Today’s blog will consist of both news and a free chat of sorts. As usual, post the headlines we may have missed and feel free to chit and chat and enjoy one another’s company!
Happy Mother’s Day!
Comic Relief:
Health:
Economy:
U.S. Announces China Trade Deal in Geneva
The White House
May 11, 2025
Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent:“I’m happy to report that we made substantial progress between the United States and China in the very important trade talks. First, I want to thank our Swiss host. The Swiss government has been very kind in providing us this wonderful venue, and I think that led to a great deal of productivity we’ve seen. We will be giving details tomorrow, but I can tell you that the talks were productive. We had the vice premier, two vice ministers, who were integrally involved, Ambassador Jamieson, and myself. And I spoke to President Trump, as did Ambassador Jamieson, last night, and he is fully informed of what is going on. So, there will be a complete briefing tomorrow morning.”
U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer:“This was, as the Secretary pointed out, a very constructive two days. It’s important to understand how quickly we were able to come to agreement, which reflects that perhaps the differences were not so large as maybe thought. That being said, there was a lot of groundwork that went into these two days. Just remember why we’re here in the first place — the United States has a massive $1.2 trillion trade deficit, so the President declared a national emergency and imposed tariffs, and we’re confident that the deal we struck with our Chinese partners will help us to work toward resolving that national emergency.”
The Fascist Felon and His Brownshirts:
Trump Is to Accept a Luxury 747 From Qatar for Use as Air Force One
The plan raises substantial ethical issues, given the immense value of the lavishly appointed plane and the fact that Mr. Trump plans to use it after he leaves office.
The Trump administration plans to accept a luxury Boeing 747-8 plane as a donation from the Qatari royal family that will be upgraded to serve as Air Force One, in possibly the biggest foreign gift ever received by the U.S. government, four people with knowledge of the matter said.
The plane will then be donated to President Trump’s presidential library when he leaves office, two senior officials said.
Democratic lawmakers and good government groups expressed concern over the conflicts the proposal presents. The plan raises substantial ethical issues, given the immense value of the lavishly appointed plane and Mr. Trump’s intention to use it after he leaves office. Sold new, a commercial Boeing 747-8 costs in the range of $400 million.
‘Don’t get in my way,’ the new acting head of federal disaster agency warns in call with staff
Washington – The new head of the federal agency tasked with responding to disasters across the country warned staff in a meeting Friday not to try to impede upcoming changes, saying that “I will run right over you” while also suggesting policy changes that would push more responsibilities to the states.
David Richardson, a former Marine Corps officer who served in Afghanistan, Iraq and Africa, was named acting administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency on Thursday just after Cameron Hamilton, who’d been leading the agency, also in an acting role, was fired.
Richardson hails from Waterford, Michigan. He received a B.S. in biology from Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas, according to FEMA.
