Here’s a look at what made news on April 22, 2025.

• Steve Hilton, former adviser to David Cameron, announces his candidacy for the Governor of California in 2026. He is running as a Republican to replace Democrat Gavin Newsom, who is prohibited by law from seeking a third term.
• President Trump promises a friendly approach to China, suggesting that tariffs on Chinese goods will be reduced significantly but won’t be zero. His comments follow US treasury secretary Scott Bessent’s expectation of a trade war “de-escalation.”
• US lawmakers condemn ICE detention centers, labeling the treatment of pro-Palestinian activists Mahmoud Khalil and Rümeysa Öztürk as a “national disgrace.” These lawmakers visited the Louisiana facilities where the students are being held.
• The R&A expresses a desire for the Open to return to Trump’s Turnberry course in Scotland, pending an assessment of the venue’s feasibility.
• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faces scrutiny for discussing military plans in a group chat with his wife and brother, raising concerns over insider turmoil within the Pentagon.
• Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr labels sugar as “poison” and advocates for better food labeling and new government guidelines despite acknowledging the government’s limitations in completely eliminating sugar from products.
• Trump announces a significant drop in tariffs on Chinese goods, supporting earlier claims by treasury secretary Scott Bessent of an expected “de-escalation” in the ongoing trade war.
• World leaders will convene in Rome for Pope Francis’s funeral, as his body lies in state in St Peter’s Basilica.
• Despite previous negative remarks, President Trump confirms he has no intention to remove Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell.
• The Veterans Affairs Department mandates reporting of “anti-Christian bias” among staff to a newly established taskforce, as part of Trump’s initiative to reshape government policy on religious expression.
• A federal judge criticizes the Trump administration for its lack of cooperation in the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia.
• Amid a series of administrative errors, CNN highlights the increasing challenges faced by the Trump administration.
• Federal Judge halts the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle Voice of America, a government-funded broadcaster.
• Elon Musk plans to reduce his involvement in Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency due to declining Tesla profits.
• Simone Biles, uncertain about her participation in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, cites other priorities and the physical demands of gymnastics on her aging body.
• President Trump expresses his desire for lower interest rates but assures he won’t fire Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, despite previous criticisms.