Trump and the long history of ‘sticky’ US tariffs

The Scunthorpe steelworks' future is uncertain as the government intervenes to prevent its collapse, raising crucial questions about the UK steel industry's trajectory and its implications for national security. Kiran Stacey engages with Charlotte Brumpton-Childs, a GMB union national officer in Scunthorpe, and Eleni Courea, the Guardian’s political correspondent, to discuss the situation. This dialogue highlights the significance of the steelworks for the local community and the broader economic landscape in the UK. Full Article

Astrophysics team say observation of chemical compounds may be ‘tipping point’ in search for extraterrestrial lifeA giant planet 124 light years from Earth has yielded the strongest evidence yet that extraterrestrial life may be thriving beyond our solar system, astronomers claim. Observations by the James Webb space telescope of a planet called K2-18 b appear to reveal the chemical fingerprints of two compounds that, on Earth, are only known to be produced by life. Full...

New robotic systems for surgeries, approved by NHS, aim to enhance treatment for thousands in England, potentially reducing hospital stays and recovery times. With 11 systems now in use, including those for soft tissue surgeries and orthopaedic procedures, these innovations could significantly improve surgical precision and patient outcomes. Over the next three years, data will be collected to evaluate their effectiveness, aligning with the NHS's commitment to utilizing advanced technologies in healthcare. Full Article

The UK has successfully tested an invisible radio wave weapon, the Radio-frequency Directed Energy Weapon (RF DEW), capable of neutralizing drone swarms from up to 1km away, in the largest military trial to date. The Ministry of Defence reported that over 100 uncrewed aerial vehicles were tracked and engaged, demonstrating the weapon's potential to safeguard critical infrastructure against UAV threats. With an investment of over £40 million, the RF DEW offers a cost-effective alternative to...

The UK bakery chain Gail's has announced that it will eliminate the surcharge for soya milk in coffee and tea starting 21 May, following a campaign by an animal rights charity that claimed the fee was discriminatory. While soya milk will be offered for free, customers will still incur a charge of 40p to 60p for oat milk. This change aims to promote inclusivity among customers opting for plant-based milk alternatives. Full Article

A US federal judge, James E. Boasberg, has found probable cause to hold the Trump administration in criminal contempt for ignoring court orders regarding the deportation of individuals to El Salvador. He warned that failure to comply could lead to prosecution, emphasizing that the Constitution does not allow willful disobedience of judicial orders. Amidst escalating tensions between the judicial and executive branches, Judge Boasberg stated the administration could remedy the contempt by returning deportees to...