NASA’s twin Voyager probes, launched in 1977, continue their journey through interstellar space. To conserve power, they are shutting down some instruments. Here’s a summary of other key news stories.
1. Tariffs
The US has paused auto tariffs for Canada and Mexico amid trade tensions and Republican pushback. President Donald Trump granted a one-month exemption on auto tariffs, aiming to protect major US automakers from financial harm. This decision followed discussions with leaders from Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis, who argued that tariffs could disadvantage their American operations. Other 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada remain active. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt indicated openness to further exemptions. The stock market responded positively to this news after a shaky start to the week.
2. Ukraine
European leaders convene at a summit as the Trump administration scales back critical support for Ukraine. President Trump suspended military shipments to Kyiv following a heated meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The potential loss of US-made Patriot air defense systems poses a significant challenge for Ukraine against Russian ballistic missiles. French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the need for France to bolster its defense independence, anticipating reduced US involvement in the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
3. Government cuts
Recent rulings highlight divisions within the Supreme Court regarding the judiciary’s power to block President Trump’s initiatives. The court rejected Trump’s request to freeze billions in foreign aid approved by Congress. Separately, a federal appeals court allowed Trump to remove the head of a government watchdog agency during an ongoing legal challenge. The extent to which the Supreme Court will support lower courts in scrutinizing presidential actions, such as firing agency leaders and freezing spending, remains crucial.
4. Gaza ceasefire
The US is now directly negotiating with Hamas regarding hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza, marking a policy shift. President Trump issued a “last warning” to Hamas to release all hostages immediately, threatening military support for Israel if demands aren’t met.
5. Social media safety
Utah passed legislation requiring app stores to verify users’ ages and obtain parental consent for minors to download apps. Social media companies like Meta support this move, arguing app developers should handle age verification. Similar bills are being considered in other states.
— news from CNN