Trump fires BLS Chief over jobs data dispute
US President Trump has fired Bureau of Labor Statistics Commissioner Erika McEntarfer, accusing her of manipulating job numbers to favor Kamala Harris’s election chances.
The move followed a disappointing July jobs report and came without evidence. McEntarfer, appointed by former President Biden and confirmed with bipartisan support, was criticized by Trump as a political appointee, according to Xinhua.
Economist Gary Hufbauer called the firing politically driven and warned it could raise concerns about the independence of economic data.
Brazil slams US tariffs and sanction on top judge
Brazil has strongly criticized the US decision to hike tariffs on its exports and sanction Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, calling it a violation of national sovereignty, Xinhua reported.
The new tariffs, rising up to 50 percent, will hit key exports like coffee and meat. Some products, including orange juice and iron ore, were exempted.
President Lula called the move unacceptable, while Vice President Alckmin said over a third of exports to the US will be affected. The government plans financial support and tax relief for impacted sectors, according to Xinhua.
Business leaders warn of job losses and trade disruption.
World Bank grants $700m to boost Philippines’ climate resilience
The World Bank will provide $700m to help the Philippines reduce vulnerability to natural disasters and climate change. The funding is part of an $874.35m project, with the Philippine government covering the remaining $174.35m, Xinhua reported.
Around 18 million households are expected to benefit through improved infrastructure and community planning. The Philippines ranks among the world’s most disaster-prone countries, according to the World Bank.
Colombian ex-President Alvaro Uribe sentenced to 12 years of house arrest
Former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe has been sentenced to 12 years of house arrest for witness tampering and procedural fraud — the first criminal conviction of a former president in the country’s history, Al Jazeera reported.
A judge in Bogota also barred Uribe from public office for over eight years and fined him around $825,000. The case dates back to 2012 and led to a years-long investigation. Uribe says he will appeal the ruling.
