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Category: News
April 29, 2025
Jack Montgomery
War
World

Leavitt: Ukraine ‘Needs to Sign’ Rare Earth Minerals Deal.

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What Happened: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed President Trump’s confidence in securing a rare earth minerals deal with Ukraine, stressing its importance for both nations despite past tensions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Who’s Involved: Karoline Leavitt, President Donald J. Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and The National Pulse’s political editor Will Upton.

Where & When: White House press briefing, Washington, D.C., on April 29, 2025.

Key Quote: Leavitt stated, “Ukraine needs to sign it, they should sign it,” emphasizing the deal’s benefits for both the U.S. and Ukraine’s post-war recovery.

Impact: The anticipated deal could strengthen U.S. access to critical minerals while aiding Ukraine’s rebuilding efforts, though past diplomatic friction with Zelensky highlights challenges in finalizing the agreement.

IN FULL:

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed on Tuesday that President Donald J. Trump is “confident” that a deal on rare earth minerals with Ukraine will be signed, adding that the Ukrainian government “needs” to sign the agreement and that it will benefit the Ukrainian people.

Responding to a question from Will Upton, The National Pulse’s political editor, on the progress of a deal between the Trump administration and the Ukrainian government on U.S. access to rare earth minerals in the Eastern European country, Leavitt said, “The President is confident that it will be signed.”

“Ukraine needs to sign it, they should sign it,” she continued, explaining the agreement is “not just good for the United States, to recoup the billions of tax dollars we’ve spent and onshore some of those critical minerals, but certainly it’s good for the Ukrainian people when this war is over to rebuild their country.”

“It’s an economic partnership between the United States and Ukraine; that’s what the President envisions, and he wants Ukraine to sign that deal, and he’s confident that they will,” she added.

Previously, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky caused friction with the Trump administration by telling Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio he was receptive to a rare earth minerals deal in private, only to brief the media that it was an unacceptable shakedown in public.

After being called out for his behavior, Zelensky visited the White House prepared to sign documents related to a rare earth mineral deal, but this was postponed after he started an argument with Vice President Vance in the Oval Office over the need for a diplomatic resolution to the Ukraine war, leading to a tense exchange with President Trump.

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April 29, 2025
Economy
News

UPS Cuts 20,000 Jobs as Amazon Reduces Shipments.

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❓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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April 29, 2025
Jack Montgomery
Immigration
Politics

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

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❓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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April 29, 2025
News
World

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

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❓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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April 29, 2025
Health
News

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

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❓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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April 29, 2025
News

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

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❓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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April 28, 2025
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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April 28, 2025
Jack Montgomery
War
World

Aircraft Carrier Loses Fighter Jet at Sea, May Have Been Under Houthi Fire.

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❓What Happened:

The USS Harry S. Truman lost an F/A-18E Super Hornet and a tow tractor overboard in the Red Sea on April 28, 2025, possibly while evading Houthi fire during a sharp turn.

👥 Who’s Involved: U.S. Navy personnel aboard the USS Harry S. Truman, Carrier Air Wing 1, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136, and Houthi forces in Yemen.

📍 Where & When: Red Sea, during operations aboard the USS Harry S. Truman on April 28, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: The U.S. Navy stated, “The F/A-18E was being towed in the hangar bay when the move crew lost control of the aircraft, resulting in both the Super Hornet and the tow tractor going overboard.”

⚠️ Impact: The incident, potentially linked to Houthi aggression, underscores the risks faced by U.S. naval forces in the region, reinforcing the need for a robust military response to protect American assets.

IN FULL:

The USS Harry S. Truman lost a valuable F/A-18E Super Hornet and a tow tractor overboard in the Red Sea on April 28, 2025, an incident that may have been triggered by evasive action against Houthi fire. The U.S. Navy reported, “The F/A-18E was being towed in the hangar bay when the move crew lost control of the aircraft, resulting in both the Super Hornet and the tow tractor going overboard.” While the Navy has launched an investigation into the mishap, unconfirmed reports suggest the carrier executed a sharp turn to evade Houthi attacks, highlighting the escalating threats faced by American forces in the region.

The F/A-18E belonged to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136, part of Carrier Air Wing 1 embarked on the USS Harry S. Truman. Quick action by the tow crew ensured all personnel moved clear before the aircraft fell into the sea. All personnel were accounted for, with one sailor sustaining a minor injury. Despite the loss, the Navy emphasized that the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, which includes the flagship USS Harry S. Truman, Carrier Air Wing 1’s nine squadrons, three guided-missile destroyers from Destroyer Squadron 28, and the USS Gettysburg (CG 64), remains fully mission capable.

The potential Houthi involvement in this incident aligns with their recent aggression against U.S. assets in the Red Sea. The Houthis claimed attacks on the USS Harry S. Truman in March 2025, using ballistic missiles and drones, though no damage was reported. The Iran-backed group has also targeted the USS Carl Vinson, with strikes reported earlier in April 2025.

The Houthis have seriously disrupted shipping routes since 2023, claiming solidarity with Palestinians, and their actions have prompted U.S. retaliatory strikes, including operations involving Super Hornets.

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April 28, 2025
News
Politics

Dem Rep. Gerry Connolly to Retire Following Cancer Return.

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❓What Happened: Representative Gerry Connolly (D-VA) announced that his cancer has returned, leading him to decide against seeking reelection. In addition, Connolly announced on Monday that he would be stepping down as the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee.

👥 Who’s Involved: Rep. Connolly, a Democrat from Virginia, who was the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee.

📍 Where & When: Connolly’s announcement came via social media on Monday, April 28.

💬 Key Quote: Connolly stated, “After grueling treatments, we’ve learned that the cancer, while initially beaten back, has now returned. I’ll do everything possible to continue to represent you and thank you for your grace.”

⚠️ Impact: Connolly will step away from his position as ranking member of the House Oversight Committee and will not run for office again, ending his 15-year congressional tenure.

IN FULL:

Representative Gerry Connolly (D-VA) announced he will be stepping down as the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee and will not seek re-election. The Virginia Democrat who has served for 15 years in Congress revealed in a social media post on Monday that his esophageal cancer has returned.

“After grueling treatments, we’ve learned that the cancer, while initially beaten back, has now returned,” Connolly wrote on X (formerly Twitter). The Democratic Congressman continued: “I’ll do everything possible to continue to represent you and thank you for your grace.”

“The sun is setting on my time in public service, and this will be my last term in Congress,” Connolly said, adding: “With no rancor and a full heart, I move into this final chapter full of pride in what we’ve accomplished together over 30 years.”

Connolly had initially revealed his battle with esophageal cancer in November 2024, undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The Virginia Democrat’s national political journey began with his election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008, serving the 11th district of Virginia for nine terms. Before his federal career, Connolly spent 14 years on the Fairfax Board of Supervisors.

Rep. Connolly is a noted foe of President Donald J. Trump and one of the more vocally partisan Democrats in the House of Representatives. During former President Joe Biden’s lawfare campaign against Trump, the Virginia Congressman pushed a proposal to rename a federal prison after Trump—a subtle reference to Democratic Party efforts to see the America First leader imprisoned.

In December 2024, Connolly defeated the far-left Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) for the ranking member seat on the House Oversight Committee. Now that he is stepping aside, the self-described New York “democratic socialist” may once again pursue the coveted committee seat.

Image by April Brady/Project on Middle East Democracy.

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April 28, 2025
War

Putin Declares Temporary Ceasefire in Ukraine.

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❓What Happened: Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a three-day ceasefire in Ukraine next month for “humanitarian reasons.”

👥 Who’s Involved: Vladimir Putin, Donald J. Trump, and Volodymyr Zelensky.

📍 Where & When: Ukraine, a pause in hostilities starting May 8 for 72 hours.

💬 Key Quote: “Maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war, he’s just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently,” President Trump remarked.

⚠️ Impact: Continued uncertainty over the potential effectiveness of the ceasefire and its influence on U.S.-backed truce efforts.

IN FULL:

On April 28, the Kremlin announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for a three-day pause in hostilities in Ukraine next month. This decision marks the second instance in two weeks that Russia has promised a temporary cessation of its military operations. The ceasefire is set to begin on May 8 and last for 72 hours, coinciding with the May 9 celebrations in Russia commemorating the Soviet victory over Germany in World War II.

The announcement follows increased international pressure, particularly from U.S. President Donald J. Trump, who has been vocal in his demands for Russia to pause its military activities in Ukraine. In a recent social media post, President Trump emphatically appealed to President Putin to “STOP!” the bombardment.

“Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!” President Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

Trump has expressed skepticism about Putin’s intentions towards peace, questioning if the Russian leader is earnestly pursuing a resolution or merely stalling. In discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over the weekend, Trump openly questioned whether Putin genuinely wants to end the hostilities. Writing on Truth, the President speculated, “Maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war, he’s just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently, through ‘Banking’ or ‘Secondary Sanctions?'”

Ukraine has not yet publicly responded to the news of the planned ceasefire. Previously, Russia declined to agree to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, despite Ukraine’s acceptance of such terms. An earlier one-day truce declared by Putin to observe Easter failed to hold, though it reportedly led to a temporary reduction in violence.

Image via Wikimedia Commons.

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