Anticipating a potential re-imposition of tariffs by President Trump, Canadian and Mexican steelmakers are halting new U.S. orders. This action, impacting major suppliers like Stelco Holdings Inc. and impacting distributors such as Flack Global Metals, stems from concerns that steel imports from Canada and Mexico will not receive an exemption from the threatened 25 percent tariffs. With Canada being the top foreign steel supplier to the U.S. and Mexico the third largest, this uncertainty significantly impacts the U.S. steel market, which relies heavily on imports. The situation reflects a wavering confidence among steel producers in the face of the unpredictable trade policy.
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Following a visit to flood-ravaged Asheville, North Carolina, President Trump announced plans for executive action to restructure or eliminate FEMA. He expressed dissatisfaction with FEMA’s disaster response, advocating instead for state-led disaster relief efforts. The President argued that state governors are better equipped to handle immediate disaster needs within their jurisdictions. This announcement came during a trip assessing damage from Hurricane Helene and precedes a visit to wildfire-stricken Los Angeles.
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President Trump ended Dr. Anthony Fauci’s federal security detail, following the termination of protection for several other former Trump aides who have become critics. This decision comes despite ongoing threats against Fauci and others, with Trump stating he feels no responsibility for their safety. Trump’s justification cited the individuals’ financial abilities to secure private protection, a stance at odds with the Biden administration’s continuation of security for these individuals due to credible threats. This action follows similar revocations of security for former officials like Mike Pompeo and John Bolton.
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In a significant policy shift, Trump expressed his desire to significantly reform or abolish FEMA, advocating for states to independently manage disaster response. He cited North Carolina and Florida as examples of states effectively handling their own crises, suggesting that federal disaster aid should bypass FEMA and be channeled directly through his administration. This proposed restructuring would impact over 20,000 federal employees and necessitate congressional approval for complete agency elimination. Trump reiterated his preference for state-led disaster management in subsequent interviews.
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Overnight on January 24th, Ukrainian forces launched drone strikes targeting critical infrastructure deep within Russia. The Ryazan Oil Refinery, a major facility, and the Ryazan Thermal Power Plant were hit, resulting in significant damage including fires at multiple oil depots. Simultaneously, the Kremniy EL microelectronics plant in Bryansk, a key supplier to the Russian military, was also attacked, reportedly halting production. These strikes, confirmed by both the SBU and the General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, represent a continuation of Ukraine’s intensified long-range attacks on Russian military and industrial targets.
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In a tragic accident in Maharashtra State, India, thirteen passengers died after disembarking a train due to a false fire alarm. The passengers exited the moving Pushpak Express and were subsequently struck by the Karnataka Express on an adjacent track. The false alarm originated from a misinterpreted shout, prompting panicked passengers to jump from the train. Ten others sustained injuries and are receiving treatment; authorities are providing assistance to the victims’ families.
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President Trump’s executive order established the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), effectively renaming and reorganizing the US Digital Services. This move, spearheaded by Elon Musk and initially involving Vivek Ramaswamy, grants them significant access to federal data and systems. By circumventing the Federal Advisory Committee Act, DOGE avoids transparency requirements and oversight, unlike a traditional advisory committee. This action repurposes the existing USDS, granting DOGE broad authority to access and reform government technology across numerous agencies.
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Elon Musk’s seemingly Nazi-salute-like gesture at Trump’s inauguration, repeated twice, prompted varied interpretations. While some view it as a clear display of Nazi sympathies, others attribute it to unintentional mimicry or skepticism of viral videos. However, Musk’s extensive history of extreme-right politics, antisemitic comments, and promotion of neo-Nazi content on X (formerly Twitter) renders such leniency dubious. This incident, coupled with his lack of contrition, highlights a broader erosion of moral standards in American politics, symbolized by institutions minimizing the gravity of his actions. Musk’s behavior underscores a dangerous trend of normalizing extremism and challenging established societal norms.
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The Kremlin’s announcement that Vladimir Putin is ready to talk to Donald Trump, and is awaiting a response from Washington, presents a fascinating, albeit potentially unsettling, scenario. It’s a situation ripe with possibilities, ranging from genuine attempts at de-escalation to a carefully orchestrated media performance designed to serve the interests of both leaders.
The timing of this purported willingness to engage is particularly intriguing. Given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and Russia’s increasingly strained position, it seems logical to assume that Putin’s eagerness to speak with Trump stems from a need for assistance in navigating his current difficulties. The implication is that Putin sees Trump as a potential ally in altering the trajectory of the war, potentially through influencing US policy or undermining support for Ukraine.… Continue reading
Following negotiations, Israel approved Hamas’s list of four female IDF hostages—Naama Levy, Liri Albag, Daniella Gilboa, and Karina Ariev—for release on Saturday, fulfilling a multi-phase hostage exchange. This initial release is part of a larger agreement involving the eventual release of 33 hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and concessions. While the deal initially faced some discrepancies regarding the designated hostages, it also includes provisions for the first official information about the status of the missing Bibas family. Protests erupted regarding the deal’s incompleteness, demanding the return of all remaining hostages, living or dead.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood