Tag Archives: administration

business, economy, finance, technology

AMD Stock Surges on IBM Quantum Partnership and Major AI Deals

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**AMD Stock Surges Nearly 8% Following IBM Quantum Computing Collaboration**

AMD shares jumped nearly 8% after reports that IBM successfully ran a quantum error correction algorithm on AMD’s field-programmable gate array (FPGA) chips. This breakthrough marks a significant step as IBM plans to launch a large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer by 2029 using AMD’s technology. IBM confirmed the news to CNBC, and the related research paper is slated for publication next week.

The announcement highlights the growing partnership between AMD and IBM, first established in August, aimed at advancing quantum computing capabilities. IBM described this development as a milestone toward scaling quantum computers without relying on expensive GPU clusters, a notable achievement in quantum technology.

### Quantum Computing Industry Gains Momentum

Quantum computing leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to tackle problems beyond the reach of traditional computers. Alongside IBM and AMD, industry giants such as Google, Microsoft, and Amazon are actively developing their own quantum computing technologies. Notably, Google unveiled its Willow chip, and Microsoft introduced its first quantum chip last year.

Following the IBM-AMD news, shares of other quantum computing companies including D-Wave Quantum, Rigetti Computing, and IonQ also experienced gains. Meanwhile, the Trump administration denied reports alleging negotiations to acquire stakes in quantum firms.

### AMD Hits New Heights with Record Stock Performance

AMD stock reached an all-time high of $243.11 on October 24, 2025, reflecting a 90% increase year-to-date. The company’s market capitalization now exceeds $381 billion.

Earlier in October, AMD announced major AI partnerships, securing contracts to supply GPUs to OpenAI and Oracle:

– **OpenAI:** AMD will provide GPUs supporting 6 gigawatts of computing capacity.
– **Oracle Cloud:** Deployment of 50,000 MI450 Instinct GPUs set to begin in Q3 2026.

These agreements are expected to generate tens of billions in annual revenue, with cumulative sales potentially surpassing $100 billion, according to company statements. AMD’s CFO, Jean Hu, emphasized that the OpenAI deal alone should deliver tens of billions in revenue over time.

### Strong Financial Results and Future Outlook

In Q2 2025, AMD reported revenue of $7.69 billion, up 32% year-over-year. The company issued guidance for approximately $8.7 billion in revenue for Q3 2025, aiming for full-year sales close to $33 billion.

AI-related products now constitute 21% of AMD’s total revenue, while data center revenue reached $3.2 billion with 14% growth. CEO Lisa Su attributed the company’s robust performance to successful product rollouts and strategic partnerships.

Despite facing a $1.5 billion revenue headwind in 2025 due to U.S. export restrictions on AI chip shipments to China, AMD maintains strong momentum. The stock currently trades at a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 140.52. Approximately 60-65% of analysts rate AMD as a “Buy,” with a consensus price target of $249.92.

—

AMD’s collaboration with IBM and major AI deals position the company as a key player in both quantum computing and artificial intelligence infrastructure, paving the way for sustained growth and innovation in the semiconductor industry.
https://coincentral.com/amd-stock-surges-on-ibm-quantum-partnership-and-major-ai-deals/

war

Russian overnight attack on Ukraine’s Kyiv kills at least 3, wounds dozens

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At least three people have been killed and dozens wounded in an overnight Russian air attack on Kyiv, according to the mayor of the Ukrainian capital, as Russia’s war on Ukraine approaches its four-year mark.

Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Sunday that “several” Russian drones were operating over the city, and warned people to “remain in shelters.”

“According to preliminary information, three people died and 27 were wounded (including 6 children),” Klitschko wrote later on Telegram, adding that all had received medical attention and some had been hospitalized.

He said drone fragments fell onto a nine-storey residential building in the northeastern Desnyansky district, sparking fires in apartments on several floors. “The fire has already been extinguished. Work is ongoing to dismantle the structures,” Klitschko wrote.

Fragments also damaged another nine-floor block in the same district, where five people were rescued. He added that “dismantling of structures is ongoing.”

More drone fragments fell on a 16-storey residential block in the northern Obolonsky district, damaging an apartment. “There are no fires or structural collapses,” Klitschko said.

The full scale of the damage and size of the attack were not immediately known. Kyiv and its surrounding region were under air raid alerts for about 1.5 hours before the air force called them off at about 00:30 GMT.

Both sides deny targeting civilians in their attacks on each other’s territory. However, thousands have been killed in the war that Russia started with its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the vast majority of them Ukrainian, including many civilians.

The attacks came a day after other Russian drone and missile strikes killed four people—two of them in Kyiv—and wounded more than a dozen across Ukraine, according to Ukrainian authorities.

On Saturday, former United States President Donald Trump played down prospects of a summit with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, saying he was “not going to be wasting [his] time.”

The remarks came as Kremlin negotiator Kirill Dmitriev met with Trump administration officials, including special envoy Steve Witkoff, a Russian source familiar with the talks told the AFP news agency. The discussions were expected to continue on Sunday.

Earlier this week, the US and the European Union announced new sweeping sanctions on Russian energy aimed at crippling Moscow’s war economy. Putin said he would not bend to pressure from the West.

“No self-respecting country and no self-respecting people ever decides anything under pressure,” he said, calling the US sanctions an “unfriendly act.”
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10/26/russian-overnight-attack-on-ukraines-kyiv-kills-at-least-3-wounds-dozens?traffic_source=rss

government, international, law, politics

Stephen Miller Lists Potential Criminal Charges Against JB Pritzker

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**JB Pritzker Threatens ICE Agents with Arrest; Stephen Miller Responds on Potential Legal Consequences**

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, on October 12th, suggested that state prosecutors might investigate the conduct of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Speaking to FOX 32 Chicago, Pritzker stated, “The tables will turn one day. These people should recognize that maybe they’re not gonna get prosecuted today, although we’re looking at doing that, but they may get prosecuted after the Trump administration because the statute of limitations would not have run out.”

In response, President Trump’s aide Stephen Miller addressed the issue during a discussion with Will Cain, explaining how arresting a sitting governor like Pritzker could work under federal law.

### Pritzker’s Proposed Commission to Track ICE Agents

Governor Pritzker is reportedly setting up a commission aimed at tracking the activities of ICE agents. His goal is to either prosecute these agents or at least intimidate them by creating a public record of their conduct. According to reports, the commission will “set up a public record of the conduct of federal agents” and will “consider policy recommendations to prevent future harm to these individuals and communities.”

The communities Pritzker refers to include illegal aliens, criminal illegal aliens, and foreigners who did not enter the country legally. His plans might also affect the left-wing activists who obstruct justice on their behalf.

### Stephen Miller Explains the Legal Authority to Arrest State Officials

During the conversation, Will Cain asked Miller about the federal authority under which a sitting governor like Pritzker could be arrested. Miller responded, emphasizing that his explanation applies not only to Pritzker but to any state or local official who unlawfully interferes with federal law enforcement duties.

He explained, “If you engage in a criminal conspiracy to obstruct the enforcement of federal immigration laws or to unlawfully order your own police officers or officials to interfere with ICE officers or even to arrest ICE officers, you’re engaged in criminal activity.”

Miller outlined various offenses that could come into play, including obstruction of justice, harboring illegal aliens, and impeding immigration law enforcement. He also mentioned the possibility of seditious conspiracy charges depending on the conduct.

### Federal Immunity for ICE Agents

Miller reassured ICE officers of their legal protections, noting that ICE agents have federal immunity while performing their duties. “Anybody who lays a hand on you or tries to stop you or tries to obstruct you is committing a felony,” he stated.

He emphasized, “No city official, no state official, no illegal alien, no leftist agitator or domestic insurrectionist can prevent you from fulfilling your legal obligations and duties.”

The Department of Justice, Miller noted, has made clear that any official crossing the line into obstruction or criminal conspiracy against ICE officers will face justice.

### Additional Remarks

Miller also hinted that attention should be given to Letitia James, who is reportedly tracking ICE activities, suggesting that charges may be warranted.

—

This exchange highlights the ongoing tensions between state officials who oppose federal immigration enforcement and federal authorities defending ICE’s role. As this legal and political battle continues, it raises important questions about the balance of power and the enforcement of immigration laws in the United States.
https://www.independentsentinel.com/stephen-miller-lists-potential-criminal-charges-against-jb-pritzker/

politics, religion, social

Trump Officials Pledge to ‘Protect Unborn Life at All Stages’

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Trump Administration Officials Reaffirm Commitment to Protect Unborn Life at Geneva Consensus Declaration Anniversary

At the five-year anniversary event of the Geneva Consensus Declaration, a coalition of 40 nations affirming that there is no international right to abortion, Trump administration officials reiterated their dedication to “protect unborn life at all stages.” The declaration aims to expand health and well-being for women while protecting the sovereign right of nations to support health, life, and family through national policy and legislation.

The Institute of Women’s Health hosted members of Congress, Trump administration officials, and global leaders to celebrate the milestone. A letter from President Donald Trump was read during the event, in which he pledged to “never waver in protecting the sanctity of every human life.”

“My administration is steadfastly devoted to restoring a culture that values the inherent dignity of every child and to upholding the eternal truth that every person is created in the holy image and likeness of God, with infinite worth and boundless potential,” President Trump wrote.

Jim O’Neill, Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services, expressed pride in the Trump administration’s decision to rejoin the Geneva Consensus Declaration in January after the Biden administration’s departure from the coalition of pro-life countries.

“The denial of fundamental truths can destroy nations from within,” O’Neill said. “At the root of the evils we face—murder in the womb, the blurring of lines between sexes, and radical social agendas—is a hatred of nature as it was designed for life, the way it was meant to be lived. This ideology does not just deny biology. It declares war against it.”

O’Neill emphasized the administration’s commitment to putting the declaration’s principles into action to protect life at all stages. “President Trump reinstituted the Mexico City Policy. Taxpayers will not be forced to fund entities that provide or promote abortion as foreign family planning,” he stated.

He added, “We’ve removed transgender flags from all federal buildings. Only one flag flies above our embassies, and that is the American flag. We’ve ended taxpayer funding for the mutilation of children and radical indoctrination. Children should not be subjected to life-altering, irreversible damage and sex-trait modification.”

O’Neill promised that the Trump administration will continue advancing the Geneva Consensus Declaration’s principles on the global stage.

“Taxpayer-funded organizations and bureaucrats have sadly long undermined sovereign nations by imposing radical social agendas around the world. The era of taxpayer-funded neocolonialist promotion of leftist ideologies has come to an end, and our work is just beginning,” he said.

Deputy Secretary of State Chris Landau highlighted the State Department’s top priority of recognizing national sovereignty.

“I think it’s so important for us all to recognize that the international community has no right to tell anyone of our country what our policy should be on these issues of family and women’s health,” Landau said. “Each nation-state has the right to determine, within its own borders, the policy it decides to pursue on social and cultural issues, like those affecting the family.”

Landau expressed solidarity with the Geneva Consensus Declaration’s “focus on women’s health and its commitment to families as the core of our communities and our countries.”

“We’re created in the image of God. We have families. Families build out into communities, into nations, and ultimately the world. And so, the family is ultimately the manifestation of God’s grace,” he explained. “I think it’s so important that we are all recognizing the importance of the family. This is something, frankly, that declining birth rates in so many parts of the world pose a huge problem facing humankind, and so I respect and welcome focus on these issues.”

Committed to restoring the principle of national sovereignty as central to international relations, Landau said, “Just as President Trump says he wants to make America great again, he expects the leaders of your countries to want to make your countries great again—whether it be Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iraq, Cameroon, Egypt, or Paraguay.”

Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.), a staunch pro-life advocate, expressed gratitude for the Trump administration’s respect for life in the womb.

“The Geneva Consensus Declaration, in my opinion, is an engraved invitation to each and every one of us to seriously recommit and rededicate ourselves to the best of our ability in our home countries, as well as in the international forum,” Smith said.

Smith also urged the Trump administration to intensify efforts to investigate the abortion pill and its negative side effects experienced by many women.

“In the developing world, when a woman starts hemorrhaging, it’s often a death sentence, and she’ll die quietly and horribly in her town or in her hamlet, and nobody will know,” he explained. “There’ll be no statistical gathering for these horrible effects, and that woman will die. I’m very concerned about how everyone looks the other way on the international stage about the abortion pill.”

Addressing United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, Smith questioned, “Do you know how the pill works? It starves the baby to death. You and I, Mr. Secretary-General, worked on global hunger. I believe deeply in mitigating world hunger, and yet we have a situation where we’re causing hunger to the point of starvation.”

The event underscored the Trump administration’s dedication to reaffirming national sovereignty, protecting life at all stages, supporting families, and opposing international imposition of social agendas that contradict these values.
https://www.dailysignal.com/2025/10/25/trump-admin-congress-celebrate-five-years-declaration-establishing-global-right-life/

general

Ontario quickly caves to Trump and promises to pull the offending Reagan ad that killed Canada trade talks

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The post on former President Donald Trump’s social media site Thursday night escalated tensions between the United States and its northern neighbor, Canada. The controversy stemmed from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s announcement that Canada plans to double its exports to countries outside the U.S. due to the threat posed by Trump’s tariffs.

### Trump’s Response and U.S. Government Reaction

White House officials described Trump’s reaction as the culmination of long-standing frustration over Canada’s trade negotiation strategies. On Friday morning, Trump wrote on his social media site, “CANADA CHEATED AND GOT CAUGHT!!!” He accused Canada of fraudulently taking out an ad claiming that former President Ronald Reagan opposed tariffs, when Trump argued that Reagan actually supported tariffs for national security reasons.

Trump also alleged that the ad aimed to influence the U.S. Supreme Court ahead of an upcoming hearing that could decide the president’s authority to impose sweeping tariffs—a cornerstone of his economic policy. Trump expressed a strong personal interest in the case, stating he would like to attend the oral arguments.

### The Controversial Ad and Ontario Premier’s Response

The ad in question was financed by Ontario’s provincial government, not the Canadian federal government. Ontario Premier Doug Ford, whose province sponsored the advertisement, initially refused to back down. On Friday, Ford posted that Canada and the U.S. are allies, emphasizing that Reagan believed both countries were “stronger together.” He included a link to a 1987 speech where Reagan expressed opposition to tariffs.

Ford announced that Ontario plans to invest approximately $54 million CAD ($40 million USD) to air the ad across multiple American television stations, featuring audio and video footage of Reagan speaking against tariffs. Despite the controversy, the ad was scheduled to continue airing over the weekend, including during Game 1 of the World Series between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday night.

However, after discussions with Prime Minister Carney, Ford decided to pause the advertising campaign effective Monday, allowing for the resumption of trade talks. “Our intention was always to initiate a conversation about the kind of economy that Americans want to build and the impact of tariffs on workers and businesses,” Ford said. “We’ve achieved our goal, having reached U.S. audiences at the highest levels.”

### Canadian Government’s Position

Mark Carney emphasized that the Canadian government remains ready to continue discussions aimed at reducing tariffs in specific sectors. “We can’t control the trade policy of the United States. We recognize that that policy has fundamentally changed from the 1980s,” Carney stated before departing for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Malaysia, which Trump was also set to attend.

### Reagan Foundation’s Response

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute condemned the ad for misrepresenting Reagan’s 1987 “Presidential Radio Address to the Nation on Free and Fair Trade.” The foundation stated that Ontario did not have permission to use or edit Reagan’s remarks and is reviewing legal options. The foundation, located in Simi Valley, California, is responsible for maintaining the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum and is governed by a board including prominent Republican figures.

Following the foundation’s statement, Trump doubled down, calling the ad “FAKE” and asserting that tariffs are “VERY IMPORTANT TO THE NATIONAL SECURITY, AND ECONOMY, OF THE U.S.A.” He declared, “Based on their egregious behavior, ALL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS WITH CANADA ARE HEREBY TERMINATED.”

### Historical Context and Administration Insights

Contrary to Trump’s claims, Reagan often criticized tariffs and protectionist policies that interfered with free commerce, as highlighted in his 1987 radio address.

White House spokesman Kush Desai referred to the Ontario ad as the “latest example of how Canadian officials would rather play games than engage with the Administration.” Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, criticized Canada for its “lack of flexibility” and mentioned lingering tensions stemming from relations with former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Carney had met with Trump earlier in the month to ease trade tensions as the United States, Canada, and Mexico prepared to review the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which Trump had originally negotiated during his first term but later criticized.

### Economic Stakes and Past Conflicts

More than 75% of Canadian exports go to the United States, with nearly CAD $3.6 billion (USD $2.7 billion) worth of goods and services crossing the border daily.

Initially, Trump appeared unbothered by the Ontario ad, remarking during a lunch with Republican senators that “If I was Canada, I’d take that same ad also.” Ontario had purchased over $275,000 in ad reservations for the campaign, which aired in 198 out of 210 U.S. media markets this month. The ad was broadcast most frequently in New York, Washington, D.C., Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and West Palm Beach, Florida.

Previously, Ford had drawn Trump’s attention with an electricity surcharge targeting U.S. states, which led to Trump doubling steel and aluminum tariffs on Canadian goods. In response, Canada imposed retaliatory levies on certain U.S. products in April, although it exempted select automakers through remission quotas.

Trump’s tariffs have significantly impacted Canada’s automotive sector, especially in Ontario. As a result, companies like Stellantis have announced plans to move production lines from Ontario to U.S. states such as Illinois.

—

*Associated Press writers Maya Sweedler and Paul Wiseman in Washington contributed to this report.*
https://fortune.com/2025/10/24/canada-tariffs-tv-ad-trump-carney-ontario-prime-minister-trade-what-happened/

economy, politics

CNN’s Harry Enten Spells Out Bad News For Dems Trying To Use Economic Messaging Against Trump

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CNN senior data reporter Harry Enten found on Friday that a significant number of Americans no longer view the economy as their number one political issue. Americans’ perception of the economy as the top problem in the U.S. fell from 43% in October 2024 to its current 24%, indicating that most voters’ concerns about inflation and high prices have eased since President Donald Trump took office.

The current figure is substantially lower than the average of 35% of voters who prioritize the economy during a midterm election cycle.

“Look at this, 43 percent at this time, 43 percent of Americans said the top problem was economic,” Enten said. “Come to this side of the screen, it’s just considerably different. We’re talking about 24 percent. We’re talking about a drop of near 20 points and more than that, we’re talking about across all of the different political groups, right. Democrats, independents, Republicans. We see that the percentage who say the top problem is economic has been falling, has been falling, has been falling through the floor.”

“And more than that, you know, we’re talking about inflation, the percentage of Americans who say that the top problem is inflation has also been falling which is I think very much surprising given all the news that we are hearing about the economy,” Enten continued.

Notably, this shift in economic concerns does not include factors such as an extension of Biden-era subsidies in the Affordable Care Act. The Democratic Party has since accused Republicans of attacking the American people’s healthcare, although Democrats had voted for the same continuing resolution (CR) in the past.

During the 2024 election, the economy and immigration were the top issues for voters, which ultimately led to Donald Trump defeating former Vice President Kamala Harris.

During former President Joe Biden’s administration, inflation soared from 1.4% to a record 9% between January 2021 and June 2022.

—

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https://dailycaller.com/2025/10/24/cnn-harry-enten-economic-messaging-trump/

business, economy, politics

President Trump Pardons Binance Founder Changpeng Zhao After He Helped Promote WLF

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**President Donald J. Trump Pardons Binance Founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao Amid Cryptocurrency Scrutiny**

President Donald J. Trump has issued a pardon for Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, the embattled founder of Binance, following intense scrutiny Zhao faced under the Biden administration. This move reflects Trump’s intent to shift the current American government’s stance on cryptocurrency, contrasting with the Biden administration’s previously stringent approach.

According to a statement by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt to the Wall Street Journal, “President Trump exercised his constitutional authority by issuing a pardon for Mr. Zhao, who was prosecuted by the Biden Administration in their war on cryptocurrency.”

### Zhao’s Conviction and Allegations

Zhao was previously convicted for offenses related to facilitating money laundering on the Binance platform. The allegations included enabling multiple transactions totaling up to $900 million between the United States and Iran. These charges form the backbone of the legal actions taken against him during the Biden administration.

### Zhao’s Involvement with the Trump Family’s World Liberty Financial (WLF)

The Wall Street Journal reports that President Trump’s decision to pardon Zhao came after months of Zhao publicly promoting the Trump family’s cryptocurrency venture, World Liberty Financial (WLF). Notably, WLF reportedly benefited from a covert partnership with a trading platform operated by Binance. This platform has generated approximately $4.5 billion since the 2024 U.S. elections.

### Impact of the Pardon on Ongoing Investigations

Following the pardon, The Verge reported that the U.S. Department of Justice’s investigation into Binance has effectively come to an end. This development could potentially clear the path for Zhao and Binance to resume their business operations within the United States.

### Binance and Zhao Under Biden Administration Scrutiny

The Biden administration had been rigorously investigating Binance and Changpeng Zhao, especially in the wake of the landmark prosecution of former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried. In late 2023, after charges were filed against Binance and Zhao, the executive pleaded guilty. Binance then began negotiating a plea deal settlement amounting to $4.3 billion.

The scrutiny centered on allegations from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that Binance and Zhao violated multiple federal regulations by failing to secure proper licenses and effectively handling securities related to their operations.

### Sentencing and Plea Deal Details

Despite the seriousness of the charges, Zhao received a relatively lenient sentence of four months in prison, short of the recommended 12 to 18 months. As part of his plea deal, Zhao agreed to pay a $50 million fine to the Justice Department and consented to permanently step down from any executive role at Binance.

—

This presidential pardon marks a significant turning point in the relationship between regulatory authorities and the cryptocurrency industry, potentially influencing the future regulatory landscape of digital assets in the United States.
https://www.techtimes.com/articles/312347/20251023/president-trump-pardons-binance-founder-changpeng-zhao-after-he-helped-promote-wlf.htm

economy, politics, social

‘History literally being demolished’: Ex-Melania staffer bemoans Trump’s new pet project

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A former staffer for the First Lady criticized President Donald Trump on Thursday for demolishing the East Wing of the White House to make way for a grandiose ballroom.

Stephanie Grisham, who served as chief of staff to First Lady Melania Trump during the first Trump administration, told The New York Times that seeing the East Wing in rubble was like watching “history literally being demolished in front of our eyes.”

Grisham is the latest in a series of former White House staffers to denounce the project. “It was such a breath of fresh air from the West Wing,” she said. “I hate to see that kind of history literally being demolished in front of our eyes.”

Several critics have expressed concern over Trump’s decision to pursue the ballroom construction amid a government shutdown and an uncertain economy. Other former staffers speaking with The New York Times described the project as destroying the “living history” of the building.

“There was never a day I didn’t catch my breath walking into the East Wing,” Laura Schwartz, White House director of events during the Clinton administration, told the outlet. “That’s what makes the loss to me so painful. It’s not just a building. It’s the living history.”
https://www.rawstory.com/web-push-notification/melania-trump/

government, international, law, military, politics

‘We’ve lived this nightmare before’: Foreign lawmakers unite against Trump ‘catastrophe’

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Dozens of political leaders throughout Latin America are condemning US President Donald Trump’s recent boat-bombing campaign, which began in the Caribbean last month and has since spread to the Pacific Ocean.

In a letter posted by Progressive International on its X account, Latin American leaders from across the region expressed deep concern over Trump’s extrajudicial killings of alleged drug traffickers. They warned that this campaign threatens peace and stability in Latin America and could serve as a pretext for further military intervention in the region.

“The Trump administration is escalating a dangerous military buildup off the coast of Venezuela, deploying naval forces in the Caribbean in preparation for potential armed intervention,” the letter stated. “The pretext is familiar. President Trump justifies intervention in Venezuela as a means to combat ‘cartels,’ celebrating lethal strikes against fishermen accused of carrying drugs.”

The lawmakers drew parallels between the current militarism and past US actions that had destabilized their nations. “We have lived this nightmare before,” they emphasized. “US military interventions of the 20th century brought dictatorships, disappearances, and decades of trauma to our nations. We know the terrible cost of allowing foreign powers to wage war on our continent. We cannot—we will not—allow history to repeat itself.”

They called upon “all organized political forces across Latin America and the Caribbean” to unite in preventing another “catastrophe” from unfolding. “Across our political contexts, we share a common cause: the sovereignty of our nations and the security of our peoples,” the letter concluded. “We must stand together now.”

Over the past seven weeks, the US military has carried out at least nine attacks on boats in the Caribbean and Pacific Oceans, resulting in the deaths of at least 37 people. Although the administration claims these vessels were involved in illegal drug smuggling, it has provided no evidence to substantiate these assertions.

Adding to the concern, both President Trump and Vice President JD Vance have made remarks suggesting that it would be dangerous “to even go fishing” in the Caribbean, indicating the potential risk to civilians in these strikes.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro condemned the incidents this past weekend, stating that the Trump administration had “committed a murder” following a boat attack that killed Colombian citizen Alejandro Carranza. Carranza had been out on a fishing trip when the US military struck his vessel.

The boat strikes have drawn criticism not only from leaders in Latin America but also from multiple US-based legal experts who have accused the administration of engaging in an extrajudicial murder spree. Experts highlight that the US has traditionally treated drug trafficking as a criminal matter—not an act of war warranting military force.

In response to these developments, the Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR), a US-based think tank, announced on Thursday the launch of a new project to track “US militarism, aggression, and intervention in Latin America and the Caribbean.” This initiative will monitor “US strikes on boats, threats against Venezuela and Colombia, and other aspects of US interventionism in the region under the second Trump administration.”
https://www.rawstory.com/donald-trump-venezuela/

education, government, labor

Cook County District 130 custodial workers call for superintendent’s removal

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Custodians and maintenance workers for Elementary District 130, serving Alsip, Blue Island, Crestwood, and Robbins, are calling for the removal of the district’s superintendent and assistant superintendent of human resources amid ongoing union contract negotiations.

SEIU Local 73 stated that the district has canceled two contract bargaining sessions since negotiations began this summer. However, union conflicts with Superintendent Colleen McKay and Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Carrie Tisch date back to 2022.

“The administration has repeatedly retaliated against union stewards and workers, and employees have been punished for alleged violations and then terminated for those same supposed violations,” the union said in a news release Tuesday.

Field organizer Doug Taylor highlighted one of the union’s main concerns: a hostile work environment for custodians and maintenance workers that includes racial discrimination. He noted that administrative officials have prohibited workers from speaking any language other than English during disciplinary hearings and have disallowed the use of interpreters.

“Advocates are not allowed to speak Spanish in a sidebar with the people they’re representing,” Taylor said.

SEIU Local 73 represents 50 custodians and maintenance workers within District 130, with 95% of those workers being people of color, the union added. Taylor also accused district officials of demonstrating a pattern of harassing and targeting union stewards.

Requests for comment from McKay, Tisch, and district board members were not immediately returned.

Union members have publicly spoken out against what they describe as racist and retaliatory practices at recent board meetings. However, as of Tuesday, they have reportedly lost faith in McKay and Tisch, Taylor said. The union’s petition calling for the removal of the superintendent and assistant superintendent has garnered over 900 signatures.

“When we were looking at options to make progress for our members, this was the step that we chose to involve the community,” Taylor explained.

Other issues raised by the union include the administrators’ rejection of proposals to provide custodians and maintenance workers with clear guidance during lockdowns or law enforcement incidents.

“Currently, they don’t know what their role would be in the school,” Taylor said. “So they just want training, that’s all.”

The union has also gained support from elected officials. State Rep. Bob Rita called for an investigation into “allegations of racism, retaliation and anti-union practices” in a union news release dated October 6.

State Sen. Willie Preston, who began his career as a union janitor, stated, “I know what it feels like to go to work, work hard, and have no respect at the end of the day.”

“Let me be clear to District 130: These workers do their jobs, but you need to clean up your act today,” Preston said.

In addition, union members voiced their concerns at a recent Blue Island City Council meeting. Mayor Fred Bilotto said in the union news release that the issues raised about District 130 leadership “deserve immediate attention.”

“As a union member, educator, and school administrator, I urge the District 130 administration and board to address these allegations and enter into serious negotiations with the union,” Bilotto said.

Meanwhile, Taylor emphasized that the union will continue to raise these concerns publicly until the school board is compelled to take action.

“We’ll continue to raise the issues until we are satisfied that we’re making good progress,” he said.

For further information, contact ostevens@chicagotribune.com.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/23/district-130-custodial-union-superintendents-removal/