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Trump vows to investigate EU over fining of US tech companies

Trump vows to investigate EU over fining of US tech companies

July 24, 2026 • Us • BBC World

Summary

President Donald Trump announced that the United States will investigate the European Union over fines imposed on major American tech companies like Google. He also threatened to impose new tariffs on the EU as a response to these fines, saying the US will not allow Europe to unfairly target US businesses.

Key Facts

  • The European Commission fined Google €890 million (about $1 billion) for limiting competition.
  • President Trump plans to open a trade investigation into the EU’s treatment of US tech firms.
  • Trump threatened a "substantial tariff" against European imports in response to these fines.
  • He called on the EU to reverse these fines against companies including Apple, Meta, and Amazon.
  • Trump mentioned initiating a "301 investigation," a trade probe into unfair practices under US law.
  • The tariff threat follows recent US tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on 60 countries, including the EU, UK, and China.
  • Google said it has tried to follow Europe’s digital laws but welcomed US government support.
  • Before his 2024 election, President Trump said Apple CEO Tim Cook contacted him about EU fines.
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BBC World BBC US BBC Tech BBC Business BBC Top Stories
America’s Consolidation Obsession Threatens Family Businesses | Opinion

America’s Consolidation Obsession Threatens Family Businesses | Opinion

July 24, 2026 • Business • Newsweek

Summary

The U.S. business world often solves problems by merging companies or buying out smaller ones, especially family-owned businesses. This trend toward bigger companies may reduce competition, limit choices for consumers, and hurt communities. The rise of new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) makes it more expensive for small businesses to compete, but the article argues that technology should help more businesses succeed independently, not fewer.

Key Facts

  • More than 36 million small businesses make up 99.9% of U.S. businesses and employ about 46% of private-sector workers.
  • The U.S. economy depends heavily on independent, family-owned businesses.
  • Consolidation means companies merge or get bought out, reducing the number of independent businesses.
  • Consolidation can lead to fewer choices for consumers and less local decision-making.
  • Artificial intelligence and other tech advances require big investments that small businesses often can’t afford.
  • The author believes that technology should help more businesses compete, not push them out.
  • The current business culture often sees growth only by acquiring others or being acquired.
  • A new approach is needed to help businesses grow and compete without losing their independence.
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Newsweek
Ex-federal prosecutor on Jack Smith developments: ‘This is preposterous’

Ex-federal prosecutor on Jack Smith developments: ‘This is preposterous’

July 24, 2026 • Us • The Hill

Summary

Ex-federal prosecutor Andrew Weissmann criticized House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan's suggestion that special counsel Jack Smith should face criminal charges. Weissmann said Jordan’s claim that Smith committed perjury is not supported by the letter Jordan referenced.

Key Facts

  • Andrew Weissmann is a former federal prosecutor.
  • Jim Jordan is the Chair of the House Judiciary Committee and a Republican from Ohio.
  • Jordan recommended criminal charges against special counsel Jack Smith.
  • Weissmann called Jordan’s recommendation "preposterous," meaning completely unreasonable.
  • Weissmann said the letter Jordan used does not show that Smith committed perjury.
  • The discussion appeared in an interview on MSNOW with Jen Psaki.
  • Perjury means lying under oath, which Jordan accused Smith of doing.
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The Hill
Cyclospora outbreak linked to lettuce expands to 9 states

Cyclospora outbreak linked to lettuce expands to 9 states

July 24, 2026 • Us • The Hill

Summary

Federal health officials have identified a cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce from central Mexico. The illness has spread to nine states, causing infections in thousands of people.

Key Facts

  • The outbreak involves cyclospora, a parasite that causes intestinal illness.
  • The source is iceberg lettuce imported from central Mexico.
  • Nine states are affected: Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and West Virginia.
  • Thousands of people in the Midwest and nearby areas have become sick.
  • Cyclospora infection causes symptoms like diarrhea and stomach cramps.
  • Federal officials are tracking the outbreak to stop further illness.
  • This is the largest known cyclospora outbreak in the U.S. tied to lettuce.
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The Hill
Trump presses Thune to move reconciliation framework before August recess as tensions mount

Trump presses Thune to move reconciliation framework before August recess as tensions mount

July 24, 2026 • Us • The Hill

Summary

President Donald Trump urged Senate Majority Leader John Thune to quickly address a budget plan passed by the House to fund the Iran war. Thune had previously said this plan would not pass in the Senate due to lack of support.

Key Facts

  • President Trump wants Senate Majority Leader John Thune to act on a House budget resolution.
  • The budget plan is meant to provide funding related to the Iran war.
  • John Thune said the resolution likely will not get enough votes in the Senate.
  • Despite this, Trump urged Thune to move forward without delay.
  • This pressure comes as political tensions increase between Senate leaders and the President.
  • The Senate is expected to take a recess in August, making timing important.
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The Hill
Existing care workers could be exempt from UK’s tough new immigration rules

Existing care workers could be exempt from UK’s tough new immigration rules

July 24, 2026 • Us • Guardian World

Summary

Andy Burnham, the UK Prime Minister, is considering exempting current care workers from tougher immigration rules to help the struggling social care sector. He plans to speed up reforms to create a National Care Service and is reviewing ways to support care workers, including possibly increasing funding for short-term care after hospital stays.

Key Facts

  • The UK government plans to strengthen immigration rules, making it harder for migrants to gain settled status.
  • Andy Burnham wants to exempt existing care workers from these tougher immigration rules.
  • Burnham is accelerating a review of the social care system originally set to finish in 2028.
  • He has personal experience with social care through his father, who has Alzheimer’s.
  • The government aims to create a National Care Service before the next general election.
  • Care providers are struggling financially due to low contract payments from local authorities.
  • There is concern that stricter immigration rules will reduce the number of migrant care workers.
  • Burnham may increase funds like the Better Care Fund to support short-term care after hospital discharges.
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Guardian World
Slapping therapist jailed over death 'released early'

Slapping therapist jailed over death 'released early'

July 24, 2026 • World • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Hongchi Xiao, an alternative healer from California, was jailed for manslaughter after a diabetic woman died during his therapy workshop. He has been released from prison after serving 18 months of a 10-year sentence and returned to the U.S. following a Court of Appeal decision that upheld his conviction.

Key Facts

  • Hongchi Xiao was convicted in 2024 for the manslaughter of Danielle Carr-Gomm, who died in 2016 during his workshop in Wiltshire.
  • The therapy involved participants slapping themselves repeatedly to remove "poisonous waste."
  • Carr-Gomm, who had type 1 diabetes, stopped taking insulin during the workshop, which led to her death.
  • Xiao was extradited from Australia for the trial; previously, a child died after stopping insulin following attendance at his workshop there.
  • The Court of Appeal rejected Xiao’s attempt to overturn his conviction, confirming the trial was fair despite some jury instructions issues.
  • Xiao was returned to the U.S. early via the Early Release Scheme and the Facilitated Return Scheme for foreign offenders.
  • The Ministry of Justice has not yet commented on Xiao’s early release.
  • Xiao’s workshops required participants to sign waivers that tried to limit his liability for injuries or illnesses.
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BBC Top Stories
Donald Trump's Net Approval Nears Five-Month High, Poll Shows

Donald Trump's Net Approval Nears Five-Month High, Poll Shows

July 24, 2026 • Us • Newsweek

Summary

President Donald Trump's net approval rating has reached its highest point in nearly five months, according to a recent poll, despite ongoing challenges with the economy and inflation. The poll shows some improvement in public opinion, but concerns about economic issues and the war with Iran remain significant.

Key Facts

  • President Trump's net approval rating is -6 percent, the best since early March.
  • His overall approval stands at 46 percent, with 52 percent disapproval in the RMG Research poll.
  • The economy and inflation remain major concerns for voters, and approval on these issues is low.
  • The war with Iran, ongoing for nearly five months, continues to affect public opinion and national security concerns.
  • Gas prices nationally have risen above $4 per gallon, increasing financial pressure on Americans.
  • The White House recently introduced new tariffs aimed at fighting forced labor and boosting U.S. trade policy.
  • Critics worry that tariffs might raise consumer prices further.
  • Poll results vary, with another survey showing 36 percent approval and 60 percent disapproval for President Trump.
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Newsweek
Americans Are Fed Up With Both Parties—Could Joe Manchin Have the Answer?

Americans Are Fed Up With Both Parties—Could Joe Manchin Have the Answer?

July 24, 2026 • Us • Newsweek

Summary

Many Americans are unhappy with both the Democratic and Republican parties, as recent polls show low approval ratings for both. Former Senator Joe Manchin is trying to give voters a new choice by supporting independent candidates through a group called the Independent Leadership Council ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Key Facts

  • Polls show both major parties have low favorability ratings: Democrats at -17 points and Republicans at -19 points.
  • Joe Manchin served as a Democrat senator for West Virginia from 2010 to 2025 and became an independent in 2024.
  • Manchin is launching the Independent Leadership Council to back independent candidates who want to serve without joining a new party.
  • Some independent candidates gaining attention in 2026 elections include Kevin Kiley, Seth Bodnar, Michael Bridgford, Dan Osborn, Todd Achilles, Rick Bennett, and Bill Hill.
  • Historically, independent candidates have a hard time winning in U.S. elections because of the first-past-the-post system, where the candidate with the most votes wins even without a majority.
  • Senator Bernie Sanders and Senator Angus King are examples of successful independents who caucus with Democrats.
  • Recent polls surveyed over 1,500 adults and show independents tend to favor Democrats slightly more than Republicans but still have low overall approval for both.
  • Political experts say that although voters like the idea of independents, they often choose major party candidates on election day due to the low chance of an independent winning.
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Newsweek
Trump says U.S. to investigate EU trade practices over tech company fines

Trump says U.S. to investigate EU trade practices over tech company fines

July 24, 2026 • Us • CBS News

Summary

President Trump announced an immediate investigation into the European Union’s trade practices following large fines against major U.S. tech companies. He said the EU’s actions are unfair to American companies and taxpayers and indicated tariffs against the EU could follow.

Key Facts

  • President Trump is starting an investigation under Section 301 of the Trade Act targeting the EU’s treatment of U.S. tech firms.
  • The European Union fined Google €890 million ($1 billion) for breaking antitrust rules related to its app store and search engine.
  • Other U.S. tech companies fined by the EU include Apple, Meta (Facebook and Instagram), and Amazon.
  • Section 301 allows the U.S. to impose tariffs or penalties if trade practices are found unfair or discriminatory.
  • President Trump threatened a "substantial tariff" on the EU in response to the fines.
  • The Trump administration used Section 301 before to investigate countries like Brazil, India, and Japan over trade issues.
  • Recently, tariffs ranging from 10% to 12.5% were applied to products from 60 trading partners accused of allowing forced labor.
  • Tariffs are a key part of President Trump’s economic policy, especially after the Supreme Court blocked broad tariffs based on emergency powers.
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CBS News
ICC prosecutor Khan removed over sexual misconduct allegations: Sources

ICC prosecutor Khan removed over sexual misconduct allegations: Sources

July 24, 2026 • World • Al Jazeera

Summary

Member states of the International Criminal Court (ICC) have voted to remove Karim Khan from his role as prosecutor. The decision follows sexual misconduct allegations against Khan and political tensions related to his investigations of Israeli and U.S. officials.

Key Facts

  • The ICC has 125 member states, and a majority voted to dismiss Karim Khan as prosecutor.
  • Khan faced sexual harassment claims made by a junior staff member, who described inappropriate touching.
  • Khan denies any wrongdoing and his lawyers argue the dismissal process was unfair and without enough evidence.
  • The ICC previously suspended Khan based on a UN report and advice from judicial experts.
  • Khan led investigations into alleged war crimes involving Israeli and U.S. officials, including arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
  • The Trump administration imposed sanctions on Khan and ICC staff in response to these investigations and opposed the ICC’s work.
  • Khan’s removal starts the process to choose a new ICC prosecutor, but it won’t affect existing arrest warrants, which only ICC judges can cancel.
  • Some diplomats and officials see Khan’s removal as part of broader political pressure against the ICC.
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Al Jazeera
Karim Khan ousted from role as prosecutor of international criminal court

Karim Khan ousted from role as prosecutor of international criminal court

July 24, 2026 • World • Guardian World

Summary

Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), has been removed from his position after being found guilty of serious misconduct related to sexual abuse allegations. The ICC’s member states voted to remove him in a special meeting at the United Nations headquarters.

Key Facts

  • Karim Khan was the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court.
  • He was accused of sexual abuse by a woman who worked for him at the ICC.
  • The misconduct included claims of coercive and non-consensual sexual behavior.
  • Khan denied the allegations and said the disciplinary process was unfair.
  • 82 out of 125 ICC member states voted to remove him.
  • The vote took place at a meeting at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
  • Khan was elected in 2021 for a nine-year term to lead the court’s prosecution efforts.
  • This is the first time an ICC chief prosecutor has been ousted over such allegations.
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Guardian World
Elon Musk says he backs ‘normal people’ when asked about support for ‘far right’

Elon Musk says he backs ‘normal people’ when asked about support for ‘far right’

July 24, 2026 • Business • The Hill

Summary

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, said he supports "normal people" and denied supporting the "far right." He also criticized the media for how it covers conservatives in a recent interview with The Economist.

Key Facts

  • Elon Musk is the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX.
  • He was asked if he supports the "far right."
  • Musk replied that he supports "normal people" instead.
  • He expressed frustration with how the media reports on conservatives.
  • The interview was published by The Economist.
  • Zanny Minton Beddoes is the Editor-in-Chief of The Economist.
  • Musk pushed back against the idea that he supports extremist political views.
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The Hill
11 people indicted in smuggling deaths of 7 migrants in rail cargo container in Texas

11 people indicted in smuggling deaths of 7 migrants in rail cargo container in Texas

July 24, 2026 • Us • PBS NewsHour

Summary

Eleven people have been charged in connection with the deaths of seven migrants who were smuggled inside a hot, sealed rail cargo container in Texas. The migrants, including a 14-year-old boy, died of heat stroke while being transported from the border toward San Antonio.

Key Facts

  • Seven migrants died inside a rail cargo container in Texas in May, including a 14-year-old boy.
  • Six were found dead in a rail yard in Laredo, and one was left near train tracks in San Antonio.
  • The container had no ventilation or cooling and could not be opened from inside.
  • Temperatures on that day were between 88 and 92 degrees Fahrenheit (31-33 Celsius).
  • The migrants were from Honduras and Mexico and paid between $1,500 and $10,000 for the journey.
  • Eleven people were indicted for conspiracy and aiding the transport of migrants resulting in death, facing up to life in prison.
  • Arrests have been made in Texas, with some defendants being U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and others without legal status.
  • Smuggling on trains is a known risk because trains stop and slow near the border, allowing migrants and smugglers to hide or board.
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PBS NewsHour
US school shooter pleads guilty in Georgia following father’s conviction

US school shooter pleads guilty in Georgia following father’s conviction

July 24, 2026 • Us • Al Jazeera

Summary

A 16-year-old boy named Colt Gray pleaded guilty to 55 charges, including murder, for a school shooting in Georgia in 2024. His father, Colin Gray, was previously convicted for giving Colt the gun used in the attack, which killed four people and injured several others.

Key Facts

  • Colt Gray pleaded guilty to 55 charges, including murder, related to a school shooting at Apalachee High School on September 4, 2024.
  • Four people died in the shooting: two students aged 14 and two teachers aged 39 and 53.
  • Colin Gray, Colt’s father, was convicted of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter for providing the gun.
  • Colt faces a minimum sentence of life in prison due to his guilty plea.
  • The judge confirmed Colt understood the consequences of his plea before accepting it.
  • Colt’s mother testified that she had asked Colin Gray to secure weapons to keep them away from Colt.
  • Investigators found a shrine to a previous mass shooter in Colt’s bedroom.
  • In the US, 64 school shootings have occurred in 2024, causing 24 deaths and 32 injuries, according to Everytown for Gun Safety.
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Al Jazeera
US exceeds measles cases in all of 2025 by July 2026

US exceeds measles cases in all of 2025 by July 2026

July 24, 2026 • Us • The Hill

Summary

The United States has reported more measles cases in 2026 by July 23 than the total number reported in all of 2025. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed 2,318 measles cases so far this year, compared to 2,289 cases last year.

Key Facts

  • As of July 23, 2026, there are 2,318 confirmed measles cases in the U.S.
  • The total number of cases in 2026 has already exceeded the entire total from 2025 (2,289 cases).
  • Measles cases are spread across most parts of the country.
  • The CDC monitors and reports measles cases in the United States.
  • Measles is a contagious disease that can spread easily without vaccination.
  • The rising number of cases highlights ongoing public health concerns about measles outbreaks.
  • Timely vaccination is key to preventing the spread of measles.
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The Hill
Trump's hunt for leverage over Saudi Arabia fuels nuclear proliferation concerns

Trump's hunt for leverage over Saudi Arabia fuels nuclear proliferation concerns

July 24, 2026 • Us • ABC News

Summary

The U.S. and Saudi Arabia recently signed a nuclear energy deal that may allow Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium, a step that raises concerns about nuclear weapons spread. President Donald Trump linked the deal’s approval to Saudi Arabia joining a peace agreement with Israel called the Abraham Accords, although this condition is not in the official agreement.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. and Saudi Arabia signed a nuclear energy deal that may permit uranium enrichment in Saudi Arabia.
  • The deal does not currently require extra international monitoring for uranium enrichment activities.
  • President Trump said on social media that approval of the deal depends on Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords with Israel.
  • The signed agreement does not explicitly mention Israel or include Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the Abraham Accords.
  • A two-year U.S. study will determine if Saudi Arabia should enrich uranium or import nuclear fuel instead.
  • The study ends near the time President Trump’s term finishes in 2027, potentially affecting further negotiations.
  • U.S. officials see the agreement as a way to gain leverage over Saudi Arabia.
  • Saudi Arabia has not publicly responded yet to President Trump’s statement about linking the deal to the Abraham Accords.
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ABC News
South Carolina on cusp of being first 2028 Democratic presidential primary state

South Carolina on cusp of being first 2028 Democratic presidential primary state

July 24, 2026 • Us • CBS News

Summary

South Carolina is close to being the first state to hold the 2028 Democratic presidential primary. The Democratic National Committee’s Rules and Bylaws Committee recommended this, and the full committee will vote on it next month.

Key Facts

  • South Carolina wants to keep its spot as the first state in the Democratic presidential primary for 2028.
  • The Democratic National Committee’s Rules and Bylaws Committee voted to recommend South Carolina for this role.
  • The full Democratic National Committee will vote on the proposed calendar at its summer meeting in Austin, Texas.
  • Nevada was the other main state considered to be first in the primary calendar.
  • South Carolina argues its first-primary status is important because of the impact of a Supreme Court ruling on voting rights and Black voter representation in the South.
  • South Carolina held the first Democratic presidential primary in 2024 as well.
  • Some South Carolina Democratic leaders say removing its status would hurt the party’s Black voter base, which has been very loyal.
  • The debate involves choosing between states with consistent Democratic voters and those with fast-growing populations.
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CBS News
US measles cases reach 35-year high

US measles cases reach 35-year high

July 24, 2026 • Us • BBC US

Summary

The US has reached the highest number of measles cases in 35 years, with 2,318 confirmed cases in 2026 so far. This rise is linked to lower vaccination rates and growing vaccine hesitancy. Health officials may decide soon if the US loses its status of having eliminated measles after sustained spread of the virus.

Key Facts

  • The US reported 2,318 measles cases in the first seven months of 2026, surpassing last year's total of 2,289 cases.
  • Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious health problems, including death and long-term complications.
  • The US might lose its measles elimination status due to continuous virus transmission.
  • 45 states have reported measles cases, including recent outbreaks in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Utah.
  • Vaccine hesitancy has contributed to lower immunization rates, with some communities having vaccination rates as low as 20%.
  • Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has faced criticism for mixed messages about vaccines and changes to vaccine policies.
  • The US recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine for children, which is 97% effective at preventing measles.
  • Herd immunity requires about 95% of people to be vaccinated to prevent outbreaks.
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BBC US
Oman talking with Tehran on Hormuz as US and Iran continue strikes

Oman talking with Tehran on Hormuz as US and Iran continue strikes

July 24, 2026 • World • Al Jazeera

Summary

Oman sent a delegation to Iran to talk about managing ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil trade. This comes as the United States and Iran continue exchanging attacks, and tensions rise with new blockades and strikes in the region.

Key Facts

  • Omani diplomats arrived in Tehran to discuss navigation rules for the Strait of Hormuz with Iranian officials.
  • The Strait of Hormuz is crucial, as about 20% of the world’s oil and gas exports pass through it.
  • The U.S. and Iran have been exchanging air strikes for two weeks, despite earlier efforts for a peace agreement.
  • Iran wants to manage the strait together with Oman, but the U.S. and Gulf states do not agree to this arrangement.
  • Oman is strategically located at the strait’s entrance and exit and acts as a mediator in regional conflicts.
  • Houthi rebels in Yemen declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia and continue attacks on tankers in nearby straits.
  • Iran’s military attacked U.S. bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan, and targeted Amazon’s data center in Bahrain for supporting the U.S.
  • Recent U.S. strikes on Iran resulted in deaths and injuries, with Iranian sources reporting at least 55 killed and 650 injured.
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Al Jazeera