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President Trump announced a 25% tariff on many goods from Brazil, aiming to address what his administration calls unfair treatment of U.S. companies by Brazil. Some important products like coffee and beef are exempted to reduce the effect on American consumers.
Key Facts
The tariffs target Brazilian products due to Brazil’s trade barriers against U.S. tech and payment companies.
Brazil is accused of limiting U.S. ethanol access, not protecting intellectual property properly, and favoring other countries with tariffs.
The U.S. also criticizes Brazil for weak enforcement against illegal deforestation, which gives Brazilian producers a cost advantage.
This action follows a year-long investigation under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows the U.S. to impose tariffs to counter unfair trade practices.
Exemptions cover products not made in the U.S. or that would harm U.S. supply chains or the economy.
Although the U.S. has a trade surplus with Brazil, the tariffs focus on specific trade barriers, not the overall trade balance.
Tariffs will start on July 22, with ongoing negotiations between the two countries expected to continue.
Tensions exist between President Trump and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, influencing the trade conflict.
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New data shows that Generation Z is facing higher inflation than other age groups, with prices for goods they buy rising nearly 40% since 2018. One main reason is Gen Z’s higher spending on quick-service restaurants, where prices have gone up over 50%, compared to the general market increase of about 34%.
Key Facts
Generation Z includes people born from 1997 to 2012, currently aged about 14 to 29.
Since January 2018, prices for items Gen Z buys have increased by 39.4%, compared to a 33.8% increase nationally.
Quick-service (fast food) restaurant prices have risen 54%, much more than the overall 33.8% increase.
Gen Z spends more money on eating out and takeout than other generations and plans to do so even more through 2026.
The higher inflation for Gen Z is influenced by their spending habits, especially on dining out and value retailers.
Low-income consumers also face higher inflation and have less ability to adjust their spending.
Rising food prices and climate factors like El Niño may continue to push inflation up in the future.
The inflation measures include everyday goods such as groceries, household items, and health and beauty products.
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On his last full day as Labour party leader, Keir Starmer finalized the nationalization of British Steel, a company previously owned by a Chinese firm and partly under public control. While making this decision, Starmer visited Ukraine to meet President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and prepare for the transition to Andy Burnham as the new Labour leader and Prime Minister.
Key Facts
Keir Starmer is stepping down as Labour party leader and will be replaced by Andy Burnham.
The UK government has nationalized British Steel to protect jobs and the steel industry.
British Steel was previously owned by Chinese company Jingye and partly under public control before nationalization.
Starmer visited Kyiv to meet with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on his last day in office.
Andy Burnham is expected to appoint Shabana Mahmood as his chancellor, replacing the previous favorite Ed Miliband.
Other political events included testimonies on defence investment and a variety of government statements before the parliamentary summer recess.
The nationalization law received royal assent shortly before this move was announced.
British Steel is seen as important for the UK’s industrial strength and economy.
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US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a new annual testosterone test for military members aged 30 and older. The test will be part of the regular health checkup, and any treatment after testing will be the service member's choice.
Key Facts
The testosterone screening applies yearly to all US service members aged 30 and over.
Service members under 30 can choose to take the test if they want.
The screening is added to the mandatory periodic health assessment.
Treatments like testosterone replacement therapy would remain voluntary.
The initiative aims to maintain the natural physical ability of soldiers.
Testosterone levels naturally drop about 1% per year after age 30 or 40.
The Defense Department must report to Congress on testosterone treatments and testing under the 2025 defense bill.
Some Democratic lawmakers criticized the program and called for hormone screening to include women in the military.
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A fire broke out at an orphanage near Algiers, Algeria, killing at least 11 people and injuring 19 others. The cause of the fire is unknown, and efforts to control the blaze are ongoing amid a severe heatwave affecting the region.
Key Facts
The fire occurred in an orphanage located in the Mohammadia district, a suburb of Algiers.
At least 11 people died, and 19 were injured due to the fire.
The country’s civil defence is still working to extinguish the fire.
Authorities have not yet determined what started the fire.
Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb visited the injured at the hospital.
Algeria is experiencing a heatwave with temperatures causing nearly 1,000 fires in one week.
The photo in the article shows firefighters battling a previous fire in Algeria.
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Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has fired Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov just before British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to Kyiv. This decision has caused protests with over 1,000 people opposing the move, saying Fedorov was popular and seen as a symbol of openness and progress.
Key Facts
Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s Defence Minister, was dismissed by President Zelenskyy.
Over 1,000 people protested in Kyiv against Fedorov’s removal.
Protesters say Fedorov represents innovation, transparency, and has been successful in his role.
There are allegations of conflict between Fedorov and Ukraine’s military commander Oleksandr Syrskyi, linked with accusations of corruption.
Fedorov is 35 years old and many see him as a potential future leader in Ukraine.
Fedorov helped improve Ukraine's military capabilities, including the use of drones against Russian targets and improving procurement to save money.
He announced successful testing of a new ballistic missile with better accuracy and lower cost.
The firing of Fedorov has caused political tension just as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer visits Kyiv.
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The UK media regulator Ofcom has started an investigation into TikTok to check if the app properly protects children and stops them from seeing harmful content. Ofcom is focusing on how TikTok guesses users' ages using technology and whether these methods are strong enough.
Key Facts
Ofcom is investigating TikTok's child safety measures after concerns were raised earlier this year.
The UK government plans to ban children under 16 from several social media platforms.
TikTok uses “age inference” technology to estimate a user’s age based on their behavior and video watching habits.
Ofcom doubts that age inference is reliable enough to prevent children from accessing inappropriate content.
Social media companies must use “highly effective” ways to check users’ ages according to UK rules.
TikTok says it enforces age-appropriate rules using expert advice and advanced tech.
TikTok claims it has spent billions on online safety since it started in the UK eight years ago.
Ofcom had previously criticized TikTok for not being safe enough for children in a report from May 2026.
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Large protests broke out across Ukraine after President Volodymyr Zelensky removed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Fedorov, known for modernizing Ukraine’s military during the war with Russia, resigned amid the changes, causing concerns about military stability.
Key Facts
Mykhailo Fedorov was Ukraine’s Defence Minister for six months before being removed.
Protests occurred in Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, Dnipro, and other cities demanding his reinstatement.
Protesters sang the national anthem and waved Ukrainian and EU flags.
Fedorov helped reform the military during the ongoing Russian invasion.
No official reason was given for his removal as part of a government reshuffle by President Zelensky.
Deputy commander of Ukraine’s air force, Pavlo Yelizarov, resigned in protest.
The changes also included the removal of the prime minister, with no replacements named yet.
The protests reflect public dissatisfaction and fears of instability during a critical time in the war.
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The UK government has taken full control of British Steel to keep its steelworks in Scunthorpe open and save 4,000 jobs. This move, backed by the new Steel Industry (Nationalisation) Act, ended the ownership of Chinese company Jingye, which had threatened to close the plant.
Key Facts
British Steel was nationalized 15 months after the government first intervened to stop its closure.
The steelworks in Scunthorpe produces primary steel from iron ore, making it the UK's last facility of this kind.
Jingye, the previous Chinese owner, had threatened to abandon the plant without preserving key equipment.
The government will appoint an independent expert to decide if Jingye should receive compensation.
The Labour government recalled Parliament to pass the Steel Industry (Nationalisation) Act, allowing the takeover.
The government aims to protect skilled jobs and maintain a vital part of the UK’s industrial base.
Future plans include moving towards producing “green steel” with cleaner, less polluting technology.
The steelworks may require over a billion pounds for upgrades and decarbonization in the coming years.
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The United States is placing 25% tariffs on certain imports from Brazil, starting July 22, due to unfair trade practices found during a yearlong investigation. Some products, like coffee and beef, are exempted from these tariffs. The U.S. government says this action aims to protect American workers and companies.
Key Facts
The U.S. will impose a 25% tariff on some Brazilian imports from July 22, 2026.
Certain Brazilian goods like coffee, beef, oranges, oil, and aerospace parts are exempt.
The tariffs respond to findings of unfair trade practices by Brazil, including weak anti-corruption measures and unfair tariffs.
The investigation lasted one year and was directed by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.
The U.S. has had a trade surplus with Brazil for many years despite these issues.
Negotiations between the U.S. and Brazil over these trade issues have not resolved the conflicts so far.
These tariffs are imposed under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, a law that allows the U.S. to act against unfair trade.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva criticized the tariffs and suggested internal Brazilian politics played a role.
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The US has launched new airstrikes against Iran, targeting military sites including coastal defenses and missile storage. Iran responded by firing missiles and drones at US allies Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan. Pakistan called for both sides to stop the violence and return to negotiations based on a previous agreement.
Key Facts
The US disabled an oil tanker near the Strait of Hormuz after it ignored warnings during a naval blockade.
US strikes hit Iranian port Bandar Abbas and missile sites on Greater Tunb Island.
For the first time in this conflict, strikes were reported near Iran’s capital, Tehran.
Iran retaliated by attacking Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan with missiles and drones.
Iranian officials reported at least seven soldiers killed and hundreds wounded from the US strikes.
Explosions were reported in multiple Iranian cities, including those hosting missile and nuclear facilities.
Pakistan urged both the US and Iran to end violence and resume talks per a memorandum of understanding signed earlier in 2023.
President Donald Trump stated that Iran should behave properly but did not set a deadline for further military actions.
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Iran launched missile and drone attacks on US military bases in nearby Gulf countries, including Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan. In response, the US carried out airstrikes on multiple sites in Iran to reduce its ability to threaten ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Key Facts
Iran attacked US military bases in Gulf countries such as Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
The US responded with strikes on command centers, air defense sites, and surveillance facilities in Iran.
The US military targeted locations including Bandar Abbas port and Greater Tunb Island.
Explosions and air defense activations were reported in Tehran during the US strikes.
Kuwait intercepted drone attacks, and Bahrain advised citizens to stay safe after the attacks.
Iran also claimed to have targeted US communication systems and fuel storage in Jordan.
The US disabled an oil tanker heading toward an Iranian port under blockade.
US President Donald Trump warned Iran to behave or face more military action and threatened to target Iran’s energy infrastructure if talks did not resume.
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Sam Neill, a well-known actor from New Zealand, died at the age of 78 due to pneumonia. His manager confirmed this and said Neill had been free of cancer at the time of his death.
Key Facts
Sam Neill died of pneumonia in a Sydney hospital.
He was 78 years old when he passed away.
Neill had previously battled angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, a type of cancer, but was cancer-free when he died.
The news was confirmed by his longtime manager, Philip Grenz.
A private memorial will be held at Neill’s farm in New Zealand, per his wishes.
Neill was known for his roles in movies like Jurassic Park, The Piano, and the TV series Peaky Blinders.
Tributes came from colleagues and fans recognizing his long career.
The information was shared to correct false reports about his death.
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President Donald Trump shared a new video on social media to promote the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, a car race planned for the streets of Washington, D.C. next month. The race is part of the celebrations for America's 250th anniversary and will take place on August 22 and 23.
Key Facts
President Trump posted a video on Truth Social featuring IndyCar drivers racing on the National Mall.
The video shows famous landmarks like the U.S. Capitol and the Washington Monument.
Trump used race car and flag emojis in the post captioned "FREEDOM 250 GRAND PRIX."
President Trump hosted IndyCar drivers at the White House to promote the race.
The event is part of the 250th anniversary celebrations of the United States.
The race will happen on August 22 and 23 in Washington, D.C.
President Trump called the race "one of the most unforgettable racing events the world has ever seen."
The story is still developing, with more information expected to come.
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Firefighters have been working overnight to control a large wildfire that has spread over more than two miles in Cairngorms National Park, Scotland. People living nearby and visitors at campsites and ski resorts have been evacuated, and authorities warn the fire risk remains very high.
Key Facts
The fire started around 11:50 am near Ryvoan Bothy at Nethy Bridge in the Cairngorms National Park.
The wildfire has spread across more than 3.5 kilometers of dry land.
Villages, campsites, and ski resorts in the area have been evacuated as a precaution.
The fire service continues to fight the fire with four firefighting vehicles still at the scene.
The central Highlands, southern and eastern Scotland currently have a "very high" risk of wildfire.
Public are advised to avoid Glenmore Forest Park and Loch Morlich during firefighting efforts.
No injuries have been reported so far from the wildfire.
Wildlife groups and nearby estates are assisting in firefighting efforts, but some resources like helicopters are unavailable due to fires elsewhere.
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A woman in her 60s was bitten by a large eastern brown snake caught in her bike chain while cycling in northern New South Wales, Australia. She was treated in hospital and recovered after receiving medical care, and the snake was euthanised due to injuries.
Key Facts
The woman was cycling on the northern rivers rail trail near Burringbar when she ran over a two-metre eastern brown snake.
The snake got tangled in her bike chain, biting her on the thigh.
Paramedics treated her, and she was taken to Tweed Valley hospital in a stable condition; she was discharged the next morning.
The eastern brown snake is one of the world’s most venomous snakes and common in eastern Australia.
The snake catcher said the snake’s head was free to strike and the woman experienced a "dry bite," where no venom entered her bloodstream.
The snake was euthanised due to injuries from being trapped in the bike chain.
Cooler weather and the snake being blind in one eye likely slowed its reflexes and contributed to the incident.
Eastern brown snakes are often confused with harmless snake species by the public.
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Canadian psychologist Candice Odgers argues that banning social media for teenagers may not solve mental health problems and could make things worse. She believes that online risks come from adults, especially men, rather than social media itself, and says the focus should be on better understanding how young people use technology.
Key Facts
Candice Odgers is a psychologist who studies adolescent mental health and technology use.
Odgers says men are the biggest cause of harmful behavior online, like sextortion and spreading false information.
She gave her own children smartphones at age 11 and allowed her daughter to use Snapchat from that age.
Odgers disagrees with banning phones or social media for under-16s and is concerned those bans may backfire.
She studies how young people use phones by collecting data about their activity, sleep, and feelings with their permission.
Psychologist Jonathan Haidt believes avoiding social media helps protect kids’ mental health. His views have influenced parents and politicians to push for age restrictions.
Odgers argues there is limited evidence that social media causes a mental health crisis for teens.
She highlights improvements in today’s teenagers, such as lower pregnancy rates and less violence, compared to past generations.
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Smoke from wildfires in northern Ontario caused Toronto to have the worst air quality among major cities worldwide on July 16, 2026. The smoke spread into parts of the northeastern United States, raising health concerns and leading officials to warn people to limit outdoor activities.
Key Facts
Toronto recorded an Air Quality Health Index of 10+, which is considered "very high risk."
Wildfires are burning far from cities but send smoke over large areas affecting many places.
New York City and surrounding states experienced unhealthy air and were advised to avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
Two groups of children camping in the Canadian wilderness were rescued safely with help from helicopters and the Canadian military.
Smoke from Canadian wildfires has increasingly affected large parts of the United States in recent years.
The city of Toronto canceled outdoor World Cup fan events due to poor air quality.
Over 80,000 people are expected to gather at the World Cup final in New Jersey despite smoke and haze.
Canada reported this wildfire season started slower than previous years but warned fires could worsen because of warm weather.
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The UK economy grew by 0.1% in May, according to official data. This small growth was mainly due to the service sector expanding, while production and construction sectors shrank.
Key Facts
The UK economy increased by 0.1% in May.
Growth came mostly from the service sector.
Production and construction sectors decreased.
In April, the economy had slightly shrunk.
The April contraction was linked to the impact of the US-Israel war with Iran on businesses.
Over the three months to May, the economy grew by 0.7% compared to the previous three months.
The data was reported by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
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The UK economy grew slightly by 0.1% in May, recovering from a small drop in April. This growth happened despite rising energy costs caused by the war in Iran.
Key Facts
UK GDP increased by 0.1% in May after falling 0.1% in April.
Economists had predicted a 0.1% growth for May, matching the official figures.
The war in Iran has pushed up energy prices, affecting the UK economy.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) raised its forecast for UK growth in 2024 to 1%, an increase of 0.2 percentage points.
The UK economy showed more strength than some experts expected given the Middle East conflict.
Oil prices have recently risen again due to renewed violence in the Middle East.
The Resolution Foundation thinktank warns that over half of the £23.6 billion economic flexibility from the spring budget could be lost because of the war’s impact.
Andy Burnham is beginning his role as Labour leader amid these economic challenges.
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