Trump’s 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports take effect, Europe retaliates

SummaryMichael McMahon, a former NYPD sergeant, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for participating in a Chinese campaign to pressure a former official, Xu Jin, to return to China. Convicted of acting as an illegal foreign agent and stalking, McMahon claimed he was misled into believing he was conducting a routine investigation for a construction company. Despite support from lawmakers who viewed him as innocent, U.S. District Judge Pamela Chen emphasized the national security...

The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have denied media reports regarding their involvement in discussions with the US about a potential land offensive by Yemeni factions against the Houthi group. A senior UAE official labeled the reports as "unsubstantiated," while a Saudi source dismissed them as false. Despite reports from the Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg suggesting that Yemeni forces opposed to the Houthis were planning a ground offensive, both Gulf states emphasized the...

The European Central Bank (ECB) has reduced its benchmark interest rate by a quarter-point to 2.25%, the lowest in over two years, in response to economic uncertainties stemming from US President Trump's trade war. This decision reflects a deteriorating growth outlook due to rising trade tensions, although the ECB's shift in language signals potential limits on future rate cuts. Despite Trump's temporary tariff delay, economists warn that his protectionist policies could still negatively impact the...

The National Education Union (NEU), led by general secretary Daniel Kebede, has urged its members to prepare for industrial action if the government fails to enhance its pay offer for teachers in England for the coming year. During the union's annual conference, Kebede criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves for a perceived "betrayal" of their supporters. The NEU also indicated it would campaign against Labour MPs if satisfactory pay and funding improvements...

Former Russian General Lt Gen Vadim Shamarin has been sentenced to seven years in a maximum-security penal colony for accepting bribes totaling 36 million roubles (£331,000) from a telecommunications company, in exchange for increasing state contracts. Shamarin, who held a senior position overseeing military communications, was arrested amid a broader corruption crackdown following the dismissal of Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu in May 2024. The court also imposed a seven-year ban on public service, stripped him...

SummarySt George Illawarra narrowly defeated Manly 20-18, marking the Sea Eagles' third consecutive loss without injured fullback Tom Trbojevic. The Dragons' Tyrell Sloan scored two tries, while Manly struggled with discipline and errors, including a significant sinbinning of Toff Sipley. Despite a late surge from Manly, including a try from Jason Saab, they were unable to secure a win, leaving their season precariously balanced after only one victory since Daly Cherry-Evans announced his departure. Full...