Under the new proposal, packages worth less than 150 euros which are currently exempt from customs fees would no longer be customs-free. Instead, every small parcel sent straight to EU homes would carry the new €2 charge. Parcels arriving at warehouses, however, would see a reduced fee of €0.50 per package.

EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic explained that the change is aimed at easing the workload on customs officials and ensuring that incoming goods meet safety and quality standards. Last year alone, 4.6 billion such parcels entered the EU, with over 90% originating from China. “This fee will help compensate the cost,” Sefcovic told the European Parliament, adding that Brussels also hopes the new measure will provide additional revenue for the EU budget.

Online platforms such as Shein and Temu are expected to pay the fee. Temu says it has 92 million EU users, while Shein claims more than 130 million in the bloc. Both companies have stated they are prepared to cooperate with EU regulators and uphold consumer standards.

The move follows the US decision to impose higher tariffs on small parcels from China, including a significant flat fee of $100 per package. Although recent negotiations brought the US tariff on parcels valued up to $800 down from 120% to 54%, the per-parcel charge remains in place. There had been concerns that Chinese retailers would redirect surplus goods to Europe, potentially flooding the market with cheap imports after the US crackdown.

European retailers have long complained of unfair competition from overseas sellers, pointing to differences in compliance with strict EU product standards. The de minimis exemption, which previously allowed direct shipping of low-value goods without duties, helped fuel the growth of platforms like Shein and Temu across global markets.

If approved, the EU’s flat fee policy could change the landscape for cross-border e-commerce, increasing costs for online shoppers and leveling the playing field for European businesses.

The post EU Proposes €2 Fee on Small Parcels to Curb Cheap Imports from China first appeared on Inteli Press – News at the Speed of Now.

“If Russia continues to put forward unrealistic conditions and undermine progress, there must be tough consequences,” Zelensky wrote on social media, emphasizing that Kyiv remains open to negotiations.

After holding separate calls with both Zelensky and Putin on Monday, Trump announced that truce talks between Russia and Ukraine would begin “immediately.” However, while Putin expressed willingness to discuss a “memorandum on a possible future peace agreement,” he did not commit to a 30-day pause in hostilities, as proposed by Kyiv and Washington.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova responded by stating that it was now up to Ukraine to respond to the draft memorandum. Yet, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov signaled that negotiations were not imminent, telling Russian media, “there are no deadlines and there cannot be any.”

As diplomatic efforts intensified, Zelensky launched a new round of outreach to Western allies, urging continued support to pressure Moscow. After speaking with Finland’s president, Zelensky reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to working with partners to force Russia to change its behavior.

The latest diplomatic moves coincided with new sanctions from the European Union and the United Kingdom. The EU announced it would blacklist nearly 200 more Russian oil tankers and warned of an even “tougher response” if Moscow did not agree to a truce. The UK, for its part, sanctioned 18 additional tankers and expanded its measures against Russian military suppliers, energy exports, and financial institutions.

The sanctions come after what Kyiv officials described as the largest drone attack on Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion. Over the weekend, Ukraine reported 177 clashes along the front line and claimed more than 1,000 Russian casualties in a single day.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump suggested he would not support additional sanctions on Russia, arguing that such steps might undermine diplomatic progress. The Kremlin, for its part, has rejected Zelensky’s latest invitation for direct talks in Istanbul and brushed off calls for a month-long ceasefire.

Temporary ceasefires have been announced by Russia in the past, including one coinciding with Victory Day celebrations in May. However, Kyiv has refused to participate, citing a lack of trust and demanding a sustained end to hostilities. Brief truces over Easter saw momentary lulls, but both sides accused each other of numerous violations.

The war between Russia and Ukraine has continued since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, with no comprehensive ceasefire or peace agreement yet in sight.

The post Zelensky Accuses Russia of Stalling Peace Talks as West Imposes Fresh Sanctions first appeared on Inteli Press – News at the Speed of Now.

The nine-minute walk from the White House Rose Garden to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) headquarters has never seemed so symbolic. Within that brief stroll, two dramatically different worlds are colliding – the political theater of tariffs and trade battles versus the sober financial guardianship of global economic stability.

The Tariff Turmoil and Global Repercussions

Earlier this month, President Trump introduced his “reciprocal tariffs” initiative with a controversial chart and an even more dubious equation. Three weeks later, world finance ministers met at the IMF to try to address the chaos unleashed by America’s sudden protectionist pivot.

At these meetings, including sessions with G7 and G20 members, the U.S. delegation faced not anger but palpable exasperation and worry from nearly every other nation. After years of pandemic, war, and energy crises, Trump’s tariff actions seemed to risk plunging the fragile global recovery back into turmoil.

East Asia’s Deep Concern

East Asian countries expressed the most visible alarm. In early April, Trump had labeled them “looters and pillagers” of American jobs for their trade surpluses. Longtime U.S. allies, including Japan, felt betrayed, and Tokyo’s frustration reportedly contributed to a sell-off of U.S. Treasury bonds. Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato called the tariffs “highly disappointing,” criticizing their destabilizing effects on growth and markets.

The Faint Sound of Retreat

As bond markets grew jittery, whispers of a U.S. retreat from the trade war began to circulate. From muted overtures of respect for China’s economic achievements to suggestions of a “beautiful rebalancing” of the world economy, American rhetoric softened noticeably.

However, a much-anticipated meeting between U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and his Chinese counterpart never materialized. Nonetheless, many international officials left IMF meetings believing that Washington was slowly backing away from an overreach it could not publicly admit.

Container Traffic and the Economic Pulse

Perhaps the clearest signal of the trade war’s real-world impact comes from the collapsing container traffic between China and the Port of Los Angeles – once the beating heart of global commerce. Satellite imagery analyzed by IMF economists reveals a disturbing drop in shipments, a trend that Washington has not acknowledged.

The Bessent Influence and West Wing Intrigue

Compared to the beginning of the IMF meetings, a relative calm prevailed by the end. Much of this is credited to Scott Bessent, who has seized control of U.S. trade policy, sidelining hardline tariff proponents within the administration.

Financial diplomats credit Bessent’s rise, and a critical 90-day pause on tariffs, to clever maneuvering – including luring hardliner Peter Navarro away from Trump’s ear with a staged fake meeting.

Wall Street reportedly urged Trump to fire Navarro, the architect of the reciprocal tariff policy. However, Trump remains loyal to Navarro, who had served time following the January 6 Capitol riots.

The Strategic and Psychological Impact

While Bessent publicly reassures investors that the U.S. bond market remains “the safest and soundest in the world,” the mere need to make such statements indicates profound underlying fears. Senior officials admit no one can predict Trump’s final decision on tariffs.

One G7 official remarked:

“It depends on who you ask and which day you ask them. The White House, Commerce Department, and U.S. Trade Representative all have different stories.”

British Trade Relations Amid the Uncertainty

For the UK, the stakes are high. Trump’s universal baseline tariff of 10 %, along with additional duties on cars and pharmaceuticals – the UK’s major exports – could inflict heavy damage.

In interviews, the UK Chancellor diplomatically avoided criticizing the U.S. tariffs but emphasized a pivot toward deeper European trade ties. Speaking near Washington’s reflecting pool, she noted:

“Our trading relationship with Europe may be even more important than that with the U.S., given proximity and partnership.”

Rebuilding the Transatlantic Relationship

This subtle shift was picked up at the IMF, where officials praised the UK’s rapprochement with the European Union as an example of global realignment in response to perceived U.S. unreliability. A senior international official quipped:

“Brexit was a bitter divorce, but now it looks like you are dating again.”

Reassuringly, the U.S. reaffirmed its commitment to the IMF and World Bank, countering fears that it might withdraw from these institutions under the “Project 2025” plan promoted by conservative think tanks.

A Broader Strategic Gamble?

Some speculate that the U.S. might be using tariff threats to rally global support against China. Yet alienating allies like Spain, which faces 20 % tariffs as part of EU penalties, seems a counterproductive way to build coalitions.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez recently visited Beijing, securing Chinese investments in green energy and technology. While Washington views such moves warily, Spain continues to advocate for open engagement with China under economic security frameworks.

The Canadian Angle and the Upcoming G7 Summit

Canada’s upcoming federal election and its hosting of the G7 Summit this June may further shift the global calculus. Trump is expected to attend the summit in Alberta, facing intense scrutiny just as the 90-day tariff pause expires.

There remains a possible path toward de-escalation and trade peace – but the coming weeks are critical, and outcomes could just as easily tip into deeper chaos.

The post Signs Emerge That Trump May Soften His Tariff Strategy first appeared on Inteli Press – News at the Speed of Now.

The Rise of a Champion

Foreman’s journey began in Marshall, Texas, where he was born on January 10, 1949, and raised by his single mother alongside six siblings. He dropped out of school and became involved in street crime before discovering boxing a path that changed his life forever.

From Streets to the Olympic Podium

At just 19, Foreman won a gold medal in the heavyweight division at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, launching a professional career that quickly gained momentum. He amassed 37 consecutive wins, including a historic victory over Joe Frazier in 1973, knocking the reigning champion down six times in two rounds.

Foreman’s explosive power and fearsome presence made him a dominant force in the ring. But his most famous bout would come the following year in the legendary “Rumble in the Jungle.”

The Rumble in the Jungle: A Defining Loss

In 1974, Foreman faced Muhammad Ali in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo). At the time, Foreman was the undefeated powerhouse, and Ali seen as the underdog executed a masterclass in strategy, using the now-famous “rope-a-dope” tactic to exhaust Foreman and deliver a stunning knockout in the eighth round.

Decades later, Foreman reflected on that match with humility. Speaking to the BBC, he called the loss “the best thing that ever happened to me,” noting that it ultimately led him toward a deeper purpose in life.

A Life Transformed: Faith and Ministry

After a second career loss, Foreman retired in 1977 and turned to faith. He became an ordained minister and founded the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Houston, Texas. He began preaching on street corners and in homes, eventually building a full congregation and youth center dedicated to serving the community.

Faith Over Fame

Foreman’s ministry grew steadily, and his message of redemption and resilience resonated deeply. Despite his fame, he dedicated himself to helping others, particularly young people, steering them away from the troubled path he once walked.

The Historic Comeback

In 1987, Foreman made a stunning return to boxing at age 38, aiming to raise funds for his youth center. What started as a symbolic comeback turned into a remarkable second career. In 1994, at the age of 45, Foreman defeated undefeated champion Michael Moorer, reclaiming the heavyweight title and becoming the oldest man in history to do so.

Legacy of Power and Perseverance

With a final record of 76 wins 68 by knockout and just five losses, Foreman’s impact inside the ring is undeniable. His longevity and reinvention inspired countless fans and fighters alike. Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson described him as a legend whose contributions “will never be forgotten.”

Beyond the Ring: The George Foreman Grill

Foreman’s influence extended far beyond boxing. In 1994, he partnered with a kitchen appliance company to promote the George Foreman Grill. The “Lean Mean Grilling Machine” became a household staple, earning him hundreds of millions of dollars more than his boxing career had ever yielded.

An Unlikely Entrepreneur

His friendly persona and memorable catchphrases helped make the grill a massive success. It became a cultural phenomenon, with millions sold worldwide and Foreman himself rebranded as a cheerful, health-conscious father figure.

Family and Legacy

Foreman was married five times and fathered 12 children, including five sons all named George. He once said the shared name was meant to create unity and strength within the family. “If one of us goes up, we all go up. If one of us goes down, we all go down,” he explained.

Tributes from the Boxing World

Tributes poured in following the announcement of his passing. The Ring magazine honored him as “one of the greatest heavyweights of all time,” and social media filled with messages from fellow fighters and fans who admired his strength, humility, and transformation.

Remembering a Legend

George Foreman’s life was a journey of reinvention from a street fighter to Olympic champion, from world titleholder to preacher, and from retired athlete to beloved entrepreneur. Through it all, he remained a man of unwavering conviction and faith.

His family released a heartfelt statement on Instagram, calling him “a force for good” and “a man of discipline, conviction, and purpose.” They remembered him not just as a champion in the ring, but as a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather.

George Foreman’s story is one of redemption, resilience, and purpose. He lived many lives each filled with meaning and impact. As fans and fellow athletes reflect on his extraordinary journey, one truth remains clear: George Foreman wasn’t just a boxing legend he was a symbol of strength, faith, and the power to change one’s path. His legacy will live on for generations to come.

The post Boxing Icon George Foreman Dies at 76: A Life of Power, Purpose, and Redemption first appeared on Inteli Press – News at the Speed of Now.

A Targeted Political Statement

Trump’s order, issued in the form of a presidential memorandum, asserts that it is “no longer in the national interest” for the named individuals to retain access to classified information. This includes access to the President’s Daily Brief and other sensitive documents or facilities typically available to former officials as a matter of courtesy.

Who Is Affected?

The list of individuals losing clearance includes not only high-profile Democrats but also Republicans who have publicly criticized Trump. Among those named are:

• Kamala Harris, Vice President and former Senator
• Hillary Clinton, former Secretary of State and Democratic presidential nominee
• Antony Blinken, Secretary of State
• Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor
• Lisa Monaco, Deputy Attorney General
• Fiona Hill and Alexander Vindman, former Trump administration officials who testified during his first impeachment
• Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger, Republican lawmakers who opposed Trump and supported impeachment proceedings

Legal Adversaries Targeted

Trump’s directive also strips security access from key legal figures who have pursued cases against him. These include:

• Letitia James, New York Attorney General, who led a civil fraud case resulting in substantial penalties against Trump
• Alvin Bragg, Manhattan District Attorney, who prosecuted Trump’s hush money case
• Norm Eisen, an attorney involved in legal challenges against the Trump administration
• Andrew Weissmann, former federal prosecutor and legal commentator
• Mark Zaid, attorney known for representing federal whistleblowers

In his order, Trump also reaffirmed the revocation of President Joe Biden’s clearance, a decision he initially announced in February. The order extended this revocation to “any other member” of the Biden family, continuing the aggressive tone of his political strategy heading into his next term.

Symbolism or Practical Consequences?

For most of the individuals named, losing access to classified materials may have minimal direct impact, as many no longer hold government roles. However, for attorneys, prosecutors, and officials who may rely on secure facility access for ongoing legal or advisory work, the revocation may present practical hurdles.

For others, such as Vindman and Eisen, the order is largely symbolic. Vindman, who has not had active clearance for years, dismissed the move as “noise.” Eisen sarcastically remarked that it would only motivate him to pursue additional legal action.

Trump’s Precedent and Biden’s 2021 Move

Trump framed his actions as a response to a precedent allegedly set by President Biden, who in 2021 blocked Trump from receiving intelligence briefings due to concerns about his “erratic behavior.” At the time, Biden’s decision broke with the long-standing tradition of allowing former presidents to receive national security updates.

“He started it,” Trump declared in a social media post, adding that Biden “weaponized” security access during his first term. Trump now claims to be returning the favor as part of what he views as a necessary corrective action.

Legal and Political Context

Trump’s memo comes amid continued legal and political fallout over the handling of classified information. In 2024, a Justice Department special counsel report revealed that Biden had improperly retained classified materials from his time as vice president, but also noted that he cooperated fully and returned the documents.

By contrast, Trump faced a more serious legal battle after being indicted in 2023 for allegedly mishandling classified materials and obstructing their return. Though he pleaded not guilty, the case was dismissed by a Florida judge in mid-2024 and officially dropped later that year after Trump’s re-election.

Security Clearances as Political Tools

Security clearance revocation is typically an administrative matter, but Trump’s decision underscores how such processes can become political weapons. Analysts warn that revoking clearances en masse especially those of critics and opponents undermines institutional norms and may set a troubling precedent for future administrations.

Concerns About Future Legal Work

Some attorneys expressed concern that losing clearance could impede their work. Mark Zaid, who represents whistleblowers, said he had not yet received formal notice of the revocation but warned that losing access would harm clients who rely on his ability to navigate classified legal matters. “It’s not about me it’s about the people I protect,” Zaid told the BBC.

Escalating Political Retribution

Trump’s wide-reaching move to revoke security clearances signals a shift in how former presidents may use national security mechanisms to shape political narratives and punish critics. While some may view the order as largely symbolic, others fear it’s a step toward normalizing political retaliation through institutional processes.

With tensions rising between Trump and members of the current administration and ongoing legal battles still unfolding this latest move adds fuel to an already volatile political landscape. Whether viewed as strategic justice or personal vendetta, it reflects the deepening divisions in American political and legal systems in 2025.

The post Trump Revokes Security Clearances for Harris, Clinton, and Other Critics first appeared on Inteli Press – News at the Speed of Now.

The Final Document Dump

The release follows years of public demand and legislative action aimed at providing full transparency into the 1963 assassination. While the National Archives made over 1,100 documents public this week, experts caution that the newly available material may not deliver the shocking revelations that many conspiracy theorists have long anticipated.

What’s Inside the Documents?

President Trump, who first promised to open all JFK-related files during his initial term, had said that approximately 80,000 pages would eventually be unsealed. However, the latest batch included just over 1,100 documents. While some materials had already been released in partially redacted form, others appeared with blacked-out sections or were too faded or poorly scanned to interpret clearly.

“You got a lot of reading,” Trump remarked on Monday before the release. “I don’t believe we’re going to redact anything.” Yet, upon review, many scholars noted that redactions remained, and the quality of the release was mixed.

Experts React: Measured Optimism, Limited Expectations

Historians and researchers familiar with the JFK case approached the release with cautious optimism. David Barrett, a professor at Villanova University, called the unsealing “useful,” though he admitted that the public should not expect groundbreaking revelations.

Still Searching for Answers

“It’s much harder to find the truth when most of the people involved are dead,” historian Alice George told Reuters. Despite the vast number of documents now available, she believes unanswered questions will continue to fuel speculation.

Indeed, conspiracy theories ranging from CIA involvement to mafia collusion have flourished for decades due to the gaps and inconsistencies in the historical narrative. While the Warren Commission concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone, a significant portion of the American public has never fully accepted that verdict.

Lee Harvey Oswald: Lone Gunman or Pawn?

Oswald, a former U.S. Marine who had defected to the Soviet Union before returning to the U.S., was arrested for JFK’s murder but was himself shot dead two days later. His mysterious background and abrupt silencing have remained at the center of alternate theories suggesting a wider plot.

Past polls show that a majority of Americans doubt Oswald acted alone. While the newly unsealed records have yet to provide a definitive counter-narrative, their content may further shape public understanding or confusion about the events of November 22, 1963.

The Road to Transparency

Congress passed the JFK Records Act in 1992, mandating that all assassination-related files be released within 25 years. That deadline came and went in 2017 with only partial compliance, citing national security concerns. Both the Trump and Biden administrations released several waves of documents but withheld others.

Trump’s Push for Full Disclosure

Trump’s executive order earlier this year mandated the release of all remaining redacted files. It also called for the declassification of records related to two other pivotal assassinations: those of Robert F. Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., both of whom were killed in 1968.

Notably, Trump’s announcement of the JFK file release came as a surprise to his own national security staff, who had been preparing the documents for review. Reports suggest the move was timed to align with his political messaging, especially after securing an endorsement from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is now serving as Trump’s health secretary.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Role

RFK Jr., the nephew of JFK and son of the slain Senator Robert F. Kennedy, has been an outspoken critic of official assassination narratives and has promoted alternative theories. While he has not commented directly on the latest document release, his support for Trump and the administration’s declassification campaign is viewed as influential.

“A New Era of Transparency”

Tulsi Gabbard, Trump’s director of national intelligence, echoed this sentiment by declaring the release as the beginning of “a new era of maximum transparency.”

Public Reaction and What Comes Next

Public interest in the JFK assassination remains high, with amateur sleuths and seasoned historians alike pouring over the newly available files. Yet, without clear revelations or cohesive narratives in the latest batch, many are left with more questions than answers.

• Were any high-level officials complicit in withholding key evidence?
• Do any of the documents point to foreign involvement?
• Will the files related to RFK and MLK’s assassinations also be fully released?

While the U.S. government may have finally complied with the letter of the law by releasing these documents, the spirit of transparency complete and unambiguous still feels just out of reach for those searching for the full story.

The release of the final batch of JFK assassination documents marks a pivotal moment in one of America’s most enduring historical debates. But for researchers and everyday citizens alike, the road to truth remains winding. Whether this marks the end of speculation or just another chapter in an ongoing mystery depends largely on what unfolds in the months ahead and what still lies in the shadows.

The post JFK Assassination Files Unsealed: Experts Sift Through Final Batch of Documents first appeared on Inteli Press – News at the Speed of Now.

New Allegations Expand Federal Case

The updated charges, part of an existing racketeering and sex trafficking case, mark an escalation in the legal battles surrounding Combs. Federal prosecutors allege that he used his power and status to manipulate employees and exploit individuals sexually and professionally.

Claims of Forced Labour and Sexual Coercion

The indictment paints a picture of an abusive power structure, accusing Combs of maintaining control through threats both physical and reputational. One employee was allegedly compelled to engage in sexual activity against their will, an accusation his legal team strongly denies.

“He looks forward to his day in court when it will become clear that he has never forced anyone to engage in sexual acts against their will,” said Marc Agnifilo, Combs’s attorney.

Legal Strategy and Ongoing Denials

Combs’s legal team continues to maintain that the relationships referenced in the federal case and in numerous civil lawsuits were entirely consensual. His attorneys have dismissed the legal actions as “publicity-seeking maneuvers” and have repeatedly called the allegations “baseless.”

A Wave of Civil Suits

In addition to the federal case, Combs faces dozens of civil lawsuits filed in recent months. These suits include allegations of rape, assault, and emotional abuse. His representatives argue these cases are opportunistic and designed to attract media attention, rather than serve justice.

Court Appearance Draws Family Support

On Friday, Combs appeared in New York’s Southern District federal courtroom wearing a greenish-tan prison jumpsuit. His physical appearance grey beard, overgrown hair contrasted with the polished persona fans associate with the music mogul. Still, he appeared upbeat, waving, smiling, and blowing kisses to his family members seated behind him.

• His son Christian and daughter Chance were present
• His mother, Janice Combs, wore oversized sunglasses
• Publicist Marvet Britto and two other family friends also attended

Combs chose to stand as he entered his plea. When the judge asked if he had reviewed the indictment, he answered clearly: “Yes, I have, sir.”

Video Evidence Sparks Dispute

A key point of contention in court was a 2016 surveillance video released by CNN in 2024. The footage, which allegedly shows Combs assaulting former girlfriend Cassandra Ventura in a hotel hallway, is expected to be presented by the prosecution as key evidence.

Defense Challenges Video Authenticity

Combs’s attorneys argue that the video is misleading. According to them, an independent expert concluded that the footage had been manipulated sped up, shown out of order, and covered with obstructed timestamps. Prosecutors, however, called the footage “critical” and “direct evidence” of Combs’s abusive conduct.

The judge encouraged both sides to find middle ground regarding the video’s admissibility, signaling that it would play a role in the upcoming trial.

Combs’s Past Admission and Trial Timeline

After the video’s public release, Combs issued an apology, stating: “I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I was disgusted then when I did it. I’m disgusted now.”

Despite the apology, his legal team maintains that the case centers around past consensual relationships, not criminal conduct.

Trial Dates Set

The presiding judge confirmed that jury selection is scheduled to begin on May 5, with opening arguments to follow on May 12. The trial is expected to be closely watched due to Combs’s celebrity status and the severity of the allegations.

As one of the most prominent figures in American entertainment faces federal charges of forced labour, racketeering, and sexual exploitation, the legal drama around Sean “Diddy” Combs continues to unfold. While his defense maintains his innocence and questions the motives of his accusers, prosecutors are building a case based on years of alleged misconduct and power abuse.

Whether the upcoming trial will vindicate Combs or substantiate the growing list of allegations remains to be seen but one thing is certain: the courtroom will be the stage for a high-profile reckoning.

The post Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Pleads Not Guilty to Updated Federal Indictment first appeared on Inteli Press – News at the Speed of Now.