Latest News
-
Volkswagen suppliers are on the list of RPT-Beijing's first export permits for rare earth magnets
Sources in the industry said that China had granted export permits to four rare earth magnet manufacturers, including Volkswagen, the German automaker. This was the first time since Beijing restricted shipments a month ago. It is a sign the flow of critical materials will not be stopped. Three sources confirmed that Baotou Tianhe Magnetics - which produces magnets for electric and hybrid cars - received a license from Volkswagen at the end of April. Three sources said that Baotou Tianhe Magnetics, which makes magnets used in electric and hybrid car motors, received a licence for Volkswagen at the end of April. Volkswagen responded to questions by saying that it was in constant contact with its suppliers. It had also received information that the Chinese government has granted export licenses to a small number of magnet suppliers. Two sources confirmed that Zhongke Sanhuan had received at least one license. Baotou INST Magnetic, Earth-Panda Advanced Magnetic Material and Baotou INST Magnetic were all granted at least one license. Sources declined to name themselves due to the sensitive nature of the issue. Requests for comment from the four magnet manufacturers and China's Commerce Ministry were not immediately responded to. Beijing has not yet confirmed whether all four companies have received export licenses. According to one source, export permits are only granted for suppliers who have customers in Europe or Vietnam. The permits were issued prior to the Monday truce in the trade war with Washington, according to industry sources. This is likely to make approvals easier for U.S. clients. Beijing issued the permits within a month of its earlier restrictions on seven rare-earth elements and related materials in response to U.S. president Donald Trump's tariffs. The industry had expected a lengthy wait. Sources said that the permits were the very first ones issued since Beijing implemented its restrictions. China is the dominant supplier of rare earths used in clean energy, defense, and auto manufacturing. Companies have very few alternative suppliers. Volkswagen's involvement and lobbying by other large Western users demonstrate this dependence. Elon Musk revealed last month that Tesla was in discussions with Beijing about licenses for its Optimus robotics. Reporting by Beijing Newsroom and Christoph Steitz, Frankfurt; Editing done by Lewis Jackson, Tony Munroe and Kirby Donovan
-
Trump praises Saudi Crown Prince, signals renewed alliance
Four years ago, Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman was unable to meet with the then-President Joe Biden. Biden said that he wanted the Gulf nation to be a pariah because its leader had allegedly ordered the killing of a Washington journalist. Donald Trump praised Saudi Arabia's de-facto ruler in a gushing manner on Tuesday. He called him "an incredible guy" and "a great guy", and did not mention the human rights situation within the country. "I like him very much." "I like him too much," Trump exclaimed as the cameras flashed, and the crowd applauded. The summit was held in Riyadh to kick off his first major overseas visit of his second term. The affectionate display for a leader who has a controversial history was reminiscent of Trump's first tenure, when he formed an alliance with bin Salman which grew stronger through mutual flattery and deals. The relationship is still based on shared interests. Trump wants to achieve major economic gains and revive the U.S. presence in the region. Bin Salman, meanwhile, seeks advanced technology, military assistance, and a powerful partner in his efforts to modernize Saudi Arabia, and assert regional leadership. Trump announced at the summit a $142 billion deal on defense and a $600 billion Saudi investment package that included artificial intelligence, infrastructure, and energy. Trump's relationship with the Crown Prince has sparked criticism by U.S. legislators, human rights organizations and foreign policy analysts. They viewed it as a prioritization of economic interests above human rights. Bin Salman denied any involvement in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and cited reforms like expanding women's right as proof that progress had been made. However, analysts say these reforms have been undermined by continuing crackdowns against dissent and freedoms. Trump's relationship with bin Salman has a much warmer tone than that of his predecessor in the White House. Biden's relationship took a more friendly turn with bin Salman, too. From initial criticism to a pragmatic cordiality. BIDEN PICKS RESET In 2019, the Democratic President promised to make Saudi Arabia "a pariah" on the international stage because of Khashoggi's murder and its human rights record. Geopolitical realities, such as the soaring oil prices in 2022 due in part to Russia's invasion in Ukraine, have highlighted the need for Washington and Riyadh to work together. Biden decided it was time for a new strategic relationship and visited the crown Prince in July 2022. Some criticized the gesture as being too friendly, given concerns about human rights. White House officials insisted that it was to reduce Biden's chances of contracting the COVID-19. The relationship improved rapidly as his administration sought to broker a deal that would normalize Saudi-Israeli ties in exchange for an expanded U.S. Defense Agreement. The effort was halted by the attack on Israel by Hamas in 2023 and Israel's subsequent conflict with Gaza. During Trump’s visit to the United States on Tuesday, the Crown Prince personally welcomed the U.S. President, escorting up an escalator, and then driving him in golf carts ahead of a State Dinner. Trump, in a move that underlined their close relationship, pledged to lift U.S. Sanctions on Syria. He said that bin Salman had requested this dramatic action. Trump said: "Oh, I do for him." The crown prince then placed his hands on his heart, and a standing applause followed. (Reporting from Gram Slattery and Nandita in Riyadh, with additional reporting by Andrea Shalal; Writing by Nandita, and Editing by Colleen, Jenkins, and Cynthia Osterman.)
-
Mexico expects early USMCA review to give clarity to investors and consumers
Mexico's Economy Minister said that the country hopes to begin a trilateral review with the U.S., Canada and other countries in the second half this year. This will provide more clarity for consumers and investors. On the sidelines of an event organized by the Ministry of Finance with local firms, Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard said to journalists: "We expect that we will start discussions in second half of this year." He added, "We hope that they will happen as quickly as possible and we can come to an agreement as soon as." Next year, the USMCA will be reviewed. The US President Donald Trump wants the agreement renegotiated in advance. Ebrard stated that the early review of trade policies could make it "easier" and "clearer" for consumers and investors to understand. Ebrard announced on Monday that he expects the review to start earlier than scheduled. He said, "That would be convenient for us." It would be clearer to us as to how the treaty will function in comparison to other parts around the world. The USMCA is still in force despite the ongoing U.S. Tariffs. It currently impacts the shipments of steel and finished automobiles from Mexico to the United States. Ebrard said that Mexico was working on negotiating more favorable terms to export steel, aluminum and automobiles to the United States.
-
Vermont Governor suspends electric vehicle regulations
Vermont Governor Phil Scott suspended the state's requirements for electric vehicles sales in passenger cars, medium- and heavy-duty trucks and on Tuesday amid concerns over the feasibility of California's zero-emission rules. Vermont is among 11 states, including New York, Maryland, and Massachusetts, that have adopted California’s zero-emission vehicle rule, which aims to eliminate the sale of gasoline only vehicles by 2035. California's rule requires that 35% of the light-duty cars in 2026 be zero-emission vehicles. Scott cited automakers' warnings that the EV regulations could restrict the supply of gas-powered cars to dealers in the State. Scott said, "It is clear that we do not have enough charging infrastructure or technological advancements in heavy-duty trucks to meet our current goals." Maryland Governor Wes Moore delayed the enforcement of the rule until 2028, citing concern about tariffs and infrastructure funding. In May, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to ban both California's 2035 EV Plan And its plans will require a rising Number of zero-emissions trucks Move to repeal the legal approval of the rules granted by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, under the former president Joe Biden. California argued that it was unclear when the Senate would take up these measures. Biden's decision cannot be reversed Fast-track rules Major automakers have argued that the rules, requiring at least 80% EVs in 2035, and no more plug-in hybrids than 20%, are not feasible and have lobbied to stop them. California claims that they are necessary to reduce pollution, and believes the vote was illegal. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation (which represents General Motors Toyota Volkswagen Hyundai and many other major automakers) warned that car companies may be forced to reduce their overall vehicle sales to increase the proportion of EVs sold. California rules require EVs to account for 68% of all new vehicles sold by 2030. (Reporting and editing by Chris Reese, Nis Williams, and David Shepardson)
-
Senator says that the US Department of Health will reverse federal layoffs for coal safety workers
Shelley Moore Capito, West Virginia Republican senator and former federal employee who screens coal miners for black lungs disease and conducts research on other respiratory diseases who were terminated in a sweeping government layoff have their jobs permanently restored. Capito stated in a press release that she received an assurance from Health Sec. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., that the Department of Health and Human Services had reversed the terminations of staff at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in Morgantown, West Virginia. In a press release, she stated that "my understanding is from Secretary Kennedy that over 100 Morgantown workers will return to their jobs permanently." NIOSH operates a coal mine surveillance unit, which has been effectively closed since February due to sweeping layoffs by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency. This is despite the fact that black lung disease, a deadly respiratory condition, has resurged in coal miners. Reports had stated that these potential job cuts as well as the cuts made at the Mine Health Safety Administration put coal miners in danger, despite the fact that President Donald Trump was calling for a revival of this industry. Status of NIOSH employees has been changing. Some workers were brought back from administrative leave in the beginning of this month only to find out a few days later that their employment was terminated permanently. Capito stated that she spoke with Kennedy several times, urging him to rescue the program. John Howard's letter to NIOSH staff today said that former employees were being called back. This includes employees from the director's office of NIOSH, the Respiratory Health Division, which includes the coal mine monitoring unit, the National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, the Division of Safety Research, and the Division of Compensation and Analysis Support. Two sources familiar with the story said that 21 of the 28 DECA staffers who handle compensation claims for former nuclear workers with cancer were brought back. Uncertain is the percentage of NIOSH staff that have been recalled. Over 90% of NIOSH staff were terminated earlier in the month. Kennedy will appear before Congress on Tuesday, and he's likely to be asked about the mass layoffs that occurred at HHS.
-
US inflation data boosts global equity markets; dollar falls
On Tuesday, the dollar dropped and major U.S. indexes rose after news that U.S. Consumer inflation increased less than expected in May when President Donald Trump announced a series of tariffs which has caused havoc on international markets. European shares rose for the fourth session in a row, while global stocks also gained. Crude oil prices increased, thanks to a temporary reduction in U.S. - China tariffs. The U.S. announced on Monday that it would suspend its trade war with China for 90 days. They will reduce reciprocal duties, and remove other measures as they negotiate a permanent agreement. The agreement has reignited the appetite of investors for stocks, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. Tuesday's inflation numbers have also helped fuel this move. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that its consumer price index increased by 0.2% in April. This brings the annual growth down to 2.3%, from 2.4%. Economists polled had predicted a rise of 0.3% per month and 2.4% annually. Bill Adams, chief economics officer at Comerica Bank, Dallas, wrote in a letter that the report was a good one. In 2025, inflation should be manageable by most consumers and business. S&P 500, Nasdaq and Dow Jones advanced due to softer than expected inflation figures and a easing in U.S. China trade tensions. The S&P500 rose 42.36, or 0.72 percent, to 5,886.55 while the Nasdaq Composite gained 301.74, or 1.61 percent, to 19,010.09. Under pressure from UnitedHealth, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 269.67 points or 0.64% to 42140.43. The company had suspended its annual forecast after its CEO resigned and UnitedHealth had suspended its annual projection. Dollar retreated from its sharp gains of the previous session due to the inflation data. Last seen down by 0.79% versus a basket. The euro increased by 0.94% to $1.1191. Peter Cardillo is the chief market economist of Spartan Capital, a New York-based firm. The European stock market ended the day slightly higher with a 0.1% gain, their highest level since March. Emerging Market Stocks fell by 5.03 points or 0.43% to 1,156.82. The broadest MSCI index of Asia-Pacific stocks outside Japan closed at 603.95, while Japan's Nikkei gained 1.43%, to 38183.26. After the Geneva talks, the U.S. announced it would cut tariffs for Chinese imports from 145% to 30%, while China announced it would reduce duties on U.S. imported goods to 10%, from 125%. The change in U.S. China trade relations has caused traders to reduce expectations of Federal Reserve rate reductions, believing that policymakers will have more flexibility to lower rates as inflation risks decrease. The traders are now pricing in a 56 basis point reduction this year. This is down from the forecasts of over 100 basis points made in April when concerns about Trump's tariffs reached their highest level. Cardillo stated that "the Fed is on the right track and until there are any real changes in terms of ending the trade war by June, a rate cut in June remains in doubt." Economists and fund managers have stated that the 90-day break is welcomed, but it hasn't changed the larger picture. Christopher Hodge is the chief U.S. economics at Natixis. The ratings agency Fitch estimates that the U.S. tariff rate has dropped to 13.1% from 22.8% before the agreement, but is still above the 2.3% at the end 2024. The yield on the benchmark U.S. 10 year note rose by 1.6 basis to 4.473%. The yield on the 2-year U.S. note, which moves typically in line with expectations of interest rates for the Federal Reserve rose by 0.2 basis to 4.004%. Spot gold increased 0.61%, to $3,253.51 per ounce. U.S. Gold Futures closed 0.6% higher, at $3,247.80. Brent crude futures settled on $66.63 per barrel, an increase of $1.67 or 2.57%. U.S. West Texas Intermediate Crude finished at $63.67 up $1.72, or 2.78%.
-
Jose Mujica was Uruguay's former rebel leader, icon of cannabis reformation and former leader. He died at the age of 89.
Jose Mujica has died at the age of 89. He was a former guerrilla who became president of Uruguay. His unpretentious manner and progressive reforms won him countless articles in international media. Mujica's straight-talking style, which is known by many Uruguayans as "Pepe", was the driving force behind the leftist government of this small South American nation from 2010 to 2015. He did so after convincing voters that his radical past had been closed. In a message on X, President Yamandu Orsi wrote: "It's with great sadness that we announce the passing of our comrade Pepe Mjica." "Thank you for all you did for us, and for the deep love you have for your people." Mujica, as president of Colombia, took a liberal position on civil liberties issues that was considered groundbreaking at the time. Mujica signed laws allowing homosexual marriages and abortions during early pregnancy. He also supported a proposal for legalizing marijuana sales. Both were major shifts for Latin America's Catholic Church, while the second was almost unheard of at the time. Mujica chose to remain in his modest house in a suburb near Montevideo, where he ran a small farm, during his tenure as president. He was often seen driving around in an old VW Beetle and eating at restaurants downtown where office workers ate lunch. He also avoided wearing a suit and tie. In an interview in May 2024, in the same house with a tin roof that he and his wife, the former senator Lucia Topolansky shared, he stated that he still had the old Beetle in "phenomenal condition". He added that he liked a tractor ride because it was "more enjoyable" than driving a car, and you have "time to think." Mujica was criticized for his tendency to ignore protocol. His blunt, and sometimes uncouth, statements forced him, both under the pressure of political opponents and allies, to explain himself. His down-to earth style and progressive thoughts won him the hearts of many Uruguayans. Mujica stated during the interview in 2024 that "the problem is that people are running the world by old folks who have forgotten what it was like to be young." Mujica was 74 years old when he became President. He received 52% of votes, despite concerns from some voters about his age. Lucia Topolansky has been Mujica's partner since their Tupamaros days. She served as her vice president and they married in 2005. They remained active in politics after leaving office. They attended the inaugurations in Latin America and gave crucial support to candidates in Uruguay including Orsi who assumed office in March 2025. The couple stopped growing flowers in their smallholding, but continued to grow vegetables. Topolansky would pickle tomatoes each season. BARREN BACKS Jose Mujica was born in 1935 on his birth certificate, but he claims that there was a mistake and he was born one year earlier. He described his childhood as "dignified poverty." Mujica lost his father when he was between 9 and 10 years old. As a child, he worked with his mother to maintain their farm where they raised chickens and cows. When Mujica first became interested in politics in Uruguay, the left was weak and fragmented. He began his career as a politician in the progressive wing of center-right National Party. He joined the Marxist Tupamaros Guerrilla Movement in the late 1960s. The group was a Marxist guerrilla that sought to weaken Uruguay’s conservative government by committing robberies and political kidnappings. Mujica said later that he had never killed anyone, but was involved in violent clashes between police and soldiers. He was also shot six times. The Uruguayan security forces had the upper hand on the Tupamaros when the military took power in 1973. This marked the beginning of a 12 year dictatorship during which 200 people were killed and kidnapped. Many more were imprisoned and tortured. Mujica spent nearly 15 years in prison, most of them in solitary confinement. He slept at the bottom a horse trough, with nothing but ants to keep him company. He was able to escape twice. Once by tunneling through a house. He later admitted that his biggest "vice" was talking to himself as he neared 90. This was a reference to the time he spent in isolation. Mujica returned to politics after the restoration of democracy in the 3 million-person farming country, and gradually became a prominent leftist figure. He was the agriculture minister of Tabare Vazquez's center-left coalition, which would succeed him as president from 2015 to 2020. Mujica had a strong support base on the left, but he also maintained a fluid dialog with his opponents in the center-right by inviting them to barbecues. We can't pretend that we agree on everything. "We have to accept what is and not what we want," he said. He believes that drugs should be decriminalized under "strict state control" and that addiction needs to be addressed. "I don't defend drug use. "I cannot defend (a prohibition) because we now have two problems, drug addiction which is a serious disease and narcotrafficking which is even worse," he said. He remained optimistic in retirement. After a cancer diagnosis, he told the youth: "Life is beautiful but it wears you out and you fall." The point is to begin again every time you fall. If there is anger in your heart, turn it into hope.
-
US Farm Agency restores climate-related pages after farmer's lawsuit
After being sued by environmental and farm groups, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has restored some climate change related webpages it had removed since the inauguration of President Donald Trump. Trump's administration has frozen or canceled funding for climate-friendly farming, claiming that the work is not in line with its priorities. About 11% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions are attributed to agriculture. According to a lawsuit filed by the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York on February 24, the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Environmental Working Group, a USDA official instructed staff to remove any pages focused on climate changes on January 30, which led to the removal of information on loan and funding options, investment through the Inflation Reduction Act and policy documents. In a Monday court filing, the USDA stated that it would restore all pages removed and complete the restoration in two weeks. The USDA didn't immediately respond to our request for comment. Nydia Gutierrez, a spokeswoman for Earthjustice who represented the plaintiffs, confirmed that on Tuesday some pages detailing IRA funded clean energy projects had been restored. Farmers rely on USDA websites to protect them from extreme weather, wildfires and droughts. In a press release, Earthjustice's Jeffrey Stein said that he was ready to make sure USDA kept its promise to restore the resources. (Reporting and editing by Sandra Maler; Leah Douglas)
The Supreme Court's top cases
In the current term of the U.S. Supreme Court, there are cases that involve guns, gender affirming medical care for minors who identify as transgender, online pornography and religious rights, TikTok and preventive healthcare. There are also cases involving funding Planned Parenthood, job discrimination and federal regulatory powers over nuclear waste storage, vape products and voting rights.
Take a look at the recent and upcoming cases that the justices will be deciding.
'GHOST GUN' On March 26, the court upheld a federal rule targeting "ghost guns", which are largely untraceable, imposed by former Democratic President Joe Biden in an effort to crackdown on firearms that have been used in crimes across the country. The ruling by 7-2 overturned the lower court decision that the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives exceeded its authority when it issued the 2022 rule targeting the parts and kits of ghost guns. The court found the regulation to be in line with the 1968 federal Gun Control Act.
TRANSGENDER RIGHTS During arguments on 4 December, the court's conservative judges indicated that they were willing to uphold Tennessee's Republican-backed ban on gender affirming medical care for minors who are transgender. This case could have a significant impact on other state laws that target transgender individuals. Biden's Administration appealed the decision of a lower court upholding Tennessee’s ban on medical treatment, including hormones and surgery for minors suffering from gender dysphoria. This refers to the distress caused by the incongruity of a person’s gender identity with the sex assigned at birth. The ruling is expected to be made by the end June.
MEXICO GUN LAWSUIT On March 4, the justices showed sympathy for a request by two American firearms companies to dismiss the Mexican government’s lawsuit accusing the companies of assisting illegal gun trafficking to the drug cartels, and fueling violence in Mexico's southern neighbor. The justices heard arguments from Smith & Wesson, a firearms manufacturer and distributor of Interstate Arms in their appeal against a lower-court ruling allowing the lawsuit on the basis that Mexico had plausibly alleged the companies aided and facilitated illegal gun sales and harmed its government. The ruling is expected to be made by the end June.
U.S. TIKTOK BAN On January 17, the justices upheld a federal law that would ban TikTok from the United States if the Chinese parent company ByteDance failed to sell the short video app within a time limit set by Congress. The Justices ruled, 9-0, that the law passed by Congress and signed by Biden last year did not violate First Amendment protections against government abridgment. The justices upheld a lower court decision that had affirmed the measure. Biden's replacement, Republican President Donald Trump chose not to enforce it and instead gave both parties time to work out a compromise.
Online Pornography The Justices heard arguments about whether the First Amendment protects against government interference in speech when a Texas law requires that pornographic sites verify users' ages to limit access by minors. The justices voiced concerns over the availability and accessibility of online pornography, but also expressed concern about burdens placed on adults who wish to view constitutionally-protected material. A trade group representing the adult entertainment industry has appealed the decision of a lower court that upheld the Republican-led State's age verification mandate. The ruling is expected to be made by the end June.
WORKPLACE DISCRIMINATION On February 26, the court heard arguments in a case where a woman claimed that she was denied a job promotion and demoted because of her heterosexuality by an Ohio government agency. The justices seemed to favor making it easier for those from "majority backgrounds" to bring workplace discrimination cases, such as straight or white people. Marlean Amees, the plaintiff, said that she worked with a homosexual supervisor when, in 2019, she was demoted and passed over for promotion to a woman gay. The ruling is expected to be made by the end June.
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL The court will hear a case that tests the separation between church and state. Two Catholic dioceses are attempting to establish the first taxpayer-funded charter school in Oklahoma. St. Isidore Catholic Virtual School was shut down by a lower court, which ruled that the funding arrangement for the school violated First Amendment restrictions on government endorsements of religion. Arguments will be held on April 30.
RELIGIOUS TASKS EXEMPTIONS A Wisconsin Catholic diocese's arm has filed a request for an exemption from Wisconsin's unemployment insurance taxes. The case could have implications for the constitutional rights of religious people. The Catholic Charities Bureau of the Catholic Diocese of Superior appealed the lower court's rejection of its exemption request. If the Supreme Court rules in favor of the bureau, it could force Wisconsin and other states that have similar tax programs in place to expand their exemptions to conform to the First Amendment protections of the U.S. Constitution. The arguments are scheduled for 31 March.
LGBT SCHOOL BIBLES The court accepted a request from religious parents who wanted to prevent their children from attending classes in a Maryland district public school when LGBT stories are read. This is yet another case that involves the intersection of religion and LGBT rights. Parents of children attending Montgomery County Public Schools filed an appeal after lower courts refused a plaintiff's request for a preliminary order ordering the district not to read these books. Arguments will be held on April 22.
OBAMACARE - PREVENTIVE CARE MANDATES The court will determine the legality of an important component of the Affordable Health Care Act, which gives a taskforce established under the Obamacare healthcare law the power to demand that insurers provide preventive medical services without cost to the patient. The court heard an appeal from the Biden administration against a lower-court ruling which sided with a Christian group of businesses that objected to the fact that their employee health plans covered HIV-preventing medications and had argued the task force structure violated U.S. Constitution. Arguments will be held on April 21.
PLANNED PARENTHOOD FINANCE The court will examine South Carolina's attempt to cut off funding to Planned Parenthood. This case could support conservative states in the U.S. who want to deny Planned Parenthood government money for reproductive healthcare. A lower court barred the Republican state from cutting off funding to Planned Parenthood South Atlantic under the Medicaid insurance program. Arguments will be held on April 2.
NUCLEAR WASTE STORAGE On March 5, the justices heard arguments over whether the Nuclear Regulatory Commission had the authority to issue licenses for certain nuclear waste facilities, amid objections raised by the state Texas and oil industry interests. The U.S. Government and a company awarded a license to operate an operation in western Texas by the NRC appealed the ruling of a lower court declaring that the storage arrangement was illegal. The NRC regulates nuclear energy in the United States. The NRC is expected to make a decision by the end June.
FLAVORED vapor products The Court on April 2, largely backed up the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in its refusal to allow two ecigarette companies to sell flavored vapes that regulators deem a risk to health for youths. The court threw out the lower court decision that found the FDA violated a federal law known as the Administrative Procedure Act by rejecting the applications of the companies Triton Distribution & Vapetasia to sell these nicotine-containing items.
EPA AUTHORITY On March 4, the court handed a major blow to the Environmental Protection Agency with a ruling of 5-4. The case involved a wastewater treatment plant owned by San Francisco. This could make it more difficult for regulators and water quality inspectors to monitor pollution. The court ruled that EPA had exceeded its authority in a law against pollution by including vague restrictions on a permit for the facility which discharges into the Pacific Ocean. In recent years, the court has limited the EPA’s power as part of a number of rulings that have curbed the federal regulatory agencies’ powers.
TAILPIPE Emissions A major case that tests the power of the Democratic-ruled state to combat greenhouse gases is a challenge by fuel producers against California's standards on vehicle emissions and electric vehicles under a federal law on air pollution. Valero Energy, along with fuel industry groups, appealed the lower court's decision to reject their challenge against a Biden administration decision to let California set its own regulation. Arguments will be held on April 23.
The Supreme Court is hearing a dispute regarding the legality and operation of the TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERIES FUND, a fund that Congress authorized to be operated by the Federal Communications Commission in order to increase access to telecommunications. The conservative Consumers' Research group and others accused Congress of illegally delegating authority to an independent federal organization. The FCC, along with a coalition including interest groups and telecoms companies, appealed an earlier court decision which found that Congress had violated the Constitution when it gave the FCC the authority to manage the fund. Arguments will be held on March 26.
LOUISIANA ELECTORAL MAP On March 24, the justices heard arguments in a bid to preserve an election map that increased the number of Black-majority districts in the state. This was in response to a legal challenge brought by a group voters who identified themselves as "non African American." Three federal judges determined that the map of Louisiana's six U.S. House of Representatives district - which now has two Black-majority areas, instead of one - violated the Constitutional promise of equal treatment. The ruling is expected to be made by the end June.
Death Penalty Case On February 25, the court threw away Richard Glossip’s conviction in Oklahoma for a murder-for hire plot that took place in 1997 and gave him a fresh trial. In a 5-3 decision, the justices concluded that prosecutors had violated their constitutional obligation to correct false testimony from their star witness. The justices reversed the lower court decision which had upheld Glossip’s conviction. They also allowed his planned death to proceed despite Glossip’s claim that prosecutors had wrongly withheld information that could have helped his defense. (Compiled by Andrew Chung and John Kruzel; edited by Will Dunham.)
(source: Reuters)