Trump&#39;s Disapproval Rating Surges to 62% Amid Economic Concerns

Federal Judge Overturns Trump’s $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee Requirement

A federal judge has ruled against the $100,000 application fee for H-1B visas imposed by former President Donald Trump, stating that only Congress has the authority to change immigration policy. U.S. District Judge Leo Sorokin declared the fee an unauthorized tax that the president could not impose unilaterally. This decision comes after a lawsuit filed by a coalition of Democratic state attorneys general in December, aimed at challenging the fee that was intended to limit the H-1B program, which allows skilled foreign workers to fill specialized positions in the U.S. The ruling is significant as it reaffirms the legislative power over immigration policy and supports the argument that the H-1B program is vital for U.S. economic competitiveness.

Roberto Sánchez Leads in Vote Count, But Uncertainty Remains in Peru Elections

In the ongoing presidential election in Peru, candidate Roberto Sánchez has taken the lead against Keiko Fujimori, primarily due to votes from rural areas. However, approximately 5,500 ballots are still pending, which could significantly impact the final outcome. This includes nearly 1,400 votes from remote areas favoring Sánchez, over 2,500 votes from abroad, where Fujimori previously had an advantage, and more than 1,500 contested ballots likely to favor Fujimori. The counting process for these outstanding votes is crucial, as it could alter the current standings significantly in the coming days.

Pentagon Revises Religious Affiliation List Following Mormon Lawmaker Outcry

The Pentagon has amended its list of recognized religious affiliations for military personnel after criticism from Mormon lawmakers regarding the exclusion of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from the Christian category. Initially, the list included 31 religious categories, with 21 variations of Christianity, but failed to classify the Latter-day Saints as Christian. Following backlash from lawmakers like Sen. Mike Lee, the Pentagon removed the 'Christian' designation from the list altogether. This update is part of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's broader initiative to reform the military's chaplain corps and streamline religious codes, which had previously exceeded 200. The new list aims to provide clearer guidance for chaplains to support service members' faiths effectively.

Bolivia's President Enacts Law Amid Ongoing Protests and Road Blockades

President Rodrigo Paz of Bolivia has enacted the Law for Regulating States of Exception, a critical response to ongoing road blockades and calls for his resignation. This legislation, approved by the Chamber of Deputies, empowers the police to manage internal unrest with limited military support. The protests, which have resulted in food and medical shortages, have claimed at least ten lives, including a protester shot during a police operation. Paz emphasized the importance of dialogue and vowed to complete his term until 2030, while also addressing concerns about narcoterrorism destabilizing democracy in Bolivia.