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Gold falls to a one-week low, as yields and the dollar climb. Middle East tensions also fuel inflation.
As U.S. Treasury yields and the dollar rose, gold fell to its lowest level in more than a week. Meanwhile, inflation fears due to the Middle East conflict reinforced bets on higher interest rates. By 11:40 am EDT (1540 GMT), spot gold had fallen 2.3% to $4,541.91 an ounce. This was its lowest price since May 4. So far, prices are down 3.7% this week. U.S. gold futures for June delivery fell 3.2% to $4,535 "There were a few reasons for the selloff in (precious) metals. The dollar is strong today. Edward Meir is an analyst with Marex. The yields on benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury bonds rose to near a one-year-high, increasing the opportunity cost of non-yielding gold. Dollar was on track for its highest weekly gain in the past two months, making gold priced in greenbacks more expensive for foreign buyers. Donald Trump, the U.S. president, said that his patience was running out with Iran and that China had no significant breakthroughs in trade or tangible assistance to end this war. He added that "the Chinese didn't really offer much help to resolve the conflict and we are seeing crude oil moving up,?which reinforces inflation narrative, and this has been very bearish on the metals." Since the U.S. and Israel?war against Iran began, crude oil prices have risen by more than 40%. This has led to higher global inflation. In times of high inflation, central banks are more likely to raise interest rates. This reduces the appeal of non-yielding gold. According to CME's FedWatch Tool, traders have priced in interest rate?cuts by the U.S. this year. Bets on a hike are up. Spot silver dropped 8.6%, to $76.27 an ounce. Platinum fell 3.9%, to $1976.54, while palladium dropped 1.7%, to $1412,11. Spot silver fell 8.6% to $76.27 per ounce, platinum lost 3.9% to $1,976.54 and palladium was down 1.7% at $1.412.11. StoneX analyst Rhona o'Connell stated that silver was?overbought, and needed correction. Silver had fallen as much as 9% in the previous session and was set to have its worst day since February 12. (Reporting and editing by Joe Bavier in Bengaluru, Nick Zieminski and Ishaan arora from Bengaluru)
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Bond yields rise on inflation fears as global shares fall
Investor euphoria about tech stocks was replaced by inflation fears on Friday, and traders bet more that the Federal Reserve would raise interest rates in 2018. U.S. president Donald Trump left China Friday with no significant breakthroughs in trade, or any tangible help from Beijing to end Iran's war. Oil prices rose again on Friday due to uncertainty over a Middle East?deal. This was in addition to the concerns raised by two high-inflation readings earlier this week. S&P 500, Nasdaq and other major stock markets fell on Friday following two sessions of record-breaking gains on artificial intelligence technology stocks. The market has realised that it was way ahead of itself. The market didn't pay enough attention to the economic and bond markets. "It was caught in this momentum AI trade," Kenny Polcari said, chief market analyst at Slatestone Wealth. The market has finally listened to what the economic data and bond market are telling them. The inflation rate is likely to rise in the coming months. FALLS ON THE WALL STREET At 10:52 a.m. (1450 GMT), on Wall Street, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped?432.76 or 0.86% to 49,630.70. The S&P 500 declined 75.90 or 1.01% to 7,425.34 while the Nasdaq Composite was down 387.22 or 1.45% to 26,249.36. The MSCI index of global stocks fell by 15.80 points or 1.42% to?1,100.26. The pan-European STOXX 600 fell by 1.56%. MSCI's broadest Asia-Pacific share index outside Japan dropped 2.54%, and Japan's Nikkei fell 1.99%. The Kospi index in South Korea fell by more than 6 percent on Friday, after recent gains. The index is still up by 77.8% for the year. GOVERNMENT BANK?YIELDS SKYROCKET In government bonds, yields on longer-dated U.S. Treasury bonds climbed to their highest levels in over a year. This was due to rising oil prices and fears of inflation from ongoing energy disruptions across the Middle East. Demand for U.S. Treasuries was already affected by inflation concerns. This week, demand was low at auctions. The yield on the benchmark 10-year note in the United States rose by 11.6 basis point to 4.576% from 4.459% at late Thursday, while that of the 30-year bond rose by 10.1 basis points. The yield on the 2-year bond, which is usually in line with expectations of interest rates for the Federal Reserve (Fed), rose by 8.3 basis points, to 4,075% from 3.992%, late Thursday. The dollar gained in value, putting it on course for its largest weekly gain in over two months as bets were placed on a Fed interest rate hike. According to CME Group’s FedWatch tool traders were betting last on a 38% chance that a 25 basis-point rate hike would occur by the end of this year, compared with less than 14% a week earlier. Kevin Warsh will replace Jerome Powell as Fed Chairman on Friday. Trump nominated the incoming Fed Chair, who is expected to be Kevin Warsh. Trump has been 'pressuring Powell to lower interest rates. Kevin Warsh will be put to the test by the market. "They're going press him to find out what he truly stands for," Polcari stated. The dollar index, a measure of the U.S. Dollar against a basket including the yen and the euro, rose by 0.32%, to 99.26. However, the euro fell by 0.39%, to $1.1623. The dollar gained 0.24% against the Japanese yen to 158.73. The sterling fell to a new five-week low on its fifth consecutive day of losses. It was last down by 0.43%, at $1.3341. The pound fell 0.9% Thursday after the resignation of Wes Streeting as health minister, deepening Britain’s political crisis. Steve Reed, British housing Minister, urged Labour Party legislators to "get behind" Prime Minister Keir starmer on Friday. Reed said that no one was willing to challenge him. On the energy market, U.S. Crude?rose by 3.7%, to $104.91, and Brent rose by 3.34% to $109.27 a barrel. Gold fell to its lowest level in more than a week, under pressure from rising Treasury yields and the dollar. Spot gold dropped 2.21%, to $4,46.93 per ounce. U.S. Gold Futures dropped 3.29% to $4,524.30 an ounce. Reporting by Sinead carew in New York and Sophie Kiderlin, London. Stella Qiu, Sydney. Sam Holmes, Mark Potter Joe Bavier, Barbara Lewis and Barbara Lewis edited the article.
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US manufacturing production is boosted by motor vehicles and AI; war-related shortages of supplies are looming
The U.S. manufacturing sector posted its biggest increase in 14-months in April. This was driven by the demand for motor vehicles, and?technology products amid a boom in artificial intelligence spending. A survey released by the New York Federal Reserve showed that delivery performance in New York State deteriorated during May. The U.S. and Israel conflict with Iran has caused disruptions in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. This has led to higher energy prices and global supply chain strains, as well shortages of many goods including consumer products, fertilizers and aluminum. In April, producer prices rose at the fastest rate in four years. The oil prices rose on Friday, after President Donald Trump's comments and Iran’s Foreign Minister's remarks quashed hopes for a deal that would end attacks and seizures of ships around the Strait. Michael Gapen is the chief economist of Morgan Stanley. He said: "Overall, a firmer demand, and a continued increase in output, point to some strength in the manufacturing sector." "However uncertainty about supply and prices puts the outlook for the near term at risk." The Federal Reserve reported that manufacturing output rose 0.6% in April, which is the highest increase since February 2025. This follows a 0.1% rise in March, which was upwardly revised. The Federal Reserve said that economists surveyed by it had predicted that factory production would rebound 0.2% following a 0.1% drop in March. In April, factory production increased 1.3% on an annual basis. The production of motor vehicles and parts jumped by 3.7%. The production of high-tech industries increased by 1.0%, after increasing 0.5% in March. Computers and peripheral equipment boosted output for the second consecutive month, increasing 1.5%. The production of semiconductors, electronic components and other related products increased by 1.0%. Communications equipment increased by 0.6%. AI is being rapidly adopted by businesses, who are investing billions in the process. This helps to support manufacturing, which represents?9.4% (?) of the economy. AI spending was a major contributor to the economy's annualized growth rate of 2.0% in the first quarter. Manufacturing, excluding high-tech industries and motor vehicle production, rose by 0.3% in April following a similar increase in March. Durable goods production jumped 1.2% in the last month. Chemicals production fell by 0.9%. Plastics and rubber production also fell by 0.9%. The production of petroleum and coal-based products increased by 1.0%, for the second consecutive month. Food, beverages and tobacco products also saw an increase in production. The increase in manufacturing could be due to companies placing orders early to avoid possible shortages or higher prices caused by the Middle East conflict. DETERMINING THE PERFORMANCE OF SUPPLIER DELIVERY New York Fed Empire State Manufacturing Survey revealed that its measure of business conditions rose nine points in May to 19,6. This was the highest level for more than four-years. New orders and shipments also increased significantly, both for the second consecutive month. The survey's measurement of delivery time reached a four-year peak, but its gauge of availability of supplies remained negative. This suggested that "delivery times had become much longer and availability of supplies worsened." Stocks in the United States were trading lower, as inflation fears increased. Treasury yields on longer-dated bonds reached their highest level in over a year. Dollar rose in relation to a basket. The financial markets expect that the U.S. Central Bank will keep its overnight benchmark interest rate at 3.50%-3.75 percent until next year, due to the higher oil prices and inflation. The higher interest rates may offset the manufacturing boost from tax cuts. Trump's import tariffs hurt manufacturing last year, but the AI spending spree helped to offset some of that drag. The Fed's report shows that mining output fell 0.1% in April after falling 1.6% in March. Energy production increased by 1.0%, but drilling for oil and gas wells decreased again in March. In the Fed's Beige Book last month, it was noted that "many producers were cautious about increasing drilling because of uncertainty?about the persistance of higher prices." Stephen Brown, Capital Economics' chief North America economist, said: "This second consecutive decline should serve as a reminder to those who think that an increase in U.S. oil production will offset the supply losses from Middle East." Electricity and natural gas production both increased by 1.9%. Utilities production fell by 1.4% in march. After a downwardly revised 0.3% decline in March, the overall industrial production increased by 0.7%. Previously, industrial output was reported to have decreased by 0.5%. In April, it increased by 1.4% compared to the same month last year. Capacity Utilization for the Industrial Sector, which measures how well firms use their resources, increased to 76.1% in March from 75.7%. This is 3.3 points below the average for 1972-2025. The manufacturing sector's operating rate increased by 0.4 percentage points to 75.8%. This is 2.4 points below the long-term average. Reporting by Lucia Mutikani; Editing by Chizu Niyama and Nick Zieminski
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Rwanda's Trinity Metals aims to raise $200 million US dollars in order to increase tin and tungsten production
Rwanda's Trinity Metals plans to list on an international exchange in order to raise between $100 and $200 million as it expands its tin and tungsten mines, and moves forward with what could be one of the top lithium deposits in the world, according to its CEO. The soaring demand for metals known as 3T, which are used in electronic, defence, and energy supply chain, is driving a move toward traceable non-Chinese suppliers, bringing Rwanda's 3T mine belt near the Democratic Republic of Congo into sharper focus. Trinity has consolidated three undercapitalised properties in 2022, the Nyakabingo mine for tungsten, Rutongo's tin operation and Musha's tin-tantalum license. It is also converting many artisanal operations into industrial scale operations. Peter Geleta, the Chief Executive of the company, said that the output has quadrupled. The company is aiming to list on the New York Stock Exchange within the next 12-18 months in order to tap into the growing Western demand for essential minerals. We've decided to list .... New York is our preferred choice due to the appetite and liquidity for critical minerals." Not Affected by the Eastern Congo Conflict Trinity, however, has not been affected by the fighting in eastern Congo, according to Geleta. The company plans to invest $150 million in the next three year's time into processing plants at its mines. This includes a $50-million plant that could be operational by the end of 2027. Trinity's goal is to triple the tin and titanium production in three to five years. This will be achieved by mechanisation?and a new underground development. Geleta stated that strong prices for tungsten are the basis of their strategy, after China, which is responsible for around 85% global supply, curtailed exports and tightened markets. He said that all of his production was sent to the U.S.A., Europe, and Thailand. "We don't sell to China", he added, adding that long-term agreements were already signed with Western buyers. Geleta says that if drilling confirms the lithium deposit, it could be among the top 10 in terms of grade. He said: "We could easily become a multi-billion dollar company in five years if we make the right investments." Maxwell Akalaare Adombila wrote the article. Mark Potter edited the book.
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Gold falls to a one-week low, as yields and the dollar climb. Middle East tensions also fuel inflation.
As U.S. Treasury yields and the dollar rose, gold fell to its 'lowest level in over a week on Friday. Meanwhile, inflation fears due to the Middle East conflict reinforced bets that interest rates would rise. By 9:40 am EDT (1340 GMT), spot gold had fallen 2.6% to $4,527.80 an ounce, its lowest price since May 5. Prices have fallen 4% this week. U.S. Gold Futures for June Delivery fell 3.2% to $4,535 "There were a few reasons for the sell-off in (precious metals). The dollar is strong right now. Edward Meir is an analyst with Marex. Benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury yields have risen to a nearly one-year-high, increasing the opportunity cost of non-yielding gold. The dollar is set to make its biggest weekly gain in the past two months. This will increase the price of gold priced in greenbacks for foreign buyers. Donald Trump, the U.S. president, said that his patience was running out with Iran and that China had no significant breakthroughs in trade or tangible assistance to end this war. He added, "The Chinese didn't really offer much help to resolve the conflict. And we're now seeing crude oil rise, which reinforces inflation narrative, and has been very negative for metals." Since the U.S. and Israel war against?Iran started, crude?oil has risen by more than 40%. This has led to a global increase in inflation. In times of high inflation, central banks are more likely to raise interest rates. This in turn can reduce the appeal of non-yielding gold. According to CME’s FedWatch Tool, traders have priced in a U.S. rate cut this year but bets on a rise have increased. Spot silver dropped 8.7% to $76.26 an ounce. Platinum fell 4.1% to $1967.35, and palladium was down by 1.9%, at $1,409.75. All three metals are headed for losses this week. Silver had fallen as much as 9% in the previous day and was set to have its worst performance daily since March 3. (Reporting by Ishaan Arora in Bengaluru; Editing by Joe Bavier)
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Venezuela starts giant debt rework, but hurdles remain
Venezuela announced a "comprehensive restructuring of public debt" on Wednesday. However, it still faces significant hurdles in order to complete one of the largest and most complex sovereign reworks ever. Analysts estimate that the total liability could exceed $150 billion once interest accrued, arbitration awards, and other claims are included. Here are some key questions and answers. WHAT DEBTS WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE RESTRUCTURING? The government stated that the aim is to "normalise" its outstanding debt obligations. This includes its international government bonds and PDVSA's bond. The statement is not as clear on other debts. The official debt, which is the multilateral loans that the government has taken out from lenders around the world, will be "addressed by institutional normalisation". However, there are no details on how the debts it has borrowed bilaterally from other countries around the globe will be handled. According to JPMorgan, Venezuela owes around $2 billion to the Inter-American Development Bank as well as the Development Bank of Latin America & the Caribbean. It owes China at least $10 billion bilaterally, with Brazil and Japan being other large creditors. JPMorgan stated that the restructuring of Venezuelan bonds and commercial debt may take a different path - and possibly faster - than its defaulted loans to "official sector" creditors. What are the basic principles of VENEZUELA? Venezuela said the restructuring will be based on four principles: sustainability, comprehensiveness and good faith, transparency and tempo, or speed. Analysts have doubts that Caracas can move quickly enough to ensure the process is thorough and covers all claims, including those from the United States. The 'intent' to restructure the debt has contributed to the sharp rise in bonds this year. Analysts at Citi stated that Venezuela is moving faster than anticipated towards a restructuring. They stressed that, although the process was not imminent, that it was important to have a credible start. What happens next? Venezuela has set an ambitious schedule, promising to deliver a macroeconomic frame and a Debt Sustainability Analysis (DSA) by June. The framework would include economic assumptions and projections, while DSA would evaluate its ability to service the debt and indicate how dramatically?the debt should be restructured. The International Monetary Fund is usually involved in both, and the process can take several months. The IMF's role in the June timeline is not clear. This has caused some concern among investors and analysts who expect the IMF to provide independent, credible assessments. The IMF stated 'on Thursday that it has not been involved in the process to date. Meanwhile, the interim president of Venezuela's Central Bank, Luis Perez said a delegation will travel to Washington to meet with the IMF by the end of the month. When can negotiations begin? Caracas hired Centerview Partners, a financial services company based in the United States. Washington recently granted it a licence allowing it to hire advisers. The licence does not permit Venezuela to negotiate with bondholders or come up with a deal. A group of investors has already established the "Venezuela Creditor Committee" (VCC). AJ Mediratta is a partner at Greylock Capital Management which is a part of the VCC. He said that the committee has been signaling to U.S. officials for over a year that they are ready to engage but Venezuela was not in able to start talks. Analysts believe Washington could act quickly to grant permission for negotiations to begin. (Reporting and editing by Marc Jones, Kirby Donovan, Kirin Strohecker; Johann M Cherian contributed additional reporting).
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Early monsoon rains will hit the southern Indian coast, causing crop planting
The state-run weather service announced on Friday that monsoon rains will hit India's southern coast six days sooner than normal, leading farmers to hope for early plantings of rice, corn and other crops. India Meteorological Department said in a press release that the monsoon will likely arrive over Kerala's southern state on May 26. The margin of error is four days. The'monsoon' usually ends in Kerala by the middle of September. India's $4 trillion economy relies on the monsoon to replenish reservoirs and aquifers, as well as water its farms. India Meteorological Department predicted below-average rains for 2026, the first time since 2013. This raised concerns about farm production and economic growth. India Meteorological Department defines a normal or average rainfall as falling between 96% and 104% of the 50-year average rainfall of 87 cm for a four-month period. (Reporting and editing by Barbara Lewis; Mayank Bhardwaj)
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Watchdogs warn that foreign buyers are fueling the illegal mineral trade in Nigeria.
A joint report by the government and civil society revealed that Nigeria is losing vast amounts of mineral revenue to illegal trading networks, which are dominated by shell companies, foreign buyers, and armed criminals groups. This highlights the extent of illicit activity. The report was produced by Nigeria's extractive industry watchdog NEITI and Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice with UK government funding. It found that illicit financial flow in the mining sector occurs through commercial manipulation, corrupt officials, and cross-border smuggling. Nigeria's mining industry contributed only 0.72% of GDP in 2023, 0.28% of revenue, and 0.75% % of exports. This is a fraction of the oil and gas sector, which was responsible for 82% of revenues and 29% of exports. The Financial Intelligence Unit of Nigeria has identified illegal mining in Nigeria as a growing threat to national security and the economy. The report alleges that foreign buyers, especially Chinese actors, have a disproportionate impact on pricing, purchasing arrangements, and export channels. They negotiate directly at mine sites. The report alleges that this allows for a'systematic undervaluation, weights and grades manipulation, and informal payments. Shell companies registered under Nigerian laws are often used by foreign companies to conceal ownership. They use local proxy firms to gain access licenses and permits. This practice, according to the report, facilitates money laundering and trade misinvoicing. In areas plagued by banditry or terrorism, an estimated 80% mining in North-West Nigeria will be illegal. This activity is expected to increase between 2022 and 2024. The report highlighted a growing overlap in commercial interests linked to China and local conflicts. It said that the May 2025 conviction of four Chinese nationals in 'Plateau State', each sentenced to 20 years with forfeiture of assets, is an exception. Requests for comments were not immediately responded to by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development or the Chinese Embassy at Abuja.
The top cases in the US Supreme Court docket
During its current term, the U.S. Supreme Court will decide a number of important cases involving such issues as presidential powers and tariffs, gun rights, birthright citizenship laws, transgender sports, campaign finance laws, voting rights, LGBT “conversion therapy”, religious rights and capital penalty. The term began in October, and will run through June. Separately, the court has also acted in emergency cases in several cases that challenge President Donald Trump's policy.
TRUMP'S TARIFS The Supreme Court ruled on February 20, a decision that has major implications for global economics, to?down' Trump's tariffs. Trump had imposed them under a law intended for national emergencies. The ruling, which was 6-3 in favor of the lower court decision, confirmed that Trump had exceeded his legal authority by using this 1977 law. The court ruled that Trump did not have the authority to impose tariffs based on the law in question, the International Emergency Economic 'Powers Act (IEEPA). Congress has the power to impose taxes and tariffs, not the President, according to the U.S. Constitution. Tariffs are at the heart of a global trade conflict that Trump started after he entered his second term in office. This war has alienated trading partner, affected financial markets, and created global economic uncertainty.
TRUMP'S FIRE OF FED OFFICIAL Justices showed skepticism towards Trump's attempt to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, in a case which could threaten the independence of the central bank. The justices said they would not grant Trump's request for a judge to overturn a decision that prevented him from firing Cook immediately while her legal case played out. Congress created the Fed by passing a law called the Federal Reserve Act. The law included provisions meant to protect the central bank against political interference. Governors could only be removed from office by the president "for cause", though it does not define that term or establish procedures for removal. Trump claimed that Cook's firing was due to unproven allegations of mortgage fraud, which she has denied. Cook, who is still in her position for now, said that the allegations were a pretext used to fire Cook over differences of monetary policy, as Trump pressures the Fed to reduce interest rates. The ruling is expected to be made by the end June.
Birthright Citizenship The court will hear arguments about the legality of Trump’s directive on April 1, which restricts birthright citizenship. This is a controversial part of Trump’s efforts to curb immigration, and would change the way a 19th-century constitutional provision has been understood for many years. The lower court blocked Trump’s executive order, which instructed U.S. agencies to refuse to recognize citizenship for children born in the U.S. when neither parent was an American citizen or a legal permanent resident (also known as a "green-card" holder). The court found that Trump's directive violated both the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and federal law codifying the birthright citizenship rights.
LOUISIANA ELECTORAL DISTRICTS The conservative justices of the court signaled on October 15, their willingness to undermine another key section in the Voting Right Act, the 1965 landmark law enacted to prevent racial bias in voting. This was during arguments in a case involving Louisiana's electoral districts. The case centers on Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which prohibits voting maps that dilute the power of minorities without proof of racism. The lower court found that the Louisiana electoral map, which divided the six U.S. House of Representatives districts into two districts with a majority of Black people instead of one district previously, violated the Constitution’s promise of equality protection. The ruling is expected to be made by the end June.
Federal Trade Commission Firing The conservative justices of the court have signaled that they will uphold Trump's legality in firing a Federal Trade Commission Member and give an historic boost to president power, while also putting at risk a 90-year old legal precedent. On December 8, the court heard arguments in the Justice Department appeal of the lower court's ruling that the Republican President exceeded his authority by dismissing Democratic FTC member Rebecca Slaughter before her term was due to end in March. The conservative justices seemed sympathetic to the Trump Administration's argument that tenure protections granted by Congress to heads of independent agencies illegally infringed on presidential powers under the U.S. Constitution. Trump was allowed to remove Slaughter until the case concluded. The court is expected to make a decision by the end June.
TRANSGENDER SPORTS PARTIcipation The conservative justices seemed ready to uphold the state laws that ban transgender athletes to female sports teams despite escalating national efforts to restrict transgender rights. On January 13, the court heard arguments from Idaho and West Virginia in appeals of lower court decisions siding with transgender student who challenged the 'bans' in both states as a violation of the U.S. Constitution, and a federal antidiscrimination act. 25 other states also have laws similar to this one. The conservative justices expressed concerns over imposing a uniform law on the whole country, amid a sharp disagreement and uncertainty about whether medications such as puberty-blocking hormones or gender affirming hormones remove male physiological advantages in sport. The ruling is expected to be made by the end June.
LGBT 'CONVERSION THERAPEUTY'
During arguments on October 7, the court's conservatives appeared to be ready to support a challenge to a Colorado statute that prohibits psychotherapists from performing "conversion therapy," which aims to change minors' sexual orientation or gender identities. The law was challenged by a Christian licensed counselor under the First Amendment's protections from government?abridgment free speech. Colorado said that it regulates professional conduct and not speech and has the legal power to prohibit a healthcare practice they deem unsafe and ineffective. A lower court upheld this law. The ruling is expected to be made by the end June.
HAWAII GUNS LAW The conservatives expressed skepticism about a Hawaii gun law which restricts handguns from being carried on public property, such as businesses. They appeared ready to expand the right to carry guns again. On January 20, the court heard arguments in an appeal by opponents of the law, backed by Trump's administration, regarding a judicial decision that Hawaii's Democratic backed measure is likely compliant with the U.S. Constitution’s Second Amendment right to bear arms. Hawaii's law demands that a property owner "expressly authorize" the bringing of a handgun on private property. Four other states in the United States have laws similar to Hawaii's. The ruling is expected to be made by the end June.
Drug Users and Guns The Supreme Court will hear arguments in a case on March 2, involving a dual American/Pakistani national in Texas, to defend the Trump Administration's bid for a federal gun law that prohibits users of illegal drugs. Hunter Biden, son of former president Joe Biden, was charged under this law in 2023. The Justice Department appealed a lower court ruling which found that the gun restrictions were in violation of the Second Amendment rights to "keep and carry arms" guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. The Gun Control Act, which was passed in 1968, prohibited gun ownership by drug users.
CAMPAIGN-FINANCE On December 9, the court heard arguments in a Republican led bid to overturn federal spending limits by political parties coordinated with candidates. The case involved Vice President JDVance. The conservative justices seemed to be sympathetic towards the challenge. However, the three liberal members of the court appeared inclined to maintain the spending limits. The debate centers around whether federal limits on campaign spending coordinated with candidates' input violate First Amendment protections against government abridgment. Vance and Republican challengers have appealed the ruling of a lower court that limited how much money political parties could spend on campaigns, with input from candidates who they support. This type of spending is called coordinated party expenses. The ruling is expected to be made by the end June.
MAIL-IN-BALLOTS On March 23, the court will hear arguments as Mississippi defends its state law that allows mail-in votes received after Election Day, to be counted. This case could lead to stricter voting laws in other states. A lower court declared illegal a state law allowing mail-in ballots received by certain voters that were stamped on or before Election Day, but not until five business days following a federal election.
U.S. ASYLUM - PROCESSING: The court will hear arguments from the Trump administration on March 24, as it defends its authority to limit asylum processing at the ports of entry along U.S. - Mexico border. The Trump administration appealed the lower court's ruling that the "metering policy" was illegal. This allowed U.S. Immigration officials to stop asylum seekers and refuse to process their claims at the border. Former President Joe Biden rescinded the policy, but Trump’s administration indicated that it may consider resuming.
Human Rights Abuses Abroad The court heard an appeal from Cisco Systems, in which the company and Trump administration asked the justices for a limit on the federal law used to hold corporations liable for abuses of human rights committed abroad. Cisco appealed the 2023 ruling which gave new life to a lawsuit filed in 2011 accusing the California-based firm of developing technology that enabled China's government monitor and persecute Falun Gong members. The Alien Tort Statute was the basis of the lawsuit. This 1789 law had lain dormant in U.S. courtrooms for almost two centuries, before attorneys began to use it in the 1980s in order to bring international human rights cases. Arguments in the case have not been scheduled.
CRISIS PRINCIPAL CENTERS In a dispute arising from an investigation by the New Jersey Attorney General into whether or not these facilities engaged in deceptive practice, the court appears to be inclined to side with the Christian faith-based "crisis pregnancies centers" that are anti-abortion. During the December 2 arguments, a large majority of the Justices appeared to be inclined to revive a lawsuit filed by First Choice Women's Resource Centers against Democratic Attorney General Matthew Platkin's subpoena 2023 seeking information about the organization's doctors and donors. First Choice's facilities are designed to discourage women from getting abortions. The decision is expected to be made by the end June.
RASTAFARIAN INMATES The conservative justices seemed inclined to reject the Rastafarian inmate's attempt to sue Louisiana state prison officials after they shaved his head in violation of?religious belief. The case was brought before the court in November 10 under a federal statute protecting incarcerated persons from religious discrimination. Plaintiff Damon Landor's religion requires that he let his hair grow. He appealed the decision of a lower court to dismiss his lawsuit, because they found that the statute in question did not allow for him to sue officials individually for monetary damages. The ruling is expected to be made by the end June.
INMATE ON DEATH ROW The court heard arguments on December 10, in an attempt by Alabama officials, to pursue the execution a convict convicted of a murder in 1997 after a lower judge found him intellectually disabled. The Republican-led state has appealed a lower court ruling that Joseph Clifton Smith was intellectually handicapped based on his intelligence quotient (IQ), test scores, and expert testimony. In a 2002 Supreme Court decision, the court ruled that executing a person intellectually challenged violated the Eighth Amendment of U.S. Constitution prohibiting cruel and unusual punishment. The Supreme Court is expected to rule by the end June.
WEEDKILLER CANCER CLAIM
The court will consider Bayer's request to limit lawsuits claiming the German biotechnology and pharmaceutical company's Roundup weedkiller 'causes cancer' and possibly avoid billions of dollar in damages. Bayer appealed the ruling of a lower court in a case filed by a man claiming he was diagnosed as having non-Hodgkin lymphoma following years of exposure Roundup. The lower court rejected Bayer’s argument that U.S. pesticide law bars lawsuits based on claims made under state laws. Arguments in the case have not been scheduled.
FCC FINES FOR WIRELESS CARRIER The Justices will hear the dispute over fines levied by the Federal Communications Commission against major U.S. carriers who shared customer location data with other companies without their consent. This is the latest case that has reached the Supreme Court challenging the authority of an American regulatory agency. The case concerns the FCC's efforts to impose tens-of-millions-of-dollars in fines on carriers like Verizon Communications and AT&T before they had their day in the court. Arguments in the case have not been scheduled.
COX COPYRIGHT DISSERT The court heard arguments in December in an attempt by Cox Communications, a provider of internet services, to avoid financial responsibility in a major copyright lawsuit brought by record labels who accused Cox of allowing its customers to piracy thousands of songs. Justices appeared to be skeptical about Cox's claim that mere knowledge of user piracy was not enough for it to be held liable for copyright violations. A lower court ordered that a new trial be held to determine the amount of money Cox owes Sony Music Group, Warner Music Group Universal Music Group and others for contributing copyright infringement. Cox, which is the largest division of privately-owned Cox Enterprises said that the retrial may result in a verdict of up to $1.5 billion against it. The ruling is expected to be made by the end June.
(source: Reuters)