Trump signs executive orders imposing new tariffs on Canada, Mexico, China
A new study shows President Donald Trump’s newly enacted tariffs could cost the average American family nearly $1,000 annually. Trump signed a trio of executive order imposing the new tariffs on Saturday, Feb. 1.
How much will this cost Americans?
The new study published by the nonpartisan nonprofit Tax Foundation found that the tariffs would cost the average U.S. household $830 in 2025. The foundation also found that the tariffs could shrink the economic output of the U.S. by 0.4% and increase taxes by $1.2 trillion between 2025 and 2034.
Who is Trump targeting in the tariffs?
Trump on Friday announced he would sign an executive order imposing new tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China. Canada and Mexico, two of America’s biggest trade partners, would receive a 25% tariff on goods entering the U.S. China would receive a 10%.
On Saturday, Trump changed a part of his plan to exclude Canadian energy imports from the 25% tariff. Energy exports from Canada will be a 10% tariff. The Trump administration said this change was to, “minimize any disruptive effects we might have on gasoline and home heating oil prices.”
Trump said there was little the countries could do to stop the tariffs, according to Reuters. He said the tariffs were due to the countries not doing enough to stop the influx of fentanyl and migrants over the border.
In a post on Truth Social on Saturday, Trump reiterated that message, saying, “We need to protect Americans, and it is my duty as President to ensure the safety of all.”
What will increase in price?
The tariffs will increase the price on several items, according to USA Today. Things like wood, charcoal and aluminum will increase in price due to the tariffs on Canada. Those tariffs will also increase the price of food items like cereal, flour and milk products.
Importantly, Canada is America’s biggest supplier of foreign oil. From January to November 2024, the U.S. imported $90 billion worth of crude oil from Canada, according to Reuters. This is far ahead of the second-biggest foreign oil supplier, Mexico, which only exported $11 billion to the U.S. during the same time.
Economists predict Trump’s tariffs could raise a gallon of gas up to 70 cents more.
The tariffs on Mexico would increase the cost of goods like fertilizers, paper products and cotton. Food items like tropical fruits, coffee and raw sugar will rise due to these tariffs.
The Chinese tariffs would likely raise the price of soaps, lubricants, waxes and candles. Foods like fish and crustaceans would likely rise, as well as, dairy products, eggs and oils.
What has been the response to the tariffs?
Canada recently placed Black Hawk helicopters on the U.S.-Canada border after Trump previously threatened tariffs on the country. They have also said that any tariffs Trump places on Canada, Canada would place on the U.S.
Canada had previously said its tariffs would involve crude oil. However, recently, Canadian officials have said that may no longer be the case.
Texas bans DeepSeek, RedNote, other Chinese apps from government devices
Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has issued an executive order banning Chinese-owned artificial intelligence and social media apps from all state-issued devices, citing security concerns over data harvesting. The move expands previous bans on TikTok and reflects growing tensions over foreign-owned technology in the U.S.
New executive order expands restrictions
AP Images
Abbott’s order, announced Wednesday, Jan. 29, directs the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Department of Information Resources to enforce the ban. The blacklist includes DeepSeek, an AI chatbot gaining popularity among American users, as well as social media apps RedNote (also known as Xiaohongshu), Lemon8 and financial trading platforms Webull, Tiger Brokers and Moomoo.
“Texas will not allow the Chinese Communist Party to infiltrate our state’s critical infrastructure through data-harvesting AI and social media apps,” Abbott said in a statement. His office declined further comment.
DeepSeek AI: A rising competitor in the industry
DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup, recently introduced DeepSeek-V3, an advanced AI model competing with OpenAI’s ChatGPT. The model has drawn attention for its capabilities, despite being developed at a fraction of the cost of its American counterparts.
Its rapid rise has triggered concerns over data privacy, particularly as U.S. lawmakers continue to scrutinize the influence of Chinese technology on American consumers and businesses.
RedNote and Lemon8 gain traction amid TikTok uncertainty
RedNote, a Chinese-owned social media platform, has also surged in popularity in the U.S., especially among users seeking an alternative to TikTok amid ongoing legal battles over its potential ban.
Lemon8, another app owned by TikTok’s parent company ByteDance, was also included in the Texas ban. Both platforms gained traction as TikTok faced legal pressure from federal regulators, leading some users to migrate to alternative Chinese-owned social apps.
Texas aligns with federal concerns over Chinese technology
Texas joins several other states and the federal government in restricting Chinese tech firms over national security concerns. The Congressional Research Service has warned that China mandates data storage and export controls on social media algorithms, raising fears that these platforms could be exploited for espionage.
In 2022, Abbott previously banned TikTok from Texas government devices, aligning with broader U.S. efforts to scrutinize foreign-owned apps. The latest move underscores escalating concerns over how Chinese-owned platforms handle American user data.
Federal Reserve adviser charged with ‘economic espionage’ for helping China
A former senior adviser for the Federal Reserve is facing charges of economic espionage and making false statements after an investigation by the FBI and the Federal Reserve Inspector General uncovered a multi-year conspiracy involving U.S. trade secrets and financial policies. John Harold Rogers, 63, allegedly used his position to funnel sensitive economic information to China’s intelligence agency.
US attorney shares case details
In a statement, U.S. Attorney Edward Martin confirmed Rogers was arrested on Friday, Jan. 31, as part of efforts to safeguard national security interests under President Donald Trump’s directive to protect against any threats, both foreign and domestic.
“Let this indictment serve as a warning to all who seek to betray or exploit the United States: law enforcement will find you and hold you accountable,” Martin said in the release.
Rogers’ role at the Federal Reserve
Rogers worked as a senior adviser at the Federal Reserve for more than a decade. It gave him direct access to confidential economic data. The indictment alleges he began passing this information to China’s intelligence agency in 2018. Rogers is accused of sharing details about U.S. tariffs, briefing books from governors and sensitive information about interest rate moves. He allegedly transmitted this data either by email or printed it before taking trips to China.
Two years ago, officials said Rogers earned $450,000 as a part-time professor at a Chinese university. Authorities claim Rogers used the position as a cover to meet with Chinese officials for his espionage activities.
Targeting the Federal Reserve
A 2022 report from the Homeland Security Committee revealed China has been attempting to gather intelligence from the Federal Reserve for years. However, efforts to stop these activities have been hindered by a lack of policy at the Federal Reserve. The report also claims China is using U.S. experts and talent programs to collect intelligence to replace the U.S. dollar as the world’s primary currency.
Rogers faces up to 20 years in prison for both charges and a maximum fine of $5 million.
China building military base 10x larger than the Pentagon: Report
China is building the world’s largest military command center that is at least 10 times bigger than the U.S. Pentagon. The Financial Times released a report about the base, citing information from U.S. officials, on Thursday, Jan. 30.
How did U.S. officials find out about the base?
Satellite images obtained by the news outlet show about a 1,500-acre site just southwest of Beijing. Intelligence officers believe this complex could be a so-called “doomsday” bunker for the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) to congregate in case of a nuclear war.
When finished, the command center, dubbed “Beijing Military City” makes the current world’s largest military command center, the Pentagon, look relatively small in comparison.
Intelligence experts also noted the images of the construction site, taken in mid-2024, are fitting for Beijing as the PLA prepares for its 100th anniversary in 2027.
What does it have to do with Taiwan?
It also comes as Chinese President Xi Jinping has repeatedly vowed to reunify with Taiwan in 2027, using force if necessary. The self-governing island has defense agreements in place with the United States, and the U.S. is dependent on Taiwan for most of the microchips which make electronics work.
What do we know about the facility so far?
A former CIA analyst told the Financial Times they suspect China’s new facility is meant to enhance Beijing’s “nuclear war-fighting capability.”
Around 100 cranes were observed operating at the three-mile site, constructing underground facilities connected by tunnels.
The Financial Times reported that there is no military presence currently at the site, but it has “all the hallmarks of a sensitive military site.” Popular hiking trails near the installation are closed and access to the grounds is strictly prohibited.
There are also signs warning against flying drones or taking pictures and the back of the project is blocked off by a checkpoint.
What did we know about China’s military expansion plans?
As Straight Arrow News previously reported, Beijing is beefing up its nuclear arsenal and the Pentagon estimates China will have 1,500 nuclear weapons by 2035.
Beijing also appears to be building a massive nuclear fusion center in the southwest city of Mianyang, which could allow for new nuclear weapons designs and the housing of nuclear weapons.
Black boxes recovered in deadly plane, helicopter collision
Investigators recover black boxes from the deadly aviation collision over the Potomac River. And it’s coming down to the wire as three of President Donald Trump’s nominees for key positions hang in the balance. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Friday, Jan. 31, 2025.
Black boxes recovered in deadly passenger jet, US Army helicopter collision
National Transportation Safety Board investigators are evaluating the black boxes recovered from the American Airlines passenger jet that collided with the U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter Wednesday night, Jan. 29. The collision killed all those on board both aircraft — 67 people total.
The recovered boxes, which record flight data and voice communications, will be a key part of the NTSB’s investigation and a useful tool in determining what caused the collision.
Officials said it’s still too early to speculate about what led to the crash that killed all 64 people on American Eagle flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas, to Washington, D.C., and all three soldiers on the Black Hawk. However, a preliminary report from the Federal Aviation Administration found that air traffic control staffing was “not normal” at Reagan National Airport when the crash occurred.
Two teenage figure skaters, their mothers and two former world champions who were coaching at a well-known Boston rink were among the 14 members of the skating community killed in the crash. Skating Club of Boston CEO Doug Zeghibe said skaters Jinna Han and Spencer Lane died, along with 1994 pairs world champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov of Russia.
Also among those killed was civil rights attorney Kiah Duggins, according to news outlets in Kansas. They said Duggins was originally from Wichita and was traveling back to Washington where she worked with the Civil Rights Corps after visiting family.
Friends Michael “Mikey” Stovall and Jesse Pitcher, along with other friends, were also killed. They were headed home after their annual hunting trip in Kansas, according to family members.
Trump may not include oil in 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico
Trump is moving forward with his plan to impose 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, America’s two largest trading partners. The tariffs will take effect starting Saturday, Feb. 1, with the president saying he is still considering whether to include slapping higher import taxes on oil from those countries.
Trump said his decision would be based on whether the oil prices charged by Canada and Mexico are fair.
Before taking office, the president threatened to levy tariffs as a way to combat illegal immigration and the smuggling of fentanyl across the U.S. border.
Trump also said he’s still considering new tariffs on Chinese goods, citing its part in the fentanyl trade. He has threatened a 10% duty on all Chinese goods.
Fiery day of confirmation hearings for controversial Trump picks
Three of Trump’s most controversial cabinet nominees faced Senate panels for confirmation hearings Thursday, Jan. 30. Health and Human Services Secretary nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr., FBI Director nominee Kash Patel and National Intelligence Director nominee Tulsi Gabbard faced tough questioning.
A key Republican remains undecided in Kennedy’s confirmation. During Thursday’s Senate Finance Committee hearing, Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., said that while he agrees with Kennedy on issues such as processed food and obesity, his outspoken skepticism regarding vaccines in the past remains a sticking point for him.
“Does a 70-year-old man, a 71-year-old man, who spent decades criticizing vaccines, and who is finally invested in finding fault with vaccines — can he change his attitudes and approach now that he will have the most important position in influencing vaccine policy in the United States?” Cassidy asked.
He continued, “I recognize man, if you come out unequivocally, saying vaccines are safe, it does not cause autism, that would have an incredible impact. That’s your power. So, what is it going to be? Will it be using credibility to support lots of articles, or will it be to use credibility to undermine? And I gotta figure that out for my vote.”
If Cassidy votes against Kennedy, the nominee could still have a vote on the Senate floor if Republican leaders employ procedural tactics to force it.
Meanwhile, Patel had numerous heated exchanges with Democrats during his Thursday hearing over previous comments about going after Trump’s perceived “deep state” enemies.
In the past, Patel said “cowards in uniform” violated the “chain of command” in their response to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riots. Most recently, he claimed that remark was about senior officials failing to deploy the U.S. National Guard.
Patel also told senators the FBI would take “no retributive actions” on his watch.
Gabbard faced questions from several of her own party members about her views on Russian aggression, U.S. government surveillance and NSA leaker Edward Snowden.
When pressed repeatedly by both Republicans and Democrats, Gabbard would not say whether she believes Snowden was a traitor who betrayed his oath.
If all Democrats oppose Trump’s nominees, supporters can only afford to lose three GOP votes on the Senate floor to still win confirmation. However, Gabbard might not even make it that far. It would take only one Republican to block her nomination in the Senate Intelligence Committee if all Democrats on the panel oppose her.
Hamas provides names of 3 hostages to be released Saturday
Hamas identified three Israeli hostages it is set to release Saturday, Feb. 1, as part of the new phase of its ceasefire agreement with Israel. A Hamas spokesperson said in a Telegram social media post that Ofer Kalderon, Yarden Bibas and Israeli-American Keith Samuel Siegel will be released Saturday in exchange for dozens of Palestinian prisoners being held by Israel.
The announcement followed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s call for negotiators who helped broker the ceasefire agreement to “guarantee the safety of our hostages” after the chaotic release of seven hostages in Khan Younis on Thursday, Jan. 30.
Three Israeli hostages were jostled and roughed up by a massive crowd as they were handed over to the Red Cross. Netanyahu accused Hamas and its affiliated groups of violating the hostage release terms in the ceasefire agreement, calling the scene surrounding the release “unacceptable.”
Law banning gun sales for adults under 21 is unconstitutional: US appeals court
A U.S. appeals court ruled against a decades-old federal law that requires a prospective gun owner to be 21 years old to buy a gun.
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans found that such a law violates the Second Amendment following a 2022 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that expanded gun rights.
The appeals court found that people between the ages of 18 and 20 should not be prohibited from buying guns, saying that the age group has the right to keep and bear arms.
According to the organization Everytown Research and Policy, federal law requires a person to be 21 to buy a handgun from a licensed dealer and 18 to buy a long gun. There is an 18-year-old minimum for handgun purchases from unlicensed dealers and no minimum age for long guns.
Many states have raised the age, barring handgun sales to people under 21 and long gun sales to those under 18, regardless of whether the purchase is from a dealer or an unlicensed seller.
Music’s top stars pack the stage for ‘FireAid’ relief concert
Some of the biggest names in music rocked the stage in dual concerts Thursday night, raising money for victims of the recent Los Angeles area wildfires. The star-studded event also saw some iconic reunions.
All surviving members of Nirvana came together for a surprise performance, playing some of the band’s most famous songs with St. Vincent, Kim Gordon, Joan Jett and former Nirvana drummer and current Foo Fighters lead singer Dave Grohl’s daughter, Violet.
Entertainer Gwen Stefani joined her former band No Doubt for the first time in years.
The wildfires, fueled by powerful winds and dry conditions, left at least 29 people dead and destroyed entire neighborhoods.
The two largest fires, the Palisades and Eaton fires, have continued to burn for more than three weeks now. However, CalFire said they’re almost completely contained at this time.
FireAid organizers said 100% of the proceeds from the concert will go toward fire relief efforts.
Missouri notches win in effort to sue China for $25 billion over COVID
Missouri’s efforts to sue China for $25 billion in a lawsuit accusing the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) of hoarding personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic can move forward. This comes after a court of appeals ruled in the state’s favor.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit ruled in favor of the state’s case moving forward on Thursday, Jan 30. In the ruling, it states, “Missouri has plausibly alleged that the defendant’s anticompetitive behavior had ‘a direct effect in the United States.’”
The panel granted Missouri’s motion to reverse a previous ruling that threw out the lawsuit against China. The lawsuit alleged China was hoarding masks, ventilators and other important medical equipment from the United States and in effect Missouri.
Now, Missouri’s legal battle against Beijing will go on for now.
Missouri’s Attorney General Andrew Bailey celebrated after the panel of judges ruled in favor of the state’s efforts to recover damages for lost lives, jobs and harm caused by lack of access to readily available medical equipment.
“We will continue to fight for accountability for the horror communist China unleashed on Americans in the form of COVID-19. We are headed back to court to pursue remedies for all Missourians. I’m proud of this win on behalf of the American people,” Bailey said in a statement.
As Straight Arrow News previously reported, Beijing warned of potential retaliatory legal action. The country suggested the U.S. could lose immunity in Chinese courts if the lawsuit moves forward.
Missouri’s lawsuit was originally filed in 2020. The lawsuit accused China of covering up critical information about the COVID-19 virus. A federal judge later struck down that lawsuit.
However, under the latest ruling, Missouri must narrow its argument to the hoarding of PPE to have a legal grounding in the case.
China celebrates Lunar New Year with debut of 25 panda cubs
The Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year, has officially begun. Despite it being the year of the snake, China kicked off its celebrations with bears.
More than two dozen panda cubs, all born in 2024, made their debut to the world as part of a Chinese New Year celebration.
Caretakers put dragon fruit on the cubs’ feet so they could leave a paw print on a special new year’s backdrop as they gathered for fun and photos with their fuzzy friends.
Thirteen of the cubs are from the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda. The other 12 are from the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.
Bodies recovered after passenger jet, Army helicopter collide
A massive search operation is underway in the Potomac River after an American Airlines jet collided midair with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. And from 15 prisoners to tens of thousands, a look into President Donald Trump’s plan to use Guantánamo Bay naval base in Cuba as a detention facility for “the worst criminals” rounded up in ongoing immigration sweeps. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025.
Bodies recovered after American Airlines jet, Army helicopter collide
In a Thursday morning press conference, authorities said the mission has switched from rescue to recovery. They believe there are no survivors. As of the time of the press conference, 27 bodies from the plane and one from the helicopter have been recovered.
About 300 first responders continued their search along the Potomac River Thursday morning, Jan. 30, where both aircraft went down. Officials said they do not know if there are any survivors.
However, authorities have confirmed fatalities.
American Airlines flight 5342, flying to Reagan National from Wichita, Kansas, carried 60 passengers and four crew members. It was slated to land in Washington around 9 p.m. ET Wednesday.
The Army confirmed three soldiers were on board the Black Hawk helicopter for a training flight.
It’s unclear what caused the collision, but Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Army and Pentagon have launched an investigation. President Donald Trump was also briefed on the crash.
“This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented,” Trump posted to Truth Social.
U.S. Figure Skating, which oversees the sport nationwide, said several athletes, coaches and their families, who had been at a development camp in Wichita, were on the American Airlines flight.
Just last weekend, the U.S. National Championships took place at Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita. The nationally televised event ended on Sunday, Jan. 26.
Kansas Republican Sens. Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall joined Washington officials at Reagan National earlier Thursday morning to speak about the tragedy.
“I know that flight. I’ve flown it many times myself. I lobbied American Airlines to begin having a direct, nonstop flight service to DCA,” Moran said.
He added, “In Kansas and Wichita in particular, we’re going to know people who are on this flight, know their family members know somebody. So, this is a very personal circumstance as well as an official response.”
Marshall lamented the crash.
“You know, when one person dies, it’s a tragedy. But when many, many, many people die, it’s an unbearable sorrow. It’s a heartbreak beyond measure,” Marshall said.
He sent a personal message to his constituents, “I want the folks back home to just know that we care, that we love them, and that this is the time when we will have to join arms together.”
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom released a statement expressing “deep sorrow” over the crash and saying the company would cooperate fully with the investigation.
Reagan National Airport was closed shortly after the crash and airport officials said it will stay that way until at least 11 a.m. ET Thursday.
Extreme cold and windy conditions have made things difficult for crews searching the river.
Hamas releases Israeli soldier in latest hostage-prisoner exchange
Hamas began the process of freeing more hostages Thursday morning. The terror group will release a total of three more Israeli hostages and five Thai captives throughout the day.
This is the third release since a ceasefire began in Gaza earlier this month. Israel is set to release another 110 Palestinian prisoners Thursday as well.
Israel confirmed Thursday morning Hamas released female Israeli soldier Agam Berger, 20. Berger was among five young, female soldiers that Hamas abducted in its terror attack on Israel in October 2023 which set off a widescale war in the Middle East.
🎥 The moment Agam was reunited with the IDF after 482 days of being surrounded by terrorists: pic.twitter.com/V7tAtJJkxC
The Jerusalem Post quoted Berger’s family Thursday morning, saying, “Our hero has returned to us after 482 days in enemy hands.”
The other four female soldiers were released Saturday, Jan. 25.
Hamas is also set to release two more Israelis Thursday; Arbel Yehoud, 29, and Gadi Moses, 80. Hamas plans to free another three hostages on Saturday, Feb. 1, in exchange for dozens more Palestinian prisoners.
This is just the first phase of the ceasefire in which Hamas is set to release a total of 33 Israeli hostages for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Hamas said it won’t release the remaining hostages without an end to the war and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Confirmation hearing Thursday for Trump’s FBI director pick, Kash Patel
Confirmation hearings continue for Trump’s picks to fill key roles in his cabinet. On Thursday, his pick for FBI director, Kash Patel, will travel to Capitol Hill for a high-stakes confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Patel’s nomination comes as calls from Republicans for massive reforms in FBI leadership mount. Democrats, however, have voiced concerns about whether he should lead the nation’s top law enforcement agency.
Also Thursday, confirmation hearings for the president’s pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., will continue.
Kennedy’s hearing began Wednesday. He faced tough questions from Democrats about his views on issues, including vaccines and abortion.
Kennedy has a long history as a vaccine skeptic. He looked to get ahead of senators’ concerns in his opening statement, prompting a protest from the gallery.
“I want to make sure the committee is clear about a few things. News reports have claimed that I’m anti-vaccine or anti-industry. I am neither,” Kennedy said before the protester interrupted.
After the protester was removed, Kennedy continued, “I am pro-safety. I worked for years to raise awareness about the mercury and toxic chemicals in fish, and nobody called me anti-fish. And I believe that vaccines play a critical role in health care.”
Kennedy also cleared up his stance on abortion.
In the past, Kennedy voiced support for abortion access until fetal viability. On Wednesday, he told senators he agrees with Trump’s belief that “states should control abortion.”
Tulsi Gabbard, Trump’s pick for director of national intelligence, and New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, who he tapped to be the next ambassador to the United Nations, also face confirmation hearings in front of the Senate on Thursday.
Trump to send ‘worst criminal illegal aliens’ to Guantánamo Bay
On Wednesday, while signing his first bill into law — the Laken Riley Act, Trump announced the U.S. will expand the use of the prison at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba.
Trump said the detention center, known for housing al-Qaida suspected terrorists after Sept. 11, 2001, will soon hold tens of thousands of “the worst criminal aliens.”
The president later signed a memo and directed federal officials to get the facility ready. He said as many as 30,000 detainees could be sent to the prison.
Border Czar Tom Homan said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) would run the prison.
There are just 15 prisoners there now, including alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed.
Previous presidents, including Joe Biden and Barack Obama, sought to shut down Guantánamo Bay.
Federal funding freeze still in effect despite memo rescission
The White House rescinded the original Office of Management and Budget memo ordering a freeze on all federal grants and loans. However, despite invalidating the memo, the freeze remains in “full force and effect” to give agencies time to review programs for their compliance with Trump’s agenda.
The memo sparked confusion among state and local officials when it was released Monday, Jan. 27, about which programs would be affected. That remains unclear.
Concerns also remain about things such as Meals on Wheels, Head Start and Medicaid.
The freeze was set to take effect Tuesday, Jan. 28, but a federal judge paused it to give her time to consider arguments challenging its legality.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the memo was rescinded to “end any confusion” created by the judge’s temporary block.
China celebrates Lunar New Year with debut of 25 panda cubs
The Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year, has officially begun and while this is known as the year of the snake, China kicked off its celebrations with bears.
More than two dozen panda cubs, all born in 2024, made their debut to the world as part of a Chinese New Year celebration.
Caretakers put dragon fruit on the cubs’ feet so they could leave a paw print on a special new year’s backdrop as they gathered for fun and photos with their fuzzy friends.
Thirteen of the cubs are from the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda. The other 12 are from the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.
Lunar New Year 2025 marks centuries-old tradition and Year of the Snake
Lunar New Year 2025 is here. Millions worldwide are celebrating the Year of the Wood Snake with fireworks, red envelopes and family gatherings.
People in China, Vietnam, Malaysia and other countries with large Asian communities observe the holiday, also known as the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year. In the U.S., cities like San Francisco and New York have also embraced the festivities.
Unlike the Gregorian New Year, Lunar New Year follows the lunar calendar. It begins on the first new moon and lasts 15 days, ending with the Lantern Festival.
Each Lunar New Year is associated with an animal from the Chinese zodiac. The system follows a 12-year cycle, and 2025 marks the return of the Snake.
In addition to the animal sign, each year also has an element –– wood, fire, earth, metal or water. This year’s combination, the Wood Snake, is linked to strategy, transformation and intuition.
Some view the Year of the Wood Snake as a time for growth and renewal, like a snake shedding its skin. Others believe it may bring challenges.
According to Hong Kong-based feng shui consultant Thierry Chow, this zodiac sign can bring conflicts and unpredictability. In an interview with CNN, Chow said, “The snake is a zodiac sign that can cause significant clashes and conflicts. We need to be mindful of accidents as we approach the Snake Year. The overall atmosphere in the world will become slightly more chaotic.”
Lunar New Year traditions vary by country
While Lunar New Year originated in China, different cultures celebrate in unique ways.
China: Families exchange red envelopes, or hongbao, filled with money to bring luck.
Vietnam (Tết): Homes are decorated with peach blossoms, and families gather to honor ancestors.
The Philippines: Families celebrate Media Noche, a midnight feast meant to bring prosperity.
San Francisco welcomed Lunar New Year this year with a firecracker display featuring 10,000 explosions. Meanwhile, New York became the first state in the U.S. to close schools for the holiday, marking a historic moment for Asian American recognition.
How the world’s top polluters are doing on their emissions reduction goals
The world’s top four greenhouse gas emitters, China, the United States, India and the European Union, set respective targets to reduce emissions. However, the progress toward achieving their climate goals has varied.
China progressing ahead of clean energy targets
China, the leading global emitter, accounts for roughly a third of the planet’s greenhouse gas output but also leads globally in renewable energy production. Beijing pledged to peak emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.
In 2024, China set a record for the most wind and solar installations by a country in a single year, with projections suggesting this clean energy buildout could help the nation’s emissions begin to decline in 2025, five years ahead of schedule.
Changing policy in United States shifts projections
The U.S. ranks second in global emissions and renewable energy production. Under former President Joe Biden, the U.S. aimed to hit a 61% to 66% emissions reduction by 2035 and net-zero by 2050. However, recent shifts in climate policy, including withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement and rollbacks of Biden-era green initiatives under President Donald Trump, may alter the timeline for meeting these targets.
Before Trump even took office though, global emission goals monitor Climate Action Tracker had rated U.S. actions to cut the nation’s greenhouse gas output as “insufficient.” Meanwhile, projections by the Department of Energy released just prior to Trump’s inauguration indicated an emissions reduction between 36% and 57% by 2035, putting the country on track to fall short of its goals even while Biden was still in the White House.
India on track to meet goals, but could run into problems
India, the third-largest emitter, has committed to generating 50% of its power from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030 and achieving net-zero by 2070. Analysts suggest India may actually surpass its earlier clean energy goal, reaching 60% renewable electricity come 2030.
However, forecasts from energy data and analytics company Woods Mackenzie predict India’s emissions could nearly double by 2040 and decline marginally by 2070, with Climate Action Tracker rating the nation’s climate goals as “highly insufficient.”
European Union falling slightly below target
The European Union, the fourth-largest emitter, has pledged to reduce emissions by 55% by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050. Nearly three-quarters of the EU’s electricity is now greenhouse gas-free, helping to reduce emissions by 37% so far.
However, S&P Global Commodity Insights projects emissions will decline by 42% by 2030, prompting calls from the European Commission for “further action” to meet its 55% reduction goal.
