What the president signed President Trump signed an executive order declaring a national emergency aimed at what the administration calls an "unusual and extraordinary threat" from Cuba. The order accuses the Cuban government of aligning with Russia, China, Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah, and of hosting foreign military and intelligence capabilities that the United States views as dangerous. It also cites human rights abuses, persecution of political opponents, and repression of free speech as justification for the step. Why the White House says it matters The administration says Cuba destabilizes the region through migration and violence and supports actors hostile to U.S. interests. Mr. Trump later called Cuba a "failing nation" and suggested it might not survive in its current form. That language is meant to signal pressure. It is also a reminder that modern foreign policy often mixes moral claims, national security talking points, and headline-ready rhetoric. The new tariff scheme The executive order authorizes a tariff system that can add an ad valorem duty on imports from any country that directly or indirectly sells or otherwise provides oil to Cuba. In plain terms, the U.S. could tax goods from nations that keep Cuba supplied with fuel. Tariffs are a…

Nurse's Viral Video and Fallout A short video showed a labor and delivery nurse using graphic language to wish serious childbirth injuries on White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who is publicly expecting a baby. The clip spread quickly online. The nurse, identified in social posts as Lexie Lawler, was fired by her employer after the video circulated and drew public outrage. The incident landed in the kind of national attention social media specializes in. State Officials Move to Suspend License Florida officials said they would act. The state attorney general publicly urged the nursing board to revoke the nurse’s license, calling the statements an ethical red line when tied to one’s professional practice. The Florida Department of Health later announced the nurse is no longer allowed to practice in the state, according to statements from the attorney general’s office. Regulators framed the suspension as a matter of public trust and patient safety. Employer Response and Institutional Pressure The hospital named in social posts confirmed the nurse was no longer employed. Hospitals and health systems face pressure to act fast when staff conduct becomes public and violent or abusive language is involved. Corporate PR teams prefer quick, neat endings; regulators…