Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visits Washington, D.C. to discuss a possible minerals deal and peace-keeping force with President Donald Trump. And the investigation into the death of actor Gene Hackman and his wife in New Mexico continues. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Friday, Feb. 28, 2025.
Trump to meet with Zelenskyy over Ukraine minerals deal, war with Russia
As he looks to fulfill a campaign promise to end the war between Russia and Ukraine, President Donald Trump will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on Friday, Feb. 28.
The two leaders are set to sign a deal granting the U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, including graphite, lithium, titanium, and uranium. In return, the U.S. will continue to support Ukraine following Russia’s invasion in 2022.
Trump has described the agreement as a groundbreaking deal that would reimburse U.S. taxpayers for billions in support and help Ukraine rebuild once the war ends.
Although the agreement—viewed as a crucial step toward ending the three-year war—highlights the importance of Ukraine’s security, it assigns this matter to a separate aspect that has not yet been finalized.
Trump has yet to provide any guarantees for Ukraine’s security.
During a press conference Thursday, Feb. 27, with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump stated that Ukraine’s future demands are unlikely to be fulfilled.
Meanwhile, Starmer and French President Emanuel Macron, who met with President Trump in Washington earlier this week, have both agreed that if a truce can be reached between Ukraine and Russia, they will send troops from their countries to Ukraine on a peacekeeping mission to prevent fighting from flare-ups again.
As of now, it is very unlikely American troops would take part in that peacekeeping effort.
Judge temporarily blocks mass firings of some federal workers
A federal judge has halted the Trump administration’s mass firings of federal probationary employees — for the time being.
In his ruling Thursday, U.S. District Judge William Alsup found the firings likely unlawful and ordered the Office of Personnel Management to inform certain federal agencies that it had no authority to mandate the firings of probationary employees, including those at the Department of Defense.
The Trump administration has already fired thousands of probationary government employees—workers who have been on the job for less than a year and have minimal protection.
Government lawyers have agreed that OPM has no authority to lay off employees of other agencies. Still, they state that OPM only asked agencies to review probationary employees and determine whether they were suitable for continued employment.
This follows the most recent round of federal government layoffs affecting the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Straight Arrow News reporter Lauren Taylor has the details.
The New York Times reported that several hundred more NOAA staff members are expected to leave on Friday, Feb. 28, as part of the Trump administration’s so-called deferred resignation program. In addition to the layoffs, the administration is anticipated to cancel contracts for workers affiliated with NOAA, which could reduce the agency’s personnel by as many as 2,500.
AG Bondi accuses FBI of withholding Jeffrey Epstein documents
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi demanded the FBI turn over more documents related to the high-profile Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking case, accusing the FBI of withholding thousands of files.
She called on newly confirmed FBI Director Kash Patel to root them out.
In a letter to Patel on Thursday, Feb. 27, Bondi stated that the bureau had reassured her that the documents she received were the complete information package. However, a whistleblower later informed her that the FBI’s New York field office had not handed over much Epstein information.
Now, she has insisted on the rest by this morning.
Bondi initially promoted the release of documents this week. Still, following their release on Thursday, the consensus among recipients was disappointment.
Those who received the documents said that they did not provide any new information and amounted to Epstein’s contact list.
However, it is not a client list.
Investigation continues into deaths of Gene Hackman, wife
The investigation into the death of actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, continues Friday. The county sheriff stated that nothing has been ruled out while there are no obvious signs of foul play.
The sheriff labeled their deaths as “suspicious.”
On Wednesday afternoon, a maintenance worker conducting pest control discovered a couple dead in their home within a gated community. Deputies arrived and found the 95-year-old actor lying near the kitchen in what appeared to be a mudroom. According to a search warrant, a cane and sunglasses were found near his body.
Authorities discovered Arakawa’s body in a bathroom, with a space heater nearby. The warrant indicated that there was an open prescription bottle on the counter, and pills were scattered everywhere.
Based on this, deputies believed the couple had suddenly fallen. However, there were no signs of forced entry or indication of a struggle.
The sheriff also stated that nothing appeared to be missing from the home.
The Santa Fe Fire Department reported that it did not find any signs of a carbon monoxide leak.
Investigators await autopsy results and toxicology reports.
Protesters urge Americans to take part in 24-hour ‘economic blackout’ Friday
A grassroots organization organized a national boycott, an “economic blackout,” for Friday, Feb. 28.
The People’s Union U.S.A. has urged Americans not to shop for 24 hours in response to recent rollbacks in diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at several major companies.
The boycott is intended to coincide with protests against Trump’s plans to reduce the government workforce and conduct mass firings at federal agencies.
Straight Arrow News business correspondent Simone Del Rosario shares what to expect Friday here.
Blue Origin announces all-female crew for upcoming space flight
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ space company, Blue Origin, announced Thursday, Feb. 27, that an all-female crew will launch into space for the first time in over 60 years.
The mission will mark Blue Origin’s New Shepard program’s 11th human flight and its 31st overall in history.
Straight Arrow News lifestyle correspondent Kennedy Felton details the famous women joining the launch here.
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