Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick assured investors that the Trump administration was negotiating to avoid tariffs on Mexican and Canadian goods. Despite his insistence that there wouldn’t be a pause, President Trump announced a delay in tariffs after speaking with Mexico’s president, extending the deadline to April 2. Canada also received a reprieve, though Trump criticized its prime minister on social media. This unpredictability has caused market instability, with investors concerned about the impact on the global economy. Noah Prescott 07/03/2025 11:30 pm
Russian officials criticized French President Emmanuel Macron’s proposal to extend France’s nuclear umbrella to European partners and deploy European forces to Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov labeled Macron’s remarks as “very confrontational,” suggesting France wants the Ukraine war to continue. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and spokeswoman Maria Zakharova also condemned Macron’s comments, viewing them as threats and detached from reality. Macron’s speech highlighted concerns over U.S. policy shifts under President Trump and described Russia as a current and future threat to Europe. Noah Prescott 07/03/2025 8:00 pm
Syrian security forces are battling an insurgency by fighters from Bashar al-Assad’s Alawite sect, with over 130 reported killed in western Syria. The violence, sparked by Assad loyalists’ attacks, challenges interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s authority amid efforts to lift U.S. sanctions and address security issues. Alawite town Al Mukhtareyah saw at least 24 men killed by gunmen. Syrians rallied in support of the government, with backing from Saudi Arabia and Turkey. The situation remains tense, with curfews imposed and ongoing efforts to control the unrest. Ava Sinclair 07/03/2025 8:00 pm
Sir Keir Starmer engaged with EU, Turkey, Norway, Iceland, and Canada to bolster Ukraine’s defense, with the EU planning €800bn for military spending. UK Defence Secretary John Healey discussed ending Russia’s war with US counterpart Pete Hegseth, emphasizing UK leadership in NATO. The US paused military aid to Ukraine, prompting France’s Macron to stress European readiness. The UK and France propose peacekeeping troops, seeking a “coalition of the willing” with security guarantees from the US. Talks between the US and Ukraine are set for next week in Saudi Arabia. Noah Prescott 07/03/2025 4:30 pm
South Korea suspended air force training flights and live-fire drills after two KF-16 jets accidentally bombed a civilian area in Pocheon, injuring nearly 30 people. This incident, occurring during a joint drill with the U.S., threatens the upcoming Freedom Shield exercise. Both militaries halted live-fire exercises, but plan to resume once the bombing’s cause is identified and preventative measures are in place. Despite public criticism, the Freedom Shield training is set to proceed as scheduled. Penelope Kingsley 07/03/2025 4:30 pm
French President Emmanuel Macron criticized Russia’s nuclear rhetoric and compared its actions to Napoleon’s failed conquest. He warned that Russia’s rearmament following its invasion of Ukraine could lead to further aggression unless deterred, including with France’s nuclear capabilities. Macron accused Putin of making a historical error and being the true imperialistic power in Europe. He highlighted Putin’s past betrayals, such as ignoring the Minsk agreements, and suggested Russia’s aggressive intentions were exposed. Macron also addressed U.S. President Trump’s comments on France’s commitment to NATO. Noah Prescott 07/03/2025 1:00 pm
Fifteen people were injured when a South Korean fighter jet accidentally dropped bombs during a live-fire exercise in Pocheon. The incident, caused by incorrect coordinates entered by the pilot, damaged two residential buildings, a religious service building, and a cargo truck. The exercise was part of the U.S.-South Korea “Freedom Shield” joint drills. All live-fire exercises are paused pending investigation, but the overall drills will continue as planned from March 10 to 20. Ava Sinclair 07/03/2025 1:00 pm
After a tense meeting with US President Trump, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy received a warm welcome in Brussels, emphasizing unity with EU leaders. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Europe, contrasting his Washington visit. EU leaders discussed boosting defense spending and aiding Ukraine after the US suspended support. Russia rejected a ceasefire proposal, and tensions rose as Trump questioned NATO commitments. Despite challenges, European leaders seek trans-Atlantic cooperation, with Zelenskyy hopeful for renewed US talks. EU countries are also preparing for potential security independence from the US. Noah Prescott 07/03/2025 1:00 pm
Hungary will hold a non-binding national consultation on Ukraine’s EU membership, announced Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. This follows Hungary’s refusal to support an EU statement on arming Ukraine. Orbán’s government frequently uses these consultations, often criticized as propaganda, to align public opinion with its stance. The consultations involve mail-in surveys with leading questions, and results typically support the government’s views. Despite being non-binding, they bolster Orbán’s positions on contentious issues. This marks the first time Hungarians can express their opinion on Ukraine’s EU accession. Noah Prescott 07/03/2025 9:30 am
European leaders have pledged to rearm the continent following the U.S. threat to withdraw security guarantees amid Russia’s war in Ukraine. President Trump has altered transatlantic relations, suspending military aid to Kyiv and questioning NATO defense commitments. In response, the EU plans to mobilize up to 800 billion euros for defense, with 150 billion euros in loans, marking a “watershed moment” according to Ursula Von der Leyen. Macron announced over $33 billion in aid for Ukraine, funded by sanctioned Russian assets, emphasizing Europe’s need for greater defense autonomy. Ava Sinclair 07/03/2025 9:30 am
