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Authorities seize consignment of snakes and other reptiles that arrived on Egypt Air from ME
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Karoline Leavitt: The Young Firebrand Behind Trump’s Messaging Revival
Karoline Leavitt: The Young Firebrand Behind Trump’s Messaging Revival At just 27 years old, Karoline Leavitt has emerged as one of the most powerful voices in Washington, serving as Donald Trump’s White House press secretary with a combination of poise, zeal, and strategic ferocity. Equal parts cheerleader and attack dog, Leavitt commands the briefing room with confidence and fluency in Trump’s language, reflecting his combative approach to the media and public discourse. Standing beside older administration officials, including the Treasury Secretary, Leavitt has often taken charge in defending controversial policy decisions, such as a recent reversal on tariffs. “Many of you in the media clearly missed The Art of the Deal,” she told reporters. “You clearly failed to see what President Trump is doing here.” When reporters pushed back, suggesting the move was a retreat amid market panic, she swiftly countered, “We finally have a president here at the White House who is playing the long game.” Despite her youth, Leavitt presents herself with authority on matters ranging from foreign policy to immigration. When questioned about Chinese military actions around Taiwan, she responded with a detailed statement, noting that “the president is emphasising the importance of maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait.” She proudly cited, “That is directly from the national security adviser just for you, Steve Holland of Reuters.” Leavitt's rise reflects a shift in Trump’s communications strategy—away from the often unstable tenures of past press secretaries. From Sean Spicer’s false claims about inauguration crowd sizes to Anthony Scaramucci’s expletive-laced downfall after just 11 days, the role has historically been fraught. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Kayleigh McEnany brought a more combative tone, with McEnany once pledging never to lie, only to later be accused of distorting facts during the 2020 election aftermath. Leavitt, once McEnany’s assistant, has learned from them all. Her own background is a blend of ambition and conservative values. Raised in Atkinson, New Hampshire, where her father ran a used car dealership, she told the Eagle-Tribune, “He reminds me of President Trump.” A former softball scholar at Saint Anselm College, she cut her political teeth writing conservative columns and interning at the White House. After graduation, she quickly climbed the ranks, eventually running for Congress in 2022. Though she lost the general election, she emerged with thicker skin—and a husband, Nicholas Riccio, a man in his late fifties whom she met during her campaign. “Yes! Of course! It’s an atypical love story,” she told Megyn Kelly. Leavitt returned to politics with renewed vigor, assuming the press secretary role after Trump’s re-election. Her first day in the briefing room made waves—not just for her bold crimson outfit and prominent cross necklace, but for her pledge to “provide the truth” while accusing media outlets of spreading lies. Her confrontational stance extended to even minor disputes, such as insisting that the Gulf of Mexico be called the “Gulf of America.” When questioned, she snapped, “It is a fact that the body of water off the coast of Louisiana is called the Gulf of America.” As Trump’s administration invites podcasters and streaming personalities into the press corps, Leavitt has embraced the evolving media landscape. Friendly outlets like Real America’s Voice now share the floor with CNN and NBC, with its reporter Brian Glenn praising her, “You look great... you’re doing a great job.” She claims mainstream reporters appreciate her too—“They’ll come in my office every day and they’ll admit that off the record,” she said. Yet critics see her differently. “She’s a propagandist,” one anonymous reporter stated. “All she does is berate the White House journalists. It’s an abusive relationship.” Leavitt, however, thrives on confrontation. When The Atlantic published leaked messages detailing strike plans on Yemen, she attacked its editor, Jeffrey Goldberg, as a “peddler” of hoaxes and blamed him for fueling misinformation since the Iraq War. “Do you trust the secretary of defence... who has served in combat?” she asked pointedly. “Or do you trust Jeffrey Goldberg?” Whether delivering sound bites that go viral or sidestepping tough questions with rhetorical jabs, Karoline Leavitt has become a central force in shaping the Trump administration’s voice. With a sharp tongue, unwavering loyalty, and a camera-ready presence, she has turned one of the most difficult jobs in Washington into a personal platform—and possibly a launchpad for an even bigger political future. Based on a report by The Times 2025-04-17 -
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Trump Eyes Wave of New Trade Deals Amid 90-Day Tariff Pause
Trump Eyes Wave of New Trade Deals Amid 90-Day Tariff Pause President Donald Trump is currently reviewing more than a dozen potential trade proposals from foreign governments, following his announcement last week of a 90-day hold on reciprocal tariffs. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Tuesday that the Trump administration has received offers from at least 15 countries, each seeking individualized trade arrangements with the United States. “We’ve had more than 15 deals, pieces of paper, put on the table — proposals that are actively being considered,” Leavitt told reporters during her regular briefing. She did not disclose which nations had submitted offers but emphasized that the administration is weighing them seriously. While no formal agreements have been finalized, Leavitt projected that announcements could come in the near future. “As we’ve said consistently, more than 75 countries have reached out,” she explained. “So there’s a lot of work to do. We very much understand that, but we also believe that we can announce some deals very soon.” Among the countries speculated to be close to finalizing deals are India, Japan, and Vietnam, according to a White House official who spoke with The Post last week. These nations are seen as strong candidates for one-to-one trade arrangements with the U.S., designed to replace existing reciprocal tariffs with more tailored agreements. Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is actively pursuing trade pacts with other key allies, including Australia, South Korea, and the United Kingdom. These nations are said to have expressed a willingness to enter negotiations swiftly, signaling the administration’s preference to prioritize deals with longstanding partners. Trump, who made the announcement on April 9, stated the pause in imposing additional tariffs would last until early July to give his economic team sufficient time to finalize negotiations. At the time, he said, “a deal is going to be made with every one of them.” The group leading these negotiations includes several key figures: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, trade adviser Peter Navarro, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Ultimately, Trump himself will have the final say on whether a proposal is accepted. “We’ve got everybody in the trade team, and even deputies of people in the trade team, talking to just about everybody on Earth,” Hassett told Fox News on Monday. “I think that we’ve got more than 10 deals where there’s very good, amazing offers made to the US that Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Howard Lutnick and the rest of our trade team of the president are stewing over whether those deals are good enough.” Hassett also noted that it’s not yet decided whether deals would be announced individually or as a group, suggesting the administration is weighing the political and economic impact of both approaches. While talks with many nations are progressing, China remains the lone country still locked in a full-blown trade war with the United States. Both countries have raised tariffs on each other’s goods to as high as 125%. Trump made it clear that the next step is in Beijing’s hands. “The ball is in China’s court,” he said in a statement shared by Leavitt. “China needs to make a deal with us. We don’t have to make a deal with them. There’s no difference between China and any other country, except they are much larger and China wants what we have — what every country wants that we have — the American consumer, or to put another way, they need our money.” Based on a report by NYP 2025-04-17 -
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Indiana Mother Charged After Armed Visit to School Over Alleged ‘Indoctrination’
Indiana Mother Charged After Armed Visit to School Over Alleged ‘Indoctrination’ An Indianapolis mother is facing felony charges after allegedly bringing a handgun onto school property and sending threatening messages to a teacher over what she claimed was the "indoctrination" of children regarding same-sex relationships. Carrie Rivers, 48, pulled her daughter out of Valley Mills Elementary School in Decatur Township on April 9 after objecting to a lesson she claimed involved “same sex relationships,” according to WTHR. Rivers told police she took issue with an assignment that involved her daughter being shown a flag representing LGBTQ+ pride. The assignment, according to school officials and police, was actually about flags from different countries and states, during which the teacher also displayed a rainbow flag with the words “be kind” on it. Following Rivers’ complaint, the teacher reportedly excused her daughter from participating in the assignment. Despite the accommodation, Rivers became increasingly upset and appeared at the school building soon after. According to a police report cited by Fox 59, she was described as an “irate parent” and was found to be carrying a holstered firearm when she entered the school—an action that constitutes a felony in Indiana. Police at the scene recovered the weapon and took Rivers into custody without further incident. She reportedly told officers she had forgotten to remove her firearm before entering the school, but also admitted that she had previously brought the weapon to school on other occasions. Officers noted that Rivers seemed confused and believed the police were there to confront the teacher, not her. After being released, Rivers allegedly sent a threatening message to the teacher, the content of which was included in court filings. The message read: “...your a child predator and your only hope is your b**** a** wife that is a cop otherwise someone else woulda already delt with u for ur wrongs. U messed with the wrong family. I'll tell you that so please say ur prayers and kiss ur kids goodbye and goodnight u never know when god says its our time so always be prepared.” She went on to say, “God will condemn you to hell not only for your personal beliefs but for the fact that you use your position to mess with the minds of our children.” That same day, a Facebook account believed to belong to Rivers sent a friend request to the teacher, accompanied by another message calling them a “sick, nasty teacher.” The message added, “You should never tell precious innocent kids that it's okay to be in a same sex relationship.” Rivers has been charged with possession of a firearm on school property and harassment. Her initial court appearance is scheduled for April 15. In response to the incident, Decatur Township schools issued a statement confirming the presence of the parent on school grounds with a concealed weapon. “No threats were made against students or staff at that time. The police suspected that the parent had possession of a concealed handgun on her person and escorted her out of the building. At that point, they took possession of the weapon from the parent without incident outside the school,” the district stated. The school district also addressed the post-incident developments. “After the incident, it came to our attention that the parent then sent harassing and threatening messages to her child’s teacher. A warrant was filed for her arrest, and she is not permitted on any Decatur Township school property,” the statement read. “We are committed to ensuring a safe learning environment for students and staff, and are grateful for the quick action of the office staff and school police in handling the situation safely.” Based on a report by The Independent 2025-04-17 -
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Robert Jenrick Urges Solicitors’ Watchdog to Investigate Hamas Legal Challenge
Robert Jenrick Urges Solicitors’ Watchdog to Investigate Hamas Legal Challenge Robert Jenrick, the Conservative shadow justice secretary, has called for an urgent investigation into Riverway Law, the firm leading a legal challenge against the UK government’s designation of Hamas as a terrorist organisation. In a letter to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), Jenrick demanded a “thorough and transparent investigation,” raising concerns about whether the firm has adhered to professional standards and the UK’s sanctions regime. ‘Hamas shot her twice, that’s a threat, isn’t it?’ ‘The framing of your question is appalling.’ After a British lawyer chose to represent Hamas pro bono, @TomSwarbrick1 presses him on the claim that they’re ‘no threat to Britain.’ Riverway Law submitted a 106-page application to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, arguing that the UK’s proscription of Hamas violates protections under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), particularly those concerning freedom of speech. The firm’s case, led by Hamas official Mousa Abu Marzouk, asserts that the terrorist designation is disproportionate and that Hamas poses “no threat to the UK people.” Jenrick, however, expressed alarm at the firm’s actions and questioned whether Riverway had complied with SRA guidance and broader legal standards. “There are significant questions as to whether Riverway have complied with their obligations under the UK sanctions regime, the SRA’s own published guidance, and broader professional standards expected of solicitors,” he wrote. Riverway’s director, Fahad Ansari, defended the firm’s position, stating that it had engaged with the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI), external counsel, and other experts before taking on the case. “We were in contact with OFSI, external counsel and others who had represented sanctioned organisations, to ensure that we did not breach our duties under the sanctions regime,” Ansari told The Telegraph. He also criticised Jenrick personally, calling him a “low grade politician, lack[ing] any insight on responsible public service.” Ansari’s past social media activity has also come under scrutiny. He has previously posted messages referring to Hamas as a “legitimate resistance movement,” describing its fighters as “courageous Palestinian mujahideen,” and declaring: “you should view Hamas as an army of angels.” In another post, he wrote: “Dear ICC and ICJ. You are hopeless. Only armed resistance can protect the Palestinians from this genocide.” In his April Eid message, Ansari celebrated “the courageous Palestinian mujahideen who continue to resist the Western-backed Israeli genocide entirely on their own,” and said, “You are the pride of this Ummah. May you celebrate Eid one day in a fully liberated Palestine.” In June, he posted: “If you believe genocidal Israel is the most moral army in the world, then you should view Hamas as an army of angels.” In August, he wrote: “Dear ICC and ICJ. You are hopeless. Only armed resistance can protect the Palestinians from this genocide.” Earlier this week, Riverway Law shared a video online featuring Ansari and two colleagues submitting their legal case to the Home Office. Jenrick condemned the video as “an obvious publicity stunt” with “equally obvious reputational risks” for the firm. Citing SRA principles, he said, “The way in which Riverway have publicised their legal work for Marzouk is in my opinion a repulsive breach of all of these principles.” Jenrick added, “There is legitimate public interest to ascertain whether Riverway have complied with, or are in breach of, these elements of the SRA guidance.” Ansari responded, “Any empathy that I have demonstrated towards the victims of the ongoing holocaust in Gaza do not in any way detract from the robust merits of this legal application. The right to resistance against apartheid and settler colonial states such as Israel is enshrined in international law. The views that I have expressed are consistent with that and are an exercise of the right to free speech which sits at the heart of the application – it’s a fundamental right that should be valued and not used to attack the integrity of those with whom we disagree.” Riverway Law also issued a statement asserting that legal professionals must not be conflated with their clients. “There is an established convention that lawyers shall not be identified with their clients or their clients’ causes as a result of discharging their functions, precisely because it endangers lawyers for carrying out their duties. Any media outlet that continues to promote this narrative in relation to us is effectively placing a target on our backs, and knows it.” Based on a report by The Telegraph 2025-04-17 Related Articles Hamas Challenges UK Terror Ban, Citing Human Rights and Peace Efforts The immigration lawyer fighting to legalise Hamas -
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White House Defends Abrego Garcia Deportation, Calling Return "Out of the Question"
White House Defends Abrego Garcia Deportation, Calling Return "Out of the Question" The White House on Tuesday firmly rejected any notion that Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national recently deported from the U.S., could ever be permitted to live peacefully in the country, emphasizing that his removal was inevitable due to his alleged gang ties. The administration maintains that Abrego Garcia is an MS-13 gang member and foreign terrorist, claims his family vehemently denies. Leavitt said, “Because he is a foreign terrorist and an MS-13 gang member. Not only have we confirmed that, [El Salvador] President [Nayib] Bukele yesterday in the Oval Office confirmed that as well. So he went back to his home country, where he will face consequences for his gang affiliation and his engagement in human trafficking. I’m not sure what is so difficult about this for everyone in the media to understand.” Abrego Garcia’s relatives, meanwhile, insist he is not affiliated with any gang and had escaped El Salvador as a teenager to flee violence. The government’s claim rests largely on a confidential informant’s tip alleging his involvement with MS-13 in New York — a city where Abrego Garcia reportedly has never lived. The controversy intensified after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled last week that the Trump administration must “facilitate” Abrego Garcia’s return. Despite this, there has been no apparent effort from the administration to comply with the court’s instruction. Officials have instead deflected responsibility, pointing to El Salvador’s role in any potential return. During a White House meeting on Monday, Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele firmly dismissed the idea of returning Abrego Garcia to the U.S. “How could I return him to the United States? I smuggle him to the United States? Of course I’m not going to do it. The question is preposterous,” Bukele stated, underscoring his stance. Bukele’s government has cooperated with the Trump administration on immigration matters, including accepting deportees and housing them in a high-security prison known for its harsh conditions. His continued support for the deportation aligns with his domestic policy of cracking down on gangs and organized crime. With both governments now aligned in their position, Abrego Garcia’s fate appears sealed, despite ongoing legal questions and familial objections. The administration’s unequivocal message is that his return to the U.S. is not only unlikely but unwelcome. Based on a report by The Hill 2025-04-17 Related Article: El Salvador will not return Kilmar Ábrego García deported from the US in error -
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CNN Eyes Billion-Dollar Digital Future Amid Viewership Decline
CNN is setting its sights on a major digital overhaul as it navigates a turbulent period for traditional media, with CEO Mark Thompson unveiling plans to roll out new subscription services aimed at reinventing the network’s future. Despite offering limited specifics, Thompson acknowledged the scale of the challenge, describing it as part of a broader transformation gripping the entire news industry. “I don’t think this stuff is easy,” Thompson told The Financial Times in an interview. “Our industry is going through a revolution. The landscape is continuing to go through the stresses and strains of an enormous disruption of audiences and of the media generally.” Thompson, who took the helm at CNN 18 months ago, said the network’s new digital subscription strategy will begin to take shape with one streaming product launching later this year, followed by a second in 2026. His long-term goal is ambitious: building a subscription-based digital business that generates more than $1 billion in annual revenue by the end of the decade. This digital push comes at a time when CNN is under pressure. According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, the network brought in $1.7 billion in operating revenue last year, but its viewership continues to decline. In the first quarter of 2025, CNN’s total U.S. audience dropped by about 8%, despite the resurgence of former President Donald Trump on the political stage. Competitors have seen mixed results, with MSNBC falling 27% and right-leaning Fox News surging by 48%, according to Nielsen data. To support the transformation, CNN parent company Warner Bros. Discovery has reportedly allocated more than $70 million to Thompson’s effort. The move has raised eyebrows within CNN, particularly since the company shuttered its previous attempt at a subscription service, CNN+, in 2022 shortly after its merger with Discovery. Now, less than two years later, CNN is revisiting the same concept under Thompson’s direction. Thompson, who successfully spearheaded a digital transformation at The New York Times, has offered only a glimpse of what CNN’s first new product will look like. He described it as a “non-news digital product, though it might be heavy in information.” The service, which will debut in the U.S. before expanding internationally, is expected to include lifestyle content and other features beyond traditional news. Early attempts to implement paywalls for CNN’s news reporting remain in development. Insiders speculate that Thompson may follow a strategy similar to what he used at The Times, where he launched successful subscription products focused on cooking, games, and wellness — offerings that broadened the brand’s appeal beyond hard news. Despite the network’s current struggles, Thompson has remained candid about CNN’s position. He previously told staff that CNN is “nowhere near ready for the future,” a sobering acknowledgment of the headwinds facing the cable news model as audiences shift to streaming and digital platforms. Compounding the challenge is CNN’s complicated relationship with Trump, who has often accused the network of biased coverage. Thompson has urged CNN journalists to approach Trump’s potential second term with balance. Earlier this year, he encouraged staff to report “objectively” and to remain “open-minded” in their political coverage. He reiterated this approach in his interview with The Financial Times, saying, “CNN’s job is to report on the government of the day in whichever country it is” in an “accurate,” “fair-minded” way that “doesn’t labor under its own prejudices of biases and doesn’t shy away from holding power to account.” He added, “We shouldn’t slip into the idea that part of our job is to oppose political forces as such. Our job is to cover the political contest, rather than to head into the ring and start throwing punches ourselves.” As CNN moves forward under Thompson’s leadership, it faces a defining test: whether it can successfully pivot to digital while preserving the journalistic values that made it a legacy brand in the first place. Based on a report by NYP 2025-04-17
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