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The new $4.5bn bridge which is a symbol of a strained US-Canada relationship

The new $4.5bn bridge which is a symbol of a strained US-Canada relationship

July 24, 2026 • World • BBC Top Stories

Summary

A new $4.5 billion bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor was built to improve trade but has become a symbol of tension between the U.S. and Canada. Due to recent tariffs and disagreements, Canadian officials canceled joint opening celebrations, showing strained relations between the two countries.

Key Facts

  • The Gordie Howe International Bridge links Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario, and cost C$6.4 billion ($4.5 billion) to build.
  • Canada paid for the entire bridge after U.S. political resistance delayed the project.
  • The bridge helps support over C$1 billion ($710 million) in daily trade between the two cities.
  • President Trump threatened to block the bridge’s opening unless the U.S. shared ownership and control.
  • Canada agreed to split half the bridge’s revenue for 15 years with a U.S.-controlled economic fund.
  • The bridge’s opening was delayed to allow more negotiations after Trump’s demands.
  • The Moroun family, owners of the nearby Ambassador Bridge, opposed the new bridge and influenced U.S. officials.
  • Prime Minister Mark Carney faces criticism in Canada for making concessions to the U.S. amid ongoing trade disputes.
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BBC Top Stories BBC US
Mykhailo Drapatyi: Can new Ukraine army chief alter Russia war’s direction?

Mykhailo Drapatyi: Can new Ukraine army chief alter Russia war’s direction?

July 24, 2026 • World • Al Jazeera

Summary

Mykhailo Drapatyi, a Ukrainian military colonel known for his daring actions since 2014, was appointed as the new top commander of Ukraine’s armed forces by President Zelenskyy. Drapatyi replaces General Oleksandr Syrskii and is recognized for using modern Western military tactics rather than Soviet-era strategies, as Ukraine continues its conflict with Russia.

Key Facts

  • Drapatyi gained attention in 2014 by rescuing police hostages in Mariupol during early fighting with pro-Russian separatists.
  • He became commander of Ukraine’s land forces and then joint forces before his recent promotion to head of the general staff.
  • General Oleksandr Syrskii, whom Drapatyi replaced, helped defend Kyiv and led successful counteroffensives early in the 2022 war.
  • Syrskii studied in Soviet-era military schools in Moscow, while Drapatyi is viewed as adopting Western military methods.
  • Ukrainian soldiers respect Drapatyi for caring about troops and taking measured risks.
  • Drapatyi helped stop Russian advances near Kryvyi Rih in early 2022.
  • He has stated that Russia’s current leadership undermines its legitimacy as a neighbor.
  • Ukraine’s military leadership structure still follows Soviet-style systems, differing from NATO’s independent reporting lines, which Ukraine aims to reform.
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Al Jazeera
WATCH: Weighing the risks and benefits of a Saudi Arabia nuclear deal

WATCH: Weighing the risks and benefits of a Saudi Arabia nuclear deal

July 24, 2026 • World • ABC News

Summary

Experts are discussing the risks and benefits of Saudi Arabia having the ability to enrich uranium, which is a key step in developing nuclear energy and possibly nuclear weapons. The conversation includes nuclear security concerns and the political implications of a potential nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia.

Key Facts

  • Saudi Arabia wants to enrich uranium, which is used for nuclear power and can also be used for weapons.
  • There are risks involved in allowing Saudi Arabia this technology, related to security and regional stability.
  • Matthew Bunn, a nuclear security expert from Harvard, talks about these complexities.
  • The topic is important because of Middle East tensions and global nuclear non-proliferation efforts.
  • The news is part of broader discussions on U.S. foreign policy and Middle East security.
  • President Donald Trump has made statements about related Middle East security issues, including Iran.
  • The article is from ABC News and was published on July 23, 2026.
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ABC News
Families still search for bodies a month after Venezuela earthquakes

Families still search for bodies a month after Venezuela earthquakes

July 24, 2026 • World • BBC World

Summary

Families in Venezuela are still looking for the bodies of loved ones a month after two earthquakes struck the La Guaira region. The government says more than 5,300 people have died, and tens of thousands may still be missing.

Key Facts

  • Two earthquakes hit the La Guaira area of Venezuela on June 24.
  • The earthquakes destroyed many apartment buildings along the coast.
  • Over 5,300 people have been confirmed dead by government officials.
  • Estimates suggest up to 50,000 people could still be missing.
  • Families continue to search the rubble for their loved ones a month after the disaster.
  • The region worst affected by the earthquakes is La Guaira.
  • The news report is based on visits by the BBC's Latin America correspondent.
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BBC World BBC Top Stories
‘Forced labour’ rationale for Trump tariffs met with bewilderment

‘Forced labour’ rationale for Trump tariffs met with bewilderment

July 24, 2026 • Us • Guardian US

Summary

President Donald Trump imposed new tariffs ranging from 10% to 12.5% on more than 80 countries, replacing a previous 10% global tariff that was ruled illegal by the US Supreme Court. The administration said the tariffs target countries that do not enforce bans on goods made with forced labor, but many trading partners expressed confusion and opposition to this reasoning.

Key Facts

  • The new tariffs apply to countries including the UK, Mexico, Canada, Australia, India, China, and all EU nations.
  • These tariffs replace a previous 10% tariff imposed in February that the Supreme Court declared illegal.
  • The tariffs are imposed under section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974.
  • The White House says the tariffs are meant to punish countries that fail to block imports made with forced labor.
  • Officials in the EU, Australia, Brazil, Norway, and New Zealand criticized the tariffs as unfair and unsupported by evidence.
  • Some countries with forced labor bans or commitments face a lower 10% tariff, while others like China, Japan, and South Korea face a higher 12.5% tariff.
  • US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated the US has enforced its own forced labor ban for nearly 100 years.
  • Critics argue the tariffs are a way for President Trump to reestablish broad tariffs after the courts struck down earlier ones.
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Guardian US Guardian World
Democrats to finalize their 2028 presidential nominating calendar

Democrats to finalize their 2028 presidential nominating calendar

July 24, 2026 • Us • ABC News

Summary

The Democratic Party plans to change its 2028 presidential primary schedule by putting racially diverse states like South Carolina or Nevada first, instead of Iowa and New Hampshire. This change aims to better reflect the party's diverse voters and could influence which candidates gain early support.

Key Facts

  • Democrats will finalize the 2028 presidential nominating calendar soon.
  • Iowa and New Hampshire may no longer be the first states to vote.
  • South Carolina or Nevada is expected to hold the first nominating contests.
  • This change reflects the party’s desire to include more racially diverse states, focusing on Black and Latino voters.
  • The Democratic National Committee’s Rules and Bylaws Committee will approve the calendar before the full party votes on it in August.
  • South Carolina is known for testing candidates’ support among Black voters.
  • Nevada highlights a mix of racial diversity, union membership, and battleground status.
  • Republicans are expected to keep their usual early-state order starting with Iowa and New Hampshire.
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ABC News
Mathematicians win top prize after solving century's-old problems

Mathematicians win top prize after solving century's-old problems

July 24, 2026 • World • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Two Chinese mathematicians, Hong Wang and Yu Deng, have won the Fields Medal, the top award in mathematics, for the first time. They received the prize for solving century-old mathematical problems along with winners from the US and Canada.

Key Facts

  • Hong Wang and Yu Deng are the first Chinese winners of the Fields Medal.
  • They won alongside John Pardon from the US and Jacon Tsimerman from Canada.
  • The prize carries a reward of 15,000 Canadian dollars (about $10,500).
  • Wang is only the third woman ever to win the Fields Medal.
  • Wang solved a 1917 problem about the smallest area a pencil sweeps when rotated in 3D space.
  • Deng solved a problem from 1900 about predicting whole systems by studying particles, focusing on gases.
  • The Fields Medal is awarded every four years to mathematicians under 40 years old.
  • The award ceremony took place in the US amid rising use of AI in calculations.
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BBC Top Stories
Shares skid in Asia in sell-off of AI-related shares as Brent oil tops $100 per barrel

Shares skid in Asia in sell-off of AI-related shares as Brent oil tops $100 per barrel

July 24, 2026 • Business • AP News

Summary

Shares in Asian markets fell sharply after the price of Brent crude oil rose above $100 per barrel, reaching its highest level since May. The rise in oil prices comes amid fighting in the Middle East, raising concerns about global oil supply, while U.S. stocks also dropped due to losses in major companies and new tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump.

Key Facts

  • Brent crude oil price rose over 7%, surpassing $100 per barrel, mainly due to attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea.
  • The increase in oil prices threatens the global supply chain of oil and gas.
  • Asian stock markets fell significantly, including South Korea’s Kospi down 5.9%, and Japan’s Nikkei 225 down 3.1%.
  • Major technology companies like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix saw share prices drop by over 7%.
  • U.S. stock markets fell after losses in companies Alphabet (Google) and Tesla.
  • The U.S. is imposing new tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on imports from 60 countries for failing to enforce bans on forced labor goods.
  • The U.S. dollar reached a 40-year high against the Japanese yen, trading at 163.83 yen.
  • The oil price was around $72 per barrel before the recent conflict in Iran started in February.
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AP News
A beach break in Nigeria’s Lagos is becoming too expensive for many

A beach break in Nigeria’s Lagos is becoming too expensive for many

July 24, 2026 • World • AP News

Summary

Beaches in Lagos, Nigeria, which once served as free public spaces, are becoming too expensive for many local residents. The Lagos state government is allowing private developers to take over much of the coastline, increasing costs for entry, seating, food, and drinks. This trend is making beach visits less affordable for the city’s large population, many of whom earn low wages.

Key Facts

  • Lagos has over 20 million residents and 180 kilometers of coastline.
  • Many beaches that used to be free are now privately owned or developed by the government.
  • Entry fees for beaches range from 2,000 naira ($1.50) to 60,000 naira ($44).
  • The Nigerian minimum wage is 77,000 naira ($56) per month.
  • Most residents work in informal jobs with limited income.
  • The government aims to develop Lagos as a “megacity” to attract tourists and businesses.
  • Prices for food, drinks, and seating at beaches have increased under private ownership.
  • Beachgoers report the overall cost to visit can be about 25,000 naira ($18) or more.
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AP News
Orthodox monks are the first to live and pray at a monastery in Estonia for 80 years

Orthodox monks are the first to live and pray at a monastery in Estonia for 80 years

July 24, 2026 • World • AP News

Summary

The Kirikla Orthodox Monastery in Estonia was founded last year and is the first Orthodox monastery in the country in more than 80 years. Led by Bishop Damaskinos and Rev. Paisios, the monastery is attracting young people who want to experience a quieter, spiritual life away from busy modern life.

Key Facts

  • The monastery is part of the Estonian Apostolic Orthodox Church.
  • It is located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) outside Tallinn, Estonia’s capital.
  • Orthodox monks last lived in Estonia during the period between the two world wars.
  • The monastery was established in a very secular European country.
  • Bishop Damaskinos (41 years old) and Rev. Paisios (31 years old) are the first monks living there.
  • The monastery hosts daily prayers that are meant to be global in focus.
  • Young volunteers help the monks with farm work like gardening and potato fields.
  • The monastery offers a break from modern technology, with limited use of cellphones.
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AP News
How much money do you give for a wedding gift?

How much money do you give for a wedding gift?

July 24, 2026 • Business • BBC Business

Summary

The article discusses how much money people typically give as wedding gifts. It includes examples, such as a couple who spends up to £400 on wedding presents.

Key Facts

  • The article focuses on the question of how much money is appropriate to give as a wedding gift.
  • It refers to real-life examples, including a couple that gives up to £400 per wedding gift.
  • The topic relates to personal finance and spending habits around weddings.
  • The article is recent and published in the business section.
  • It touches on social expectations around wedding gift amounts.
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BBC Business
Ukraine beheads its military as its performance begins to soar

Ukraine beheads its military as its performance begins to soar

July 24, 2026 • World • Al Jazeera

Summary

Ukraine recently replaced top military and defense leaders while its armed forces showed their best performance in three years. Despite heavy losses, Ukraine has managed to stop Russian advances and is slowly gaining territory, in part by using drones effectively on the battlefield.

Key Facts

  • Ukraine replaced its Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov on July 15 and Commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskii six days later.
  • Ukraine’s armed forces have improved and stopped most Russian advances in 2026, making it Russia’s worst year in the war so far.
  • Russia has lost about 193,500 troops killed or seriously wounded and struggles to meet recruitment goals.
  • Ukraine’s use of drones has caused an estimated 95% of enemy casualties and disrupted Russian supplies.
  • The Institute for the Study of War reports Ukraine is gaining more land than it loses, while Russia’s territorial gains have dropped sharply.
  • Russian President Vladimir Putin admitted Russia’s war economy growth has nearly stopped this year.
  • Ukrainian leaders disagree about how much to rely on drones versus traditional forces in fighting the war.
  • Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is reviewing defense strategies and priorities for military production and supplies.
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Al Jazeera
2,000 pigeons shot with rifles at railway stations

2,000 pigeons shot with rifles at railway stations

July 24, 2026 • World • BBC Top Stories

Summary

More than 2,000 pigeons have been shot at railway stations and depots across the UK over 16 months to reduce health risks and hazards caused by pigeon droppings. Professional pest controllers use air rifles mainly at night, while some groups call for more humane and community-based pigeon management.

Key Facts

  • Over 2,000 pigeons were shot at UK railway stations from January 2025 to April 2026.
  • York Station alone had 608 pigeons killed during this period, with 152 killed in one day.
  • Train operator LNER shot more than 800 pigeons, mostly at York Station.
  • Network Rail also culled 600 pigeons at stations including Bristol Temple Meads and London Euston.
  • Pigeon droppings can carry diseases such as psittacosis and salmonella, creating health hazards.
  • Pest controllers say shooting is a last resort after other deterrents fail.
  • Some experts argue pigeons are pests due to disease risks; others say humans created the problem by domesticating pigeons and building city environments suitable for them.
  • Animal advocates seek more humane and community-focused ways to manage pigeon populations.
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BBC Top Stories
Trillion dollar US defence bill would deepen military ties with Israel

Trillion dollar US defence bill would deepen military ties with Israel

July 24, 2026 • World • Al Jazeera

Summary

The US House of Representatives passed a $1.15 trillion defence bill that plans to increase military cooperation with Israel. The bill includes joint work on missile defense, drones, and artificial intelligence (AI).

Key Facts

  • The defence bill is worth $1.15 trillion.
  • It was passed by the US House of Representatives.
  • The bill focuses on expanding military ties with Israel.
  • Cooperation will involve missile defense systems.
  • It also includes collaborations on drone technology.
  • Artificial intelligence (AI) will be part of the joint military work.
  • Some people are concerned this could increase political divisions over US aid to Israel.
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Al Jazeera
Fifty women come forward saying they were pressured into swinging

Fifty women come forward saying they were pressured into swinging

July 24, 2026 • World • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Fifty women have reported being pressured or forced by their partners into swinging, a practice where couples or individuals exchange sexual partners. Many say they did not consent and suffered long-term trauma, with some reporting abuse linked to the dating website FabSwingers.

Key Facts

  • Fifty women spoke out about being coerced into swinging by their partners.
  • Some women had sex against their will, fearing consequences or wanting to keep their partners happy.
  • FabSwingers, a site with over half a million UK users, was named as the platform used to arrange encounters.
  • Six women said they were raped by men they met through FabSwingers.
  • Sixteen women reported their intimate photos were posted on the site without permission.
  • Experts say coercion can look like consent but involves manipulation and control.
  • A former minister said swinging under pressure should be seen as sexual exploitation, not consensual sex.
  • Many women said sharing their stories helped them speak out after years of silence.
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BBC Top Stories
Urgent need for more security after physical attacks and abuse, say MPs’ staff

Urgent need for more security after physical attacks and abuse, say MPs’ staff

July 24, 2026 • Us • Guardian World

Summary

Staff who work for Members of Parliament (MPs) in the UK are asking for better security after cases of physical attacks and many threats. A survey found that most of these staff have faced threatening messages, and many worry about their safety. The prime minister plans to review security following the recent murder of a former minister.

Key Facts

  • Over 500 MPs’ staff were surveyed about their safety and security.
  • 78% of staff said they received threatening calls or messages.
  • Nearly 30% often fear for their own or their colleagues’ safety.
  • Some staff have been physically attacked or faced racist and sexist abuse.
  • One in two staff report serious psychological distress linked to their work.
  • Security is often only provided when the MP is present, leaving staff vulnerable.
  • Staff want security protections extended to them when representing MPs in public.
  • The prime minister plans to review MPs’ security after a recent murder of a public figure.
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Guardian World
Replacing gas stove can help asthmatics as much as some drugs, US experts find

Replacing gas stove can help asthmatics as much as some drugs, US experts find

July 24, 2026 • Us • Guardian World

Summary

A US study found that replacing gas stoves with electric ones greatly improved asthma symptoms in people living near Cleveland, Ohio. The change reduced hospital visits and missed work or school days, with air pollution inside homes dropping significantly.

Key Facts

  • The study began in December 2024 and aimed to help 1,200 people with poorly controlled asthma.
  • Funding was cut early by President Trump’s administration, so fewer than 100 homes completed the stove replacement.
  • Even with a smaller group of 72 homes, researchers saw clear health improvements.
  • Asthma scores dropped from 2.6 to 1.5 on a scale where 0.5 is a meaningful improvement.
  • Hospital admissions and days off due to asthma decreased after switching to electric stoves.
  • Indoor nitrogen dioxide pollution fell by about 70% in monitored homes.
  • Most participants (over 97%) were happy with their new stoves.
  • Experts say reducing indoor air pollution should be part of housing and environmental policies to help health.
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Guardian World
US strikes Iran and Bahrain warns of incoming fire as clashes over shipping routes escalate

US strikes Iran and Bahrain warns of incoming fire as clashes over shipping routes escalate

July 24, 2026 • World • AP News

Summary

The U.S. military has been conducting night strikes against Iran for nearly two weeks amid rising tensions over control of the Strait of Hormuz. Bahrain warned its people to take shelter after detecting incoming fire, while attacks on shipping routes and oil tankers in the region have increased.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. finished its 13th consecutive night of strikes on Iran early Friday.
  • Bahrain sounded sirens warning residents to take cover from incoming fire.
  • The conflict centers on control of the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for global oil.
  • Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen targeted two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea.
  • Oil prices have passed $100 per barrel amid the fighting.
  • U.S. missile strikes hit areas in Iran, including naval sites on Qeshm Island and near Ahvaz.
  • Iranian state media reported 4 killed and 5 wounded in a U.S. missile strike near Ahvaz.
  • The U.S. says strikes aim to reduce Iran’s ability to threaten civilian and commercial ships.
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AP News
Hero swimmer helped two children during beach tragedy

Hero swimmer helped two children during beach tragedy

July 24, 2026 • World • BBC Top Stories

Summary

A mother and daughter drowned while trying to save a seven-year-old boy at a beach in West Mersea, Essex. A man swam out multiple times to rescue two children, and witnesses and emergency responders helped at the scene.

Key Facts

  • The incident happened on Wednesday evening at West Mersea, near Colchester.
  • Shally Rahman, 41, and his daughter Samiha Rahman, 15, died trying to rescue a seven-year-old boy.
  • The boy was airlifted to the Royal London Hospital and is in critical condition.
  • A man, described as a Good Samaritan, swam out three times to save two children from the water.
  • Several others were taken to hospital by ambulance after the event.
  • Bystanders, including teenagers working nearby and an off-duty paramedic, helped with rescue efforts.
  • Essex Police are investigating the incident and asking witnesses to provide information.
  • The boy may have been stranded on a sandbank, causing the rescue attempt.
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BBC Top Stories
Novel analysis reveals playful side of Alan Turing

Novel analysis reveals playful side of Alan Turing

July 24, 2026 • World • BBC Top Stories

Summary

A newly studied short story written by World War Two codebreaker Alan Turing shows a more playful and humorous side of him, challenging the idea that he was only a lonely genius. The story, Pryce's Buoy, was written around 1952-1953 and reveals Turing’s personal experiences and feelings about his sexuality.

Key Facts

  • Alan Turing was a key figure in breaking Nazi Germany's codes during World War Two.
  • Pryce's Buoy is a six-page handwritten story by Turing, now fully transcribed and studied for the first time.
  • The story features characters related to gay life and reflects Turing’s own experiences in the 1950s.
  • Turing was convicted of gross indecency in 1952 due to his homosexuality and was forced to take hormone treatment.
  • He died by suicide in 1954 at age 41.
  • Turing was pardoned in 2013, and “Turing’s Law” grants posthumous pardons to other gay and bisexual men convicted of similar offenses.
  • The story shows a side of Turing that is more playful, creative, and socially aware than previously thought.
  • The narrative style was influenced by a gay novel, connecting Turing to broader queer literature of his time.
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BBC Top Stories