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Trump scraps threat of 20% fee on Hormuz cargo as US prepares to resume blockade of Iran ports

Trump scraps threat of 20% fee on Hormuz cargo as US prepares to resume blockade of Iran ports

July 14, 2026 • BBC World

Summary

President Donald Trump has canceled his plan to charge a 20% fee on all cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Instead, he will seek large trade and investment deals with Gulf countries as the US prepares to restart a naval blockade of Iranian ports amid ongoing conflicts with Iran.

Key Facts

  • President Trump announced he will not impose a 20% fee on cargo shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
  • The fee will be replaced by trade and investment agreements with Gulf states.
  • The US is resuming a naval blockade of Iranian ports starting Tuesday evening (Eastern Time).
  • Recent US and Iranian military strikes have caused oil prices to rise and reduced tanker traffic through the Strait.
  • Iran claims the US is interfering with the management of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil shipping route.
  • Trump described the US as the "guardian" of the Strait and said it remains open to all ships except those from Iran.
  • Shipping data shows a sharp slowdown in traffic through the Strait, the lowest in two months.
  • Israel’s Prime Minister warned Iran against attacking Israel, promising a stronger response if attacked first.
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BBC World BBC US BBC Top Stories BBC Business
Ann Widdecombe killing: police investigating possible leftwing motivation

Ann Widdecombe killing: police investigating possible leftwing motivation

July 14, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Police are investigating the murder of Ann Widdecombe to see if political motives, such as opposition to her views or her party, played a role. Counter-terrorism officers are leading the inquiry after arresting a suspect linked to possible extremist beliefs, while also examining his mental health history.

Key Facts

  • Ann Widdecombe was killed in her home near Dartmoor.
  • A 28-year-old man from Rotherham was arrested on suspicion of her murder.
  • Police are looking into whether hatred of her views on homosexuality or opposition to the Reform UK party motivated the attack.
  • Counter-terrorism police took over the investigation because of possible political motives.
  • Investigators are considering links to leftwing, anarchist, or single-issue terrorism but have not ruled out other causes.
  • The suspect drove about 270 miles to commit the crime and then returned home.
  • The suspect was not known to local police or listed on the government’s counter-terror Prevent program.
  • The killing has not yet been officially labeled a terrorist attack.
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Guardian World
Murder of UK politician Ann Widdecombe was ‘targeted attack’, police say

Murder of UK politician Ann Widdecombe was ‘targeted attack’, police say

July 14, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Ann Widdecombe, a British politician, was killed in an attack that police now say was planned and targeted. Counterterrorism police are investigating the case to understand the attacker’s motivation and possible links to terrorism.

Key Facts

  • Ann Widdecombe was found dead with serious injuries at her home in Devon, England.
  • Police arrested a white British man on suspicion of her murder and later rearrested him on terrorism-related charges.
  • The investigation is complex, and police have not confirmed the attacker’s motive or ideology.
  • Widdecombe was a member of the Reform UK party and had previously been a Conservative MP.
  • Initial police statements said there was no terrorism link, but new information changed that view.
  • The suspect was not known to the UK's counterterrorism program called Prevent.
  • Widdecombe’s murder has raised concerns about politician safety, following similar killings of UK MPs Jo Cox and David Amess.
  • Counterterrorism police are leading the investigation alongside regular police forces.
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Al Jazeera
Humanities among degrees being ‘extinguished’ by hard-up universities

Humanities among degrees being ‘extinguished’ by hard-up universities

July 14, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Thousands of university jobs in humanities and social sciences have been cut in the UK, causing fewer options for students in subjects like languages, classics, and theology. These cuts are happening mostly at less selective universities but are spreading to other important subjects and top universities, raising concerns about social mobility and education quality.

Key Facts

  • Nearly 4,000 academic jobs in social sciences, humanities, and arts were cut in the year leading to December 2024.
  • Most job losses occurred at non-Russell Group universities, reducing course availability outside top-tier schools.
  • Subjects such as social work, English, classics, anthropology, and linguistics saw significant staff cuts.
  • Business-related courses lost the highest number of jobs, with 930 cuts in one year.
  • Some subjects are becoming nearly impossible to study at less selective universities, limiting access based on student grades and location.
  • More than 1,000 additional job cuts are planned at prestigious Russell Group universities.
  • These reductions increase educational inequality and reduce opportunities, especially for students from poorer backgrounds.
  • Experts warn that the financial crisis in universities threatens the future of research, student careers, and regional growth goals.
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Guardian World
Port of Dover works to avoid summer travel chaos

Port of Dover works to avoid summer travel chaos

July 14, 2026 • BBC Business

Summary

The Port of Dover has prepared extensively for summer travel but faces likely delays because a new EU border system is not yet fully operational. A £40 million facility designed to process biometric checks on travelers is ready but not in use, causing concerns about long waits for drivers crossing to the EU.

Key Facts

  • The Port of Dover invested £40 million in a new Entry Exit System (EES) facility to speed up EU border checks.
  • EES requires travelers to register fingerprints and have their photo taken when entering the Schengen Area.
  • The new facility has 84 kiosks to record biometric data but is not yet activated by French authorities.
  • Long delays of up to four and a half hours occurred during the May half-term holiday at Dover.
  • The port expects up to 10,500 outbound cars on busy summer days in July.
  • Dover’s chief executive said the port has done everything possible but depends on EU cooperation to operate the system smoothly.
  • The UK government recently allocated £20 million more funding to improve transport infrastructure in Kent to help reduce delays.
  • Travelers are advised to use main roads and arrive no more than two hours before their ferry departure.
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BBC Business
How jihadist groups like Boko Haram use AI for acts of terror

How jihadist groups like Boko Haram use AI for acts of terror

July 14, 2026 • France24

Summary

A report from Cambridge University reveals that the terrorist group Boko Haram has been using artificial intelligence (AI) since 2023 to help plan and carry out attacks. Former members shared how they used AI tools like ChatGPT to get advice on weapons and tactics, making their operations more effective.

Key Facts

  • Boko Haram, a Nigeria-based jihadist group, started using AI in 2023.
  • The use of AI helps improve their existing attack methods rather than creating new types of attacks.
  • Former members explained they learned how to ask AI for detailed information, including bypassing AI safety rules.
  • Specialized AI units were created within Boko Haram to assist fighters with requests for attack information.
  • AI was used not only for propaganda but also to assist in planning entire attacks.
  • Experts say Boko Haram is likely not the only terrorist group using AI this way.
  • The report is based on interviews with over 20 former Boko Haram members.
  • Training on how to use AI tools came from instructors from Iraq, Afghanistan, North Africa, and other regions.
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France24
World leaders travel to Qatar to honour Father Emir

World leaders travel to Qatar to honour Father Emir

July 14, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Leaders from many countries have traveled to Qatar to express sympathy to Emir Sheikh Tamim. They came to honor the Father Emir, who recently passed away, recognizing his leadership and impact around the world.

Key Facts

  • The Father Emir of Qatar has died.
  • Many world leaders visited Qatar to offer condolences.
  • The visiting leaders paid tribute to the Father Emir’s leadership.
  • They acknowledged his influence on global affairs.
  • Emir Sheikh Tamim is receiving support from the international community.
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Al Jazeera
Apu Resurfaces on 'The Simpsons' Socials for First Time Since 2016

Apu Resurfaces on 'The Simpsons' Socials for First Time Since 2016

July 14, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

The character Apu from The Simpsons appeared on the show’s official social media account for the first time since 2016. Apu, an Indian immigrant who runs a convenience store, was previously absent due to criticism that the character promoted racial stereotypes.

Key Facts

  • Apu is a fictional convenience store owner on The Simpsons, introduced in the early years of the show.
  • The character was voiced by Hank Azaria from 1990 to 2017, who also voices other characters on the show.
  • Apu faced criticism for reinforcing stereotypes about Indian Americans, especially after the 2017 documentary "The Problem With Apu" by comedian Hari Kondabolu.
  • The documentary highlighted how Apu influenced people’s views and sometimes led to bullying and stereotyping of South Asians.
  • In 2018, The Simpsons addressed the controversy in an episode but received mixed reactions.
  • Hank Azaria said in 2018 he was willing to stop voicing Apu and officially ended voicing the character in 2020.
  • Apu had not appeared on social media or promotional materials for almost a decade until the recent post.
  • Hari Kondabolu is a comedian known for discussing race, identity, and representation, and he brought attention to the Apu controversy.
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Newsweek
Mexico: Football Without Fear

Mexico: Football Without Fear

July 14, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Nallely Arenas, a lawyer near Mexico City, started a football group called Cancha Violeta to help young people live safely despite violence and crime. Her daughter Karol plays on the team and hopes to compete in the Street Child World Cup. The documentary "Mexico: Football Without Fear" shows their story and the challenges of gender violence in Mexico.

Key Facts

  • Nallely Arenas is a lawyer who faced legal struggles.
  • She co-founded Cancha Violeta, a football group for youth near Mexico City.
  • The group provides a safe place amid gender violence and cartel crime.
  • Nallely’s daughter Karol trains with Cancha Violeta.
  • Karol aims to play in the upcoming Street Child World Cup.
  • The documentary is directed by Elpida Nikou and Rodrigo Hernandez.
  • The film highlights the difficulties women face from gender violence in Mexico.
  • Football is used as a tool to support and protect young people in difficult areas.
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Al Jazeera
Russian Soyuz rocket launches fresh crew to space station

Russian Soyuz rocket launches fresh crew to space station

July 14, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

A new crew launched to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard a Russian Soyuz rocket from Kazakhstan. The team includes NASA astronaut Anil Menon and two Russian cosmonauts who will stay on the station for about eight months.

Key Facts

  • The Soyuz MS-29/75S rocket launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
  • Crew members are commander Pyotr Dubrov, cosmonaut Anna Kikina, and NASA astronaut Anil Menon.
  • Menon is a new astronaut but has experience as a NASA flight surgeon and SpaceX flight doctor.
  • The crew will dock at the ISS’s Prichal module about three hours after launch.
  • They replace the Soyuz MS-28/74S crew who arrived last November.
  • The new crew will stay on the ISS for roughly 260 days, longer than usual to reduce cargo trips.
  • Menon’s wife Anna is also an astronaut candidate and previously worked at NASA and SpaceX.
  • NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman attended the launch, his first visit to Baikonur since becoming NASA chief.
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CBS News
Ukraine's Zelenskyy continues aid requests as Russia launches new strikes

Ukraine's Zelenskyy continues aid requests as Russia launches new strikes

July 14, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Russian forces launched new attacks in Ukraine, injuring at least seven people. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke with leaders in France to ask for ongoing support for Ukraine.

Key Facts

  • Russian military strikes hit Ukraine overnight.
  • At least seven people were injured in the attacks.
  • Ukrainian President Zelenskyy made phone calls to French officials.
  • Zelenskyy is seeking continued aid and support from allies.
  • The conflict between Russia and Ukraine is ongoing.
  • International support plays a key role in Ukraine’s response.
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CBS News
Police given more time to question men over Islamic event threat

Police given more time to question men over Islamic event threat

July 14, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Twelve people were arrested in the UK over a suspected right-wing terror threat to an Islamic festival in Suffolk, which caused the event to shut down early. Police have extended the time allowed to question eight of the arrested men under terrorism laws.

Key Facts

  • The UK Ijtima event, a gathering for Islamic spiritual renewal, was held at Shrubland Hall near Ipswich but ended early due to a credible threat.
  • Police received information about a possible threat and declared a major incident.
  • Twelve people were arrested on suspicion of terrorism offenses, conspiracy to murder, or assisting an offender.
  • Eight men are being questioned under the Terrorism Act with up to seven days allowed for questioning.
  • The men arrested range in age from 27 to 42 and were arrested in different parts of England including Surrey, Essex, London, Ipswich, and Greater Manchester.
  • Three older men and one woman were released on bail after being arrested on related suspicions.
  • Armed officers helped evacuate about 15,000 event guests safely after closing roads around the site.
  • The police investigation confirmed the threat was related to right-wing terrorism.
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BBC Top Stories
Mexico begins legal action in US over deaths of its citizens in ICE custody

Mexico begins legal action in US over deaths of its citizens in ICE custody

July 14, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Mexico has started legal actions in the United States concerning the deaths of 17 Mexican citizens in immigration detention or during enforcement since President Donald Trump took office in 2023. The Mexican government is filing complaints with US state prosecutors, sending cease-and-desist letters to detention centers, and asking international human rights authorities to investigate.

Key Facts

  • Since January 2023, 17 Mexican citizens have died in US immigration detention or enforcement actions.
  • Mexico is filing complaints with state prosecutors across the US about these deaths.
  • Cease-and-desist letters have been sent to detention centers, including the Adelanto center in California where four deaths occurred.
  • The letters demand changes to medical care and detention policies to prevent further deaths.
  • Mexico plans to file a complaint with the US Department of Justice through its embassy.
  • The Mexican Foreign Minister asked the United Nations Human Rights office to investigate these deaths.
  • These actions follow the July 7 killing of Mexican citizen Lorenzo Salgado Araujo by an ICE agent in Houston, Texas.
  • Mexico emphasizes it is not seeking conflict with the US but wants to defend the human rights of its citizens.
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Al Jazeera
Firefighters battle flames in Fontainebleau historic forest

Firefighters battle flames in Fontainebleau historic forest

July 14, 2026 • France24

Summary

A large wildfire is burning in the historic Fontainebleau forest near Paris, France. Authorities suspect the fire was started on purpose and have arrested two people in connection with the blaze, which has burned over 1,900 hectares and caused panic in a nearby town.

Key Facts

  • A wildfire is currently burning in the Fontainebleau forest, near Paris.
  • The fire has burned more than 1,900 hectares (about 4,700 acres) of forest land.
  • Police believe the fire was started deliberately (suspected arson).
  • Two individuals have been arrested in connection with the fire.
  • The nearby small town has been affected and is in a state of panic.
  • Fontainebleau forest is historic and could take decades to fully recover.
  • The event is occurring amid hot weather and increased fire risk in France.
  • Firefighters are actively working to control and stop the fire.
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France24
Israeli attack on north Gaza police station kills eight

Israeli attack on north Gaza police station kills eight

July 14, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

An Israeli drone strike hit a police station in northern Gaza’s Jabalia camp, killing at least eight people including police officers and a civilian. In another attack, Israeli gunfire and airstrikes killed additional civilians, including a 10-year-old child, raising the total deaths in Gaza to at least 11 on that day.

Key Facts

  • The drone attack targeted a police station in the al-Faluja area of Jabalia camp in northern Gaza.
  • At least six police officers, including the police station director, were killed.
  • One civilian was also killed in the police station attack.
  • The bodies of the victims were taken to al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.
  • Israeli airstrikes and gunfire in southern Gaza’s Khan Younis area killed several people, including a man, a woman, a child, and others injured.
  • A 10-year-old child died from machine gunfire before reaching the hospital.
  • The Gaza Health Ministry said that since October 7, 2023, over 73,000 people have died and more than 173,000 have been injured in the conflict.
  • Despite a ceasefire agreed in October 2023, deadly Israeli strikes in Gaza continue almost daily.
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Al Jazeera
Trump backs away from plans to charge fees in the Strait of Hormuz

Trump backs away from plans to charge fees in the Strait of Hormuz

July 14, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

President Donald Trump announced he will not charge a 20% fee on cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Instead, he said Middle Eastern countries will invest in the United States through trade and investment deals.

Key Facts

  • President Trump planned to charge a 20% toll on cargo through the Strait of Hormuz.
  • He reversed this plan after talks with Middle Eastern leaders.
  • The toll will be replaced by trade and investment agreements with Gulf States.
  • Trump called these investments "massive" but did not provide specific details.
  • It is unclear if these investments are new or part of previous agreements.
  • The Strait of Hormuz is a key shipping route in the Middle East.
  • The announcement was made on social media.
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PBS NewsHour
Yellowstone tourist tossed 8ft in air by bison says attack could have been worse

Yellowstone tourist tossed 8ft in air by bison says attack could have been worse

July 14, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

A 65-year-old man named Carl McDaniel was tossed 8 feet into the air by a bull bison at Yellowstone National Park, breaking his leg in four places. He and his grandson were walking near the animal when it charged, but McDaniel survived with help from nearby campers and medical staff.

Key Facts

  • Carl McDaniel, 65, was attacked by a bull bison in Yellowstone while walking with his 13-year-old grandson.
  • The bison flipped McDaniel about 8 feet into the air, breaking his femur in four places.
  • The attack happened near the Bridge Bay campsite in Wyoming on a Friday evening.
  • McDaniel believes the bison chose not to gore or kill him after the attack.
  • A nearby photographer captured the incident on video, which has over 1.1 million views on YouTube.
  • Other campers helped scare the bison away so McDaniel could get first aid.
  • Emergency crews transported him to a hospital where he had surgery and began recovery.
  • The bison may have been agitated due to rutting (mating) season, which lasts from June to September.
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Guardian World Guardian US
China rejects report that a U.S. scientist is being wrongfully detained

China rejects report that a U.S. scientist is being wrongfully detained

July 14, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

China denied that it is wrongfully holding Youlin Chen, a U.S. citizen and seismologist accused of spying. Chen has been detained in China since November 2024 and faces trial, while U.S. officials, including President Trump, have sought his release through diplomatic efforts.

Key Facts

  • Youlin Chen, 54, is a U.S. citizen and seismologist detained in China since November 5, 2024.
  • Chen was arrested at Beijing Airport while preparing to return to Boston.
  • He is accused of spying and faces a trial in China.
  • The Chinese government says it is following legal procedures and denies wrongful detention.
  • U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called Chen "wrongfully detained" and prioritized his release earlier in 2025.
  • Chen’s wife reported that President Trump spoke about Chen’s case with Chinese leader Xi Jinping during a Beijing visit in May 2026.
  • Chen has undergone over 100 interrogations, was denied a lawyer for 13 months, and experienced poor prison conditions, including lack of proper medication.
  • President Trump plans to raise Chen’s and another detained American’s cases when Xi visits Washington in September 2026.
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CBS News
Live: France marks tenth anniversary of deadly Nice terror attack

Live: France marks tenth anniversary of deadly Nice terror attack

July 14, 2026 • France24

Summary

France held a ceremony in Nice to remember the 86 people killed in a terror attack on July 14, 2016. French President Emmanuel Macron attended the tribute, and the French football team observed a minute of silence before their World Cup 2026 semi-final game.

Key Facts

  • The ceremony took place on July 14, 2026, marking ten years since the Nice terror attack.
  • The attack occurred on Bastille Day in 2016 when a man drove a truck into crowds on the Promenade des Anglais.
  • 86 people died and more than 400 were injured in the attack.
  • The attacker, Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel, was shot dead by police at the scene.
  • The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack.
  • President Macron thanked FIFA's president for allowing a minute of silence at the World Cup semi-final between France and Spain.
  • The moment of silence was held in Dallas, Texas, where the match took place.
  • French officials, including the Mayor of Nice, participated in wreath-laying and remembrance events.
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France24
The £10bn wasted on Covid PPE

The £10bn wasted on Covid PPE

July 14, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

A Covid inquiry found that nearly £10 billion of public money was wasted on personal protective equipment (PPE) during the pandemic, putting NHS staff and patients at risk. Meanwhile, President Trump withdrew his plan to add a 20% fee on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz but continued to enforce a blockade on Iranian ports, increasing tensions.

Key Facts

  • The Covid inquiry reported a lack of enough proper PPE for NHS staff and patients.
  • Around £10 billion was spent wastefully on PPE during the pandemic.
  • Baroness Hallett, the inquiry chair, called the waste “vast.”
  • President Trump reversed his threat to charge a 20% fee on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Trump maintained a blockade on Iranian ports despite withdrawing the fee threat.
  • The blockade and shipping fee discussions have raised tensions in the region.
  • The news piece was presented by Adam Fleming with expert guests analyzing the situation.
  • The report highlights both UK pandemic response issues and international political developments.
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BBC Top Stories