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Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Category: World
August 19, 2025
News
World

Lawmaker Commits Suicide in Parliament.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Eemeli Peltonen, Member of Parliament (MP) for the Social Democratic Party of Finland (SDP), was found dead, reportedly from suicide, at the parliamentary building in Helsinki.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Eemeli Peltonen and fellow lawmakers, including Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Tuesday morning, at the Finnish Parliamentary building in Helsinki.

💬KEY QUOTE: “This is truly sad news… we wish strength to his family, loved ones, and colleagues. This deeply touches all of us.” – Prime Minister Petteri Orpo

🎯IMPACT: The Finnish government suspended political discussions for the day out of respect.

IN FULL

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has spearheaded tributes to Eemeli Peltonen, a 30-year-old Member of Parliament (MP) for the Social Democratic Party (SDP), who was found dead on Tuesday morning in Helsinki’s parliamentary building. Authorities suspect suicide as the cause of death.

Emergency services responded at 11:06 local time. Officials currently believe no criminal activity was involved.

Despite his young age, Peltonen had a lengthy political pedigree, having engaged in local government since his teens. Elected to Parliament in 2023, he previously edited the SDP’s party newspaper and chaired a city council. He had been on sick leave for much of 2025 due to kidney disease.

The Finnish Parliament, deviating from its usual policy of not publicizing suicides, announced Peltonen’s death on Tuesday afternoon. The parliamentary security director verified the cause when pressed. With Parliament on summer recess, many of Peltonen’s colleagues were absent from the building.

Prime Minister Orpo offered condolences, saying, “Some time ago, we received truly shocking news from Parliament, our common workplace. That one of our colleagues has passed away on Parliament premises. This is truly sad news… we wish strength to his family, loved ones, and colleagues. This deeply touches all of us.”

Out of respect, the government paused political discussions at its summer retreat for the day.

Image by Hteink.min.

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August 18, 2025
William Upton
War
World

Trump Wants Trialateral Meeting With Putin, Zelensky to End the War.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump says he hopes today’s bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and summit with major European leaders will result in a trilateral meeting between Zelensky, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and himself to negotiate an end to the war between the two Eastern European countries.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald J. Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the leaders of the United Kingdom (UK), France, Germany, NATO, and the European Union (EU).

📍WHEN & WHERE: The White House in Washington, D.C. on Monday, August 18, 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “If everything works out well today, we’ll have a trilat—and I think there will be a reasonable chance of ending the war when we do that.” — President Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: President Trump emphasized that any trilateral meeting must be aimed at securing an enduring and lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump has said he hopes today’s bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and summit with major European leaders will pave the way for a trilateral meeting between Zelensky, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and himself to negotiate an end to the war between the two Eastern European countries. Zelensky—and the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, NATO, and the European Union (EU)—gathered for an unprecedented summit at the White House on Monday after President Trump held bilateral discussions with Putin last Friday in what could mark a significant breakthrough towards ending the Ukraine war.

“If everything works out well today, we’ll have a trilat—and I think there will be a reasonable chance of ending the war when we do that,” President Trump said. The America First leader emphasized that any trilateral meeting must be aimed at securing an enduring and lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine.

While the last time Zelensky met with Trump at the White House, the meeting erupted into a diplomatic row, with the Ukrainian leader aggressively arguing with Vice President J.D. Vance on live television, Zelensky appeared far calmer and conciliatory this time. Since their initial rocky start, Trump and Zelensky have held several meetings, including one at the Vatican.

Last Friday, President Trump met with Putin at an American military base in Alaska. The leaders discussed a potential trilateral meeting and possible Russian concessions to end the conflict.

Movement by Russia on its demands and openness to Ukraine receiving security guarantees from the West are believed to have sparked today’s Ukrainian bilateral and European summit in Washington, D.C.

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August 15, 2025
War
World

Blackwater Boss Sending Hundreds of Men to Combat Haitian Gangs.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Nearly 200 private contractors from Vectus Global, a firm led by former U.S. Navy SEAL and Blackwater founder Erik Prince, will be deployed to Haiti under a one-year deal to combat gang violence.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Vectus Global, Erik Prince, Haitian government officials, Haitian National Police, and United Nations-backed Kenyan police officers.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The deployment to Haiti is set to begin soon and will last for one year.

🎯IMPACT: The deployment aims to assist Haiti in reclaiming gang-controlled areas, but concerns remain over potential legal and sovereignty issues.

IN FULL

The private security firm Vectus Global, led by former U.S. Navy SEAL and Blackwater founder Erik Prince, will deploy nearly 200 contractors to Haiti under a one-year deal to combat gang violence. The move is intended to help Haiti’s government recover territory seized by heavily armed gangs in recent years.

The contractors, who will come from America, Europe, and other regions, are expected to support Haiti’s National Police and a United Nations (UN)-backed mission led by Kenyan police officers. This mission has struggled to suppress gang violence due to limited personnel and funding. According to a UN report, the mission currently has 991 personnel but requires 2,500 to meet its goals.

The U.S. government has denied any involvement in hiring Vectus Global for this mission. A Trump administration official clarified that the U.S. is neither funding the contract nor exercising oversight. Haiti’s government has not commented on the arrangement.

Haiti has been plagued by escalating gang violence, with the Viv Ansanm gang federation playing a significant role. This group, designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) by the United States, has been responsible for large-scale attacks, including prison raids and the temporary closure of Haiti’s main international airport.

Over 1,500 people were killed and more than 600 injured in gang-related violence in Haiti from April to June of this year, according to the UN.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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August 12, 2025
Politics
World

Trump State Department Slams South Africa for ‘Extrajudicial Killings’ of White Farmers.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The U.S. State Department reported a significant worsening of human rights in South Africa, highlighting extrajudicial killings and repression of the white minority.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The U.S. State Department, the South African government, Afrikaners, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The report was released Tuesday, referencing events in South Africa over the last several years.

💬KEY QUOTE: “This act could enable the government to seize ethnic minority Afrikaners’ agricultural property without compensation.” – U.S. State Department Report, referring to legislation authorizing land expropriation without compensation.

🎯IMPACT: The findings raise international scrutiny over South Africa’s government policies and the treatment of Afrikaner farmers.

IN FULL

The U.S. State Department’s annual human rights report has highlighted a significant deterioration in conditions within South Africa, particularly focusing on extrajudicial killings and the repression of racial minorities, including white Afrikaner farmers. The findings were released as part of the 2025 report on Tuesday.

The report cited instances where South African police were involved in shootings resulting in the deaths of suspects. For example, in April, at least 40 criminal suspects were killed in shootouts, and in September, six suspects wanted for homicide and extortion were shot by Durban police. Watchdog groups have pointed to deaths in custody often stemming from abuse, neglect, or lack of medical care.

Additionally, the report highlighted the ongoing violence against Afrikaner farmers, referencing data from Agence France-Presse that recorded 447 murders on farms and smallholdings between October 2023 and September 2024. It criticized the extremist political party Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) for inciting attacks on Afrikaner farmers, including the revival of the controversial song “Kill the Boer [Farmer]” at rallies.

The Expropriation Bill of 2024 was also criticized, as it allows the government to seize land without compensation. The report warned that such measures could disproportionately target Afrikaner farmers, exacerbating violence and dismantling opportunities in employment, education, and business for the ethnic minority.

President Donald J. Trump, who met with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in May, has been outspoken on the issue, saying that white Afrikaner farmers are being targeted and forced off their land.

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August 12, 2025
World

Australia Becomes Latest U.S. Ally to Back Palestinian Statehood.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced plans to officially recognize a Palestinian state during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Prime Minister Albanese, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Israeli Ambassador Amir Maimon.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Announcement made Monday in the Australian capital of Canberra, with formal recognition planned for September at the UN General Assembly.

💬KEY QUOTE: “A two-state solution remains the best hope for ending the violence in the Middle East and alleviating the suffering in Gaza.” – Anthony Albanese

🎯IMPACT: Israel has strongly opposed the move, warning it rewards terrorism, while Australia’s opposition cautions it could harm relations with the U.S.

IN FULL

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Monday that Australia will officially recognize a Palestinian state during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September. The decision has drawn sharp criticism from Israel, which has labeled the move as a reward for terrorism.

“A two-state solution remains the best hope for ending the violence in the Middle East and alleviating the suffering in Gaza,” Albanese said during a press conference in the Australian capital of Canberra. The announcement aligns Australia with other Western nations such as France, Canada, and the United Kingdom, which have also pledged recognition of a Palestinian state at the summit.

Israeli Ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon quickly condemned the move, stating, “We reject this recognition.” Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong defended the decision, arguing that recognition was a matter of “when, not if,” and warning that “there is a risk there will be no Palestine left to recognize” without prompt action.

The decision has also sparked backlash from Australia’s opposition Liberal Party, which leans towards the center-right, with leader Sussan Ley warning that it risks damaging the close relationship between Australia and the U.S. “Despite the Prime Minister’s remarks, the reality is that this recognition comes while hostages are still held in Gaza and Hamas remains in power,” Ley said.

The Trump administration has previously voiced opposition to France’s stated intention to recognize Palestinian statehood.

Image by Matt Hrkac.

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August 11, 2025
Economy
World

Trump Strikes Deal With Nvidia, AMD: Share of China Chip Sales Will Go to U.S. Government.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Nvidia and AMD agreed to pay 15 percent of their China chip sales revenues to the U.S. government in exchange for export licenses.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Nvidia, AMD, the Trump administration, and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The export licenses were granted last week, following negotiations earlier this year.

🎯IMPACT: This unprecedented revenue-sharing arrangement changes the nature of U.S. export policy but may have implications for national security.

IN FULL

Nvidia and AMD, major chipmakers, have reportedly agreed to allocate 15 percent of their China chip sale revenues to the U.S. government to secure export licenses from the Trump administration. The White House finalized an agreement with Nvidia and AMD, mandating a 15 percent revenue share from their chip sales in China to obtain export licenses for the Chinese market, issued last week.

Sources, including a U.S. official, indicate Nvidia will contribute 15 percent of its H20 chip sales revenue in China, and AMD will do the same for its MI308 chip sales. The administration’s use of these funds remains undecided.

This deal marks a first, as no U.S. company has previously agreed to share revenues for export licenses. It reflects President Trump’s approach of encouraging companies to invest domestically to boost U.S. jobs and revenue in exchange for tariff exemptions.

While in Beijing, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang lauded Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) advancements at the International Supply Chain Expo, specifically praising DeepSeek’s AI research, saying, “It is incredibly well written. It is absolutely A-plus quality science and A-plus quality engineering.”

DeepSeek’s creators are believed to have achieved the AI’s current performance by acquiring more American chips than they were supposed to and misrepresenting its technical specifications.

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August 8, 2025
Christopher Tomlinson
Politics
World

Poland’s New Conservative President Rails Against Illegal Migration and the EU.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Poland’s new conservative President Karol Nawrocki assumed office this week, using his inaugural speech to rail against illegal immigration and his opposition to Poland joining the euro.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Polish President Karol Nawrocki, European Union (EU).

📍WHEN & WHERE: President Nawrocki made his comments after assuming office on August 6.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Traditional values and legitimate authority prevail when citizens defend their identity and future.” — Karol Nawrocki.

🎯IMPACT: The election marks a shift back to the conservative right in Poland, which split over the Ukraine conflict and lost the last national elections in 2023.

IN FULL

Conservative Karol Nawrocki was officially sworn in as President of Poland on August 6. In his inaugural address, he stressed his administration’s focus on national sovereignty, security, and the defense of traditional values.

At the center of his speech were firm positions on illegal immigration and monetary policy. Nawrocki reaffirmed his opposition to illegal immigration and to Poland joining the eurozone, stating that these stances are aligned with principles that “prioritize social stability and order.”

Nawrocki, a historian and former head of the Institute of National Remembrance, won the presidency with 50.89 percent of the vote in the second round of elections held on June 1, 2025. His candidacy was backed by the conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party, the former governing party of Poland prior to the 2023 national elections.

His inauguration marks a significant political shift in Poland. Nawrocki has presented his victory as a rejection of policies emanating from Brussels, calling out what he described as the “impositions of European bureaucracy” and defending what he views as Poland’s cultural and political autonomy.

According to official statements from his campaign, the election outcome is interpreted as a “strong message against globalist policies that threaten the traditional social fabric.”

In his address, Nawrocki pledged to implement several domestic reforms, including reducing the value-added tax (VAT) from 23 percent to 22 percent and instituting tax exemptions for families with two or more children. He described these initiatives as a means of reinforcing “the family as a fundamental pillar of society.”

On economic policy, Nawrocki signaled opposition to “excessive regulation of cryptocurrencies” and committed to addressing “unfair competition” within the Polish economy. His campaign has framed these efforts as part of a broader “pragmatic and patriotic approach.”

The new president’s remarks also conveyed a message to the European Union, asserting that “sovereign peoples will not yield to agendas that undermine their traditions and security.” His administration is expected to take a more confrontational stance toward EU institutions than his predecessor.

Supporters argue that the election result reaffirms Poland’s commitment to conservative principles and national self-determination. “Traditional values and legitimate authority prevail when citizens defend their identity and future,” Nawrocki said in closing.

Meanwhile, political analysts say the result represents a significant setback for Poland’s left-leaning and pro-European parties, which Nawrocki’s allies have accused of promoting a “globalist agenda and disdain for traditions.”

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August 8, 2025
War
World

China’s Xi Speaks With Putin Ahead of Possible U.S.-Russia Summit.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Presidents Donald J. Trump and Vladimir Putin are set to hold their first face-to-face summit in the coming days, with discussions anticipated to address the Ukraine conflict. Prior to the summit, China’s Xi Jinping spoke with the Russian leader, suggesting pressure for a peace deal may be building.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and Xi Jinping.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The meeting between the American and Russian leaders could take place within days, following a phone call between Putin and Xi Jinping on Friday.

💬KEY QUOTE: “China welcomes Russia-US contacts, improving relations and advancing political settlement of Ukrainian crisis.” – Xi Jinping via CCTV

🎯IMPACT: The summit could potentially lead to progress in resolving the Ukraine crisis and impact ongoing sanctions and economic tensions.

IN FULL

A possible face-to-face bilateral summit with U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin appears to be gaining momentum toward realization. Putin discussed the matter with Chinese President Xi Jinping on a phone call today, suggesting the Russian overture could be more than a tactic to delay American secondary sanctions on Russia’s shadow oil fleet.

During their conversation, Putin updated Xi on recent communications between the U.S. and Russia. According to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, Putin expressed a desire to maintain close coordination with China. Russian media echoed these sentiments. Xi, in turn, welcomed the dialogue between Russia and the U.S. and reiterated China’s support for efforts aimed at a political resolution to the Ukraine conflict.

“China welcomes Russia-US contacts, improving relations and advancing political settlement of Ukrainian crisis,” Xi Jinping was quoted as saying by CCTV. He further emphasized the importance of nuanced solutions to complex problems and reaffirmed China’s commitment to fostering dialogue to resolve regional disputes.

This call followed the Kremlin’s announcement on Thursday that Putin had reached out to Trump and requested to meet soon to discuss a potential end to the Ukraine war. Trump had previously set a Friday deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire, warning of expanded sanctions if no progress was made. It remains to be seen whether the summit will influence these plans or alter the U.S. approach to sanctions.

The Russian move follows President Trump’s announcement that the U.S. will increase tariffs on India to a total rate of 50 percent over the country’s continued purchase of Russian oil. While India and China remain regional rivals, China—facing economic strain at home—is likely seeking its own offramp from aiding Russia’s conflict in Ukraine.

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August 7, 2025
Economy
World

Hey Jerome Powell! Even the Bank of England Just Cut Rates…

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Bank of England cut interest rates by 0.25 percentage points to four percent after a rare second round of voting by the Monetary Policy Committee. The move will likely reverberate across the Atlantic, where U.S. President Donald J. Trump continues pushing Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell to cut rates.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The Monetary Policy Committee, including Governor Andrew Bailey and external member Alan Taylor, who changed his vote during the second round.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The decision was announced in the UK on August 7, 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “We’ve cut interest rates today, but it was a finely balanced decision,” said BoE’s governor Andrew Bailey.

🎯IMPACT: The pound rose 0.5 percent against the dollar, and two-year gilt yields climbed six basis points to 3.88 percent after the announcement.

IN FULL

In a decision that required an unprecedented second round of voting, the Bank of England reduced its interest rate by 0.25 percentage points to four percent. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) initially failed to achieve a majority consensus, resulting in a second vote where Alan Taylor shifted his stance to support the reduction.

The final vote was close, with five members backing the cut and four preferring no change. The decision marks the first time in the panel’s 28-year history that two rounds of voting were necessary to reach a conclusion on rates.

Governor Andrew Bailey stated, “We’ve cut interest rates today, but it was a finely balanced decision.” He emphasized that future rate reductions would be made “gradually and carefully,” with the timing dependent on easing disinflationary pressures.

The announcement caused immediate market reactions, as the pound rose 0.5 percent against the dollar to $1.3428, and two-year gilt yields increased by six basis points to 3.88 percent. Traders have adjusted their expectations for future rate cuts accordingly. The decision comes amid a challenging economic environment of high inflation and weak growth. The Bank of England has warned that food prices will push inflation further above target in the near term, with a predicted peak of four percent in September.

Notably, the decision to slash rates comes as U.S. President Donald J. Trump continues his own campaign to push Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell to cut interest rates as well. Powell is currently facing increased scrutiny over the ballooning Federal Reserve renovation costs, and a revolt among some Fed members who are backing Trump’s call for a rate cut.

While the Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) declined to reduce borrowing rates in July, they are anticipated to back a rate cut at its upcoming September meeting.

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August 7, 2025
Economy
World

India’s Modi Remains Defiant In Face of Trump’s 50% Tariff.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 50 percent tariff on Indian goods, prompting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to defend the nation’s farmers and industries.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, U.S. President Donald Trump, India’s foreign ministry, and industry leaders.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The announcement was made on Wednesday, with Modi responding on Thursday during an event in New Delhi.

💬KEY QUOTE: “India will never compromise on the well-being of its farmers, dairy [sector], and fishermen. And I know personally I will have to pay a heavy price for it.” — Narendra Modi

🎯IMPACT: The tariffs have strained U.S.-India relations, triggered domestic pressure on Modi, and raised concerns among Indian industries and investors.

IN FULL

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to protect the interests of the nation’s farmers, fishermen, and dairy sector amid a significant tariff hike announced by U.S. President Donald J. Trump. Speaking at an event in New Delhi on Thursday, Modi declared, “India will never compromise on the well-being of its farmers, dairy [sector], and fishermen. And I know personally I will have to pay a heavy price for it.”

Trump’s decision to impose a 50 percent tariff on Indian goods, effective August 28, is reportedly aimed at penalizing India for its continued purchase of Russian oil. The tariff increase follows the collapse of trade talks between the two nations after five rounds of negotiations failed to resolve disagreements over India’s farm and dairy sectors and its oil imports from Russia.

India’s foreign ministry has criticized the tariff hike as “extremely unfortunate” and pledged to take “all necessary steps to protect its national interests.” Dammu Ravi, secretary of economic relations in India’s foreign ministry, described the move as lacking logic, stating, “This is a temporary aberration, a temporary problem that the country will face, but in course of time, we are confident that the world will find solutions.”

The tariffs have sparked domestic calls for a strong response, with both Modi’s supporters and opposition leaders urging him to act decisively. Congress party president Mallikarjun Kharge emphasized, “India’s national interest is supreme. Any nation that arbitrarily penalizes India for its time-tested policy of strategic autonomy… does not understand the steel frame India is made of.”

Indian industry leaders have expressed alarm over the economic impact of the tariffs. Sudhir Sekhri, chairman of the Apparel Export Promotion Council, warned, “There is no way the industry can absorb such a steep hike.”

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