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Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers has cautioned that the European Union needs "to be careful about what we put on the table" during tariff negotiations with the United States. Speaking on a program, Chambers emphasized that lowering tariffs between nations has been fundamental to decades of economic prosperity. "We want to preserve the extent of the interdependence that exists between Ireland and the US," he stated. The Minister's remarks follow US President Donald Trump's decision on Wednesday to pause tariffs on dozens of countries—including Ireland—for 90 days, allowing time for officials to negotiate with countries seeking reductions. Despite this temporary reprieve, a 10% blanket duty on almost all imports remains in effect. In contrast, the tariffs on Chinese goods were not paused but instead increased dramatically to 145%. Chambers acknowledged the unpredictability of future tariff developments, particularly regarding pharmaceuticals, […]

Chinese officials are urging US President Donald Trump to "completely cancel" his reciprocal tariffs as trade tensions between the world's two largest economies continue to intensify. Trump recently announced a 90-day delay for various global tariffs he had planned, but increased levies on Chinese imports to 145%. In response, China's commerce ministry released a statement calling on the US to "take a big step to correct its mistakes, completely cancel the wrong practice of 'reciprocal tariffs' and return to the right path of mutual respect." The Trump administration made a partial concession Friday by announcing exemptions for certain technological products, including many manufactured in China. The Chinese commerce ministry described this as a "small step" and stated they were "evaluating the impact" of these exemptions. Trump's technology exemptions—covering smartphones, computers, and semiconductors—provided some relief for tech companies and consumers concerned […]

In Paris's Tuileries gardens, American tourists Rick and Barbara Wilson are taking unusual precautions. Rick, 74, covered the American flag on his baseball cap with black tape before venturing out on their first trip to France. "We're sick about it. It's horrible," said Rick, describing their embarrassment following President Trump's recent tariff decisions. Barbara, 70, even carried a Canadian lapel pin as potential cover. Nearby, New York attorney Chris Epps deliberately left his Yankees hat at the hotel. "People might treat us differently," he explained. While there's no indication Americans are unwelcome in France, Trump's trade policies have intensified perceptions of a widening transatlantic rift. Early evidence suggests changing travel patterns and attitudes. Philippe Gloaguen, founder of France's prestigious Le Guide du Routard travel guides, reported a 25% drop in orders for US guidebooks this year. "I'm very proud of […]

In a small Texas town, Mennonite community members gathered with health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr to mourn eight-year-old Daisy Hildebrand, the second unvaccinated girl to die from measles in two months. Local health director Zach Holbrooks joined the reception after her funeral. "The focus was on their healing," he said. "You never want to see a child that young pass away from any illness, especially when there is prevention - the MMR vaccine." Holbrooks, unvaccinated against measles as a child, got shots in college and again in February when Seminole became the epicenter of one of America's worst measles outbreaks in a decade. The US has recorded over 700 cases this year, with 541 in western Texas and 56 hospitalizations. Cases in neighboring states are linked to the outbreak. The two child deaths are the first US measles fatalities […]