USA ESTA Travel Pass News

New Jersey is launching a crackdown on cell phone use while driving throughout the entire month of April. The initiative, announced by the New Jersey State Attorney, focuses on addressing distracted driving, particularly the use of cell phones behind the wheel. From April 1st to 30th, local police will conduct intensive enforcement efforts on major highways, such as the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway, as well as on local roads in areas with large Korean populations, including Palisades Park, Fort Lee, Leonia, Cliffside Park, Edgewater, Closter, and Teaneck.

To support this crackdown, the State Attorney’s office has allocated over $1.2 million to fund the efforts of 158 town police departments across the state, including the State Police. The goal is to reduce the number of distracted driving incidents caused by cell phone use. In New Jersey, fines for using a cell phone while driving are steep: $200-$400 for the first offense, $400-$600 for the second, and $600-$800 for subsequent offenses. Drivers will also receive three penalty points on their license, and those caught repeatedly using a cell phone while driving may face a suspension of up to 90 days.

Last year, through intensive crackdowns, a total of 9,055 violations of cell phone use while driving was caught and fined. According to state police, distracted driving was a significant factor in nearly half of the traffic accidents that occurred in New Jersey in 2023, resulting in 160 deaths and more than 1,400 injuries. This new crackdown is part of a broader effort to improve road safety and reduce the number of accidents caused by distractions while driving.

New York City has announced a significant increase in fines for illegal dumping in its parks. Starting on March 31st, individuals caught illegally dumping trash in a New York City Park will face a $5,000 fine. If the same person is caught again within 12 months, the fine will increase to $10,000. This new fine structure is a substantial rise from the previous penalty of $1,000 for illegal dumping in city parks.

Illegal dumping in New York City parks includes a wide range of items such as household garbage bags, discarded furniture, construction waste like wood, discarded tires, mattresses, refrigerators, and water heaters. The increased fines are part of a broader effort to crack down on habitual littering and illegal dumping across the city.

Since 2023, New York City has been identifying areas outside parks, such as deserted streets, street corners, and vacant lots, as habitual littering zones. To combat this, the city has installed 115 additional surveillance cameras to monitor illegal dumping activities. For illegal dumping in these areas, a $4,000 fine is imposed, and any vehicle used for dumping will be impounded until the fine is fully paid.

At a press conference held at Richman (Echo) Park in the Bronx, Donohue, the director of the city’s waste management bureau, explained that the use of surveillance cameras has allowed the city to more efficiently target those responsible for dumping furniture, household waste, and construction debris. He expressed confidence that the increase in fines would help curb illegal dumping. Additionally, the waste management bureau plans to bolster patrol efforts, particularly during evenings and weekends, at 121 of the city’s busiest parks to further crack down on illegal dumping. The installation of security cameras in the city’s parks is expected to be completed this spring, making the parks cleaner and safer for all.

President Donald Trump officially announced on the 26th that, following steel and aluminum, he would impose a 25% tariff on foreign automobiles imported into the United States starting April 2nd.

The target countries are all foreign automobiles, but it is expected that automobiles produced in Korea, Japan, Europe, Mexico, and Canada will be the main targets. This has further expanded the front lines of Trump’s global trade war.

President Trump’s latest measure, which aims to lead the revival of the automobile manufacturing industry in the United States, is expected to have a particularly big impact on Korea, where automobiles are the number one export item to the United States.

At a press conference held in the Oval Office that afternoon, President Trump said, “What we’re going to do is impose a 25% tariff on all cars that are not made in the United States.” He said, “We’re going to impose tariffs on countries that have been doing business here and stealing jobs and wealth over the years,” adding, “Friends have often been much worse than enemies. And this (imposing tariffs) is very gentle.”

President Trump also signed an executive order saying, “We expect to raise $100 billion (about 147 trillion won) annually by imposing tariffs on foreign-made cars.” The auto tariffs are the third tariff on individual items that President Trump has imposed since taking office on January 20.

Previously, the United States imposed a 25% tariff on steel, aluminum, and steel and aluminum derivatives imported from all trading partners starting at 00:01 on the 12th, Eastern Standard Time.

President Trump announced that the auto tariffs would be imposed on “April 2nd.” April 2nd is also the date on which he announced that he would impose “reciprocal tariffs” on each country, considering tariff rates and non-tariff barriers to the United States. President Trump reaffirmed this plan to impose reciprocal tariffs, saying that he would impose reciprocal tariffs on “every country” and that there would be no exceptions.

Regarding reciprocal tariffs, he said, “We will be very fair,” but “we will be very generous. In many cases, the tariffs will be lower than what other countries have imposed on the United States for decades. “He added, “I think people will be very pleasantly surprised.”

A hidden camera, presumably installed by thieves, has been found in the yard of a home in San Marino. According to the San Marino Police Department, a gardener found the camouflaged hidden camera while trimming a fence at a home at 2500 Canterbury Road last weekend. The device was recovered by police who responded to a report, and no additional details have been released so far. This is the fourth hidden camera found in LA County since March.

The same incident occurred on the 2nd at a home in a gated community complex in Chino Hills (as reported on page A3 of the 6th issue of this newspaper), and the owner of the home was confirmed to be Korean, which almost resulted in Korean victims.

At the time, police searched the bushes and found a hidden camera disguised as a flowerpot connected to a power supply.

The homeowner, Mr. Kim, said, “The couple lives in the house alone, so they are relatively free of the house,” and “We quickly installed surveillance cameras around the house to prevent further damage.”

Then on the 11th, a woman in Encino, a Valley neighborhood, reported to police that she had discovered a hidden camera installed in a tree in front of the front door and a wire hidden in the bushes while visiting her parents’ home with her children.

Another hidden camera was recently discovered after a home invasion robbery in the West Hills neighborhood. The practice of installing hidden cameras outside houses for the purpose of burglary has recently become a trend in Southern California, including Glendale, Temecula, Arcadia, Alhambra, and Garden Grove.

Last year, Glendale police arrested four Colombians suspected of operating a “burglary tourism” operation using hidden cameras. Three other Colombians were arrested in Temecula in connection with a similar scheme.

In May of last year, a Korean resident of Gardena, Lee, discovered a hidden camera disguised with leaf-printed duct tape while watering her front yard. Police said, “Recently, there have been many cases of Asian homes, including Koreans, being damaged by thieves who traveled from Central and South America,” adding, “These thieves are mostly Chilean or Colombian nationals, and they travel around various areas of Southern California to commit crimes.”

Hidden cameras typically consist of a camera, a battery pack, and a memory card. Police explained that the prevalence of hidden cameras in residential areas is related to home invasion theft. Home thieves are monitoring residents’ comings and goings and deciding when to break in.

Police advise that to prevent hidden camera victims, ▲keep your home well-lit, ▲ask a trusted gardener to regularly inspect trees and shrubs for hidden devices, and ▲install a video surveillance system to check for suspicious activity. Police also urge people to report any hidden cameras they find around their homes immediately and not touch the cameras until the site has been investigated.

The U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) decided to keep the base interest rate unchanged at 4.25-4.50% on March 19th, maintaining its cautious approach to managing the economy. This decision followed a two-day Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting where the Fed acknowledged the continuing expansion of economic activity, a stable low unemployment rate, and a solid labour market. However, the Fed also noted that inflation had slightly risen, and uncertainty about the economic outlook had increased. This uncertainty is largely attributed to the economic effects of the “tariff war,” which began during the Trump administration and has had a significant impact on both U.S. and global economies.

The Fed’s statement emphasized its commitment to achieving maximum employment and a 2% inflation target in the long term, while also acknowledging the risks posed by the current economic landscape. The FOMC removed the previous language from its January meeting, which had stated that “risks to achieving the employment and inflation goals are broadly balanced.” This change reflects growing concerns about potential economic downturns and rising inflation due to tariffs imposed during Trump’s presidency.

The Fed’s decision to freeze interest rates for the second consecutive time is seen as a response to a slowing inflation relief trend and rising economic uncertainty caused by the ongoing tariff policies. As a result, the interest rate gap between the U.S. and Korea remains at 1.75 percentage points, based on the upper limit of the U.S. rate. The Fed’s quarterly economic outlook report, which included projections for the end of this year, indicated that the base rate (median) would be reduced to 3.9%, signalling two potential rate cuts of 0.25% each.

However, the number of Fed members predicting multiple rate cuts by 2025 has decreased, from 15 out of 19 in December to 11 in the latest projection. For these rate cuts to occur, there needs to be visible progress toward achieving the 2% inflation target or signs of a sharp economic downturn. The Fed’s outlook also shows that U.S. GDP growth will be slower than initially forecasted, with a revised estimate of 1.7% for this year, down from 2.1% in December. Inflation expectations have also risen, with the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) inflation forecast raised to 2.7%, while the core PCE inflation forecast increased to 2.8%.

Fed Chairman Jerome Powell acknowledged the role of President Trump’s tariff policies in driving inflation, suggesting that the current rise in inflation could be partly a response to tariffs. However, Powell noted that if the inflationary impact from the tariffs proves to be temporary, the Fed may overlook the inflation increase. Powell also downplayed the likelihood of a recession, despite a slight increase in recession predictions from some economic forecasters. He stated that while the probability of a recession has risen, it remains relatively low at this stage.

As discussions on a ’30-day partial ceasefire’ in the Ukraine war continue, Ukraine is employing a negotiation strategy aimed at inducing greater US intervention, with the hope that the United States will act as a ceasefire supervisor to prevent further escalation. Ukraine’s leaders believe that, as a powerful mediator, the US should oversee the ceasefire to ensure that Russia does not exploit a partial ceasefire to strengthen its offensive.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke with President Donald Trump on March 19th, expressing his support for a partial ceasefire. The two leaders agreed that such a ceasefire would serve as a crucial first step toward a broader end to the conflict. They also agreed to form high-level delegations to negotiate the technical issues needed for the ceasefire and its potential expansion. The partial ceasefire, which follows a phone call between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin the day before, involves halting attacks on energy and infrastructure facilities for 30 days.

Russia, however, rejected the proposal for a 30-day full ceasefire, which had been suggested by US and Ukrainian delegations. There were concerns that Russia, with the upper hand in the war, would use its momentum to strengthen its offensive while excluding Ukraine’s energy infrastructure from the ceasefire. Running out of options, President Zelenskyy accepted the partial ceasefire plan, requesting that the US play a role in overseeing the ceasefire.

The fact that both the US and Ukraine agreed to prepare for working-level delegation negotiations signals that they are moving toward ensuring the proper implementation of the partial ceasefire. It also suggests that the US is willing to incrementally involve itself in the management of the ceasefire. This development is further tied to Ukraine’s discussions with the US about the operation of its nuclear power plant and power grid.

In a phone call with Zelenskyy, President Trump offered US expertise in power and utilities, particularly regarding the operation of the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant. While this facility is in Russian-occupied territory, it remains staffed by Ukrainian employees. If territorial negotiations begin in earnest, Russia is likely to claim ownership. By leaving open the possibility of US involvement in the plant’s operation, Ukraine aims to leverage the issue to its advantage.

President Trump also agreed to share defence information with Ukraine, a move likely linked to the management of the ceasefire. While Russia has opposed the sharing of such information, the US may find it difficult to refuse if it is framed as necessary to monitor the adherence to the ceasefire. The worst-case scenario for Ukraine is that the US merely provides military support without fully engaging in the unstable ceasefire. To prevent this, Ukraine is pushing for deeper US involvement in the ongoing issues from the partial ceasefire stage onward.

A school bus overturned on the Garden State Parkway in New Jersey, injuring 14 students and the bus driver, bringing the total number of injured to 15. According to the New Jersey State Police, the incident occurred around 7:40 p.m. near Exit 171 of the Garden State Parkway, close to Montvale, New Jersey. The bus, which had departed from Lakewood in central New Jersey, was headed to New York when the accident took place.

There were 31 people on board the bus when it overturned. Of the injured, 14 were students, and the 44-year-old male driver was also injured. One of the students was reported to be in critical condition and was rushed to a nearby hospital, though it was later confirmed that their life was not in danger. The remaining 13 students and the driver sustained minor injuries.

According to ABC News, the bus was carrying Jewish school students on their way to New Square, New York, for a Jewish event when the accident occurred. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but state police explained that the bus went off the road and overturned while traveling north.

Tesla’s stock price surged by 7.6% following remarks made by President Donald Trump threatening to boycott and attack those who oppose Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk. On the New York Stock Exchange on March 12th, Tesla shares closed at $248.09, marking a 7.59% increase from the previous day. During the day, the stock even hit a peak of $251.84, a rise of 9.22%. This sharp increase followed a 3.79% rebound the day before after Trump announced on his TruthSocial platform that he would personally purchase a Tesla vehicle.

The rally in Tesla’s stock came as inflation concerns eased, following a slowdown in the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI), and the tech-heavy Nasdaq index rebounded by 1.2%. However, the surge in Tesla’s stock was seen as being particularly influenced by President Trump’s recent “Tesla Save” event. The event involved Trump parking five Tesla cars at the White House, where he announced that he would buy one of them. He also took a ride in the Model S sedan and praised the vehicle, calling it “beautiful” and “great.”

When questioned about those attacking Tesla stores, Trump responded that those involved should be classified as “domestic terrorists” and stated, “We will stop them,” emphasizing that these actions were harming a great American company. He went on to threaten those targeting Tesla, saying, “If you do anything to Tesla, you’re going to be in hell.” Financial media outlet Barron’s reported that the stock price jumped after what appeared to be a form of advertisement for Tesla, orchestrated by Trump and Musk during their White House interaction.

However, despite the recent rally, Tesla’s stock had experienced a significant drop prior to this, mainly due to Musk’s involvement in federal agency downsizing and layoffs during his tenure with the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Tesla’s stock had fallen 15.4% on March 10th, reaching $222.15, marking a 53.7% drop from its high of $479.86 on December 17th, 2024. As of the latest rise, the stock has recovered to a level just before Trump’s election, offering renewed hope to Tesla investors.

Looking ahead, Tesla’s performance in the first quarter, particularly its vehicle sales, will likely have a significant impact on the stock price. Barron’s noted that the upcoming announcement of first-quarter sales, set for April 2nd, could either sustain the current upward momentum or bring disappointment. Wall Street analysts have lowered their expectations for Tesla’s first-quarter delivery volume. Guggenheim reduced its estimate from 405,000 to 358,000 units, setting a target stock price of $170, while UBS also lowered its estimate by 16% to 367,000 units. In contrast, the average estimate for Tesla’s first-quarter deliveries is about 420,000 units, reflecting an 8.5% increase from the same period last year.

While some analysts, like Barron’s, predict that any sales decline could be a huge disappointment for investors, others, such as CFRA analyst Garrett Nelson, point out that Tesla’s stock has historically been volatile, with major selloffs often presenting profitable buying opportunities for investors.

On March 5th, President Donald Trump issued a stern ultimatum to the Palestinian militant group Hamas, demanding the immediate release of all Israeli and American hostages, with a threat of “death” if they fail to comply. In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, President Trump wrote, “‘Shalom Hamas’ means hello and goodbye. You can choose.” He continued, urging Hamas to “release all the hostages now, not later,” and to return the bodies of those killed, warning, “Or you too will be finished.”

Trump emphasized the cruelty of holding onto the bodies of the deceased, stating, “Only a sick and twisted person would keep a body. You are sick and twisted.” He further threatened, “If you don’t do as I say, I will send Israel everything it needs to complete the mission, and not a single Hamas member will be safe.” The president claimed to have met with the hostages previously held by Hamas, and he warned the Hamas leadership, “This is your final warning. Now is the time to leave Gaza. You still have a chance.” He also warned Gaza’s residents, stating, “There is a beautiful future ahead of you. But if you hold the hostages, it won’t be that way. If you hold the hostages, you will die.”

Trump urged Hamas to “make a wise decision” and release the hostages immediately, warning, “If you don’t, you will pay a big price later.”

This ultimatum came shortly after confirmation that the U.S. government had been in secret discussions with Hamas regarding the release of the hostages. White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt confirmed that “conversations and discussions are currently underway,” though she refrained from providing further details, emphasizing that the lives of detained Americans are at stake.

On March 5th, mayors from several major U.S. cities, including New York, Chicago, Denver, and Boston, announced that their policies of not cooperating with federal immigration enforcement have played a significant role in reducing crime rates. According to a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report, the mayors made these claims during a congressional hearing led by Republican members of the House Oversight Committee. Despite an increase in the number of immigrants, these mayors argued that violent crime has decreased in their cities.

These cities, which do not cooperate with the Donald Trump administration’s immigration crackdowns, are often referred to as “sanctuary” cities. Sanctuary cities are typically safer for undocumented immigrants, as they refrain from sharing information with federal authorities, such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), even when they confirm someone’s undocumented status. The mayors argue that their policies promote safety by encouraging immigrants to report crimes to the police without fear of deportation.

In contrast, Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.), former chairman of the hard-line Republican Freedom Caucus, criticized sanctuary city policies, suggesting they protect illegal immigrants with criminal records from federal immigration authorities. Despite this criticism, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson pushed back, calling the Trump administration’s anti-immigrant stance “misleading” and “unfair,” adding that it was “degrading to scapegoat an entire community.”

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston emphasized the city’s commitment to providing equal access to services for all, regardless of immigration status. “If they break the law, we hold them accountable, prosecute them, and punish them equally,” he said. Johnston also stressed that law-abiding citizens, whether documented or undocumented, should not fear be being turned over to federal authorities when seeking essential services.

The mayors of these sanctuary cities claim that immigrants are more likely to report crimes and cooperate with investigations if they do not fear being asked about their immigration status. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu also criticized Republican policies, calling for reforms in gun control, Medicaid, and veterans’ support, as she argued that these issues, rather than immigration, play a larger role in public safety.

The Trump administration has been vocal in criticizing sanctuary cities and has threatened to take strong action against them. This conflict over immigration policies was a point of contention throughout Trump’s first term, during which the administration sought to withhold federal funding from sanctuary municipalities in response to their refusal to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.