May-2025
U.S.–U.K. Trade Agreement Finalized On May 8, 2025, the United States and the United Kingdom announced a new trade agreement. The deal reduces U.S. tariffs on British cars, steel, and aluminum, while the U.K. agreed to lower tariffs on U.S. agricultural products, including beef
May-2025
Domestic Affairs Columbia University Protest On May 7, pro-Palestinian demonstrators at Columbia University entered Butler Library, leading to confrontations with campus security. Some protesters were detained after refusing to present identification. The university subsequently called in New York police to clear the sit-in. The Guardian+2New York Post+2U.S.
May-2025
U.S. and Canada Discuss Trade and Sovereignty President Donald Trump met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the White House. The meeting addressed trade relations and U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods. President Trump suggested that Canada might benefit from becoming a U.S. state, to which Prime
May-2025
Politics & Policy Immigration Initiatives: The Trump administration introduced a voluntary departure program offering $1,000 to undocumented immigrants who agree to leave the U.S. via the CBP Home app. The Department of Homeland Security indicated that participation might facilitate future legal re-entry. Additionally, President Trump questioned the necessity
May-2025
Federal Policy and Executive Actions * Alcatraz Reopening Directive: President Donald Trump announced plans to reopen and expand the Alcatraz Island prison facility in San Francisco Bay. The administration has not yet provided details regarding the timeline or specific use cases for the facility. * Proposed Tariff on Foreign Films: President Trump
May-2025
Economic Developments First Quarter Economic Contraction The U.S. economy contracted by 0.3% in the first quarter of 2025, marking the first decline in three years. This downturn was attributed to a surge in imports as companies sought to preempt impending tariffs. In response, President Trump signed an executive
May-2025
Economic and Market Developments Stock Market Activity On May 2, U.S. stock futures experienced gains, with the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average each rising approximately 0.4%, and the Nasdaq Composite increasing by 0.2%. This uptick followed reports that China is considering re-engaging in
News
Nationwide May Day Protests On May 1, 2025, demonstrations occurred across the United States as part of International Workers' Day. Organized under movements like "50501" and "May Day Strong," these protests addressed labor rights, immigration policies, and economic inequality. Events took place in numerous cities,
April-2025
The US economy contracted for the first time in three years amid the chaos of President Donald Trump's tariff regime. The Commerce Department reported that the GDP shrank at an annual rate of 0.3% during the first quarter. In a speech on Wednesday evening, former Vice President
April-2025
US Automakers Get Break on Tariffs The Trump administration has announced that it will temporarily exempt US automakers from tariffs imposed on Canadian and Mexican imports. This move comes as a relief to American car manufacturers, who had been facing significant costs due to the tariffs. The exemption is seen
April-2025
A massive explosion occurred at an Iranian port city on April 28, 2025, killing at least 46 people and injuring over 1,000. The cause of the blast is still unknown. In other news, a car-ramming incident in Vancouver, Canada, resulted in the deaths of 11 people and injured dozens
April-2025
US Coal Industry and Proposed Changes Under Trump Administration President Donald Trump's administration has proposed several changes to benefit the struggling US coal industry. Executive orders have allowed mining on federal land, and some older coal-fired power plants set for retirement will continue producing electricity due to growing