A US appeals court has decided that many of the tariffs set by former President Donald Trump are illegal. The court ruled that the power to impose tariffs belongs to Congress, not the president. The decision may be taken to the Supreme Court for further review.
Key Facts
A US appeals court ruled that many of Trump's global tariffs are illegal.
The ruling focused on tariffs Trump used against countries like China, Mexico, and Canada.
The court decided that the president cannot use the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose tariffs.
The power to set tariffs belongs to Congress, according to the court.
The decision was made by a 7-4 vote.
The ruling will not take effect until October 14, allowing for a possible appeal to the Supreme Court.
The decision responded to lawsuits filed by small businesses and US states.
Trump declared a trade emergency but the court said tariffs must be clearly authorized by Congress.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed a law to change the state's congressional boundaries, aiming to help Republicans win more seats in the US House. The new map has faced criticism for potentially reducing the voting power of minority groups and has led to legal challenges. This change is part of a broader political strategy involving several states.
Key Facts
Governor Greg Abbott signed a bill to redraw Texas's congressional maps.
The goal is to help Republicans win more seats in the US House of Representatives.
The new map could affect the 2026 elections, with at least one Democratic representative considering not seeking reelection.
The redistricting process has sparked protests and a legal challenge, claiming it diminishes minority voting power.
The change was influenced by President Donald Trump, aiming to flip Democratic seats to Republicans.
Other states controlled by Republicans are considering similar redistricting efforts.
California, controlled by Democrats, is also redrawing maps to gain more seats and counter Republican actions.
A recent poll showed many Americans see redistricting for political gain as harmful to democracy.
The Conservative Party is asking for an investigation into Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner's tax dealings related to a property purchase. They say she avoided extra stamp duty by claiming her new flat in Hove as her main home. A spokesperson for Rayner states she paid all necessary taxes correctly.
Key Facts
The Conservatives want an investigation into Angela Rayner's tax affairs by the prime minister's independent standards adviser.
Rayner reportedly avoided £40,000 in stamp duty by declaring her Hove property as her main home.
She paid £30,000 in stamp duty instead of the £70,000 that would apply to a second home.
No laws are claimed to have been broken, but allegations suggest inappropriate tax avoidance.
Rayner's main residence for council tax is listed as her family home in Ashton-under-Lyne.
Conservatives argue Rayner's tax arrangement violates the Ministerial Code.
Rayner's spokesperson insists she paid the correct duty entirely and properly.
The Tories have written to Tameside Council to remove Rayner from the electoral roll, claiming it's not her permanent home.
The Trump administration has canceled $679 million in funding for offshore wind projects in 11 states. This move is part of a broader effort by the administration to cut support for renewable energy, redirecting funds to other infrastructure projects.
Key Facts
The Transportation Department canceled $679 million for 12 offshore wind projects.
Projects in 11 states lost funding, including $435 million for a floating wind farm in California.
$47 million meant for a Maryland offshore wind project was rescinded.
The administration plans to use canceled funds for port and infrastructure upgrades.
Trump aims to promote fossil fuels over renewable energy, calling wind power costly and inefficient.
The Energy Department withdrew a $716 million loan guarantee for a New Jersey wind project.
Construction of the Revolution Wind project off Rhode Island and Connecticut was halted for a review.
Opposition from Democratic officials and union workers has arisen in response to these actions.
President Donald Trump is trying to stop the release of about $5 billion in foreign aid that Congress has already approved. An emergency hearing about Trump's firing of a Federal Reserve Governor ended without a decision. Additionally, reports say Senator Joni Ernst from Iowa will not run for reelection, and Trump has taken away Secret Service protection from former Vice President Kamala Harris.
Key Facts
Trump is attempting to block almost $5 billion in foreign aid.
Congress had previously approved this foreign aid funding.
An emergency hearing was held concerning Trump's firing of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, but there was no immediate outcome.
Iowa Senator Joni Ernst, a Republican, reportedly won’t run for another term.
Trump has revoked Secret Service protection for former Vice President Kamala Harris.
The Utah Supreme Court has stopped the execution of Ralph Leroy Menzies, who was scheduled to be executed by firing squad. His lawyers argued that due to severe dementia, he could not understand why he faced execution. The court decided that a lower court needs to reevaluate his mental fitness for execution.
Key Facts
Ralph Leroy Menzies, 67, was supposed to be executed by firing squad on September 5, 2023.
He was convicted of abducting and killing Maurine Hunsaker in 1986.
Menzies' lawyers say his dementia makes him unable to understand the execution process.
The Utah Supreme Court halted the execution, requiring a lower court to reassess his competency.
Significantly, the U.S. Supreme Court has previously blocked executions for people with severe mental illness.
The last execution by firing squad in Utah was in 2010.
Menzies would have been the sixth U.S. prisoner executed by firing squad since 1977.
Missouri's Governor, Mike Kehoe, has called for a special session to redraw the state's U.S. House districts to favor Republicans, following similar actions in other states. This move aligns with former President Trump's efforts to strengthen Republican positions in future elections. Missouri's new map targets a Democratic district, sparking criticism from Democrats who argue it undermines democratic representation.
Key Facts
Governor Mike Kehoe of Missouri has called a special session to redraw congressional districts in the state.
The redistricting aims to strengthen Republican control in future elections, as encouraged by former President Trump.
Missouri is the third state taking mid-decade redistricting steps for partisan advantage, following Texas and California.
The new map affects Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver’s district by extending it into Republican-leaning areas.
A proposed constitutional amendment making citizen ballot initiatives harder is also part of the special session agenda.
Missouri currently has six Republican and two Democratic representatives in the U.S. House.
Democrats criticize the move, calling it an attempt to "steal" a congressional seat and weaken the ballot initiative process.
Missouri Democrats have limited options to block the new redistricting due to Republican control in the state legislature.
Columnists David Brooks and Kimberly Atkins Stohr discussed political topics with Amna Nawaz. They talked about the political response to a school shooting in Minnesota, changes made by the Trump administration, and the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
Key Facts
David Brooks is from the New York Times, and Kimberly Atkins Stohr is from the Boston Globe.
They appeared on a program with Amna Nawaz.
The discussion included a school shooting that happened in Minnesota.
They talked about the political response to the school shooting.
The conversation also covered changes made by the Trump administration.
The Ukraine conflict was discussed, which continued two weeks after the Trump-Putin summit.
A federal appeals court has stopped the Trump administration's plan to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelans in the United States. This ruling means many Venezuelans can stay and work legally while legal challenges continue in court. The Biden administration had extended TPS for these individuals until 2026.
Key Facts
A federal court blocked the Trump administration's effort to end TPS for Venezuelans.
The 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals upheld an earlier decision to keep TPS in place.
Temporary Protected Status allows people from certain countries to stay in the US if it’s unsafe to return home.
Over 600,000 Venezuelans had their TPS extended until 2026 by the Biden administration.
The Trump administration planned to end TPS for 350,000 Venezuelans by April and 250,000 by September.
A judge previously ruled that challengers were likely to win claims that the administration overstepped its authority.
TPS was created in 1990 to help people fleeing dangerous conditions in their home countries.
The Trump administration has also attempted to end TPS for other countries.
This article discusses how Hurricane Katrina affected people's lives as it hit New Orleans and the Gulf Coast 20 years ago. It led to a major displacement of about 1.2 million people from Louisiana, many of whom relocated permanently.
Key Facts
Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans and the Gulf Coast 20 years ago.
The storm caused widespread damage and led to a large-scale relocation.
Approximately 1.2 million people from Louisiana were displaced by Katrina.
Many people had to move for months or years due to the storm.
Some survivors of the hurricane permanently relocated.
The anniversary prompts reflection on the impact of the storm on individuals' lives.
The Trump administration is trying to cut $5 billion from foreign aid that Congress already approved. This involves a method called a pocket rescission, where funds could remain unused if Congress does not act quickly. The move could face legal challenges because it bypasses Congressional approval.
Key Facts
The Trump administration wants to cut $5 billion in foreign aid that has already been approved by Congress.
The method used is called a pocket rescission, which could let the funds go unspent if Congress does not intervene.
This action targets money for peacekeeping operations and USAID, among other programs.
The White House claims the cuts will help control government spending.
Some question the legality of the pocket rescission as it bypasses Congress's usual budgeting power.
The last time a president used a pocket rescission was over 40 years ago by President Jimmy Carter.
Some politicians, like Senator Susan Collins, argue that this method violates the law.
The current fiscal year ends on September 30, giving Congress limited time to act.
Former Vice-President Kamala Harris' Secret Service protection has been stopped by President Donald Trump, seven months after her term ended. A law provides former vice-presidents security for six months, with possible extensions. The decision has sparked controversy and questions about whether Harris still faces threats.
Key Facts
Kamala Harris no longer has Secret Service protection as of seven months after leaving office.
By law, former vice-presidents get six months of protection, which can be extended.
President Biden extended Harris’ security for one year before leaving office.
The Department of Homeland Security can order extra protection if needed.
Recent threat assessments found no new risks requiring continued protection for Harris.
Threats against Harris, particularly due to her being the first female and person of color VP, were made public during her time in office.
Her security removal comes before her upcoming book tour, raising concerns about resource strain on the Secret Service.
Missouri's Governor, Mike Kehoe, announced a special legislative session to redraw the state's congressional districts, following a request from former President Trump. This move aims to help Republicans maintain their majority in the U.S. House of Representatives by adjusting district lines in favor of GOP candidates. The session is set to begin next Wednesday.
Key Facts
Missouri's Governor called a special session to redraw voting districts.
The move aims to maintain a Republican majority in the U.S. House.
The current congressional delegation from Missouri includes six Republicans and two Democrats.
Redistricting may impact the Kansas City area, potentially affecting Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver.
Redistricting is usually done after the census at the start of each decade.
Former President Trump encouraged Republican-led states to redraw maps to benefit GOP candidates.
Other states, like Texas and possibly Indiana, Florida, Ohio, and Illinois, are also considering or implementing redistricting plans.
Republicans currently have a slight majority in the U.S. House, which they aim to strengthen through these changes.
Texas has approved new congressional district maps that Republicans hope will help them keep control of Congress in the upcoming elections. These new maps create five additional districts expected to favor Republicans, including areas with many Hispanic voters. Republicans are focusing on securing support from Hispanic voters, a group they made gains with in recent elections.
Key Facts
Texas has new congressional district maps approved by Governor Greg Abbott.
The maps create five new districts expected to be safe for Republicans.
Four of these new districts have Hispanic-majority populations.
Texas Republicans believe these maps will help them keep control of Congress.
The redistricting is part of a broader effort by many states to redraw political boundaries.
Last year's election saw increased Hispanic support for Republican candidates.
Republican Senator John Cornyn highlighted GOP gains with Hispanic voters.
Democrats are also redrawing district maps in states like California in response.
President Trump has created a unique brand of populism that supports workers against big companies while also helping businesses. This approach has worked for him and his supporters but may not be easy for future leaders to follow.
Key Facts
Trump has used tariffs to change global trade and support U.S. manufacturing.
He has criticized the Federal Reserve for high interest rates, which he says hurt regular Americans.
Trump's policies gave tax breaks that helped workers but kept Medicare and Social Security mostly unchanged.
His administration continued tax cuts from 2017 that mostly benefited wealthy Americans.
Regulations were greatly reduced under Trump, favoring big businesses.
During his term, Trump allowed some technology exports to China, benefiting tech companies despite his general tough approach on China.
He supported keeping some undocumented farmworkers, which pleased big agriculture but upset some of his supporters.
Trump's mixed policy approach is seen as driven by personal beliefs more than clear ideology.
A court hearing took place regarding President Trump's attempt to fire Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook. Her lawyers say the firing is illegal, while Trump's side argues there is enough reason to remove her. The court has yet to make a decision on the matter.
Key Facts
President Trump tried to remove Lisa Cook, a Federal Reserve governor, from her position.
Cook's lawyers requested a temporary restraining order to stop Trump from firing her.
Trump claims Cook made false statements regarding her mortgage as a reason for her removal.
There was no decision made during the emergency court hearing.
The case could have implications for the independence of the U.S. central bank.
Cook's lawyer argued she should remain in her position while the lawsuit is being decided.
Trump's lawyer stated that Cook's alleged contradictions in financial documents could be enough cause for removal.
Cook has been accused of falsifying mortgage documents, but no charges have been filed.
U.S. President Donald Trump wants to cut $5 billion in foreign aid that Congress has already approved. Trump aims to use a method that would let him pause this funding, potentially allowing it to expire. This action has sparked warnings about its impact on international aid projects.
Key Facts
Trump seeks to cut $5 billion in foreign aid approved by Congress.
Congress is supposed to control how federal money is spent.
Trump plans to use a "pocket rescission" to pause the funding for 45 days, pushing it past the fiscal year end, which may lead to its expiration.
This tactic was last used in 1977.
The money in question is meant for foreign aid, UN peacekeeping, and democracy promotion.
The funds are primarily overseen by the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
The United Nations and aid groups have warned these cuts could have serious global impacts.
A Republican senator has labeled Trump's attempt as potentially illegal overreach.
President Donald Trump signed executive orders to end cashless bail, which lets people avoid paying money to be released from jail before a trial. The orders could cut federal funding to places with cashless bail and aim to change policies in Washington, D.C. Trump claims cashless bail raises crime, but some studies show crime has not increased due to these reforms.
Key Facts
Cashless bail allows people accused of crimes to be released without paying a bond.
Trump signed orders that might stop federal money to areas with cashless bail.
Trump wants cashless bail ended in Washington, D.C.
Trump's claim that crime increased due to bail reform does not match national crime data.
Some studies show cashless bail has not led to higher crime rates.
Critics say cash bail is unfair to those who cannot afford it and disrupts families.
States like New York and cities have adopted bail reforms to prevent pre-trial detention for low-risk offenses.
The tragedy of Kalief Browder highlighted issues with the traditional bail system, leading to reform efforts.
A shooting at a Catholic church in Minneapolis resulted in two children dead and 18 others injured. The FBI described the attack as motivated by hate-filled ideology, but analysts say the shooter's profile shows admiration for mass violence and gaining attention. The shooter reportedly showed influence from various extremist ideas without a clear ideological motive.
Key Facts
The shooting occurred at a Catholic church in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Two children were killed, and 18 other children and adults were injured.
The shooter, a 23-year-old, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The FBI described the attack as motivated by hate-filled ideology.
Analysts found the shooter's materials showed admiration for mass shooters and violence.
The shooter's online activities included videos and writings in different languages and symbols.
The shooter expressed various extremist views, including anti-religious and anti-police sentiments.
There was no clear single ideology motivating the attack, according to analysts.
The U.S. government decided not to issue visas to senior Palestinian officials for the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York. This decision follows a planned attempt by several countries to recognize Palestinian statehood. The U.S. cited the Palestinian Authority's actions and statements as reasons for denying the visas.
Key Facts
The U.S. will not grant visas to senior Palestinian officials for the UN General Assembly.
The decision is linked to an initiative to recognize a Palestinian state globally.
The U.S. and Israel oppose this recognition move, unlike many other countries.
The U.S. hosts the UN General Assembly, which typically requires allowing delegations to attend.
The Palestinian Authority was criticized by the U.S. for not clearly condemning an October 7 attack and other actions.
The U.S. allows waivers for the Palestinian UN Mission as part of its host agreement.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's ability to attend is uncertain.
Past instances exist of the U.S. limiting foreign officials' movements during the General Assembly.
