President Donald Trump signed an executive order on June 13 clearing the way for Nippon Steel’s $14.9 billion takeover of U.S. Steel, reversing a national-security-based block by his predecessor, President Biden . Key Deal Terms & Conditions Golden share & national-security agreement:
The approval is contingent on a National Security Agreement giving the U.S. government veto power via a “golden share” in key decisions .
$11 billion investment by 2028:
Nippon Steel will invest at least $11 billion into U.S. operations by 2028, including new infrastructure and upgrading existing plants .
U.S. Steel remains rooted:
Headquarters will stay in Pittsburgh, with an American CEO and majority-U.S. board seats maintained .
Job impact:
Companies estimate the partnership will directly and indirectly support over 100,000 American jobs .
Political & Market Context Reversal of Biden-era policy:
President Biden blocked the deal in January 2025 on national security grounds; Trump’s order reverses that decision .
Union and local reactions:
United Steelworkers had warned against foreign control, but the inclusion of the golden share and investment pledges helped ease some opposition .
Boost to US-Japan ties:
The deal is being seen as a strategic partnership with Japan, enhancing trade and geopolitical relations .
Market response:
U.S. Steel shares initially dipped but later rebounded on investor optimism tied to the security deal .
What Comes Next? The deal is now in its final stages, requiring formal execution of the national security agreement by the Treasury, Nippon Steel, and U.S. Steel. Full regulatory approvals have already been granted . Industrial revitalization: Reinvigorates U.S. Steel with modern investments to compete globally.
National security precedent: Golden-share structure signals a new approach to balancing foreign investment and national interests.
Economic/political narrative: Marks a shift under Trump toward industrial nationalism with global partnerships.
U.S. Army Celebrates 250 Years of Service with Historic Parade in Washington, D.C.
June 14, 2025 – Washington, D.C.
The United States Army marked a monumental milestone on Saturday with a spectacular parade in the heart of the nation’s capital, celebrating its 250th birthday. Thousands of spectators, veterans, dignitaries, and service members gathered along Constitution Avenue to honor two and a half centuries of Army service, sacrifice, and strength.
The celebration, organized by the Department of the Army in coordination with the Department of Defense, featured over 3,000 uniformed personnel from across the Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve components, as well as historical reenactors, military bands, and modern tactical units. The theme of this year’s celebration was “Honoring the Legacy, Shaping the Future.”
A Tribute Through Time
The parade showcased the Army’s evolution, beginning with Continental Army reenactors in Revolutionary War-era uniforms, marching shoulder to shoulder with today’s soldiers clad in advanced combat gear. Vehicles from various eras—including WWII jeeps, Cold War tanks, and current-generation armored vehicles—rolled past cheering crowds.
The U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps led the ceremonial march, followed by precision performances from the Army Drill Team and the Army Band “Pershing’s Own.” Cadets from West Point and Junior ROTC programs nationwide also participated, symbolizing the Army’s enduring legacy and future.
Dignitaries and Speeches
President [Insert Name] delivered a keynote address from a podium at the National Mall, praising the Army for its “unwavering defense of liberty and service to the American people.” Also in attendance were Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Army Chief of Staff General Randy A. George, and Medal of Honor recipients from various generations.
“This isn’t just a birthday—it’s a celebration of every soldier who stood watch so others could sleep peacefully,” said General George. “From Valley Forge to the battlefields of today, the Army has always been there.”
Community and Reflection
Crowds lined the parade route with American flags, and spontaneous chants of “U-S-A!” echoed throughout the city. Many attendees were veterans or family members of those currently serving. “My grandfather fought in WWII, and my son just deployed last year,” said Maria Gonzalez of Texas. “Being here today means honoring them both.”
Interactive exhibits on the National Mall, hosted by the Army Museum and recruiting centers, offered hands-on experiences with Army equipment and history displays. A 21-gun salute at Arlington National Cemetery earlier in the morning honored fallen soldiers, and wreaths were laid at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Looking Ahead
While the parade honored the Army’s rich past, it also looked toward the future. The event highlighted new technologies, including robotic combat vehicles, cybersecurity units, and the Army’s investment in space and artificial intelligence capabilities.
As night fell, the celebration concluded with a flyover by Army helicopters and a dramatic fireworks display over the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
A Nation’s Gratitude
From humble beginnings in 1775 to its role as the world’s most powerful ground force in 2025, the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday served as a reminder of the institution’s vital role in shaping and protecting the nation.
“Happy birthday to the United States Army,” President [Name] declared. “Here’s to the next 250 years of service, strength, and sacrifice.”
The recent implementation of significant tariffs by the U.S. government has led to increased market volatility and raised concerns about a potential recession. In this context, many investors are questioning whether it’s an opportune time to add long-term stocks to their portfolios.
Financial advisers generally caution against making hasty decisions in response to market fluctuations. A recent Yahoo Finance article emphasizes the importance of maintaining a long-term investment strategy, suggesting that investors should “think twice before bailing out of the stock market.”
Similarly, Investopedia reports that experts recommend a cautious approach during this period of uncertainty. While some view the market pullback as a potential buying opportunity for high-quality stocks, others warn that it may be premature to “buy the dip,” citing continued institutional caution and technical indicators suggesting further
MarketWatch highlights that U.S. stock markets are experiencing significant downturns, with fears of a recession growing amid uncertain economic signals and geopolitical tensions. Technical strategists observe that indicators like the elevated VIX (Wall Street’s “fear gauge”) and high bearish sentiment suggest that stocks are approaching a bottom. However, institutional investors remain cautious, and analysts recommend focusing on high-quality stocks while exercising caution in the short term due to unpredictable headlines and limited corporate stock buybacks amid upcoming earnings reports.
Despite current market volatility, some analysts identify potential opportunities for long-term investors. For instance, The Motley Fool lists “The 9 Best Stocks to Buy Now in April (2025),” noting that while stock market volatility will likely persist beyond April, investors can scoop up these stocks at bargain prices.
Additionally, Morningstar highlights three long-term stocks they still believe in, suggesting that despite market fluctuations, certain companies with strong fundamentals remain attractive for long-term investment.
The Motley Fool’s Recommendations:
In an article published on April 3, 2025, The Motley Fool highlighted nine stocks they view as favorable investments:
•Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)
•Alphabet (GOOGL)
•Amazon (AMZN)
•Nvidia (NVDA)
•Oracle (ORCL)
•Pinterest (PINS)
•Uber Technologies (UBER)
These companies span various sectors, including technology and consumer services.
In another article published on April 6, 2025, The Motley Fool recommended five leading tech stocks:
•Arm Holdings (ARM)
•CrowdStrike (CRWD)
•Nvidia (NVDA)
•Broadcom (AVGO)
•Nintendo (NTDOY)
These selections focus on companies with strong positions in the technology sector.
Morningstar’s Recommendations:
Morningstar has also identified a list of undervalued stocks from their “Best Companies to Own” list as of March 28, 2025:
•Polaris (PII)
•Nike (NKE)
•Pfizer (PFE)
•Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM)
•NXP Semiconductors (NXPI)
•Campbell Soup Company (CPB)
•Alphabet (GOOGL)
•Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII)
•Brown-Forman (BF.B)
•GSK (GSK)
These companies are noted for their significant competitive advantages and are considered undervalued relative to their fair value estimates.
Additionally, Morningstar highlighted three long-term stocks they continue to believe in:
•Nutrien (NTR)
•Baxter International (BAX)
These companies are recognized for their durable competitive advantages and potential for long-term growth.
Finally
Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consider their individual financial goals and risk tolerance before making investment decisions.
In early March 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained six Bhutanese refugees residing in central Pennsylvania—five from the Harrisburg area and one from Cumberland County. These individuals, all legal permanent residents with green cards, were apprehended without clear explanations provided to their families.
Community leaders and local officials have expressed deep concern over these actions. Dauphin County Commissioner Justin Douglas emphasized that these men are integral members of the community, stating, “They work here, they pay taxes here, they raise their kids here. They are part of the fabric of this region.”
Some of the detainees have prior criminal records, including nonviolent offenses such as public drunkenness or harassment. However, community leaders argue that any legal issues should be addressed through the judicial system, not through sudden detentions by ICE.
The Bhutanese community in Harrisburg, numbering approximately 25,000, is now living in fear. Many members were originally resettled in the U.S. after fleeing persecution in Bhutan during the 1980s and 1990s. Tilak Niroula, head of the Bhutanese Community in Harrisburg, highlighted the community’s plight, stating, “We were forcefully evicted once. There is no way we can go back to that same country where we were brutally tortured and forcefully evicted.”
As of now, the specific reasons for these detentions remain unclear, and it is uncertain where the detainees may be deported, given their refugee status and lack of a home country willing to accept them. Local officials and community leaders are calling on federal authorities to provide transparency and to reconsider the detentions, emphasizing the legal status and contributions of these individuals to the Harrisburg community.
Job impact:
Job impact:
