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The Biden administration is reviewing a proposed rule that might limit some immigrants’ access to federal tax credits. The rule would apply a 1996 law to reduce refundable tax benefits like the Earned Income Tax Credit for certain immigrants.
Key Facts
The Treasury Department sent the proposal to a regulatory office on July 14 for review before public comment.
The proposal aims to apply the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to some refundable tax credits.
Affected tax credits may include the Earned Income Tax Credit, Additional Child Tax Credit, American Opportunity Tax Credit, and Saver’s Match Credit.
The rule could exclude immigrants who are not “qualified aliens” under federal law from receiving these tax credits.
Lawful permanent residents and some immigrants with legal status may still be eligible if they meet IRS rules.
Immigrants without Social Security numbers valid for work generally cannot claim certain credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit.
Undocumented immigrants pay billions in federal, state, and local taxes annually but may lose access to some tax benefits if the rule advances.
The final impact depends on the exact wording and which immigrant groups are included in the rule.
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The Trump administration has decided to add a 25 percent tax on some products coming into the U.S. from Brazil. This happened after a one-year review found that Brazil used unfair trade actions.
Key Facts
The tariffs will be 25 percent on certain Brazilian imports.
The decision follows a yearlong investigation by the U.S. Trade Representative’s office.
The probe found issues with Brazil’s digital trade rules.
It also noted weak enforcement of anti-corruption measures in Brazil.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced the decision.
The tariff aims to address Brazil’s unfair trade practices.
This action is part of the Trump administration’s trade policy efforts.
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The US has increased its military strikes on Iran, targeting areas near Tehran and a ship trying to break a naval blockade. Iran responded by launching missiles and drones at US allies in the region, raising fears of a larger conflict and threatening a recent peace deal involving the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Key Facts
The US struck areas near Tehran and other provinces in Iran, and fired a missile at a tanker heading to Iran’s main oil export terminal after warnings were ignored.
Iran said these attacks killed over 35 people and wounded more than 300, forcing the evacuation of a cancer hospital in southwest Iran.
Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, and a drone attack was reported in Iraq’s Erbil city.
Iraq suspended oil loading after a drone crashed into an oil tanker in Basra without damage.
Iran threatened to expand attacks if US President Donald Trump carries out threats against Iranian infrastructure like power plants and nuclear sites.
Both sides are disputing control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments, which Iran has partly closed and the US is trying to keep open.
A recent interim deal aimed to keep the strait open for 60 days, but the US and Iran disagree on its terms and how transit lanes should be used.
The conflict and blockade have raised global energy prices and increased regional tensions.
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Actor Sam Neill, known for movies like "Jurassic Park" and "The Piano," died at age 78 from pneumonia in Sydney, Australia. Before his death, he had successfully treated a rare form of lymphoma cancer and was cancer free. His family plans to hold a private memorial service in New Zealand.
Key Facts
Sam Neill died of pneumonia at age 78 in Sydney.
He had previously battled a rare lymphoma cancer using CAR-T therapy and was in remission.
His death was described by family as sudden and unexpected.
Neill filmed four projects in the past year, set to be released soon.
A private memorial will be held later at his farm in New Zealand.
He was praised by filmmakers like Steven Spielberg and Taika Waititi for his work and character.
Neill was also a wine maker with a vineyard in Central Otago, New Zealand.
He is survived by four children and eight grandchildren.
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A report has found that MI5 gave false evidence to three courts while defending a violent neo-Nazi spy. Senior MI5 officers lied and misled colleagues about breaking the agency's secrecy policy, causing a serious failure in the intelligence service's conduct.
Key Facts
MI5 lied to three courts about keeping the identity of a violent neo-Nazi informant secret.
A senior MI5 officer, called Officer 2, repeatedly lied and gave false explanations to the courts.
Another senior officer, Officer 3, misled colleagues and was untruthful about warnings he received.
A deputy director involved in witness statements overstated facts, helping the false story continue.
MI5 broke its core secrecy policy called "neither confirm nor deny" (NCND) but told the courts it had not.
Even other agencies like MI6 were informed that NCND was broken, yet MI5 denied it in court.
The report criticized senior MI5 figures and the organization for serious and systemic failures.
The Home Secretary promised urgent measures to hold MI5 accountable for these mistakes.
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Three weeks after powerful earthquakes hit Venezuela, recovery efforts have moved from saving lives to rebuilding homes and infrastructure. The government has announced a plan for reconstruction, but many people are still unsure about the details and timing of this plan.
Key Facts
Earthquakes in Venezuela killed at least 4,829 people.
The disaster occurred about three weeks ago.
Rescue operations have mostly ended, and rebuilding work has started.
The Venezuelan government has a reconstruction plan.
Many communities remain uncertain about how the plan will work and when it will begin.
The earthquakes caused widespread damage to homes and infrastructure.
The situation is still difficult for affected families and regions.
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In March, Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed dozens of civilians, including many children, and destroyed families’ homes. Human rights group Amnesty International says these attacks may be war crimes because Israel did not properly protect civilians or clearly identify military targets.
Key Facts
Hussein Saleh lost his entire family in an Israeli airstrike in Tyre, southern Lebanon, in March.
Nine people died in the attack on Hussein’s home, including three children and a pregnant woman.
Amnesty International investigated three Israeli airstrikes between March 6 and 13 that killed 24 civilians in Lebanon.
Among the victims were 12 children aged 5 to 16 and 6 women.
Amnesty said Israel failed to distinguish between military and civilian targets and did not provide adequate warnings.
The attacks hit al-Thakana (Tyre), Arki village (Sidon district), and al-Rahbat (Nabatieh district).
Israel has not explained the targets of these attacks.
Since escalation in October 2023, over 4,250 people, including 250 children, have died due to Israeli actions in Lebanon, according to Lebanese officials.
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President Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts have involved not just ICE but also federal, state, and local law enforcement officers, creating a large force focused on deportations. This expansion has blurred the lines between local policing and federal immigration duties, making it harder for people to understand who is stopping them and raising civil rights concerns.
Key Facts
About 50,000 law enforcement officers across federal, state, and local levels have been involved in immigration enforcement under President Trump’s deportation campaign.
More than 25,000 federal officers outside of ICE, including around 9,161 FBI agents, took part in immigration enforcement during 2025.
Congress allocated $240 billion for immigration enforcement since July 2025, leading to the hiring of 12,000 new ICE agents.
The ACLU reviewed 1,213 immigration enforcement cases across multiple states in 2025 and found 375 incidents involving force or threats of force.
ICE has used various tactics such as physical force, chemical irritants, stun guns, and damage to vehicles during enforcement actions.
ICE pays state and local police through "287(g)" agreements to participate in immigration enforcement, with payments sometimes exceeding $40,000 per officer.
Local agencies like Florida Highway Patrol and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries conduct immigration sweeps routinely.
The use of unmarked police gear and masked agents has caused confusion and reduced trust in genuine local police work.
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Overnight attacks by Israeli settlers set fire to farmlands in Masafer Yatta and burned vehicles near Tulkarem in the occupied West Bank. Palestinian villages in the area continue to experience increasing violence and loss of land.
Key Facts
Israeli settlers attacked farmlands in Masafer Yatta overnight.
Vehicles were burned near the city of Tulkarem.
These attacks happen in the occupied West Bank region.
Palestinian villages in the area face growing settler violence.
Land loss is a continuing issue for the Palestinian communities there.
The violence and damage occurred during the night hours.
Masafer Yatta and Tulkarem are locations within the West Bank territory.
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A parasite called Cyclospora, linked to fresh produce, is causing illness that includes severe diarrhea. People are concerned about eating fruits and vegetables during this outbreak and want to know how to wash produce safely.
Key Facts
Cyclospora is a parasite found in some fresh fruits and vegetables.
It can cause symptoms like severe, watery diarrhea.
The parasite has been linked to an outbreak, making people cautious about eating raw produce.
Washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly is important to reduce the risk of infection.
Vinegar’s ability to kill Cyclospora is questioned, and proper washing methods are being discussed.
Symptoms can sometimes be serious and last for several days.
Cyclospora infections often come from contaminated food or water.
The outbreak has raised awareness about food safety and how to handle produce.
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Uganda has discharged its last confirmed Ebola patient and begun a 42-day period required by the World Health Organization before the country can be declared Ebola-free. The government is asking other countries to lift travel restrictions, which have hurt Uganda’s economy, while staying alert due to ongoing cases in neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Key Facts
Uganda’s last Ebola patient, a Congolese national, was discharged from hospital in Kampala.
A 42-day waiting period starts after the last case to confirm Uganda is Ebola-free.
Uganda’s Ebola outbreak had 20 infections and 2 deaths, with no new cases yet.
Fifteen countries still have travel restrictions on Uganda due to Ebola concerns.
The outbreak strain is the Bundibugyo strain, with no approved vaccine yet.
Uganda prepared well by training medical teams and setting up treatment centers before the outbreak.
Uganda is participating in trials for experimental Ebola treatments and vaccines.
Uganda and DRC have agreed on closer cooperation to control the outbreak and have sent health workers and labs to DRC.
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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a rule change that would reduce certain regulations. While this might make some processes easier, experts warn it could create risks to national security.
Key Facts
The EPA wants to change a rule to reduce regulatory requirements.
This change aims to make some regulations less strict or easier to follow.
Critics say this could lead to national security issues.
National security refers to protecting the country from threats such as terrorism or attacks.
The specific risks linked to the rule change have not been detailed in the article.
The rule change reflects a decision by the current administration under President Donald Trump.
The EPA is responsible for protecting the environment and public health.
Changes in EPA rules can affect industries and government policies.
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Toronto’s air quality worsened because smoke from nearby wildfires covered the city. On July 16, 2026, Toronto had the worst air pollution of any major city worldwide, surpassing cities like New Delhi and Kinshasa.
Key Facts
Smoke from wildfires affected the air in Toronto, Canada’s largest city.
The smoky sky appeared hazy yellow over the city.
The pollution level in Toronto reached the highest rank globally on July 16, 2026.
Swiss company IQAir ranked Toronto’s air quality worse than New Delhi and Kinshasa on that day.
The wildfires causing the smoke are part of a broader pattern of heatwave-driven fires in various regions.
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Ghana now requires all businesses and institutions to use a biometric app to verify national ID cards instead of photocopying or visually checking them. This rule aims to reduce fraud by ensuring real biometric data like fingerprints and iris scans are checked using a digital scanner.
Key Facts
All Ghanaian citizens and foreign residents must carry a plastic biometric national ID called the "Ghana Card."
The Ghana Card includes biometric data such as 10 fingerprints, iris scans, a photo, and a signature.
New rules make it illegal to photocopy or visually inspect the Ghana Card for transactions.
Businesses and institutions must use a mobile phone app that scans and verifies the biometric data on the card.
Penalties for organizations ignoring the rule can be fines up to 24,000 Ghanaian cedis (about $2,100), and individuals can be fined up to 6,000 cedis (about $525).
The National Identification Authority (NIA) will provide guidance soon on how to comply with the new regulations.
The Ghana Card is needed for important services like banking, getting a passport, registering SIM cards, and obtaining a driver’s license.
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Uganda has discharged its last patient treated for Ebola, leaving no active confirmed cases in the country. A 42-day period now begins before Uganda can be officially declared Ebola-free, provided no new cases appear.
Key Facts
The current Ebola outbreak in Uganda was declared in May and involved the Bundibugyo species of the virus.
Uganda recorded 20 confirmed Ebola cases, mostly visitors from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), with two deaths.
DR Congo remains the epicenter, with over 2,000 confirmed Ebola infections and 796 deaths.
Uganda has strong health protocols, including early detection, isolation, and contact tracing, to manage Ebola outbreaks.
The Ugandan Health Ministry advises people to watch for symptoms like fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and unexplained bleeding and seek medical care if they appear.
The US now requires citizens who have been in DR Congo to spend 21 days in a third country before entering the US.
Ebola is a virus that harms the immune system and organs, spreads through bodily fluids, and can start from infected animals like fruit bats.
The World Health Organization suggests the true number of Ebola infections in DR Congo may be much higher than reported.
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Smoke from more than 180 wildfires in Canada is drifting into the United States, causing poor and dangerous air quality in at least 17 states. Cities like Detroit and Minneapolis have some of the worst air in the world, with air conditions labeled as extremely hazardous.
Key Facts
Over 180 wildfires are burning in Canada, producing smoke that travels more than 1,000 miles into the U.S.
At least 17 U.S. states, from Minnesota to New Hampshire to Virginia, have air quality alerts due to wildfire smoke.
Detroit and Minneapolis have the worst air quality among major cities worldwide, with Detroit’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching about 600.
An AQI above 300 is considered hazardous for health.
Smoke is expected to continue moving east and south, affecting New York City, Washington D.C., Baltimore, Ohio, and Virginia through Friday.
New York City may experience orange-colored skies because of dense smoke.
Nine large wildfires also burn in northern Minnesota.
Officials and news outlets are monitoring the situation and providing updates on air quality.
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New Yorkers are being told to stay inside and limit outdoor activities as extreme heat and smoke from Canadian wildfires cause unhealthy air quality across the state. The city has opened cooling centers, distributed free masks, and adjusted public activities to help people cope with the situation.
Key Facts
Smoke from hundreds of Canadian wildfires is causing air pollution problems in New York.
A heat wave is raising temperatures near 100°F, with heat index values above 100 in parts of New York City.
Air quality levels are unhealthy, especially for sensitive groups, and some upstate areas have more severe pollution.
The Air Quality Index in New York City could reach around 200, which can harm everyone's health.
Health officials warn that wildfire smoke can cause coughing, dizziness, and worsen asthma or heart disease.
New Yorkers are advised to stay indoors, use air conditioning or purifiers, and wear N95/KN95 masks if outside.
The city opened hundreds of cooling centers to provide relief from the heat.
Free KN95 masks are available at public libraries and transit stations in the city.
Schools and public programs have shifted activities indoors or rescheduled to protect residents.
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In the U.S., some cities have more home sellers than buyers, giving buyers an advantage to negotiate prices. Cities like Miami, Nashville, and Houston have the most sellers compared to buyers, making it easier for buyers to find deals despite high mortgage rates and rising home prices.
Key Facts
Miami had nearly 140% more home sellers than buyers in June, the highest in the U.S.
Nationally, there were about 48.5% more home sellers than buyers in June, marking a buyer’s market.
A buyer’s market means there are at least 10% more sellers than buyers.
Around 70% of U.S. housing markets (33 of 47 metro areas) are currently buyer’s markets.
Many top buyer’s markets, especially in Florida and Texas, saw a boom in home buying during the pandemic due to low mortgage rates and remote work.
The rise in housing supply in these areas outpaced demand as mortgage rates rose to about 6.5%, and some remote workers returned to offices.
This extra supply caused home prices to stop rising as fast, benefiting buyers in these cities.
Despite the buyer’s market, high borrowing costs keep many potential buyers from making purchases.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a new program to screen soldiers aged 30 and older for testosterone levels and offer replacement therapy if needed. The policy's details are unclear, including whether it applies to women, but it comes amid tensions with Iran and ongoing military priorities.
Key Facts
Pete Hegseth, U.S. Defense Secretary, introduced a testosterone screening program for military personnel over 30 years old.
The goal is to help keep soldiers physically effective by maintaining "the right testosterone levels."
It is uncertain if the program applies to women, as testosterone treatments for women are not FDA-approved.
Hegseth has a history of opposing women in combat roles but changed his position during his nomination process.
He recently blocked the promotion of several senior navy officers, mostly women or people of color, to two-star admirals.
The Department of Defense spends significantly more on erectile dysfunction drugs than on healthcare for transgender troops.
The announcement comes during heightened tensions with Iran, which threatened to halt energy exports amid U.S. actions.
Critics question the timing and importance of a testosterone policy given more urgent military challenges.
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The Trump administration delayed the opening of the Gordie Howe international bridge between Detroit and Windsor for several months amid disputes linked to a donor who owns a nearby bridge. The new $4.7 billion bridge is now set to open on July 27 after the U.S. and Canada reached an agreement.
Key Facts
The Gordie Howe bridge connects Detroit, Michigan, with Windsor, Ontario, and cost $4.7 billion.
The opening was delayed for months and a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for June was canceled.
Critics say the delay favored Matthew Moroun, owner of the nearby Ambassador Bridge, who donated $1 million to a Trump political action committee in January.
The Ambassador Bridge is North America’s busiest international crossing but is old, congested, and has safety issues.
Canada funded the construction of the Gordie Howe bridge, and Michigan and Canada will jointly own and operate it.
The new agreement gives the U.S. government a say in toll prices if they drop below regional averages—previously Canada set tolls.
Democrats have accused the Trump administration of blocking the bridge’s opening as a favor to Moroun and called for an investigation.
U.S. officials say they are ready to staff the U.S. entry plaza needed for the bridge to operate.
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