US small businesses sound alarm over Trump’s tariffs amid crucial holiday season

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested a formal pardon amid an ongoing corruption trial, following support from former President Donald Trump, who suggested Netanyahu should be pardoned. In a video address, Netanyahu expressed that the trial is causing significant internal divisions within the country.

John McAuliff, a 33-year-old small business owner, secured a seat in Virginia's state legislature by focusing his campaign on the rising cost of energy, defeating a Republican opponent. His victory is part of a larger trend, with 13 Democrats winning seats in the recent elections, solidifying the party's control in Virginia.

Utah has become the first state in the US to pass legislation allowing the purchase and installation of small, portable solar panels that can be plugged into standard wall sockets, making solar energy more accessible to residents. This change is expected to enable millions of Americans to benefit from balcony solar technology, which is simpler and less expensive than traditional solar panel systems.

Since Donald Trump's re-election, his family has engaged in extensive global dealmaking, raising concerns about the potential misuse of presidential power for personal gain. This includes connections to various international issues, such as evictions in Vietnam and legal pressures in the Balkans, which appear to be intertwined with Trump's financial ambitions.

Former federal prosecutor Joseph Moreno criticized President Trump for using a derogatory slur against Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, calling the remark 'absolutely indefensible.' This comment came in the aftermath of a shooting incident involving National Guard members in Washington, D.C., where two were critically injured. Trump referred to Walz as 'seriously retarded' in a post on Truth Social, linking it to his views on immigration and security policies.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins stated that President Trump is prioritizing affordability measures as his approval ratings on economic issues decline. During a recent interview, Rollins shared Trump's commitment to ensuring that traditional Easter celebrations remain accessible, emphasizing the importance of affordability in food and other essentials.

Former President Donald Trump announced a pardon for Juan Orlando Hernandez, the former president of Honduras, who is currently serving a 45-year sentence in the United States for drug trafficking and weapons charges. This announcement came just a day before Honduras was set to elect a new president, shifting the focus of the election discourse from domestic issues to U.S. influence.

The Venezuelan government has denounced U.S. President Donald Trump's declaration that the airspace above Venezuela is to be closed entirely, labeling it a 'colonialist threat' to their sovereignty. This statement follows warnings from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding a deteriorating security situation in the region, prompting airlines to exercise caution when flying over Venezuela.