Key Facts: US Threatens to Abandon Ukraine Peace Efforts
4h · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: reuters.com
  • The United States will abandon its peace negotiations with Russia and Ukraine if no progress is made in the coming days.

  • Trump and Rubio emphasized the urgency of finding a solution quickly, as Washington's patience is running thin.
  • We're not going to continue with this endeavour for weeks and months on end.— Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, stated this after meeting with European and Ukrainian leaders in Paris.
  • While diplomatic talks in Paris received positive feedback, both the U.S. and Ukraine are showing signs of frustration over the negotiations.

  • The next round of talks is scheduled for London, with Ukraine prepared to accept a comprehensive ceasefire.
Maryland dad Abrego Garcia moved out of brutal El Salvador jail but remains behind bars, says senator who met with him
independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/van-hollen-kilmar-meeting-moved-cecot-b2735887.html
Maryland dad Abrego Garcia moved out of brutal El Salvador jail but ...
Key Facts: Abrego Garcia Transferred from Notorious CECOT Prison
46m · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: newsweek.com
  • Kilmar Abrego Garcia has been moved from the notorious CECOT prison to a lower-security detention facility, according to Senator Chris Van Hollen.

  • During a meeting, Abrego Garcia expressed the trauma he experienced while incarcerated, despite improved conditions in his new location.
  • "Millions of Americans understand that what is happening to him is a threat to their own constitutional rights."— Senator Chris Van Hollen discussing the implications of Kilmar Abrego Garcia's case for constitutional rights.
  • He remains in isolation without communication access, while the Salvadoran vice president confirmed there was no evidence of any crime committed by Abrego Garcia.

  • Van Hollen condemned the Salvadoran government, stating that Abrego Garcia's case poses a threat to the constitutional rights of all Americans.
Katy Perry's Blue Origin space mess shows the world is fed up with entitled celebs who think they are owed adoration
nypost.com/2025/04/17/entertainment/katy-perry-space-mess-shows-the-world-is-fed-up-with-entitled-celebs-who-think-they-are-owed-adoration/
Katy Perry's Blue Origin space mess shows the world is fed up with ...
Key Facts: Duffy Clarifies: Perry's Astronaut Status in Question
9h · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: arstechnica.com
  • US Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy stated that FAA guidelines specify only crewmembers who demonstrate essential activities for public safety during flight can identify as astronauts.

  • Duffy asserted that the recent Blue Origin passengers, including Katy Perry, do not meet FAA astronaut criteria.
  • "The crew who flew to space this week on an automated flight by Blue Origin were brave and glam, but you cannot identify as an astronaut. They do not meet the FAA astronaut criteria."— Sean Duffy, the Secretary of the US Department of Transportation, shared his thoughts on social media regarding astronaut identification.
  • The FAA previously indicated it would not determine who qualifies as an astronaut and ceased issuing astronaut wings in 2021.

  • From 2022, the FAA will only recognize individuals who reach 50 miles above Earth on an approved launch, without issuing specific wings.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said this week that the threat of political "retaliation is real" under President Donald Trump as she expressed ... Show more
Key Facts: Murkowski Warns Against Trump's Political Retaliation
Apr 18 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: reuters.com
  • Senator Lisa Murkowski revealed that the threat of political retaliation from President Trump is significant enough to make her uncomfortable speaking out.

  • As one of the few Republicans willing to criticize Trump's policies, she addressed concerns at a summit, highlighting the fear many have about ongoing changes.
  • "We are all afraid."— Senator Lisa Murkowski made this statement at a summit of nonprofit and tribal leaders in Alaska.
  • Murkowski denounced the Trump administration's approach to policy changes and expressed her intention to oppose severe cuts to the Medicaid program.

  • Her remarks were met with applause, emphasizing her commitment to advocate for those who feel anxious.
Trump suggests he could remove US Fed Reserve Chair Jerome Powell: “If I want him out, he’ll be out of there real fast, believe me," Trump said in the Oval ...
euronews.com/business/2025/04/18/trump-suggests-he-could-remove-us-fed-reserve-chair-jerome-powell
Trump suggests he could remove US Fed Reserve Chair Jerome Powell
Key Facts: Trump Considers Dismissing Fed Chair Powell
1h · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: reuters.com
  • White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett confirmed that Trump is exploring the possibility of firing Jerome Powell, the Federal Reserve Chair.

  • Tensions have escalated as Trump accuses Powell of hindering the economy by maintaining high interest rates.
  • The Fed really owes it to the American people to get interest rates down. That's the only thing he's good for.— Donald Trump comments on Jerome Powell and the Fed's interest rate policy.
  • Powell stated he cannot be removed and intends to serve until his term ends in May 2026.

  • Economists and investors are concerned about the implications for the Fed's credibility and global markets if Trump attempts to dismiss Powell.
Meloni says Trump accepted invitation to visit Italy: Meloni tells Trump she wants to “make the West great again”. Italy's prime minister Giorgia Meloni ...
wantedinrome.com/news/meloni-trump-accepts-invitation-to-visit-italy.html
Meloni says Trump accepted invitation to visit Italy
Key Facts: Meloni and Trump Strengthen Transatlantic Relations
11h · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: euronews.com
  • Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with US President Donald Trump at the White House to reaffirm the close relationship between Italy and the US.

  • Trump accepted an invitation for an official visit to Rome, which could include talks with EU representatives to promote dialogue between Washington and Brussels.
  • "Italy will announce at the next NATO summit that it will increase spending to 2 percent as requested."— Giorgia Meloni during a meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House.
  • Both leaders expressed optimism regarding trade agreements and the necessity for Italy to increase defense spending to the NATO target of 2%.

  • Migration, the conflict in Ukraine, and the Iranian nuclear agreement were also discussed, with Meloni and Trump expressing differing views on Ukraine.
Wendy’s issues ambiguous statement after backlash over Katy Perry tweet: ‘We always bring a little spice to our socials,’ Wendy’s said in a statement
independent.co.uk/life-style/wendys-katy-perry-blue-origin-space-b2735765.html
Wendy’s issues ambiguous statement after backlash over Katy Perry tweet
Astronomers have announced that they havedetected the most promising "hints" of potential life on a planet beyond our solar system ... Show more
US government continues to put Harvard under pressure: Harvard is one of the most important universities in the world. But for US President Trump ...
tagesschau.de/ausland/amerika/harvard-trump-100.html
US government continues to put Harvard under pressure
Key Facts: Harvard's Tax-Exempt Status Under Scrutiny
Apr 17 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: nytimes.com
  • The IRS is considering revoking Harvard's tax exemption, marking a significant escalation in the Trump administration's efforts to cut federal aid to the university.

  • President Trump publicly demanded that Harvard pay taxes, while IRS officials indicated that scrutiny of the university had begun prior to his call.
  • "Such an unprecedented action would endanger our ability to carry out our educational mission."— Harvard stated that there is no legal basis for rescinding its tax status.
  • Harvard rejected the claims and warned that revoking its tax status would harm its educational mission and reduce financial aid and research funding.

  • The pressure on Harvard is part of a broader campaign by the Trump administration to challenge the liberal bias at elite universities, threatening billions in federal funding.
Trump Officials Blame Mistake for Setting Off Confrontation With Harvard: An official on the administration’s antisemitism task force told the university that a ...
nytimes.com/2025/04/18/business/trump-harvard-letter-mistake.html
Trump Officials Blame Mistake for Setting Off Confrontation With Harvard
Key Facts: Trump-Harvard Conflict: Miscommunication Sparks Tension
8h · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: nytimes.com
  • Harvard received an unauthorized letter from the Trump administration containing extreme demands regarding hiring and curriculum.

  • The university felt compelled to publicly reject the demands, leading to a confrontation with the administration.
  • It was malpractice on the side of Harvard’s lawyers not to pick up the phone and call the members of the antisemitism task force who they had been talking to for weeks.— May Mailman, the White House senior policy strategist, commenting on Harvard's response to the Trump administration's demands.
  • A Trump official stated that the letter should not have been sent, creating confusion over internal processes.

  • The government's response included freezing funding, while Harvard highlighted the inappropriateness of the demands.
Key Facts: Shooting at Florida State University Claims Two Lives
19h · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: reuters.com
  • The shooter, Phoenix Ikner, son of a deputy sheriff, killed two people and injured four others before being shot by police.

  • Ikner had access to his mother's service weapon, which she had converted to a personal firearm.

  • The shooting occurred near the student union and marks the second such incident at FSU in 11 years.

  • Police shot the suspect when he failed to surrender during his arrest attempt.
Protesters say ‘No Taxes for Tyrants’ in rally, march through downtown Naperville
trib.al/sHmtu1m
Protesters say ‘No Taxes for Tyrants’ in rally, march through downtown ...
Toblerone dark chocolate bar discontinued in the UK: Mondelēz International, which owns the brand, says it took the "difficult decision" to axe the 360g bar.
bbc.com/news/articles/cy4v0jy925vo
Toblerone dark chocolate bar discontinued in the UK
Key Facts: Toblerone Dark Chocolate Discontinued in the UK
19h · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: bbc.com
  • The dark chocolate version of Toblerone has been discontinued after nearly 60 years.

  • Mondelēz International confirmed that the 360g bar will no longer be sold in the UK, attributing the decision to changing consumer tastes.
  • The rising prices were "driven primarily by poor harvests from the two biggest cocoa producing countries in the world that account for 60% of global cocoa production - Ghana and the Ivory Coast."— Claire Burnet, co-founder of Dorset-based premium chocolate company Chococo, explained the causes of rising chocolate prices.
  • Rising chocolate prices are linked to increasing cocoa prices and poor harvests in West Africa.

  • Chocolate prices rose by 13.6% in the year leading up to March, with Easter egg prices increasing by as much as 50%.
Trump on elite university: "Harvard is a joke, teaches hatred and stupidity": Former US President Joe Biden made his first major appearance after leaving the ...
derstandard.at/story/3000000265992/erster-grosser-auftritt-bidens-nach-abschied-vom-weissen-haus
Trump on elite university:
The Evidence Linking Kilmar Abrego Garcia to MS-13: A Chicago Bulls Hat and a Hoodie
theintercept.com/2025/04/18/trump-kilmar-abrego-garcia-ms13-gang-database/
The Evidence Linking Kilmar Abrego Garcia to MS-13: A Chicago Bulls Hat ...
Aussies say same thing over huge change: Move over Robert Irwin, another popular Aussie figure has gone public with his own impressive body transformation.
news.com.au/sport/cricket/jackson-warne-joins-robert-irwin-in-showing-off-insane-transformation/news-story/00455c638d54bf7b58e1d208dd08bf31
Aussies say same thing over huge change
She has been the lead designer for an ambitious programme aimed at challenging the Western duopoly since 2023. (Link in comments)#china #boeing #airbus #scmp ... Show more
Chicago White Sox reliever Cam Booser on his time with the Boston Red Sox: ‘Those guys took a shot on me.’
chicagotribune.com/2025/04/18/chicago-white-sox-boston-red-sox-cam-booser/
Chicago White Sox reliever Cam Booser on his time with the Boston Red Sox: ...
Barnes & Noble opening new Naperville location Wednesday: Wednesday marks the opening of Barnes & Noble’s new Naperville location at 9 W. Jackson Ave ...
chicagotribune.com/2025/04/17/barnes-noble-naperville-opening-kubica/
Barnes & Noble opening new Naperville location Wednesday
Things got WILD in the Chicago Cubs win at Wrigley Field on Friday!
Everything we know about Outlander: Blood Of My Blood from release date, trailer, cast and plot
dailyrecord.co.uk/tv/everything-know-outlander-blood-blood-35081302
Everything we know about Outlander: Blood Of My Blood from release date ...
Pamela Maass: Chicago’s beloved street festivals are struggling to survive: Unlike city-produced music festivals, Chicago street festivals receive no city ...
chicagotribune.com/2025/04/18/opinion-chicago-street-festivals-struggles/
Pamela Maass: Chicago’s beloved street festivals are struggling to survive
Key Facts: Awards Celebrate Wakefield Exchange and Gradient Mill
Apr 18 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: wakefieldexpress.co.uk
  • The new Wakefield Exchange building, Gradient Mill, and Tết restaurant were honored at the annual Wakefield Civic Society awards.

  • The awards were announced on April 10 at Wakefield Town Hall for projects started or completed in 2024.
  • "Our monthly dining club outings are always popular and well-supported."— Kevin Trickett, president of Wakefield Civic Society, discussing the popularity of the monthly dining club outings.
  • Recognitions included two categories: new builds and refurbishments, with the Yorkshire Dental Suite and the conversion of the former market hall among the winners.

  • Tết restaurant was voted Restaurant of the Year 2024 by the Dining Club members.
Column: Why aren’t the seats hotter for Chicago Bulls’ Artūras Karnišovas and Billy Donovan?
chicagotribune.com/2025/04/18/chicago-bulls-billy-donovan-arturas-karnisovas-hot-seat/
Column: Why aren’t the seats hotter for Chicago Bulls’ Artūras Karnišovas ...
The Chicago staffers of the U.S. Department of Labor’s federal contractor oversight agency were put on paid administrative leave this week ... Show more
MAVERICKS. GRIZZLIES. A spot in the #NBAPlayoffs presented by Google and a showdown with the West's #1 Thunder on the line tonight!#SoFiPlayIn action continues at ... Show more
"Welcome to the Show" feels like hanging out with friends in Lincoln Square: Derek Bish's free live talk show has been filling the backroom of The Getaway since ...
chicagotribune.com/2025/04/18/welcome-to-the-show/
Chicago 4/20 events celebrate use growing of cannabis: The cannabis holiday, named after a group of friends who used to meet regularly at 4:20 p.m. to get high. ...
chicagotribune.com/2025/04/18/420-cannabis-holiday-alcohol/
Chicago 4/20 events celebrate use growing of cannabis
The Arizona Diamondbacks scored 10 RUNS in the 8th inning and LOST to the Chicago Cubs 😳 The combined 16 runs in the 8th was the highest-scoring inning in the ... Show more
Why We Still Yearn for the 2005 Pride and Prejudice Movie: Joe Wright’s 2005 adaptation of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ is now back in theaters, still thrumming with ...
vulture.com/article/why-we-still-yearn-for-the-2005-pride-and-prejudice-movie.html
Why We Still Yearn for the 2005 Pride and Prejudice Movie
Let’s recap that 8th inning from Wrigley Field today 🤯
From buckets to impact, Cade Cunningham put it all on display this season 💥 Cade & the Detroit Pistons take the floor tomorrow for the First Round of the ... Show more
The Chicago Cubs are flying the W after a crazy back-and-forth game at Wrigley!
It has officially been two decades of people swooning over Mr. Darcy’s “hand flex.”
Trump Escalates Attacks on Harvard, Targeting International Students: The Trump administration is threatening to bar Harvard from enrolling foreign students ...
democracynow.org/2025/4/18/headlines/trump_escalates_attacks_on_harvard_targeting_international_students
Trump Escalates Attacks on Harvard, Targeting International Students
Jalen Brunson put together a season full of tough buckets, big shots, and smooth decision-making 😤 Watch Brunson & the New York Knicks battle the Detroit ... Show more
The Evanston City Council moved forward with plans for Evanston Township High School to place a student-built affordable single-family home in the 9th Ward.
Review: Chili's Big QP burger is similar to McDonald's Quarter Pounder: I attended Chili's New York City pop-up, where the chain launched its newest burger ...
businessinsider.com/review-chilis-big-qp-burger-fast-food-financing-event-2025-4
Review: Chili's Big QP burger is similar to McDonald's Quarter Pounder
Chicago Cubs: Michael Busch heating up at the plate: When Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch gets on a roll, it tends to be at a level that can carry the ...
chicagotribune.com/2025/04/18/chicago-cubs-kyle-busch-offense/
Chicago Cubs: Michael Busch heating up at the plate
At Cadbury’s Chocolate Factory in Bournville, England, Easter never ends—especially on the creme egg line, where about a million are made daily year-round ... Show more
U.S. Army Sgt. Ivor D. Thornton, 34, landed on Omaha Beach in Normandy in the second wave of the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944.
There Might Be a Sinister Reason Egg Prices Got So High. It’s Happened Before.: If you think it's all bird flu, think again.
slate.com/business/2025/04/egg-prices-justice-department-investigation.html
There Might Be a Sinister Reason Egg Prices Got So High. It’s Happened ...
Column: It’s a turbulent week for Chicago’s top sports executives, who could use a group hug
chicagotribune.com/2025/04/18/chicago-sports-executives-rough-week/
Column: It’s a turbulent week for Chicago’s top sports executives ...
Southland districts 'extremely vulnerable' to measles outbreaks: Illinois Department of Public Health shows measles vaccination rates for schools in Homer Glen ...
chicagotribune.com/2025/04/18/measles-vaccination-low-south-suburbs/
Southland districts 'extremely vulnerable' to measles outbreaks
Cuomo claimed that his past “intimate dealings” with the president would help him to deal with Trump head on in the future.
Welcome to Schrödinger’s Stock Market: United’s decision to give dueling earnings guidance is mind-bending for investors
wsj.com/finance/welcome-to-schrodingers-stock-market-a0c3cb8f
Welcome to Schrödinger’s Stock Market
Key Facts: US Airstrikes Kill 80 in Yemen
2h · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: firstpost.com
  • The death toll from the US strike on Yemen's Ras Isa port rose to 80, including civilians and rescue workers.

  • The Houthis vowed to retaliate and reported additional casualties following the attack.
  • "The American military buildup and continued aggression against our country will only lead to more counterattacks and attack operations, clashes and confrontations."— Yahya Saree, the Houthi military spokesperson, during a rebel-organized protest in the capital, Sana’a.
  • The strike was condemned as barbaric, with the US government indicating a willingness to continue military operations.

  • Iran and Hamas criticized the attacks and warned of escalating military conflict in the region.
The Milwaukee Bucks & Indiana Pacers have had BATTLES recently 😤 Check out the best from these two before their First Round of the #NBAPlayoffs presented by Google ... Show more
Chicago Sky: Hailey Van Lith eager to grow as a point guard: In predraft conversations, Hailey Van Lith felt that Chicago Sky coach Tyler Marsh and GM Jeff ...
chicagotribune.com/2025/04/18/hailey-van-lith-chicago-sky-angel-reese/
Chicago Sky: Hailey Van Lith eager to grow as a point guard
Xherdan Shaqiri is a prodigal son of Basel whose Champions League-winning career stalled in Major League Soccer.
Indiana-Illinois border bill heads to Gov. Braun’s desk: With final approval by the Indiana House Thursday, the Indiana-Illinois border bill passed both chambers ...
trib.al/fHIcnO6
Indiana-Illinois border bill heads to Gov. Braun’s desk
What to do in Chicago: Jeff Tweedy in concert, Mike Epps comedy tour and skating at Thalia Hall
trib.al/iVwvNoI
What to do in Chicago: Jeff Tweedy in concert, Mike Epps comedy tour and ...
GOP Accused Democrats of Politicizing IRS. Now Trump Wants It to Punish Harvard.: The president this week publicly raised the prospect of Harvard losing its ...
on.wsj.com/3RnzYqA
GOP Accused Democrats of Politicizing IRS. Now Trump Wants It to Punish ...
Two of the most powerful offenses go head-to-head in Chicago next! ⚾️ @Dbacks vs. @Cubs 📺 2pm ET/1pm CT on MLB Network
Chicago school board overturns firing of CPS worker accused of threats, harassment
chicagotribune.com/2025/04/18/chicago-school-board-overturns-firing/
Chicago school board overturns firing of CPS worker accused of threats ...
Will Johnson: What business can — and should — do for Chicago: Chicagoans view business leaders as a force for good: 44% said businesses and their executives ...
trib.al/PIy95EW
Will Johnson: What business can — and should — do for Chicago
How is Artūras Karnišovas charting a path for the Bulls to return to relevance? “I’m asking fans for patience,” he said Thursday ... Show more
Fit as a fiddle? At the beginning of the week, the White House made the public sit up and take notice: For the first time since 2020 ... Show more
Mayor Brandon Johnson reports bigger fundraising numbers, but so do potential opponents
trib.al/LEnWsyW
Mayor Brandon Johnson reports bigger fundraising numbers, but so do ...
John Wells didn’t choose the setting for “The Pitt” on a whim. Many shows are set in larger cities like Los Angeles, New York and Chicago ... Show more

post-gazette.com
Vintage Chicago Tribune: As McDonald’s turns 70, a look back at its suburban origins
trib.al/4RwWqq7
Vintage Chicago Tribune: As McDonald’s turns 70, a look back at its ...
California versus Trump: How likely is a Calexit?: 29 percent of the population currently want to secede from the USA. The US president's tariff policy is ...
sn.at/politik/weltpolitik/kalifornien-trump-wie-calexit-177095881
California versus Trump: How likely is a Calexit?
Today in Chicago History: New Comiskey Park opens: Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on April 18, according to the Tribune's archives.
chicagotribune.com/2025/04/18/chicago-history-april-18/
Today in Chicago History: New Comiskey Park opens
Trump wants agreement "very soon": Report: USA could recognize Crimea as Russian: The USA wants to quickly reach a deal to end the war in Ukraine. However ...
n-tv.de/politik/Bericht-USA-koennten-Krim-als-russisch-anerkennen-article25714469.html
Trump wants agreement
Key Facts: US Considers Acknowledging Crimea as Russian Territory
2h · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: n-tv.de
  • The US aims for a swift resolution to the Ukraine war, but Russia remains unyielding.

  • A report suggests that the US may be willing to recognize Crimea as Russian territory, interpreted as a signal from President Trump.
  • "If for some reason one of the two parties makes it very difficult, we will just say: You are dumb. You are fools, you are terrible people, and we will just leave it."— Donald Trump on the negotiations to end the Ukraine war at the White House.
  • Ukraine has yet to respond to these considerations but firmly rejects conceding occupied territories.

  • Trump emphasizes he will not pursue further mediation if neither side shows willingness to compromise.