President Trump’s administration will start new tariffs on goods from 60 countries accused of using forced labor. These tariffs range from 10% to 12.5% and aim to push trading partners to stop unfair labor practices and protect U.S. workers.
Key Facts
Tariffs of up to 12.5% begin Friday on goods from 60 countries linked to forced labor issues.
Vietnam and China face the full 12.5% tariff rate; 17 countries like the UK, Canada, and Mexico face a 10% rate.
The European Union and some others will have tariffs adjusted to reach either 10% or 12.5%.
Some products are exempt, including oil, gas, steel (already covered by other tariffs), and goods under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade deal.
These forced labor tariffs replace earlier 10% tariffs that expired, which were ruled illegal by the Supreme Court.
The new tariffs use a law called Section 301, which requires investigation and allows longer-lasting tariffs.
Other ongoing investigations could lead to more tariffs on countries involved in unfair trade practices.
The administration says these tariffs protect U.S. manufacturing and prevent unfair competition caused by forced labor.
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A bill is advancing in the U.S. House of Representatives aimed at reducing how much data centers cause Americans' electric bills to increase. Lawmakers want to respond to growing concerns over the large power use of AI infrastructure like data centers.
Key Facts
The bill targets the effects data centers have on electricity costs for regular people.
Data centers use large amounts of electricity to run AI and other technology services.
There is public and political pushback against the rapid growth of these AI facilities.
Lawmakers are debating ways to limit electricity rate increases linked to data centers.
The measure is gaining support in the House of Representatives.
AI infrastructure is expanding quickly, raising concerns about energy use and costs.
The bill aims to balance technology development with fair electricity pricing for consumers.
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Lawyers representing President Donald Trump's administration withdrew subpoenas that aimed to force New York Times reporters to testify about stories on security issues with the new Air Force One plane. A federal judge questioned the subpoenas, and the Justice Department admitted some mistakes in how they were issued but said the investigation into leaks would continue.
Key Facts
President Trump's lawyers issued subpoenas to New York Times journalists over reports about Air Force One security.
The reports said the new plane, a gift from Qatar, lacked advanced security features.
The Secret Service advised President Trump to use a different plane after a NATO summit.
A federal judge questioned why subpoena requests included journalists' families.
The Department of Justice acknowledged errors in how the subpoenas were served.
The subpoenas would have required journalists to appear before a grand jury.
The Justice Department said the leak investigation is still ongoing.
The new Air Force One jet, a $400 million Boeing 747-8, was donated by Qatar and unveiled by President Trump.
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President Donald Trump said he might launch the largest strikes on Iran after Iran attacked US allies in the Gulf, including a telecom tower in Kuwait. The conflict has been ongoing for weeks, with the US and Iran exchanging military attacks and causing concern about energy supplies worldwide.
Key Facts
President Trump said he is close to deciding on a massive attack against Iran, bigger than before.
The US has attacked Iran for 12 nights in a row, targeting bridges and tunnels.
Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard said the attacks targeted US military assets and hit a telecom tower in Kuwait.
Kuwait reported drone attacks on its border crossing with Iraq.
Yemen’s Houthi rebels fired on two Saudi oil tankers and declared a blockade on Saudi ports.
These conflicts have disrupted key global shipping routes: the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
Oil prices rose above $100 a barrel due to fears of supply disruptions from the ongoing conflict.
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President Donald Trump said a possible US-Saudi civilian nuclear deal depends on Saudi Arabia normalizing relations with Israel through the Abraham Accords. The White House confirmed that talks between the US and Saudi Arabia are still ongoing.
Key Facts
President Trump stated the US-Saudi nuclear deal is "totally subject" to Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords.
The Abraham Accords create diplomatic ties between Israel and Arab countries like Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia has not yet normalized relations with Israel.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that negotiations on the nuclear deal are still happening.
The proposed deal involves civilian nuclear cooperation, meaning peaceful uses like energy.
The deal is linked to broader diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.
The agreement would be between the US and Saudi Arabia.
The conditions emphasize political and diplomatic steps before finalizing the nuclear deal.
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President Donald Trump announced a policy called the Ratepayer Protection Pledge, which asks big technology companies with AI data centers to pay for the electricity generation and infrastructure they need. The plan aims to protect regular electricity users from higher costs caused by the growing demand for power from AI facilities.
Key Facts
The Ratepayer Protection Pledge is a voluntary agreement involving major tech companies like Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, OpenAI, Oracle, and xAI.
Companies agree to build or buy new power sources and pay for grid upgrades to support their AI data centers.
The goal is to stop these costs from being passed to regular electricity customers, like households and small businesses.
President Trump said expanding AI technology needs much more electricity—more than double the current production.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the policy helps the U.S. lead in AI while protecting consumers from higher electricity bills.
Environmental groups worry that even if companies pay for some costs, the growth of AI data centers could strain energy systems and increase pollution.
The pledge also encourages companies to hire and train local workers and provide backup power in emergencies.
Trump highlighted the importance of winning the global AI race, especially against China, by rapidly increasing energy production.
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A new bill in the U.S. Congress aims to lower monthly payments for millions of Americans by eliminating interest on federal student loans. The Student Loan Interest Elimination Act would refinance current federal loans to a 0% interest rate and change how future loans are handled, helping borrowers save money over time.
Key Facts
The bill is sponsored by Senator Peter Welch and Representative Joe Courtney, both Democrats.
It would refinance existing federal student loans to zero percent interest immediately.
Future federal student loans would also follow new financing rules with no interest.
About 43 million Americans with federal student loans would benefit from this change.
Borrowers would still repay the original loan amount, but no longer pay interest, which usually increases total debt.
The bill proposes creating a Department of Education trust fund to invest borrower payments and support the loan program’s costs.
On average, borrowers currently pay over $14,000 in interest on a $39,547 loan over 10 years. Eliminating interest would remove this cost.
The bill only applies to federal student loans, not private loans.
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Prime Minister Andy Burnham will spend his first full day working from No 10 North, a new government office in Manchester. This move is part of a plan to shift political power and decision-making away from London to other regions of the UK.
Key Facts
No 10 North is a government office branch in Manchester linked to Downing Street.
Up to 300 civil servants are expected to work there by the end of next year.
Ministers Lucy Powell and Louise Haigh will regularly work from this site.
The National Economic Council will meet in Manchester to discuss economic challenges.
The goal is to move some decisions on local growth and devolution from London-based departments to Manchester.
Burnham plans to work with business groups to boost growth and investment in the regions.
The long-term base for No 10 North will be in a new government building in Manchester’s Ancoats area, expected by 2032.
The move follows efforts by previous governments to reduce the number of civil servants in London.
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The UK government is giving more power to regional mayors as part of a plan called No 10 North, aiming to spread decision-making beyond London. Andy Burnham will lead meetings that include both senior ministers and regional mayors to focus on economic growth and local control.
Key Facts
Regional mayors will play a key role in UK economic policy decisions under the No 10 North plan.
Andy Burnham will chair meetings that bring together ministers and regional mayors to encourage shared decision-making.
No 10 North is based in Manchester and aims to shift power away from London’s central government offices.
The plan was revived by the new prime minister, who restarted the national economic council to focus on economic growth.
Several ministers with ties to Greater Manchester, like Angela Rayner and Lucy Powell, will work partly from No 10 North.
The Office for the Prime Minister and the Cabinet will oversee No 10 North operations and other central government offices.
Civil servants are expected to move to Manchester to support the plan, though some unions express caution about relocation.
No 10 North attempts to unify local economic growth efforts under one government plan instead of having competing strategies.
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Less than a day after the United States and Saudi Arabia signed a nuclear deal, President Donald Trump said the agreement depends on Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords and officially recognizing Israel. The White House press briefing provided updates on this developing situation.
Key Facts
The US and Saudi Arabia signed a nuclear deal recently.
President Donald Trump stated the deal depends on Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords.
The Abraham Accords are agreements normalizing relations between Israel and some Arab countries.
Saudi Arabia must formally recognize Israel for the deal to move forward.
The announcement came within 24 hours of the deal signing.
The White House shared updates through a press briefing led by BBC’s Sarah Smith.
Formal diplomatic recognition of Israel by Saudi Arabia is a key condition for the nuclear agreement.
The situation is ongoing and may affect future US-Saudi relations.
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President Donald Trump announced new tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on imports from 60 countries starting Friday, aiming to address forced labor concerns. These tariffs replace temporary levies that expired after the Supreme Court ruled against his previous trade measures.
Key Facts
The new tariffs apply to imports from 60 countries that make up 99% of US imports.
These tariffs target countries accused of not stopping goods made with forced labor.
The tariffs range from 10% to 12.5% on affected imports.
They replace temporary 10% worldwide tariffs that expired at midnight Friday.
Trump is using Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 to impose these tariffs.
Section 301 allows the president to tax imports from countries engaged in unfair trade practices.
Some products like oil, gas, and fertilizer are exempt from the new tariffs.
Products under the US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement are also exempt.
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A homeless man named Corey Ruiz was shot and killed by police in Madison, Wisconsin, after officers said he resisted arrest and injured one of them with a knife. The shooting has caused protests, raised questions about police use of force, and is under investigation by state authorities.
Key Facts
Corey Ruiz, a homeless man, was shot by police after officers said he resisted arrest and stabbed one officer with a knife.
The shooting happened after police tried to stop Ruiz, who was reported to be trying to get into parked cars.
None of the four officers involved wore body cameras during the incident.
Passersby recorded video of the shooting, which led to public debate about whether the police overreacted.
Protesters interrupted a police news conference, demanding transparency and expressing anger.
Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway called for a thorough investigation and said no one should lose their life in a law enforcement encounter.
The Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigation is leading an independent probe, and the officers involved are on administrative leave.
The city’s independent police monitor has not yet received evidence or officer identities from the police department.
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The United States government has announced new tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on imports from around 60 countries, including the UK, EU, Canada, Japan, and India. These tariffs target goods from countries accused of not stopping forced labor and mark a continuation of trade tensions started by President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
New tariffs range between 10% and 12.5% on certain imported goods.
Around 60 countries are affected, including major trading partners like the UK, EU, Canada, Japan, and India.
The tariffs are based on claims these countries did not adequately address forced labor in their supply chains.
This action continues a trade conflict that President Donald Trump began when he returned to office in January last year.
Earlier this year, the US Supreme Court ruled that many past emergency tariffs were illegal.
President Trump is now using different legal methods to enforce his trade policies.
The move is part of broader efforts to influence global trade practices and labor standards.
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Giant metal rooster statues appeared on lawns in a Maine coastal town in support of a 6-year-old autistic girl named Pyper. The town ordered the removal of most roosters, saying they were advertising signs for a restaurant, leading to community support and compromises.
Key Facts
David and Sara LeBlanc have giant metal rooster statues on their lawn in Ogunquit, Maine.
The roosters are meant to comfort their autistic daughter, Pyper, who loves roosters.
The town said the roosters were unpermitted advertising for their restaurant, The Omelette Factory.
The couple was fined $450 and ordered to remove the roosters in April 2026.
The town later allowed two roosters to remain after an agreement.
The LeBlancs adopted Pyper, who came to them with a stuffed rooster toy.
Community members helped place some roosters in other locations in support of Pyper.
The town’s enforcement officer did not know about the autism connection until the fines were appealed.
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President Donald Trump is imposing new tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on imports from 60 countries. This move replaces temporary tariffs that expire and targets goods linked to forced labor and unfair trade practices.
Key Facts
The tariffs will affect imports from 60 countries, covering 99% of U.S. imports.
The U.S. accuses these countries of not enforcing bans on products made with forced labor.
These new tariffs use Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows the president to tax imports from countries with unfair trade actions.
Temporary 10% tariffs imposed under Section 122 are expiring after 150 days.
The Supreme Court struck down previous tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
The U.S. Trade Representative is investigating if 16 countries are producing excess goods to lower prices and hurt U.S. companies.
Trump argues that higher tariffs will bring back American manufacturing and protect U.S. jobs.
Large tariffs on China were also imposed using Section 301 during Trump’s first term and survived legal challenges.
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Social media posts wrongly claim that President Barack Obama encouraged noncitizens to vote in the 2016 election. The video clip shared online is edited and misrepresents Obama’s actual message, which focused on encouraging eligible citizens, including Latino voters, to participate in voting.
Key Facts
A short clip from a 2016 interview with President Obama has been falsely used to claim he told noncitizens to vote.
The full video shows Obama urging only legal voters to cast ballots and denying any encouragement for illegal voting.
The misrepresented clip suggests that Obama said people "can’t be stopped" from voting if they show up at a polling place.
Obama explained that voting is for citizens, and immigration authorities do not track voters to deport their families.
Noncitizens voting in federal elections is very rare and illegal under U.S. law since 1996.
The clip was originally from an interview by Latina actress Gina Rodriguez about voting myths and election fairness.
President Donald Trump advocates stricter proof of citizenship laws ahead of upcoming elections.
Obama’s spokesperson did not provide additional comments on the false claims.
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President Donald Trump’s administration has introduced new tariffs of up to 12.5% on imports from 60 countries as a temporary tariff program is ending. These tariffs aim to continue the U.S. trade policy and are based on findings that some trading partners are not properly stopping goods made with forced labor.
Key Facts
New tariffs up to 12.5% start immediately after the previous temporary tariffs expire.
The tariffs target countries that don’t enforce bans on goods made with forced labor.
Countries with partial enforcement, like India, face a lower tariff of 10%.
Certain products such as oil, gas, some fertilizers, and food are exempt to avoid economic disruption.
The tariffs rely on Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which requires a formal investigation and public comment before duties are imposed.
This replaces the previous use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which was ruled by the Supreme Court to be an unsuitable basis for tariffs.
The administration is also exploring other legal routes and may consider higher tariffs for other trade issues in the future.
The new tariff approach shows legal and policy adjustments to maintain President Trump’s trade agenda.
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Blake Miguez, a Louisiana candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives who denies a 2007 rape accusation against him, is seeking to regain President Trump’s endorsement as he decides which newly redrawn district to run in. The presidential endorsement remains formally valid, but the White House said it will reconsider if new information arises after candidate qualifying.
Key Facts
Blake Miguez faces a 2007 police report accusing him of rape; no charges were filed, and he denies the claim.
The accusation became public amid Louisiana’s redistricting following a Supreme Court decision.
Miguez has the current endorsement of President Trump from the previous congressional district, which no longer exists.
Miguez is deciding between running in one of two new districts where he does not live but is legally allowed to run.
The primary election was postponed from May to November due to the redistricting.
The White House said Trump has not withdrawn the endorsement but may review candidates after qualifying.
Miguez’s campaign circulated statements discrediting the accuser, including comments about her mental health and substance issues.
A rival candidate’s spokesperson criticized the idea that redistricting is the main reason for uncertainty around Trump’s endorsement.
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The Department of Justice has dropped subpoenas that sought testimony from New York Times journalists about their reporting on President Donald Trump's gifted jet from Qatar. This decision came after a judge challenged the government’s actions during a court hearing.
Key Facts
The subpoenas targeted New York Times reporters who wrote about security measures on President Trump's Qatar-gifted Boeing 747-8 jet.
The court hearing was presided over by U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, who questioned the government’s subpoenas.
The DOJ said the judge threatened sanctions if the subpoenas were not withdrawn and blocked the government from fully explaining the investigation.
The government said the investigation is still ongoing and related to leaks of classified information, a federal crime.
The Times called the subpoenas an intimidation tactic and said the government failed to meet the legal standards to force reporters to reveal confidential sources.
The subpoenas were originally delivered to reporters’ homes and sought grand jury testimony.
The government argued the reporting posed a national security risk due to possible leaks of classified information.
The Times criticized the government’s approach, saying investigations should have happened before sending armed agents to reporters’ homes.
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At a campaign rally in Marietta, Georgia, a person sitting behind President Donald Trump copied the president’s hand movements and facial expressions during his speech. This caught the attention of people watching the event.
Key Facts
The event took place in Marietta, Georgia.
President Donald Trump was giving a campaign speech.
A person sitting just behind the president mimicked his gestures and facial expressions.
The mimicking was noticeable throughout the speech.
The behavior attracted attention from the crowd and viewers.
The person’s actions were focused on copying President Trump’s signature moves.
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