Gong News

China has returned brand-new Boeing 737 Max jets to the U.S., signaling rising tensions in the ongoing trade war between the two economic giants. A 737 Max originally intended for Xiamen Airlines landed back in Seattle on Sunday, followed by a second aircraft on Monday.  The move highlights how deeply tariffs and retaliatory policies are affecting global commerce, especially the aviation sector. The 737 Max, Boeing’s bestselling aircraft, had been undergoing final delivery preparations at the company's center in China.  With the aircraft's market value at around $55 million, the recent spike in tariffs, 145 percent on Chinese goods from the U.S. and 120 percent in retaliation by China, makes delivery financially burdensome for Chinese airlines .  Reports suggest Beijing is now considering aid for local carriers leasing Boeing jets as they struggle with mounting costs. Last week, the Chinese government reportedly asked domestic airlines to halt purchases of U....

Kenya faces a bizarre challenge in its long fight against wildlife trafficking: ant smuggling. Authorities recently arrested four people:  two Belgians, one Kenyan, and one Vietnamese , for attempting to traffic thousands of ants out of the country.  These insects were packed in test tubes, sealed with cotton, and prepared for shipment to Europe and Asia, where collectors pay top dollar. The ants in question are giant African harvesters, native to East Africa. They are large, colorful, and considered exotic in foreign markets.  Each ant can sell for up to $220, making this a surprisingly profitable business. Kenyan officials estimate the total value of the seized ants at around $7,700. So why do people want ants? In Europe and Asia, insect collectors buy them to keep as pets in custom habitats called formicariums. These setups allow people to observe ant colonies grow and interact. The market is niche but growing fast, driving illegal demand for rare species like these....

In April 2025, the Federal Reserve maintains the  federal reserve interest at 4.25%–4.50%, reflecting economic resilience and inflation moderation rather than aggressive monetary easing.  Are Federal Reserve Interest Rate Cuts Coming Soon? Officials are still emphasizing that although rate cuts are a possibility this year, that depends on clearer evidence that inflation is moving consistently toward the 2 percent target. Market participants have significantly cooled expectations for early or frequent cuts. Inflation Is Still the Deciding Factor Previous hopes for a rapid disinflation process were dashed by the January and February CPI data , which confirmed inflation at or above 3%, underpinned by stubborn shelter rents, wages, and price pressures in services.  Goods inflation has slowed, but overall price pressures have proven more stubborn, raising questions about any imminent shift. Core inflation is also running hot, keeping policymakers on alert. FedCLR: Fewer, Later Cur...

The Zelensky China accusation signals a possible shift in the war and global diplomacy. This is the first time Ukraine has officially named China as a military supporter of Russia. Until now, Beijing has maintained a neutral stance while expanding trade with Moscow. On April 17, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused China of supporting Russia’s war effort.  At a Kyiv briefing, he revealed that Ukraine’s Security Service had intelligence linking China to the supply of gunpowder, artillery, and even weapon production on Russian soil. What’s Behind the Zelensky China Accusation Zelensky said Ukraine had obtained intelligence showing Chinese involvement in weapons-related production inside Russia. He added that more specific details would be released soon.  This follows a long period where China was suspected of supplying dual-use goods—technology and components that, while civilian in name, support Russian military operations. China had previ...

President Donald Trump’s administration is accelerating efforts to secure strategic trade agreements globally.  According to top economic adviser Kevin Hassett, negotiations with more than 10 international partners are in advanced stages.  The deals aim to strengthen U.S. industry competitiveness and national security while realigning supply chains away from China and other adversarial economies. Hassett stated that the White House is poised to announce multiple agreements in quick succession.  These developments reflect a broader push to reassert U.S. control over critical economic levers, particularly in high-tech sectors and automotive manufacturing.  Trump is personally involved in final decisions, ensuring each deal meets stringent economic and security benchmarks. U.S.-UK Trade Deal Sees Momentum Amid Tariff Moves U.S. Senator J.D. Vance confirmed significant progress toward a bilateral trade agreement with the United Kingdom.  Speaking to UnH...

Katy Perry is set to soar into space Monday aboard a Blue Origin rocket, becoming the most famous participant in an all-female crew.  Katy Perry to Join All-Female Rocket Launch into Space She’ll join five others, including Lauren Sanchez , Jeff Bezos ’ fiancée, on a 10-minute sub-orbital flight from Texas. The mission, flying above 100 km past the Karman line , marks Blue Origin’s 11th crewed trip and the first all-women spaceflight since 1963. Passengers will briefly experience zero gravity. Perry joins TV host Gayle King , producer Kerianne Flynn , ex-NASA scientist Aisha Bowe , and activist Amanda Nguyen . Perry said her daughter Daisy inspired her to go, hoping to show her there are no limits. Blue Origin, facing competition from Virgin Galactic and SpaceX , uses these celebrity flights to maintain public interest in space tourism. The company plans to eventually offer full orbital trips.

President Donald Trump has issued a direct warning to the Iran Nuclear Program , urging the country to abandon its pursuit of nuclear weapons or risk facing US military action. Speaking alongside El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele, Trump highlighted the significant threat posed by Iran's nuclear ambitions. He stressed that:  " Iran is "fairly close" to developing a nuclear weapon and that military strikes remain an option if negotiations fail". This warning follows a recent meeting in Oman between US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian officials.  Despite both parties describing the discussions as "constructive," Trump expressed skepticism about Iran’s commitment to ending its nuclear program. He made it clear that the US would not tolerate any further progress on Iran’s nuclear capabilities, emphasizing that Iran must abandon the notion of developing atomic weapons entirely. A second round of talks is scheduled for April...

Russia has condemned U.S. threats of military strikes on Iran, calling them illegal and dangerous. Moscow warns that attacking Iran, particularly its nuclear sites, could trigger a catastrophic global crisis.  Russia Condemns U.S. Threats Against Iran, Warns of Global Crisis It urges diplomatic solutions while defending Tehran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy, rejecting Western claims that Iran seeks nuclear weapons. Tensions are rising as the U.S. escalates pressure on Iran, deploying more warplanes and threatening airstrikes.  Washington accuses Iran of developing nuclear weapons, but Tehran insists its program is for civilian energy. Economic sanctions and military threats have fueled fears of a larger conflict in the Middle East. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova denounced military intervention as unacceptable.  Maria Zakharova ( Image source ) She warned that bombing Iran’s nuclear infrastructure would have irreversible global consequences....

The United States has removed its $10 million reward for information leading to the arrest of Taliban leader Sirajuddin Haqqani , a decision made shortly after the Taliban released American citizen George Glezmann , who had been held captive for two years. US Removes $10M Reward for Taliban Leader Sirajuddin Haqqani Amid Diplomatic Shifts and Hostage Release. Despite the reward’s removal, the FBI continues to list Haqqani on its website, highlighting his role in orchestrating attacks against US and coalition forces in Afghanistan. This development suggests a shift in US policy amid ongoing negotiations with the Taliban. George Glezmann, who was abducted in December 2022 during a trip to Afghanistan, is the third American detainee freed by the Taliban since January 2025.  US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the release as a “positive and constructive step,” acknowledging Qatar’s key role in facilitating the negotiations. The Taliban claims the release aligns with its broader...

Kyiv wakes to devastation early Sunday as nearly 150 Russian drones swarm the city. Explosions rock neighborhoods, destroying residential buildings and killing three civilians. A devastated residential building in Kyiv burns after a Russian drone strike, with rescue workers and emergency vehicles responding to the scene. Smoke rises into the evening sky as debris litters the ground, highlighting the destruction and human cost of the attack. Among the victims are a father, his 5-year-old daughter , and an 80-year-old woman who dies in her burning apartment. This marks the first deadly attack in Kyiv in over two months as ceasefire talks continue in Saudi Arabia . Kyiv Shaken But Not Broken Shortly after midnight, the blare of air raid sirens sends residents running for shelter. Explosions tear through homes, setting off fires and leaving destruction in their wake. Emergency crews work tirelessly, rescuing survivors as thick smoke covers the sky. The Ukrainian government responds...