Democrats in the House and Senate say their party is not in trouble despite disagreements between progressive (left) and moderate (center) members. They argue that recent primary wins by democratic socialists do not mean the party is being controlled by them.
Key Facts
Democrats face internal debates between progressive socialists and moderate members.
Some Democrats worry these disagreements could hurt the party.
Democratic socialists have won several primary elections recently.
Party leaders say these wins do not indicate a takeover by socialists.
There are disagreements within the party over issues like Israel.
Democrats in Congress remain confident about their party’s overall direction.
The debate reflects different views within the Democratic Party.
Party members emphasize unity despite internal differences.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The European Union’s foreign service report highlights a major increase in Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian lands, which threatens the chance for a two-state solution. The report calls these settlements part of a wider plan that violates Palestinian rights and could prevent a future Palestinian state.
Key Facts
The EU’s annual 2025 report confirmed that Israeli settlement building is a coordinated political project, not just population growth.
In 2025, Israel approved 54 new official settlements and created 86 new outposts in the West Bank (excluding East Jerusalem).
Plans exist for over 63,000 new settlement housing units, with more than half planned in East Jerusalem, more than doubling from 2023.
Settlement policies are fragmenting the West Bank and isolating East Jerusalem, threatening the viability of a future Palestinian state.
Approximately 800,000 settlers now live in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, supported by Israeli infrastructure and military forces.
Israeli settlers have used violence against Palestinians, often with protection from Israeli soldiers.
The EU has repeatedly stated support for a two-state solution, but its reaction to these developments has been limited.
The report links these settlement expansions to a broader pattern of land confiscation, population displacement, and governance changes harmful to Palestinians.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
India has extended a shutdown of mobile internet in its capital, New Delhi, amid large youth protests against problems in the education system. The youth group called "Cockroach" plans to meet government officials to discuss the issues after activist Sonam Wangchuk ended a long hunger strike.
Key Facts
The internet shutdown affects mobile users in New Delhi.
The protests are led by a youth group named "Cockroach."
The protests focus on issues within India's education system.
Sonam Wangchuk, an activist, recently ended a 26-day hunger strike.
Talks between youth leaders and the government are scheduled to resolve the conflict.
The protests represent a significant challenge for Prime Minister Narendra Modi since he took office in 2014.
The public is angry about exam problems and other scandals related to education.
The government aims to address the concerns through dialogue with protest leaders.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Many AI experts worry that AI could be used to create dangerous new biological weapons, such as a deadly pathogen that spreads quickly and is hard to detect. A recent study found there is a significant chance of catastrophic outcomes from AI-related risks by 2030, including AI-enabled weapons, which has prompted leaders from major AI companies to call for stronger safety measures.
Key Facts
AI experts often name the creation of a deadly pathogen using AI as their top risk concern.
A study with 272 researchers estimates a 12% chance of a catastrophic event caused by AI by 2030, even with safety efforts.
Catastrophic is defined as causing more than 1 million deaths or $100 billion in damage.
Creating chemical or biological weapons with AI is considered a high-ranked risk.
Leading AI figures from companies like OpenAI, Google DeepMind, and Meta signed a letter warning about AI bioweapons risks.
AI could speed up discovering how to make pathogens more harmful by analyzing large biological datasets.
Advances in gene-editing tools combined with AI may make synthesizing dangerous pathogens easier and cheaper.
Detecting and preventing these threats will be a major challenge as AI models become more powerful and open-source models become widely available.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with representatives of Raytheon, a U.S. company that makes Patriot air defense systems. They discussed producing these missile defense systems jointly in Ukraine to better protect against Russian missile attacks during the ongoing conflict.
Key Facts
President Zelenskyy met with Raytheon officials in Kyiv to talk about making Patriot missile defense systems together.
Patriot systems include radars, command systems, and interceptor missiles that stop incoming attacks.
U.S. President Donald Trump recently promised Ukraine a license to produce Patriots, showing stronger U.S. support.
Ukraine wants to produce these systems quickly due to frequent Russian ballistic missile attacks causing damage and civilian harm.
Making Patriot systems in Ukraine will take years, experts say, despite the urgent need.
Zelenskyy’s efforts show growing U.S. and Western cooperation with Ukraine amid the war with Russia.
Ukraine has been developing its own drone technology and has increased attacks on Russian targets to disrupt their logistics.
Russia has only controlled about 20% of Ukraine since the invasion began in 2014, with Ukraine successfully resisting advances.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
UNESCO has added the West Bank town of Sebastia and several castles in southern Lebanon to its World Heritage List. Israel objected to these decisions, saying the nominations were political and ignored the sites' Jewish and Christian history.
Key Facts
UNESCO approved Sebastia in the West Bank and five castles in Lebanon’s Mount Amel area as World Heritage Sites.
The sites were also added to the List of World Heritage in Danger.
Sebastia is known as ancient Samaria, linked to biblical history and John the Baptist’s burial tradition.
The Palestinian delegation first submitted Sebastia’s nomination in 2012 to help preserve the site.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry opposed the nominations, calling them politically motivated and a “weaponization” of cultural heritage.
Israel does not recognize a Palestinian state and has been expanding land expropriation near Sebastia.
The Lebanese castles show architectural influences from Crusader to Mamluk periods.
Israel withdrew from UNESCO in 2019, citing bias against it regarding historical sites.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Axel Rudakubana, who was given a life sentence for killing three children and injuring others in a 2024 attack, has been moved from prison to a high-security psychiatric hospital. The families' lawyer says this move might be an attempt by Rudakubana to manipulate the system, and the Ministry of Justice confirmed the sentence remains unchanged.
Key Facts
Axel Rudakubana, aged 19, killed three children and tried to kill others in a knife attack in Southport on 29 July 2024.
He was originally sentenced to life in prison with a 52-year minimum term announced in January 2025.
Rudakubana was moved on Thursday from HMP Belmarsh prison to Broadmoor psychiatric hospital, a high-security mental health unit.
Prisoners can be moved to psychiatric hospitals if they present risks due to mental health problems, under the Mental Health Act.
Rudakubana attacked a prison officer with boiling water in May 2025.
The transfer happened close to the second anniversary of the attack.
The families’ lawyer calls the transfer a potential attempt by Rudakubana to manipulate the justice system.
The Ministry of Justice said the move does not change Rudakubana’s sentence and expressed sympathy for the victims' families.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Six candidates are competing to become the next United Nations secretary-general to lead from January 2027. The UN faces challenges including financial problems and loss of trust, making this leadership choice important.
Key Facts
The current UN secretary-general, Antonio Guterres, will be replaced in early 2027.
Six people are competing for this top UN leadership position.
Candidates shared their ideas and plans for the UN on July 24, 2026.
The UN is dealing with financial difficulties.
There is a crisis of confidence, meaning trust in the UN is low.
The new leader will guide the UN during these challenging times.
The selection process for the new secretary-general is ongoing.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Four Palestinians were killed and four others injured during a clash involving Israeli settlers and forces in the West Bank town of Tal near Nablus. One Israeli settler was also killed, and the Israeli military responded to what it described as an attack on Israelis in the area.
Key Facts
Four Palestinians died and four were injured in Tal, a town in the occupied West Bank near Nablus.
The attack involved Israeli settlers and the Israeli military; settlers allegedly opened live fire first.
One Israeli settler was killed and two others injured during the clashes.
About 25 to 30 Israeli settlers initially attacked the eastern part of Tal and tried to enter Palestinian homes.
The Israeli military said it intervened after a Palestinian stole a weapon and fired at settlers.
Israeli forces imposed a security cordon around Nablus and Tal, closing checkpoints and restricting movement.
Since the start of the year, 86 Palestinians have been killed by Israelis in the West Bank, including 21 by settlers.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised a strong response and called an emergency meeting after the incident.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The U.S. has removed tariffs on Scotch whisky after President Donald Trump agreed to lift them following King Charles and Queen Camilla's state visit in April. This deal also allows Kentucky bourbon barrels to enter the UK without tariffs, benefiting whisky producers and related businesses on both sides.
Key Facts
The U.S. had a 10% tariff on Scotch whisky since April 2025, which was set to increase to 25% on single malts.
Scotland exports more whisky to the U.S. than any other country.
Tariffs cost the Scotch whisky industry about £150 million; the U.S. market was worth around £933 million in 2025.
The deal removes tariffs on Kentucky bourbon barrels, which are used to age Scotch whisky, entering the UK tariff-free.
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney said the deal benefits workers and businesses in both Scotland and the U.S.
President Trump lifted the tariffs after King Charles and Queen Camilla’s visit to the U.S. in April 2025.
There was political debate over who deserved credit for the tariff removal, with Swinney highlighting a combined effort involving King Charles and meetings with President Trump.
The Scotch Whisky Association sees the tariff removal as positive for economic ties and job creation on both sides of the Atlantic.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Oil prices rose above $100 a barrel for the first time since May due to increasing tensions in the Middle East. The rise follows attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea and President Donald Trump’s statement about possibly launching a large attack on Iran.
Key Facts
Brent crude oil price climbed above $100 a barrel again, reaching levels not seen since May.
Tensions in the Middle East are growing, especially around the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.
Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels said they attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea.
These attacks raise concerns about safe shipping routes for oil in the region.
President Donald Trump said he is considering a "massive attack" on Iran.
Iran warned it would hold any country responsible that helps the U.S. attack.
The situation is causing uncertainty in the global oil market.
Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Iran, and the U.S. are key players involved in this conflict and its economic impact.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
France is facing a serious wildfire crisis in its southwest region. Over 20,000 people have been evacuated from the village of Lège-Cap-Ferret, and fires have burned at least 4,800 hectares of land.
Key Facts
Intense wildfires hit southwestern France earlier this week.
More than 20,000 people were forced to leave their homes in Lège-Cap-Ferret.
At least 4,800 hectares (about 11,860 acres) have been burned by the fires.
Authorities have ordered evacuations to protect residents and tourists.
The situation is still very serious and ongoing.
Dry weather and heat may be contributing to the spread of the fires.
The wildfires are part of a wider pattern of climate-related events affecting Europe.
Emergency teams are working to control the flames and support the people affected.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
India’s government has extended a mobile internet shutdown in New Delhi amid large protests led by young people demanding education reforms. Leaders of the youth “Cockroach” movement agreed to meet with officials but said their protests will keep going.
Key Facts
The protests are led by a youth group called the “Cockroach” movement.
The government extended the mobile internet shutdown in New Delhi to control the protests.
The protests are focused on issues with India’s education system, including exam irregularities.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk ended a 26-day hunger strike during the protests.
Talks between youth leaders and government officials are scheduled to try to solve the standoff.
Public anger has grown due to scandals related to the education system.
The movement has spread to other cities like Mumbai.
Police have been accused of harsh treatment of peaceful protesters.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Spanish government declared a national emergency due to wildfires near Madrid and in Avila province. Around 10,000 people have been evacuated to keep them safe while firefighters work to control the fires.
Key Facts
Wildfires broke out late Thursday near Madrid and in the province of Avila.
The Spanish government declared a national emergency to respond faster.
About 10,000 people have been evacuated from the affected areas.
The emergency declaration helps move resources quickly to fight the fires.
Authorities said not enough has been done to prevent and control such fires in the past.
The fires are ongoing and considered more than a temporary problem.
The situation is linked to hot weather conditions fueling the wildfires.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited the University of Utah to talk about Utah’s new law banning fluoride and about food additives. This event took place on April 7, 2025, in Salt Lake City.
Key Facts
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the current Health Secretary.
He visited the University of Utah on April 7, 2025.
The visit focused on Utah’s new fluoride ban.
Discussions also covered legislation related to food additives.
The event took place in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The article mentions a weekly news quiz by The Associated Press.
The quiz aims to review major news stories from the week.
The article includes a photo by Melissa Majchrzak from the AP.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Philippines says China used water cannons on Philippine government boats for the second day near Scarborough Shoal, a disputed area in the South China Sea. China says it is enforcing the law on what it calls illegal Filipino vessels in the area, and both countries have protested by summoning each other’s ambassadors.
Key Facts
The Philippine Coast Guard accused the China Coast Guard of firing water cannons at Philippine vessels near Scarborough Shoal.
Scarborough Shoal is inside the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone but is also claimed by China.
Chinese vessels came very close to Philippine boats, causing a risk of collision.
The Philippine vessels were delivering fuel and conducting patrols to support local fishermen.
China claims the Filipino vessels were illegally gathering and ignored warnings.
Both incidents at Scarborough Shoal happened after a clash earlier in the week at another disputed area, Second Thomas Shoal.
Both countries have summoned each other’s ambassadors to protest the incidents.
China claims almost all of the South China Sea and has many coastguard ships there, increasing tensions with neighboring countries.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump will attend the rescheduled White House Correspondents' Association Dinner on Friday after the original event was cut short by a shooting in April. The dinner will recognize the bravery of a Secret Service officer and the hotel staff affected by the incident.
Key Facts
The original correspondents' dinner in April ended early due to a shooting at the Washington Hilton hotel.
Cole Allen fired shots, injuring Secret Service officer Victor Gonzales, who was protected by his vest and continued responding.
Allen faces charges including attempting to assassinate the president and assaulting a federal officer.
President Trump and other top officials were at the event when the shooting happened.
The rescheduled dinner will take place at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Washington, D.C.
The White House Correspondents' Association will give a special award to Officer Gonzales and the Washington Hilton staff for their courage and professionalism.
Mentalist Oz Pearlman, the originally planned entertainer, will perform again at the rescheduled dinner.
The event will complete the program that was interrupted in April, including awards and President Trump’s remarks.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Trump administration has taken a new position on artificial intelligence (AI) policy by supporting open AI development but accusing some Chinese companies of stealing U.S. technology through a method called distillation. This stance could lead to actions against Chinese AI firms while still allowing open AI models used by many businesses and researchers.
Key Facts
The administration supports open-weight AI models that are available for wide use.
It accuses China's company Moonshot of stealing U.S. AI technology by copying Anthropic's model using a process called distillation.
Distillation involves training a smaller AI model to copy the behavior of a larger model more efficiently.
U.S. officials say small-scale distillation is acceptable, but large-scale secretive use aimed at stealing technology is not.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and other officials warn about intellectual property theft by Chinese companies.
AI experts say distillation is mainly a technical issue, but the government sees it as a possible policy problem when used dishonestly.
The administration may consider sanctions or adding Chinese AI firms to a restricted list to stop illegal technology use.
A recent evaluation found the Chinese model Kimi K3 performs worse than leading AI models but is causing concern in the U.S. for its low cost and competition.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A software error in New Jersey allowed about 6,600 noncitizens to register to vote between June 2023 and June 2024. President Trump and Republicans are using this case to push for the passage of the SAVE Act, which would require voter ID and proof of citizenship for voter registration, before Congress' summer recess.
Key Facts
Approximately 6,600 noncitizens were mistakenly registered to vote in New Jersey due to a software glitch.
The error happened when noncitizens applied for driver’s licenses or ID cards and were asked about voter registration.
Fewer than 400 of these erroneously registered people actually voted, and their votes did not affect any election results.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill confirmed there is no evidence that elections were influenced by this mistake.
President Trump supports the SAVE Act, which aims to require voter ID and proof of citizenship to register to vote.
Trump and White House officials claim more noncitizens may be on voter rolls nationwide, though experts warn the system to identify such cases can have errors.
Trump has previously claimed, without evidence, that elections have been rigged and has promoted stricter voting laws.
The Trump administration wants Congress to pass the SAVE Act before the Senate breaks for its summer recess.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump has imposed new tariffs of 10 to 12.5 percent on imports from 60 countries. These tariffs are meant to target goods made with forced labour and replace previous temporary tariffs that ended after a Supreme Court ruling.
Key Facts
The tariffs apply to imports from 60 countries that make up 99% of U.S. imports.
The import taxes range from 10% to 12.5%, depending on whether a country has laws against forced labour imports.
Countries with anti-forced labour laws (like India, Pakistan, Argentina) face 10% tariffs; others (including China and the UK) face 12.5%.
The tariffs took effect immediately after earlier temporary 10% tariffs expired on Friday at 12:01 am Washington DC time.
The legal authority for these tariffs is Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, allowing action against unfair trade practices.
Previously, President Trump used the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs, but the Supreme Court ruled it did not authorize tariffs.
Earlier temporary tariffs under Section 122 of the Trade Act were set to expire after 150 days.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the goal is to stop human rights abuses and unfair trade by making partners enforce forced labour bans.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
