOP!

BAN BOOK BANS!

POLITICALLY…

ON FOREIGN ISSUES…

*The US and Russia are discussing ending Russia’s war with the Ukraine without the third party present. Yet considering President Trump has suggested the Ukraine might be to blame for being invaded… 

*Despite a (temporary) court order saying otherwise, the Trump Administration is still withholding foreign aid.

ON IMMIGRANT ISSUES…

*The Trump Administration’s current deportation efforts continue.

*A lot of immigrants will soon find their legal status changed.

*In the country illegally? No Federal benefits for you.

*Yet one group will get to stay, for now.

*Republican governed states are pushing fines and jail time for anyone interfering with deportation efforts.

*The state of Texas is considering “selling” border land back to the United States.

*Are lie detector tests in employees’ future???

*Opinion: Just what do undocumented immigrants do???

ON DOMESTIC ISSUES...

*The Department of Government Efficiency/DOGE is now examining past tax returns as they evaluate the Internal Revenue Service, but their access is supposed to be limited. (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)

*The potential consequences of changing the IRS.

*The Administration’s Press Secretary attempted to defend Musk and DOGE going through Social Security’s records.

*DOGE’s alleged $4.7 Trillion in “untraceable payments” at the Treasury is just because no distributions codes have been assigned yet. (There are 3/THREE separate links in this item.)

*Musk wants all Federal Employees to justify/explain their job or resign.

*Yet new FBI Director Kash Patel has told all his agents and employees not to comply.

*DOGE claims to have saved taxpayers $55 Billion, so far. Yet the receipts don’t add up. (There are 3/THREE separate links in this item.)

*DOGE allegedly wants to “share the savings” with America, but wouldn’t that go against trying to reduce the country’s deficit and operating budget??? (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)

*President Trump is going to let Elon Musk “police himself”???

*President Trump has signed an Executive Order to give himself control of Independent agencies like the Federal Election Commission/FEC, the Securities and Exchange Commission/SEC, the Federal Communications Commission/FCC; etc.

*PRESIDENT TRUMP’S WORD IS LAW???

*You make New York City change something you don’t like and now you think you’re KING TRUMP??? (There are 3/THREE separate links in this item.)

*The shakeup at the Federal Aviation Authority, but former President Biden is still getting blamed for the current crashes. (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)

*Steve Bannon versus Elon Musk???

*President Trump said he wants all remaining Federal employees working at their desks while he’s playing golf.

*Analysis: What DOGE has yet to cut. (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)

*Speculation: Just what is Elon Musk up to???

*Speculation: Did President Trump leave himself open to lawsuits???

*Speculation: Is Elon Musk getting richer running DOGE???

*Opinion: "The Math doesn't add up."—James Carville on DOGE.

*Opinion: On defending DOGE.

ALSO...

*President Trump has fired the military chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

*Will the Voting Regulations be changed???

*Trump versus the Governor of Maine.

*Media Watchers take note! (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)

*The Associated Press is suing to protect their First Amendment Rights.

*Small business owners are growing concerned over the Trump Tariffs.

*More layoffs are on the horizon.

*Political actions are starting to show reactions in the stock market.

*First it was the Nuclear Watchdogs. Now the Bird Flu Fighters and the FDA personnel testing Musk’s NeuraLink??? (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)

*The Kennedy and other Presidential Libraries, open or not???

*And now it’s time to “examine” the National Parks.

*Despite previous campaign promises otherwise, it doesn’t look like Medicaid will be spared.

*The Pentagon has been warned they’re next. Even Veterans aren’t safe from being fired. (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)

*As soon as a successor is found, Louis DeJoy intends to step down as Post Master General. Could it be because President Trump wants to assume control of it too??? (There are 3/THREE separate links in this item.)

*The Trump Administration’s plans for the Kennedy Center.

*Trump wants the government to “take over” the District of Columbia.

*Apparently Trump wants Florida to have a new Governor. (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)

*President Trump conceded Inflation is back, but it’s not his fault??? Voters and Consumers disagree. (There are 3/THREE separate links in this item.)

*Analysis: The first month and the fact that a lot of the Day 1 promises have yet to be kept. (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)

*Speculation: What might happen if the penny is discontinued.

*Opinion: The Trump Administration, so far.

*Opinion: Censorship???

*Opinion: Trump on his polling numbers and the actual figures.

*Keeping track of all the legal actions against the current Trump Administration and its personnel: Elon Musk, etc.

*The latest from the White House.

MEDICAL NEWS…

*A new feature when needed, considering recent Federal mandates limiting the information sharing of the Center for Disease Control, the National Institutes of Health, etc.

*Texas measles cases are not only increasing, but the disease has spread into New Mexico. (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)

*New Health and Human Services Director Robert F. Kennedy, Junior wants to lay off up to half his staff despite current health situations and will now review childhood vaccination schedules after all. (There are 3/THREE separate links in this item.)

*Sepsis cases are rising in Texas too.

*The fifth anniversary of COVID.

*The Center for Disease Control has been ordered to stop a pro-anti-flu vaccination ad campaign immediately. 

*Will there be backlash over the Trump Administration cutting Alzheimer Center funds???

*Will there ever be any action concerning In Vitro Fertilization???

⚖THE SUPREME COURT REPORT…

*The Court will have to make decisions on actions of the current administration, starting with a Whistle Blower situation. (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)

*Special Counsel Hampton Dellinger is not fired yet.

SOCIAL (IN)JUSTICE…

*IF YOU GET A TEXT ABOUT A POSSIBLE IRS REBATE, IT’S A SCAM!

*Some of the current Executive Orders against Diversity, Equality and Inclusion programs have been canceled by a Federal Judge.

*When interim US Attorney Ed Martin ordered a bank account frozen despite lack of evidence to justify doing so, Department of Justice Prosecution Chief Denise Chung resigned.

*The Department of Justice has widened all the January 6, 2021 pardons to include coverage of additional charges. Yet one pardoned protester was arrested again. (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)

*Yet the DOJ has shut down a widely used database.

*Donald Trump's media company is suing a Brazil Judge over a First Amendment issue.

*A MAGA plaque in a public library??? (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)

*From heroine to scapegoat???

*Elon Musk wants everyone connected to 60 Minutes in jail???

*Indiana doesn’t want Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library anymore??? (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)

*Remembering James Ingram.

*Speculation: Racism in reporting???

*Speculation: The disappearing news story.

STOP THE SENSELESS VIOLENCE!

*Who went on a shooting spree at a Motor Vehicles Office in Louisville, Kentucky February 21???

✅IT’S FACT CHECK TIME!

*Dead people are NOT receiving Social Security checks. (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)

*The United States’ actual expenditures towards the Ukraine.

*Beware of Anti-Vax misinformation.

*About Elon Musk...

MEANWHILE, IN CONGRESS…

*Will Elon Musk appear before Congress???

*A Democrat apologized to MAGA.

*Howard Lutnick is the new Secretary of Commerce.

*Kash Patel is the new head of the FBI.

*Congress wants to make Donald Trump’s birthday a Federal holiday???

*OOPS! 

*Senator Mitch McConnell has announced he will not seek reelection, but will finish out his current term.

*If you criticize Elon Musk, you get threatened by the Department of Justice???

*President Trump versus Nancy Pelosi.

*Georgia Town Hall meeting an indication of how the general public really feels??? (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)

*Speculation: Will Lori Chavez-DeRemer become the new Secretary of Labor??? (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)

*Opinion: Democrats on the pending budget. (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)

*March 1 is the 235th anniversary of Congress authorizing the very first Census.

ELSEWHERE…

*Delta Connection Flight 4819 did not have a good landing February 17.

*Los Angeles needs a new fire chief.

*Tesla in India???

*Kentucky Fried Chicken is relocating their corporate headquarters to Texas???

*Wendy’s wants to add AI to their drive thrus.

*The flight rules have changed for medications.

*Saturday Night Live’s 50th anniversary spectacular. (There are 3/THREE separate links in this item.)

*Some Spring weather predictions.

😀AND FINALLY, SOME GOOD NEWS…

*Say something positive.

THE WEEK IN REVIEW: FEBRUARY 16-22, 2020

BEWARE THE CORONAVIRUS!

FEBRUARY IS HEART💓 HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH.

FEBRUARY IS AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH.

FEBRUARY 25 MARKS THE 205TH ANNIVERSARY OF

NAPOLEON BONAPARTE ESCAPING ELBA.

FEBRUARY 25 IS MARDI GRAS!

FEBRUARY 26 IS ASH WEDNESDAY & THE START OF

LENT FOR THOSE OBSERVING.

FEBRUARY 29 IS LEAP YEAR!

AMONGST EVENTS AROUND THE W🌍RLD THIS PAST WEEK…

*The United Kingdom plans to revise its immigration rules.
*Streamlining government in the Dominican Republic.
*Carnival is underway in Rio!
*Proof of the past in Iraq and Rome??? (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)
*Is this even possible???
*Sadly, February 24 marks the 100th anniversary of Adolph Hitler coming into power as the Nazi Party was formed.

THE TERRORIST REPORT…
*The Free Choice E-zine does not support terrorism, no matter what the “cause” or alleged “justification”. Thus we will only be posting news items in this section whenever terrorists are brought to justice.

THE CLIMATE CHANGE CHRONICLES…🌐
*American Republicans are changing their opinions on climate change, at least long enough to attract voters this fall.
*The DYING American Bald Eagles!🦅
*New York's turtle issue.🐢

😢PASSING PARADE…
*The growing death toll from the Coronavirus.
*The innocent lives lost during the bomb cyclone known as Storm Dennis.🌀
*Singer Lindsey Lagestee (Dixie Crush) has passed away.
*Author Charles Portis (True Grit, Gringos) is no longer with us.
*Artist/animator Nick Cuti (E-man, Moon Child) has passed away.
*Actor Jason Davis (Recess, Beverly Hills Ninja) has taken his last bow on life’s stage.
*Actor Boris Leskin (Men in Black 1, Vampire’s Kiss) has taken his last bow on life’s stage.
*Actress Nikita Pearl Waligwa (Queen of Katwe) has taken her last bow on life’s stage.
*Actress Kellye Nakahara (MASH, Clue-the movie) has taken her last bow on life’s stage.
*Actress Zoe Caldwell (credits too numerous to mention) has taken her last bow on life’s stage.
*Actress Ja’Net DuBois (Good Times, The PJs) has taken her last bow on life’s stage.

WITHIN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA…
THE IMPEACHMENT TRIAL AFTERMATH!
*Can Trump get history rewritten???
*His “enemies” purge continues, much to the concern of others. (There are 3/THREE separate links in this item.)
THE 2020 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION…🗹

*Russia IS behind a Trump re-election! Trump denies-mocks this claim, but the pending effect… (There are 4/FOUR separate links in this item.)
*Of course, Trump's Security adviser denies everything...
*Democratic Presidential hopeful Pete Buttigieg versus Rush Limbaugh.
*Newcomer Mike Bloomberg takes on the Democratic Hopefuls in his first debate. How it went. (There are 3/THREE separate links in this item.)
*Democrats versus Republicans in the courts and beyond.
*2020 Presidential hopefuls and the environment.
*The Democrats campaign plans.
*Surprise voters!
*NOTE: The Nevada Caucuses were scheduled to be held February 22, 2020 and thus will be part of next week's news roundup.
POLITICALLY…

*Should Attorney General William Barr resign??? He certainly doesn’t want the justice system changed, unless it’s in Trump’s favor. (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)
*Federal judges are worried.
*Trump thinks Roger Stone will be exonerated!
*Stone was still sentenced, but was it the one he deserved???
*Should Trump have interfered in the sentencing of Rod Blagojevich, Edward DeBartolo Junior and others??? OR is there more involved??? (There are 5/FIVE separate links in this item.)
*Did he have a deal too???
*Rod "I was a political prisoner" Blagojevich versus Anderson Cooper.
*Opinion: what DOES Donald Trump believe???
*California versus Trump.
*Trump on the Oscars.
*February 22 marks the 85th anniversary of the air space over the White House being declared a “no fly” zone.
TRUMP TWEETS...
*Still Tweeting!
*Trump versus former President Obama on the economy.
IT’S FACT CHECK TIME!✅
*And the story this time is…
*Bloomberg and Social Security.
THE BUDGET BATTLE…
*NO MORE LIBRARIES???
*Deficits DON’T matter???
MEANWHILE, IN CONGRESS…
*President Trump wants Democratic Senator Chris Murphy punished for doing his job.
*Is he serious???
*Does she know what she’s doing???
ELSEWHERE…
*The state of California apologized to Japanese-Americans for their detainment during World War 2.
*The serious issue of abortion, but mandatory vasectomies??? (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)
*A SERIOUS overreaction!
*Is Airport Security guilty???
*The BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA have filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection!
*Wells Fargo to settle.
*Macy’s will be closing 125 stores over the next 3 years.
*A Friends reunion, sort of.
😀AND FINALLY, SOME GOOD NEWS…
*Bigotry does NOT pay!
*Promprosal.💕
*“Guess what I found!”—Jerry Seinfeld.

THE WEEK IN REVIEW: FEBRUARY 16-22, 2014

FEBRUARY 23 IS NATIONAL DAY IN BRUNEI.

February 26 marks the 95th anniversary of the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, USA.

AMONGST EVENTS THAT HAVE HAPPENED AROUND THE WORLD THIS PAST WEEK...

*The 2014 Winter Olympics conclude this weekend in Sochi, Russia. For those interested, the top three medal leading countries at the end of events February 21 are: Russia, Norway, and Canada.
*The Office of the United Nations' High Commissioner for Human Rights is reporting rights violations in
North Korea. Botswana has since ended diplomatic relations with North Korea because of this.
*Although the actual election to decide whether or not Scotland should be independent has yet to be held, much debate about the subject is occurring in Europe.
*Meanwhile, India's Parliament is working to make the historic Telangana region a state.
*Not seeking any special favors, treatment, or privileges, it is reported Pope Francis quietly renewed his personal passport this past week. The Pope has also authorized 19 new Cardinals.
*Matteo Renzi has been officially sworn in as the new Prime Minister of Italy.
*Authorities in Tokyo, Japan have a mystery on their hands as person(s) unknown vandalized books containing references to Anne Frank in public libraries across the city.
*The 67th annual BAFTAs (British Academy Film Awards) were presented February 16, with 12 Years A Slave winning Best Film and Best Actor (Chiwetel Ejiofor), Cate Blanchett as Best Actress for the title role of Blue Jasmine, and Alfonso Cuaron for Best Director (Gravity).
*Meanwhile, the 2014 BRIT (music) Awards held February 19th declared David Bowie Best Solo British Male Artist, Ellie Goulding Best Solo British Female Artist, and the Arctic Monkeys Best British Group.
*Civil unrest continues in Euromaidan protests, along with instances in Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Thai, and Syria.

PASSING PARADE

*Actress Mary Grace Canfield (Green Acres, the Broadway stage) has taken her final bows.
*Journalist Garrick Utley is no longer with us.
*Former Space Shuttle Astronaut Dale Gardner has gone to the final frontier.
*Actor Malcolm Tierney (Star Wars, Doctor Who, Braveheart) has left the stage.
*Maria Franziska von Trapp of the historic Von Trapp Family Singers is no longer with us.

WITHIN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA...
*US President Barack Obama met with the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai
Lama, despite protests from China. The cordial meeting lasted roughly an hour, with the President afterward saying the subject of Tibet's freedom from China was never raised, nor was it something within his power(s) to help with.
*The United States Supreme Court is hearing a case that may decide the legality of private gambling.
*Jimmy Fallon has officially started as the new host of The Tonight Show, although the program's start time has been delayed because of Olympics' coverage.
*John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix, and Jim Morrison are scheduled to appear on US Postage stamps between now and the end of 2016, along with Steve Jobs, Harvey Milk, Janis Joplin, and James Brown.

For more news at any time, either scroll down to our IN OTHER NEWS feature at the bottom of your screen or visit any other reputable news source.