Labor statistics controversy. Trump said he plans to name a new commissioner for the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) in the next three to four days after firing Commissioner Erika McEntarfer on Friday. The BLS had just released a downward revision in its calculations for May and June job growth. A former BLS commissioner said McEntarfer’s termination “undermines credibility” and that such revisions are standard; Trump did not provide evidence for his claim that McEntarfer faked the numbers.
Gaza diplomacy. The United States seeks a “shift” in diplomacy, the Trump administration’s Witkoff told hostages’ families on Saturday, saying Washington would not push for “piecemeal” deals but rather simultaneously seek the release of all hostages and an end to the war. Israel and Hamas reiterated their contrasting demands over the weekend, however. Israel seeks Hamas’s disarmament, while Hamas said that it would not disarm until a Palestinian state was established. On Saturday, Hamas released a video of an emaciated hostage, prompting international criticism.
Critical minerals strains. Western defense companies are experiencing price hikes and shortages of some critical minerals due to Chinese restrictions, the Wall Street Journal reported. While Beijing resumed rare earth exports after a June agreement with Washington, it maintained curbs on exports of defense-related critical minerals. The Pentagon has announced grants for some critical minerals production but building up new mines and refining plants can take years.
U.S.-Mexico security talks. The two countries are discussing a security deal in which they would increase intelligence sharing, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Friday. The deal is meant to help address drug trafficking—among Trump’s stated reasons for imposing tariffs on Mexico—and pave the way for a trade agreement. It comes after U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said Thursday the countries were working on an agreement to address fentanyl, migration, and Mexico’s trade deficit.
Pacific naval drills. India and the Philippines began their first joint sail and naval drills in the South China Sea yesterday. A top Philippine military official voiced hope that joint drills would continue in the future, noting that Beijing had “shadowed” the exercises. Meanwhile, China and Russia started conducting joint artillery and anti-submarine exercises in the Sea of Japan, which had been scheduled before Trump’s comment on repositioning nuclear submarines.
Oilfield off Brazil coast. Oil and gas company BP announced today that it made its largest discovery in twenty-five years off the coast of southeastern Brazil. Testing is underway to determine the size of reserves. BP updated its business strategy in February to prioritize oil and gas after a previous shift to renewable investments.
Hong Kong restricts activists. Hong Kong cancelled passports and banned providing financial support to more than a dozen activists based abroad. The measures were carried out under a national security law enacted last year. Authorities had previously issued arrest warrants for the activists, prompting international criticism.
Ukraine anti-graft probe. Ukrainian authorities arrested multiple officials as part of an investigation into suspected corruption in drone procurement. Days earlier, Ukraine’s government had restored the independence of the anti-graft agencies that flagged the alleged scheme. The agencies said the accused officials included a lawmaker, regional officials, a military official, and a dronemaker, without naming them.
