The recent imposition of U.S. tariffs has sparked a global scramble as nations strive to negotiate agreements to prevent potential job losses. In addition, former Superman star Dean Cain has announced his surprising career shift into becoming an ICE agent.
Good morning.
Countries worldwide are grappling with heightened export taxes to the US following the implementation of President Donald Trump's newest tariff measures. These tariffs, which were announced last week and took effect just after midnight on Thursday in Washington, D.C., vary significantly, ranging from 41% for exports from war-stricken Syria to 10% for those from the UK. This new wave of fiscal measures, as stated by Trump on social media, is intended to channel billions of dollars into US government reserves.
Since the announcement, global governments have been urgently seeking negotiations to mitigate these tariffs, which pose a threat to investment and employment. For instance, Toyota, the world's leading car manufacturer, anticipates a 16% decrease in operating profits for the fiscal year ending in March 2026 due to the tariffs.
- Has anyone been spared from double tariffs? The EU stands out as the only trading partner to have its baseline tariff rate set at 15%—inclusive of previous tariffs—after a recent agreement.
Trump could meet Putin for Ukraine war talks ‘as soon as next week’
There's potential for a significant diplomatic encounter as Donald Trump may meet Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the ongoing Ukraine conflict as early as next week. Although White House officials suggest a meeting is likely, they also caution that substantial obstacles to a ceasefire remain. This dialogue could lead to a tripartite discussion involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
- When did the US and Russian leadership last meet? The last high-profile meeting occurred in June 2021 between then-President Joe Biden and President Putin in Geneva.
Assault on Sudan’s Zamzam refugee camp may have killed more than 1,500 civilians
A tragic assault on Sudan's Zamzam refugee camp in April may have resulted in over 1,500 civilian deaths, marking it as one of the most severe atrocities of the country's ongoing civil war. An investigation by The Guardian revealed evidence of mass executions and abductions during the 72-hour attack by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the camp in North Darfur.
- How has the number been arrived at? A dedicated investigative committee reported the death toll, initially believed to be around 400 non-Arab civilians.
In other news…
- Former Superman actor Dean Cain has joined Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), demonstrating support for Donald Trump’s stringent immigration policies.
- Water levels in an Ohio lake were raised by JD Vance’s team to facilitate a recent boating trip for the vice-president and his family.
- A British man has been charged by US police with the attempted murder of his daughter-in-law after an incident in a Florida swimming pool.
Stat of the day: Only 1.5% of Gaza farmland left for starving Palestinians due to Israel’s war, UN says
According to the United Nations, ongoing conflicts have left Palestinians in Gaza with only 1.5% of their farmland accessible for cultivation, a drastic reduction from 4% in April. This severe limitation has pushed the region towards the brink of what the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) director-general describes as a "full-scale famine."
Don’t miss this: Catastrophe! Heroism! Paranoia! The dangerous romance of survivalist stories
The allure of survivalism is more pronounced than ever, capturing the imaginations of everyone from Silicon Valley billionaires to online communities. These narratives explore the thin line between temporary survival and adopting survivalism as a part of one's identity, reflecting a deep-rooted cultural fascination with resilience and preparedness.
Climate check: What recreating Scott’s Antarctic trip reveals about our seas today
A recent expedition following the historical routes of Antarctic explorers has highlighted significant changes in marine conditions. While the expedition observed remarkable wildlife levels, the increasing acidity of the oceans poses a serious threat to marine life, with findings showing delicate and rapidly deteriorating sea urchins.
Last Thing: Rugby player selected to play for All Blacks has passport eaten by dog
In a surprising twist, rugby player Leroy Carter discovered his passport had been eaten by his dog shortly after being selected for the All Blacks team. Despite this setback, Carter managed to secure an emergency passport and remains optimistic about the upcoming games in Argentina.
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