France's Macron calls tariffs imposed by powerful countries a form of 'blackmail'

France's Macron calls tariffs imposed by powerful countries a form of 'blackmail'

(Reuters) -French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday that tariffs levied by powerful countries were often a form of "blackmail" rather than instruments to rebalance trade. His comments during a speech at the International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville, Spain, came with the European Union negotiating a trade deal with the United States ahead of a July 9 deadline, though he did not specifically refer to the United States or U.S. President Donald Trump. "We need to restore freedom and equity to international trade, much more than barriers and tariffs, which are devised by the strongest, and which are often used as instruments of blackmail, not at all as instruments of rebalancing," Macron said. He also urged support - and a rethinking - of the World Trade Organization to bring it in line with goals to fight inequality and climate change. "Bringing back a trade war and tariffs at this moment in the life of the planet is an aberration, especially when I see the tariffs that are being imposed on countries that are just beginning their economic takeoff," Macron said. Trump unveiled sweeping global tariffs in April in which he said countries would face taxes on imports into the United States ranging from 10% to 50%, though he later reversed course and mostly lowered them for 90 days. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Monday rejected Macron's characterization, insisting that tariffs were an effective tool to rebuild U.S. manufacturing. She said Trump remained in discussions on trade to aid American workers. "Europe and the rest of the world might not be used to that, but President Trump is back in town and he's going to do what's right for our people and our country," she said. The United Nations trade agency had said the tariffs could have a catastrophic impact on developing countries, with some of the world's least developed, such as Lesotho, Cambodia, Laos, Madagascar and Myanmar, facing some of the highest levies. Macron, a vocal critic of Washington's tariff campaign, has also said it is an aberration to ask Europeans to spend more on defence while launching a trade war. (Reporting by Makini Brice and Andrea Shalal; Editing by Mark Heinrich and Andrea Ricci)

byMario Satorik

in

June 30, 2025

France's Macron calls tariffs imposed by powerful countries a form of 'blackmail'

France's Macron calls tariffs imposed by powerful countries a form of 'blackmail' (Reuters) -French President Emmanuel Macron sa...

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Supreme Court orders new review of transgender cases by lower courts

Supreme Court orders new review of transgender cases by lower courts

WASHINGTON – TheSupreme Courton June 30 said lower courts must reconsider their decisions that government-sponsored insurance plans must pay for gender-affirming care, taking into account the justices' recent landmark rulingupholdingTennessee's ban on gender affirming care for minors. The court also directed a reconsideration of a decision allowing transgender people to challenge Oklahoma's refusal to let them change their gender designation on their birth certificate. All of the cases at least partly turn on the Constitution's guarantee that governments should treat people equally, the same legal issue the court weighed when finding Tennessee's ban did not violate that protection. More:Supreme Court upholds state ban on transgender minors using puberty blockers, hormone therapy But the court's 6-3 decision left unanswered how its ruling might apply to bans on transgender participation in school sports, bans on transgender care for adults, and other issues. The Richmond-based 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals had ruled North Carolina's and West Virginia's refusal to cover certain health care for transgender people is discriminatory. West Virginia's Medicaid program had prohibited "transsexual surgery" because of "concerns like cost and effectiveness." North Carolina's health plan for state employees excluded treatments "leading to or in connection with sex changes or modifications." North Carolina argued that, as part of the difficult choices it has to make to keep health care coverage affordable, it can exclude certain treatments as long as there's no proof of "invidious discrimination." Dozens of state Medicaid and employee health care plans across the country have similar exclusions, according to North Carolina. The appeals court said both states' coverage exclusions discriminate on the basis of sex and gender identity and do not advance an important government interest. The divided panel also said West Virginia's prohibition violated the Medicaid Act and the Affordable Care Act. In a related case, the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said Idaho's head of Medicaid can be sued for not approving sex-reassignment surgery. That decision must now be reconsidered. 'Cruelty over care':Transgender care advocates blast Supreme Court In the Oklahoma case, the Denver-based 10thU.S. Circuit Court of Appeals last yearsaidthree transgender people could challengeOklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt's banon allowing transgender people to get new birth certificates to match their gender identity. "I believe that people are created by God to be male or female. Period," Stitt, the governor, said in 2021. A federal district judge dismissed the challenge to Stitt's executive order. But the 10thCircuit Court of Appeals overturned that decision last year. A three-judge panel said the policy likely discriminates against transgender people and has no legitimate justification. The court rejected the state's argument that changing birth certificates diminishes the accuracy of birth statistics. Oklahoma retains the original birth certificates so "the same statistics are available, regardless of whether the Policy exists," the court wrote. The original birth certificates can also be used to enforce Oklahoma's ban on transgender athletes competing in women's sports, the court added. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Supreme Court tells lower courts to reconsider transgender cases

byMario Satorik

in

June 30, 2025

Supreme Court orders new review of transgender cases by lower courts

Supreme Court orders new review of transgender cases by lower courts WASHINGTON – TheSupreme Courton June 30 said lower courts must reconsid...

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Legendary '90s Frontman, 63, Mocked for 'Comeback' Has Fans Eating Their Words With Latest Show

Legendary '90s Frontman, 63, Mocked for 'Comeback' Has Fans Eating Their Words With Latest Show

Legendary '90s Frontman, 63, Mocked for 'Comeback' Has Fans Eating Their Words With Latest Showoriginally appeared onParade. Years ago Guns N' Roses taught us that nothing lasts forever, but they likely didn't think that applied to their frontmanAxl Rose, 63, and his iconic high-pitched voice. When the rock band debuted, people were blown away by Rose's unique vocals and mind-blowing riffs by guitarist Slash, 59. However when the band decided to reunite on a world tour in May 2025, the frontman came under fire for "losing" his signature sound. In fact, he was dragged all over the internet, with people mocking his "Mickey Mouse" sound. Lately, fans have been hearing the "old" sound at their latest shows, forcing a few naysayers to eat their own words. "Genuinely think prime Axl could be making a return," one fan said. "I saw him at Wembley yesterday and he was so good it was insane his voice was great and Slash and all the band were so hyped," said another. A lot of folks showed empathy for the singer. His range, which was legendary, isn't sustainable for forever and no one should really be surprised it changed 30+ years later. While Rose has never confirmed vocal chord surgery, he has spoken about working with a vocal coach to manage his sound and ongoing health issues. Related: Former Guns N' Roses Manager Spills Wild Stories in New Book "I don't expect anyone to be as good at 63 as they were at 27," affirmed a long-time fan. "You guys do realize that he is 63 years old and obviously isn't going to be as good as he was when he was younger? The videos don't do his voice justice he sounds brilliant live," affirmed another. Currently GNR is touring in Europe but they come back stateside for a few shows in August. Here's to hoping Rose has many more moments of "clarity" as the tour goes on. 🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬 Legendary '90s Frontman, 63, Mocked for 'Comeback' Has Fans Eating Their Words With Latest Showfirst appeared on Parade on Jun 30, 2025 This story was originally reported byParadeon Jun 30, 2025, where it first appeared.

byMario Satorik

in

June 30, 2025

Legendary '90s Frontman, 63, Mocked for 'Comeback' Has Fans Eating Their Words With Latest Show

Legendary '90s Frontman, 63, Mocked for 'Comeback' Has Fans Eating Their Words With Latest Show Legendary '90s Frontman, 63,...

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Prince William's Charity Polo Match Drops Donor Who Was Allegedly Selling Access to Him and Kate Middleton

Prince William's Charity Polo Match Drops Donor Who Was Allegedly Selling Access to Him and Kate Middleton

Karwai Tang/WireImage Prince William's Royal Charity Polo Cup has terminated ties with a donor who was allegedly attempting to use the equestrian event to sell access to him and Kate Middleton PEOPLE confirms that the Royal Charity Polo Cup has ended a previous agreement with The Mondejar Gallery run by Minerva Mondejar Steiner According toThe Sunday Times, the Mondejar Foundation was attempting to sell private meetings with the Prince and Princess of Wales for around $27,000 Prince William's charity polo match has cut ties with a donor who was allegedly attempting to use the event to sell access to him andKate Middleton. On June 28,The Sunday Timesreported that millionaire Minerva Mondejar Steiner—whose Mondejar Gallery had been a sponsor of William's Royal Charity Polo Cup—allegedly sought to offer private meetings with the Prince and Princess of Wales, both 43, in exchange for donations. According to itswebsite, the Mondejar Gallery was founded by Mondejar Steiner in 2008 and describes itself as "a distinguished platform for contemporary art," with offices in Switzerland, London, the Philippines and Sydney. It also notes philanthropic support from the Mondejar Foundation. Following the publication of the allegations, swift action was taken. While there was no relationship between the Royal Charity Polo Cup and the Mondejar Foundation, PEOPLE confirms that organizers had entered into a sponsorship agreement with the Mondejar Gallery and are now in the process of terminating that arrangement. Prince William's charitable team was not aware of the Mondejar Foundation, nor of its attempts to solicit donations through an exclusive networking group called A Small World by offering access to the royal couple via the polo event. The Image Gate/Getty Mondejar Steiner declined to comment forThe Sunday Times. PEOPLE has independently reached out to her for a response. The controversy began with a report published Saturday byThe Sunday Times, which revealed that the Mondejar Foundation had allegedly offered access to Prince William and Princess Kate in exchange for a donation. According to the outlet, a screenshot of an email reportedly sent to members of the exclusive networking group A Small World pitched a "private audience" with the royal couple for approximately $27,362. The offer was tied to an invitation to the Royal Charity Polo Cup, reportedly scheduled for Friday, July 11 in Windsor. "As patron of the Mondejar Foundation, you're invited to support their philanthropic work through a charitable donation, in return for which you will be welcomed to this prestigious occasion," the email said, according toThe Sunday Times. "Hosted in the presence of members of the British Royal Family, and supported by the Mondejar Foundation, this highly exclusive gathering unites leading figures from philanthropy, fashion, the arts, and culture for a truly unforgettable day." With highlights including "free-flowing champagne" and "VIP polo matches in an intimate setting," the email listed "patron contributions" of about $8,208 as "admission for one patron" and $27,362 as including "full access plus a private audience with Prince William and Princess Catherine." According to the outlet, Mondejar Steiner's team also proffered the opportunity to meet Prince William to potential advertisers, which would be featured in a magazine distributed to everyone attending the polo match. For about $68,406, advertisers could buy a double-page spread with two "VVIP tickets" for seats at the match and "access to the royals." The Royal Charity Polo Match is a high-profile fundraiser for charities close to the Prince and Princess of Wales' hearts and an event Prince William has participated in for years. To date, the prestigious polo match has raised over $17 million for causes that William and Kate are passionate about and is an informal staple on their summer calendars. Chris Jackson/Getty The heir to the throneattended the July 2024 polo match solo, as Princess Kate had stepped back from public duties whileundergoing cancer treatment. In January, she announced she was in remission and has since gradually resumed a more regular schedule of royal engagements. The Princess of Wales last attended the Royal Charity Polo Match with William in July 2023, where the couple shareda rare public kissafter his team won. Chris Jackson/Getty Mondejar Steiner's ties to the Royal Charity Polo Cup aren't her only brush with royalty. In September 2024, she briefly metPrince Harryat the WellChild Awards in London and later sharedphotos of the encounter on Instagram. The WellChild Awards, hosted annually by the U.K.-based charity that supports seriously ill children and their families, have been championed by the Duke of Sussex, 40, in his role as patron since 2007. PEOPLE understands that Mondejar Steiner attended the event as a guest of another supporter and was briefly introduced to Prince Harry during a lineup of attendees. Their interaction amounted to a quick handshake and a photo. Chris Jackson/Getty Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! She has not donated to WellChild, nor has she had any involvement with the organization since the event. PEOPLE understands that neither the Duke of Sussex nor WellChild will have any further association with Mondejar Steiner. Read the original article onPeople

byMario Satorik

in

June 30, 2025

Prince William's Charity Polo Match Drops Donor Who Was Allegedly Selling Access to Him and Kate Middleton

Prince William's Charity Polo Match Drops Donor Who Was Allegedly Selling Access to Him and Kate Middleton Karwai Tang/WireImage Prince ...

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U.S. revokes U.K. band's visas over anti-Israel chant at Glastonbury

U.S. revokes U.K. band's visas over anti-Israel chant at Glastonbury

London— The BBC has said it regrets not pulling down its live stream of a performance at the Glastonbury music festival over the weekend that included what the broadcaster calls "utterly unacceptable" chants againstIsrael's military. The taxpayer-funded BBC said in a statement Monday that it regrets not cutting short its live streaming signal after punk-rap duo Bob Vylan started leading a chant of "Death, death to the IDF," during their Saturday performance, referring to the Israel Defense Forces. "The BBC respects freedom of expression but stands firmly against incitement to violence," thestatementfrom the broadcaster said. "The antisemitic sentiments expressed by Bob Vylan were utterly unacceptable and have no place on our airwaves... The [BBC broadcasting] team were dealing with a live situation but with hindsight we should have pulled the stream during the performance. We regret this did not happen." The BBC, which is CBS News' partner network in the U.K., quickly acknowledged that the language used on Saturday was "deeply offensive," but the network was criticized — including by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and members of his cabinet —— for not reacting more quickly after the chant started. Glastonbury festival's organizers also condemned the chant in a statement, saying: "Their chants very much crossed a line and we are urgently reminding everyone involved in the production of the festival that there is no place at Glastonbury for antisemitism, hate speech or incitement to violence." The reaction from the Trump administration appeared to be significantly harsher, with Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landausaying in a social media poston Monday that U.S. entry visas already issued to Bob Vylan's members had been revoked "in light of their hateful tirade at Glastonbury, including leading the crowd in death chants." The band's website shows more than a dozen scheduled tour dates in the U.S., from coast to coast, starting in late October. "Foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country," Landau said in the post. On Sunday, Bob Vylan posted a lengthy statement on theirInstagrampage, with the caption: "I said what I said." The duo, who use stage names and keep their identities anonymous, said their message was aimed at younger generations, whom they said should be shown how to fight for their own futures. "Let us display to them loudly and visibly the right thing to do when we want and need change," the band said. "Let them see us marching in the streets, campaigning on ground level, organizing online and shouting about it on any and every stage that we are offered." Local police have launched an investigation into the chants to determine whether any criminal offenses may have been committed. Glastonbury is a five-day music festival that takes place on a farm in the southwest of England. It is one of the largest music festivals anywhere in the world, drawing more than 200,000 ticketholders, and it generally takes place every other year as the organizers give the farm fields time to recover from the impact of so many revelers. The event is hosted and organized by the Eavis family, who still own the farm, and has been running for about 55 years. Bob Vylan's performance preceded that of Northern Irish rappers Kneecap, whose set the BBC did not air live due to previous instances at the group's concerts involving alleged comments supporting Hamas and Hezbollah andcalling for the death of Conservative party lawmakers. Kneecap's members have insisted that they "do not, and have never, supported Hamas or Hezbollah." They sent "heartfelt apologies" to the families of two British lawmakers who were murdered in recent years after their remarks about Conservative parliamentarians. Video shows Arizona police rescuing baby left alone for days Saving money vs. saving lives Latest details on deadly Idaho firefighter ambush

byMario Satorik

in

June 30, 2025

U.S. revokes U.K. band's visas over anti-Israel chant at Glastonbury

U.S. revokes U.K. band's visas over anti-Israel chant at Glastonbury London— The BBC has said it regrets not pulling down its live strea...

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Meta, TikTok can be sued by mother of NYC teen killed while 'subway surfing'

Meta, TikTok can be sued by mother of NYC teen killed while 'subway surfing'

By Jonathan Stempel NEW YORK (Reuters) -Meta Platforms and TikTok owner ByteDance must face a wrongful death lawsuit by the mother of a 15-year-old Manhattan boy who died while "subway surfing" on a moving train, a New York state judge ruled. Justice Paul Goetz ruled on Friday that Norma Nazario can try to prove Meta and ByteDance "goaded" her son Zackery into subway surfing by addicting him to Instagram and TikTok, where he viewed content about "dangerous challenges." Meta, ByteDance and Snapchat parent Snap have faced thousands of lawsuits saying their platforms are addictive, causing harm to children, schools and governments. Zackery Nazario died on February 20, 2023, after he and his girlfriend climbed atop a Brooklyn-bound J train as it crossed the Williamsburg Bridge. His mother said a low beam struck Zackery, causing him to fall between subway cars, which ran over him. She said she later found several videos related to subway surfing on Zackery's social media accounts. Meta and ByteDance called Nazario's death "heartbreaking," but claimed immunity from user content under Section 230 of the federal Communications Decency Act, and the free speech clause of the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment. But the Manhattan judge said Norma Nazario could try to prove her son was targeted because of his age. "Based on the allegations in the complaint," Goetz wrote, "it is plausible that the social media defendants' role exceeded that of neutral assistance in promoting content, and constituted active identification of users who would be most impacted." Goetz said Norma Nazario may pursue wrongful death, product liability and negligence claims. He dismissed her claims against New York City's Metropolitan Transit Authority, saying common sense and "the realities of life in this city" should have signaled to Zackery that subway surfing was dangerous. Meta, ByteDance and their lawyers had no immediate comment. Norma Nazario's lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The MTA did not immediately respond to a similar request. At least six people died from subway surfing in 2024, New York City police have said. The case is Nazario v ByteDance Ltd et al, New York State Supreme Court, New York County, No. 151540/2024. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New YorkEditing by Mark Potter)

byMario Satorik

in

June 30, 2025

Meta, TikTok can be sued by mother of NYC teen killed while 'subway surfing'

Meta, TikTok can be sued by mother of NYC teen killed while 'subway surfing' By Jonathan Stempel NEW YORK (Reuters) -Meta Platforms...

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Charlize Theron Jokes Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sanchez's Wedding Attendees 'Suck'

Charlize Theron Jokes Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sanchez's Wedding Attendees 'Suck'

Charlize Theron's not upset she didn't get the invite toLauren SanchezandJeff Bezos' star-studded wedding ... 'cause she says everyone there "sucks!" The actress made the comment at her fifth annual Block Party in support of the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project Saturday night on the Universal Studios Backlot ... telling her guests not to feel bad that they weren't living it up in Venice. CT says, "I think we might be the only people who did not get an invite to the Bezos wedding. But that's OK because they suck and we're cool." It seems like a joke ... but, overall, it sounds like Charlize ain't too broken up about staying out of the glamour and protests that took place in Venice this past week. As you know ... almost every celeb in the world -- fromSydney SweeneyandOrlando BloomtoLeonardo DiCaprioandKim Kardashian-- showed support at the massive celebration of love. Operative word being "almost" ... 'cause clearly Charlize didn't get the invite -- and, neither didKatie Couric, whoripped Sanchez's look online. BTW ... Charlize didn't only focus on Bezos and Sanchez -- she also took a sec to attack theTrumpadministration's approach to immigration, telling the audience "the world feels like it's burning." That includes Italy, we'd guess ... so, probably best for Charlize to stay with her friends in L.A. instead anyway.

byMario Satorik

in

June 30, 2025

Charlize Theron Jokes Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sanchez's Wedding Attendees 'Suck'

Charlize Theron Jokes Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sanchez's Wedding Attendees 'Suck' Charlize Theron's not upset she didn't get t...

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