Target and Best Buy CEOs warn of imminent price increases due to Trump's new tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China. Target relies heavily on Mexican produce during winter, while Best Buy sources significantly from both Mexico and China. The tariffs include a 25% tax on Canadian and Mexican imports, plus an additional 10% tax on Chinese goods.
PFAS-contaminated fertilizer from biosolids is causing severe health issues for farmers and livestock in Johnson County, Texas, with investigation findings showing dangerous contamination levels. The fertilizer, produced by Synagro from municipal wastewater-treated sewage sludge, contained high levels of PFAS chemicals that affected soil, water sources, and caused animal deaths. Environmental experts warn this is a national crisis threatening the U.S. food supply, with calls for federal regulation of PFAS in biosolids.
Carlos Slim has terminated collaboration with Elon Musk's Starlink following controversial accusations, redirecting $22 billion investment to Chinese and European companies. The decision came after Musk posted unsubstantiated claims about Slim's alleged criminal connections, resulting in a $7 billion loss for Musk and reduced US commercial presence in Latin America.
A key FDA advisory panel meeting for selecting next winter's flu vaccine strains has been unexpectedly canceled, raising concerns about US vaccine policy effectiveness and decision-making processes. The cancellation's implications could impact vaccine preparation timelines and public health readiness for the upcoming flu season.
Environmental impact analysis reveals data centers operated by major technology companies have caused $5.4 billion in public health costs in the United States. This finding highlights the significant environmental and health implications of the rapidly expanding data center industry.
Thailand plans to cut utilities to five Myanmar border locations linked to Chinese-operated scam centers that have caused billions in losses. The decision, made during an urgent security meeting, targets areas with suspiciously high electricity consumption in Payathonzu, Tachileik, and Myawaddy townships. The action comes ahead of Thai PM's China visit and could affect up to 100,000 people.
Multiple Executive Orders in early 2025 introduced significant tariff changes, including a 25% tariff on Mexico/Canada imports (currently paused) and an additional 10% tariff on China/Hong Kong imports. Steel and aluminum tariffs were amended to 25% for all imports, while various products face increased tariffs ranging from 25% to 100% through 2026.
The USDA accidentally fired several employees working on the H5N1 avian flu outbreak response and is now working to reverse these terminations. The incident is part of broader Trump administration efforts to reduce federal workforce, led by Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency. The situation impacts critical bird flu response efforts amid rising egg prices and 68 confirmed human cases in the US.
Acer CEO announces 10% price increase on laptops in the US starting March 2025 due to Trump's tariffs, with the company's high-end gaming laptops potentially costing up to $4,178. The Consumer Technology Association warns that these tariffs could cost US customers $143 billion collectively, while offering minimal benefits to US industry.
A suspected cult leader and associate from the 'Zizian' group were arrested in Maryland, connected to multiple homicides across the US. The group, comprised of young computer scientists with anarchist beliefs, has been linked to six killings, including a Border Patrol agent's death. Their ideology spans radical veganism, gender identity, and AI concerns.