The Trump administration defied a court order to return wrongly deported Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the U.S. by the deadline, claiming the timeframe was “impracticable,” despite a Supreme Court ruling mandating his repatriation. Judge Paula Xinis ordered the DOJ to provide regular updates on Abrego Garcia’s location and the efforts being made for his return. The administration’s actions, fueled by President Trump’s public opposition to the return, sparked outrage and concerns about due process violations. This case highlights a broader issue, as an investigation reveals that a significant percentage of those deported to El Salvador lack U.S. criminal records.
Read More
A Los Angeles County jury found rapper Soulja Boy (DeAndre Cortez Way) liable for sexually assaulting and abusing a former assistant, awarding her over $4 million in damages. The verdict, following a three-week trial, held Soulja Boy responsible for assault, sexual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, though not for all claims. The plaintiff, who remained anonymous, alleged years of abuse and unpaid wages beginning in 2018. Soulja Boy’s legal team plans to appeal the decision, citing concerns about the influence of cultural perceptions on the trial.
Read More
In Tijuana, Mexico, a US fugitive, César Hernández, fatally shot Abigail Esparza Reyes, a 33-year-old leader of the elite “Gringo Hunters” police unit. Hernández, who had escaped a US life sentence for murder, was being apprehended by the unit when the shooting occurred. Despite a large-scale manhunt involving multiple agencies, Hernández escaped, leaving the suspect at large and intensifying the ongoing investigation. The governor of Baja California vowed that Esparza Reyes’ death would not go unpunished.
Read More
China implemented a 125% retaliatory tariff on US imports, escalating the ongoing trade war. The Chinese Finance Ministry condemned the US tariffs as “bullying” and a violation of international trade rules. While the White House clarified the combined US tariff rate on China as 145%, neither country shows signs of de-escalation. Analysts note market reactions reflecting increased economic decoupling, though some believe the risk of a severe downturn is lessened. The new tariffs are effective immediately.
Read More
Thirty-year fixed mortgage rates jumped to 7.1%, a mid-February high, driven by fluctuating bond yields influenced by tariff changes and a cooler-than-expected inflation report. This surge follows a volatile week for bonds, marking potentially the worst week for 10-year yields since 1981, coinciding with a significant drop in consumer sentiment. The increased rates, coupled with economic uncertainty, negatively impact the crucial spring housing market and consumer confidence. Experts predict weakened housing activity as a result of these factors.
Read More
The Supreme Court unanimously ruled that federal authorities must “facilitate” the return of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man mistakenly deported, issuing a rebuke of the Trump administration’s actions. While the Court’s order scaled back a lower court’s mandate, concerns remain about the ambiguity of “facilitate,” potentially leaving Garcia in limbo given the administration’s claims of lacking control over El Salvadorian prisons. This decision highlights a growing divide between the Supreme Court and the Trump administration, exemplified by recent dissent from Justice Barrett against Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act. The ruling underscores the Court’s willingness to check the executive branch, even as it navigates the complexities of international repatriation.
Read More
The Trump administration has reclassified over 6,000 living immigrants as deceased, thereby invalidating their Social Security numbers and access to essential services. This action, part of a broader effort to deter immigration under Biden-era programs, aims to encourage self-deportation. The immigrants’ information was transferred to a database used for tracking the deceased, effectively cutting them off from banking and other services. This tactic follows the revocation of legal status for those who entered the U.S. via the CBP One app, though a federal judge has blocked a similar order targeting other groups of immigrants.
Read More
Negotiations between the EU and China regarding minimum price agreements for Chinese-made electric vehicles are underway, potentially undermining Tesla’s European market position. This move replaces previously imposed high tariffs, which had hindered Chinese EV imports. The agreement could significantly increase Chinese EV competition in Europe, exacerbating Tesla’s already declining European sales. Tesla’s European sales have fallen sharply, dropping 43% as of March, making them particularly vulnerable to increased competition.
Read More
Following the discovery of a deceased individual on an R train at Whitehall Station, NYPD investigators released a surveillance image of a suspect seen performing sex acts on the body. The acts, which reportedly involved moving the corpse, occurred over several minutes and took place when the train car was unoccupied. The victim may have been on the train for hours prior to the incident, and the investigation utilizes footage from MTA subway cameras. Tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.
Read More
Despite recent decreases, national average gas prices are higher now than three months ago, currently standing at $3.21 per gallon. This contradicts White House claims of a victory, attributing the price drop to the Trump administration’s policies. The decline is largely due to plummeting crude oil prices, driven by uncertainty surrounding new tariffs and potential recession. However, industry experts attribute the recent price increases to seasonal factors, not solely to administration policies.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker