Trump Imposes Tariffs on Major Trade Partners; Beyoncé Takes Home Album of the Year: Weekend Rundown
Canada and Mexico retaliate with their own tariffs, while a new Democratic National Committee chair is elected. Plus, the three Army helicopter crash victims near D.C. have been identified.
Trump's Tariffs on Key Trade Partners Escalate Tensions
President Donald Trump has implemented tariffs on goods imported from Canada, Mexico, and China, fueling concerns of a potential trade conflict with these vital U.S. trading partners. The tariffs were imposed under the justification that these countries were not doing enough to prevent fentanyl from entering the U.S.
Trump warned that consumers could feel "some pain" due to the increased costs of many goods, but argued that the measure was necessary to curb illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking. The new tariffs are set to take effect on Tuesday, with some exceptions.
In response, Canada and Mexico have announced retaliatory tariffs. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed frustration, emphasizing that the better approach would be to partner with Canada rather than impose punitive measures. He outlined that the retaliatory tariffs would target $155 billion worth of U.S. goods, including items like beer, wine, and citrus fruits.
Helicopter Crash Victims Identified in D.C. Incident
The identities of the three soldiers who died in the tragic helicopter collision near Washington, D.C., have been revealed. The U.S. Army confirmed the victims as Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Lloyd Eaves, Captain Rebecca M. Lobach, and Staff Sergeant Ryan Austin O'Hara. The National Transportation Safety Board is continuing its investigation into the crash, which also involved a passenger jet.
In a related incident, Mayor Cherelle Parker of Philadelphia reported that 22 people were injured, three critically, in the crash of an air ambulance in the city on Friday.
Israel and Hamas Engage in Hostage Exchange
In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, a fourth round of hostage exchanges occurred early Saturday. Among those released was Israeli-American Keith Siegel, who was taken during the October 2023 Hamas attacks. His return to family members was a welcome moment in a lengthy and painful ordeal for those affected by the conflict.
Homeland Security Secretary Discusses Guantánamo Bay Detention Plans
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem suggested that Guantánamo Bay might be used to house women and children who are facing deportation. This statement came after the Trump administration announced plans to use the facility to hold thousands of migrants, many of whom have committed crimes.
Noem emphasized that the focus would be on "criminal aliens" and reiterated that the administration would prioritize removing individuals with final removal orders.
DNC Elects New Chair
Ken Martin, the longtime chair of the Minnesota Democratic Party, has been selected as the new head of the Democratic National Committee. Martin's appointment follows the leadership of Jaime Harrison, who oversaw the party through a series of critical elections.
NBA Stuns with Major Trade
In a blockbuster NBA trade, the Dallas Mavericks traded star player Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis. This unexpected move has stunned fans and analysts alike, with Mavericks GM Nico Harrison expressing confidence that the trade will strengthen the team's defense and help them win both now and in the future.
Grammys Celebrate Women, Beyoncé Wins Big
The 2024 Grammy Awards were dominated by female artists, with Beyoncé taking home the prestigious Album of the Year award, becoming the first Black woman to win Best Country Album. The show was also notable for Kendrick Lamar’s sweep of major categories, winning both Record of the Year and Song of the Year. While Swifties were disappointed by Taylor Swift's lack of wins, the evening raised $7 million for wildfire relief in California.
Other Headlines
The family of Taylor Lowery, killed by Kansas police, released body camera footage to challenge the official account of events.
Israel continues airstrikes in Jenin, West Bank, amid an ongoing ceasefire in Gaza.
A deadly insurgency in the Democratic Republic of Congo threatens to escalate.
Egg prices continue to rise due to a widespread bird flu outbreak.
Travelers search for budget-friendly travel options, with many turning to buses to save money.
Ruth Cohen, 94, returns to Auschwitz-Birkenau, decades after losing family members there.