US brings hate crime charges against suspect in killing of Israeli embassy staffers
Elias Rodriguez, 31, was charged Wednesday with federal hate crimes for the fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy staffers outside a Washington museum in May. The victims, engaged couple Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, were targeted because of their Israeli nationality.
Rodriguez told police he acted “for Palestine” and was caught on video firing multiple shots, including after the victims fell. Authorities say he had a history of violent online threats against Israelis. He was arrested after confessing at the scene, according to Reuters.
Rodriguez faces murder charges and potential death penalty, with a court hearing set for Friday.
Trump signals possible tariffs on China over Russian oil imports
US President Donald Trump indicated on Wednesday that China could face new tariffs similar to those recently imposed on India due to continued purchases of Russian oil. Trump recently added a 25 percent tariff on Indian goods, citing its ongoing energy trade with Russia.
When asked about extending sanctions, he said, “We did it with India. We’re probably doing it with a couple of others. One of them could be China”, Reuters reported.
While China was not mentioned in the official order, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had earlier warned Beijing of potential penalties if it continued buying Russian oil.
Brazil seeks WTO help over new US tariffs
Brazil has formally requested consultations with the World Trade Organization (WTO) in response to steep new tariffs imposed by the United States.
The 50 percent tariff, announced by President Donald Trump, targets Brazilian exports and came into effect on Wednesday. It is reportedly the highest US tariff imposed this month and follows Brazil’s legal action against former president Jair Bolsonaro, Al Jazeera reported.
Brazil’s Vice President Geraldo Alckmin said the tariffs will affect nearly 36 percent of Brazilian exports to the US—around 4 percent of the country’s total global exports.
A WTO consultation request marks the first step in resolving trade disputes, though outcomes can be slow and uncertain, according to Al Jazeera.
UN extends condolences to Ghana on helicopter crash
The United Nations has extended condolences to Ghana following a tragic military helicopter crash that killed eight people, including two senior ministers, Xinhua reported.
UN Resident Coordinator in Ghana, Zia Choudhury, described the incident as a national tragedy and a loss to the international community.
Defence Minister Edward Kofi Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed were among the victims.
The crash occurred on Wednesday morning, and investigations into its cause are ongoing, according to Xinhua.
