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Trump Plans 25% Tariff on EU Imports

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that his administration plans to impose a 25% tariff on imports from the European Union, specifically targeting cars and related products. Speaking to reporters during a cabinet meeting, Trump stated, "We have made a decision, and we'll be announcing it very soon." This move comes in response to the EU's existing 10% tariff on passenger cars, which is significantly higher than the U.S. rate of 2.5%. Additionally, U.S. officials have raised concerns over European value-added taxes, which start at 17.5%. The proposed tariffs signal a potential escalation in trade tensions between the U.S. and the EU, highlighting ongoing disputes over trade practices and tariffs. sources

Published:
Feb 27 2025, 4 am

Hamas Returns 4 Hostage Bodies; Israel Releases Palestinian Prisoners

In a significant development on Thursday, Hamas handed over the bodies of four Israeli hostages, prompting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office to confirm the start of a formal identification process. Concurrently, over 600 Palestinian prisoners were released in the occupied West Bank, following delays caused by Israel's outrage over Hamas's public ceremonies for the hostages. The ceasefire, which took effect on January 19, has seen 25 hostages released alive in exchange for over 1,100 Palestinian prisoners, although sporadic violence continues, including recent Israeli airstrikes in Gaza. Meanwhile, negotiations for the next phase of the ceasefire are set to begin, with Israeli representatives heading to talks in Doha or Cairo. The ongoing conflict, ignited by Hamas's October 7 attack, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with Israel vowing to dismantle Hamas and recover all hostages taken during the assault. sources

Published:
Feb 27 2025, 6 am

'Buffy' Star Michelle Trachtenberg Passes Away at 39

Michelle Trachtenberg, the actress celebrated for her roles in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Gossip Girl," has died at the age of 39. Emergency services responded to a call at her Manhattan apartment on Wednesday morning, where she was found unconscious and later pronounced dead, with authorities stating that foul play is not suspected. Reports indicate that Trachtenberg had recently undergone a liver transplant and may have faced complications. A New York native, she began her career as a child star, notably in "Harriet The Spy" and on Nickelodeon's "The Adventures of Pete & Pete." Her breakout role came as Dawn Summers on "Buffy" from 2000 to 2003, followed by her portrayal of the scheming Georgina Sparks on "Gossip Girl" from 2008 to 2012. Trachtenberg's last credited appearance was in the 2022 "Gossip Girl" reboot. sources

Published:
Feb 27 2025, 6 am

India Criticizes Pakistan as a Failed State at UN

India has sharply criticized Pakistan during the seventh meeting of the 58th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, labeling it a "failed state" dependent on international aid. Kshitij Tyagi, India's Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva, condemned the Pakistani leadership for perpetuating military-driven falsehoods, particularly in response to allegations regarding human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir. He accused Pakistan of misusing international platforms to propagate anti-India rhetoric while neglecting its own domestic issues, stating that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of India. Tyagi highlighted the significant progress in these regions, contrasting it with Pakistan's record of human rights abuses and harboring terrorists. He urged Pakistan to focus on governance rather than its obsession with India, asserting that India remains committed to democracy and dignity for its people. sources

Published:
Feb 27 2025, 7 am

White House Excludes Reuters, HuffPost, AP from Trump Meeting

The White House has implemented a new policy restricting media access to President Donald Trump's cabinet meetings, denying entry to reporters from Reuters, the Associated Press, and others while allowing coverage from select outlets such as ABC and Newsmax. This decision aligns with the administration's recent announcement that it will control media participation in smaller venues, including the Oval Office. The White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA), which has historically managed the press pool, expressed concern over the changes, emphasizing the importance of independent press access in a democracy. In a statement, Reuters, AP, and Bloomberg highlighted their commitment to delivering accurate information to a diverse audience. The policy shift follows the administration's previous exclusion of the AP from press pool activities due to its refusal to adopt Trump's preferred terminology for the Gulf of Mexico. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that major networks would retain their pool positions while new media outlets would be integrated. sources

Published:
Feb 27 2025, 5 am

Trump Revokes Chevron's Venezuela Oil Permit, Hurting Maduro

US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday the revocation of Chevron's permission to operate in Venezuela, a move that could significantly impact the struggling economy under President Nicolás Maduro. Trump criticized Maduro for not honoring commitments to repatriate deported Venezuelans and for failing to ensure fair elections, following a visit from a US envoy that initially suggested a shift towards pragmatic engagement. While former President Joe Biden had previously eased sanctions to allow Chevron to resume operations in exchange for the release of detained Americans, he later reinstated sanctions as Maduro sidelined the opposition. Venezuelan officials condemned Trump's decision, warning it could exacerbate migration issues, which Trump aims to address. Chevron, which had revived Venezuela's oil production, may face a loss of $150-200 million monthly, potentially leading to recession, though it could continue operations until September amid possible diplomatic negotiations. sources

Published:
Feb 27 2025, 5 am

Trump Avoids Question on China-Taiwan Relations

President Donald Trump refrained from commenting on whether the U.S. would allow China to take control of Taiwan by force during a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, stating, "I never comment on that" and expressing a desire to avoid positioning himself on the issue. Despite imposing tariffs on Chinese goods, Trump emphasized his intention to foster good relations with China, including cross-border investments. The backdrop to this discussion is Beijing's longstanding claim over Taiwan, which it has not ruled out taking by force, while Taiwan vehemently opposes these sovereignty assertions. Since 1979, the U.S. has recognized Beijing over Taipei but maintains unofficial relations with Taiwan and serves as its primary arms supplier. The U.S. has adhered to a policy of "strategic ambiguity" regarding military responses to a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan, contrasting with former President Joe Biden's more explicit commitment to defend the island. sources

Published:
Feb 27 2025, 5 am

India Criticizes Pakistan's Reliance on International Aid at UN

At the UN Human Rights Council's recent session in Geneva, India criticized Pakistan as a "failed state" reliant on international aid. Kshitij Tyagi, representing India, condemned Pakistan's leadership for perpetuating falsehoods linked to its military-terrorist complex and accused it of misusing the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for propaganda. He asserted that Jammu and Kashmir, along with Ladakh, will always remain integral parts of India, highlighting the significant political, social, and economic advancements in these regions despite decades of terrorism. Tyagi urged Pakistan to shift its focus from India to addressing its internal governance issues and human rights abuses, describing its rhetoric as hypocritical and its governance as incompetent. His remarks echoed those of India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, who reaffirmed India's stance on Jammu and Kashmir during a recent Security Council debate. sources

Published:
Feb 27 2025, 2 am

Unvaccinated Texas Child Dies in Measles Outbreak, First US Death

In a tragic development, an unvaccinated child in Texas has died from measles, marking the first U.S. measles-related death in nearly a decade. The child, hospitalized in Lubbock, tested positive for the virus amidst a concerning rise in cases, with over 130 reported in Texas and New Mexico this year, primarily among unvaccinated children. The outbreak is largely concentrated in Gaines County, where a significant Mennonite community exhibits vaccine hesitancy. The state's immunization rates have declined, dropping from 95.2% to 92.7% among kindergartners, leaving approximately 280,000 children vulnerable. Infectious disease experts emphasize that measles remains a preventable threat, with global fatalities exceeding 100,000 annually. The resurgence of measles is compounded by misinformation surrounding vaccines, notably from figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been appointed as U.S. health secretary. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that maintaining a 95% vaccination rate is crucial for herd immunity. sources

Published:
Feb 27 2025, 1 am

US Agencies Directed to Prepare for Significant Job Cuts

US federal agencies have been instructed to devise extensive workforce reduction strategies as part of President Donald Trump's Department of Government Efficiency initiative, according to a memo from Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought. The plan outlines a two-phase approach to implement "large-scale reductions" across the government, citing concerns over inefficiency and debt. Vought criticized the allocation of tax dollars to "unproductive programs" benefiting special interests. The memo requires agencies to collaborate with representatives from the newly established department, led by Elon Musk, who has warned of potential bankruptcy without budget cuts. While initial job cuts have primarily affected probationary staff, over 65,000 employees accepted a buyout offer. Agencies must submit initial reduction plans by March 13 and comprehensive proposals by April 14, focusing on consolidating units and reducing management layers, although law enforcement and military roles are exempt from cuts. sources

Published:
Feb 27 2025, 1 am

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