Author: Loisa Lane

The Trump administration implemented tariffs of up to 12.5% on goods from 60 trading partners, citing inadequate enforcement against forced labour. The measure, effective immediately, predominantly targets Vietnam and China, while applying lower rates to countries with some restrictions, including the UK and Canada.

A member of Vice President JD Vance’s Secret Service detail is under investigation for leaking sensitive information, confirmed Anthony Guglielmi, chief of communications. The inquiry, which could escalate to a criminal investigation, centres on allegations of compromising operational and information security, potentially threatening the safety of protectees.

Vance Boelter has been sentenced to two life terms plus 40 years for the 2025 shooting of Minnesota lawmakers Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman and their spouses. Judge John R. Tunheim described the sentence as the longest he has imposed, with no possibility of parole.

Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, chair of the House Judiciary Committee, has referred former special counsel Jack Smith to the Justice Department for potential criminal charges, alleging he lied to Congress. Smith’s lawyers have called these allegations “spurious” and defended the accuracy of his testimony regarding the investigation into Trump.

The U.S. and Saudi Arabia have formalised a commercial nuclear deal, enabling the kingdom to develop a civilian nuclear programme with American cooperation, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman signed the agreement, which includes safeguards for nonproliferation.

The House passed the Stop Insider Trading Act on Wednesday, aiming to limit stock trading by Congress members. The bill, which requires disclosures of stock sales, received bipartisan support but drew criticism for not imposing stricter limits. A voter ID provision complicated its backing among Democrats.

The Office of Personnel Management is set to begin collecting medical records of over 8 million federal workers and retirees from 24 July, despite privacy concerns. Insurers will provide detailed data, including personal health information, with OPM retaining the ability to reidentify records amid ongoing fraud prevention efforts.

A federal judge in Texas has temporarily prevented immigration authorities from deporting Jose Trinidad Rojas Pliego, a witness in the shooting of Mexican immigrant Lorenzo Salgado Araujo by ICE in Houston. Judge Keith Ellison’s order requires ICE to seek permission before any deportation or transfer.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine will testify before a Senate committee on Tuesday regarding a supplemental funding request of $67 billion for the Pentagon amidst ongoing escalations in the conflict with Iran, following multiple U.S. service member casualties and extensive military strikes.

The Justice Department sought to access phone records from several New York Times reporters regarding security concerns related to the Qatar-donated Air Force One. The Times moved to quash subpoenas issued for these records, citing improper government tactics, with a hearing scheduled for Thursday.