Month: August 2025

At a White House press conference on August 6, 2025, CEO Tim Cook presented President Donald Trump with a “unique” piece of Corning glass set in a 24-karat gold base, marking a significant gesture amidst ongoing discussions about Apple’s new U.S. manufacturing plans, reports 24brussels.

The gift, a large disc featuring the Apple logo, has Trump’s name inscribed on the top. The underside bears what is believed to be Cook’s signature along with the message “Made in USA” and the year 2025. Cook revealed that the piece was designed by a “former U.S. Marine Corps corporal” who is part of Apple’s workforce, and noted that the base originates from Utah.

Cook has a well-documented history of cultivating a working relationship with Trump, a skill that has garnered attention from other CEOs looking to emulate his approach. Following Trump’s reelection, many in the business community reportedly sought to adopt similar strategies for engagement. Trump has previously issued threats of tariffs against Apple and other smartphone manufacturers, urging them to relocate manufacturing to the U.S.

As the Biden administration continues to navigate economic recovery, the implications of Apple’s commitment to domestic manufacturing remain a focal point in the discussion around technology firms and their responsibilities to U.S. jobs and industry.

, reports 24brussels.

Lanaken – A teenager without a license led police on a dangerous chase in Lanaken after a BOB check, breaking 23 traffic regulations. He now faces charges before a juvenile judge, reports 24brussels.

On Friday, August 1, 2025, during a traffic check for designated drivers in Lanaken, police observed a teenager riding a motorcycle at high speed without a license plate. When officers attempted to stop him, he fled, initiating a reckless pursuit through the town.

During the chase, he displayed extremely unsafe driving behavior, even attempting to strike a police motorcyclist. Authorities indicated that the teenager violated at least 23 traffic laws as he evaded capture, exceeding speed limits, running red lights, and executing risky overtaking maneuvers, thereby endangering both officers and pedestrians.

Details of the High-Speed Pursuit in Lanaken

The pursuit concluded with the teenager crashing his motorcycle but continuing to flee on foot. Police conducted a search and later discovered that a driver had picked him up. Officers promptly intercepted the vehicle and arrested both the teenager and the driver.

He now faces serious charges, including attempted assault on a police officer, evading arrest, and numerous traffic violations. The investigation is ongoing.

Law enforcement described the teenager’s actions as reckless and disrespectful. The case is being treated with utmost seriousness, with the teenager set to appear before a juvenile judge, who will evaluate his accountability for fleeing from police and jeopardizing public safety.

The dramatic incident began during a large BOB check in Lanaken, where police screened 306 drivers. Among those checked, one was found to be over the legal alcohol limit, while two others were driving under the influence of drugs. Another driver received a fine for using a mobile phone while driving. These BOB checks aim to enhance road safety and deter hazardous driving behaviors. The results underline their continued significance in enforcing traffic laws and preventing accidents.

In a related incident from May, a 25-year-old man was pursued by police in the Antwerp area after riding an e-scooter at speeds of up to 90 km/h without valid registration and in violation of a lifelong driving ban. This pursuit also ended in a crash, with the suspect attempting to flee on foot before being apprehended by the authorities.

Trump Announces 100% Tariff on Chips and Semiconductors

In a bold move, President Donald Trump has declared a substantial 100% tariff on chips and semiconductors, a decision aimed at reshaping the U.S. manufacturing landscape. This announcement emerged during a live news conference alongside the unveiling of Apple’s $100 billion manufacturing plan in the United States, where Trump emphasized that companies willing to invest in U.S. production would be exempt from the tariff, reports 24brussels.

Trump articulated, “We’re going to be putting a very large tariff on chips and semiconductors, but the good news for companies like Apple is if you’re building in the United States or have committed to build without question in the United States, there will be no charge.” His comments underline a significant shift in trade policy, targeting semiconductor imports while encouraging domestic manufacturing.

The president further clarified that even a mere commitment to invest in U.S. manufacturing could suffice to evade tariffs. “If you’ve made a commitment to build or you’re in the process of building, as many are, there is no tariff,” Trump stated. This approach raises questions about enforcement and accountability, as companies may face scrutiny regarding their actual investments.

Industry experts are assessing which companies might be adversely affected by this tariff, given that most major chipmakers already maintain some level of U.S. manufacturing commitment. Notably, Taiwan’s TSMC announced a $100 billion investment in U.S. facilities earlier this year, aligning with Trump’s manufacturing objectives.Trump’s emphasis on domestic production resonates amid ongoing global supply chain challenges.

However, ambiguity still surrounds the implementation of these tariffs. Previous threats to levy tariffs on chips have been softened, with many semiconductor products previously exempted from duties. As it stands, the timeline for the enactment of these new tariffs remains unclear, placing manufacturers in a state of uncertainty as they navigate potential trade implications.

AMD CEO Lisa Su highlighted that U.S.-made chips may carry a premium of 5% to 20%, further complicating the landscape for U.S. tech companies. The ramifications of Trump’s latest tariff proclamation could significantly influence the industry dynamics, prompting manufacturers to reconsider their supply chain and production strategies.

With tariffs set to take effect on August 7, industry stakeholders are positioned at a critical juncture, as Trump’s policies will not only shape the semiconductor market but also have broader implications for technological innovation and global competitiveness.