Donald Trump has threatened to impose significant tariffs on the United Kingdom if it does not repeal its digital services tax, which levies a 2% tax on the revenues of major US tech companies. This tax, introduced in 2020, has been a point of contention, with the US president arguing it unfairly targets American businesses. While the UK had agreed to phase out this interim measure in favor of a global tax system, implementation has faced delays. These latest remarks contribute to growing strains in US-UK relations, following similar threats made against other nations with digital taxes that the US views as discriminatory.
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Italian authorities have deported a Pakistani imam, Ali Kashif, following his public endorsement of child marriage on television. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni ordered his immediate expulsion, utilizing national security laws to deem him a danger to society. The imam’s comments, made during an undercover investigation where he stated nine-year-old girls could marry men in their thirties or forties, sparked public outrage and a swift deportation. This action underscores Italy’s commitment to protecting social values and public safety against harmful ideologies, leading to political debate on stricter measures against practices incompatible with Italian law.
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A global coalition of 125 organizations is urging states to cease all support for U.S. extrajudicial killings of individuals on boats in the Caribbean and Pacific, which have resulted in over 175 deaths since September 2025. These operations, targeting suspected narco-terrorists, are argued by the coalition to violate international law by lacking due process and occurring outside recognized armed conflict. The appeal extends accountability to third-party countries facilitating these attacks through intelligence sharing, military base access, and other forms of assistance, as states permitting these actions risk complicity and legal responsibility. This international outcry highlights growing concern over the normalization of lethal military force against individuals not meeting the legal threshold for an “imminent threat.”
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This sentiment, fueled by the recent passing of Chairman Scott, highlights a critical issue of representation and its impact on legislative power. The argument posits that the potential for losing votes due to resignations or deaths, especially among older officials, necessitates a re-evaluation of long-serving incumbents. The question is raised whether individuals should continue to seek office when their departure, whether voluntary or involuntary, could disenfranchise constituents and weaken party caucuses. This perspective underscores the urgency of securing every vote to address vital issues, implying that the longevity of certain representatives may inadvertently hinder progress.
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Overnight strikes across Russia and occupied Crimea targeted key energy infrastructure, with Ukrainian drones hitting the “Gorky” oil pumping station in Nizhny Novgorod Oblast. This attack reportedly damaged three oil storage tanks, causing a significant fire and disrupting Russia’s oil supply logistics and budget revenues. Additional drone attacks were reported in occupied Feodosia, Melitopol, and Russia’s Samara Oblast, where one person was killed and residential buildings were damaged.
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A judge delayed Purdue Pharma’s criminal sentencing to allow victims of the opioid crisis to attend in person, moved by protests outside the courthouse. The sentencing is expected to finalize a $225 million forfeiture by the OxyContin maker, clearing the path for a broader settlement of thousands of lawsuits. This comprehensive agreement includes up to $7 billion from the Sackler family and resolves federal investigations, although some victims continue to advocate for further prosecution.
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A federal judge has dismissed Laura Loomer’s defamation lawsuit against Bill Maher, ruling that Maher’s on-air insinuation of an affair between Loomer and Donald Trump was a joke understood by a reasonable viewer in the context of prevailing speculation. The judge found Loomer failed to prove reputational harm or loss of income, noting her income increased and she continued to receive invitations from Trump. Loomer criticized the ruling as “outrageous” and “misogynistic,” vowing to appeal.
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A recent Gallup poll reveals that a striking 86% of Americans disapprove of Congress, with only 10% approving, marking a near-record low. This deep unpopularity, while a persistent trend since the mid-1970s, is particularly acute, approaching the all-time low seen during the 2013 government shutdown. Notably, a significant decline in approval among Republican voters has contributed to this current nadir, with support plummeting from 63% to 20% over the past year.
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Voting-rights groups have filed a lawsuit against Alaska officials, alleging that the state’s decision to share unredacted voter rolls with the Justice Department violates residents’ constitutional privacy and voting rights. This action is part of a broader trend of Republican-led states complying with the Trump administration’s requests for voter data, which advocates fear could lead to eligible voters being removed from rolls and disenfranchised in future elections. The lawsuit seeks to declare Alaska’s agreement with the DOJ unlawful and compel the destruction of the shared data.
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According to an analysis by the US Energy Information Administration, China significantly replenished its strategic oil reserves in 2025, adding an average of 1.1 million barrels per day to reach nearly 1.4 billion barrels by December. This build-up, which included both state and commercial reserves, continued into early 2026 before the onset of the conflict in Iran. The administration estimates that by December 2025, China’s state reserves approximated 360 million barrels, while its commercial reserves reached about 1 billion barrels.
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John Q. Hosedrinker