Amanda Castro
Live Blog Editor
Amanda M. Castro is a Newsweek Live Blog Editor based in New York. Her focus is reporting on U.S. politics, breaking news, consumer topics, and entertainment. She specializes in delivering in-depth news and live blog reporting and has experience covering U.S. presidential debates, awards shows, and more. Amanda joined Newsweek in 2024 from the The U.S. Sun and is a graduate of the University of New Haven.
You can get in touch with Amanda by emailing [email protected].
Languages: English, Spanish
Trump to slap 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada
Trump announces 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, citing fentanyl flow and trade deficits, effective February 1. This live blog is now closed.
NTSB assures full government effort in plane crash investigation
A plane with 60 passengers collided with an Army helicopter while landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington D.C. This live blog is now closed.
RFK Jr. stumbles on Medicaid, defends vaccine skepticism
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faces high-stakes Senate hearings as he seeks confirmation for Health Secretary. This live blog is now closed.
Donald Trump signs Laken Riley act into law
President Donald Trump has signed the Laken Riley Act into law. Newsweek's live blog is closed.
Donald Trump's federal funding freeze temporarily halted by judge
A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration's sweeping freeze on federal grants and loans. Newsweek's live blog is closed.
Apple outperforms, gains 2% as AI fears hit
Tech stocks tumbled as Chinese AI startup DeepSeek's advances raised fears of intensified competition, shaking investor confidence. This live blog is closed.
DOJ officials who investigated Trump are fired, told they can't 'be trusted
The Trump administration has fired several career lawyers from the Justice Department. Newsweek's live blog is closed.
Trump hails anti-abortion movement in March for Life video remarks
Donald Trump's first week back in office wraps up with a day of travel. Newsweek's live blog is closed.
Two new fires erupt in San Diego sparking evacuations
The Gilman Fire broke out in La Jolla neighborhood today, while a brush fire at the border with Mexico, has engulfed 20 acres. Newsweek's live blog is closed.
Wicked sweeps up 10 Oscar noms but misses key categories
The 2025 Academy Awards nominations have been announced. This live blog is now closed.
Federal employees ordered to report efforts to disguise DEI
The Trump administration has threatened federal employees who fail to report efforts to conceal DEI programs. Newsweek's live blog is closed.
New all-time records set for snowfall in 3 states
Arctic air grips the central and eastern U.S., bringing record-breaking cold, dangerous wind chills, and historic snowfall. Newsweek's live blog is closed.
Trump 'open' to billionaire ally Elon Musk buying TikTok
President Donald Trump has announced that he's open to billionaire ally Elon Musk buying TikTok. Newsweek's live blog is closed.
Trump pardons Jan. 6 rioters, signs order to end birthright citizenship
President Donald Trump has pardoned 1,500 Jan. 6 rioters as he signed a flurry of executive orders on his first day in office. Newsweek's live blog is closed.
Southwest Airlines sued by DOT over flight delays on 2 major routes
DOT sues Southwest Airlines, accusing the airline of chronic flight delays while citing unrealistic scheduling that disrupted passengers.
Hegseth faces tough questions on past behavior during confirmation hearing
Pete Hegseth faces Senate confirmation hearings as Trump's Defense Secretary pick. Newsweek's live blog is now closed.
Hamas accepts draft agreement for Gaza ceasefire and hostage release
Hamas has accepted a draft agreement for a Gaza ceasefire and the release of dozens of hostages. Newsweek's live blog is closed.
New fire breaks out in SoCal sparking evacuations, as 'PDS' warning issued
A new fire has broken out in Southern California as firefighters tackle multiple deadly wildfires engulfing the state. Newsweek's live blog is closed.
SoCal Edison blamed for Eaton Fire in lawsuit
Southern California Edison Company (SCE) has been blamed for starting the Eaton Fire in a lawsuit filed on Monday. Newsweek's live blog is closed.
Donald Trump handed unconditional discharge, sentence explained
President-elect Donald Trump has been sentenced in the New York hush-money case. Newsweek's live blog is closed.
Newsom invites Trump to California as LA Wildfires death toll reaches 11
The biggest wildfires ravaging the Los Angeles area have killed at least 11 people and burned more than 10,000 structures. Newsweek's live blog is closed.
Carter's grandson Jason shares fond memories during state funeral
Former President Jimmy Carter's funeral takes place today at Washington National Cathedral. This live blog is now closed.
Death toll rises to 6, hundreds of inmates join firefighters
The Los Angeles wildfires death toll has risen to 6 after human remains were found in a Malibu home. Newsweek's live blog has closed.
Palisades Fire destroys 1,1000 structures, 5 dead in wildfires
The Los Angeles wildfires death roll has risen to five, as five separate blazes erupted across the county. Newsweek's live blog is closed.
Pacific Palisades fire expands to 1,200 acres
The Palisades Fire in Southern California has rapidly grown to 1,200 acres, prompting evacuations amid severe winds. Newsweek's live blog is closed.
Winter storm leaves over 180,000 without power across the US
A winter storm has caused power outages from the central U.S. to the East Coast. Newsweek's live blog is closed.
Shogun, Emilia Perez rack up most wins at the 2025 Golden Globe Awards
The 2025 Golden Globes aired on CBS and Paramount+ on Jan. 5, 2025. This live blog is now closed.
Hazardous conditions expected as winter storm to hit Nebraska, Iowa
A storm will bring heavy snow, particularly to southern Nebraska and southwest Iowa, with sharp variations in snowfall totals. Newsweek's live blog has ended.
Oyster recall sparks fourth warning by FDA over norovirus fears
The FDA has issued an urgent recall for shellstock oysters harvested last month in Washington state's Hammersley Inlet.
Security posts clogged by beads delayed repairs before New Orleans attack
Security bollards were not in place during New Year's Day truck attack in New Orleans due to malfunctions and ongoing renovations.
