Australian man living in Washington DC pleads guilty to selling trade secrets to Russian broker

Halloween retailers in the US are feeling the impact of tariffs on Chinese imports, leading to higher prices for consumers. A store owner in Washington DC highlighted that 95% of his products come from China, making his business particularly vulnerable to these tariff increases. Although both the US and China have announced a truce in their trade war, it won't provide relief in time for this year's Halloween celebrations, leaving consumers to face inflated costs.

The deployment of National Guard troops in Washington DC has been extended until February, as approved by Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth. Originally set to end in November, this decision reflects ongoing security considerations in the capital. With nearly 2,400 troops currently stationed there, this extension highlights the government's commitment to maintaining safety and order in the area, especially in light of recent events.

In a controversial move, Donald Trump has dismissed all six members of the Commission of Fine Arts, the federal agency tasked with reviewing his proposed 'Arc de Trump' and the White House ballroom. This decision reflects a shift towards appointing members who align more closely with his 'America First' policies, raising concerns about the future of artistic integrity and oversight in federal projects. The implications of this change could affect not only the aesthetic direction of national landmarks but also the broader relationship between art and politics.

The US National Park Service has controversially reinstated a monument to Confederate general Albert Pike in Washington D.C. This decision has sparked significant debate, as many view it as a step backward in addressing the legacy of racism and division in the country. The monument's return raises questions about how society remembers its history and the implications of honoring figures associated with the Confederacy.

A letting agent has issued an apology for failing to secure a necessary rental licence for a property managed by them. The oversight occurred when the property manager promised to apply for the licence but ultimately did not follow through. This situation highlights the importance of compliance in the rental market, as such oversights can lead to legal issues and affect tenants' rights.

President Trump's decision to cap refugee admissions at a record low of 7,500 for the upcoming year marks a significant reduction from the previous limit of 125,000. This policy shift has raised concerns about the implications for vulnerable populations seeking asylum, particularly as the majority of the new admissions will be white South Africans. This move is seen as controversial and may affect the U.S.'s global standing on humanitarian issues.

The Senate has passed a bill to nullify former President Trump's extensive global tariffs affecting over 100 nations, with a vote of 51-47. This bipartisan effort follows earlier resolutions aimed at repealing tariffs on Canada and Brazil. The move is significant as it reflects a shift in U.S. trade policy and could enhance international relations, potentially benefiting American consumers and businesses by lowering prices on imported goods.

Rachel Reeves has acknowledged that she should have verified whether a rental license was obtained, following an apology from the letting agent involved. This situation has sparked discussions in UK politics, particularly with No 10 releasing redacted emails related to the matter. ITV's political editor, Robert Peston, argues that it is unwise for the Conservatives to demand Reeves' resignation over this issue. This incident highlights the ongoing scrutiny of political figures and the importance of transparency in their dealings.

The Trump administration has set the lowest cap on refugee admissions to the U.S. since the program began in 1980, focusing primarily on resettling Afrikaners from South Africa. This decision is significant as it reflects a shift in U.S. immigration policy, potentially limiting opportunities for many vulnerable populations seeking asylum and safety in America.

A man has been sentenced to prison after breaking into the studio of renowned artist Damien Hirst while wearing a GPS tag. This incident highlights the ongoing issues of art theft and security, especially concerning high-profile artists. The case serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities that even the most famous figures face in protecting their creative spaces.