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AnewZ Morning Brief - April 2nd, 2025

Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 2nd, covering the latest developments you need to know.

'JFK' director Oliver Stone calls for Kennedy assassination to be reinvestigated

Oliver Stone and James DiEugenio testified before the U.S. House on April 1, 2025, urging a reopening of the investigation into John F. Kennedy's 1963 assassination, citing new documents and inconsistencies in the official account.

Trump set to unveil sweeping tariffs amid global backlash

The White House confirmed on Tuesday that President Donald Trump will impose a new wave of tariffs on Wednesday, escalating fears of a deepening global trade war. The announcement, set for 4 p.m. ET in the Rose Garden, marks the culmination of weeks of warnings and speculation.

Albanese and Dutton promise to protect Australia as US tariffs loom over beef exports

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton have both pledged to defend the country’s national interests as the United States signals possible tariffs targeting Australian beef exports.

Russia’s top economic envoy to visit Washington as Trump-Putin diplomacy accelerates

A senior Russian official is expected to arrive in Washington this week for direct talks with the Trump administration, a source familiar with the plan confirmed.

Britain launches electronic travel permit for EU visitors ahead of wider border reforms

From Wednesday, European visitors to Britain will need to purchase an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arriving, as the UK implements new pre-entry screening measures to tighten border controls.

Pentagon sends warplanes to Diego Garcia as tensions rise with Iran

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the deployment of additional warplanes to reinforce American naval assets in the Middle East, the Pentagon confirmed on Tuesday. The move follows a renewed bombing campaign in Yemen and rising friction with Iran.

USAID to shut down by September under Musk directive

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), a cornerstone of American humanitarian outreach for over six decades, is being dismantled under the directive of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency.

Ukraine eyes foreign troop support as security talks set for Friday

Ukraine is set to hold in-depth talks with a select group of foreign allies this Friday to discuss the formation of a military contingent that could serve as a security guarantee under a future ceasefire agreement.

Trump administration frustrated as Ukraine peace deal stalls amid growing distrust toward Moscow

Senior Trump administration officials are privately acknowledging that a Ukraine peace deal is unlikely in the coming months, despite early hopes of brokering a ceasefire by spring.

Irish parliamentary speaker defeats no confidence motion

The speaker of the lower house of Ireland's parliament defeated a no confidence motion laid down by the main opposition parties as expected on Tuesday after maintaining the support of the coalition government.

US tariffs unlikely to slow post-COVID travel boom, says IATA chief

The head of IATA downplayed concerns that potential US trade tariffs would disrupt the ongoing surge in travel demand. While acknowledging added uncertainty, he suggested that Trump’s policies might ultimately benefit the airline industry by promoting consolidation and regulatory changes.

Portugal's ruling alliance extends lead in poll before May 18 election

Portugal's centre-right Democratic Alliance (AD) leads in a new opinion poll, but still falls short of a parliamentary majority ahead of the May 18 snap election. The AD’s support rose to 34.4%, while the Socialist Party (PS) trails at 27.8%.

Manchester City optimistic about Haaland's return before season ends

Manchester City remain optimistic about Erling Haaland’s return before the season ends. The 24-year-old striker, who injured his left ankle against Bournemouth, is set to miss upcoming matches but is expected to recover in time for the Club World Cup and help City's push for a Champions League spot.

Stay as close as possible to Verstappen, Horner sets Tsunoda a clear goal

Yuki Tsunoda has a clear objective from Red Bull team principal Christian Horner—stay as close as possible to Max Verstappen. The 24-year-old Japanese driver, who recently replaced Liam Lawson, is set for his first race alongside the four-time world champion at Suzuka.

Japan allocates $5.4 billion aid to chip startup Rapidus amid global tensions

Japan is investing 802.5 billion yen ($5.4 billion) in Rapidus, a chip startup, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign chipmakers and enhance semiconductor production. The move comes amid rising tensions between the U.S. and China, emphasizing Japan’s focus on securing its chip supply chain

Putin open to normalising ties with Finland if Helsinki wants, says Kremlin

The Kremlin stated that President Vladimir Putin is willing to normalise relations with Finland if Helsinki seeks to rebuild ties, acknowledging the current state of relations as "sad."

Irregular immigration curbed, Germany's outgoing government says

Germany's Interior Minister Nancy Faeser claims success in tackling irregular immigration, highlighting a rise in deportations and a decrease in asylum claims. With coalition talks underway, the SPD and conservatives remain divided over immigration policy.

EU invests over $200 billion in Kazakhstan's economy

Kazakhstan’s foreign minister met with the EU’s special representative for Central Asia to discuss investment, trade, and regional cooperation. Both sides emphasized digitalization, climate policy, and infrastructure projects, reaffirming their commitment to deeper economic ties.

Russia moves to remove Taliban from banned organizations list

Why the EU is strengthening ties with Central Asia – experts' insights

As the EU-Central Asia summit approaches, European experts highlight growing economic, geopolitical, and energy interests in the region. With increasing bilateral agreements and investment, Europe aims to enhance cooperation while promoting stability, trade, and regional integration.

Kyrgyzstan and China strengthen ties in digital technology

Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Digital Development met with a delegation from Karamay, China, to discuss collaboration in cloud computing, data processing, and digital governance. Both sides shared experiences and invited each other to major IT events in 2025.

Belgium and Vietnam sign green hydrogen cooperation deal

Belgium and Vietnam have signed agreements to collaborate on green hydrogen production during King Philippe’s historic visit to Hanoi.

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Political Advisor to President of Iran