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A federal court strikes down Trump’s 10% global tariff, Europe faces coalition turmoil, and AI reshapes weather forecasting as climate data faces cuts. Here’s what matters today.
A federal panel ruled 2-1 against President Donald Trump’s 10% global tariff, finding the administration improperly invoked the 1974 Trade Act to justify the levy imposed on most imports since February 24. The Court of International Trade determined Trump failed to assert the required “balance-of-payments deficits” condition. While 24 states challenged the tariffs, the court limited relief to two companies and Washington state. The White House said it is reviewing legal options. The ruling marks the second major trade setback for the administration this year, following a Supreme Court ruling against separate emergency powers tariffs. The 10% tariff is set to expire July 24.
As the U.S. enters hurricane season and faces a projected “super El Niño,” experts warn that Trump administration cuts to climate and weather data collection threaten forecast reliability. NOAA launched AI-powered weather models this year, but the technology requires decades of historical data to train effectively — data that is now being collected at reduced levels due to staffing cuts and a proposed 40% reduction in NOAA’s overall budget. Former NOAA Acting Chief Scientist Craig McLean said cutting climate research “arrests our advancement of weather forecasts.” The National Weather Service has scaled back satellite and weather balloon launches. Researchers warn AI-based models still underperform when predicting extreme weather events beyond historical patterns.
Germany, France, and Italy are navigating political instability as coalition tensions strain governing majorities across the European Union’s largest economies. In Germany, debates over defense spending and fiscal policy have pushed the three-party coalition to its limits. France faces unresolved political deadlock following inconclusive elections. Italy’s ruling coalition has wavered over economic reform disagreements. The turmoil arrives as the EU confronts trade uncertainty from U.S. tariff decisions and debates joint defense financing. Analysts warn prolonged instability could delay critical EU decisions on energy policy and Ukraine support, weakening Europe’s position in ongoing diplomatic negotiations.
A KPMG study of more than 1,200 energy leaders across 20 markets found that 62% of major data and AI operators expect to self-generate clean energy by 2027, signaling a significant shift in how the technology sector approaches sustainability. AI is helping grid operators optimize renewable integration and predict energy demand as coal-fired power plants retire globally. However, experts caution that AI’s climate benefits depend on continued investment in data collection infrastructure. With coal still accounting for over one-third of global electricity generation, the World Economic Forum says the next 24 months will be decisive in determining whether AI accelerates or hinders the clean energy transition.
Written by Rachel Torres, Breaking News Correspondent
