Author: Loisa Lane

President Trump has threatened to implement a 100% tariff on nations imposing a digital services tax on U.S. companies. He stated that any country proceeding with such a tax would face immediate import duties, overriding existing trade agreements. Approximately half of OECD European members have proposed or enacted similar taxes.

Leon Black, co-founder of Apollo Global Management, is set to testify before the House Oversight Committee regarding his financial dealings with Jeffrey Epstein. Senator Ron Wyden has questioned Black’s payments exceeding $170 million for services purportedly related to tax advice and estate planning, amid ongoing scrutiny over Epstein’s criminal activities.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards targeted a Singapore-flagged vessel in the Strait of Hormuz with a drone strike, damaging the ship’s bridge. The United Nations’ International Maritime Organization has paused a planned evacuation of vessels in the Persian Gulf, citing safety concerns following the incident. No casualties were reported.

The Supreme Court has ruled against a Hawaii law requiring concealed-carry permit holders to obtain permission before bringing firearms onto private property accessible to the public. The 6–3 decision found the restriction unconstitutional, asserting it violated the Second Amendment rights of gun owners.

President Trump’s recent meeting with Republican senators became tense when he challenged Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy over the War Powers Resolution. Cassidy stated he matched Trump’s tone, emphasising his duty to the American people. The discussions followed Senate votes related to military action against Iran and proposed legislative measures.

The Trump administration submitted a $87.6 billion supplemental funding request to Congress, addressing costs related to the Iran war, an Ebola outbreak in Central Africa, and support for American farmers. Most funding, approximately $67 billion, is earmarked for the Pentagon, with significant allocations for munitions and operational costs.

Chief Warrant Officer Rodney Bearman, injured in an Iranian drone strike on March 1, has been classified by the Army as “not seriously injured,” despite suffering severe shrapnel wounds, a concussion, and respiratory damage. Some injured soldiers claim their injuries are being downplayed, a statement the Army has strongly contested.

New York’s primary elections featured key congressional races, with former City Comptroller Brad Lander projected to defeat Rep. Dan Goldman in the 10th District, while Assemblywoman Claire Valdez is set to win against Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso in the 7th District. Additionally, Attorney General Alan Wilson secured the Republican gubernatorial nomination in South Carolina.

The Supreme Court has dismissed Damon Landor’s claim against Louisiana prison officials for shaving his dreadlocks, ruling 6 to 3 that he cannot sue under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act. The decision upholds previous lower court findings regarding the lack of liability for individual state officials.

The Trump administration has proposed increasing application fees for U.S. citizenship, raising costs from $760 to $1,330 for paper applications and from $710 to $1,280 for online submissions. The plan eliminates fee waivers and reductions for low-income applicants while maintaining exemptions for service members. Public comments on the proposal will be accepted for 60 days.