Costco Wholesale is suing the Trump administration, contesting the legality of tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), seeking a full refund of duties paid. The lawsuit argues that the IEEPA doesn’t explicitly authorize the President to set tariffs. This legal challenge follows the Supreme Court’s review of the tariff agenda, where justices expressed skepticism. Costco, like several other major companies, is seeking refunds, having previously absorbed costs on imported goods such as pineapples and bananas to protect customer prices.
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A new report details how President Trump has allegedly transformed the presidency into a personal money-making venture, enriching himself and his family through cryptocurrency schemes. These schemes are intertwined with foreign governments, corporate allies, and criminal actors, allowing Trump to amass billions while dismantling anti-corruption safeguards. The report further documents how the administration has halted investigations into crypto firms that have financially supported the President and his ventures, and also reveals pardons and the rollback of sanctions for individuals connected to his financial dealings. The report emphasizes the urgent need for congressional reforms to address the severe weaknesses in existing laws that enable such alleged corruption.
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During a Sunday interview, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem struggled to address the fact that the suspected National Guard shooter’s asylum request was approved during the Trump administration. Noem instead shifted blame to the Biden administration, stating that vetting procedures were lacking under Biden, despite the asylum being granted in April after Trump had assumed office. The shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, arrived in the U.S. in 2021 and is accused of firing on National Guard members, resulting in one fatality. Critics on social media have also pointed to the appointment of Thomas Fugate, a former landscaper, to head up U.S. terror prevention as a potential security concern.
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Responding to a reporter’s question about pardoning a drug trafficker, the subject feigned ignorance and struggled to offer a clear justification. The subject then stated that the request came from Honduras, suggesting it was a political maneuver orchestrated by individuals associated with the current administration. The subject’s response continued with a rambling explanation, implying that the subject had been influenced by external pressures.
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The upcoming special election in Tennessee’s 7th congressional district, a Republican stronghold, has become surprisingly competitive. Democrats are pouring significant resources into the race, aiming to capitalize on a shift in political dynamics. Despite the Republican candidate, Matt Van Epps, leading in polls, the race is tightening, evidenced by a recent poll showing a narrow lead. The shift is also reflected in the fact that the Republican candidate is distancing himself from Trump. A close result could signal trouble for Republicans in other districts, highlighting the potential consequences of Trump’s declining favorability in the area.
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Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national and former member of a CIA-backed unit, is accused of shooting two National Guard members near Washington, D.C. The alleged attack occurred after Lakanwal struggled with mental health issues, financial hardship, and a perceived lack of support from the U.S. government. Having served with the CIA in Afghanistan and resettled in the United States, Lakanwal faced difficulties finding employment and accessing immigration services. Despite undergoing extensive vetting, he was reportedly experiencing isolation and sought help from a CIA program for veterans, though his requests appear to have been ignored.
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Statistics Canada data reveals a continued decline in Canadian air passengers traveling to the United States for the ninth consecutive month, down 8.9 percent in October. This drop coincides with the ongoing trade war and President Trump’s repeated comments about potentially annexing Canada. While U.S.-bound travel decreases, domestic air travel within Canada experienced an 8.5 percent increase in October. The U.S. Travel Association attributes the loss in international tourism spending to Canadians avoiding the U.S.
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During a press conference aboard Air Force One, former President Donald Trump responded defensively to questions about a recent MRI scan. When asked about which part of his body was scanned, Trump claimed ignorance, stating it “wasn’t the brain” and highlighted his perfect score on a cognitive test. The former president’s response came after questions regarding the release of the MRI results, prompted by Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, and included criticism of the reporters present. While the White House has not yet provided specifics regarding the MRI, Trump’s response has drawn criticism from medical professionals.
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According to the Transportation Department, nearly 44% of U.S. truck driving schools face closure due to non-compliance with government training requirements. The department plans to revoke the accreditation of approximately 3,000 schools within 30 days and has issued warnings to an additional 4,500. This action is part of a larger effort to ensure qualified drivers, prompted by safety concerns following a fatal accident involving an unauthorized driver. While industry groups support stricter standards, some immigrant driver groups claim they are being unfairly targeted, with California also revoking thousands of licenses due to improper issuance.
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John Q. Hosedrinker