Guatemala open to accepting Trump's Central American deportees
Dec 27, 2024
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Guatemala is ready to accept deportees from the U.S., a move aiming for smoother relations with the Trump administration. A major counter-disinformation center has been shut down, raising concerns about national security. Meanwhile, the FDA is reshaping the definition of 'healthy' foods, embracing previously shunned options. The IRS is rolling out automatic stimulus checks for eligible taxpayers, amid questions about the FDA's slow decision-making process.
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Quick takeaways
Guatemala's acceptance of Trump's Central American deportees signifies a strategic move towards enhancing regional cooperation amidst complex diplomatic challenges.
The FDA's new healthy food labeling guidelines aim to modernize public health standards by reflecting current nutritional science and consumer awareness.
Deep dives
Guatemala's Acceptance of Deportees
Guatemala has opened its borders to accept deportees from other Central American nations, aiming to foster stronger regional cooperation as it prepares for the incoming Trump administration. This decision reflects the country's desire to contribute positively to regional migration issues, as strained diplomatic relations have complicated deportation efforts from the U.S. Previously, many countries, including Nicaragua and Venezuela, faced challenges in accepting deported nationals. The statistics indicate that a significant portion of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. originate from Central America, particularly Mexico and Guatemala, highlighting the importance of this agreement.
Closure of the Global Engagement Center
The State Department's Global Engagement Center, tasked with combating foreign disinformation, has shut down following significant opposition from the GOP. Initially created in 2011 to address terrorism and disinformation, it expanded its focus in recent years to counteract narratives propagated by nations like Russia and China. The closure is attributed to a narrative that emerged suggesting the center was infringing on free speech, fueled by political figures and social media discourse. Despite bipartisan support for its mission, the center’s funding was cut, raising concerns about potential impacts on U.S. national security and ongoing efforts against foreign interference.
FDA Updates on Healthy Food Labels
The FDA has issued new guidelines that update the definition of 'healthy foods,' reflecting advancements in nutritional science since the last update in the 1990s. This reform allows items like olive oil and salmon, previously viewed as unhealthy, to be labeled as healthy, aligning public perception with modern dietary knowledge. These changes are particularly significant for products aimed at children; cereals high in sugar will no longer qualify as healthy, addressing issues of misleading marketing. The overall goal is to provide clearer guidance to consumers, potentially introducing label systems that make it easier to discern healthy options in grocery stores.
Guatemala is open to accepting President-elect Donald Trump's Central American deportees from other countries.
USA TODAY Domestic Security Correspondent Josh Meyer discusses why a center for coordinating U.S. efforts to counter foreign disinformation shut down this week.