Key Facts: Gayle King Defends Her Space Flight Experience
Apr 19 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: vulture.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: vulture.com
- Gayle King expressed disappointment over the criticism of her Blue Origin flight on April 14.
- She argues that the flight seeks to explore environmentally friendly solutions and challenges critics to share their experiences in space.
- King notes that some of her friends and celebrities, including Olivia Munn and Olivia Wilde, have labeled the flight as wasteful and harmful to the environment.
- She suggests that sexism influences the reactions and emphasizes the positive feedback she has received from many women and men.
If you’ve been and you still feel that way after you come back, please, let’s have a conversation.— Gayle King addressing critics of her space flight, suggesting that personal experience should inform their opinions.
Key Facts: Sen. Van Hollen Addresses Constitutional Crisis Over Trump
2h · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: nbcnews.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: nbcnews.com
- Senator Chris Van Hollen accused President Trump of leading the U.S. into a constitutional crisis by disregarding court orders in the Abrego Garcia case.
- Garcia, mistakenly deported to El Salvador, is at the center of a legal battle, with the Trump administration claiming it cannot assist in his return.
- Courts have sided with Garcia and the Democrats, recently ordering the Trump administration to facilitate his return.
- Van Hollen and other Democrats are seeking to increase pressure on the Salvadoran government while examining the financial implications of the Trump administration's policies.
If you have evidence, take it to the court. That’s where we litigate these things, and otherwise just shut up on social media.— Senator Chris Van Hollen, accusing members of the Trump administration of litigating through social media.
Key Facts: Nationwide Protests Target Trump Administration Policies
18h · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: nytimes.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: nytimes.com
- Thousands of demonstrators gathered across the U.S. on Saturday to protest President Trump's policies, focusing on immigration and civil rights.
- While turnout in cities like Washington and Chicago was smaller than previous protests, over 700 events took place from Jacksonville to Los Angeles.
- Protesters voiced concerns about various issues, including federal job cuts and minority rights, with many viewing the events as community-building experiences.
- In Concord, Massachusetts, some participants used a celebration of the American Revolution to protest against authoritarian tendencies, while others highlighted political divisions.
It’s an injustice.— Barry Knittle, 64, a manager at an engineering firm who lives in Mt. Kisco, N.Y., expressed his concerns regarding the political situation.
Key Facts: Ohtani and Wife Celebrate Birth of First Child
13h · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: reuters.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: reuters.com
- Shohei Ohtani and his wife Mamiko welcomed their first child, a girl, announcing the news via social media.
- Ohtani expressed gratitude to his wife, teammates, and medical professionals who supported them.
- He surprised many by revealing his marriage to Mamiko Tanaka, a former basketball player.
- Ohtani, who signed a 10-year contract with the Dodgers, is having a strong season with a .288 batting average and six home runs.
"Welcome to the Ohtani Family! I am so grateful to my loving wife who gave birth to our healthy beautiful daughter."— Shohei Ohtani, as he announced the birth of his daughter via social media.
Trump Justice Dept. weighs trying to undo Peter Navarro’s conviction: Two days after announcing tariff hikes championed by Navarro, the Trump administration said ...
wapo.st/3Gu13WK

Another round of anti-Trump protests hits US cities: In New York, people gathered outside the city's main library carrying signs targeting the US president with ...
ewn.co.za/2025/04/20/another-round-of-anti-trump-protests-hits-us-cities

White House Easter egg roll: How to watch the event that will use 30,000 real eggs
usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/04/20/white-house-easter-egg-roll-how-to-watch/83031071007/

Republican senator backs Powell over Trump attacks on Fed: Banking committee member John Kennedy says US central bank ‘ought to be independent’
ft.com/content/8fc4279c-7098-48d9-b21d-be24a42c1ae4

Trump tariffs: DHL suspends high value US deliveries : The postal giant will stop shipping packages to American consumers after a rise in red tape at customs.
bbc.com/news/articles/c1jx9ep5l63o

Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff compares Élysée Palace to Mar-a-Lago resort: Donald Trump’s presidential envoy Steve Witkoff compared Élysée Palace to the ...
independent.co.uk/tv/news/trump-elysee-mar-a-lago-steve-witkoff-b2735975.html

Trump and Xi are locked in a standoff over direct trade negotiations: The president’s refusal to allow informal diplomatic outreach to bridge the gap between the ...
politico.com/news/2025/04/19/trump-xi-china-trade-negotiations-00299645

Putin declares 'Easter truce' and says Russia will cease 'all military operations' until Monday
Ukraine war latest: Kremlin responds after Zelenskyy details Russian breaches of Putin's 'Easter truce'
news.sky.com/story/ukraine-war-trump-putin-zelenskyy-rubio-russia-moscow-kyiv-latest-12541713

Key Facts: Easter ceasefire claims disputed by Ukraine and Russia
56m · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: english.ahram.org.eg
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: english.ahram.org.eg
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported continued Russian attacks despite a declared truce for Easter.
- Russia's defense ministry countered, asserting that it repelled Ukrainian assaults and accused Kyiv of drone attacks that caused civilian casualties.
- Zelensky noted an increase in shelling and drone usage since the ceasefire began, while explosions were heard near the front lines.
- Both leaders expressed a desire for a longer ceasefire, but historical attempts at lasting truces have previously failed.
"Russia must fully comply with the conditions of the ceasefire."— Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky regarding the compliance with the ceasefire.
Key Facts: Boeing 737 MAX Returns to US Amid Tariff Disputes
5h · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: reuters.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: reuters.com
- A Boeing 737 MAX intended for China's Xiamen Airlines returned to Seattle on April 19, 2025, due to ongoing tariff disputes.
- This return signifies further disruptions in new aircraft deliveries arising from the US-China tariff war.
- President Trump raised tariffs on Chinese imports to 145%, prompting China to impose 125% tariffs on US goods, making jet deliveries economically unfeasible.
- Confusion over tariffs may leave many aircraft deliveries uncertain, with some airline CEOs indicating plans to defer deliveries to avoid duties.
Student could face ‘decades behind bars’ for alleged Tesla firebomb attack in Missouri
independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/tesla-cybertruck-arson-kansas-city-b2736181.html

Trump's Defense Department in turmoil - "total meltdown" at the Pentagon: Pete Hegseth's role as US Secretary of Defense is being questioned. He loses key staff ...
fr.de/politik/trumps-verteidigungsministerium-in-aufruhr-voellige-kernschmelze-im-pentagon-93691728.html

A thousand people line Vancouver intersection as part of anti-Trump, anti-Musk protest
columbian.com/news/2025/apr/19/a-thousand-people-line-vancouver-intersection-as-part-of-anti-trump-anti-musk-protest/

Key Facts: Massive Vancouver Protest Targets Trump and Musk
17h · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: columbian.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: columbian.com
- On April 19, 2025, around 1,000 people gathered at the intersection of Andresen Road and Fourth Plain Boulevard to protest the policies of President Donald Trump and advisor Elon Musk.
- Participants, organized by the group 50501, held up signs and received support from honking motorists.
- The event took place near a Tesla dealership and was part of a National Day of Action coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
- The group's next major event is scheduled for May 1 at Esther Short Park, focusing on immigrant and workers' rights.
We want to make sure that everyone’s voice is heard and work together to fight through the very real threat of fascism that we are facing here in America.— Kathleen Proudfoot, an organizer of the protest event, spoke about the importance of people's voices and the threat of fascism.
Sam Altman Admits That Saying "Please" and "Thank You" to ChatGPT Is Wasting Millions of Dollars in Computing Power
futurism.com/altman-please-thanks-chatgpt

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/

Key Facts: Duffy Clarifies: Perry's Astronaut Status in Question
Apr 19 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: arstechnica.com
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 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.
"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.
Federal Reserve officials are currently grappling with how to respond to President Trump's aggressive slate of new tariffs ... Show more
Key Facts: Powell Affirms Fed Will Not Intervene in Markets
Apr 19 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: finance.yahoo.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: finance.yahoo.com
- Jerome Powell, Chair of the Federal Reserve, made it clear that no short-term interest rate cuts or interventions in the bond market are expected.
- Responding to a question about a 'Fed put' in the stock market, Powell explicitly said 'no,' which dampened speculation about potential market intervention.
- Despite market uncertainties, Powell described the situation as 'orderly' as bond markets stabilized this week.
- Powell indicated that the Fed might prioritize controlling inflation, given that President Trump's tariffs are expected to impact both inflation and growth.
I'm going to say no.— Jerome Powell, Chair of the Federal Reserve, during an appearance at the Economic Club of Chicago when asked if there was a 'Fed put' in the stock market.
White House solicits corporate sponsors for its Easter Egg Roll event: Corporate sponsors for the usually apolitical event held on the White House South Lawn ...
npr.org/2025/04/19/g-s1-61377/white-house-easter-egg-roll-corporate-sponsors

Trump's approval rating on the economy drops to lowest of his presidential career, CNBC Survey finds
cnbc.com/2025/04/19/trumps-approval-rating-on-economy-drops-to-lowest-of-his-presidential-careerat-.html

Trump wants control of the Fed, but investors and economists prefer it stay independent. Here’s why
fastcompany.com/91319277/trump-wants-control-fed-investors-economists-prefer-stay-independent-heres-why

Trump threatens to withdraw the USA from Ukraine negotiations: US President Donald Trump has threatened to withdraw the USA from the Ukraine negotiations ...
sn.at/politik/weltpolitik/usa-friedensbemuehungen-ukraine-177095026

Trump wants to fire the head of the Federal Reserve: “Then he will introduce price controls”
fr.de/wirtschaft/trump-will-den-chef-der-zentralbank-feuern-danach-wird-er-preiskontrollen-einfuehren-zr-93691385.html

Tesla owner files class-action suit over warranty-voiding odometers: A Tesla owner is suing the company, claiming odometers were altered to end warranties faster ...
business-standard.com/companies/news/tesla-class-action-odometer-manipulation-model-y-warranty-fraud-125041900260_1.html

Volvo to Cut Up to 800 US Jobs Amid Tariff Uncertainty: Reuters: Volvo Group is preparing to lay off as many as 800 workers at three US sites in the coming ...
bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-19/volvo-to-cut-up-to-800-us-jobs-amid-tariff-uncertainty-reuters


‘Choose Europe!’: Macron invites scientists to work in France amid US funding cuts
france24.com/en/france/20250419-choose-europe-macron-invites-scientists-to-work-in-france-amid-us-funding-cuts

Key Facts: Macron Invites Scientists to Work in France
Apr 19 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: france24.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: france24.com
- President Macron encouraged scientists worldwide to come to France as the US cuts funding for universities and research.
- France announced the 'Choose France for Science' platform to support international researchers.
- The initiative will launch on May 5 with a dedicated application platform for international researchers.
- French universities can submit projects to host international researchers in areas like health, climate research, and artificial intelligence.
"Here in France, research is a priority, innovation a culture, science a limitless horizon. Researchers from all over the world, choose France, choose Europe!"— Emmanuel Macron, inviting scientists to work in France amid US funding cuts.
More wealthy Americans are opening Swiss bank accounts—this time, it’s about diversification, not secrecy.
Key Facts: Buick Faces Tariff Challenges Amid Sales Surge
Apr 19 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: reuters.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: reuters.com
- Buick's sales increased by 39% in the first quarter, driven by a refreshed SUV lineup.
- The top three selling models are manufactured abroad and face tariffs as high as 47.5%.
- Analysts warn that rising prices could jeopardize sales momentum and threaten Buick's future in the U.S.
- In addition to tariffs, Buick is struggling in China, where sales have declined by 65% since 2020.
If this momentum slows down, stalls or stops, then it’s not putting a nail in the coffin, but you're really ruining a good thing … it does dampen the dream of bringing back what was a very historic and important nameplate in the U.S. auto industry.— Ivan Drury, director of insights at research firm Edmunds, discussing the impact of tariffs on Buick's sales momentum.
Israeli strikes on Gaza kill more than 90 Palestinians: Israeli strikes in Gaza have killed more than 90 people in 48 hours. That's according to Gaza’s Health ...
apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-04-19-2025-5e80a0efc0b267515ec88aec4c3672d1

Tesla Pushes Back Launch of Affordable Model Y to 2026 Amid EV Market Shake-Up: The delay comes as Tesla faces plunging sales, intensifying competition and ...
cnet.com/roadshow/news/tesla-pushes-back-launch-of-affordable-model-y-to-2026-amid-ev-market-shakeup/

Key Facts: Tesla Delays Affordable Model Y Launch to 2026
Apr 19 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: cnet.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: cnet.com
- Tesla has postponed the launch of its affordable Model Y to late 2025 or early 2026, deviating from earlier commitments.
- The new model is expected to be a simplified version of the existing Model Y, designed to be around 20% cheaper to produce.
- Tesla aims to manufacture 250,000 of these SUVs in the US by 2026, with plans to expand production to China and Europe later.
- The competition in the affordable EV market is intensifying, prompting Tesla to adjust its strategy due to rising tariffs and market changes.
Intel's next-gen Nova Lake CPUs will seemingly use a new LGA1954 socket: Next-generation Nova Lake CPUs from Intel will reportedly require a new motherboard ...
tomshardware.com/pc-components/cpus/intels-next-gen-nova-lake-cpus-will-seemingly-use-a-new-lga1954-socket

Oil Traders Lurch From Praying for Volatility to Drowning in It
bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-19/oil-traders-lurch-from-praying-for-volatility-to-drowning-in-it


Elon Musk’s Handpicked IRS Chief Lasts Just 72 Hours: The IRS will soon be on its fourth acting executive—just three months into MAGA 2.0.
thedailybeast.com/elon-musks-handpicked-irs-chief-gary-shapley-lasts-just-72-hours/

Key Facts: IRS Chief Installed by Musk Ousted After 72 Hours
Apr 19 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: thedailybeast.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: thedailybeast.com
- Gary Shapley was removed after just 72 hours as the acting IRS chief.
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent complained about Shapley’s appointment, claiming it was made without his consent.
- Shapley, known for his testimony regarding Hunter Biden's finances, will remain at the IRS in a senior criminal investigation role.
- He is the third acting IRS executive during Trump's presidency, following Melanie Krause and Douglas O'Donnell.
A federal judge on Friday halted the mass firings carried out Thursday afternoon at the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ... Show more
Key Facts: Federal Judge Blocks Mass Firings at Consumer Bureau
Apr 19 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: reuters.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: reuters.com
- A federal judge has halted the mass firings at the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, citing concerns over potential violations of court orders by the Trump administration.
- Approximately 1,400 to 1,500 employees were dismissed, resulting in nearly 90% of the workforce being cut.
- A witness statement accused officials of disregarding court directives, while the personnel office labeled these allegations as false.
- The judge ordered the suspension of the dismissals until a determination is made regarding the legality of the actions, ensuring employees retain access to CFPB IT systems.
I am deeply concerned given the scope and speed of the agency's action ... about whether the agency is now in compliance with the preliminary injunction.— U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson said during a hearing called after Thursday's dismissals.
Nike Workout Shoes With Compression and Heating Will Cost $900: The Nike Hyperboot shoes will be available next month and are intended to help you warm up before ...
cnet.com/tech/nike-workout-shoes-with-compression-and-heating-will-cost-900/

Key Facts: Nike Hyperboots: Innovative Shoes Priced at $900
Apr 19 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: cnet.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: cnet.com
- Nike and Hyperice revealed the price and launch date for their new Hyperboots, available for $899 starting May 17.
- These advanced shoes integrate heating and air compression technology to warm and recover feet before and after workouts.
- The footwear features a dual-air bladder system that provides sequential compression, paired with thermally efficient heating elements.
- The battery lasts 1 to 1.5 hours on maximum heat and compression settings, or 8 hours on massage mode, with a 5 to 6 hour charging time.
Robert Kennedy Jr claimed autism ‘destroys’ lives; autistic people disagree: Many parents of autistic children said they feared his remarks would set back ...
straitstimes.com/world/united-states/robert-kennedy-jr-claimed-autism-destroys-lives-autistic-people-disagree

Violent protests against KFC in Pakistan: Employees shot dead: In Pakistan, people are protesting against Israel's ongoing war in the Gaza Strip ...
berliner-zeitung.de/news/heftige-proteste-gegen-kfc-in-pakistan-mitarbeiter-erschossen-li.2317943

WD launches HDD recycling process that reclaims rare earth elements, cuts out China
tomshardware.com/pc-components/hdds/wd-launches-hdd-recycling-process-that-reclaims-rare-earth-elements-cuts-out-china

Key Facts: WD Initiates HDD Recycling Program for Rare Earth Elements
Apr 19 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: tomshardware.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: tomshardware.com
- Western Digital has launched a recycling program for hard drives aimed at reclaiming rare earth elements and reducing reliance on China.
- The initiative, in partnership with Microsoft and recycling firms, has already saved 47,000 pounds of hard drives and SSDs from landfills.
- The ADR technology used achieves a recovery rate of over 90% for rare earth elements and 80% for all materials.
- In the future, this program could play a significant role in recycling materials from data centers and reducing electronic waste.
"HDDs are vital to our data center infrastructure, and advancing a circular supply chain is a core focus for Microsoft."— Chuck Graham, Microsoft CVP, Cloud Sourcing, Supply Chain, Sustainability, and Security, in a press release.
Liberals offer help to start-ups and set goal for small business growth: Peter Dutton says he wants to see more Australians start new businesses under a ...
abc.net.au/news/2025-04-18/coalition-sets-small-business-growth-targets/105192224

EV Sales Are Up More Than 10% in the US Despite Tesla Sales Dropping: GM saw the biggest surge in EV shipments, while Tesla dropped by 9% compared to last year.
cnet.com/home/electric-vehicles/ev-sales-are-up-more-than-10-in-the-us-despite-tesla-sales-dropping/

Tomatoes Become One of the First Everyday Casualties of Trade War: New fees will hit fresh tomato imports from Mexico starting in July unless a new agreement is ...
wsj.com/economy/tomato-prices-trump-tariffs-trade-war-5ef5ad47


DOGE Is Building a Master Database to Surveil and Track Immigrants: DOGE is knitting together data from the Department of Homeland Security ...
wired.com/story/doge-collecting-immigrant-data-surveil-track/

Trump admin accused of censoring NIH’s top expert on ultra-processed foods: Kevin Hall claims an aide for Kennedy edited his written responses to a reporter.
arstechnica.com/health/2025/04/prominent-nutrition-researcher-resigns-from-nih-over-scientific-censorship/

AI-controlled fighter jets are closer than you think: Could we be on the verge of an era where fighter jets take flight without pilots – and are controlled by ...
asiatimes.com/2025/04/ai-controlled-fighter-jets-are-closer-than-you-think/

"Fingers Crossed There": Why Gillian Anderson Might Be Returning To The Role Of X-Files' Dana Scully Soon
thegamer.com/x-files-reboot-ryan-coogler-dana-scully/

White House replaces Covid resource page with lab leak website: Anyone who tried to access Covid.gov, a federal website once dedicated to Covid resources ...
nbcnews.com/health/health-news/white-house-replaces-covid-resource-page-lab-leak-website-rcna201925

Key Facts: Trump's Covid Website Promotes Lab Leak Theory
10h · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: independent.co.uk
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: independent.co.uk
- The federal Covid-19 website has been revamped to support the lab leak theory regarding the pandemic's origins.
- It claims that Wuhan, China, hosts a research lab with inadequate biosafety standards.
- Dr. Anthony Fauci is accused of promoting a narrative that Covid-19 originated naturally.
- On average, 325 Americans have died from Covid-19 each week over the past month.
"The Trump administration has been very clear that, in contrast to the previous administration, we WILL be the most transparent administration in U.S. history."— White House spokesman Kaelan Dorr said in a statement regarding the new website.
Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., revealed new details about his meeting this week with Kilmar Abrego Garcia, including that he had been traumatized by his ... Show more


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

Ford says it could raise vehicle prices this summer if tariffs remain in effect: Ford's vehicle prices could rise this summer if 25% auto tariffs remain in place ...
cbsnews.com/news/ford-tariffs-raise-prices-summer-2025/

Trump admin to cut 90 percent of CFPB in latest layoffs: Reports: President Trump’s administration is cutting nearly 90 percent of the Consumer Financial ...
thehill.com/business/5255231-trump-admin-to-cut-90-percent-of-cfpb-in-latest-layoffs-reports/

Key Facts: Judge Halts Mass Firings at Consumer Protection Bureau
Apr 19 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: reuters.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: reuters.com
- A federal judge has halted mass firings at the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau due to concerns over compliance with court orders.
- On Thursday, between 1,400 and 1,500 employees were terminated, reducing the workforce by up to 90%.
- A witness statement accused senior officials of ignoring court orders, which the Office of Personnel Management denied as false.
- The judge ordered a suspension of the firings pending a review of whether the government violated her preliminary injunction.
I am deeply concerned given the scope and speed of the agency's action ... about whether the agency is now in compliance with the preliminary injunction.— U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson said during a hearing called after Thursday's dismissals.
When Republican legislators gave Wisconsin’s Democratic governor a budget that he thought was too light on school funding, he got creative ... Show more
Minnesota government workers live with uncertainty as federal government slashes aid to states
startribune.com/minnesota-government-workers-live-with-uncertainty-as-federal-government-slashes-aid-to-states/601331823

Key Facts: Over 400 Protests Planned Against Trump This Saturday
Apr 19 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: upi.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: upi.com
- More than 400 demonstrations against President Donald Trump and his policies are scheduled nationwide on Saturday.
- The grassroots group 50501, which organized the previous 'Hands Off' demonstration, is calling for a 'Day of Action.'
- This event aims to address community needs and responds to authoritarian threats and the erosion of democracy.
- Protests will feature marches, community meals, and workshops, as the movement advocates for a fair economy and democratic values.
"The 50501 movement has called for a National Day of Action, also known as a National Day of Community Action, not a National Day of Protest."— Hunter Dunn, national press coordinator for the organization, told Newsweek.
64-core Ryzen Threadripper 9985WX spotted in shipping manifests — 16- and 12-core siblings also spotted
tomshardware.com/pc-components/cpus/64-core-ryzen-threadripper-9985wx-spotted-in-shipping-manifests-16-and-12-core-siblings-also-spotted

Key Facts: New Ryzen Threadripper CPUs Discovered in Shipping Data
Apr 19 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: tomshardware.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: tomshardware.com
- New Ryzen 9000 Threadripper CPUs with 64, 16, and 12 cores have been spotted in shipping data, indicating they are in the final development stages.
- The Threadripper family, codenamed 'Shimada Peak', will utilize the latest Zen 5 microarchitecture and may be revealed in 2025.
- These models provide high PCIe lane counts and multiple memory channel support, making them appealing for commercial applications.
- The new processors are expected to be compatible with existing sTR5 motherboards and might be showcased at Computex or later this year.
Doctor with measles who treated children during Texas outbreak later complimented by RFK Jr.
apnews.com/article/texas-measles-outbreak-rfk-jr-ben-edwards-2dd7c79d47c64ad2e6d4a4ac3c87ec1f

Trump goes to war with the Fed: Trump has repeatedly said he wants rate cuts now to help stimulate economic growth as he rolls out his tariff plans.
standardmedia.co.ke/america/article/2001516875/trump-goes-to-war-with-the-fed

David Hogg gives $100,000 to DCCC after infuriating House Dems: The DNC vice chair insisted in a social media post: "This is not me playing nice."
axios.com/2025/04/18/david-hogg-donation-dccc-house-democrats-dnc

The Food and Drug Administration is scrambling to hire contractors to replace fired employees who helped plan thousands of food and drug safety inspections ... Show more
'You're fools' — US may 'take a pass' on Ukraine-Russia talks if either side stalls, Trump says
kyivindependent.com/us-may-take-a-pass-in-ukraine-mediation/

Key Facts: US Threatens to Abandon Ukraine Peace Efforts
Apr 19 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: reuters.com
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.
- 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.
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.
Live updates: Federal judge to pause the Trump administration’s plans for mass layoffs at the CFPB
apnews.com/live/donald-trump-news-updates-4-18-2025

Key Facts: Trump's Rule Change Targets Federal Employee Job Security
Apr 19 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: npr.org
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: npr.org
- The Trump administration is advancing efforts to facilitate the firing of federal employees.
- A proposal by the Office of Personnel Management aims to reclassify tens of thousands of civil servants as "at-will" employees, stripping them of job protections.
- Trump and his allies claim the government is plagued by corrupt officials and seek greater authority to dismiss employees who do not support their agenda.
- The American Federation of Government Employees has filed a lawsuit against this proposal, arguing it undermines the merit-based hiring system.
"If these government workers refuse to advance the policy interests of the President, or are engaging in corrupt behavior, they should no longer have a job."— Donald Trump wrote in a post about the proposed rule on his Truth Social platform on Friday.
DHS 'Bombshell' Report on Kilmar Abrego Garcia Is About a Traffic Stop: Abrego Garcia's deportation has become a flashpoint as President Donald Trump follows ...
newsweek.com/dhs-bombshell-report-kilmar-abrego-garcia-about-traffic-stop-2061612

Boeing Begins Flying Back Planes Destined for Chinese Airlines: Boeing Co. has begun flying 737 Max jets that were refused by Chinese airline customers back to ...
bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-18/boeing-begins-flying-back-planes-destined-for-chinese-airlines


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

Key Facts: Meloni and Trump Strengthen Transatlantic Relations
Apr 18 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: euronews.com
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.
- 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.
"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.
Trump admin to cut 90 percent of CFPB in latest layoffs: Reports: President Trump’s administration is cutting nearly 90 percent of the Consumer Financial ...
thehill.com/business/5255231-trump-admin-to-cut-90-percent-of-cfpb-in-latest-layoffs-reports/

Key Facts: Judge Halts Mass Firings at Consumer Protection Bureau
Apr 19 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: reuters.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: reuters.com
- A federal judge has halted mass firings at the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau due to concerns over compliance with court orders.
- On Thursday, between 1,400 and 1,500 employees were terminated, reducing the workforce by up to 90%.
- A witness statement accused senior officials of ignoring court orders, which the Office of Personnel Management denied as false.
- The judge ordered a suspension of the firings pending a review of whether the government violated her preliminary injunction.
I am deeply concerned given the scope and speed of the agency's action ... about whether the agency is now in compliance with the preliminary injunction.— U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson said during a hearing called after Thursday's dismissals.
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

Trump said he may not raise tariffs higher if China goes beyond the 125% duty it currently has on US goods.
(Credit: Getty Images)#china #tariffs #donaldtrump
Wisconsin high court rules governor can lock in 400-year school funding increase using veto
pbs.org/newshour/politics/wisconsin-high-court-rules-governor-can-lock-in-400-year-school-funding-increase-using-veto

Key Facts: Crucial Ruling on Governor's Veto Power
Apr 19 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: nytimes.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: nytimes.com
- The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that Governor Tony Evers legally used his veto power to extend school funding limits by 400 years.
- The decision was made by a 4-3 majority, with the liberal justices affirming the veto's legality, while the conservative justices dissented.
- Wisconsin's veto practice, known as the 'Vanna White veto,' allows governors to cross out words or numbers, leading to controversial changes in legislation.
- The ruling has sparked a political dispute between parties, with critics questioning the court's interpretation of the constitution.
"The decision today cannot be justified under any reasonable reading of the Wisconsin Constitution."— Justice Brian Hagedorn added in that dissent regarding the court's decision on the governor's veto.