Cummings Aerospace Unveils 3D-Printed Turbojet Drone, Hellhound, for US Army Competition

On May 13, 2025, the United States and Saudi Arabia announced the signing of agreements worth $600 billion, including a landmark $142 billion defense pact, during President Donald Trump’s visit to the kingdom. The deals, which encompass critical minerals and energy security, were revealed in Riyadh, marking Trump's first overseas trip of his second term. The White House described the defense agreement as “the largest defense sales agreement in history,” promising substantial military supplies and support from U.S. firms. This includes advancements in air and missile defense, maritime security, and extensive training for Saudi Armed Forces, according to a fact sheet released by the administration. During the meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Trump expressed hopes to expand Saudi investments in the U.S. to $1 trillion. While the agreement boosts U.S.-Saudi ties, it remains unclear if it will involve the long-sought F-35 fighter jets, which Saudi Arabia currently cannot procure. Previous efforts to formalize a defense cooperation agreement under the previous administration faced setbacks due to regional tensions, notably the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

A New Jersey couple, Treva Edwards, 60, and Christine Edwards, 63, have been charged with forcing church members into slave labor and sexual exploitation for nearly a decade, according to federal prosecutors. The couple allegedly operated their scheme from 2011 until 2020 at their Jesus is Lord by the Holy Ghost church in Orange, where they isolated vulnerable individuals, monitoring their activities under the guise of religious obedience. Prosecutors claim that the Edwards manipulated victims into believing that noncompliance would incur divine punishment. They forced attendees to perform strenuous work in return for minimal food and sleep, and Treva Edwards is also accused of sexually assaulting a woman, resulting in her pregnancy and subsequent abortion. The U.S. Attorney's Office reported that the couple pocketed profits from the labor of their victims while imposing strict daily regimens of work and prayer. Both were charged in a federal indictment, with Treva facing additional counts of forced labor and sex trafficking. They could face sentences ranging from 20 years to life, emphasizing the federal commitment to combating human trafficking, said U.S. Attorney Alina Habba.

U.S. and Chinese officials announced a significant development in their ongoing trade war, agreeing on a 90-day truce and reducing tariffs on each other’s goods. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated that the U.S. will cut its tariff on Chinese products from 145% to 30%, while China's tariff on U.S. goods will decrease from 125% to 10%. This announcement, made in Geneva, was met with a positive response from global markets, which rallied after the two economic powerhouses stepped back from escalating tensions. According to China's Commerce Ministry, this agreement cancels 91% of tariffs that have affected trade between the nations and is viewed as a crucial step to resolving trade differences. "This initiative serves the interests of both nations and the global economy," the ministry remarked. The negotiations took place over two days in a villa in Geneva, where officials emphasized the necessity of ongoing dialogue to mitigate the impact of trade penalties. While this truce represents a substantial de-escalation, analysts warn that the future remains uncertain as significant issues underlying the trade war persist.