Why Trump’s Hormuz toll wasn’t only unpopular, it was likely unenforceable
President Trump’s plan to impose tolls on the Strait of Hormuz, a decision he later reversed, broke with global norms and would likely have been unenforceable.
Trump appointee has slowed office guarding sensitive U.S. tech, insiders say
The Bureau of Industry and Security and its director, Jeff Kessler, have overseen a slowdown in export approvals and a closer relationship with the AI industry, according to insiders.
Trump: ICE should continue traffic stops after recent shootings, seeming to contradict new policy
President Donald Trump says Immigration and Customs Enforcement should continue traffic stops after recent fatal shootings, seeming to contradict a new policy to halt them.
Elon Musk likely broke the law by promising voters $1 million payouts, Wisconsin board says
Billionaire Elon Musk likely broke Wisconsin law when he promised to hand out $1 million checks to voters in the 2025 state Supreme Court election, a bipartisan panel has found. The Wisconsin Elections Commission last week referred two complaints to the Brown County district attorney’s office, which can choose to bring criminal charges over violating the state law against election bribery.
Texas is drenched by heavy rains as forecasters warn that more storms could bring dangerous floods
Heavy downpours in South Texas washed out highways and stranded motorists Tuesday as forecasters warned that a threat of more severe weather could bring dangerous flooding to already drenched counties near the border with Mexico.
Civil rights leaders announce ‘March on Washington’ to defend voting rights
Civil rights leaders announced plans for a Washington march in August to defend voting rights, saying that recent court decisions have weakened key federal protections against racial discrimination in voting.
Nominee for top intel post faces lawmakers eager to see him replace the current leader
Jay Clayton’s confirmation hearing comes amid growing concern among Democrats that the Trump administration will try to use the intelligence agencies to interfere with the midterm elections.
Taiwan hopes to fend off China’s threats with a ‘hornet’s nest’ of homegrown drones
Having seen the impact of drones in Ukraine, Taiwan is developing its domestic drone industry as a bulwark against a potential Chinese attack.
Tehran threatens to halt all Mideast energy exports after U.S. reimposes its blockade on Iran
The U.S. military early Wednesday reimposed a blockade on Iranian ports over Tehran’s attacks on ships trying to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, sparking new strikes on nations hosting American forces as an interim deal to end the war further unraveled.
China’s economy grew at a 4.3% annual pace in the last quarter, slowest since late 2022
China’s economy slowed sharply to a 4.3% annualized pace of growth in the April-June quarter, the government said Wednesday, the weakest in over three years.