A preliminary trade agreement between the US and UK slashes tariffs on British cars and eliminates duties on steel and aluminum, opening the UK market to American farmers. While not a comprehensive deal, it reduces tariffs on UK-made cars to 10% for the first 100,000 vehicles and eliminates tariffs on UK steel and aluminum.
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Cuba began releasing some prisoners, including those arrested during the 2021 protests, as part of talks with the Vatican. The move comes a day after President Joe Biden's administration announced its intention to lift Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. The Cuban foreign ministry plans to gradually release 553 convicts in alignment with the Vatican's 2025 Jubilee declaration.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has issued a stern warning to Iran regarding its support for Yemen's Houthi rebels, promising consequences for providing lethal aid. This follows joint US-UK airstrikes targeting the Houthis, with the UK detailing their April 29 strike on drone manufacturing sites near Sanaa.
Germany’s trade with the United States has surpassed China for the first time since 2015, with a slight increase to 252.8 billion euros in 2023, while trade with China fell by 3.1 per cent. Germany's exports to the U.S. grew, leading to a significant trade surplus, while its trade deficit with China widened.
The United States announced that its government vessels will now transit the Panama Canal free of charge, saving millions of dollars annually. This comes after intense pressure from President Donald Trump and follows discussions with Panama, where US Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the unfairness of previous transit fees due to the US's role in defending the strategic waterway.
Uganda has confirmed nine Ebola cases, with 265 people under quarantine. The outbreak, declared on January 30, has caused one death- a male nurse who traveled between Kampala and Mbale. Eight patients are receiving treatment, and authorities say the situation is under control. With no approved vaccine for the Sudan strain, a clinical trial is underway. Uganda’s last outbreak in 2022 led to 55 deaths before being contained.
King Charles III has expressed his sorrow for the victims of the Myanmar earthquake and recognized their resilience. He also addressed his recent hospitalization due to cancer treatment side effects, leading to the postponement of his engagements as a precautionary measure.
An 8-year-old boy named Tinotenda Pudu was found alive nearly a week after wandering into the dangerous Matusadonha Game Park in northern Zimbabwe. Rescuers followed fresh footprints and located him, thanks to efforts from park rangers and the local Nyaminyami community. The remarkable rescue has been hailed as a true miracle.
A destructive tornado has ravaged Lake City, Arkansas, prompting a state of emergency. The storm, which displayed a hook echo radar signature, threatens the mid-south and lower Ohio valley with severe weather, including flash flooding and strong tornadoes. At least one fatality has been reported.
US President Donald Trump suggested that Ukraine might eventually become part of Russia, ahead of Vice President JD Vance's meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. Trump emphasized that future US aid to Ukraine should have economic benefits for the US. Additionally, Trump is sending his envoy to draft a proposal to end the conflict.
A federal court has denied a request to block the release of a report by special counsel Jack Smith on his investigation into President-elect Trump's alleged 2020 election interference and retention of classified records. The court also rejected appeals from Trump aides accused of obstructing the FBI's separate investigation into classified documents found at Mar-a-Lago.