Trump Sets July 4 Ultimatum for EU Trade Deal Negotiations

• A U.S. Postal Service whistleblower has warned that the development of a new mail ballot system is being handled in a "rushed" and "sloppy" manner. • The system is being implemented to comply with an executive order issued by former President Donald Trump.

• The Supreme Court issued a ruling regarding a White House ballroom dispute that centers on federal appropriations and spending authority. • Georgetown Law professor Stephen Vladeck notes that the case raises critical separation-of-powers questions, as only Congress has the legal standing to litigate such appropriations disputes.

• A judge has ruled that a U.S. policy halting visa issuance for citizens of 75 countries was illegal. • The U.S. government had previously stopped issuing these visas based on the claim that applicants from these nations were likely to require public assistance.

• Jailed activist Joshua Wong admitted to instigating sanctions against the Beijing and Hong Kong governments by urging foreign firms to stop investing in mainland China and providing technology to local police. • Wong, the former secretary general of Demosisto, is already serving a four-year and eight-month sentence for conspiring to subvert state power via an unofficial legislative primary in July 2020.

• Thailand will officially end its 60-day visa exemption scheme on September 15, reducing visa-free stays to 30 days for travelers from 60 countries and territories. • Specific regions including China, Hong Kong, Russia, Vietnam, and Singapore will now be limited to 30-day stays, while Argentina, Brazil, Chile, South Korea, and Peru will maintain 90-day exemptions.

• Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong, 29, has pleaded guilty to charges of colluding with foreign entities. • Prosecutors alleged that Wong and the now-disbanded party Demosisto led an international campaign in 2019 and 2020 to pressure foreign governments into imposing sanctions on China and Hong Kong.

• Apple has appointed John Ternus as the company's new Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Tim Cook. • Tim Cook will transition into the role of Executive Chair with a newly established compensation package valued at $47 million.

• UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is scheduled to participate in the 18th BRICS Summit later this month. • India will host the summit on September 12-13 at the Bharat Mandapam venue in New Delhi.

• Pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong pleaded guilty on Wednesday to conspiracy to collude with foreign forces to endanger national security. • The charges were brought under a Beijing-imposed national security law, which has been used to systematically dismantle the city's pro-democracy movement.

• Starting September 15, Thailand will reduce the visa-free stay allowance for travelers from EU countries from 60 days down to 30 days. • Conversely, visitors from Peru, Brazil, and South Korea will see their visa-free stay extended from 60 days to 90 days.

• Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong has pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces. • This marks Wong's second conviction under the Beijing-imposed national security law, following a previous conviction related to landmark protests.

• Starting September 15, Thailand will adjust visa-free stay durations for citizens of dozens of nations to curb crime involving foreign nationals. • Visitors from specific countries, including Peru, Brazil, and South Korea, will see their visa-free stay limits increased from 60 to 90 days.