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‘We were at their mercy’: inside the Amazon tactics that hiked prices across the internet

July 21, 2026 • Business • Guardian US

Summary

Amazon used pressure tactics on product suppliers to raise prices on competing retail websites. Internal emails and court claims show Amazon threatened to reduce sales or demand payments from suppliers if their products were cheaper on rival sites.

Key Facts

Prices for some products like lamps, air fryers, and ice-cream makers increased significantly after Amazon intervened.
Amazon flagged low prices on competitor sites as threats and told suppliers their sales on Amazon might be cut.
Amazon lowered prices on some items to match rivals and then asked suppliers to compensate for lost revenue.
Suppliers often raised prices on Amazon’s competitors or pulled products from those sites to comply with Amazon’s demands.
California’s attorney general sued Amazon, accusing the company of widespread price fixing to control product prices.
The lawsuit includes many internal Amazon emails and documents revealing these tactics.
Examples include a supplier pulling products from Best Buy and raising prices on Amazon, and another paying Amazon $100,000 as compensation.

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Guardian US Guardian Tech

Hegseth set for Senate grilling as Iran war sours

July 21, 2026 • Us • The Hill

Summary

Nick Hegseth, a political figure, is preparing to face tough questions in the Senate about funding for the conflict involving Iran. The situation is urgent because money for the war efforts may soon run out, and there is also a recent meeting between Lebanon’s president and President Donald Trump.

Key Facts

Nick Hegseth is set to appear before the Senate for questioning.
He will address the need for more funding related to the conflict with Iran.
There are concerns that current funds for the Iran war may not last much longer.
The Lebanon president recently met with President Donald Trump.
The Boston Red Sox have a 14-game winning streak, mentioned as a side note.
The article highlights urgent political and military funding issues involving the U.S. and Iran.
This news was included in The Hill’s midday newsletter.

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The Hill

What is the Missing Piece in America’s Higher Education Environment?

July 21, 2026 • Us • Newsweek

Summary

Many college students face challenges like anxiety and money problems while studying. Experts say students need skills called executive functions—such as planning and managing emotions—to succeed in college and beyond.

Key Facts

A 2026 survey found 69% of college students had mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or ADHD in the past year.
Students from lower-income families often lack enough financial support despite rising college costs.
Executive function includes skills like memory, flexibility in thinking, and controlling impulses and emotions.
These skills help students plan, solve problems, and handle daily tasks needed for college success.
Executive function also affects long-term outcomes like job stability, career success, and health.
Students often struggle when they must manage their time and responsibilities more independently in college.
More universities are supporting neurodivergent students (those with brain differences) with special accommodations.
Academic knowledge alone may not be enough for students to do well without strong executive functioning skills.

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Newsweek

Deadly attack on U.S. forces in Jordan part of evolving Iranian tactics

July 21, 2026 • World • CBS News

Summary

Iranian forces have launched missile and drone attacks on a U.S. air base in Jordan, killing two American soldiers and injuring many others. These attacks show advanced Iranian missile technology able to evade U.S. and Jordanian defenses, raising concerns about the protection of U.S. troops in the region.

Key Facts

Iranian missiles hit Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan multiple times within 48 hours, causing U.S. casualties.
Two U.S. soldiers died and dozens were wounded in the recent attacks.
Iranian missiles and drones have bypassed U.S. and Jordanian air defense systems.
President Trump acknowledged that "other operators" at the base might have allowed some missiles through.
About 100 U.S. service members have been injured in Iranian strikes across the Middle East this month.
Iranian forces use simple missiles to distract radar and then fire more advanced missiles that change course near the target.
Jordan had mostly avoided attacks before but is now targeted alongside other U.S. allies in the region.
U.S. Central Command is still reviewing the attacks and has not disclosed full details publicly.

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CBS News

House Democrats not supportive of ‘bad’ continuing resolution

July 21, 2026 • Us • The Hill

Summary

House Democrats have expressed strong opposition to the current continuing resolution (CR) proposed by House GOP leaders. They are concerned about funding decisions in the bill, especially related to the ongoing war.

Key Facts

House GOP leaders are working quickly to pass a new continuing resolution this week.
Many House Democrats attended their weekly meeting and shared negative views about the CR.
Democrats do not want additional funding included for the war.
The continuing resolution is a stopgap funding measure to keep the government operating.
The disagreement shows a clear divide between Democrats and Republicans in the House over funding priorities.
The outcome of the CR will affect government spending and priorities in the short term.

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The Hill

Nicaragua Ends All Elections: How President Compares To World's Strongmen

July 21, 2026 • World • Newsweek

Summary

Nicaragua’s President Daniel Ortega announced the country will stop holding elections, which marks a shift away from democracy after years of political crackdowns. Ortega has been in power for over 20 years and is criticized by human rights groups and the U.S. government for authoritarian rule and suppressing opposition.

Key Facts

President Daniel Ortega said parties supported by the U.S. and the former Somoza family will never regain power in Nicaragua.
Ortega has been in power since the 1980s, with a break, but has ruled continuously for two decades now.
The U.S. government calls Ortega and his wife Rosario Murillo "dictators" and has sanctioned officials in their regime.
The United Nations Human Rights Council describes Nicaragua as an "authoritarian state" and Ortega’s government left the council in early 2025.
In 2018, government forces killed at least 355 protesters during nationwide protests against Ortega’s government.
Before the 2021 elections, Ortega’s government arrested opposition politicians and critics and changed laws to hold detainees longer without charges.
Nicaragua lacks an independent judicial system; judges are influenced by the government to target opposition.
Both Nicaragua and Venezuela are seen by U.S. commissions as major violators of freedom of religion, with state crackdowns on the Catholic Church.

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Newsweek

Hegseth, Caine to testify before Senate panel amid escalating Iran war

July 21, 2026 • Us • CBS News

Summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine will testify before a Senate committee about recent escalations in the war with Iran. They will discuss the Trump administration’s request for $67 billion in additional Pentagon funding to cover war costs after several U.S. soldiers were killed in Iranian attacks.

Key Facts

Hegseth and Caine will testify Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. before a Senate committee.
At least three U.S. service members have died recently due to Iranian attacks and related activities.
Since the war began in February, 17 U.S. service members have been killed and nearly 100 injured.
The U.S. has carried out 10 straight nights of strikes on Iranian military targets following the collapse of a ceasefire.
The Trump administration requested $67 billion for the Pentagon to cover war expenses and related costs.
The total requested supplemental funding last month was $88 billion, including money for munitions, operations, and classified programs.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins will also testify regarding related funding requests.
Some senators from both parties question or want limits on the war funding and Trump’s war powers.

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CBS News

Speaker Johnson backs more restrictions on relationships between lawmakers and staff

July 21, 2026 • Us • The Hill

Summary

Speaker Mike Johnson said he supports making stricter rules to ban sexual relationships between members of Congress and Capitol Hill staff. Some top Republican women in the House have also asked for a complete ban on these kinds of relationships.

Key Facts

Speaker Mike Johnson is from Louisiana and belongs to the Republican Party.
He spoke about revising the House rules on sexual relationships between lawmakers and staff.
Some Republican women members of the House want a full ban on these relationships.
Johnson expressed his support for expanding the existing ban.
The current rules already prohibit some relationships but may not cover all situations.
This discussion happened during a press conference.
The goal is to promote a professional workplace environment in Congress.
No specific new rules or proposals have been officially announced yet.

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The Hill

Trump administration investigating Harvard over international students’ financial aid

July 21, 2026 • Us • The Hill

Summary

The Trump administration is investigating Harvard University. The Department of Justice will check if Harvard's financial aid programs for students with ties to China unfairly exclude U.S. citizen students.

Key Facts

The investigation started under President Donald Trump’s administration.
It focuses on Harvard’s financial aid programs connected to China.
The concern is that some American citizen students may have been left out.
The Department of Justice will conduct a compliance review at Harvard.
The review will determine if the university broke laws about fair financial aid.
The investigation aims to find if any U.S. students were unfairly denied aid.
It involves looking at Harvard’s practices related to international students and financial aid.

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The Hill

Steep rise in civilian casualties in Russia-Ukraine war, UN says

July 21, 2026 • World • Al Jazeera

Summary

The United Nations reports a sharp rise in civilian deaths and injuries in the Russia-Ukraine war during the first half of 2026. Most casualties are caused by long-range missiles and drones targeting cities far from the front lines, with both sides increasing air strikes and attacks on key infrastructure.

Key Facts

The UN documented 1,396 civilians killed and 7,978 wounded in Ukraine in the first six months of 2026.
Civilian casualties in Ukraine increased by 37% compared to the same period in 2025 and nearly doubled since 2024.
In Russia, 250 civilians were killed and 1,596 injured in attacks during this period, a 121% increase from last year.
Both Russia and Ukraine have intensified air strikes on vital infrastructure amid stalled peace talks led by the United States.
Russia often uses ballistic missiles, while Ukraine is short of Patriot missile defenses.
Ukraine has increased drone attacks on Russian targets such as oil depots, causing civilian casualties including workers killed in warehouse strikes.
Short-range drones, especially ones operated via first-person view (FPV), have caused a 65% rise in civilian injuries near front-line areas.
A Russian missile attack on a cargo ship near Odesa killed 10 crew members, including four Indians, prompting India to protest to Russia.

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Al Jazeera

Obama Ally Issues Warning to Democrats About Socialists — 'Hijacked'

July 21, 2026 • Us • Newsweek

Summary

Van Jones, a longtime ally of President Barack Obama, warned that the youth movement within the Democratic Party is being taken over by people with extreme and unrealistic ideas. This comes as more democratic socialists win primary elections, causing tension between moderate and progressive wings of the party ahead of the 2024 elections.

Key Facts

Van Jones expressed concern that the youth movement in the Democratic Party is being "hijacked" by people with extreme views.
Democratic socialist candidates have won more primary races for the 2026 midterms.
The Democratic Party is trying to solidify its policies to regain control of Congress in the November elections.
Some democratic socialists backed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) have won key primaries in places like New York City, Colorado, Missouri, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
The DSA says their ideas challenge billionaires and oppose injustices in healthcare, housing, and immigration.
The rise of democratic socialism grew after Senator Bernie Sanders’ 2016 campaign.
This movement helped bring ideas like Medicare for All and free college tuition into mainstream political discussions.
The success of DSA-backed candidates is creating tensions between moderate Democrats and the party’s progressive wing.

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Newsweek

Structural shifts demand a new central banking mindset

July 21, 2026 • Business • The Hill

Summary

Central banks need to change how they manage the economy because big changes are happening in the world. Problems like countries growing apart and changes in population are ending the time of low inflation and steady growth.

Key Facts

Central banks are responsible for setting monetary policy, which controls things like interest rates and inflation.
Geopolitical fragmentation means countries are less connected or cooperating.
Demographic shifts refer to changes in the population, such as aging or growth patterns.
These changes are making it harder to keep inflation low.
Economic stability, where prices and growth are steady, is coming to an end.
Central banks must rethink and redesign their policies to adapt to these new conditions.

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The Hill

Organ donation helped save seven lives after crash

July 21, 2026 • World • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Edward Pearce, a 20-year-old man from East Sussex, died in a crash on the A27 and donated six organs that saved seven lives. His family said he was a registered organ donor and remembered him for his kindness and generosity.

Key Facts

Edward Pearce died in a crash near Pevensey on July 13, 2026.
He was traveling to work when the crash happened.
Pearce donated six organs that helped seven people needing transplants.
He had been a registered organ donor before his death.
Pearce also became a bone marrow donor at age four to help his brother.
The crash involved two vans: a white Mercedes Sprinter and a white VW Caddy.
A 31-year-old man from Bexhill was arrested for dangerous and drug driving related to the crash.
Sussex Police are seeking witnesses and videos related to the crash.

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BBC Top Stories

Trump admin. halts $1 billion in Medicaid payments to California, Minnesota

July 21, 2026 • Us • CBS News

Summary

The Trump administration is pausing over $1 billion in Medicaid payments to California and Minnesota to review claims flagged for potential fraud. The hold is temporary and states can provide more information to get the funds released.

Key Facts

The administration paused $867.5 million in Medicaid payments to California and $199 million to Minnesota.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) found spending patterns in California’s in-home care programs that grew faster than national trends.
Minnesota’s paused funds relate to 14 “high-risk” service areas needing more documentation.
The funds are not cut but delayed while officials verify the claims meet federal rules.
The administration launched an anti-fraud task force targeting abuses in federal healthcare programs.
Earlier, eight people were arrested in a healthcare fraud case involving over $50 million.
Over 700 hospices in Los Angeles County showed red flags for possible fraud, according to a CBS News analysis.
Fraud investigations in Minnesota estimate losses could exceed $1 billion.

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CBS News

As he hosts the Lebanese president, Trump says the US 'will help' the country

July 21, 2026 • World • France24

Summary

President Donald Trump hosted Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the White House on July 20, 2026. During the meeting, President Trump said the United States will help Lebanon amid rising tensions in the region involving Hezbollah and Israel.

Key Facts

The meeting between President Trump and President Joseph Aoun was their first face-to-face encounter.
Lebanon’s army is taking control of pilot safe zones in southern Lebanon.
Lebanon faces pressure to disarm Hezbollah, a powerful armed group.
Lebanon is seeking Israel's withdrawal from southern parts of the country.
The US expressed support for Lebanon during this diplomatic visit.
The region is experiencing ongoing conflict and tension involving Israel, Lebanon, Iran, and the US.
The meeting aims to address security and political challenges in the Middle East.

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France24

America’s Allies Must Tell Iran: A Hormuz Toll Will Lead To War | Opinion

July 21, 2026 • World • Newsweek

Summary

Iran is demanding fees for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil and gas exports. This move challenges international rules that keep important sea routes open for all countries and could lead to serious conflict if not addressed by global powers.

Key Facts

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway where about 20% of the world’s oil exports pass.
Iran wants to charge fees (tolls) for ships navigating this strait.
This demand breaks the international principle that seas should remain open to all nations for trade.
If Iran’s claim is accepted, other countries might try to charge for passage through other important sea routes.
Iran is also asking ships to avoid waters that belong to Oman, which is seen as an aggressive demand.
The article suggests that NATO and other allies should warn Iran that charging fees on international shipping could be a reason for war.
It recommends a coordinated international response, including countries like India and Arab states.
The article proposes a complete blockade of Iran if the country continues this behavior, despite the expected global economic impacts.

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Newsweek

Godzilla v Kong actor Kaylee Hottle dies aged 18

July 21, 2026 • World • Guardian World

Summary

Kaylee Hottle, an 18-year-old actress known for her role as Jia in the movies Godzilla v Kong and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, has died in a car accident in Maryland. Her family, the Texas School for the Deaf, and co-stars shared condolences following the news.

Key Facts

Kaylee Hottle played Jia, a deaf orphan, in Godzilla v Kong (2021) and its 2024 sequel.
Jia’s character forms a special bond with the monster Godzilla in the films.
Hottle’s family is deaf, and her father confirmed her death in an American Sign Language (ASL) video on Facebook.
She died in a car crash in Frederick, Maryland.
Actress Rebecca Hall and actor Alexander Skarsgård learned ASL to communicate with Hottle on set.
Kaylee Hottle was nominated for a Saturn Award for best younger actor for her role in the sequel.
She also acted in commercials and an episode of the television reboot Magnum PI.
Hottle spoke about the importance of deaf representation in acting and wanted to inspire other deaf people.

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Guardian World

US appeals court overturns ruling that freed Columbia activist Mahdawi

July 21, 2026 • Us • Al Jazeera

Summary

A U.S. appeals court reversed a lower court’s decision that had ordered the release of Columbia University activist Mohsen Mahdawi from immigration detention. The Trump administration is continuing efforts to deport Mahdawi, who is a lawful permanent resident and a pro-Palestinian student protester.

Key Facts

The appeals court overturned a 2025 ruling by Judge Geoffrey Crawford to release Mahdawi from detention.
Mahdawi was arrested in April 2025 after attending what he thought was a U.S. citizenship interview and was detained for two weeks without being charged with a crime.
He is a lawful permanent resident born in the occupied West Bank.
The Board of Immigration Appeals reinstated deportation proceedings against him in May, overturning an earlier immigration judge’s decision that had blocked deportation.
The immigration judge who blocked deportation was later fired by the Trump administration.
The Trump administration argues it can deport non-citizens if their presence harms U.S. foreign policy interests.
Mahdawi and human rights lawyers say the government is trying to punish him for his peaceful political speech supporting Palestinian rights.
Mahdawi’s case is part of a wider crackdown on pro-Palestinian activism on U.S. college campuses by the Trump administration.

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Al Jazeera

Replay: Lebanon's Joseph Aoun and US's Donald Trump hold press conference

July 21, 2026 • World • France24

Summary

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. Their meeting occurred as there is growing pressure on Lebanon to disarm the group Hezbollah.

Key Facts

Joseph Aoun is the President of Lebanon.
Donald Trump is the President of the United States.
They held a press conference after their meeting at the White House.
The main issue discussed involves Lebanon and the armed group Hezbollah.
There is international pressure on Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah.
The meeting happens amid ongoing tensions involving Iran, the U.S., and Middle East conflicts.
Recent related events include exchanges of strikes between the U.S. and Iran and concerns about regional security.

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France24

Trump admin freezes more than $1 billion in Medicaid funds

July 21, 2026 • Us • Axios

Summary

The Trump administration is stopping over $1 billion in Medicaid payments to California and Minnesota because of questionable claims for in-home care services. Federal health officials want the states to investigate these claims more closely before releasing the funds.

Key Facts

The administration is holding back about $867.5 million for California and $199 million for Minnesota in Medicaid payments.
The freezes come after financial reviews found unsupported or suspicious claims related to in-home care.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) identified areas where claims grew faster than national trends or lacked proper documents.
The Department of Health and Human Services plans to increase efforts to remove providers who commit fraud or misuse federal health programs.
Last year, the administration used Minnesota’s fraud problems to justify increased immigration enforcement actions.
In May, CMS deferred $1.3 billion in Medicaid funds to California, the largest deferral ever by the agency.
CMS also placed a six-month pause on enrolling new hospice and home health providers to reduce fraud.
CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz said this approach protects taxpayer money from being stolen or misused.

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