The EU vowed Friday to respond "firmly and immediately" to trade barriers after US President Donald Trump unveiled tariffs that could hit both allies and competitors. "The EU will react firmly and immediately against unjustified barriers to free and fair trade," the commission, which runs trade policy for the bloc's 27 nations, said in a statement.
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A fire broke out overnight in the 12th district of Paris, damaging the roof and bell tower of a town hall. Around 150 firefighters spent three hours controlling the blaze, but concerns remain over the stability of the bell tower's spire. The cause is unclear, though authorities don't suspect foul play. Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo expressed sadness, recalling the 2019 Notre Dame fire. No injuries were reported.
Muhsin Hendricks, the first openly gay imam, was shot dead in a car attack in South Africa. Hendricks, who ran a supportive mosque for marginalized Muslims, faced significant challenges since revealing his sexuality. Authorities urged thorough investigation amid fears of a hate crime.
President Donald Trump indicated that the United States would take over the Gaza Strip for reconstruction without deploying troops. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that he did not commit to putting boots on the ground. The United States won't be going to pay for the rebuilding of Gaza but Trump administration will work with the partners in the region for the reconstruction of Gaza, Leavitt said.
Prince Harry reportedly showed signs of anger and discomfort when Meghan Markle exaggerated her first curtsy to Queen Elizabeth in their Netflix docuseries. Body language expert Jesús Enrique Rosas highlighted Harry's serious demeanor, lack of empathy, and physical signs of anger during Meghan's reenactment, suggesting Harry felt contempt for her portrayal.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Múte Bourup Egede emphatically rejected US President Donald Trump's comments about acquiring Greenland, stating, "Greenland is ours," and it cannot be taken or bought. Trump's speech aimed to sway Greenlanders by offering safety and prosperity under US control. Danish and Greenlandic leaders criticized Trump's remarks, reinforcing Greenland's right to self-determination and maintaining its semiautonomous status within Denmark.
Records now reveal that both Melania and Ivanka used thousands of dollars from USAID to fund their pet projects during the first term. USAID helped Melania Trump's Be Best program and Ivanka Trump's Women's Global Development and Prosperity Initiative. And they traveled with the agency on separate trips to Africa where they praised the work USAID was doing.
Pakistan has agreed to a ten-year $20 billion loan plan with the World Bank to boost its economy. The plan aims to encourage private-sector investment and enhance climate resilience. Key focus areas include energy, water, agriculture, finance, manufacturing, and digital infrastructure. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed optimism despite the ongoing political crisis.
US President Trump and Russian President Putin held a crucial 90-minute call to discuss ending the Ukraine war. Both leaders agreed to an immediate ceasefire targeting energy infrastructure. They also emphasized rebuilding US-Russia relations for economic and geopolitical stability.
The Trump administration plans to drastically reduce the staff of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), cutting down to fewer than 300 employees from the current 8,000. This reduction is part of efforts to potentially shut down USAID or integrate it under the State Department.
A massive sinkhole in Yashio, northeast of Tokyo, swallowed a truck, trapping its 74-year-old driver. Rescue efforts are hindered by unstable ground and growing sinkhole size. The collapse is linked to sewer pipe corrosion, raising concerns about aging infrastructure. Residents nearby evacuated, and over a million people were urged to reduce water use. Authorities plan nationwide sewer inspections to prevent similar incidents.