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Boeing plane returns to China as tariff war eases
Flight tracking data revealed that a new Boeing 737 MAX landed in China again on Monday. This was a sign that the U.S. aircraft manufacturer would resume deliveries to Chinese clients as Beijing and Washington eased their tariff war. Boeing announced at the end May that deliveries will resume in June, after tariffs are temporarily reduced for 90 days. After leaving Seattle, the plane was painted in the livery for Xiamen Airlines. It refueled in Hawaii and Guam on its way across the Pacific. Flightradar24, a tracking app, shows that Boeing originally sent the aircraft to Zhoushan, China, in March. It then returned to the United States by mid-April when Chinese airlines ceased to accept new Boeing aircraft. Boeing, Xiamen Airlines, and the Civil Aviation Authority of China did not respond immediately to requests for comments. China is a growing and important aviation market, representing about 10% of Boeing’s commercial backlog. On Monday, representatives of China and the United States are meeting in London to discuss a possible trade agreement. Boeing brought back at least three 737 MAX jets to the United States from Zhoushan in April, where they would receive final touches prior to delivery to Chinese airlines. The first jet to return is the same plane that landed Monday. Boeing had previously stated that customers in China wouldn't take delivery of new aircraft due to tariffs. It was also looking to resell dozens of planes. The planemaker did not send the planes to another location, even though they wanted to reduce inventory. Beijing has not stated why Boeing deliveries have stopped but claimed that Chinese airlines and Boeing were severely affected by U.S. tariffs. Boeing announced in April that it planned to deliver 50 jets to Chinese carriers throughout the year. Of these, 41 were already built or under construction. (Reporting and additional reporting by Sohie Yo; editing by Clarence Fernandez).
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Kazakhstan President replaces Ministers of Defence and Transport
Kassym Jomart Tokayev, the president of Kazakhstan, replaced two ministers from his government on Sunday, including that of transport, whom he had previously criticised for delays in modernising infrastructure. According to the decrees posted on his website, he fired Defence Minister Ruslan Zhaksylykov. He replaced him with Zhaksylykov’s deputy and Air Defence Forces Chief Dauren Kosanov. Tokayev, who met Kosanov Sunday, gave him several orders, including enhancing the army's readiness for combat, increasing the capabilities of Special Operations Forces and modernising its infrastructure. Zhaksylykov was previously the deputy interior minister and the head of the National Guard. He was appointed Defence Minister after civil unrest in 2022, which had been triggered by the removal a fuel price cap. The authorities were forced to call troops from an alliance led by Russia of former Soviet countries to quell a protest that grew into a widespread protest against economic hardship and corruption. Tokayev has also dismissed Transport Minister Marat Karabayev, whom he had reprimanded for transport and logistical problems in May. Karabayev's successor is still unknown. The reasons for the reshuffle were not revealed by the president. (Reporting and writing by Tamara Vaal, editing by Alexandra Hudson).
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After the presidential election, Poles march to demand equality for LGBTQ+ after fears are raised
On Saturday, thousands of Poles marched in Gdansk's northern port to show their support for the LGBTQ+ Community amid concerns for its future following the election of nationalist candidate Karol Nawarocki. Participants waved the rainbow flags as well as the blue, white, and pink banners that represent the transgender communities. Many participants carried placards with messages like "Love is Love" and "12 Years Together - When Civil Partnership?" Wroclaw, a western city, also hosted a parallel Pride event. Nawrocki's support by the conservative Law and Justice party (PiS), has caused alarm among LGBTQ+ activists. While in power between 2015 and 2023, PiS made opposition against what it called "LGBTQ+ ideologies" a key part of its program, framing them as a danger to traditional values in a predominantly Catholic country. Agata, a 23-year old student, said: "I was devastated. "I'm scared. "I don't know how our future will look." While LGBTQ+ issues were not as prominent in Nawrocki’s campaign as they were in the one of his PiS-backed successor Andrzej duda's in 2020, Nawrocki’s platform included promises to resist “ideology in school" and to oppose adopting same-sex couples. He stated that marriage is between a man a woman, and while rejecting civil partnership, he expressed his willingness to discuss the legal recognition of a "close" person, regardless of their sexual orientation. A pro-European coalition, which came to power in the year 2023, introduced a bill that would legalise civil partnership. The bill's fate is uncertain, however, as the presidency has veto powers. Agata expressed her hope that a civil partnership law could be implemented, but said it was unlikely to happen during Nawrocki’s presidency. She said, "I want to see more equality in society and in our country."
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Horse racing-Lambourn wins Epsom Derby for O'Brien
The front-running Lambourn won the Epsom Derby in its 246th edition on Saturday. It was Aidan O'Brien's 11th victory in this race, which is a new record. Lambourn was 13-2 when he entered the race. He set off at a blazing gallop, and under Wayne Lordan he broke away from the rest of the field to stay unchallenged until the finish line. The Epsom Derby, which is run over a horseshoe-shaped course, is the ultimate test of speed and stamina for thoroughbreds. The Lion in Winter and Delacroix were not the favourites of O'Brien. Delacroix was ridden by Ryan Moore. O'Brien dismissed claims that the colt had been overlooked during the preparation for the race. He said: "Wayne was aggressive right out of the gate, he gained a good position." "I knew that Wayne was not going to give back any of the inches he had gained, and it would be difficult to beat him." O'Brien, the Derby's most-successful trainer, won the Oaks and Derby double after Minnie Hauk, the fillies' Classic winner on Friday, beat the previously unbeaten favorite Desert Flower to third place. Lambourn’s win was also the first British Classic victory for jockey Wayne Lordan, who has been working at Ballydoyle since around eight years. He said, "I knew that he'd had a good run, and his ears were pricked, but he still had plenty of energy left. I knew anyone who got to me had to be in great shape, or it would be a tough time for them." It is the best race for a jockey who wants to get started. All you want to do in life is win the Derby." Lazy Griff (50-1), who had been tracking the leaders along the inside rail of the track, finished second. Charlie Johnston, the trainer of the colt, said before the race that he hoped more rain would fall on the colt. He said, "We were delighted to see him in Chester. His preparation was interrupted and we knew that he would be ready for anything he did on that day. And he also had a smoother transition into this." Tennessee Stud, the 28-1 long shot for trainer Joseph O'Brien's son Aidan, came in third. Ruling Court, 2,000 Guineas champion, withdrew from the race because of the predicted rain. However, the rain held off until the Derby.
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Trump signs an order to boost US drone defenses and boost supersonic flights
The White House announced that President Donald Trump signed executive orders on Friday to strengthen U.S. defences against drones, and to promote electric air taxis as well as supersonic commercial planes. Trump's three executive orders sought to allow drones to be used routinely beyond the sight of the operator - an important step in enabling commercial drone delivery - reduce U.S. dependence on Chinese drone companies, and advance test electric vertical takeoff-and-landing aircraft. The order will boost eVTOL companies such as Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation. Trump has established a federal taskforce to ensure U.S. sovereignty over the skies of America, to expand restrictions on sensitive sites, to expand federal technology to detect drones instantly, and to provide assistance to local and state law enforcement. Michael Kratsios is the director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. He said that Trump wants to deal with the "growing threats of criminal terrorists and the foreign misuse of drones" in U.S. Airspace. We are protecting our borders against national security threats in the air and with major public events like the Olympics and World Cup coming up. The National Football League said that the executive order was crucial to protect fans. Over the last few years, a growing number of drones has flown in restricted airspace at our games. The NFL stated that this executive order was the most important step taken to address this issue. Congress should also act. Sebastian Gorka is the senior director for counterterrorism in the National Security Council. He cited threats against major U.S. sports events and the use of drones by Russia in its war in Ukraine. Gorka stated that "we will increase our counter-drone capability and capacity." We will enforce the current laws more aggressively to deter evildoers as well as idiots. Last year, the issue of suspicious drones gained significant attention after a spate of sightings of drones in New Jersey. Each month, the Federal Aviation Administration receives over 100 reports of drone sightings near airports. Drone sightings can disrupt flights and sporting events. Trump has also ordered the FAA lift an old ban on supersonic flights over land, which was imposed in 1973. Environmentalists have criticized supersonic aircraft for burning more fuel than subsonic planes per passenger. Kratsios stated that "the reality is Americans should be able fly from New York City to Los Angeles in less than four hours." The advancements in material science, aerospace engineering and noise reduction have made supersonic overland flight possible. It is also safe, sustainable, and commercially viable. The order instructs FAA that supersonic speeds will be lifted as long as the aircraft does not create an audible boom on the ground. Boom Supersonic, a manufacturer of aircrafts, welcomed the decision. Blake Scholl said, "The race to supersonic speed is on, and a new age of commercial flights can begin." After 27 years, the Concorde was retired by Air France and British Airways in 2003, ending the era of commercial supersonic flight. Officials confirmed that the Trump orders did not ban any Chinese drone companies. Former President Joe Biden had signed legislation last year that would have banned DJI and Autel Robotics, both based in China, from selling drones to the U.S. DJI is the largest drone manufacturer in the United States, selling more than half of commercial drones. Reporting by David Shepardson, Washington Editing by Matthew Lewis
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Sources: US considers giving millions of dollars to controversial Gaza Aid Foundation
According to two sources with knowledge and two former U.S. government officials, the State Department is considering giving $500 million to a new foundation that provides aid to Gaza after the war. This would further involve the U.S. in an aid effort that's been plagued by violence and chaos. Sources and former U.S. government officials who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the issue said that the money for Gaza Humanitarian Foundation would come from USAID, which is now part of the U.S. State Department. Two sources claim that the plan was met with resistance by some U.S. officials who were concerned about the shootings of Palestinians in the vicinity of aid distribution sites, and the GHF's competence. GHF has been criticized for its alleged lack neutrality by many humanitarian organizations including the United Nations. Last week, they began to distribute aid amid warnings from UN agencies that Gaza's population of 2.3 million is at risk of starvation after an 11-week Israeli blockade. This was lifted on 19 May when limited deliveries could resume. After crowds flooded its distribution hubs, the foundation had to stop handing out food twice in a week. GHF and the State Department did not respond immediately to comments. It has not been possible to determine who currently funds the GHF's operations in Gaza, which began last week. The GHF relies on private U.S. logistics and security companies to transport the aid into Gaza, where it is distributed at so-called secure sites. On Thursday, it was reported that McNally Capital, a Chicago-based firm of private equity, had an "economic stake" in a for-profit U.S. contractor who oversees the logistics and security at GHF's distribution hubs. Both the U.S. administration of Donald Trump and Israel, which denies funding the GHF operation and the international aid groups have pressed the United Nations to assist it. Israel and the U.S. claim that Hamas received aid from a U.N. network with a long history. Hamas denies that. USAID is all but gone. About 80 percent of USAID's programs have been cancelled and its staff faces termination in President Donald Trump’s effort to align U.S. Foreign Policy with his “America First” agenda. According to a source familiar with the matter, and a former senior official who helped oversee USAID's dismemberment, Ken Jackson has championed the idea of giving $500 million to GHF. Sources said Israel had requested funds to cover GHF's operation for 180 days. The Israeli government didn't immediately respond to an inquiry for comment. Two sources claim that the U.S. government is concerned about the plan due to the violence and overcrowding at the GHF contractor's aid distribution hubs. Sources said that if State Department approves funds for GHF they also want established non-governmental organisations experienced in running aid missions in Gaza and other places to be included in the operation. Israel will likely oppose this position, according to the sources. Gaza Hospital officials reported that more than 80 people were killed and hundreds injured near GHF distribution points between June 3 and 6. The GHF opened three hubs since it began its operation. However, in the last two days, two of these hubs have been operational. Israeli soldiers were blamed by witnesses for the deaths. On two days the Israeli military claimed that it had fired warning shots, but on Tuesday they said that soldiers fired at Palestinian'suspects' advancing toward their positions. (Reporting and editing by Don Durfee, Alistair Bell, Michelle Nichols)
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The US Supreme Court has granted DOGE access to Social Security Data
The U.S. Supreme Court granted the Department of Government Efficiency (DGE), a key player behind President Donald Trump's plan to reduce the federal workforce by slashing the number of federal employees, access to millions of Americans' personal data in the Social Security Administration database while the legal case is being litigated. The Justice Department requested that the Justices suspend the order of U.S. District Court Judge Ellen Hollander, based in Maryland, which had blocked DOGE from accessing "personally identifiable data" such as financial and medical records. This is while the litigation in the lower court proceeds. Hollander determined that giving DOGE full access to data would likely violate federal privacy laws. The court's unsigned, brief order didn't provide any rationale to support DOGE. The court is conservatively majority 6-3. Three of the court's liberal justices were dissidents. DOGE was sweeping through federal agencies in the Republican President's effort spearheaded by Elon Musk to eliminate federal positions, downsize, reshape and reform the U.S. Government and root out wasteful spending. Musk officially ended his government job on May 30. Two labor unions, an advocacy group and the Social Security Administration (SSA) sued DOGE to prevent it from accessing sensitive information at the SSA. This includes Social Security numbers of Americans, bank data, tax data, earnings histories and immigration records. The agency provides government benefits to over 70 million people, including retired Americans and Americans with disabilities. The plaintiffs in their lawsuit alleged that the Social Security Administration was "ransacked", that DOGE members were installed without proper training or vetting, and demanded that they be given access to the most sensitive data systems of the agency. Hollander, in a ruling dated April 17, found that DOGE failed to explain its stated mission which required "unprecedented and unfettered access" to virtually the entire SSA data systems. Hollander wrote: "For about 90 years, SSA was guided by a foundational principle that an expectation of privacy in relation to its records." This case exposes an extensive crack in the foundation. Hollander issued an injunction prohibiting DOGE staffers, and anyone who worked with them, from accessing personal data. There were only a few exceptions. In the judge's decision, DOGE affiliates can access data stripped of personal information as long they have undergone training and cleared background checks. Hollander also ordered DOGE affiliated companies to "disgorge" and "erase" any personal data they already possess. Richmond, Virginia's 4th U.S. The Circuit Court of Appeals, in a vote of 9-6 on April 30, declined to pause Hollander’s block on DOGE’s unlimited access to Social Security Administration Records. In a filing to the Supreme Court, lawyers for Justice Department characterized Hollander’s order as judicial excess. The court ordered the executive branch not to allow employees who are responsible for modernizing government systems of information access the data stored in these systems, because in its opinion, the employees in question do not "need" such access. The six dissenting judge wrote that this case should have treated the same way as the 4th Circuit panel ruling 2-1 to allow DOGE access to data at the U.S. Treasury Department, Education Department and Office of Personnel Management. Seven judges who ruled against DOGE in a concurring decision wrote that the case regarding Social Security data had "vastly higher stakes" and "detailed Social Security records", such as school and family records for children, mental health records, and credit card details. (Reporting and editing by Diane Craft, Alistair Bell and John Kruzel)
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Abrego Garcia, a man mistakenly deported to the US and facing charges, returns to the US
Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the man who was mistakenly sent from Maryland to El Salvador under the Trump administration has returned to the United States and will face criminal charges. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced this on Friday. Abrego Garcia has been charged with conspiracy to transport illegal immigrants in the United States in a federal court indictment in Tennessee. Court records show that the indictment was filed more than two months following Abrego Garcia’s deportation on March 15, according to court records. Andrew Rossman, Abrego Garcia’s lawyer, stated in a press release that it was now up to the U.S. judiciary system to ensure that he received a fair trial. "Today's actions prove what we knew all along -- the administration had the capability to bring him home and simply refused to do so," Rossman, a lawyer at Quinn Emanuel said. Court records reveal that Abrego Garcia was deported from El Salvador despite a 2019 order by an immigration judge granting him protection against deportation after finding that he would be persecuted if he returned to El Salvador. The erroneous removal was cited by critics of President Donald Trump as an example that the Republican president is overly aggressive in his approach to increasing deportations. The officials countered that Abrego was a MS-13 member. His lawyers denied that Abrego was a gang member and stated that he hadn't been charged or convicted for any crime. The case of Abrego Garcia has become a flashpoint for tensions between Trump's executive branch and judiciary. Both have ruled against some of Trump’s policies. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration must facilitate Abrego's Garcia's return. Liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor said the government did not have a basis for his "warrantless detention." U.S. District Court Judge Paula Xinis opened a probe to determine what the Trump administration did, if any, to facilitate Abrego Garcia's return after his attorneys accused officials of stonewalling them in their request for information. In addition, Abrego Garca and two other unidentified conspirators are charged with illegally transporting firearms purchased in Texas to Maryland for resale. According to the indictment, Abrego Garcia also transported illegal drugs purchased in Texas and resold in Maryland. He was sometimes accompanied by MS-13 members and associates on these trips. (Reporting from Ryan Patrick Jones, Sarah N. Lynch and Luc Cohen in Washington; additional reporting by Nate Raymond and Tom Hals in Wilmington; editing by Sandra Maler.)
Uber, Lyft drivers utilize Teslas as makeshift robotaxis, raising security issues
A selfdriving Tesla carrying a. guest for Uber rammed into an SUV at an. crossway in rural Las Vegas in April, an accident that. triggered brand-new concerns that a growing stable of selfstyled. robotaxis is making use of a regulative gray location in U.S. cities,. putting lives at risk.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk intends to show off plans for a. robotaxi, or self-driving cars and truck used for ride-hailing services, on. Oct. 10, and he has actually long considered a Tesla-run taxi network. of autonomous vehicles owned by individuals.
Diy variations, however, are currently multiplying,. according to 11 ride-hail chauffeurs who use Tesla's Complete. Self-Driving (FSD) software application. Many say the software, which costs. $ 99 monthly, has limitations, but that they utilize it because it. helps in reducing chauffeurs' stress and for that reason permits them to work. longer hours and make more money.
Reuters is very first to report about the Las Vegas mishap and. a related questions by federal safety officials, and of the broad. use by ride-hail drivers of Tesla autonomous software.
While test versions of self-driving taxis with human backup. drivers from robotaxi operators such as Alphabet's. Waymo and General Motors' Cruise are heavily regulated,. state and federal authorities say Tesla chauffeurs alone are. responsible for their automobiles, whether or not they utilize. driver-assist software application. Waymo and Cruise utilize test versions of. software application categorized as totally self-governing while Tesla FSD is. classified as a level needing motorist oversight.
The other driver in the April 10 Las Vegas mishap, who was. required to the medical facility, was faulted for failing to yield the. right-of-way, according to the cops report. The Las Vegas. Tesla driver, Justin Yoon, stated on YouTube the Tesla software. stopped working to slow his vehicle even after the SUV emerged from a. blind area produced by another automobile.
Yoon, who publishes YouTube videos under the banner Task. Robotaxi, remained in the motorist's seat of his Tesla, hands off the. wheel, when it got in the intersection in a rural part of. Las Vegas, according to footage from inside the vehicle. The Tesla. on FSD browsed the vehicle at 46 miles per hour (74 kph) and did not. initially sign up a sport-utility automobile crossing the road in. front of Yoon. At the last moment, Yoon took control and turned. the cars and truck into a deflected hit, the footage shows.
It's not perfect, it'll make errors, it will most likely. continue to make errors, Yoon stated in a post-crash video. Yoon and his passenger suffered small injuries and the car was. amounted to, he stated.
Yoon discussed using FSD with Reuters before he openly. published videos of the mishap but did not respond to requests. for remark afterward.
Tesla did not respond to ask for comment. Reuters was. not able to reach the Uber passenger and other chauffeur for. comment.
Ride-hailing companies Uber and Lyft responded to. questions about FSD by saying chauffeurs are accountable for. security.
Uber, which said it was in touch with the motorist and. guest in the Las Vegas accident, cited its community. guidelines: Drivers are expected to preserve an environment. that makes riders feel safe; even if driving practices don't. breach the law.
Uber also mentioned guidelines by Tesla which alert chauffeurs. who use FSD to have their hands on the wheel and be all set to. take over at any moment.
Lyft said: Chauffeurs concur that they will not participate in. reckless behavior.
GRAND AMBITIONS. Musk has grand prepare for self-driving software based upon the FSD. item. The innovation will act as the structure of the. robotaxi product software, and Musk envisions developing a. Tesla-run autonomous trip service using automobiles owned by his. clients when they are not otherwise in use.
But the motorists who spoke to Reuters likewise described crucial. drawbacks with the innovation, including unexpected unexplained. acceleration and braking. Some have actually quit utilizing it in complex. scenarios such as airport pickups, navigating parking lots and. construction zones.
I do utilize it, however I'm not completely comfy with it,. stated Sergio Avedian, a ride-hail driver in Los Angeles and a. senior factor on The Rideshare Guy YouTube channel, an. online community of ride-hailing chauffeurs with almost 200,000. customers. Avedian avoids using FSD while carrying guests. Based upon his discussions with fellow chauffeurs on the channel,. however, he estimates that 30% to 40% of Tesla ride-hail chauffeurs. throughout the U.S. usage FSD routinely. FSD is categorized by the federal government as a kind of. partial automation that needs the driver to be completely engaged. and attentive while the system carries out steering, velocity. and braking. It has come under increased regulatory and legal. examination with a minimum of two fatal accidents including the. innovation. But utilizing it for ride-hail is not against the law.
Ride-share services enable making use of these partial. automation systems in business settings, and that is something. that should be dealing with substantial scrutiny, Guidehouse Insights. analyst Jake Foose said.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Security Administration stated. it was aware of Yoon's crash and had reached out to Tesla for. extra information, however did not respond to specific. questions on additional policies or guidelines.
Authorities in California, Nevada and Arizona, which manage. operations of ride-hail business and robotaxi companies, stated. they do not manage the practice as FSD and other such systems. fall out of the purview of robotaxi or AV regulation. They did. not comment on the crash.
Uber just recently allowed its software application to send guest. location information to Tesla's control panel navigation system - a. move that helps FSD users, composed Omar Qazi, an X user with. 515,000 fans who posts using the deal with @WholeMarsBlog and. frequently gets public replies from Musk on the platform.
This will make it even simpler to do Uber trips on FSD,. Qazi stated in an X post.
Tesla, Uber and Lyft do not have methods to inform that a motorist. is both working for a ride-hailing company and utilizing FSD,. industry professionals stated.
While practically all major car manufacturers have a variation of partial. automation technology, most are limited in their capabilities. and limited for use on highways. On the other hand, Tesla. says FSD helps the car drive itself nearly anywhere with. active chauffeur supervision however very little intervention.
I'm thankful that Tesla is doing it and able to pull it off,. stated David Kidd, a senior research study scientist at the Insurance coverage. Institute for Highway Security. But from a security standpoint, it. raised a lot of hairs.
Rather of new regulations, Kidd said NHTSA ought to think about. supplying fundamental, nonbinding guidelines to avoid misuse of such. innovations.
Any federal oversight would need a formal investigation. into how ride-hail chauffeurs use all driver-assistance innovation,. not simply FSD, stated Missy Cummings, director of the George Mason. University Autonomy and Robotics center and a former consultant to. NHTSA.
If Uber and Lyft were smart, they 'd get ahead of it and. they would prohibit that, she stated.
Meanwhile, ride-hail chauffeurs desire more from Tesla. Kaz. Barnes, who has actually made more than 2,000 trips utilizing FSD with. passengers considering that 2022, informed Reuters he was anticipating. the day when he might leave the vehicle and let Musk's network. send it to work.
You would simply kind of take off the training wheels, he. said. I wish to have the ability to do that with this vehicle one day..
(source: Reuters)