United States: At the weekly senior luncheon in North Liberty, Iowa, the aroma of roasted chicken filled the air, yet it was the precarious state of Social Security that dominated hushed conversations.

Iowa, much like the broader United States, is witnessing an undeniable demographic shift. According to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, nearly a quarter of its population has crossed the threshold of 60 years. This aging wave has translated into mounting apprehension, exacerbated by the unpredictability emanating from Washington.

For Anne Bacon, the issue is not just a concern—it’s a waking nightmare. Speaking with CBS News, she described her distress as experiencing “daymares,” according to CBS News.

Bacon’s financial stability hinges on the $1,600 she receives monthly from Social Security. These funds are indispensable, covering the cost of 24-hour care for her brother, Rick Clark, who battles dementia.

“Every single day, a gnawing fear lingers that he may suddenly be deprived of his care,” Bacon confided.

When a crucial Social Security check failed to arrive in January, Bacon reached out to the agency. However, her attempts to rectify the situation were met with an infuriating ordeal—two separate phone calls, each accumulating over six hours on hold. When she finally reached a representative, the issue was resolved within minutes, underscoring the inefficiencies plaguing the system.

The inefficiency is not an isolated issue. The average wait time for Social Security inquiries has doubled over the past six months, now averaging a staggering 104 minutes.

John Hale, a veteran of 25 years in Social Security’s workforce, now dedicates his efforts, alongside his wife Terri, to advocating for elderly and disabled Iowans through their organization, the Hale Group.

“This is not just about retirement benefits,” Hale emphasized. “It encompasses survivor benefits and vital assistance for individuals with disabilities,” as per CBS News.

President Trump has firmly stated that he will not tamper with Social Security, a program upon which over 70 million Americans rely. However, his administration has aimed to fill the agency’s workforce. Last month, the Social Security Administration (SSA) disclosed plans to eliminate approximately 7,000 positions—roughly 12% of its total employees.

The agency is simultaneously contending with a barrage of operational modifications. Earlier this month, the SSA declared its intention to impose mandatory in-person identity verifications for both new and existing beneficiaries, albeit with narrow exemptions. Following widespread backlash, the agency subsequently postponed the enforcement of this policy until April 14.

Adding to the turmoil, the SSA announced that beneficiaries will no longer be permitted to modify direct deposit details or other banking information via phone. The rationale behind this shift is to curb fraudulent activities. Moving forward, individuals must either utilize the SSA’s digital platform or visit a physical office, according to reports by CBS News.

Amid these transformations, scrutiny intensified over Frank Bisignano, President Trump’s nominee to helm the SSA. During his Senate confirmation hearing, legislators probed the prospective involvement of the White House’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an entity steered by billionaire Elon Musk, in the agency’s decision-making process.

Terri Hale voiced her disquiet regarding the implications of such influence.

“What alarms us, and should alarm everyone, is the reality that a coterie of billionaires—who will never rely on Social Security, who will never have loved ones dependent on it—is at the helm of decisions shaping this essential service,” she asserted. “They are utterly detached from the everyday struggles of ordinary Americans.”

United States: US President Donald Trump characterized his initial dialogue with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney as “extremely productive” despite the ongoing trade conflict between the neighboring nations. 

Taking to Truth Social, Trump disclosed that they would convene “immediately” following Canada’s forthcoming elections on April 28 to deliberate on matters concerning “politics, commerce, and a spectrum of other considerations.” 

In the midst of his electoral campaign, Carney depicted the conversation as “highly constructive” and underscored his commitment to enforcing retaliatory tariffs to safeguard Canadian laborers, according to BBC News. 

The impending 25% tariffs on vehicle imports, set to be enforced on April 2, loom ominously over Canada’s automotive sector, potentially inflicting severe economic repercussions. 

Traditionally, Canadian premiers seek an early engagement with their US counterparts upon assuming office. However, this marks the inaugural exchange between Carney and Trump since Carney’s swearing-in on March 14. 

🚨🇺🇸🇨🇦 CANADA’S PM CARNEY TALKS TOUGH WITH TRUMP—TRADE WAR NEXT?

Canada’s new PM Mark Carney got on the horn with Trump today, and the vibes were “constructive,” but tense.

They’re kicking off big negotiations on economic and security ties right after the election, with… https://t.co/3yQkkQtZZ1 pic.twitter.com/WoC2k9lNbz

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) March 28, 2025

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s office, both leaders concurred on initiating comprehensive negotiations aimed at redefining their economic and security collaboration post-election. 

“In the interim, discussions between Canada’s Minister of International Trade and Intergovernmental Affairs, Dominic LeBlanc, and the United States Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, will intensify to address pressing concerns,” the statement further elaborated. 

Trump’s amicable tone starkly contrasted his previous rhetoric toward Canada, often laced with derision, particularly directed at former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whom he mockingly dubbed “Governor Trudeau,” as per BBC News. 

Beyond the tariff imposition, Trump has controversially floated the notion of Canada becoming the 51st US state, igniting widespread indignation across the Canadian populace. 

On Thursday evening, Carney denounced the United States as an unreliable trading ally, asserting that the erstwhile bilateral relationship had irreversibly deteriorated. 

The Liberal leader reiterated his resolve to impose retaliatory tariffs designed for “maximum impact” against US interests. 

During Friday’s exchange, Carney once again affirmed his stance on Trump, reaffirming his commitment to defending Canadian economic interests. 

“The Prime Minister conveyed to the President that Canada will implement responsive tariffs to safeguard our workforce and economy, following the announcement of additional US trade measures on April 2, 2025,” the statement read. 

The automotive sector remains particularly vulnerable, with the impending tariffs threatening approximately 500,000 jobs in Canada. 

The United States has already partially imposed a sweeping 25% tariff on Canadian exports, including a 25% levy on aluminum and steel imports. In retaliation, Canada has enacted approximately C$60 billion ($42 billion; £32 billion) in tariffs targeting US goods, as per BBC News. 

The White House announced that the new vehicle tariffs would take effect on April 2, immediately impacting businesses importing automobiles, with levies on car parts expected to follow in May or later. 

Deteriorating US-Canada relations have emerged as a prominent issue in Canada’s election discourse. 

Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the opposition Conservative Party, denounced the tariffs as “unjustifiable and unwarranted,” while Jagmeet Singh, leader of the left-leaning NDP, described them as a “betrayal.” 

Trump has further cautioned Canada against aligning with the European Union in opposition to forthcoming US tariffs. He warned that any collaborative effort would prompt Washington to impose even more severe economic penalties, exceeding the magnitude of current measures. 

United States: Governor Josh Stein has formally declared a State of Emergency to confront the escalating wildfires ravaging regions of Western North Carolina. 

While numerous local jurisdictions had independently announced states of emergency, Stein’s proclamation at the state level enhances the capacity for a comprehensive response. The declaration amplifies resource allocation and logistical coordination, enabling expedited aid deployment. 

Signed on Wednesday, March 26, the executive order arrived a week following the ignition of two major fires within the Black Cove Complex. 

“The wildfires in western North Carolina are relentlessly expanding, prompting the imperative expansion of our State of Emergency,” Governor Stein affirmed in an official statement. “The State Emergency Response Team remains resolute, employing every available resource to combat the infernos,” according to reports by wbtv.com. 

🚨March 27, 2025 Update

Transylvania County, North Carolina, is under a state of emergency due to three forest fires: the Pisgah National Forest fire at Rattlesnake Branch (623 acres), Persimmon Ridge fire (1,353 acres), and Table Rock Fire in South Carolina (4,566 acres).

A… pic.twitter.com/chgf0B4bQx

— Ashley 🇺🇲 (@Wnc_Ash) March 27, 2025

The extended declaration encompasses the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ sovereign lands, along with the counties of Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Iredell, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Polk, Rowan, Rutherford, Stanly, Swain, Transylvania, Union, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey. 

By Thursday, March 27, the North Carolina Forest Service reported the presence of approximately 105 wildfires ravaging an expanse surpassing 8,600 acres. The relentless flames continue to pose significant challenges, necessitating vigilant efforts from emergency responders, as per wbtv.com.  

Residents across the affected regions are urged to remain alert and adhere to evacuation directives as safety measures evolve. Authorities stand steadfast in their commitment to mitigate the disaster’s impact and protect communities across the state.