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December 3, 2023
Jake Welch
News

The National Pulse’s Top 10 Articles of the Week (27 Nov – 3 Dec).

The National Pulse published nearly 250 news articles in November, and over 20 in December so far. In case you missed them, here are 10 of the most important stories of this week. If you haven’t yet joined the Pulse+, come and support our work and enjoy a mountain of extras, here.

  1. Trump Explains It SLOWLY for Media/DeSantis Fans: Obama Runs WH, Not Biden.
    “Donald Trump has taken to his Truth Social platform to slowly and clearly explain his penchant for substituting “Obama” for “Biden” during campaign speeches…”
  2. RANKED: DeSantis & Reynolds Now 2 of the LEAST Popular Governors in America.
    “Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds are now among the worst-rated state leaders in the U.S., ranking 44th and 49th out of 50 respectively.”
  3. Trump Has Nearly Twice As Many Iowa Caucus Pledges As DeSantis.
    “Sunday marked 50 days to go until Iowa Republicans will gather to make their choice for their party’s 2024 presidential nomination.”
  4. NATO Chief Says Ukraine Will Join Alliance After War.
    “Ukraine will join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) military alliance, according to Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg – but only after the nation’s war with Russia is over.”
  5. PA Dem Admits No Way to ‘Restore Trust’ With Voting Machines.
    “Pennsylvanian officials are fuming about voter confidence in the electoral process being undermined after touchscreen voting machines used in the state’s local elections…”
  6. ‘I’m Disappointed in Myself’ – Biden Issues Grovelling Apology to Muslims in Private Meeting.
    “President Joe Biden reportedly apologized to a group of Muslim Americans in a private meeting after he cast doubt on the Gaza death toll figures released by Hamas-controlled health authorities.”
  7. DATA: Nearly 50,000 Germans Victims of Migrant-Perpetrated Crimes Including Murder, Rape, Assault in 2022.
    “A staggering 47,923 Germans citizens were victims of migrant-perpetrated crimes such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault last year…”
  8. Cover-Up? Arizona Border Sector That Saw 15,300 Crossings in a Week Halts Updates.
    “An Arizona sector chief for U.S. Border Patrol announced his team would stop posting updates on the southern border to social media amid record-breaking crossings…”
  9. Deutsche Bank Testimony Destroys AG Letitia James’s Case Against Trump.
    “Deutsche Bank executive David Williams testified in Manhattan on Tuesday, arguing that net worth can be elevated on self-reported financial statements for “high-wealth clients”…
  10. WATCH – Bannon Says Irish Globalists ‘The Worst’ In Europe for Migrant Crisis.
    “Former Trump advisor Stephen K. Bannon told Tucker Carlson he believes the Irish government is one of the worst in Europe at handling the ongoing migrant crisis.”

Some additional, Editor’s Picks for you this week!

  1. DeSantis Staff Raging About Koch’s Haley Endorsement Have Historic Koch Connections.
    “Several of the most prominent figures in Ron DeSantis’s presidential campaign who have been attacking the Koch network for endorsing Nikki Haley over their boss have ties to the group themselves.”
  2. U.S. Suicide Rate Hits 80-YearHigh Under Biden Govt.
    “Just shy of 50,000 Americans died by suicide in 2022. The rate per 100,000 people was 14.3 last year – the highest since 1941 when it registered at 15 per 100,000.”
  3. Chairman & Architect of DeSantis’s Never Back Down PAC Resigns a Week After CEO Quits.
    “Adam Laxalt, the chairman of Never Back Down, a Super PAC supporting Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s bid for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination has stepped down.”
  4. PREVIEW: Trump to Declare His Campaign ‘A Righteous Crusade to Liberate Our Republic.’
    “President Donald J. Trump is set to turn the issue of “American democracy” against the Democrats and Joe Biden during a speech today in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, declaring his campaign a “righteous crusade to liberate our republic from Biden“.”
  5. Derek Chauvin Stabber is EX FBI Mole Who Said He Did It For BLM.
    “A 52-year-old man identified as John Turscak, a former FBI informant, stabbed former police officer Derek Chauvin 22 times with an “improvised knife,” according to court documents filed on December 1.”

By Popular Demand.
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47 minutes ago
Economy
News

UPS Cuts 20,000 Jobs as Amazon Reduces Shipments.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: UPS announced plans to reduce its workforce by 20,000 jobs this year as part of a cost-reduction strategy related to decreased deliveries from Amazon.

👥 Who’s Involved: UPS, an international shipping company with about 490,000 employees, and its largest customer, Amazon.

📍 Where & When: The job cuts were disclosed on Tuesday, with an announcement regarding facility closures planned by June 2025.

💬 Key Quote: The company stated that the cuts are in “connection with our anticipation of lower volumes from our largest customer.”

⚠️ Impact: UPS’s plan involves job cuts and the closure of 73 buildings, affecting operations across its global network. The company’s shares saw a slight decrease in value during pre-market trading.

IN FULL:

UPS plans to cut 20,000 positions this year as part of a strategy to address lower delivery volumes from its major client, Amazon. The logistics giant, which employs approximately 490,000 people across more than 200 countries, announced the downsizing as a measure to consolidate its operations and reduce expenses. The decision was verified through a regulatory filing on Tuesday.

In addition to the workforce reduction, UPS will shutter 73 facilities by mid-2025. This structural change aligns with a previous agreement with Amazon to decrease delivery volumes by over half in late 2026. These developments underscore the significant impact of Amazon’s evolving logistics capabilities on UPS, reflecting broader trends affecting large shipping companies worldwide.

Despite the substantial operational adjustments, market responses showed minimal impact, with UPS shares dropping 0.6 percent before markets opened. However, such organizational changes could have deeper ramifications for the company’s financial health and employee base as they unfold.

The decision highlights ongoing challenges in the logistics sector, where companies must continuously adjust to shifting demands and partnerships. UPS taking measures to streamline its operations could signal further shifts by Amazon and other partners in sourcing and supply chain strategies. The coming months will reveal how such strategies affect UPS and its workforce on a broader scale.

Image by JasonVogel.

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By Popular Demand.
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1 hour ago
Jack Montgomery
Economy

Tariffs Win as Walmart Announces Major Investment in American Products and Small Businesses.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Walmart has announced new programs, including “Grow with US” and the 2025 Open Call, to expand support for American-made products and American small businesses, as President Donald J. Trump pursues a policy of supporting American producers through tariffs on foreign goods.

👥 Who’s Involved: Walmart U.S., led by President and CEO John Furner and CFO John David Rainey, alongside U.S. small businesses and entrepreneurs.

📍 Where & When: Announced on April 29, 2025, with Open Call events starting May 1 in Orlando, Florida, and the main event on October 7-8 in Bentonville, Arkansas.

💬 Key Quote: John Furner stated, “We’ve seen firsthand how investing in small businesses results in better assortment, better meeting the needs of our customer base, and supporting jobs and growth in communities.”

⚠️ Impact: Walmart’s initiatives showcase the success of Trump’s tariffs in encouraging domestic production, fostering job growth and economic resilience.

IN FULL:

Walmart is supporting American-made products with the launch of new programs aimed at supporting American small businesses, underscoring the success of President Donald J. Trump’s tariff policies. On April 29, 2025, the retail giant shared its plans to expand initiatives like the “Grow with US” program and the 2025 Open Call, designed to help American entrepreneurs thrive. This strategic shift highlights how Trump’s tariffs are driving companies to prioritize domestic production, protecting both businesses and consumers from global trade disruptions.

The “Grow with US” program offers a four-step framework to provide U.S. small businesses with training, mentorship, and resources to grow alongside Walmart. John Furner, Walmart U.S. president and CEO, emphasized the benefits, stating, “We’ve seen firsthand how investing in small businesses results in better assortment, better meeting the needs of our customer base, and supporting jobs and growth in communities.” Furner also noted that over 60 percent of Walmart’s U.S. suppliers last year were small businesses, with the company anticipating thousands more will utilize its free resources in the coming years.

CFO John David Rainey recently revealed that more than two-thirds of products in Walmart U.S. stores are already domestically sourced, adding, “The third that we import comes from all over the world, but China and Mexico are the most significant.” Trump’s tariffs, including a 10 percent duty on imports and much higher rates on Chinese goods, are likely to incentivize a further shift in favor of American products, bolstering economic independence.

The 2025 Open Call, with applications opening June 24, will allow U.S.-based small and medium-sized businesses to pitch shelf-ready products directly to Walmart and Sam’s Club merchants. The main event, set for October 7-8 in Bentonville, Arkansas, follows several Road to Open Call events during Small Business Month in May, starting with Orlando on May 1, followed by Kansas City on May 9, Baltimore on May 13, and Austin on May 21, with additional events in Columbus on June 18 and Atlanta on June 24. Furner highlighted that participants at these pop-up events could “potentially score a fast pass to our main event in Bentonville,” offering a direct path to getting products on Walmart’s shelves.

Tech companies including Nvidia and IBM have already announced major investments in the U.S. since President Trump implemented his tariff policy, suggesting that, despite market grumblings, his overall strategy is working.

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By Popular Demand.
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2 hours ago
Economy
World

Amazon Caves on Tariff Pricing Policy After Trump Accuses E-Commerce Giant of ‘Hostile’ Tactics.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Amazon reportedly planned to add the estimated cost of tariffs to its product prices. The Chinese online retailer Temu has made a similar move, though the foreign e-commerce company admits in fine print that the additional ‘tariff’ costs do not directly correlate to the U.S. import duties on Chinese goods. However, Amazon now claims that the tariff estimates were being considered only by Amazon Haul and were “never a consideration for the main Amazon site and nothing has been implemented on any Amazon properties.”

👥 Who’s Involved: President Donald J. Trump, Jeff Bezos, Amazon, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.

📍 Where & When: Washington, D.C., April 29, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “This is a hostile and political act by Amazon,” said Karoline Leavitt after the plan to add tariff estimates to pricing was initially reported. Amazon responded later Tuesday morning, claiming: “The team that runs our ultra low cost Amazon Haul store has considered listing import charges on certain products. This was never a consideration for the main Amazon site and nothing has been implemented on any Amazon properties.”

⚠️ Impact: The decision could have affected Amazon’s political relations, though the abrupt announcement by the e-commerce giant that they would not pursue the pricing change may cool tensions with the White House.

IN FULL:

Tensions between the White House and Amazon briefly intensified after President Donald J. Trump criticized the retailer’s reported plans to display estimated tariff costs on its product listings. The scheme prompted a sharp reaction from the Trump administration, leading to accusations of political motivations and foreign interference.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the issue in a statement on Tuesday, April 29. According to Leavitt, President Trump viewed Amazon’s move as “hostile and political,” labeling it an attack on American interests. The conflict arose after anonymous sources leaked to the corporate media Amazon’s intention to highlight the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on imports from countries like China.

Leavitt did not hold back in her criticism of the online retail giant, questioning Amazon’s timing. “Why didn’t Amazon take similar actions during the Biden administration when inflation rates soared to record levels?” she queried, suggesting that Amazon’s motives might have partisan underpinnings.

Further, Leavitt raised concerns over Amazon’s international affiliations, hinting that the company’s collaborations could potentially serve as channels for foreign narratives. She referenced reports by Reuters indicating Amazon’s partnerships with entities linked to Chinese propaganda efforts. Notably, the Chinese online retailer Temu has made a similar move, though the foreign e-commerce company admits in fine print that the additional ‘tariff’ costs do not directly correlate to the U.S. import duties on Chinese goods.

Following the firm White House response, Amazon clarified its pricing policy, stating: “The team that runs our ultra low cost Amazon Haul store has considered listing import charges on certain products. This was never a consideration for the main Amazon site and nothing has been implemented on any Amazon properties.”

Despite the White House’s strong response and past friction between Trump and Amazon’s founder, Jeff Bezos, the technology billionaire has recently been more communicative and open to accommodating the White House, possibly explaining the apparent backtrack.

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By Popular Demand.
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3 hours ago
Jack Montgomery
Immigration
Politics

Foreign-Born Dem Rep Files Impeachment Articles Against Trump for Deporting Foreign Criminals.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Foreign-born Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-MI) filed seven articles of impeachment against President Donald J. Trump on April 28, 2025, citing the deportation of alleged MS-13 gang member Kilmar Abrego Garcia as a key grievance.

👥 Who’s Involved: Rep. Shri Thanedar, President Donald J. Trump, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), and Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a deported Salvadoran illegal alien.

📍 Where & When: U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C., with the filing announced on April 28, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: Rep. Thanedar alleges President Trump has “ignored the Constitution.”

⚠️ Impact: Thanedar’s impeachment push is unlikely to advance in a GOP-controlled House, but highlights Democratic opposition to Trump’s immigration and trade policies and preference for migrants and foreign exporters.

IN FULL:

Foreign-born Congressman Shri Thanedar (D-MI) has filed articles of impeachment against President Donald J. Trump, prompted by his deportation of alleged MS-13 gang member, accused domestic abuser, and suspected human trafficker Kilmar Abrego Garcia without “due process.”

Speaking in a thick Indian accent, Rep. Thanedar said Trump’s deportation of Salvadoran illegal alien Abrego Garcia under the Alien Enemies Act and not returning him “ignored the Constitution,” and forms part of a “dangerous, deliberate pattern.”

The 70-year-old has filed seven articles of impeachment in total, with the first being for supposed obstruction of justice and abuse of executive power, with respect to “unlawful deportations” and having “defied” court orders related to them.

Another article alleges “abuse of trade powers” by imposing “damaging tariffs” on foreign countries—including Thanedar’s native India.

Thanedar’s impeachment articles are highly unlikely to make any progress in the GOP-controlled House, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) is downplaying their significance, saying, “I haven’t evaluated the articles. I haven’t even had an opportunity to talk with him about it.”

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By Popular Demand.
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3 hours ago
News
World

Liberals Retain Power in Canada, ‘Conservative’ Leader Pierre Poilievre Ousted.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Canadian Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre was defeated in his Carleton, Ontario riding (electoral district) by Liberal candidate Bruce Fanjoy. Poilievre received 38,581 votes, while Fanjoy secured 42,374 votes. The Liberal Party, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, maintained national leadership, although in a minority position.

👥 Who’s Involved: Key figures include Pierre Poilievre, Bruce Fanjoy, Prime Minister Mark Carney, and New Democratic Party (NDP) Leader Jagmeet Singh.

📍 Where & When: The elections took place on Monday across Canada, including Poilievre’s riding in the Ottawa-area Carleton, Ontario.

💬 Key Quote: Poilievre tried to spin the party’s failure, saying, “We got the highest share of the vote our party has received since 1988.”

⚠️ Impact: The loss raises questions about Poilievre’s future as Conservative leader. The Liberals continue in government with minority rule, holding 168 seats. The Conservatives were a reasonably close second, gaining seats nationwide.

IN FULL:

Canadian Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre has been unseated in his Ottawa-area riding (electoral district) of Carleton by Liberal candidate Bruce Fanjoy. The election results saw Poilievre garnering 38,581 votes while Fanjoy secured 42,374. This victory for Fanjoy is significant against the backdrop of the national elections, where Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal Party retained control of the government, albeit with a minority, returning to Parliament with 168 seats.

Poilievre’s defeat in Carleton marks a notable change, as he has held this seat since 2004. His loss is a striking personal rebuke, given the Conservative Party’s national performance, which saw them gain over 20 seats despite their failure to oust the Liberals. In Canada, as in the United Kingdom, Prime Ministers and opposition leaders typically operate from within Parliament, leaving Poilievre’s leadership in doubt.

The Conservatives were making headway in the polls earlier in the year, at one point enjoying a 20-point lead. These figures shifted following the resignation of unpopular former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the subsequent installation of Carney as leader of the Liberals. Some perceived Poilievre as adopting a stance that was too soft with respect to the ongoing trade dispute between Canada and the U.S., while others believe he became too focused on criticizing U.S. President Donald J. Trump rather than the Liberal government. At the same time, many grassroots conservatives were wary of his apparent weakness on immigration, reducing motivation to vote for his party.

While addressing party members, Poilievre attempted to put a brave face on the national results, saying, “We got the highest share of the vote our party has received since 1988.”

New Democratic Party Leader Jagmeet Singh also lost his seat in Vancouver and has opted to resign as party head. The leftist party was battered badly in the elections and is currently projected to lose around two-thirds of its seats.

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By Popular Demand.
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4 hours ago
Health
News

Federal Departments Are Implementing Trump EO Against Child Surgical and Chemical Mutilation.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order banning the federal funding and facilitation of puberty blockers, hormone treatments, and surgeries for minors.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Trump, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Department of Justice (DOJ), and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health.

📍 Where & When: United States, Executive Order signed on January 28, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: A Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) alert emphasizes that providers must “follow the highest standards of care… especially as it comes to America’s children.”

⚠️ Impact: Federal grants supporting related treatments have been rescinded, saving taxpayers $477 million, and further actions are underway to ensure adherence to the order.

IN FULL:

President Donald J. Trump’s executive order banning the federal government from funding transgender surgeries or therapies for children has now been implemented on several fronts. A White House report released April 28 details what measures have already been implemented since the order was signed in January.

This directive, Executive Order 14187, calls for agencies to reverse policies based on the World Professional Association for Transgender Health’s (WPATH) standards, which are criticized for lacking a scientific foundation. A notable element of these earlier policies was the absence of age restrictions for surgeries, influenced by health lobbyists.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is set to conduct an extensive review of existing literature regarding best health practices for children with gender dysphoria, assembling an expert team to ensure scientific accuracy.

The National Institute of Health (NIH) is tasked with promoting accountability across taxpayer-supported research to uphold data quality and transparency. This includes rectifying the nondisclosure of study outcomes that have been withheld due to political reasons.

With the order’s implementation, HHS has already terminated federal grants supporting medical treatments involving child gender modifications. This has reportedly saved taxpayers approximately $477 million, including substantial funding previously allocated to entities such as the Center for Innovative Public Health and Boston Children’s Hospital.

As part of enhancing medical safety, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a cautionary memo warning providers about the risks of these interventions. “It is of the utmost importance that all providers follow the highest standards of care and adhere closely to the foundational principles of medicine, especially as it comes to America’s children,” the memo states.

Image by Quinn Dombrowski.

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By Popular Demand.
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5 hours ago
News

Asian Imports to US Plunge as Trump Tariffs Begin to Work.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: The number of canceled sailings from Asia to the U.S. has significantly increased due to tariffs deterring the importation of cheap Chinese goods to the U.S.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Donald J. Trump, China, and other Asian nations like Cambodia, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka.

📍 Where & When: The transpacific route between Asia and the U.S., from late March onwards.

💬 Key Quote:  Alan Murphy, CEO of Sea-Intelligence, said businesses were “adjusting their short-term supply chains for now and waiting for things to settle down (one way or another), before making longer-term network adjustments.”

⚠️ Impact: The tariffs are contributing to difficulties for Chinese businesses like Temu and Shein.

IN FULL:

Asian exports to the United States have dropped due to high tariffs on foreign goods, particularly from China, leading to increased “blank sailings” on the trans-Pacific shipping route. These shipping cancellations have escalated from the equivalent of 60,000 containers in late March to about 367,800 by mid-April.

This follows President Donald J. Trump‘s announcement of high tariffs on foreign goods to stop U.S. producers from being undercut by imports from nations that often restrict access to U.S. exporters while advantaging their own producers through low pay and conditions, state subsidies, currency manipulation, and other dubious tactics.

The political climate related to these tariffs has been labeled “extremely volatile,” causing businesses to exercise caution. Alan Murphy, CEO of Sea-Intelligence, said businesses were “adjusting their short-term supply chains for now and waiting for things to settle down (one way or another), before making longer-term network adjustments.”

E-commerce companies such as China’s Shein and Temu have started adapting through price changes, reflecting the new realities of tariffs in their operational costs.

Although tariffs remain a point of contention, tensions between the U.S. and China have slightly eased. Adjustments such as the reduction in Chinese retaliatory tariffs on U.S. semiconductors suggest a possible future trade agreement.

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By Popular Demand.
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19 hours ago
War
World

Pakistan Claims Indian Attack Imminent, Warns of Nuclear Response.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Rising tensions between India and Pakistan following a militant attack in Indian Kashmir have put both countries on high alert, with the possibility of military action being considered.

👥 Who’s Involved: The main parties involved are the governments and military forces of India and Pakistan, with mentions of Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and alleged militants.

📍 Where & When: The developments are unfolding primarily in the disputed region of Kashmir and along Pakistan’s Afghan border as of April 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “We have reinforced our forces because it is something which is imminent now,” said Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Pakistan’s Defense Minister, of a potential Indian attack.

⚠️ Impact: Potential military actions could escalate into greater conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbors, with risks of regional instability.

IN FULL:

Pakistan’s Defense Minister issued a warning of a possible military attack by India on April 28 as tensions mount following a militant attack in Indian Kashmir that resulted in 26 deaths. Khawaja Muhammad Asif stated that Pakistan‘s armed forces are prepared and have increased vigilance due to the perceived imminent threat.

“We have reinforced our forces because it is something which is imminent now. So, in that situation, some strategic decisions have to be taken, so those decisions have been taken,” he said.

Over recent days, troops from India and Pakistan have been exchanging gunfire in Kashmir, a region claimed by both countries and historically fraught with conflict between them. This ongoing skirmish has exacerbated already frayed relations, leading to fears of further escalation.

In response to the recent militant activity in Kashmir, Pakistan has elevated its military readiness. Asif emphasized that Pakistan is prepared to resort to nuclear weapons if “a direct threat to our existence” is presented.

The Kashmir attack led to a backlash in India, which attributes continued militancy to Pakistan’s alleged support and funding of extremists in the contested region. These accusations are rejected by Pakistan, which has instead called for a neutral investigation into the recent attack to establish accountability.

Meanwhile, Pakistan reports heavy clashes on its border with Afghanistan, claiming to have eliminated 54 militants linked to the Pakistani Taliban as they attempted to enter Pakistani territory.

Image by SyedNaqvi90.

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By Popular Demand.
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20 hours ago
Economy

IBM Commits $150 Billion to U.S. Tech Expansion.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: IBM announced plans for new investments in the United States, following similar announcements from other tech companies amid pressure from the Trump administration to boost U.S. manufacturing.

👥 Who’s Involved: IBM, Nvidia, Foxconn, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Apple, OpenAI, SoftBank, Oracle, and the Trump administration.

📍 Where & When: The announcement was made in the United States on Monday, April 28, with investments planned over the next five years.

💬 Key Quote: Arvind Krishna, IBM’s chief executive, stated, “With this investment and manufacturing commitment, we are ensuring that IBM remains the epicenter of the world’s most advanced computing and AI capabilities.”

⚠️ Impact: The announcements suggest significant potential investment in U.S. manufacturing with a focus on strengthening domestic supply chains and technology production.

IN FULL:

IBM has announced a substantial investment initiative in the United States, joining a wave of tech corporations revealing similar plans amidst pressure from the Trump administration to relocate or expand manufacturing operations within the country. The New York-headquartered software giant aims to invest $150 billion domestically in the coming five years, including $30 billion explicitly allocated for its mainframe and quantum computers. This announcement aligns with efforts by various firms to bolster the national economy and build stronger domestic supply chains insulated from retaliatory actions by China‘s communist regime, at President Donald J. Trump’s urging.

The unveiling of IBM’s investment plan follows a pledge made by chipmaker Nvidia, which declared a $500 billion investment and committed to producing its artificial intelligence (AI) supercomputers in the United States. “With this investment and manufacturing commitment, we are ensuring that IBM remains the epicenter of the world’s most advanced computing and AI capabilities,” the company’s CEO, Arvind Krishna, said in a statement.

Following President Donald J. Trump‘s inauguration in January, a number of both foreign and domestic technology companies have announced significant investments and expansions in the United States. Key announcements include Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s (TSMC) $100 billion U.S.-based expansion plan for semiconductor production, alongside Apple’s intention to invest $500 billion and create 20,000 jobs in the U.S., with a new factory in Texas focused on AI advancements.

Earlier this year, a joint initiative involving OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle, set to create a $100 billion computing infrastructure to support AI, was announced. The current administration’s trade policies have imposed tariffs on numerous Chinese goods, but notably spared electronics such as smartphones and computers, at least temporarily.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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By Popular Demand.
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21 hours ago
William Upton
Politics

Dem Governor Urges Mass, Extreme Protests Against Trump and GOP.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Far-left Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker (D) is calling for mass demonstrations and mobilization with the intention to “punish” Republicans. The extreme language is being seen by some as a return to the violent political rhetoric that resulted in two assassination attempts on President Donald J. Trump last year.

👥 Who’s Involved: Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

📍 Where & When: Sunday, April 27, in New Hampshire.

💬 Key Quote: “These Republicans cannot know a moment of peace,” said Gov. Pritzker.

⚠️ Impact: Last year, extreme rhetoric deployed by former President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and the Democratic Party alienated voters and resulted in two attempts on Donald Trump’s life. Pritzker, himself potentially weighing a 2028 presidential run, is seen by some as having returned to that violent and dangerous rhetoric.

IN FULL:

Governor J.B. Pritzker (D-IL) appears to be laying the groundwork for a potential 2028 presidential run, looking to monopolize the progressive left-wing lane in the Democratic primary contest. On Sunday, during an event in New Hampshire, Pritzker—a billionaire member of the Pritzker family, which owns the Hyatt hotel chain—pushed for his fellow Democrats to ramp up aggressive demonstrations and protests against President Donald J. Trump.

“Never before in my life have I called for mass protests, for mobilization, for disruption. But I am now,” the billionaire Democrat said, adding: “These Republicans cannot know a moment of peace.”

Pritzker continued: “They have to understand that we will fight their cruelty with every megaphone and microphone that we have.”

During the 2024 presidential campaign, the Democratic Party, including then-President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, received intense criticism from voters and the Republican Party for their over-the-top and extreme political rhetoric. The Democrats attempted to portray President Trump and his supports as fascists, Nazis, and racists. They routinely warned that Trump would declare himself a dictator and that the MAGA movement wished to end democracy.

The violent political rhetoric espoused by Democrats culminated in two assassination attempts against President Trump, with a supporter of the America First leader being killed at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

The Illinois governor emphasized on Sunday that he wished to see Republicans “punished” while couching the rhetoric by adding “at the ballot box.”

Pritzker has staked out a position on his party’s left flank, calling Democratic lawmakers and activists who blamed the Biden government’s pro-transgender and open-borders policies for Trump’s reelection as “do-nothing Democrats.”

Image by World Economic Forum / Benedikt von Loebell.

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