Trump is set to impose drastic tariffs
President Trump's threat to impose strict tariffs on goods imported from Canada, Mexico and China is expected to become a reality today. Trump said yesterday that he had no opportunity to trade to avoid them. Company executives and foreign authorities prepared.
The tariffs add a 25% charge to all Mexican and Canadian exports that meet across these borders, and an additional 10% added to Chinese goods. Canada is poised to retaliate as it could potentially trigger a trade war, and Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum said, “Whatever the decision is, we will make a decision.”
Trump describes tariffs as an effort to put pressure on these countries to stop the flow of immigration and deadly drugs. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said yesterday that Mexico and Canada “did do great work at the border” but that Fentanyl's death had not fallen enough.
China: The president's threat of adding another 10% in addition to all existing Chinese tariffs will not yet run Beijing in concessions.
Zelensky turns into diplomacy
President Volodymyr Zelensky returned to Ukraine yesterday after a whirlwind tour that included both humiliation and warm embraces from European leaders. He vowed to use all the available paths to pursue an end to the war with Russia, but admitted that there was a “long road.”
Russia has given no indication that it will accept conditions other than full surrender and permanent conquest of most Ukraine. Trump, who appears to be standing with Moscow, was expected to start debate over the suspension or cancellation of US military aid to Ukraine, according to officials.
Support: The UK and France have pledged a “coalition of will” to secure a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia. But given that Russia rejected such a coalition as part of the settlement, how many countries step up, and even that matters?
War: Drones currently do most of the killings in the Ukrainian War, causing about 70% of deaths and injuries, the commander says.
Israel and Hamas are planning a possible return to war
As ceasefire debates continue between Israel and Hamas, both sides are preparing efforts to fail and conflict to revive. According to members of Hamas' military division, Hamas is creating improvised explosive devices, recruiting new members, and collecting mis-blown bombs to replace commanders. Israel is preparing extensively for a new, more intense campaign in Gaza, Israeli officials said.
The squid, the master of deception, uses camouflage to quickly hide from predators, but uses visual tricks to cover their prey with bamboo. Researchers observed wild squids that convincingly mimic the pale green leaves, and the shapes of corals they used to hunt. Their wide range of abilities can be signs of higher levels of cognition.
Lives Lived: Khalil Fong is a Hong Kong singer-songwriter who infuses soul and R&B sensibilities into Chinese pop songs, and passed away at the age of 41.
Conversation starter
Sean Baker wiped out Oscars
During the Academy Awards on Sunday night, there were plenty of filming, including the “Evil” opener, the Conan O'Brien Gag and memorable speeches (goods and bad). “Anola” director Sean Baker took home four statues. He tied up a record set by Walt Disney in 1954, but even Disney didn't take off the four Oscars one night for the same film.
That's for today. see you tomorrow. – Emmett
PS Morning Newsletter anchor David Leonhardt is taking on a new role as editorial director of opinion.
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