โŒ

Normal view

There are new articles available, click to refresh the page.
Before yesterdayMain stream

Trump considers massive tariffs on Canadian dairy amid trade tensions

7 March 2025 at 19:01

In a trade war that seems to change by the minute, President Donald Trump said he is considering massive tariffs on dairy and other imports from Canada.

After postponing across-the-board 25% tariffs on Canadian goods on Thursday, President Trump suggested that he would implement massive reciprocal tariffs on Canadian lumber and dairy.

President Trump says Canada has been "ripping off" the United States.

"We find [Canada] charging us over 200% for dairy outcomes," President Trump said. "They'll be met with the exact same tariff unless they drop it."

There has long been bipartisan frustration over Canada's tariffs on some U.S. dairy and lumber. Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin urged the Biden administration in 2022 to take action as she believed the tariffs on dairy violated the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement signed by President Trump during his first term.

Canada's tariffs are not on all dairy products, but are imposed once the U.S. has met a certain quota. Canadian officials have said that the U.S. has overproduced dairy products, undercutting prices in Canada.

Meanwhile, Canadian officials said that the 25% tariffs it imposed on numerous U.S. products will remain in place, even as the White House has paused the across-the-board tariffs.

Trump urges farmers to 'bear with' tariffs as long-term gains expected

5 March 2025 at 18:42

During Tuesday's joint session of Congress, President Donald Trump indicated that there would be long-term benefits for farmers as he implements numerous tariffs.

President Trump has already imposed 25% tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico and up to 20% tariffs on goods from China. The president has also said that he will impose 25% tariffs on food products imported into the U.S. starting April 2.

But in the near term, President Trump seemed to indicate that farmers might not benefit from the tariffs in the short term.

"The tariffs will go on agricultural product coming into America and our farmers starting on April 2nd, it may be a little bit of an adjustment period, we had that before when I made the deal with China, $50 billion in purchases and I said, just bear with me. And they did, they did. You have to bear with me again and this will be even better," President Trump said on Tuesday.

RELATED STORY | Upcoming Trump tariffs could make things more expensive for American farme

But the National Farmers Union thinks there will be long-term ramifications from tariffs.

We are already facing significant economic uncertainty, and these actions only add to the strain. Trade policies must come with real, tangible protections for the farmers directly affected," National Farmers Union President Rob Larew said. "Weve heard theres a strategy in placenow we need to see it. Promises alone wont pay the bills or keep farms afloat.

Without a clear plan, family farmers will once again be left to bear the burden of decisions beyond their control, and eventually, so will consumers. We urge the administration to work with our trading partners to prevent further harm to rural communities. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, imports are making up a growing share of the United States' fruits and vegetables supply. As of 2021, nearly 60% of fruit and 40% of vegetables consumed in the U.S. are imported.

The U.S. is also increasing the amount of meat it imports every year, with the nation importing more than it exports yearly.

While economists and business leaders say tariffs will result in higher prices for consumer goods, the Trump administration says tariffs will promote domestic job growth while raising government revenue without directly raising taxes.

"Theyre about protecting the soul of our country," President Trump said. "Tariffs are about making America rich again and making America great again. And its happening. And it will happen rather quickly. Therell be a little disturbance, but were okay with that. It wont be much."

RELATED STORY |ย Stocks skid as Trump's tariffs are poised to take effect Tuesday

Supreme Court rules against Trump administration in foreign aid case

5 March 2025 at 15:35

The U.S. Supreme Court has instructed a federal district court enforce a temporary restraining order that prevented the Trump administration from blocking the payment of approximately $2 billion in foreign aid. This effectively means the White House must followed a court-ordered process in releasing the funds.

In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of dismissing the Trump administration's sovereign immunity argument. The Trump administration had tried to block the payment of grants funded by Congress for U.S. Agency for International Development programs.

The Trump administration was sued by the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition, which said it had funding promised by the government frozen by the White House. The AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition said it provides effective HIV prevention options to countries around the world.

RELATED STORY | The Trump administration is putting USAID staffers on leave worldwide and firing at least 1,600

USAID is at the forefront of global development and humanitarian assistance, working in over 100 countries to promote economic growth, health, education, and democratic governance. However, the Trump administration claims it is rife with wasteful spending and fraud.

The Trump administration claimed that the plaintiffs could not file a suit against the government without its consent. Previously, a district court rejected this argument and said the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition is allowed to claim their payment rights.

Justice Samuel Alito authored a dissenting opinion, questioning the district court's authority to compel a $2 billion payment.

"Today, the Court makes a most unfortunate misstep that rewards an act of judicial hubris and imposes a $2 billion penalty on American taxpayers. The District Court has made plain its frustration with the Government, and respondents raise serious concerns about nonpayment for completed work. But the relief ordered is, quite simply, too extreme a response," Alito wrote.

The American Civil Liberties Union welcomed the Supreme Court's decision in the case.

President Trumps attempt to halt foreign aid funding was a reckless, cruel, and unprecedented abuse of executive power. The lower court rightly held that President Trump exceeded his authority when he unilaterally declared he was freezing funding for programs Congress had already authorized, stiffing federal contractors who had already done work," said Anthony D. Romero, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union. "Were pleased to see the Supreme Court uphold the Constitution and act as an essential check on the executive branch in this case brought by Public Citizen."

LeBron James reaches new heights: 50,000 points and counting

5 March 2025 at 13:41

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James became the first NBA player to ever score 50,000 regular season and postseason points in a career. He reached the 50,000-point mark on Tuesday during the Lakers 136-115 win over New Orleans.

James needed just one point on Tuesday to reach 50,000. He ended up scoring 34 points, and added eight rebounds and six assists.

Of his now 50,033 points, he has scored 41,817 points in the regular season and 8,162 points in the postseason. No other NBA player has ever scored even more than 6,000 points in the postseason. He is also the only player to ever score more than 40,000 points in the regular season.

RELATED STORY | After 22 years in NBA, LeBron James discusses retirement plans as he turns 40

"It's a lot of points," James said on Tuesday. "Just picking up the game when I was a little kid and just having a love and support and just hoping I someday would be able to play at the highest level and I've been able to do that and really enjoy my career, so it was definitely an honor."

Even after turning 40 years old in December, James has continued to impress. He was also named the Western Conference Player of the Month. The honor made him the oldest player in NBA history to be named Player of the Month.

In February, James led the Lakers to a 10-2 record by averaging 29.3 points, 10.5 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game.

When asked what the most challenging part about maintaining a high level of play after 22 years in the NBA is, James said, "Just not falling out of love for the process."

"Continue to fall in love with the process as that's the hardest thing to do every single year," he added. "It is a long season, 82 games, 41 of them on the road. It's a lot of travel. As you get older, that affects you even differently; you have your family, and it affects you differently."

The win put the Lakers in second place in the Western Conference. The Lakers on track to have their best regular season since 2019-20, when James helped Los Angeles win an NBA title.

RELATED STORY | Serena Williams joins ownership group of new WNBA team in Toronto

'Greenland is Ours': Prime minister rejects Trump's acquisition plans

5 March 2025 at 12:38

During President Donald Trump's address to a joint session of Congress, he said that the United States needs Greenland "for national security and even international security."

"Its a very small population, but a very, very large piece of land and very, very important for military security," President Trump said.

Greenland's Prime Minister Mte Bourup Egede pushed back on President Trump's desire for the U.S. to acquire the island.

"Greenland is ours," he said. "We do not want to be Americans, nor Danes; we are Greenlanders. The Americans and their leaders must understand that. We are not for sale and cannot just be taken. Our future is decided by us in Greenland."

Greenland is not a fully independent nation; rather, it is an autonomous region of Denmark. Greenland has its own parliament and governance but relies on Denmark for its currency and national security.

RELATED STORY | Tariffs, the economy and national security dominate Trump's address to Congress

The large, mostly ice-covered island has 56,000 residents and is also home to the United States' Pituffik Space Base.

"We strongly support your right to determine your own future, and if you choose, we welcome you into the United States of America," President Trump said during Tuesday's address. "Were working with everybody involved to try and get it. But we need it really for international world security. And I think were going to get it. One way or the other, were going to get it."

President Trump's message came with a sales pitch to Greenland.

"We will keep you safe. We will make you rich. And together we will take Greenland to heights like you have never thought possible before," he said.

Although Greenland has a harsh climate with a small population, climate change has made the territory more attractive for mining.

With climate change causing much of Greenland's ice to melt, University College London researchers say now is a critical time for the future of Greenland.

RELATED STORY | Rep. Al Green removed from chamber after disrupting Trump's speech

"Its receding ice sheet opens new ground for mining and exploration, and it is rich in elements that are subject to rapidly accelerating global demand. Political and civil society leaders look to develop the country beyond traditional marine activities, and mining could transform its economy such that independence from Denmark becomes a possibility," wrote Beverley Gibbs, a provost postdoctoral fellow with University College London. "As international developers move in to extract resources, the Naalakkersuisut, the Danish government, and the EU are faced with the challenge of negotiating what effective stewardship means in this context."

Best Buy, Target leaders say new tariffs will cause higher prices for customers

4 March 2025 at 17:14

With President Donald Trump imposing 25% tariffs on goods coming in from Mexico and Canada and expanding tariffs on Chinese goods, the CEO of Target suggested that prices for many items will go up in the coming days.

In an interview with CNBC on Tuesday, CEO Brian Cornell said customers should expect fruits and vegetables to cost more within days. Cornell told CNBC that Target heavily relies on produce from Mexico during the winter.

"We'll try to protect pricing, but the consumer will likely see price increases over the next couple of days," he told CNBC, adding that avocados, bananas, and strawberries are among the products expected to have nearly immediate price increases.

Cornell said that the retailer has been aware that tariffs would be a possibility for some time and has been trying to prepare for their potential impacts.

RELATED STORY | Trudeau: US launched a trade war against Canada after Trump imposed tariffs

"We've diversified our supply chain to give us more optionality, and I think that'll serve us well as we go forward. But we always want to make sure we're delivering great value to the consumer," he said.

One example is that Target has gone from getting 60% of its imports from China to about 30%, he said.

As President Trump considered potential tariffs, Target said it noticed in February softer consumer spending on discretionary items.

"I think we've seen a cautious consumer for quite some time now. You know they're shopping carefully, and they're making sure they're stretching their budgets as carefully as they can," he said.

RELATED STORY |ย These are some goods in the crosshairs of Trump's tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China

Best Buy CEO Corey Berry also addressed tariffs, saying that price increases are likely.

"While Best Buy only directly imports 2% to 3% of our overall assortment, we expect our vendors across our entire assortment to pass along some level of tariff costs to retailers, making price increases for American consumers highly likely," Berry told investors on Tuesday.

Unlike produce, which has a short shelf life, electronics typically take weeks or months to be sold. Berry said that prices at Best Buy likely won't go up immediately, but eventually, tariffs will be absorbed by consumers.

"Tariffs at this level will result in price increases. I think it is very difficult to say, given the backdrop that were in, exactly how big that is," he said.

Trudeau: US launched a trade war against Canada after Trump imposed tariffs

4 March 2025 at 12:10

The Trump administration's 25% tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico went into effect Tuesday morning, just hours after U.S. stocks tumbled on Monday. There will also be a 10% tariff on energy imports, which could cause gas prices to begin to go up this week.

The tariffs prompted an angry response on Tuesday from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

The United States launched a trade war against Canada, their closest partner and ally, their closest friend. At the same time, they're talking about working positively with Russia, appeasing Vladimir Putin, a lying, murderous dictator. Make that make sense," he said.

The tariffs went into effect nearly a month after President Trump announced plans to impose them. In a post on Truth Social, President Trump claimed that drugs were coming across the border "from Mexico and Canada at very high and unacceptable levels." Trump had paused tariffs on both nations after their leaders said they would bolster border security and assist the U.S. in stopping the flow of illegal drugs.

Before the tariffs went into effect, the White House released a statement saying that Canada and Mexico have failed to stop the flow of illegal drugs into the U.S.

"While President Trump gave both Canada and Mexico ample opportunity to curb the dangerous cartel activity and influx of lethal drugs flowing into our country, they have failed to adequately address the situation," the statement read. "The flow of contraband drugs like fentanyl into the United States, through illicit distribution networks, has created a national emergency, including a public health crisis."

RELATED STORY | These are some goods in the crosshairs of Trump's tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China

President Trump also added a 10% tariff on goods from China. Additionally, the president said a planned 25% tariff on automobile, semiconductor, and pharmaceutical imports will begin on April 2.

Tariffs are fees charged to companies for importing their goods from another country. Many economists believe that most companies will pass the cost of a tariff to the consumer instead of absorbing the fee.

Trudeau responded late Monday saying there is "no justification" for the tariffs imposed by President Trump. Trudeau then issued retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. He announced a 25% tariff on $155 billion of goods being sent from the U.S. into Canada.

Trudeau noted that the tariffs negate a free trade agreement signed by President Trump during his first term in office.

"Our tariffs will remain in place until the U.S. trade action is withdrawn, and should U.S. tariffs not cease, we are in active and ongoing discussions with provinces and territories to pursue several non-tariff measures. While we urge the U.S. administration to reconsider their tariffs, Canada remains firm in standing up for our economy, our jobs, our workers, and for a fair deal," Trudeau said.

Trudeau said Canada would file a complaint with the World Trade Organization.

RELATED STORY |ย Singer modifies 'O Canada' lyrics in response to Trump's 51st state proposal

"Because of the tariffs imposed by the U.S., Americans will pay more for groceries, gas, and cars, and potentially lose thousands of jobs," Trudeau added. "Tariffs will disrupt an incredibly successful trading relationship. They will violate the very trade agreement that was negotiated by President Trump in his last term.

According to research released in October 2024 by Georgia State University, Arizona State University, and Colorado State University, tariffs might not only cause an increase in prices for consumers, but they can also disrupt supply chains.

China, Mexico and Canada are the United States' three largest trading partners, so their potential impacts could be widely felt if President Trump moves forward with them.

Patrick De Haan, who analyzes gas price trends for Gas Buddy, said gas prices could go up immediately for New England states, potentially rising by as much as 40 cents per gallon within the next two weeks. He noted, however, that the tariffs could be offset by an economic slowdown, which would lower demand for energy and thus keep prices from rising too much.

Border security efforts intensify with troop deployment under Trump administration

1 March 2025 at 19:06

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered the deployment of a Stryker Brigade Combat Team and General Support Aviation Battalion to the U.S.-Mexico border on Saturday to bolster security at the southern border.

The Defense Department stated that about 3,000 troops will be included in the deployment. This will bring the total number of military personnel at the U.S. border to 9,000.

These deployments will bring additional agility and capability to further efforts to stop the flow of illegal migrancy and drugs at the southern border, said Gen. Gregory Guillot, commander of United States Northern Command.

RELATED STORY | Trumps border crackdown faces hurdles as immigration judges are terminated

United States Northern Command noted that about 2,400 of the troops will be used for detection and monitoring; administrative support; transportation support; warehousing and logistics support; vehicle maintenance; and engineering support. An additional 500 soldiers will assist in the movement of personnel, equipment, and supplies, and provide aerial medical evacuation capabilities.

It is unclear how long their deployment will last. Officials did not specify where along the border the troops will be located.

"These forces will arrive in the coming weeks and their deployment underscores the Department's unwavering dedication to working alongside the Department of Homeland Security to secure our southern border and maintain the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security of the United States under President Trump's leadership," the Defense Department said in a statement on Saturday.

RELATED STORY |ย Trump administration creates registry of unauthorized immigrants, partners with local law enforcement

Under U.S. law, troops are unable to directly conduct law enforcement missions at the border.

Both the outgoing Biden administration and the new Trump administration have reported a decline in border crossings in recent months.

Cuomo eyes NYC mayoral race following controversial exit as NY governor

1 March 2025 at 18:19

Four years after resigning as New York's governor amid allegations of sexual misconduct, Andrew Cuomo announced he is running for mayor of New York City, potentially setting up a showdown between two controversial Democrats.

Cuomo resigned in August 2021 after New York Attorney General Letitia James investigated Cuomo and concluded that the governor had sexually harassed at least 11 women. Numerous Democratic Party leaders, including President Joe Biden, urged Cuomo to resign.

"We find that the governor sexually harassed a number of current and former New York State employees by, among other things, engaging in unwelcome and non-consensual touching, as well as making numerous offensive comments of a suggestive and sexual nature that created a hostile work environment for women. Our investigation revealed that the governors sexually harassing behavior was not limited to members of his own staff, but extended to other state employees, including a state trooper on his protective detail and members of the public," James' report stated.

RELATED STORY | Judge blocks Trump order on institutions that offer care for transgender youth

Cuomo was about halfway through his third term as governor when he resigned.

Without acknowledging the allegations, Cuomo admitted to mistakes in the past.

"Did I always do everything right in my years of public service? Of course not," he said. "Would I do some things differently knowing what I know now? Certainly. Did I make mistakes, some painfully? Definitely. But I learned from them, and I am a better person."

Cuomo's entry into the 2025 mayor race could set him up for a battle with current Mayor Eric Adams, who recently had his bribery and fraud charges dropped by the Trump administration.

A primary will be held on June 24 using ranked-choice voting ahead of the November general election.

In memory of Pete Rose, President Trump to issue posthumous pardon

1 March 2025 at 13:25

President Donald Trump announced late Friday that he will deliver a posthumous pardon to Pete Rose, nearly six months after MLB's all-time leader in hits died.

Despite being MLB's all-time leader in base hits, Rose has been excluded from the Baseball Hall of Fame and was banned from being directly involved with MLB after the league said it caught him betting on games in the 1980s. Rose was managing his hometown Cincinnati Reds at the time that MLB investigated him for gambling.

After being kicked out of MLB, Rose was convicted of falsifying his tax records, a federal crime. He spent five months in prison after being sentenced to seven months.

"A pardon is an expression of the Presidents forgiveness and can be granted in recognition of the applicants acceptance of responsibility for the crime and established good conduct for a significant period of time after conviction or completion of the sentence. It does not signify innocence," the Department of Justice said.

RELATED STORY | Baseball legend Pete Rose died of natural causes, coroner finds

For many years, Rose maintained that he did not gamble on baseball. It was not until 2003 that Rose said that he placed bets on baseball, including on the Reds while he managed the team.

In his post on Truth Social, President Trump said that Rose should also be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

"Major League Baseball didnt have the courage or decency to put the late, great Pete Rose, also known as 'Charlie Hustle,' into the Baseball Hall of Fame," President Trump wrote on Truth Social. "Now he is dead, will never experience the thrill of being selected, even though he was a FAR BETTER PLAYER than most of those who made it, and can only be named posthumously. WHAT A SHAME! Anyway, over the next few weeks, I will be signing a complete PARDON of Pete Rose, who shouldnt have been gambling on baseball but only bet on HIS TEAM WINNING."

Rose had applied for reinstatement, which could have opened the door for inclusion in the Hall of Fame, but those efforts were denied by MLB commissioner Rob Manfred.

RELATED STORY |ย Shohei Ohtani becomes the first major league player with 50 homers, 50 stolen bases in a season

Even if Manfred had reinstated Rose, his path into the Hall of Fame would have been challenging. Many players eligible for inclusion, with the bona fides to enter the Hall of Fame, have been excluded, including dozens of players tied to taking performance-enhancing drugs during the course of their careers.

Zelenskyy's White House visit: A crucial moment for Ukrainian-US relations

28 February 2025 at 12:35

President Donald Trump is set to welcome Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the White House on Friday as Ukraine attempts to maintain United States support against Russia.

President Trump has made some of America's European allies anxious by opening lines of communication with Russia for the first time since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. He has stated that he has talked directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Earlier this month, President Trump referred to Zelenskyy as a "dictator without elections" and added that "Zelenskyy better move fast or he is not going to have a Country left."

RELATED STORY | US, UK leaders emphasize unity as they seek peace in Ukraine

The Trump administration has insisted that Russia must be involved in peace talks to bring an end to the war.

In exchange for America's continued military backing of Ukraine, the White House expects Zelenskyy to sign an agreement allowing the U.S. access to Ukraine's rare minerals and energy sources. While the exact details of the agreement have not been published, White House officials have indicated that the deal does not come with security assurances.

The Trump administration has also discussed implementing a peacekeeping agreement, which could potentially see U.S. and European troops deployed to prevent Ukraine and Russia from fighting each other.

As President Trump prepares to welcome Zelenskyy, he seemingly walked back his earlier comments calling the Ukrainian leader a dictator.

RELATED STORY |ย Trump's 'America First' agenda faces European scrutiny as UK's prime minister visits

On Thursday, when asked if he regretted calling Zelenskyy a dictator, he responded, "Did I say that? I can't believe I said that. Next question."

Later in the day, President Trump was asked if he would apologize to Zelenskyy for the comment.

"I think we're gonna have a very good meeting tomorrow morning," he said. "We're gonna get along really well, OK? We have a lot of respect. I have a lot of respect for him. We've given them a lot of equipment and a lot of money, but they have fought very bravely, no matter how you figure it."

End of an era: Party City to shut down Friday as rivals seek to absorb leases

27 February 2025 at 17:12

Party City is set to go out of business on Friday as it winds down over two months of going-out-of-business sales.

Although the company is preparing to close the doors of its remaining locations this week, the battle over Party City's assets continues. Two low-cost retailers that often sell party favors, Five Below and Dollar Tree, are planning to purchase some of Party City's unexpired leases.

Dollar Tree has filed a motion to take control of 148 Party City locations. It's currently unclear how many locations Five Below intends to take over, and when those stores would reopen is also unknown.

RELATED STORY | Party City files for bankruptcy, announces all stores will close

In December, the chain of 700 party-goods stores announced it had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas. The company cited "an immensely challenging environment driven by inflationary pressures on costs and consumer spending, among other factors."

"It has been a true pleasure to be a part of your most special moments over the years, and in the coming weeks, we hope you stop by to say goodbye and pick up your favorite items, whether youre organizing a big celebration now or planning ahead for milestone moments to come," Party City said in a letter to customers.

A hearing regarding the sale of the 148 Party City locations to Dollar Tree is scheduled for Friday.

Trump says 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico are back on citing drug trafficking concerns

27 February 2025 at 15:44

President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he plans to impose a 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico after delaying plans to implement them earlier this month.

In a post on Truth Social, President Trump claimed that drugs were coming across the border "from Mexico and Canada at very high and unacceptable levels." The tariffs will go into effect March 4, President Trump says.

"We cannot allow this scourge to continue to harm the USA, and therefore, until it stops, or is seriously limited, the proposed TARIFFS scheduled to go into effect on MARCH FOURTH will, indeed, go into effect, as scheduled," President Trump wrote.

Trump had paused tariffs on both nations after their leaders said they would bolster border security and assist the U.S. in stopping the flow of illegal drugs.

President Trump also said that an additional 10% tariff will be imposed on goods from China. Additionally, the president said a planned 25% tariff on automobile, semiconductor, and pharmaceutical imports will begin on April 2.

Tariffs are fees charged to companies for importing their goods from another country. Many economists believe that most companies will pass the cost of a tariff to the consumer instead of absorbing the fee.

According to research released in October 2024 by Georgia State University, Arizona State University, and Colorado State University, tariffs might not only cause an increase in prices for consumers, but they can also disrupt supply chains.

China, Mexico and Canada are the United States' three largest trading partners, so their potential impacts could be widely felt if President Trump moves forward with them.

According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity, Mexico exports over $421 billion in goods to the U.S. annually. Mexicos next largest global trading partner is Canada, as it exports over $22 billion in goods there.

Mexico exports $36.8 billion in computers to the U.S., while exporting $34.1 billion in cars. The U.S. also gets about $31.8 billion in car parts from Mexico.

RELATED STORY | Trump threatens to impose sweeping new tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China

The U.S. exports $294 billion to Mexico annually, the OEC reports.

Canada exports $438 billion in goods to the U.S. yearly. Its next largest trade partner is China, at $25.4 billion. About 36% of what the U.S. imports from Canada is oil and gas products. The U.S. also takes in about $27 billion a year in cars from Canada.

Motor vehicle parts, raw metals and wood are also major imports the U.S. gets from Canada.

The U.S. sends about $308 billion in exports to Canada.

FDA cancels advisory committee's flu shot meeting amid uncertainty in HHS leadership

27 February 2025 at 12:27

The Food and Drug Administration abruptly canceled its advisory committee meeting, which is tasked with recommending the composition of annual flu shots.

The Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee was scheduled to meet on March 13 and discuss the composition of the 2025-26 flu shots. Traditionally, the committee meets each winter to issue recommendations on the following season's flu vaccines.

Influenza vaccines are adjusted annually to best target the most prominent strains of the virus. Vaccine manufacturers then have several months to translate these government recommendations into the following season's flu shot.

Dr. Paul Offit, a pediatrician with the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and a member of the committee, told Scripps News that the meeting would not be rescheduled. He added that the Food and Drug Administration will issue its own recommendations concerning flu vaccines without the help of the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee.

In a statement, the FDA confirmed Offit's statement.

"The FDA will make public its recommendations to manufacturers in time for updated vaccines to be available for the 2025-2026 influenza season," the agency said.

"I guess the FDA has decided they don't need an independent group of experts to help them out," he said.

"We meet in March to pick flu strains for what is a six-month production cycle," he added. "Therefore, the vaccines can be ready by September. By canceling this meeting, that means that someone else is going to be making this decision, but it has to be made soon."

Offit notes that creating a flu shot is a "moving target" as the strain changes every year. He said members of his committee often look at what strains are circulating in the Southern Hemisphere in the spring as a potential clue for what strains could circulate in the U.S. the following flu season.

"We're not always right, but usually pretty close to being right," he said. "Not only does it sort of mutate from one year to the next so that natural infection or immunization the previous year doesn't protect you, but it even mutates during the season. So, the virus continues to change."

RELATED STORY | Fewer children getting a flu shot this season, CDC reports

The cancellation of this meeting follows the postponement of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices meetings, which were scheduled for this week. That committee was set to vote on recommending RSV vaccines for adults, along with making other recommendations for influenza, meningococcal, and chikungunya vaccines.

Additionally, the CDC committee was also scheduled to hear a presentation regarding Moderna's Phase 3 trial of a COVID-19 vaccine that the company has highlighted for its easier storage compared to other COVID-19 shots.

It is unclear whether these meeting disruptions are related to new leadership at the Department of Health and Human Services. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vaccine skeptic, now leads HHS, which oversees the Food and Drug Administration and the CDC. Although he states he is not anti-vaccine, he has frequently expressed skepticism regarding the safety and efficacy of routine vaccinations. Kennedy had previously indicated that he would not reduce access to vaccines during his confirmation.

RELATED STORY | Moderna to present combo COVID-flu vaccine to regulators after trial

The Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee has postponed hearings in the past. In May 2024, the committee delayed a meeting by several weeks to gather more information on COVID-19 vaccines before issuing a final recommendation for the 2024-25 vaccine.

The CDC reports this year has been more active for flu activity. So far, the CDC estimates that there have been at least 24 million illnesses, 310,000 hospitalizations, and 13,000 deaths caused by the flu.

Retroactive checks on the horizon: Social Security benefits to increase for public employees

26 February 2025 at 15:16

Millions of Americans who worked in the public service sector could soon see an increase in their Social Security benefits and potentially receive a retroactive check.

Nearly 3.2 million Americans are expected to be impacted by the Social Security Fairness Act, which was signed by President Joe Biden in December.

The bill eliminated the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset for government workers. The Windfall Elimination Provision reduced the Social Security benefits of someone who also receives a public pension from a job not covered by Social Security. The Government Pension Offset reduced spousal Social Security benefits by two-thirds of a worker's government pension.

The Social Security Administration said on Tuesday that the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset no longer apply as of January 2024.

RELATED STORY | Truth Be Told: Millions of dead people aren't getting Social Security benefits, but...

Retroactive payments for 2024 and the first quarter of 2025 are expected to be sent in March. Larger Social Security checks are anticipated to begin in April.

Social Securitys aggressive schedule to start issuing retroactive payments in February and increase monthly benefit payments beginning in April supports President Trumps priority to implement the Social Security Fairness Act as quickly as possible, said Lee Dudek, acting commissioner of Social Security. The agencys original estimate of taking a year or more now will only apply to complex cases that cannot be processed by automation. The American people deserve to get their due benefits as quickly as possible.

The agency advised beneficiaries to wait until April to inquire about the status of their retroactive payment. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the change will add $195.6 billion to the deficit over the next 10 years.

RELATED STORY |ย Truth Be Told: FEMA is neither perfect nor political

Celebrating 50 years: McDonald's Egg McMuffin special pricing amid industry surcharges

26 February 2025 at 14:00

As some restaurants have tacked on surcharges amid a sudden and dramatic increase in egg prices, a McDonald's executive stated that there will be no such increase at its locations.

In fact, the company is planning to offer its infamous Egg McMuffin sandwich at a lower price to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its invention.

According to Michael Gonda, McDonald's chief impact officer, McDonald's USA will not be issuing surcharges on egg products. In addition to McMuffins, eggs are served on biscuits, McGriddles, sausage burritos, and in the Big Breakfast.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of its Egg McMuffin, McDonald's announced that customers can purchase an Egg McMuffin or Sausage McMuffin with Egg through its app for $1 on Sunday. Customers can also get a buy one, get one free Sausage McMuffin with Egg through the McDonald's app from March 3 through March 30.

RELATED STORY | Denny's to implement egg surcharge amid nationwide shortage

McDonald's stated that the Egg McMuffin revolutionized the breakfast sandwich. The idea was presented by Herb Peterson to Ray Kroc to put an eggs benedict in the palm of a person's hand so it could be quickly enjoyed on the go.

When I watched my father introduce this idea to Ray Kroc, we could not have anticipated it would become the foundation for the renowned McDonalds breakfast menu, said Petersons son David Peterson, who is also a McDonald's franchise operator. Its been remarkable to see people embrace this innovation over the last five decades, and now we get to share that heritage with a new generation of breakfast fans.

According to the January 2025 consumer price index, egg prices increased by 53% between February 2024 and January 2025. This has prompted major chains such as Denny's and Waffle House to institute surcharges on products served with eggs.

Overall food prices increased by a mere 2.5% in the 12-month period ending in January.

RELATED STORY |ย Grocery retailers begin limiting egg purchases amid supply issues

Undocumented immigrants required to register or face legal consequences, says Trump administration

26 February 2025 at 12:12

The Trump administration announced that it will begin requiring immigrants in the U.S. illegally to register with the government or face a "fine, imprisonment or both."

The Department of Homeland Security is launching an online tracking tool aimed at compelling those in the U.S. without legal status to leave the country voluntarily.

The administration stated it will soon launch a portal requiring immigrants ages 14 and older to register and submit their fingerprints. Additionally, these immigrants will be required to notify the government of any change of address.

RELATED STORY | Trump proposes a $5M 'gold card' visa system as path to US citizenship

The White House claims it has the authority to enforce registration under Section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

This registry is a response to President Donald Trump's Day One executive order titled "Protecting the American People Against Invasion."

President Trump and Secretary Noem have a clear message for those in our country illegally: leave now. If you leave now, you may have the opportunity to return and enjoy our freedom and live the American dream," said Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin. "The Trump administration will enforce all our immigration lawswe will not pick and choose which laws we will enforce. We must know who is in our country for the safety and security of our homeland and all Americans.

However, the Trump administration has also started to limit legal pathways for entering the U.S. For instance, Homeland Security terminated temporary protected status for migrants from Venezuela and shortened the temporary protected status for migrants from Haiti by six months.

Additionally, according to Amnesty International, there are currently no legal pathways for migrants to apply for asylum in the U.S.

RELATED STORY |ย How much would DOGE have to save for you to potentially get a $5,000 check

FDA announces end to Wegovy and Ozempic drug shortages, but it could mean higher prices

22 February 2025 at 19:24

The Food and Drug Administration said on Friday that there is no longer a shortage of drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic.

The semaglutide known as Ozempic is intended to be used for people with diabetes. Drugmaker Novo Nordisk later got approval to market Wegovy, a semaglutide that has a different dosage, for weight loss.

The drugs have been in short supply since 2022, soon after the FDA approved Wegovy for weight loss purposes.

Novo Nordisk said it made a $6.5 billion investment to increase production in the U.S.

RELATED STORY | Weight-loss pill from Wegovy makers cut body weight by up to 13% in early trial

"We are pleased the FDA has declared that supply of the only real, FDA-approved semaglutide medicines is resolved, affirming that Novo Nordisk is meeting or exceeding current and projected nationwide demand. No one should have to compromise their health due to misinformation and reach for fake or illegitimate knockoff drugs that pose significant safety risks to patients," said Dave Moore, president of Novo Nordisk Inc. "Patient safety remains our top priority and, in line with our purpose to improve lives and health, we continue to partner, educate, and advocate for expanded, affordable access to our medicines for those who need and rely on them."

When the FDA declared a shortage in 2022, pharmacies were allowed to make compounded versions of the drug to meet demand. These drugs use the same active ingredients, but Novo Nordisk claimed this process put patients at risk. However, this also allowed pharmacies to offer these drugs at lower costs.

The list cost of Wegovy is $1,349, and one dose is generally taken every four weeks.

Non-FDA approved compounded drugs claiming to contain semaglutide with high levels of known impurities and unknown impurities pose significant risks to patients and may lead to serious and life-threatening reactions, said Novo Nordisk executive vice president of North America operations Doug Langa.

RELATED STORY | ย So, you've lost weight using Wegovy. Does that mean you can stop taking it?

The company had brought numerous lawsuits against the FDA and companies selling compounded versions of the drug.

The FDA said companies have until May 22 to stop selling compounded versions of the drug and stated that it could take legal action against companies that have sold unsafe copies of the drug.

Medications like Wegovy are known as GLP-1 agonists, and many of these drugs were initially prescribed to manage Type 2 diabetes but have since gained popularity for helping patients manage weight.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, these medications help manage blood sugar levels by triggering insulin release from the pancreas. The drugs also help slow digestion, which causes less glucose to enter the bloodstream. Additionally, the medicine also affects satiety, allowing patients to feel full after eating, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Listeria danger: FDA reports 11 deaths from contaminated frozen shakes

22 February 2025 at 14:39

The Food and Drug Administration issued an alert stating that it is investigating a deadly outbreak of listeria illnesses linked to frozen supplemental shakes.

According to the FDA, there have been 11 deaths and 37 hospitalizations associated with Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial frozen supplemental shakes. These shakes are commonly sold to hospitals and long-term care facilities.

The FDA reported that it was notified in November that the shakes may have been making nursing home residents sick. Some cases linked to this outbreak may date back to 2018. The FDA has confirmed that 20 of the illnesses were connected to the shakes in 2024 and 2025.

The FDA collected environmental samples and found the outbreak strain of listeria in the drinks.

RELATED STORY | Measles outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico now account for nearly 100 cases

Cases have been reported in 20 states, according to the FDA.

According to Sysco, Lyons supplied Sysco with the shakes from a facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Sysco then distributed these products to facilities throughout the U.S.

Sysco stated that it has stopped the distribution of affected products and has notified customers regarding the recall.

Sysco expresses our most sincere condolences to those affected by this outbreak and their families. Food safety is and will continue to be our top priority, and our focus will always be on improving programs that protect our customers and our communities from foodborne illnesses, the company said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that listeria symptoms usually occur 1 to 4 weeks after consuming contaminated food but can start as soon as the same day or up to 70 days later. Listeria can cause those infected to experience symptoms such as headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, in addition to fever and muscle aches, according to the CDC. Pregnant individuals can face severe complications, including miscarriage, premature delivery, and life-threatening infections in newborns.

RELATED STORY |ย Texas measles outbreak balloons to 58 cases, 13 of which have been hospitalized

โŒ
โŒ