US News Headlines May 6th 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 Minister Carney responded that Canada is "not for sale." Both leaders described the meeting as positive and agreed to continue discussions on a new trade agreement. NPR
U.S. Halts Military Strikes in Yemen
President Trump announced an immediate cessation of U.S. airstrikes against Houthi forces in Yemen. The decision follows a ceasefire agreement brokered by Oman and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. The ceasefire pertains to attacks on American vessels in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait but does not extend to Houthi actions against Israeli-linked ships. A senior Houthi official denied the existence of a ceasefire agreement and indicated continued hostilities toward Israeli-affiliated targets. New York Post
U.S. Dismantles Major Fentanyl Trafficking Network
Law enforcement agencies announced the dismantling of a significant fentanyl trafficking network operating across six western states, including Utah. The operation resulted in 16 arrests and the seizure of millions of fentanyl pills, 11.5 kilograms of fentanyl powder, and other narcotics. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi identified Heriberto Salazar Amaya as the alleged leader, with purported ties to Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel. Fourteen individuals face federal charges in New Mexico. Reuters
Economic Developments: Trade Talks and Market Reactions
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that trade negotiations with China have not commenced, contradicting earlier statements by President Trump. Major U.S. stock indexes responded negatively: the Dow Jones fell by 389 points (1%), the S&P 500 decreased by 0.8%, and the Nasdaq dropped by 0.9%. Several companies, including Ford and Mattel, suspended earnings forecasts due to tariff-related uncertainties. New York Post
Walmart Reinstates Minimum Purchase Fee
Walmart announced the reinstatement of a $6.99 minimum basket fee for pickup and delivery orders under $35, affecting customers using SNAP benefits and Walmart+ Assist. The fee, previously waived during the COVID-19 pandemic, is being reintroduced to offset order fulfillment costs amid rising import expenses due to ongoing trade policies. The US Sun
Resumption of Student Loan Debt Collection
The U.S. Department of Education resumed debt collection on defaulted federal student loans as of May 5, ending a five-year pause initiated during the pandemic. Approximately 5 million borrowers in default may face wage garnishment and tax refund offsets. An additional 4 million borrowers are at risk of defaulting later this year. The department encourages borrowers to explore options such as loan rehabilitation or income-driven repayment plans. MarketWatch
Measles Outbreak in the Southwest
A measles outbreak has been reported in the southwestern United States, with 831 confirmed or probable cases across Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, and Oklahoma. Three deaths have been reported: two children in Texas and an adult in New Mexico. Health officials attribute the outbreak to declining vaccination rates. Wikipedia
Mass Shooting in Memphis
A shooting at a sports bar in the Frayser neighborhood of Memphis, Tennessee, resulted in two fatalities and three injuries. The incident occurred following an altercation that escalated. Wikipedia+1Wikipedia+1