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Trump postpones big tariffs against Canada and Mexico for one month • Louisiana Illuminator

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lailluminator.com – Shauneen Miranda – 2025-02-03 17:38:00

Trump postpones big tariffs against Canada and Mexico for one month

by Shauneen Miranda, Louisiana Illuminator
February 3, 2025

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Monday punted for one month his plans to impose sweeping tariffs against Mexico and Canada after both countries agreed to act on his demands to curb drug trafficking and illegal immigration into the United States.

The pauses came as Trump signed a trio of executive orders over the weekend that would kick-start a 25% tariff on Mexico, a 25% tariff on most goods from Canada and a 10% tariff on imports from China, beginning early Tuesday. The tariff against China remained in place Monday night.

Many economists have warned about the negative effects such broad tariffs could have on consumers.

Trump imposed the tariffs — a tax on goods that come into the country — in an effort to hold the three countries “accountable to their promises of halting illegal immigration and stopping poisonous fentanyl and other drugs from flowing into our country,” according to a White House fact sheet.

Mexico, Canada and China are the United States’ top trading partners. The three countries had responded to Trump’s plans with their own retaliatory measures.

Two calls with Trudeau

In a post on social media, Trump said “Canada has agreed to ensure we have a secure Northern Border, and to finally end the deadly scourge of drugs like Fentanyl that have been pouring into our Country, killing hundreds of thousands of Americans, while destroying their families and communities all across our Country.”

Trump held two calls Monday with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

After his second call with Trump, Trudeau said in a social media post that “Canada is implementing our $1.3 billion border plan — reinforcing the border with new choppers, technology and personnel, enhanced coordination with our American partners, and increased resources to stop the flow of fentanyl.”

He said nearly “10,000 frontline personnel are and will be working on protecting the border” and that the country would make new commitments to appoint a “Fentanyl Czar.”

Canada will also “list cartels as terrorists, ensure 24/7 eyes on the border” and “launch a Canada- U.S. Joint Strike Force to combat organized crime, fentanyl and money laundering,” Trudeau said.

“I have also signed a new intelligence directive on organized crime and fentanyl and we will be backing it with $200 million,” he said. 

Negotiations with Mexico

In a social media post on Monday, Trump said he had a “very friendly conversation” with Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum and that the two agreed to “immediately pause the anticipated tariffs for a one month period.”

Negotiations led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary nominee Howard Lutnick and “high-level” Mexico representatives would take place during that time, Trump said.

Sheinbaum also agreed to “immediately supply” 10,000 troops to the U.S.-Mexico border in an effort to curb illegal immigration to the United States, in addition to fentanyl smuggling.

Senate Dems on tariff impacts

Meanwhile, Senate Democrats — including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York; Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota; Ron Wyden of Oregon; Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire; and Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland — underscored how Trump’s tariff plans could hit Americans’ pocketbooks.

“Trump is yet again rigging the same game for his billionaire friends while doing nothing to lower costs for American families,” Schumer said.

“These nonsense tariffs equate to a tax increase on the American people, and the president isn’t just randomly slapping on tariffs — he’s slapping consumers right where it hurts: their wallets,” he added.

Asked about any legislation the Senate Democrats were contemplating, Wyden said “everything is on the table at this point.”

“No president has ever used this particular statute to impose a tariff, and we’ve already got legislation from several Democrats to make sure that it can’t be used as a blank check for the president,” the Oregon Democrat said.

The senators also brought in Ernie Tedeschi, director of economics at the Budget Lab at Yale, which has conducted its own analysis on the economic and fiscal effects of Trump’s tariff plans regarding Mexico, Canada and China.

“We found that the average price increase was the equivalent of about $1,250 per household in America,” Tedeschi said.

“Now bear in mind that that’s just an average — tariffs are not an equitable tax — they pinch the middle class more than they pinch upper-income households.”

Last updated 4:44 p.m., Feb. 3, 2025

Louisiana Illuminator is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Louisiana Illuminator maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Greg LaRose for questions: info@lailluminator.com.

News from the South - Louisiana News Feed

Louisiana paper mill to close, lay off 450 workers

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lailluminator.com – Greg LaRose – 2025-02-14 17:53:00

Louisiana paper mill to close, lay off 450 workers

by Greg LaRose, Louisiana Illuminator
February 14, 2025

Some 450 employees of a Natchitoches Parish paper mill will lose their jobs by the end of April after their parent company announced the facility’s pending closure Thursday.

International Paper is shutting down its Red River Mill in Campti that makes containerboard, as well as a recycling plant in Phoenix, a box-making plant in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, and sheet feeder facility in St. Louis.

Across the company, 495 hourly positions and 179 salaried jobs are being eliminated, according to a news release.

Louisiana Economic Development and the Louisiana Workforce Commission announced in a joint statement Friday they will work together to address the Red River Mill closure. Orientation sessions will be scheduled in the near future to help dislocated workers find new employment quickly, a statement from the agencies said. 

“We understand that right now people are feeling uncertain about their future. Please be assured that help is on its way.” LWC Secretary Susana Schowen said in the statement.    

State Sen. Alan Seabaugh, R-Shreveport, told KSLA-TV that International Paper told him most of the employees being let go in Campti will be offered jobs at its facility in Mansfield, which also makes containerboard. The senator said the number of employees being let go could lead to local school closures, as families are forced to relocate to find work. 

“I’ve been on the phone with loggers and foresters all day,” Seabaugh said. “This is a big ripple effect.”

International Paper, considered the largest producer of paper products in the world, also operates facilities in Bogalusa, Lafayette, Shreveport and Springhill.

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Louisiana Illuminator is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Louisiana Illuminator maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Greg LaRose for questions: info@lailluminator.com.

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Several Louisiana public university athletic programs face financial deficits | Louisiana

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Nolan McKendry | The Center Square – 2025-02-14 13:28:00

SUMMARY: Auditors have found financial deficits in the athletic departments of five Louisiana public universities, totaling over $21.7 million. Louisiana Tech University had the largest deficit at $10.5 million, with high expenses in student aid and coaching salaries. Northwestern State University faced a $2.66 million shortfall, while the University of Louisiana at Monroe reported a $4.49 million gap. McNeese State and Nicholls State had smaller deficits of $1.65 million and $1.69 million, respectively. These programs rely heavily on institutional support and contributions, with significant spending on student aid and coaching salaries driving their financial shortfalls.

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New Orleans City Council puts parade rule enforcement in NOPD's court

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www.youtube.com – WDSU News – 2025-02-14 09:35:01

SUMMARY: New Orleans city leaders are prioritizing safety ahead of the 2025 Mardi Gras season following the January 1st terror attack that resulted in 14 fatalities. The City Council passed a resolution allowing the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) to exercise discretion in enforcing safety protocols regarding prohibited items along parade routes, such as tents and sofas, which were banned last year. This approach aims to focus on public safety without over-policing and promote a safe and enjoyable parade experience. Additionally, the council approved a contract to increase security patrols, ensuring adequate manpower during Carnival festivities.

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New Orleans City Council puts parade rule enforcement in NOPD’s court

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