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Tuesday, May 20, 2025

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3 hours ago
Culture

Ric Grenell’s Kennedy Center Unveils New Season of Woke-Free Programming.

PULSE POINTS:

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Kennedy Center announced its 2025–2026 season across theater, dance, and young audiences.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Programming overseen by Kennedy Center President Ric Grenell.
🧾KEY QUOTES: “Each performance encourages the young and young-at-heart to unleash their imaginations,” said Vice President of Education Jordan LaSalle.
⚠️FALLOUT: The upcoming season contains no drag shows, gender curriculum, or left-wing ideological content in children’s programming.
📌SIGNIFICANCE: Marks a cultural shift at the Kennedy Center, emphasizing traditional performance and family entertainment.

IN FULL:

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has released its full schedule for the 2025–2026 season, with programming that excludes left-wing ideological content previously embedded in family and youth productions.

The theater lineup includes Broadway titles such as Monty Python’s Spamalot, Chicago, Back to the Future: The Musical, Moulin Rouge!, Mrs. Doubtfire, and The Outsiders. Complementary programming includes Champions of Magic, The Improvised Shakespeare Company, and Shear Madness, all returning without thematic revisions.

Back to the Future comes to the Kennedy Center in 2026.

The Performances for Young Audiences season includes two world premieres: The Sea Beyond the Ocean and Fishing for Stars, the latter developed for ages 2–6. Other titles include Young Dragon, Flutter, Little Murmur, and Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock LIVE. The season does not feature drag performances, gender-themed material, or identity-based instruction.

Dance programming includes commemorations of the centennials of Martha Graham, Maria Tallchief, and Robert Rauschenberg.

The schedule features The Nutcracker (Cincinnati Ballet), The Winter’s Tale (American Ballet Theatre), Mere Mortals (San Francisco Ballet), and repertory from Doug Varone, Hiroaki Umeda, A.I.M by Kyle Abraham, and New York City Ballet. A full ice dance performance by Le Patin Libre and a local commission from chitra.MOVES are also included.

All three seasonal divisions—Theater, Dance, and Young Audiences—are absent any stated emphasis on equity, inclusion, “anti-racism,” or climate activism. Programming descriptions omit common progressive identifiers, marking a clear departure from previous years.

By Popular Demand.
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1 hour ago
NatSec
TECH

Apple’s New China AI Partner Is Raising Major National Security Concerns.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Apple’s plan to integrate Alibaba’s artificial intelligence (AI) models into iPhones for the Chinese market faces scrutiny from Republican and Democrat lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

👥 Who’s Involved: Apple, Alibaba, U.S. lawmakers, including Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), and national security officials.

📍 Where & When: China and the United States; ongoing discussions, including a March meeting with the House Select Committee on China.

💬 Key Quote: “Alibaba is a poster child for the Chinese Communist Party’s military-civil fusion strategy, and why Apple would choose to work with them on AI is anyone’s guess,” said Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi.

⚠️ Impact: Concerns over potential data-sharing, surveillance, and military tech development linked to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

IN FULL:

Apple’s collaboration with Chinese tech giant Alibaba to enhance artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities in iPhones sold in China has sparked significant concerns among U.S. lawmakers and national security officials in President Donald J. Trump’s administration. The partnership, aimed at integrating Alibaba’s AI models into Apple devices, has raised alarms over potential risks related to data-sharing, surveillance, and military technology development.

The deal has prompted scrutiny over whether Alibaba, a company with close ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), could gain access to sensitive data or technical insights through the arrangement. Officials worry such access might contribute to state-run programs, including those tied to China’s military objectives.

During a March meeting with the House Select Committee on China, Apple executives reportedly struggled to provide clear answers about the scope of the agreement with Alibaba. Questions remain about what kind of user data might be shared and whether Apple has agreed to comply with Chinese regulations that could demand broader data access or restrict certain functionalities.

Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), a member of the House Intelligence Committee, criticized Apple’s lack of transparency, saying, “It is extremely disturbing that Apple has not been transparent about its agreement.” He added, “Alibaba is a poster child for the Chinese Communist Party’s military-civil fusion strategy, and why Apple would choose to work with them on AI is anyone’s guess.”

Apple’s push to expand its AI offerings globally, including in China, is part of its broader growth strategy. China is Apple’s second-largest market, accounting for nearly 20 percent of the company’s global revenue. However, this effort comes with risks, particularly as geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China have escalated.

The U.S. government has already imposed restrictions on China’s access to advanced semiconductors and tools. Lawmakers fear that commercial collaborations, such as Apple’s partnership with Alibaba, could undermine these efforts by indirectly aiding China’s technological advancements in areas with potential military applications, including autonomous weapons and drone coordination.

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By Popular Demand.
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Migrant Crime

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2 hours ago
Jack Montgomery
Immigration

‘No Hard Feelings’ – Legal Migrant Wrongfully Arrested Says He Still Supports Trump, ICE.

PULSE POINTS:

What Happened: Hugo Monteiro, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Brazil, was briefly detained by ICE outside Cambridge District Court in Medford due to a mix-up, but was released after officers confirmed his identity.

Who’s Involved: Hugo Monteiro, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and President Donald J. Trump’s administration.

Where & When: Medford, Massachusetts, outside Cambridge District Court, on Friday, May 16, 2025.

Key Quote: “Unfortunately, they called the wrong person, but I still support whatever they’re doing,” Monteiro said. “I voted for Trump.”

Impact: Monteiro’s support for ICE and Trump’s immigration crackdown, despite his mistaken detention, underscores public backing for America First policies to secure the border and deport illegal aliens.

IN FULL:

Naturalized U.S. citizen Hugo Monteiro has brushed off his brief detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) outside Cambridge District Court in Medford, Massachusetts, on May 16, 2025, affirming his support for the agency’s mission. The 31-year-old Brazilian-American, mistaken for an illegal immigrant, was quickly released after proving his citizenship and stood firm in backing Trump’s immigration crackdown.

Monteiro, who had just left the courthouse after assisting a client, was approached by four plainclothes ICE officers around 9:15 AM. “They were telling me I was under arrest, that I was in trouble,” he recalled. Handcuffed and escorted to a car, officers soon verified Monteiro’s identity, confirmed their error, and released him by 9:30 AM.

“They explained to me they wanted to make sure they had the correct person,” Monteiro said, noting the officers mentioned prior arrests near the Medford courthouse. Despite the ordeal, he harbored no resentment. “Unfortunately, they called the wrong person, but I still support whatever they’re doing,” he said. “I voted for Trump. There are a lot of bad people in this country, to be honest with you, [and they] don’t deserve to be here. No hard feelings.”

Monteiro’s detention comes amid a surge in ICE operations under Trump’s administration, which reversed a Biden-era policy banning routine courthouse arrests. Trump policy mandates coordination with court security, but Monteiro’s arrest on a public sidewalk suggests operational hiccups, as court security was unaware of the action.

Monteiro’s unwavering support highlights the public’s broad approval of Trump’s robust immigration enforcement.

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By Popular Demand.
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3 hours ago
News
Politics

REPORT: AOC is No Longer Wearing Her Engagement Ring.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) has not been seen wearing her engagement ring since November 2023, raising questions about her relationship with fiancé Riley Roberts.

👥 Who’s Involved: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Riley Roberts, her fiancé and web developer.

📍 Where & When: Public appearances and social media posts since December 2023; engagement announced in April 2022.

💬 Key Quote: Kendra Arnold of the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust said, “When a member is not legally married but in a long-term relationship similar to marriage, these concerns still apply even though there is no disclosure requirement.”

⚠️ Impact: The couple’s unmarried status allows Roberts to avoid financial disclosure rules, raising ethical questions as Ocasio-Cortez pushes for stock trading bans for lawmakers and spouses.

IN FULL:

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) has not been seen wearing her engagement ring for over 17 months, sparking speculation regarding the status of her relationship with fiancé Riley Roberts, according to a review of public appearances, social media posts, and news images.

Roberts proposed to Ocasio-Cortez in April 2022 with a “zero emission” ring made of recycled gold, valued at $3,057.04. The congresswoman frequently displayed the ring in the months following the engagement. However, since November 2023, the ring has been absent from her left hand during numerous public events, including recent televised appearances, committee hearings, and a series of 2025 political rallies held with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) as part of the Fighting Oligarchy Tour.

While the absence of the ring has raised questions, records show the couple continues to share a residence in Queens and they were seen together in March 2024. Ocasio-Cortez has also referred to Roberts as her “spouse” in House Ethics Committee filings, though her office clarified that they are not legally married.

The couple’s unmarried status has significant implications. As a long-term partner rather than a legal spouse, Roberts is not required to disclose his financial activities, including stock trades or employment details, as part of Ocasio-Cortez’s congressional financial disclosures. Critics, such as Kendra Arnold of the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust, argue this loophole undermines transparency.

“When a member is not legally married but in a long-term relationship similar to marriage, these concerns still apply even though there is no disclosure requirement,” Arnold stated.

This situation is particularly noteworthy given Ocasio-Cortez’s legislative efforts to ban individual stock trading by members of Congress and their spouses. Her proposal would not apply to Roberts unless they marry, allowing him to continue trading stocks without restriction or transparency.

Other members of Congress, such as former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), have made millions on the stock market in recent years. Some investors and fund managers have even created their own financial products that mimic trades made by members of Congress using publicly available data, as lawmakers are required to disclose market transactions over $1,000.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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By Popular Demand.
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4 hours ago
Politics

Bill Clinton’s Nuclear Football Carrier Says Hillary was ‘Nazi Schoolmarm.’

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Former Clinton administration military aide Buzz Patterson accused Hillary Clinton of fostering a hostile environment in the White House, describing her as “evil” and “vindictive.”

👥 Who’s Involved: Buzz Patterson, a former Air Force officer and Senior Military Aide to President Bill Clinton, and Hillary Clinton.

📍 Where & When: White House, during Bill Clinton’s presidency (1996-1998), with the revelations posted to X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, March 17, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “When Hillary was gone, it was a frat party. When she was home, it was Schindler’s List,” wrote Patterson.

⚠️ Impact: Patterson notes that the mood and tone of the White House often revolved around whether Hillary Clinton was present on that given day, claiming that the political staff and the Clintons themselves were known for their “lack of professionalism and courtesy.”

IN FULL:

A former military aide to President Bill Clinton has alleged that Hillary Clinton was so feared during her time as First Lady that White House staff avoided her at all costs. Buzz Patterson, who served as Senior Military Aide from 1996 to 1998, made the claims in a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), describing Hillary Clinton as “evil, vindictive, profane,” and “a bitch.”

Patterson, who carried the “nuclear football” for the president, stated that the atmosphere in the White House shifted dramatically based on Hillary Clinton’s presence. “We used to say that when Hillary was gone, it was a frat party. When she was home, it was Schindler’s List,” he wrote in a post that has garnered millions of views.

He claimed that Hillary Clinton was the most intimidating figure in the administration, even more so than her husband. Patterson recalled being warned by his predecessor, “You can get away with pissing off Bill, but if you make her mad, she’ll rip your heart out.”

According to Patterson, the First Lady instructed staff to avoid interacting with her, leading to scenes of White House employees scrambling to stay out of her line of sight. “Many a time, I’d see mature, professional adults… scurrying into office doorways to escape Hillary’s line of sight,” he recounted, likening her demeanor to that of a “Nazi schoolmarm.”

Patterson also alleged that Hillary Clinton attempted to ban military uniforms in the White House, a move he opposed due to national security concerns. He claimed she sought to downplay the military’s importance in the administration, only relenting after the Secret Service intervened.

The former aide, who has since become a vocal supporter of President Donald J. Trump, concluded his posts by saying the Clintons are “corrupt beyond words.”

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By Popular Demand.
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5 hours ago
Jack Montgomery
War

Vatican Could Host Peace Negotiations Between Russia and Ukraine.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: President Donald J. Trump announced a breakthrough two-hour call with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, paving the way for immediate Russia-Ukraine ceasefire talks, with the Vatican offering to host negotiations.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Trump, Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Pope Leo XIV, and European Union (EU) leaders.

📍Where & When: President Trump made his announcement on Truth Social on May 19, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

⚠️ Impact: Trump’s diplomatic masterstroke sets the stage for peace, leveraging U.S. influence to end a bloody conflict while opening trade opportunities, reinforcing his America First vision.

IN FULL:

President Donald J. Trump has announced what may be a significant step toward ending the Ukraine war after a two-hour call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In a Truth Social post, Trump revealed that Russia and Ukraine will “immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War,” with the Vatican, under Pope Leo XIV, offering to host the talks.

“The tone and spirit of the conversation were excellent,” Trump wrote. He stressed that Russia seeks “largescale TRADE with the United States” post-conflict, envisioning “massive amounts of jobs and wealth” for Russia and trade benefits for Ukraine during its rebuilding.

Trump said he had informed key leaders, mentioning Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, France’s Emmanuel Macron, Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, Germany’s Friedrich Merz, and Finland’s Alexander Stubb—but not Britain’s Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

The Vatican’s role as a neutral host, proposed by Pope Leo XIV, could add moral weight to the proposed negotiations. However, Russia and Ukraine are predominantly Eastern Orthodox rather than Catholic.

President Trump’s announcement comes as the Ukraine war, now in its third year, is estimated to have claimed over 500,000 lives and displaced millions, per United Nations (UN) estimates. Trump’s intervention contrasts with the Biden government’s prolonged support for the Ukrainian war effort, despite no signs of significant Ukrainian progress after 2022, prolonging the killing despite no obvious path to victory for Ukraine.

By contrast, Trump’s focus on immediate talks and trade-driven rebuilding positions the U.S. to break the impasse between Russia and Ukraine and end the “catastrophic bloodbath.”

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By Popular Demand.
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5 hours ago
Christopher Tomlinson
News

U.S. Govt to Pay Ashli Babbitt’s Family MILLIONS in Major Lawsuit Settlement.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: The Trump administration has agreed to a nearly $5 million settlement with the family of Ashli Babbitt, an unarmed Air Force veteran fatally shot during the January 6, 2021, Capitol protests.

👥 Who’s Involved: Ashli Babbitt’s family, the Trump administration, Judicial Watch, and shooter Michael L. Byrd, of the Capitol Police.

📍 Where & When: U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C., on January 6, 2021; settlement details reported on May 19, 2025.

⚠️ Impact: The settlement resolves a lawsuit brought by Babbitt’s estate but does not include an admission of wrongdoing by the government.

IN FULL:

The Trump administration has agreed to pay nearly $5 million to the family of Ashli Babbitt, who was shot and killed by a Capitol police officer in the U.S. Capitol building on January 6, 2021. The settlement comes after Babbitt’s family had filed a wrongful death lawsuit last year, demanding $30 million in damages.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) initially opposed the lawsuit, and a trial would have taken place in July of next year. However, both parties announced earlier this month that they had reached a settlement agreement. Judge Ana C. Reyes of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia called on the parties to announce the deal by May 22.

The DOJ has reportedly agreed to pay Babbitt’s family just under $5 million. Notably, initial reports suggesting that a third of the settlement would be paid to the family’s attorneys and Judicial Watch, which assisted with legal counsel, appear to be false. The claims come from sources who spoke anonymously to The Washington Post. Neither the DOJ nor the lawyers for Babbitt’s family immediately confirmed the deal’s details. According to Judicial Watch’s Tom Fitton, while the organization cannot yet comment on the actual settlement sum, the group “is not getting a third (or any portion) of any settlement. We are representing Ashil’s family pro bono!”

The deal marks the first sense of justice for Babbitt’s family, over four years since she was shot and killed by Capitol Police officer Michael L. Byrd. Following the fatal shooting, Byrd saw no disciplinary action whatsoever and was even granted over $36,000 in retention funds after the killing. He was also provided with a security detail and temporary lodging at a military facility.

President Donald J. Trump praised Babbitt in March, saying, “Ashli Babbitt was a really good person who was a big MAGA fan, Trump fan. And she was innocently standing there, they even say trying to sort of hold back the crowd, and a man did something to her that was unthinkable when he shot her.”

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By Popular Demand.
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6 hours ago
News

Trump COVID Cocktail Pharma Firm to Buy Up 23&Me.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Regeneron has agreed to purchase 23andMe for $256 million through a court-supervised bankruptcy sale.

👥 Who’s Involved: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, 23andMe, Anne Wojcicki (former CEO), Joe Selsavage (interim CEO).

📍 Where & When: The deal was announced Monday; 23andMe filed for bankruptcy in March 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “We are pleased to reach an agreement with a science-driven partner that maintains our team and helps ensure our mission will carry forward,” said Joe Selsavage, 23andMe’s interim CEO.

⚠️ Impact: Regeneron will acquire 23andMe’s genetic testing and research assets but not its telehealth business, while committing to uphold privacy laws and policies.

IN FULL:

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals has finalized a $256 million agreement to acquire genetic testing company 23andMe, following the latter’s bankruptcy filing earlier this year. The purchase, made under a court-supervised sale process, includes 23andMe’s genetic testing services and health research assets but excludes its Lemonaid Health telehealth division.

Notably, President Donald J. Trump received a dose of a Regeneron antibody drug in late 2020 when he was diagnosed with COVID-19. At the time, the medication was still in an experimental phase, but showed promise as a treatment for the virus.

The consumer genetic testing company 23andMe filed for bankruptcy in March 2025, citing financial difficulties. At the time, it announced plans to seek a buyer and confirmed the resignation of its co-founder and CEO, Anne Wojcicki.

Under the terms of the agreement, Regeneron, based in Tarrytown, New York, will continue to provide 23andMe’s consumer genetic services without interruption. The company also emphasized its commitment to adhering to 23andMe’s existing privacy policies and applicable laws to safeguard sensitive customer information.

“We have deep experience with large-scale data management,” said George Yancopoulos, Regeneron’s co-founder, in a statement. He added: “With the consent of individuals, we use this data to drive discoveries that benefit science and society, while maintaining a strong track record of protecting genetic data.”

Privacy concerns have surrounded 23andMe’s vast database, which includes the DNA information of approximately 15 million customers. The company’s services allow users to explore their ancestry and genetic health profiles, including identifying potential hereditary risks. Its research wing has also been involved in developing treatments for cancer, immune disorders, and other conditions.

Interim CEO Joe Selsavage expressed optimism about the acquisition, stating, “We are pleased to reach an agreement with a science-driven partner that maintains our team and helps ensure our mission will carry forward. With Regeneron’s expertise in genetic sequencing, testing, and discovery, we look forward to continuing to help people access and understand the human genome for the benefit of customers and patients.”

Image by Mike Mozart.

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By Popular Demand.
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7 hours ago
Media
News

Dilbert Creator Scott Adams Says He Has the Same Cancer As Biden, Expects to Die This Summer.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Scott Adams, creator of the comic strip Dilbert, has revealed he is battling an aggressive form of prostate cancer.

👥 Who’s Involved: Scott Adams, former President Joe Biden, and their respective medical teams.

📍 Where & When: Adams disclosed his diagnosis on a Rumble livestream on Monday, May 19, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “I expect to be checking out sometime this summer,” Adams said, adding that he has “had it longer than [Biden] has had it. Well, longer than he’s admitted to having it.”

⚠️ Impact: Both Adams and Biden are facing serious health challenges, with Adams sharing that the cancer has spread to his bones and his prognosis is grim.

IN FULL:

Scott Adams, the creator of the popular comic strip Dilbert, has disclosed that he is battling an aggressive form of prostate cancer, similar to the condition recently revealed by former President Joe Biden.

Adams made the announcement during a livestream on the video platform Rumble on Monday. He revealed that his cancer has metastasized to his bones and expressed that his time may be limited, saying he expects to “be checking out sometime this summer.”

“I’ve had it longer than [Biden] has had it. Well, longer than he’s admitted to having it,” the 67-year-old cartoonist added.

The news follows a statement from Biden’s office on Sunday confirming the former president’s diagnosis with the same aggressive form of prostate cancer.

Adams, whose Dilbert comic strip has been a staple in newspapers and online platforms for decades, had not previously disclosed his health struggles to the public. The legendary cartoonist became a prominent pro-Trump voice around the time of the 2016 election, predicting the America First leader would win the race against what were, at the time, long odds due to his persuasion skills, and eventually endorsing him.

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Image by Thomas Cloer.

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By Popular Demand.
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7 hours ago
Economy
UK

Guinness Owners Revise DOWN the Expected Impact of Trump’s Tariffs.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Diageo, owner of Guinness and Johnnie Walker, is reducing the projected annual loss it attributed to President Donald J. Trump’s tariff policies by $50 million.

👥 Who’s Involved: Diageo, U.S. President Donald J. Trump, Diageo CEO Debra Crew, and equity analyst Aarin Chiekrie.

📍 Where & When: Tariffs announced April 2, 2025; Diageo issued its update on Monday.

💬 Key Quote: “Looking ahead, we will continue to work on measures to mitigate this impact further,” Diageo stated, expressing confidence in navigating international tariffs.

⚠️ Impact: The company forecasts reduced profits but plans to mitigate losses and save $500 million by 2028.

IN FULL:

The British beverage giant Diageo, owner of Guinness and Johnnie Walker, has flagged a $150 million annual hit to its profits, claiming this will be due to U.S. tariffs introduced under President Donald J. Trump. However, the company’s newest estimate, released on Monday, is a significant decrease from the expected $200 million loss it projected earlier this year.

It is unclear whether Diageo’s estimate includes provisions laid out in the new landmark bilateral trade agreement signed earlier this month between the United States and the United Kingdom, or if the loss is based mainly on the revenue impact of the 10 percent global tariff imposed by President Trump on April 2, 2025. Notably, President Trump paused higher, country-specific reciprocal tariffs for 90 days in mid-April. However, the recent U.S.-UK trade deal would preclude additional trade duties from being imposed on British exports once the pause expires.

Diageo’s recent shareholder update noted that its tequila and Canadian whiskey brands remain exempt from these levies, and tariffs on U.S.-China trade have had minimal impact on its operations. The company stated that it expects to mitigate about half of the tariff-related losses and expressed confidence in its ability to manage the challenges posed by international trade policies.

“Looking ahead, we will continue to work on measures to mitigate this impact further,” the company said, adding that its long history of navigating tariffs provided reassurance. The expected financial impact is already factored into Diageo’s fiscal guidance for 2025 and 2026. Importantly, the British company says it believes it can achieve around $500 million in savings by 2028, suggesting the long-term impact of the Trump administration tariffs will leave its business and market relatively unaffected.

CEO Debra Crew emphasized the company’s resilience: “We continue to believe in the attractive long-term fundamentals of our industry and in our ability to outperform the market. We view the near-term industry pressure as largely macroeconomic driven, with continued uncertainty impacting both the timing and pace of recovery.”

Diageo also reported a 2.9 percent rise in net sales for the first quarter of the year, reaching $4.4 billion.

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By Popular Demand.
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8 hours ago
News
UK

Top Paid BBC Star Quits Over Anti-Semitic Meme.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Gary Lineker is leaving the BBC after criticism for sharing an anti-Semitic Instagram post.

👥 Who’s Involved: Gary Lineker, BBC Director-General Tim Davie, Campaign Against Antisemitism, and the Palestine Lobby group.

📍Where & When: Announcement made Monday; Lineker steps down from the Match of the Day soccer show after this season.

💬 Key Quote: “I would never consciously repost anything antisemitic—it goes against everything I stand for,” claimed Lineker.

⚠️ Impact: Lineker’s departure ends his 24-year tenure with the BBC and raises questions about impartiality and social media use by public figures.

IN FULL:

Gary Lineker, a former England soccer star and top-paid BBC presenter, will step down from his role at the de facto state broadcaster following backlash over his social media activity. The controversy arose after Lineker reposted an Instagram story from the group Palestine Lobby, which featured a rat and was titled “Zionism explained in two minutes.” The image drew criticism due to its historical association with anti-Semitic propaganda.

In a statement Monday, the BBC confirmed Lineker would leave the corporation entirely after the final episode of the Match of the Day show this season. Lineker, 64, had initially planned to step back from hosting the iconic soccer program but remain involved in other BBC coverage. Instead, he will now depart fully.

BBC Director-General Tim Davie said, “Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made. Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season.”

Lineker apologized last week, claiming he had shared the post without realizing its offensive nature. “I would never knowingly share anything antisemitic,” he said, adding that the post was deleted once he became aware of the issue. “Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action,” he added.

Lineker’s social media activity has previously caused friction with the BBC. In March 2023, he was temporarily suspended for criticizing the British government’s asylum policy, leading the BBC to update its social media guidelines for prominent presenters. The broadcaster and its employees are supposed to be impartial, as the public funds it through a compulsory license fee.

The Campaign Against Antisemitism welcomed Lineker’s departure, accusing him of promoting “dehumanizing and extreme messages” and flouting the BBC’s impartiality rules.

The BBC itself has been accused of bias against Israel in its conflict with Hamas, breaching its own editorial guidelines over 1,500 times. Another BBC star was even linked to funding the terrorist group Hezbollah earlier this month.

Image by Lauren Hurley / No 10 Downing Street.

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