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With that, here’s the news:
President Trump has proposed reducing tariffs on Chinese imports from 145% to 80%, signaling a potential easing of trade tensions ahead of high-level negotiations in Switzerland this weekend. In a Truth Social post, Trump stated, "80% Tariff on China seems right! Up to Scott B," referring to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who is leading the U.S. delegation in the talks.
Though little is known publicly about where Pope Leo XIV stands on major global issues, his older brother, John Prevost, offered some insight in a recent New York Times interview. Describing the new pontiff as ideologically close to Pope Francis, John said Leo XIV shares concerns about U.S. immigration policy and won't stay silent in the face of injustice, even if he avoids extremes.
Overnight, Donald Trump removed Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden—who made history as both the first African American and the first woman to hold the position—as part of the White House’s continued effort to remove officials perceived as Trump critics.
After the Senate rejected his previous nominee, Ed Martin, President Trump is expected to appoint Fox News host Jeanine Pirro as the interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia.
Apple juice, a classic American staple, is largely imported from countries like China—and it's now caught in the crosshairs of President Trump’s aggressive tariff policies. As a result, the supply chain for apple-based drinks is being disrupted, which could lead to higher prices or shortages for U.S. consumers.
In West Virginia, coal miners have lost access to free black lung screenings after President Trump’s budget cuts slashed funding for NIOSH, the federal worker safety agency. Longtime miner Marion Tennant fears a rise in black lung cases among younger workers, while former NIOSH scientist Catherine Blackwood expressed anger over the agency’s shutdown, which eliminated over 200 jobs, including those focused on mine safety and toxic exposure research.
Most Americans disapprove of President Trump's approach to higher education, according to a new AP-NORC poll, which shows 56% oppose his handling of college-related issues. As his administration threatens to cut federal funding to universities that don’t align with his political views, many see a disconnect between Trump's rhetoric and the public’s belief in the importance of universities for research and innovation.
The Pentagon has started discharging the 1,000 service members who have openly identified as transgender, while giving others who haven't yet come forward 30 days to leave voluntarily. The move follows a broader shift in military policy under the Trump administration.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has canceled his planned trip to Israel next week, ahead of President Trump's upcoming visit to the region. No official reason was given for the cancellation.
Organized crime groups across the U.S. are increasingly targeting the supply chain, stealing goods from trucks, warehouses, and even train cars in a wave of record-setting cargo theft. Criminals are using forged documents and stolen logistics data to pose as legitimate businesses, diverting valuable shipments with minimal risk and massive profit. Experts warn that the trend is growing because it offers high returns with little chance of being caught.
See you this afternoon.
— Aaron
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