Five former Treasury secretaries expressed concern over actions by Trump officials and Elon Musk’s team, suggesting they undermine U.S. financial commitments. In a New York Times op-ed, they warned that suspending congressionally authorized payments could damage trust and credibility. Kevin Hassett, a Trump advisor, dismissed these concerns, claiming spending controls were previously inadequate and denying Musk’s influence. The op-ed, by ex-secretaries Rubin, Summers, Geithner, Lew, and Yellen, referenced reports of Musk’s team accessing the Treasury’s payment system, raising legal and ethical questions. Ava Sinclair 10/02/2025 6:00 pm
Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on the EU could lead to retaliation targeting US tech firms in Europe’s digital economy, according to a Goldman Sachs report. Instead of imposing duties on US goods, the EU might restrict American digital services, impacting a sector generating billions in Europe. Trump plans to increase tariffs on European car exports and other imports, affecting €190 billion in EU exports. The EU may respond cautiously, using the Anti-Coercion Instrument to counter US measures, aiming to de-escalate trade tensions while preparing for potential retaliation. Penelope Kingsley 10/02/2025 2:30 pm
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown is visiting Beijing to sign a Joint Action Plan for Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with China, focusing on trade, climate, tourism, and infrastructure. This move has strained the Cook Islands’ long-standing ties with New Zealand, which has historically influenced its foreign policy. The deal excludes security matters, but the U.S. and allies are concerned about China’s growing Pacific influence, especially after its 2022 security pact with the Solomon Islands. China is already a significant economic partner for the Cook Islands, having received substantial foreign aid. Noah Prescott 10/02/2025 2:30 pm
World leaders are gathering in Paris for an AI summit, featuring diplomatic talks amid tech industry competition. The event includes U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing. French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized AI’s potential to improve lives. Vance, on his first overseas trip, will meet European leaders and discuss Ukraine and the Middle East with Macron. Vance has expressed skepticism about U.S. spending on Ukraine, aligning with President Trump’s stance. He will also attend the Munich Security Conference, potentially meeting Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. Noah Prescott 10/02/2025 2:30 pm
Greta Marie Otteson and Els Arno Quinton, a British-South African couple living in Vietnam, died after consuming methanol-laced limoncello. They were found dead on Boxing Day at their hotel. The couple had consumed the homemade liqueur on Christmas Eve, mistaking symptoms for a hangover. A friend, Todd Ford, visited them on Christmas Day and noted Otteson’s complaints of seeing “black spots.” Despite a local bar owner’s offer to take them to the hospital, they refused, believing it was just a hangover. Police confirmed the limoncello as the cause. Ava Sinclair 10/02/2025 2:30 pm
Ecuador’s presidential election will proceed to a run-off after a “technical tie” between incumbent Daniel Noboa and challenger Luisa Gonzalez. Both candidates received nearly identical votes, defying poll predictions. Noboa’s supporters, hopeful for his continued focus on tackling gang violence, gathered in Quito. Noboa’s presidency has been marked by military deployments to curb crime. Supporters like Fernanda Iza credit him with improving safety, while others, like Juan Diego Escobar, remain optimistic about his chances in the upcoming run-off. Noah Prescott 10/02/2025 2:30 pm
Ecuador will hold a runoff election on April 13 between conservative incumbent Daniel Noboa and leftist lawyer Luisa González, who emerged as front-runners in a recent vote. Noboa, currently serving a 16-month term, and González are competing for a full four-year presidency, focusing on reducing crime linked to cocaine trafficking. With 80% of votes counted, Noboa received 44.43% and González 44.17%. The election saw over 83% voter turnout among 13.7 million eligible voters. Penelope Kingsley 10/02/2025 11:00 am
The Sudanese military seeks diplomatic support for a new government after regaining control of Khartoum from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Army leader Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan plans to form a “technocratic” wartime government without negotiating with the RSF. The conflict, ongoing for nearly two years, has displaced 12 million people and caused severe humanitarian crises. The military calls for international backing from the UN, African Union, and Arab League. Both sides face accusations of atrocities, with the RSF accused of genocide in Darfur. Ava Sinclair 10/02/2025 11:00 am
Israel completed its withdrawal from the Netzarim corridor in Gaza as part of a ceasefire with Hamas. This corridor, previously used by Israeli troops, divided northern and southern Gaza. The withdrawal indicates adherence to the ceasefire, though its extension remains uncertain. Prime Minister Netanyahu faces pressure to resume fighting from far-right allies, while others urge maintaining the truce for hostage returns. Palestinians returning to the north found devastation, with some areas showing human remains. Hamas celebrated the withdrawal, deploying police to manage returning Palestinians. Ava Sinclair 10/02/2025 11:00 am
Ecuadorians are voting in a presidential election reminiscent of 2023, with frontrunners Luisa González and incumbent Daniel Noboa. Both promise to tackle widespread crime linked to cocaine trafficking from Colombia and Peru. Crime’s impact on voters is crucial in determining the election outcome. Voting is mandatory, and many, like Marta Barres, express dissatisfaction with the current leadership, hoping for change. Over 13.7 million are eligible to vote, with a candidate needing 50% or 40% with a 10-point lead to win outright. Ava Sinclair 10/02/2025 7:30 am
