A Texas grand jury indicted Robert Morris, former spiritual advisor to President Trump and founder of Gateway Church, on five felony counts of lewd acts with a child. The charges stem from incidents beginning in 1982 when the victim was 12 years old and allegedly continued until she was 14. Morris, who resigned from his pastoral role after admitting to “inappropriate sexual behavior,” faces up to 100 years imprisonment if convicted. The indictment follows a multicounty grand jury investigation and the victim’s public testimony detailing the abuse.
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In response to a 50% EU tariff on American whiskey, President Trump threatened a 200% tariff on all EU alcoholic products, including French wines and champagnes. This escalation of the transatlantic trade war follows Trump’s already imposed 25% tariffs on EU steel and aluminum, and the EU’s subsequent retaliatory tariffs on $28 billion of American goods. The EU’s and Trump’s actions are causing significant economic uncertainty, with potential job losses and price increases on both sides of the Atlantic. Further tariff exchanges are anticipated unless trade deals are reached by April 2nd.
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Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s controversial statement advocating for widespread measles infection sparked outrage. He argued that contracting measles offers purported health benefits outweighing the risks. Public health officials swiftly condemned the statement as scientifically inaccurate and dangerous, emphasizing the severity of measles and the importance of vaccination. This assertion directly contradicts established medical consensus and undermines public health efforts to prevent outbreaks. The remarks highlight the ongoing challenges in combating misinformation within the anti-vaccine movement.
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Initial optimism among business leaders following President Trump’s inauguration has waned due to his unpredictable trade policies and delayed deregulation. This uncertainty is paralyzing decision-making, as CEOs grapple with implementing long-term strategies amid threatened tariffs and shifting regulatory priorities. The resulting hesitation is impacting investment and economic growth, with the US stock market underperforming global indexes. The White House counters these concerns, citing increased investment, but corporate executives remain wary of the administration’s long-term implications.
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Facing President Trump’s tariff threats, Canada’s Alberta province, the nation’s largest oil producer, presented two scenarios for North American energy cooperation. One involves a strengthened U.S.-Canada energy partnership, increasing oil exports to the U.S. to bolster its global energy dominance and maintain low consumer prices. Alternatively, continued trade conflict could lead Alberta to diversify its oil exports to Asia and Europe, impacting the deeply integrated North American energy market. This diversification is already underway, with active discussions with several countries outside of the U.S. The choice hinges on the resolution of the ongoing trade dispute.
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The Trump administration has halted a $1 billion program designed to preserve affordable housing, jeopardizing crucial upgrades to tens of thousands of low-income housing units across the country. This decision, directed by the Department of Government Efficiency, halts funding for energy efficiency improvements and critical repairs, impacting projects already underway. The termination threatens to destabilize numerous affordable housing projects, as the funding serves as a critical foundation for attracting additional investments. Consequently, many low-income residents face the imminent risk of displacement due to the lack of necessary repairs and renovations.
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The FBI, reportedly at the behest of the Trump administration, is investigating recipients of EPA climate grants for potential fraud, effectively criminalizing climate science work. Nonprofits focused on environmental justice and green initiatives are among those targeted. This action is characterized as targeted harassment, potentially originating from EPA director Lee Zeldin, who concurrently eliminated the agency’s environmental justice offices. The investigation concerns grantees who were vetted and approved under existing EPA programs.
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Despite recent sales slumps, Tesla received a significant boost when President Trump purchased a $100,000 Model S Plaid. The high-performance electric vehicle, boasting a top speed of 200 mph and 1,020 horsepower, was chosen after a White House demonstration. This purchase follows numerous recalls for the Model S, affecting features ranging from seatbelts to autonomous driving systems. President Trump’s endorsement comes as a major public relations win for Tesla.
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President Trump’s increased tariffs on steel and aluminum imports prompted swift retaliation from major trade partners. Canada levied 25% tariffs on various steel products and other U.S. goods, while the European Union imposed tariffs on American products ranging from beef and bourbon to motorcycles and jeans. These retaliatory tariffs, targeting billions of dollars in goods, will likely increase prices for consumers on both sides of the Atlantic and jeopardize jobs. The EU’s actions specifically target products from Republican-held states, further escalating trade tensions. Both the EU and Canada expressed openness to negotiation, but the immediate impact is significant economic disruption.
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John Q. Hosedrinker