Wednesday morning news: April 30, 2025

Trump Michigan rally » President Trump last night marked 100 days in office with a rally in suburban Detroit.

He called the opening months of this second term “a revolution of common sense.” And the president touted what he views as major early victories, starting with the southern border.

TRUMP:  The number of illegal border crosses released into the United States is down. Listen to this, please. 99.999%.

Trump disputed headlines saying prices are rising, noting that energy and gas prices are down.

Democrats say Trump’s tariffs are fueling inflation. They called his first 100 days a disaster.

Auto tariffs » The president also said his trade tariffs will protect autoworkers, in his words putting Michigan and America first, rather than China.

But he also signed an executive order Tuesday partially relaxing his 25% tariffs on vehicles and auto parts.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told reporters:

BESSENT:   The president has has met with the domestic auto manufacturers. He is met with foreign auto manufacturers and he wants to make the US the best destination for auto manufacturing.

The president’s order offers refunds on imported parts and incentives for U.S. production.

Secretary Bessent also told White House reporters that trade talks are ongoing with numerous countries with a focus right now on Asian partners. He noted progress with India, South Korea, and Japan.

Jobs report / economy » The Labor Department says there were fewer ‘help wanted’ signs in business windows last month as compared to February.

There were about 7.2 million job openings at the end of March. That was down by roughly 290,000, month to month.

However, overall layoffs declined by more than 220,000.

And the White House says more jobs are one the way. Press Secretary Karline Leavitt:

LEAVITT:  So far, total investment commitments under the Trump administration have reached more than $5 trillion,

Democrats say the president’s tariff policies will drive the economy into a ditch.

Whether the economy soars or lags, at least for now, the latest numbers seem to show a stable job market.

Trump impeachment » On Capitol Hill a Democratic congressman has officially taken the first step toward impeaching President Trump for a third time.

Shri Thanedar of Michigan has filed an impeachment resolution against the president, accusing him of abusing his power.

He pointed specifically to the deportation of a man from El Salvador, Kilmar Abrego Garcia.

THANEDAR: The court said the wrongfully deported Kilmer Garcia must be allowed to return and receive due process. Trump ignored it. He ignored the Constitution. This isn't an isolated incident. It's part of a dangerous, deliberate pattern.

Trump administration officials said Garcia was mistakenly deported due to a clerical error but add that he has links to a dangerous Salvadoran gang.

There is no evidence that President Trump ordered or was directly involved in Garcia’s deportation.

Democrats impeached Trump twice during his first term. But this effort is expected to go nowhere fast in the now Republican-controlled House.

Zelenksyy / Ukraine latest » The Trump administration is not impressed by Russia's announcement of a planned three-day unilateral ceasefire.

Vladimir Putin says his forces will halt attacks on Ukraine from May 8-10, to mark the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany's surrender to Europe.

But State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce told reporters:

BRUCE: What they've been working toward is a ceasefire. A complete, full, durable, ceasefire. Right? Not a three-day moment so you can celebrate something else! A complete, durable ceasefire and an end to the conflict.

And Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he believes Russia is preparing to ramp up its assault on Ukraine.

ZELENSKYY: Look at Belarus – Russia is preparing something there this summer…using military drills as cover. That’s usually how they start a new attack. But where will it go? I don’t know. Ukraine? Lithuania? Poland? God bless, no! But we all need to be ready.

Trump administration officials say if they don’t see progress toward a ceasefire soon, the U.S. may withdraw from negotiations altogether.

Driver likely did not target building in Illinois crash » Police in Illinois say a deadly crash that killed several children on Monday does not appear to have been a targeted attack.

Three young children and an 18-year-old woman were killed. Six others were hospitalized.

Chatham Deputy Police Chief Scott Tarter:

TARTER:  Vehicle drove into the east side of the building. The vehicle struck multiple persons outside of the building before continuing through the building and exiting out on the west side of the structure.

A 44-year-old woman was reportedly behind the wheel and appeared to make no attempt to slow down or change direction.

She was unharmed but taken to a hospital for evaluation. Authorities said Tuesday that toxicology reports were pending.

Chatham police in a social media post said, if you believe in the power of prayer, please take a moment to pray for the entire Chatham community.

I'm Kent Covington.

This is The World and Everything in It.

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