Former President Trump stated that he was informed Russia made a mistake in its Palm Sunday attack on Sumy, resulting in at least 34 deaths. He condemned the attack as “terrible” and reiterated his belief that the war itself is an “abuse of power” that would not have occurred under his presidency. Trump declined to specify his source for the claim of a Russian mistake, instead suggesting that inquiry should be directed to Russia itself. The Sumy attack involved two ballistic strikes on the city center, causing significant casualties among civilians.
Read More
Ukraine’s military intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, identified the Russian 112th and 448th missile brigades as responsible for the April 13th Sumy attack, which killed at least 34 civilians, including two children, and injured 117 more. The Iskander-M ballistic missile strikes, launched from Voronezh and Kursk oblasts, utilized cluster munitions, a violation of international humanitarian law. This attack, condemned internationally as a war crime, occurred during Palm Sunday church services. Budanov vowed to hold those responsible accountable.
Read More
In a CBS “60 Minutes” interview, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged President Trump to visit Ukraine to witness firsthand the devastation caused by Russia’s invasion, believing a visit would clarify the situation and inform any potential negotiations. Zelensky refuted previous accusations of staging propaganda tours, assuring Trump of an unfiltered view of the conflict’s impact. He emphasized Putin’s untrustworthiness and desire for complete Ukrainian destruction, highlighting the obstacles to a lasting ceasefire. Despite his intense hatred for Putin, Zelensky remains committed to pursuing a swift and just peace that restores Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Read More
Ray Dalio, Bridgewater founder, expressed deep concern over the global economic outlook, citing President Trump’s disruptive trade policies as a major destabilizing factor. He highlighted a shift from multilateralism to a more unilateral world order, increasing the risk of global conflict and recession. Dalio emphasized the interconnectedness of economic, political, and technological forces, warning that unchecked U.S. debt and trade disputes could trigger a financial crisis exceeding the severity of past events. He advocates for deficit reduction and a cooperative approach to international trade to mitigate these risks.
Read More
On “Meet the Press,” Sen. Cory Booker defended calls for an investigation into whether President Trump engaged in insider trading related to his tariff reversal. Booker argued that Trump’s actions warrant congressional hearings due to the apparent conflict of interest and lack of transparency. While acknowledging a lack of concrete evidence of profit yet, Booker stressed the need for oversight given Trump’s unprecedented attacks on regulatory agencies. Democratic senators have already written to the SEC urging an investigation into potential market manipulation.
Read More
Despite falling wholesale prices and no current bird flu outbreaks, retail egg prices reached a record high for the third consecutive month, reaching $6.23 per dozen. This surge, contradicting claims of price decreases, is attributed to the influence of large egg producers like Cal-Maine Foods, who reported record profits while receiving federal aid for avian flu losses. The Justice Department is investigating alleged price-fixing by major producers, highlighting concerns about corporate concentration and the exploitation of consumers. This situation underscores the need for addressing corporate monopolies and reforming the food system to lower prices.
Read More
Following recent tariff-related market turmoil, a new German coalition government, beginning May 6th, aims to pursue a new transatlantic free trade agreement with the U.S., while also negotiating deals with other nations. This initiative includes exploring American gas imports and a united European approach to counterbalance U.S. policies. The plan also prioritizes European capital market unification and increased defense spending, acknowledging past reliance on the U.S. for security.
Read More
Following a fatal helicopter crash that killed a pilot and a Spanish family of five, the FAA announced the immediate closure of New York Helicopter Tours and a review of its safety record. This action followed Senator Schumer’s call for the company’s operating permits to be revoked and for increased safety inspections across the industry, citing a history of fatal incidents. The crash, which occurred Thursday, renewed concerns about the safety of New York City’s helicopter sightseeing tours. Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing.
Read More
On Fox News Sunday, Governor JB Pritzker criticized President Trump’s tariffs, calling them “taxes on working families” and arguing they harm American consumers and farmers. He advocated for targeted tariffs instead of the broad approach taken by the Trump administration, emphasizing the need for policies that lower costs and expand markets. Pritzker also countered arguments that the tariffs boost domestic production, asserting that any potential benefits would be long-term and overshadowed by immediate job losses and economic recession. He further condemned the use of tariffs to punish allies and disrupt existing trade agreements.
Read More
Chinese President Xi Jinping urged Western nations to foster multilateralism and open cooperation during a meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. This visit, occurring amidst escalating US-China trade tensions, highlights Spain’s pursuit of increased investment and trade with China, particularly in renewable energy and technology sectors. Sánchez emphasized the need for negotiated solutions and cautioned against trade wars, while US officials expressed concern over Spain’s growing ties with China. Spain’s strategic move toward closer relations with China reflects a divergence from some EU members and aims to diversify its markets and secure crucial resources.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker