The Trump administration is reportedly considering a substantial reduction in tariffs on Chinese goods, potentially lowering them from 145% to a more sustainable 50-54%. This move coincides with upcoming trade negotiations in Switzerland. Tariffs on other Asian nations might also decrease to 25%. The decision follows discussions with business leaders, including Walmart, Target, and Home Depot CEOs.
US President Donald Trump celebrated Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost's election as Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff. Trump hailed it as a "great honor" for the United States, noting Vatican officials have already inquired about a potential meeting.
Gurvinder Johal, a 37-year-old Indian-origin man, was fatally stabbed inside a Lloyds bank branch in Derby on Tuesday afternoon. Haybe Cabdiraxmaan Nur, a 47-year-old Somalian man, has been charged with Johal’s murder and appeared in court. Another man initially arrested in connection with the case has been released without further action, as confirmed by authorities.
The Trump administration is seeking Supreme Court intervention to end legal protections for over 500,000 immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. They are challenging a lower court's decision that blocked the cancellation of humanitarian parole granted by the Biden administration. The administration argues the program is unlawful and exceeds presidential authority.
Cardinal Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, has been elected as the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church, succeeding Pope Francis. The 69-year-old, the first American to hold the position, addressed the crowd in Italian and Spanish, emphasising peace and dialogue. Prevost, an Augustinian with extensive experience in Peru and Vatican administration, brings a global perspective to the papacy.
The University of Washington suspended 21 students and banned 13 others after a pro-Palestinian protest occupation of an engineering building, resulting in damage and fires. The protest, demanding the school sever ties with Boeing, led to the building being unofficially renamed. The US Department of Education announced an investigation, and the university is implementing changes to address bias incidents.
Donald Trump withdrew Ed Martin Jr.'s nomination for US attorney following bipartisan opposition fueled by his defence of Capitol rioters. Senator Thom Tillis's disapproval and concerns over Martin's qualifications, including his involvement in the "Stop the Steal" campaign and appearances on Russian media, led to the decision. Trump acknowledged the political reality despite support from right-wing figures.
UN experts have strongly condemned Mali's junta for suspending political activities, deeming it a violation of basic human rights. They demand immediate reversal of the decree, highlighting its impact on shrinking civic space. A recently adopted bill imposing financial burdens on party registration is also criticized for restricting political participation.
Former President Joe Biden, in his first major interview since leaving office, addressed the 2024 election results, attributing his own loss to taking responsibility while suggesting sexism and racism played a role in Kamala Harris' defeat. He defended his cognitive abilities, criticized Donald Trump's initial months in office, and discussed his continued engagement with Harris.
Vatican City is abuzz as white smoke billows from the Sistine Chapel, signaling the election of a new Pope after two unsuccessful ballots. A cardinal will soon announce 'Habemus Papam!' from St. Peter’s Basilica, revealing the chosen cardinal's birth name and his selected papal name.
