Thursday morning news: April 24, 2025

Russia-Ukraine update » President Trump says ceasefire talks between Russia and Ukraine aren't moving fast enough. And he again showed frustration with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

TRUMP: I think we have a deal with Russia. We have to get a deal with Zelenskyy. And I hope that Zelenskyy — I thought it might be easier to deal with Zelenskyy, but so far it's been harder. But that's okay. That's alright.

The latest U.S.-drafted ceasefire proposal would reportedly … allow Russia to keep much of the Ukrainian land it currently occupies. It is also said to suggest that the United States would recognize Russia's long-contested claim to Crimea.

Zelenskyy reportedly called those terms unacceptable.

President Trump responded with a social media post … accusing Zelenskyy of holding up the peace process.

China trade war » Meantime, President Trump says he’s confident that the U.S. will reach a new trade deal with China. But the White House says it has no plans to reduce tariffs on Chinese goods unilaterally, without concessions from Beijing. As to whether he would lower the tariffs, Trump said last night …

TRUMP: That’s up to them.

That followed a Wall Street Journal report … stating that the administration was considering lowering tariffs on Chinese imports … which now add up to almost 150% … by as much as half.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt says the tariffs give the president bargaining power.

LEAVITT:  Many on both sides of the aisle have pledge to do what's right for the American worker and our manufacturing industry. But this is the first president to actually use the leverage of the United States to bring people to the table.

She adds that many countries are coming to the table. But so far … not China.

NYC migrant gang members » New York Mayor Eric Adams and U.S. Border Czar Tom Homan this week announced that 27 alleged members of the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua … are facing new federal charges.

Republican Councilwoman Vickie Paladino:

PALADINO:  This is something that, uh, Eric Adams has wanted to do for the last two years, but he's felt somewhat imprisoned and handcuffed by the Democratic party.

Mayor Adams was elected as a Democrat … but is running for reelection as an independent.

The mayor's administration also announced it would allow ICE inside the Rikers Island jail complex. But a judge temporarily paused the plan Monday after the New York City Council sued to block the move.

New Jersey wildfire » A fast-moving wildfire engulfing part of New Jersey’s Pine Barrens is expected to continue growing before forecast rain later this week.

Division Forest Fire Warden Trevor Raynor said the fire could burn for days … potentially spawning new fires.

RAYNOR: These fires, with the dryness and the winds, they throw spot first and embers, little tiny firebrands up to mile out in front of that main fire, so even if we’re successful in stopping the fire on this barrier, control line, there are still embers that rain down.

As of last night, the blaze was 40% contained.

The fire has forced some 5,000 residents to evacuate … though many have been able to return home.

Baby bonus » The White House is considering ways to persuade women … to have more babies.

The CDC this week reported that roughly 3.6 million babies were born in the U.S. last year. That’s less than 1% increase from 2023 in the number of babies born … when the rate hit an all-time low.

House Speaker Mike Johnson says the Republicans support the effort to bring more babies into the world

JOHNSON:  We support all children. We love all life. That's what we've always been about. It's actually in our platform.

Among the proposals: Giving mothers a $5,000 cash gift when they give birth.

President Trump said this week that that “sounds like a good idea” to him.

Birth rates in the U.S. are well below the replacement rate of 2.1 births per woman.

Pope latest » Catholics are paying tribute to the late Pope Francis this week. His body lies in state at St. Peter’s Basilica today … for the second of three days of public mourning.

VISITOR:  He taught us a lesson and we'll just be very grateful for what he did for the church, for us, for the poor people. He’s just one of us and may he rest in peace.

The viewing is largely for ordinary Catholics to grieve the 88-year-old pope. Francis died on Monday after suffering a stroke … on the heels of a long hospitalization for double pneumonia.

The public mourning period will end at 7 p.m. tomorrow local time.

I’m Kent Covington.

Straight ahead: considering one part of the IVF debate often overlooked by politicians. Plus, a victory for women in the United Kingdom.

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