Canada to announce more than 20 billion in tariffs against the U.S. amid Trump’s tariffs

According to AP News, a Canadian government official stated on Wednesday that Canada will impose $20.7 billion in tariffs on U.S. goods. This decision follows after President Donald Trump imposed a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports from Canada. 

On the same day, the European Union also announced a trade initiative in response to Trump’s tariffs on aluminum and steel goods. The EU threatened to impose tariffs on U.S. industrial and agricultural goods in retaliation.

The largest foreign supplier of steel and aluminum to the U.S. is Canada.

California braces for major storm as closures and evacuations begin

On Wednesday morning, light rain began falling in California as the state prepared for a major Pacific storm, according to USA Today. 

The storm is expected to bring heavy snowfall to the Sierra Nevada and intense rainfall to cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego. The downpours could cause flooding and mudslides, especially in wildfire-affected areas. 

The Los Angeles Office of Public Safety said in a social media post, “Residents should prepare to evacuate now due to the significant risk of flash flooding, debris flows and mudslides.”

Along with the evacuation advisories, authorities closed down multiple key roads, such as a portion of the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, Las Flores Canyon Road and Malibu Canyon Road.

U.S. Government moves toward shutting down of the Department of Education

According to The Hill, Education Secretary Linda McMahon confirmed that mass layoffs mark the first step in President Trump’s plan to shut down the Department of Education. 

Speaking on Fox News, she stated that while congressional approval is required for closure, the administration is working toward that goal.

On Tuesday, the department laid off nearly half its workforce, 1,315 employees, leaving 2,183 staff members. 

Education advocates are preparing legal and civic challenges to block the administration’s plan to shut down the Department of Education. Despite President Trump’s expected executive order, McMahon insists funding for schools and student aid will continue, even if the agency is dissolved.

Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil will remain in ICE detention in Louisiana

According to CNN, Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist, will remain in an ICE detention center in Louisiana following a procedural hearing in New York after his arrest at Columbia University. 

The Trump administration revoked his green card over his involvement in pro-Palestinian protests, but federal judge Jesse Furman blocked his immediate deportation.

“We literally have not been able to confer with our client once since he was taken off the streets of New York City,” said Ramzi Kassem, an attorney for Khalil. As a result, Furman ordered that Khalil be allowed at least one call on Wednesday and Thursday with his counsel. 

Legal expert John Sandweg noted that using immigration laws to deport a green card holder is rare and typically applies to those providing direct support to terrorist organizations. He warned that targeting political speech under such circumstances raises serious First Amendment concerns.