Category: USA

A viral video showing President Trump announcing a Tesla production ban and calling Elon Musk a “snake” has been confirmed as AI-generated. Fact-checkers found the clip had a 99.8% likelihood of being artificial, with advanced voice cloning used. The video made baseless claims about Trump-Musk tensions, but reports of Trump selling his White House Tesla were later denied.READ FULL

Four children and teens killed when vehicle crashed into Illinois after-school camp building Monday. Several others were hospitalized, including one airlifted. The driver was uninjured but taken for evaluation. Three victims were struck outside and one inside the YNOT After School Camp facility in Chatham. Governor Pritzker expressed horror at the tragedy, noting parents “said goodbye to their kids not knowing it would be the last time.”READ FULL

President Trump threatens to cut $1 billion in health research funding from Harvard University, escalating tensions with elite schools over pro-Palestinian demonstrations. This follows an earlier freeze of $2.3 billion in federal funding and threats to remove Harvard’s tax-exempt status. The administration claims universities failed to control antisemitism, while Harvard has rejected government demands to control its student body, faculty, and curriculum.READ FULL

Thousands of protesters rallied in major US cities Saturday, demonstrating against President Trump’s policies. Demonstrators in New York, Washington, and elsewhere expressed concerns about immigration enforcement, constitutional rights, science policy, and what some called “anti-democratic actions.” Signs included messages like “No Kings in America” and “Resist Tyranny.” This marked the second major nationwide protest event, following similar “Hands Off” demonstrations on April 5.READ FULL

Former President Biden slammed the Trump administration’s government overhaul in Chicago on Tuesday, focusing on cuts to Social Security. “They’ve taken a hatchet to the Social Security administration, pushing 7,000 employees out the door,” Biden said, arguing these reductions harm the 65 million Americans who depend on benefits. He criticized Commerce Secretary Lutnick’s comments about benefit recipients and warned of website crashes affecting retirees’ access to payments.READ FULL

President Trump completed his annual physical at Walter Reed Medical Center on Friday, claiming he “did well” on all tests, including a cognitive assessment. The 78-year-old president, who is the oldest to assume office, spent nearly five hours at the facility. While Trump praised his own health, the official medical report from White House doctors is not expected until the weekend.READ FULL

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu will meet with President Trump in Washington on Monday to discuss multiple pressing issues. Topics include the new 17% tariffs on Israeli imports, Gaza hostage negotiations, Israel-Turkey relations, Iran’s nuclear program, and the ICC’s war crimes accusations. Netanyahu becomes the first foreign leader attempting direct tariff negotiations with Trump, who cited a trade deficit despite Israel dropping duties on American goods.READ FULL

President Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs are set to significantly impact US household budgets as global markets plunge. Starting April, imported goods will face steep duties: Chinese and Vietnamese goods at 54% and 46%, EU alcohols at 20%, and various food imports at 10-36%. Electronics, cars, clothing, and groceries will see price hikes, with Yale’s Budget Lab estimating an average household cost of $3,800. Trump maintains the tariffs will make America “very rich.”READ FULL

The death toll from January’s devastating Los Angeles wildfires has risen to 30 after another victim was discovered in Altadena. The three-week blazes, which began January 7, destroyed over 10,000 homes across Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and Altadena, causing hundreds of billions in damage. The Palisades and Eaton fires burned 37,000 acres, becoming the most destructive in LA history, with climate change contributing to conditions that enabled the disaster.READ FULL

President Trump announced a 25% tariff on foreign-made cars and light trucks, set to take effect on April 2. Targeting imports from countries like Japan, South Korea, Canada, and Mexico, the move aims to boost US automotive industry. Wall Street responded negatively, with automaker stocks sliding. Trump calls it “Liberation Day” for the economy, while trade partners seek balanced negotiations.READ FULL

President Trump announced that his administration will release remaining government files on John F. Kennedy’s assassination on Tuesday. Trump signed an executive order in January calling for declassification of documents related to JFK’s assassination, as well as those of Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. Trump indicated the release would be complete and unredacted. Currently, 97% of the five million pages of Kennedy records have been made public.READ FULL

A New York appeals court judge has rejected President-elect Donald Trump’s request to delay his sentencing in the hush money case scheduled for Friday. Trump was convicted in May of 34 counts of falsifying business records related to payments to porn star Stormy Daniels. Judge Merchan indicated he won’t impose jail time and is leaning towards an unconditional discharge. However, Trump would still enter the White House as a convicted felon.READ FULL

Trump nominated former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi as US attorney general after Matt Gaetz withdrew his candidacy amid sexual misconduct allegations. Bondi, who defended Trump during his first impeachment trial, replaces Gaetz, who faced opposition from fellow Republicans and allegations of sexual contact with a minor. Trump praised Bondi as an “AMERICA FIRST Fighter” who will refocus the DOJ on “fighting Crime and Making America Safe Again.”READ FULL

The US Justice Department has charged Iranian national Farhad Shakeri (51) for allegedly plotting to assassinate Donald Trump on IRGC’s orders. Two New York residents, Carlisle Rivera and Loadholt, were also charged for helping Shakeri target an Iranian-American activist, believed to be Masih Alinejad. Shakeri, currently believed to be in Iran, was tasked with the assassination plan on October 7, 2024. Rivera and Loadholt remain in custody awaiting trial.READ FULL

President-elect Trump has named Susie Wiles as his incoming White House chief of staff, making her the first woman to hold this position. Wiles, 67, a Florida-based political strategist who served as Trump’s campaign manager, is known for running a disciplined operation. Trump is also considering other appointments, including Richard Grenell and Bill Hagerty for Secretary of State, and Elise Stefanik for UN Ambassador.READ FULL

Biden-Trump election race shows early signs favoring Trump, triggering market responses. The dollar surged to 154.33 yen, while Bitcoin hit a record $75,005.06. Stock markets mostly advanced, with Tokyo’s Nikkei up 2.3%. Markets are reacting to potential Republican policies including tax cuts and tariffs. The Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates by 25 basis points in its upcoming decision.READ FULL

In the ongoing US election count, Republican Donald Trump leads Democrat Kamala Harris in Pennsylvania with a three-point margin. Trump is also ahead in five other swing states – Arizona, Michigan, Wisconsin, Georgia, and North Carolina. Currently, Trump has 214 electoral votes compared to Harris’s 179. Exit polls indicate that democracy, economy, and abortion rights were the primary concerns for voters.READ FULL

George Hurt from Roanoke won $1 million in the Virginia Lottery scratcher game after playing for 13 years. He opted for a lump-sum payment of $571,000 before taxes. The winning ticket was sold at 604 Minute Market on Cloverdale Road, earning store owner Timir Patel a $10,000 bonus. The Virginia Lottery notes that such bonuses help local businesses contribute to their communities.READ FULL

With the US presidential election approaching, Kamala Harris visited churches in Georgia on her 60th birthday while Donald Trump cooked fries at a McDonald’s in Philadelphia. Trump accused Harris of lying about previously working at McDonald’s during college. Both candidates campaigned in competitive states, with Harris focusing on unity and Trump continuing his criticism of her policies.READ FULL

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump defended his debunked claims about immigrants in Ohio eating pets during a Univision town hall. Despite officials refuting the story, Trump insisted he was “just saying what was reported.” The false claim has led to bomb threats in Springfield, Ohio. Trump’s campaign is targeting Latino voters, particularly men, though polls show Harris leading among Hispanic voters.READ FULL

Hurricane Milton has claimed at least 16 lives in Florida, leaving millions without power. Governor Ron DeSantis stated that while significant, it wasn’t the worst-case scenario. President Biden estimates storm damage at $50 billion and plans to visit Florida on Sunday. The storm caused widespread destruction, including flooding, fallen trees, and property damage. Climate scientists report that human-induced climate change intensified Milton from a Category 2 to a more destructive Category 3 hurricane. The Small Business Administration warns it’s running out of disaster relief funds.READ FULL

Former US President Donald Trump delivered a divisive campaign speech in Aurora, Colorado, focusing on immigration and painting a grim picture of America “occupied” by criminal foreigners. He made exaggerated claims about migrant crime and promised mass deportations. Meanwhile, his rival Kamala Harris campaigned in Arizona, emphasizing unity and pledging to work with Republicans. Recent polls show a close race between Trump and Harris in key swing states, with less than four weeks until the November 5 election.READ FULL

IHurricane Milton made landfall in Florida as a Category 3 storm near Siesta Key, with winds reaching 165 km/h. The hurricane has caused widespread power outages affecting 1.6 million households and businesses, triggered tornadoes, and threatens dangerous storm surges. One tornado reportedly caused multiple fatalities at a senior living community. Disney World closed as the storm heads toward Orlando. Governor DeSantis urged residents to stay indoors due to dangerous flood conditions.READ FULL

As the US approaches its November 5 election, voters are more concerned about misinformation from politicians than AI or foreign interference. A recent Axios survey shows 51% of Americans identify politicians spreading falsehoods as their top misinformation concern. While AI-generated fake content poses new challenges, experts predict that politician-originated misinformation will be more influential in 2024. The rise of AI has also enabled politicians to dismiss authentic content by falsely claiming it’s AI-generated.READ FULL

The death toll from a devastating storm in the southeastern United States has risen to at least 130, with hundreds still missing. President Biden plans to visit North Carolina, while former President Trump toured Georgia. The disaster has become a contentious issue in the ongoing election campaign, with Biden refuting claims of a slow federal response. Rescue efforts continue as communities struggle with widespread destruction and power outages.READ FULL

Donald Trump rejected a second debate with Kamala Harris for the November 5 election, citing it as “too late” due to early voting. Harris had accepted CNN’s invitation for an October 23 debate. Trump claimed he would like to debate but said voting had already started in some states. The race remains close, with Trump maintaining his anti-immigrant rhetoric during a rally in North Carolina. Harris aims to flip the state for Democrats, relying on support from African Americans and young voters.READ FULL

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are campaigning in key swing states. Harris is visiting North Carolina, where she hopes to flip the state that Trump narrowly won in 2020. Trump is heading to Arizona, another battleground state. Both candidates are focusing on states crucial for victory in the upcoming election. The race remains tight, with down-ballot contests potentially influencing the presidential outcome. Harris’ recent debate performance has energized supporters, while Trump’s campaign continues to adjust to her candidacy.READ FULL

Taylor Swift has endorsed Kamala Harris for U.S. president, breaking her silence on the 2024 election. The pop star announced her support on Instagram following a presidential debate, praising Harris as a “steady-handed, gifted leader.” Swift cited concerns about AI-generated misinformation as her reason for speaking out. She encouraged fans to do their own research before voting. Swift’s endorsement, which includes support for Tim Walz as vice president, quickly went viral, garnering millions of likes within minutes.READ FULL

A 14-year-old student killed four people, including two students and two teachers, and wounded nine others in a shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia, USA. The shooter was apprehended by a school resource officer and will be charged with murder as an adult. The FBI revealed they were aware of previous threats made by the suspect. This incident adds to the ongoing gun violence crisis in the US, with 384 mass shootings reported this year. President Biden called for action against gun violence.READ FULL

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris campaigned together for the first time in Pennsylvania, a key battleground state. Biden, who recently stepped aside as the Democratic presidential candidate, strongly endorsed Harris. The pair emphasized their pro-union stance and Harris’s readiness for the presidency. With 64 days until the election, Harris positioned herself as the underdog against Republican Donald Trump, while polls show her improving Democrats’ chances.READ FULL

Donald Trump’s recent stance on abortion has angered conservatives, with some accusing him of abandoning the anti-abortion movement. Despite his role in overturning Roe v. Wade, Trump has claimed to support “reproductive rights” and announced plans for free IVF treatments. This shift appears to be a response to attacks from Kamala Harris and Democrats on the abortion issue. While Trump’s base is upset, experts suggest the anti-abortion movement will continue to shape the Republican Party beyond Trump’s influence.READ FULL

A Texas judge has temporarily suspended a Biden administration policy that aimed to streamline the process for spouses of US citizens to obtain legal status. The 14-day administrative stay was granted in response to a lawsuit filed by 16 Republican-led states. The policy, announced in June, would have benefited an estimated 500,000 immigrants. The judge cited the need for closer consideration of the states’ claims. The ruling suspends granting of “parole in place” status but allows continued acceptance of applications. AFP

Kamala Harris accepted the Democratic presidential nomination in Chicago, pledging a “new way forward” for America. She promised to unite the country and criticized Trump’s policies. Harris highlighted her personal story and vowed to stand with Ukraine and seek a Gaza ceasefire. The convention celebrated her historic nomination as the first Black woman candidate for a major party. While Democrats are energized, they remain cautious about the tough election ahead. Trump’s campaign dismissed Harris’s speech and continued personal attacks. AFP

Former President Barack Obama and other prominent Democrats, including Republicans who have left the party, will headline the Democratic National Convention to boost Kamala Harris’ presidential bid against Donald Trump. Obama and Michelle Obama are expected to emphasize the need for unity and truth-telling, contrasting with Trump’s divisive rhetoric. The convention aims to energize the Democratic base and attract conservative voters dissatisfied with Trump’s leadership. Reuters

Former US President Donald Trump will hold his first outdoor rally since an assassination attempt one month ago, in Asheboro, North Carolina. Security measures have been significantly enhanced, including the use of bulletproof glass surrounding the stage, as Trump seeks to return to open-air events despite the previous attack. The rally comes amid the ongoing Democratic National Convention in Chicago. AFP

A Reuters survey of Japanese companies shows more prefer a Kamala Harris presidency over a second Donald Trump term for their business interests. 43% favored Harris, while only 8% chose Trump. Concerns include potential trade wars and policy unpredictability under Trump. Many firms anticipate needing to review forex strategies or realign supply chains if Trump wins. Regardless of the election outcome, 13% of Japanese companies are considering reducing operations in China, while 47% plan to maintain current levels. Reuters