Global coverage at a glance: breaking international headlines, geopolitical insights, regional developments, and on‑the‑ground reports from every continent.
Washington D.C. – Former U.S. President Donald Trump has reacted with anger and a new economic threat following a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated a significant portion of the “reciprocal” tariffs he imposed during his presidency. The Court’s decision, delivered on Friday, February 20, 2026, has prompted Trump to announce a new global tariff of 10% on all imports, a move that could further disrupt international trade and escalate economic tensions.
The Supreme Court’s ruling centers on the legality of tariffs imposed by Trump, ostensibly in response to tariffs levied by other nations. The Court found that the President did not have the constitutional authority to impose such tariffs unilaterally, asserting that the power to regulate international trade rests solely with Congress, as outlined in the U.S. Constitution. This decision, as reported by France 24, represents a significant check on presidential power and a victory for those who argued Trump’s trade policies overstepped legal boundaries.
Supreme Court Decision and its Implications
The case, known as “Learning Resources Inc. Vs Trump,” was brought forth by a coalition of small businesses and twelve U.S. States challenging the legality of the tariffs. According to Le Monde, the Court’s decision is a “seismic” event with legal, political, and economic ramifications. Six justices, including three conservatives, sided against Trump, arguing that the Constitution grants Congress the sole power to impose tariffs in peacetime. The ruling potentially requires the U.S. Government to reimburse between $133 and $200 billion to affected businesses, potentially leading to increased national debt, as noted by analyst John Plassard of Cité Gestion, France 24 reported.
Trump’s Response and New Tariff Announcement
In a press conference following the ruling, Trump vehemently criticized the Supreme Court, labeling the decision “terrible” and expressing “absolute shame.” He accused the justices of succumbing to “foreign influences,” as reported by La Croix. Despite the setback, Trump vowed to implement “alternatives,” announcing the imposition of a new 10% global tariff on all imports, in addition to existing tariffs. He stated he would sign a decree to enact this new tariff, signaling a continued commitment to protectionist trade policies.
International Reaction and Canadian Impact
The Supreme Court’s decision and Trump’s subsequent response have triggered reactions from around the globe. The dollar experienced a slight decline following the ruling, as investors reacted to the potential for increased U.S. Debt, France 24 noted.
Fangchenggang, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region – Beaches in southern China’s Guangxi region are experiencing a surge in tourism as the country continues to celebrate the Chinese New Year. On February 20, 2026, the fourth day of the Lunar New Year festivities, numerous tourists flocked to the coastal city of Fangchenggang to enjoy leisure activities and celebrate the holiday, according to reports from Xinhua News Agency.
The influx of visitors highlights the growing domestic tourism sector in China, a key component of the nation’s economic recovery. The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is traditionally the busiest travel period in the country, and this year appears to be no exception. The holiday provides a significant boost to local economies, particularly in coastal regions like Guangxi, which are known for their scenic beaches and warm climate. The region is increasingly becoming a popular destination for both domestic and international travelers seeking a relaxing getaway.
Photographs released by Xinhua reveal families and individuals enjoying the beach, with many posing for photos and children playing in the sand. The scenes depict a vibrant atmosphere as people embrace the festive spirit. The increased tourism is a welcome sign for local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops, which rely heavily on seasonal visitors.
Guangxi’s tourism sector has also benefited from recent infrastructure improvements. In December 2024, the Longmen Bridge, the longest cross-sea bridge in the region, opened to traffic, significantly reducing travel time between Qinzhou Port and Fangchenggang Port from 1.5 hours to just 25 minutes, as reported by Global Times. This improved connectivity is expected to further boost tourism and economic development in the area. The 7.6-kilometer bridge, built to highway standards allowing for speeds of 100 kilometers per hour, is a key part of the Beibu Gulf economic zone, according to People’s Daily.
Regional Significance and Economic Impact
The Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region is strategically located along the coast of the South China Sea and plays a crucial role in China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The region serves as a gateway for trade and investment between China and Southeast Asia. Increased tourism, coupled with improved infrastructure like the Longmen Bridge, contributes to the region’s economic growth and strengthens its position as a key player in regional trade networks. The Beibu Gulf economic zone, of which Fangchenggang is a part, is designed to foster high-quality development and enhance regional connectivity.
The Chinese New Year holiday is a significant driver of domestic tourism, and the scenes from Fangchenggang reflect a broader trend of increased travel within China. This trend is supported by government policies aimed at promoting domestic tourism and boosting local economies. The focus on domestic tourism has become particularly important in recent years, as international travel restrictions have impacted the flow of foreign visitors.
Looking ahead, the continued development of tourism infrastructure and the implementation of supportive government policies are expected to further enhance Guangxi’s appeal as a tourist destination. The region’s natural beauty, coupled with its strategic location and improving connectivity, positions it for sustained growth in the tourism sector. The success of Fangchenggang’s beaches during the Chinese New Year serves as a positive indicator for the future of tourism in Guangxi and the broader region.
What impact will continued infrastructure development have on tourism numbers in Guangxi in the coming years? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Washington D.C. – In a move that has sent ripples through global markets, President Trump has signed an order imposing a 10% tariff on all imported goods. This action comes swiftly after the Supreme Court rejected his administration’s previous attempts to implement broad import taxes, a decision the President has publicly condemned. The new tariff, described by the administration as “temporary,” is being framed as a necessary step to protect American industries and bolster the nation’s trade agenda.
The Supreme Court’s ruling effectively blocked the previous tariff structure, leading to a scramble among companies seeking refunds on duties already paid. The President’s response, announced late Thursday, signals a renewed commitment to protectionist trade policies despite the legal setback. The immediate impact of the 10% tariff is expected to be widespread, affecting businesses and consumers alike, and raising concerns about potential inflationary pressures. This latest development in the ongoing trade debate underscores the complex relationship between the executive branch and the judiciary.
Supreme Court Decision and Immediate Aftermath
The core of the dispute lies in the legality of the Trump administration’s initial attempt to impose global tariffs without congressional approval. The Supreme Court ruled against the administration, asserting that such broad authority over trade policy requires legislative action. Following the ruling, companies quickly began preparing to seek refunds for tariffs previously paid, as reported by NPR. The total amount of potential refunds is currently unknown, but analysts predict it could reach billions of dollars.
President Trump’s Response and Justification
President Trump has been highly critical of the Supreme Court’s decision, publicly lashing out at the justices. He characterized the ruling as an overreach of judicial authority and a hindrance to his efforts to strengthen the American economy. In a statement released by the White House, the President asserted that the new 10% tariff is a necessary measure to “level the playing field” and protect American jobs. He described the tariff as “temporary” but did not provide a specific timeline for its removal. CNN reported on the President’s strong reaction to the court’s decision.
Economic Implications and Global Reaction
The imposition of a 10% global tariff is expected to have significant economic consequences. Economists predict that the tariff will increase costs for businesses and consumers, potentially leading to higher prices and reduced economic growth. The impact will likely vary across industries, with those heavily reliant on imported goods facing the greatest challenges. Politico detailed the administration’s rationale, even as other outlets are focusing on the potential economic fallout. The BBC reported that the move has been met with concern from international trading partners, who fear a potential escalation of trade tensions.
The new tariff applies to all goods imported into the United States, regardless of origin. This broad scope distinguishes it from previous tariffs, which were targeted at specific countries or products. The administration argues that this comprehensive approach is necessary to address unfair trade practices and protect American industries across the board. Although, critics contend that the tariff will harm American consumers and businesses by increasing costs and disrupting supply chains.
What to Watch Next
The coming weeks will be crucial in assessing the impact of the new 10% tariff. Businesses will be closely monitoring the effects on their supply chains and pricing strategies, while consumers will be watching for any increases in the cost of goods. The administration’s response to potential economic fallout and any further actions taken by international trading partners will also be key developments to watch. The legal challenges to the tariff are also expected to continue, potentially leading to further court battles. The situation remains fluid, and the long-term consequences of this latest trade move are still uncertain.
What are your thoughts on the new tariff? Share your comments below and let us understand how you think this will impact the economy.
Mediahuis Ireland has launched Crime World, a subscription-based digital brand focused on crime journalism, replacing the website of its former weekend publication, Sunday World. The modern platform offers exclusive content, including podcasts and investigations, starting at €11.99 a month or €99 annually.
The move marks a significant shift in Mediahuis Ireland’s strategy, aiming to capitalize on the growing demand for in-depth crime reporting. Crime World will serve as the primary platform for the work of Nicola Tallant, the group’s award-winning crime reporter and host of the popular Crime World podcast, which has reached over 1 million listeners monthly and 36 million listeners in 2025 alone.
“We have been looking at what our audience really wants from us and what unique journalism we can offer them. In Mediahuis, we call that signature journalism,” explained Cormac Bourke, editor in chief at Mediahuis Ireland. “We had to consider what the signature journalism of the Sunday World is. Its huge success in audio made a clear case for in-depth digital crime journalism.”
The launch of Crime World is part of a broader trend within the publishing industry toward niche subscription models. Several publishers, including USA TODAY and The Daily Mail, have launched dedicated true crime hubs in recent years. USA TODAY’s WITNESS offers investigative true-crime stories for $4.99 per month, whereas The Daily Mail’s Crime Desk provides podcasts, documentaries, and investigations for £3.99 per month or £39.99 per year.
Mediahuis Ireland’s decision to focus on crime follows a trajectory that began with the relaunch of Sunday World as a website and app in 2020, and the subsequent success of Tallant’s podcast. The company has also launched two additional podcasts in 2025: Just Between Us, hosted by Jennifer Zamparelli, focusing on sex and relationships, and Money Talks, accompanying the new Indo Money vertical on the Irish Independent site.
The initial response to Crime World has been positive, with subscriber numbers exceeding expectations. A recent exclusive podcast series on Christy Kinahan, alleged leader of the Kinahan Cartel, has been a significant driver of direct subscriptions. According to Bourke, this early success demonstrates an audience willingness to pay for exclusive audio content.
While the demand for true crime content is high – ranking just below comedy and entertainment in listener popularity in the US, and below sports in the UK – producing high-quality audio and video remains a challenge. A UK-based publisher, speaking anonymously, cautioned that effective audio and visual products require significant investment in resources and talent. “It can’t just be seen as an add-on that the newsroom can just spin up and maintain,” they said.
Despite the production costs, paywalling niche content can yield long-term gains, with evergreen content continuing to attract subscribers for years. The publisher noted that initial launch numbers are strong, and these numbers continue to convert over time.