The U.S. Supreme Court has expressed skepticism regarding President Donald Trump‘s authority to impose sweeping tariffs under an emergency law, jeopardizing a key aspect of his economic agenda. During a session on Wednesday, a majority of justices, including three conservative members, questioned whether the law grants the president nearly unlimited power to set and modify import duties. This legal challenge, believed to have potential trillion-dollar implications for the global economy, has arisen amid claims that the president is misusing the emergency provisions to the detriment of American small businesses.
The ongoing government shutdown, now in its 37th day, complicates matters further. With recent election victories in Virginia and New Jersey, Democrats have gained momentum, casting doubt on the prospects for reaching a bipartisan agreement to reopen the government. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plans to reduce air traffic by 10% across 40 high-volume markets starting Friday, citing safety concerns due to staffing shortages. Millions of Americans are feeling the impact of halted government programs and missed federal paychecks, while Democrats insist any resolution must address healthcare issues. President Trump insists that Democrats must first agree to reopen the government before any negotiations can take place.
In related developments, the FAA is preparing to announce specific airports where flight reductions will occur, releasing details on Thursday. The agency’s decision comes as air traffic controllers, who have been working without pay since October 1, face increasing pressure, with warnings that a second missed paycheck could lead to chaos in air travel.
In Israel, authorities have identified the remains of a hostage returned by Hamas as belonging to Joshua Loitu Mollel, a 21-year-old Tanzanian agricultural student. Mollel was taken hostage during the October 7, 2023, attack that initiated the ongoing conflict. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Mollel’s family has been notified of the identification. Following this return, there are still six bodies of hostages remaining in Gaza, while Hamas has released 22 bodies since the U.S.-brokered ceasefire began.
Meanwhile, in New York City, Zohran Mamdani has named a transition team to aid in his move to City Hall after his historic victory in the mayoral election. The team includes seasoned officials, such as former deputy mayors and the head of United Way of New York City. Mamdani, a democratic socialist, aims to create an administration that balances capability with compassion.
In Miami, President Trump celebrated his economic achievements at the America Business Forum, despite facing backlash following the recent elections. He asserted that the U.S. economy is flourishing, urging Republicans to highlight their accomplishments. Despite his optimism, a recent poll indicates that public concern over rising costs remains high.
In Kentucky, the investigation into a tragic UPS cargo plane crash continues as officials work to recover victims from the fire that consumed the aircraft on Tuesday. At least 12 people have been confirmed dead, including a child, with hopes of finding survivors fading. The crash occurred shortly after takeoff for Honolulu.
In Chicago, a federal judge has mandated improvements at a local immigration facility following claims of inhumane conditions made by detainees. The 14-day order requires clean bedding, hygiene products, and access to food and water, as the judge described the existing conditions as “unnecessarily cruel.”
In Mexico City, President Claudia Sheinbaum has taken a stand against harassment after experiencing an inappropriate encounter with a man near the government seat. She announced her decision to press charges, emphasizing that such acts are an assault on all women. This incident has sparked broader discussions about harassment in Mexico.
Lastly, Typhoon Kalmaegi has left a devastating impact in the Philippines, leading President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to declare a state of emergency. The storm has resulted in at least 114 fatalities and over 100 people missing, displacing nearly 560,000 individuals. As the typhoon approaches Vietnam, authorities are on high alert, preparing for its potential effects.
