We’re back and we’re reading – everything from “The New York Times” to the “Associated Press.” We’re trying to help you keep up with the rapid pace of politics and everyday news. Today, we’ve got a statement on the crisis at the southern border, a new anti-depression drug and the trade deficit hitting a record high.

North Korea rebuilds nuclear facilities after summit

Days after a meeting between President Trump and Kim Jung-un, North Korea has started rebuilding its nuclear facilities, according to The New York Times.

After the first meeting between the two leaders last year, North Korea began the process of denuclearization. This was considered a major diplomatic success by President Trump.

However, the most recent meeting between the two leaders ended without a resolution for ending North Korea’s nuclear program. 

Resolution against anti-Semitism goes to the House floor

The House of Representatives will vote on a resolution Thursday that condemns anti-Semitism, according to the Associated Press.

Its creation was sparked by Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota’s anti-Semitic comments that some lawmakers may have a dual loyalty to Israel. 

The resolution is spearheaded by Speaker Nancy Pelosi and pro-Israel Democrats, but it reveals divisions within the party. 

Democrats are divided between support of Palestinians and support of Israel among generational lines.  

Humanitarian crisis at the southern border

According to The New York Times, the number of migrant families crossing the southern border, both legally and illegally, has broken records.

In February, 76,000 migrants crossed the border illegally. This number is an increase of 90 percent from levels at the same time last year. 

At the southern border, there are insufficient resources to accommodate the surge of people, causing unmet medical needs and limited housing.  

“This is clearly both a border security and a humanitarian crisis,” Kevin McAleenan, commissioner of Customs and Border Protection said.

FDA approves a new anti-depression drug

The Food and Drug Administration approved a ketamine-like nasal spray for patients who are resistant to other forms of depression treatment medication. 

This is a drug derived from a powerful anesthetic, ketamine, that has also been used illegally as the club drug, Special K.

According to CNN, the drug works faster than other antidepressants by restoring brain cells in patients.

U.S. trade deficit hits a record level

The gap between the value of goods imported into the United States and exported out of it has hit the largest level in history at $891.3 billion in 2018.

The trade gap is especially large with China because of a strong American dollar, and a weaker Chinese yuan, according to The New York Times.

President Trump views the deficit as evidence of poor global trading relationships; however, economists say the deficit is linked to fluctuations in currency values and investments. 

Dollar Tree falls victim to ‘retail apocalypse’

After JCPenny, Gap, and Foot Locker announced major closures last week, Fox News Business reports that Dollar Tree is affected by this “retail apocalypse” as well.

Today, Dollar Tree reported quarterly same-store sales that are better than expected, but the retail apocalypse caused by the rise of Internet retail companies like Amazon, has hurt Dollar Tree and other traditional retailers.

Dollar Tree has closed 390 Family Dollar stores this year and will convert 200 more Family Dollar stores into Dollar Tree locations.

That’s all we have for today. Check back tomorrow for more.