In a significant policy shift, former US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order exempting a wide range of food products, including coffee, bananas, and beef, from his previously imposed tariffs. This decision arrives as the Trump administration grapples with escalating public and political pressure over rising inflation and the cost of living. The move follows the Republican Party’s underwhelming performance in recent elections, which has seemingly prompted Trump to address economic concerns more directly. The White House released a detailed list of exemptions on Friday, covering products such as avocados, tomatoes, coconuts, and mangoes. According to the administration, these items are essential imports as they cannot be sufficiently produced domestically. This development marks a notable pivot in Trump’s trade policy, which has long been characterized by aggressive tariff measures. The story is still unfolding, and further updates are expected shortly. For real-time updates, readers are encouraged to follow the BBC News App or @BBCBreaking on X.
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Cardi B welcomes fourth child, her first with boyfriend Stefon Diggs
Grammy-winning rap sensation Cardi B has announced the birth of her fourth child, her first with NFL star Stefon Diggs. The artist, whose real name is Belcalis Almánzar, shared the joyous news on Instagram, expressing her excitement about this new chapter in her life. “I brought new music and a new album to the world! A new baby into my world, and one more reason to be the best version of me,” she wrote. The baby boy’s arrival comes shortly after the release of her highly anticipated sophomore album, *Am I The Drama?*, which she humorously promoted as a means to afford diapers. Cardi B, who shares three children with her estranged husband Offset, filed for divorce in July 2024. While she has not disclosed specific details about the birth, her spokesperson confirmed to *People* magazine that both mother and baby are “healthy and happy.” Diggs, the New England Patriots wide receiver, revealed the baby’s gender during a recent red-carpet event, stating, “It’s a boy. That’s enough for me. I can’t wait to make him do push-ups and sit-ups and run around.” This marks the second child for Diggs, who has a 9-year-old daughter from a previous relationship. Cardi B also hinted at a fresh start in her Instagram post, sharing a clip from her single *Hello* and emphasizing her commitment to self-improvement and providing her children with the “love and life they deserve.” She told her 163 million followers that she is preparing for a tour to support her new album and is focused on delivering the “performance of a lifetime.” Reflecting on her personal growth, she wrote, “I’ve learned, I’ve healed, and I’m loving the woman I’ve become! That’s what this next era means to me, and I’m stepping into it better than ever.”
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Emails highlight Jeffrey Epstein and Steve Bannon relationship
Newly disclosed documents from the estate of Jeffrey Epstein, the late convicted sex offender and financier, have shed light on his interactions with Steve Bannon, former chief strategist for Donald Trump. The documents, released by the House Oversight Committee, include over 20,000 pages of communications, revealing a closer relationship between Bannon and Epstein than previously known. Among the revelations is an iMessage chat where Epstein appears to assist Bannon with travel arrangements, even joking about being his ‘highly paid travel agent.’ The messages also show discussions about UK politics, including Brexit and the leadership of then-Prime Minister Theresa May. Bannon, who was in the UK in November 2018 for a speech at the Oxford Union, communicated with Epstein about his engagements with prominent Brexit figures like Nigel Farage, Boris Johnson, and Jacob Rees Mogg. Epstein, who died in prison in 2019, was known for his connections to powerful individuals, including Trump. The former president has denied any wrongdoing and claims he distanced himself from Epstein in the early 2000s. The release of these documents has reignited interest in Epstein’s network and its implications for high-profile figures. The US House of Representatives is set to vote next week on whether the Justice Department should release all files related to its Epstein investigation.
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UK government faces legal challenge over broken promise to rescue family from Gaza
A Palestinian father residing in the UK has accused the British government of endangering his family in Gaza by failing to fulfill its promise to evacuate them. Despite assurances made over two months ago, his wife, three children, and adopted nephew remain stranded in the Zawida area of Gaza, displaced by relentless Israeli bombardment. The family now lives in a fragile tent with scarce access to food, clean water, or medical care. The father, who wishes to remain anonymous to protect his family, expressed his anguish, stating, ‘My family are in constant danger, and I worry about them every minute of every day.’ He lamented the UK government’s broken promise, which has left his children terrified and unable to sleep due to hunger and the constant threat of airstrikes. In August 2025, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) agreed to provide consular assistance for the family’s evacuation. However, despite obtaining Israeli clearances, neither the FCDO nor the Home Office has taken concrete steps to secure their exit. The Home Office has granted family reunion visas in principle, but biometric checks—required to activate these visas—are impossible to complete in Gaza, where no visa application center operates. The nearest viable location for biometrics is Jordan, but UK officials have refused to provide the necessary assurances for the family to cross the border. Frustrated by the government’s inaction, the father is now pursuing legal action against Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, accusing them of abandoning his family. Lawyers from human rights firm Leigh Day argue that the UK’s refusal to facilitate the family’s evacuation is unlawful, especially given its previous success in evacuating other groups under similar circumstances. Sarah Crowe, a solicitor with Leigh Day, emphasized the family’s dire situation, stating, ‘They are living on the streets in Gaza without food, shelter, or medical care and remain at risk of serious harm or death.’ The legal action coincides with warnings from local authorities in Gaza about catastrophic flood risks for the displaced population. Since the war on Gaza began in October 2023, Israeli forces have killed over 70,000 Palestinians, with thousands more missing and feared dead. Middle East Eye continues to provide independent coverage of the region, shedding light on such critical issues.
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UAE Lottery’s Dh100-million win to be paid in a single transaction
The UAE Lottery has announced that the unprecedented Dh100-million jackpot, won by Abu Dhabi resident Anilkumar Bolla, will be disbursed as a tax-free lump sum in a single transaction. This marks the largest lottery win in the country’s history, and the payout will be executed without deductions or instalments. Scott Burton, the UAE Lottery’s Commercial Gaming Director, emphasized that the process adheres to stringent verification and payout protocols, ensuring transparency and security at every stage. Winners are invited to the lottery’s headquarters for identity verification, documentation, and a detailed walkthrough of the process. Once regulatory and banking approvals are secured, the funds are directly transferred to the winner’s account. The UAE Lottery also provides comprehensive support to winners, helping them navigate the challenges of sudden wealth, including managing public attention and planning for the future. The lottery operates under strict internationally benchmarked protocols, with independent audits and certified random number generation systems overseen by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA). Additionally, the platform prioritizes responsible gaming, offering tools like spending limits, self-exclusion options, and access to mental wellbeing resources through partnerships with Takalam, the UAE’s digital mental health platform.
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From florist to drone maker: How the weapon became so mainstream
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has been dubbed the world’s ‘first drone war,’ catalyzing a surge in military drone production both within and beyond the country’s borders. Among the many individuals contributing to this transformation is Kseniia Kalmus, a former floral artist who now dedicates her skills to manufacturing drones for the Ukrainian army. Before Russia’s invasion in February 2022, Kalmus co-owned a flower shop in Kyiv and showcased her floral arrangements across Europe. However, the war prompted a dramatic shift in her life. ‘It was just an obvious decision for me,’ Kalmus told the BBC from Kyiv. ‘I just wanted to help my country, help my people, and the military.’ Initially, she raised funds to purchase essential supplies for soldiers, but as the conflict evolved, the demand shifted to first-person view (FPV) drones. Recognizing this need, Kalmus began producing drones herself, and today, she and her team manufacture hundreds of these devices monthly. These small, plastic-framed quadcopters, originally designed for aerial photography, have been repurposed into lethal weapons by attaching small bombs. The widespread use of drones in Ukraine has not only revolutionized warfare but also spurred a global counter-drone industry. Companies like DroneShield and Munin Dynamics are developing technologies to detect and neutralize drones, while nations worldwide are investing heavily in drone defense systems. Experts predict that artificial intelligence will drive the next major advancements in drone technology, potentially leading to fully autonomous systems. Despite the challenges, Kalmus remains committed to her new role. ‘I miss flowers very much and that previous life, of course,’ she said. ‘But this is a question of existence. We just fight for our country, for our existence, for our culture.’
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‘Worryingly’ few civilians from Sudan’s el-Fasher making it to Chad, says aid chief
The humanitarian crisis in Sudan has taken a grim turn as only a small number of civilians fleeing the recently seized city of el-Fasher have reached eastern Chad, despite its proximity. Charlotte Slente, Secretary-General of the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), highlighted this alarming trend during her recent visit to the region. She reported that despite el-Fasher being less than 300 kilometers from Chad, only around 50 people are entering daily through the border town of Adre, with a total of 200 to 500 crossing all Chad-Sudan borders daily. The DRC described these numbers as “deeply worrying,” especially given the dire situation in el-Fasher, where 90,000 of its 260,000 civilians have fled. The low influx is attributed to the city’s prolonged siege and the perilous journey to safety. Slente shared harrowing accounts from refugees, including a young Sudanese couple who lost family members and endured extreme violence during their escape. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), responsible for the city’s capture, have been accused of mass killings, sexual violence, and other atrocities, further complicating the humanitarian response. Chad, already hosting over 882,000 Sudanese refugees, is preparing for an additional 90,000 arrivals. Despite its limited resources, Chad’s government is allocating land for new refugee settlements. Slente criticized the international community for its inaction, warning that without concerted diplomatic pressure, more mass atrocities could occur. The conflict, rooted in tensions between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF, has displaced millions and claimed tens of thousands of lives, with no end in sight.
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Gen-Z Taiwan volunteer joins Minqin’s desert afforestation efforts
In the arid expanse of the Gobi Desert, a group of dedicated young volunteers is combating desertification by planting trees and reclaiming barren land. Among them is 20-year-old Lee Ting-Hsuan from Taiwan, who is experiencing the challenging yet rewarding task of afforestation in Northwest China for the first time. Lee, a student at Peking University, is part of a broader initiative in Minqin county, Gansu province, where volunteers have been working tirelessly for over 70 years to transform desertified areas into green landscapes. The program, initiated in 2007 by local resident Ma Junhe, has attracted more than 80,000 participants who have collectively restored approximately 5,667 hectares of desert. Volunteers, including Lee, plant drought-resistant suosuo trees and construct clay sand barriers to stabilize dunes. The initiative not only benefits the environment but also provides economic opportunities for local communities. Lee’s participation highlights the growing interest among young people in meaningful public welfare activities, as she and other volunteers document their efforts on social media to inspire broader participation. The program’s success is evident in the reduction of desertified land in Minqin, contributing to ecological stability and preventing sandstorms from reaching as far as Beijing. Around 20 young volunteers from Macao also joined the effort, led by Su Kun, a member of the Gansu Provincial Committee of the CPPCC. Su emphasized the importance of firsthand experience in understanding the region’s challenges and cultural diversity. Lee’s journey underscores the younger generation’s commitment to ecological protection and the national priority of tree planting in China, which saw 4.45 million hectares of forests planted in 2024.
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Election for body representing Palestinian citizens of Israel sparks reform calls
The election of a new president for the High Follow-Up Committee for Arab Citizens of Israel has ignited a heated debate about the need for reform within the organization. The committee, established in the early 1980s, serves as a representative body for the two-million-strong Palestinian population in Israel, advocating for their political and civil rights. However, critics argue that the committee has become increasingly ineffective in addressing pressing issues such as rising crime rates and ongoing violence in Gaza and the West Bank.
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US football coach featured on Netflix dies after on-campus shooting
John Beam, a revered American football coach and athletics director at Laney College in Oakland, California, has tragically died after being shot on campus. The incident occurred on Thursday, and by Friday, police had apprehended a suspect identified as Cedric Irving Jr. Although the suspect knew Beam, authorities confirmed they did not have a personal relationship. The motive behind the attack remains unclear. Beam, 66, was a prominent figure in the community, having mentored countless young athletes, including several who went on to play in the NFL. His death has sparked an outpouring of grief, with tributes from Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee and former players. Beam gained national recognition through his feature in the fifth season of Netflix’s ‘Last Chance U,’ which highlighted his leadership of the Laney Eagles football team. This tragic event marks the second school shooting in Oakland within two days, following an incident at Skyline High School, where Beam previously coached for 16 years. The suspect, who was arrested at a local bus stop, was found in possession of a firearm. The community continues to mourn the loss of a man described as a mentor, educator, and lifeline for thousands.