Trump threatens tariffs on Canada and Mexico, increases tariffs on China

Early on Thursday, Feb. 27, President Donald Trump announced via social media, Truth Social, that his administration will impose tariffs on Mexico and Canada starting on March 4 and will increase tariffs on China by 10%. Trump attributes these tariffs to a continued effort for a war on illicit drugs flowing into the United States from its borders.

Mexico and Canada have vowed to secure their borders further from drug trafficking, but the Trump Administration continues to escalate economic pressure through tariffs. 

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy faces measles outbreaks in Texas early in tenure

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, a longtime critic of vaccines, is facing pressure from the media after an outbreak of measles occurred in Texas infecting 100 people and killing an unvaccinated child. Secretary Kennedy has stated that he is tracking the outbreak daily and that annual measles outbreaks are not unusual.

Officials at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have commented stating that Secretary Kennedy is rarely at the HHS headquarters and has never sent an all-staff email since taking up the position, this has created concern that he is stuck in “campaign mode” rather than taking up his leadership position, amongst staff.

Actress Michelle Trachtenberg, known for Gossip Girl and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, dies at 39

Actress Michelle Trachtenberg, best known for her roles in Gossip Girl, Ice Princess, and Buffy The Vampire Slayer, has tragically died at the age of 39.

Police responded on Wednesday morning and found the actress “unconscious and unresponsive.”She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her Gossip Girl co-star, Blake Lively, stated that “she always gave 200%” and “cared deeply for her work, and was a deeply loyal friend.’ The cause of death is being inspected by the NYPD, stating “Criminality is not suspected. The medical examiner will determine the cause of death. The investigation remains ongoing.”

Hamas signals willingness to relinquish Gaza if independent Palestinian State is established

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced they will soon send a diplomatic team to Cairo, Egypt to continue peace negotiations with Hamas.

Basme Naim, a senior political official for Hamas, said, “We are ready today, if not yesterday, to step back from governance to hand it over to a body, a government, a committee, that is ready to run the Gaza Strip.”

Despite this, Hamas has stated they will not disarm themselves unless an independent Palestinian State is achieved in their wake.