❓What Happened: U.S. President Donald J. Trump has signed an economic partnership agreement with Saudi Arabia early in his Middle East tour.
👥 Who’s Involved: President Trump and Mohammed Bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
📍 Where & When: The agreement was signed at the Royal Court in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.
💬 Key Quote: “President Trump is the dealmaker in chief, and he has once again secured a historic deal that strengthens America’s economic dominance and global influence.” — White House statement.
⚠️ Impact: The agreement secures a $600 billion commitment from Saudi Arabia to invest in the United States.
IN FULL:
U.S. President Donald J. Trump initiated his four-day Middle East tour by signing an economic partnership agreement with Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. The signing ceremony took place at the Royal Court in Riyadh, where President Trump met with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Salman.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) underscores a commitment to fostering closer economic ties between the United States and Saudi Arabia. According to the White House, the deal has secured $600 billion in investment commitments from the Saudis. Billions of dollars in U.S. exports have been secured, including Boeing 737-8 and gas turbines.
A “defense and security partnership” is a key feature of the deal, with “extensive training and support to build the capacity of the Saudi armed forces” provided alongside nearly $142 billion in “state-of-the-art warfighting equipment and services from over a dozen U.S. defense firms.”
The meeting marks the beginning of Trump’s Middle East tour, which aims to strengthen regional alliances and explore opportunities for cooperation, trade, and investments across various sectors.
❓What Happened: The Trump administration announced the reversal of dozens of appliance energy regulations, saving consumers over $11 billion and removing 125,000 words from federal regulations.
👥 Who’s Involved: The Department of Energy, headed by Energy Secretary Chris Wright, under President Donald J. Trump’s leadership; former Joe Biden-era Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm.
📍 Where & When: The action was announced on Monday, with regulations impacting households and businesses across the United States.
💬 Key Quote: “It should not be the government’s place to decide what kind of appliances you or your restaurants or your businesses can buy,” said Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
⚠️ Impact: The move prioritizes consumer choice and free markets over Biden-era climate-driven appliance restrictions, reversing rules on gas stoves, dishwashers, shower heads, and more.
IN FULL:
The Trump administration has rolled back a series of Joe Biden-era energy regulations targeting household appliances, in a move announced Monday that will save consumers over $11 billion and eliminate more than 125,000 words from federal regulations.
The Department of Energy (DOE) confirmed the reversal of rules restricting sales of certain gas stoves, ovens, dishwashers, faucets, and other appliances. The Biden government implemented these regulations as part of its broader climate change agenda, pushing consumers toward electrification and away from natural gas reliance.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright emphasized the importance of consumer freedom, stating, “It should not be the government’s place to decide what kind of appliances you or your restaurants or your businesses can buy.” Wright added that the Trump administration is working to “bring back common sense” and reduce regulatory burdens that he described as elitist and counterproductive.
The action also includes streamlining regulations related to natural gas imports and exports, approvals for electric energy exports, and procedures for purchasing Strategic Petroleum Reserve oil stocks.
“Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, we are bringing back common sense—slashing regulations meant to appease Green New Deal fantasies, restrict consumer choice, and increase costs for the American people,” Wright said.
The move comes after President Trump ended Biden’s anti-coal policies to boost American energy production and dismantle the woke Green agenda of the former Democratic administration.
❓What Happened: Dozens of white South Africans, specifically Afrikaners, arrived in the U.S. on May 11 as refugees under a program initiated by the Trump administration.
👥 Who’s Involved: 49 Afrikaners, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, U.S. President Donald Trump, and White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller.
📍 Where & When: The group departed South Africa on May 11, arriving in Washington, D.C., and is heading to Texas.
💬 Key Quote: “Refugees from South Africa. Notice these are actual families. Men, women and children who will easily assimilate and appreciate the United States. Stark contrast between the hordes of single men who were coming to abuse our system.”
⚠️ Impact: This marks the first relocation of Afrikaner refugees to the U.S. under a program addressing race-based persecution in South Africa.
I am in tears. Look how Patriotic these refugees are from South Africa with so many American Flags 🇺🇸
A group of 49 Afrikaners, members of South Africa’s white ethnic minority, arrived in the United States on May 11 after being granted refugee status under a program initiated by President Donald J. Trump. The group departed South Africa on a chartered flight bound for Washington, D.C., before continuing to Texas, according to South African Transport Department spokesman Collen Msibi.
This marks the first relocation of Afrikaners under a refugee admissions program established by Trump’s February 7 executive order. The order allows for the resettlement of Afrikaner refugees fleeing what the president described as “government-sponsored race-based discrimination.”
Turns out refugees can come to America waving American flags, not storm the border waving flags of their home countries.
The program was introduced following South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s signing of the Expropriation Act in January. The legislation permits the redistribution of certain unused lands, a move aimed at addressing racial disparities in land ownership rooted in the apartheid era. The South African government has emphasized that specific conditions must be met before expropriating land, such as where land has been abandoned or is being held for speculation.
“Refugees from South Africa. Notice these are actual families. Men, women and children who will easily assimilate and appreciate the United States. Stark contrast between the hordes of single men who were coming to abuse our system,” wrote Geiger Capital on X.
Trump has been vocal about the situation, describing it as a “genocide” and highlighting the violence faced by white farmers. “White farmers are being brutally killed and their land is being confiscated. And the media doesn’t even talk about it,” he said in March.
The South African government has falsely dismissed these claims, labeling the U.S. refugee program as “politically motivated.” It stated, “Allegations of discrimination are unfounded… these do not meet the threshold of persecution required under domestic and international refugee law.” In reality, white farmers in South Africa have been exposed to major racial violence for decades.
White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller defended the program, asserting that the Afrikaners’ situation constitutes “race-based persecution.” He said, “What was happening in South Africa fits the textbook definition of why the refugee program was created.”
In March, Trump also announced plans to cut federal funding to South Africa over its expropriation policies. The White House warned that aid would cease if South Africa “continues to support bad actors on the world stage and allows violent attacks on innocent disfavored minority farmers.”
❓WHAT HAPPENED: Far-left agitators clashed with police at the Delaney Hall ICE detention center Monday afternoon in Newark, blocking emergency vehicles and forcing their way toward the facility’s outer gates.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The agitators confronted Newark police and other law enforcement officers stationed at the site.
⚠️FALLOUT: Protesters barricaded entrances, impeded ambulance access, and shoved through barriers in a series of confrontations with officers.
📌SIGNIFICANCE: The unrest follows last week’s high-profile incident involving Democratic Reps. Watson Coleman, Menendez Jr., and McIver—who entered the facility as Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested outside. Tensions surrounding the GEO Group-run ICE center continue to escalate.
BREAKING: Clashes outside ICE Detention Center Delaney Hall as Protesters block entrance pic.twitter.com/7IWVvC01n3
— Oliya Scootercaster 🛴 (@ScooterCasterNY) May 12, 2025
📰 IN FULL:
Tensions erupted again at the Delaney Hall ICE detention facility in Newark on Monday as far-left agitators clashed with police during a fresh wave of protests.
In the early afternoon, demonstrators barricaded entrances to the facility and blocked access for emergency vehicles, including ambulances. Video from the scene shows activists shoving through outer gates and confronting law enforcement officers attempting to maintain order.
The incident marks a sharp continuation of unrest surrounding Delaney Hall, which reopened May 1 under a federal contract with the private prison firm GEO Group. Just days ago, three Democratic members of Congress—Bonnie Watson Coleman, Robert Menendez Jr., and LaMonica McIver—entered the facility. At the same time, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested after being denied entry. The confrontation sparked legal threats from the Department of Homeland Security and widespread national attention.
Today’s clashes further underline the breakdown between federal immigration enforcement and local resistance in sanctuary jurisdictions like Newark. Delaney Hall’s reopening has faced staunch opposition from city officials and far-left activist groups, who have sought to disrupt its operations physically.
No official arrest figures or statements from Newark police had been released at the time of this report.
❓What Happened: The Trump administration has officially ended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghan refugees, opening the door to deportations.
👥 Who’s Involved: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the decision; tens of thousands of Afghans are affected.
📍 Where & When: The announcement was made on Monday, May 12, 2025, in the United States, with deportation protections expiring in 60 days.
💬 Key Quote: “This administration is returning TPS to its original temporary intent,” said Secretary Noem, adding: “Afghanistan has had an improved security situation, and its stabilizing economy no longer prevents them from returning to their home country.”
⚠️ Impact: Deportation protections for Afghans will lapse, affecting tens of thousands of migrants, many of whom were resettled in Texas, California, and Virginia.
IN FULL:
The Trump administration has ended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghan refugees, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced Monday. The move sets the stage for the potential deportation of tens of thousands of Afghans currently residing in the United States. Deportation protections will expire in 60 days, the minimum period allowed by law after such a notice is issued.
“This administration is returning TPS to its original temporary intent,” Sec. Noem stated, adding: “We’ve reviewed the conditions in Afghanistan with our interagency partners, and they do not meet the requirements for a TPS designation. Afghanistan has had an improved security situation, and its stabilizing economy no longer prevents them from returning to their home country.”
The Biden government had brought approximately 76,000 Afghan nationals to the United States following the chaotic U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, a move ordered by President Joe Biden. Many of these individuals were resettled in states like Texas, California, and Virginia. Between 2010 and 2022, the Afghan population in the U.S. grew from 54,000 to 195,000, though it remains unclear how many of these individuals have obtained legal permanent residency or citizenship.
However, Noem’s analysis pointed to signs of recovery, such as Chinese tourism returning to the region, and a decline in the number of people requiring humanitarian assistance—from over 29 million last year to 23.7 million this year.
The Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program, created in 2006 and expanded in 2009, was initially designed to assist Afghan and Iraqi translators working with U.S. forces. Many of the Afghans currently in the U.S. fled during Joe Biden’s botched 2021 withdrawal, supposedly seeking refuge from Taliban reprisals.
❓What Happened: The U.S. revoked tourist visas for Mexico’s Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar Avila and her husband, Carlos Torres.
👥 Who’s Involved: Governor Marina del Pilar Avila, her husband Carlos Torres, and the U.S. State Department.
📍 Where & When: Baja California, Mexico; announcement made on Sunday, May 11, 2025.
💬 Key Quote: “I make this information public with responsibility and transparency, not only to avoid speculation but also to limit political opponents’ misuse of this situation,” Carlos Torres said.
⚠️ Impact: The visa revocation raises questions about U.S.-Mexico relations, though the issue may stem from Avila and Torres’s abuse of temporary tourism visas to conduct Mexican government business in the United States.
IN FULL:
The United States has revoked tourist visas for Marina del Pilar Avila, the governor of Mexico’s Baja California state, and her husband, Carlos Torres, who also serves as the state’s coordinator of special projects. Governor Avila announced the development on Sunday through a post to X (formerly Twitter).
Avila stated that no formal accusations, investigations, or incidents had been raised against her or her husband in either Mexico or the United States. Meanwhile, Torres claims the revocations are part of a broader pattern of administrative actions by the U.S. State Department against Mexican officials. “Currently, the application of these administrative criteria has become increasingly common and, like so many others, I am included in that universe,” Torres said.
The couple’s visas were reportedly revoked shortly after a visit to San Diego, where they promoted tourism in Baja California. While the U.S. State Department has not given an official reason for the revocation, it could stem from the couple engaging in cross-border tourism as Mexican government officials while in the United States on tourism visas.
Notably, if Avila and Torres only held B1/B2 temporary visas—used for short business trips and tourism—they would be barred from engaging in official Mexican government business while in the country. Diplomats and foreign government officials undertaking official business are required to obtain an A1/A2 visa.
Some reports suggest 2019 pictures of Avila with Emmanuel ‘El Botas’ Serrano, allegedly linked to Sinaloa Cartel boss Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada, could also be a factor, although these have been public knowledge since 2022.
Torres has retained an international immigration attorney to explore legal options, including reopening or reconsidering the decision, or applying for a new visa.
Torres emphasized transparency in addressing the situation, stating, “I make this information public with responsibility and transparency, not only to avoid speculation, but also to limit political opponents’ misuse of this situation.” He also criticized political adversaries, claiming they are “willing to turn any fact into slander if they think it will give them an advantage.”
Governor Avila expressed her support for her husband, describing him as a man of integrity and dedication. “My support for him isn’t just personal, it’s moral and political,” she wrote, adding that the situation requires “composure and prudence” given the complex binational context.
The visa issue follows broader tensions between the U.S. and Mexico, including a recent dispute involving Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and her refusal to allow American military intervention in combating drug cartels. Both Avila and Torres are members of Sheinbaum’s Morena party, which has faced criticism from U.S. President Donald J. Trump.
❓What Happened: Sir Keir Starmer announced plans to reform immigration rules, including extending the time required for migrants to apply for settlement in the United Kingdom.
👥 Who’s Involved: Reform Party leader Nigel Farage, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and migrants impacted by the proposed policies.
📍 Where & When: Announcement made in Britain, details discussed during an appearance on GB News on May 12.
💬 Key Quote: Farage: “Keir Starmer has spent his whole career campaigning for free movement of people… he’s just basically playing catch up with Reform.”
⚠️ Impact: Proposed changes aim to address public concerns over immigration but face criticism for perceived insincerity and potential loopholes.
IN FULL:
Nigel Farage has accused Sir Keir Starmer of insincerity following the Prime Minister’s announcement of new immigration reforms aimed at addressing Britain’s “broken” borders. Speaking on GB News, the Reform Party leader, who is leading Starmer’s Labour in the polls, argued that the government’s proposals are an attempt to “play catch up” on an issue that has long been a priority for his own party.
Starmer’s proposed White Paper includes a significant shift in immigration policy, requiring migrants to reside in Britain for ten years instead of five before applying for settlement or citizenship. Exceptions would be made for those demonstrating a “real and lasting contribution” to the nation’s economy and society.
Farage, however, was quick to point out inconsistencies in Starmer’s approach, stating, “Keir Starmer has spent his whole career campaigning for free movement of people… he’s just basically playing catch up with Reform.” He also noted that Starmer’s repeated use of the phrase “taking back control” during the announcement mirrors a Brexit campaign slogan from 2016, which Farage used as early as 2004.
Starmer claims the “One Nation experiment” in “open borders” is “over,” referring to the liberal “One Nation” wing of the Conservative Party to which former Prime Minister Boris Johnson belonged. Since replacing Labour in government in 2010, Conservative prime ministers David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, and Rishi Sunak all promised to reduce immigration “from the hundreds of thousands to the tens of thousands,” or at least an “overall” reduction—but the party left office having more than quadrupled it.
The Conservatives’ immigration numbers were so enormous that Labour, which instituted the modern era of mass migration under Tony Blair in the late 1990s, now feels able to position itself to the right on the issue. Starmer has gone so far as to say it is turning Britain into “an island of strangers“—angering some in his own party.
“If he was to succeed with all of this, I’d praise him to the heavens, but he’s not,” Farage said of Starmer’s promises, likening them to former Johnson and Sunak’s “stop the boats” promise on illegal immigration, which only increased under their tenure.
Labour is unlikely to be able to steal a march from Farage on immigration regardless, given Labour’s long history of promoting multiculturalism and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) style ideology, with Starmer personally presiding over the draconian crackdown on anti-immigration protestors following the mass murder of a number of young girls in Southport, England, by the son of two African asylum seekers in July 2024.
WATCH:
NEW: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer calls for the UK to take back its borders, says the UK is becoming an “island of strangers” and immigrants should learn how to speak English.
Wow.
“Without [strict rules], we risk becoming an island of strangers, not a nation that walks… pic.twitter.com/qrcyc7iymI
❓What Happened: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued subpoenas to California state government officials, seeking records related to alleged misuse of federal funds to benefit illegal immigrants through the Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI).
👥 Who’s Involved: DHS, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) office in Los Angeles, California, Governor Gavin Newsom’s (D-CA) administration, and the Economic Policy Innovation Center (EPIC).
📍 Where & When: Subpoenas were issued in Los Angeles, California, on Monday, with records sought dating back to 2021.
💬 Key Quote: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated, “Radical left politicians in California prioritize illegal aliens over our own citizens, including by giving illegal aliens access to cash benefits. If you are an illegal immigrant, you should leave now. The gravy train is over.”
⚠️ Impact: The investigation could expose alleged misuse of billions in federal taxpayer dollars and could lead to further scrutiny of California’s financial practices and immigration policies.
IN FULL:
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued subpoenas to California state government officials over allegations of federal funds being improperly allocated to illegal immigrants through the state’s Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI). The subpoenas, filed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) office in Los Angeles, demand records dating back to 2021, including applicants’ names, birth dates, immigration status, and other program-related documents.
California’s CAPI program provides monthly cash benefits to aged, blind, and disabled non-citizens who are ineligible for federal Supplemental Security Income. However, the White House believes that the program has been extended to illegal immigrants who are barred from accessing federal social security benefits.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem blasted California’s state leadership, accusing them of prioritizing illegal immigrants over American citizens. “Radical left politicians in California prioritize illegal aliens over our own citizens, including by giving illegal aliens access to cash benefits,” she said in a statement. “If you are an illegal immigrant, you should leave now. The gravy train is over.”
The investigation follows a report from the Economic Policy Innovation Center (EPIC), which revealed that California may be using federal reimbursements to fund state programs benefiting illegal immigrants. EPIC alleged that nearly $4 billion in federal taxpayer dollars are being funneled to healthcare and other initiatives for illegal immigrants through Medicaid provider taxes. The report describes the process as a “money laundering scheme,” with California projected to receive over $19 billion in federal funds from April 2023 to December 2026 without contributing state funds.
Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA) has yet to publicly respond to DHS’s allegations. However, a spokesman for California’s Department of Healthcare Services claims EPIC’s allegations are “misleading.”
❓What Happened: England is becoming Catholic once more as young people increasingly turn to the Roman Catholic faith over protestant Anglicanism.
👥 Who’s Involved: Roman Catholic Church, Church of England, young people in Britain.
📍 Where & When: A survey of young practising Christians in England and Wales was released on May 8.
💬 Key Quote: “Ten years ago, numbers might have been half that.” – Catholic priest Father Kensy Joseph on attendance at a London church youth program.
⚠️ Impact: If the trend continues, practising English Catholics will outnumber Anglicans for the first time since the Protestant Reformation.
IN FULL:
An increasing number of young people in England and Wales are joining or practicing the Roman Catholic faith, with the number of practicing Catholics now exceeding the number of practicing Anglicans. A poll from YouGov reveals that young men, particularly, are flocking to the Christian faith.
The poll, commissioned by the Bible Society, shows a 56 percent rise in those attending church at least once a month. Among those aged 18 to 24, regular church attendance jumped from just four percent in 2018 to 16 percent in 2024.
The Church of England, the state religion of England, headed by King Charles III, is not where young people are going. Many are attending Roman Catholic churches to the extent that practising Catholics now outnumber Anglicans among those aged 18 to 54.
If the trend continues, practising Catholics could be a more significant bloc than Anglicans for the first time since England’s Protestant Reformation, sparked by King Henry VIII in the 1500s.
“Ten years ago, numbers might have been half that,” said Catholic priest Father Kensy Joseph, speaking of the attendance at the Farm Street church in London, which normally attracts as many as 180 people for its young adult program.
The interest in Catholicism in England comes amid a surge of adult baptisms in France this year. The country saw a record 10,384 adult baptisms at Easter last month.
Young Catholics are also increasingly interested in the traditional Latin Rite, also known as the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM), in many parts of the world. A 2023 French survey found 40 percent of young French Catholics like the TLM, while the traditionalist pilgrimage from Paris to Chartres last year saw a record 18,000 attendees.
The rise in popularity of Catholicism in some parts of Western Europe comes amid the election of Pope Leo XIV, who some are optimistic may unify the liberal and traditional wings of the Church.
The U.S. and China agreed to suspend most tariffs for 90 days following high-stakes weekend trade negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland over the weekend.
The details: The agreement will see both nations slash their tariffs from 125 percent to 10 percent during the three-month reprieve. A separate 20 percent tariff on China for its role in the fentanyl trade will remain in place.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Sunday the talks led to “substantial progress,” and U.S. Trade Rep. Jamieson Greer added that the differences were “not as large as maybe thought.”
China echoed the optimism, calling the pending joint statement “good news for the world.”
Markets react: U.S. stock futures surged, with the tech-heavy NASDAQ rising more than three percent. The dollar and bonds also jumped.
Trump reacts: President Trump struck an optimistic tone on Sunday, writing:
“A very good meeting today with China, in Switzerland. Many things discussed, much agreed to. A total reset negotiated in a friendly, but constructive, manner. We want to see, for the good of both China and the U.S., an opening up of China to American business. GREAT PROGRESS MADE!!!”
What happens next? Talks will continue, led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng.
These terms go into effect on Wednesday.
Peace is in the air: Over the weekend, President Trump also announced that India and Pakistan agreed to a “full and immediate ceasefire” following negotiations mediated by the United States.
The U.S. and China agreed to suspend most tariffs for 90 days following high-stakes weekend trade negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland over the weekend.
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