President Donald Trump threatened to impose 100% tariffs on imports from any country that applies a tax on digital services provided by US companies. He specifically targeted European countries planning such taxes and warned this could override existing trade agreements.
Key Facts
President Trump announced a 100% tariff on all goods from countries taxing US digital services.
He issued the threat via social media on June 26, 2026.
Trump said this tariff would cancel any current trade deals with those countries.
European countries, especially the European Union, are considering taxes on US tech companies to raise revenue.
The European Commission said these digital taxes are fair and apply equally to large companies from any country.
The EU plans to respond firmly if the US imposes tariffs.
The US and EU recently agreed on a trade deal capping most EU export tariffs to 15%, but digital taxes were not included.
The situation could lead to a trade conflict that might raise prices and slow economic growth.
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A regional court declared Togo’s recent changes to create a parliamentary system to be unconstitutional. This ruling challenges the government’s planned reforms of how the country is governed.
Key Facts
Togo attempted to switch from its current government system to a parliamentary system.
A regional court reviewed the changes and ruled that these reforms violate the constitution.
The ruling means the planned government changes cannot proceed as originally intended.
Togo’s parliamentary reform efforts are now under legal and political scrutiny.
The article was published on June 26, 2026.
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The Trump administration has issued new requirements for federally funded health programs, emphasizing parental control in education and reducing support for overdose prevention methods like harm reduction. These changes may affect efforts against the opioid crisis and could influence vaccine requirements in schools by pressuring states and local programs to follow new federal priorities.
Key Facts
Health programs receiving federal funding must agree to new priorities set by the Trump administration within five business days.
New priorities include promoting “parental authority” over children's education and reducing use of overdose prevention methods like harm reduction.
The changes may impact progress against the opioid crisis and public health efforts like vaccinations.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sent the notice to state, territorial, tribal, and local health programs focused on immunizations, HIV, hepatitis, and tobacco.
Staff within the CDC were reportedly unaware of the new requirements until the notice was sent.
Vaccine mandates are usually set by states or localities, but the new priorities may pressure them to reduce these mandates by linking compliance to federal funding.
Experts warn the move indicates increased political control over public health policies and could undermine public health goals.
The US Department of Health and Human Services did not respond to questions about the memo when asked.
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Almost 100 groups that work on online safety and protecting children asked House leaders not to approve a new law called the KIDS Act. They worry this law, which may be voted on soon, could cause problems for online safety and children’s privacy.
Key Facts
Nearly 100 digital and child safety groups signed a letter opposing the KIDS Act.
The KIDS Act is a proposed law focused on kids’ online safety.
The groups sent their letter on Friday.
They want House leaders to reject the current version of the KIDS Act.
The law may be voted on in the House as early as next Monday.
The process to bring it to the floor is being fast-tracked, which means moving quickly.
The groups’ concerns include potential negative impacts on online safety and children’s privacy.
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Prices for consumer electronics like computers and game consoles are rising after decades of falling because of a shortage of memory and storage chips. This shortage is caused by big tech companies buying most of the chips to support new artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, making chips more expensive and harder to find for everyday devices.
Key Facts
Consumer electronics prices are rising due to a shortage of memory and storage chips.
Big tech companies like Alphabet, Amazon, and Meta are buying most chips for AI data centers.
This leaves fewer chips available for devices like smartphones, tablets, and game consoles.
Apple and Microsoft have increased prices on products such as iPads, MacBooks, and Xbox consoles.
Apple may also raise iPhone prices by up to $200 for Pro models to cover higher costs.
Leading chip makers Micron, Samsung, and SK Hynix focus more on profitable AI-related chip production than on consumer chips.
The current chip shortage and price increases are worse than those seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Building new chip factories is very expensive and takes up to five years, so supply cannot quickly increase.
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The New York Times wants to change its lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft to say Microsoft helped OpenAI steal its articles by building a special supercomputer. The Times says this supercomputer was made to train AI to copy its content without permission.
Key Facts
The New York Times filed a lawsuit accusing OpenAI and Microsoft of copyright theft.
The Times says Microsoft built a powerful supercomputer mainly to help OpenAI train AI on copyrighted works.
The lawsuit aims to improve claims after a recent Supreme Court decision changed how contributory infringement cases are judged.
The Times wants to drop some claims but strengthen others based on new legal standards and evidence.
Microsoft says the amended complaint is a last attempt to save the case after unfavorable court rulings.
The original complaint said Microsoft only provided cloud services; now it says Microsoft actively helped infringe copyrights.
The Times claims its articles were used heavily in training AI so the AI could better imitate their journalism.
The lawsuit says this use has harmed the Times financially and damaged its reputation.
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A U.S. federal judge has ordered the Justice Department to explain why it dropped criminal charges against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani. The judge said the DOJ’s explanation was too brief and asked for more details by July 13.
Key Facts
The DOJ decided not to pursue charges against Gautam Adani, who was accused of bribery in India related to a solar power plant contract.
Adani’s lawyers asked for the case to be formally dismissed.
U.S. District Judge Nicholas Garaufis said the DOJ’s reason for dropping the case was not clear enough.
The DOJ must provide a better explanation of its decision by July 13.
Adani’s legal team argued the case should be dismissed because U.S. law does not apply and the bribery could not be proven in India.
The charges were dropped shortly after Adani promised a $10 billion investment in the U.S.
Adani’s lawyer Robert Giuffra is also a personal lawyer for President Donald Trump.
A member of Giuffra’s legal team, James McDonald, has been nominated by President Trump for a top federal prosecutor position.
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Two strong earthquakes hit Venezuela, killing at least 920 people and leaving over 51,000 missing. Many residents are searching for loved ones themselves due to limited government rescue help, while international aid teams are arriving to assist.
Key Facts
Two earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude struck Venezuela late Wednesday.
At least 920 people have died, with more than 51,000 reported missing.
Over 3,300 people were injured from the disaster as of Friday midday.
Many Venezuelans are searching through rubble on their own, citing a lack of government rescuers.
The coastal town of La Guaira near Caracas suffered severe damage with many collapsed buildings.
The government says it is working hard and distributing food and water to survivors.
International rescue teams and humanitarian aid are arriving to support relief efforts.
About 6.76 million people in Venezuela could be affected by the earthquakes.
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An Israeli attack on a car in the central Gaza Strip killed three Palestinian police officers and injured others. The attack occurred near the Maghazi refugee camp and violated the ceasefire agreement in place since October 2025.
Key Facts
The attack happened in the Maghazi refugee camp area in Deir el-Balah, central Gaza.
Three Palestinian police officers were killed in the strike.
The vehicle was hit by an Israeli combat drone that fired missiles causing it to catch fire.
The victims were identified as Captain Mansour Sami Shahtout, Captain Mohammed Khaled Nofal, and First Sergeant Mahdi Nader Jabr.
Palestine’s Ministry of the Interior condemned the attack and called on the international community to pressure Israel to stop targeting police personnel.
The ceasefire agreement brokered by the US has been in effect since October 10, 2025, but violations continue.
Over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed in ceasefire violations since it began, and more than 73,000 have died since October 2023 in the ongoing conflict.
Hamas and other Palestinian groups are discussing ways to ensure full implementation of the ceasefire and hope mediators will help hold Israel accountable.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom proposed a national tax on billionaires worth more than $100 million, aiming to create a federal minimum tax instead of the state's one-time 5% wealth tax. Newsom opposes the state measure, arguing billionaires could avoid it by moving out of California, and says the country should close tax loopholes and adjust inheritance rules.
Key Facts
Newsom proposed a national "billionaires' tax" on Americans with over $100 million in wealth.
He opposes California's one-time 5% wealth tax on billionaires set to appear on the November ballot.
The state tax was pushed by the healthcare workers union SEIU-UHW in response to funding cuts.
Newsom wants to restore corporate tax rates to pre-2017 levels and stop offshore tax avoidance.
He warned about a $124 trillion wealth transfer in the next 20 years potentially creating a permanent inherited wealth class.
About 250 billionaires would be affected by California's state tax.
The state measure could lead some billionaires to leave California for other states.
Billionaires, including Sergey Brin, have spent heavily to oppose the California tax measure.
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Venezuela recently experienced two strong earthquakes during an ongoing economic and political crisis, causing many deaths and damage. Several countries, including the United States, have promised to help with rescue and relief efforts.
Key Facts
Venezuela is facing a serious economic and political crisis.
Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela this week, causing hundreds of deaths.
Rescue teams are working hard to find survivors.
Many countries have sent aid and resources to help Venezuela.
President Donald Trump has promised U.S. support for disaster relief in Venezuela.
There is uncertainty about the level of U.S. aid after U.S. forces captured Venezuela’s president earlier this year.
Experts and officials are discussing the situation on news programs to provide more insight.
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President Donald Trump threatened to impose a 100 percent tariff on countries that apply digital taxes on American tech companies. He stated that these tariffs would override any existing trade agreements and said Europe could be targeted.
Key Facts
President Trump made the threat in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social.
The tariffs would apply to any country that taxes US tech companies through digital service taxes.
Trump named European countries as possible targets for these tariffs.
He said the new tariffs would override any previous trade deals or agreements.
Trump has criticized digital taxes on US tech firms before, calling them harmful and discriminatory.
The EU recently agreed with the US to cap tariffs on most products at 15 percent, but digital service taxes were not included.
Trump set a deadline of July 4 for a new agreement on tariffs but warned the 100 percent tariff would take effect immediately if countries enforce digital taxes.
The president supports the US technology sector and has pushed back against foreign regulations on American tech companies.
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DACA recipients filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government due to long delays in renewing their DACA status. This status allows people brought to the U.S. as children to get work permits and stay legally in the country.
Key Facts
DACA stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.
The program was created under President Obama.
DACA helps people brought to the U.S. as children by giving work permits.
The Trump administration has delayed the processing of DACA renewals.
These delays led to a lawsuit from DACA recipients.
The lawsuit was filed on a Thursday.
The delays affect the ability of recipients to continue working legally.
The case challenges the federal government’s management of DACA renewals.
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Texas has made passages from the Bible required reading for millions of public school students starting in 2030. The new reading list, approved by the Republican-led Texas education board, includes Bible stories alongside other books for different grade levels.
Key Facts
The Texas education board approved a new statewide reading list including Bible passages for public school students.
This change will affect over 5 million students, starting with elementary students in 2030.
Bible excerpts for seventh graders include the Book of Jonah and Psalms; high school students will read parts of Lamentations and Genesis.
The 2023 law requires the state to pick at least one literary work per grade, with the board suggesting multiple texts.
Teachers can assign other books but must also include those on the required list.
Critics say the new list favors Christianity and may conflict with the separation of church and state.
Supporters say Judeo-Christian traditions are important to America’s history and deserve representation in schools.
Texas has a large and diverse student population, with many Hispanic and Black students, raising concerns about the reading list’s diversity.
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House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer issued two subpoenas to billionaire Leon Black during Black’s voluntary interview related to the committee’s investigation of Jeffrey Epstein. Comer stated that Black refused to answer questions about nondisclosure agreements connected to the inquiry.
Key Facts
James Comer, Chair of the House Oversight Committee, issued two subpoenas to Leon Black.
The subpoenas were given while Black was voluntarily being interviewed by the committee.
The investigation is focused on Jeffrey Epstein, who was a convicted sex offender.
Leon Black was asked about nondisclosure agreements involving women.
Comer said Black refused to answer questions about these agreements.
The committee is seeking more information related to Epstein’s activities.
The action took place in a congressional setting involving oversight and investigation.
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Texas will require public school students to read Bible stories as part of a new state-approved reading list. The list also includes classic books like "Charlotte's Web" and "Great Expectations," and will start being used with elementary students in 2030.
Key Facts
The Texas State Board of Education, controlled by Republicans, approved the new reading list on Friday.
More than 5 million Texas public school students will be required to read Bible stories alongside traditional literary works.
Bible stories include passages from the New Testament and the Book of Job, with different selections for elementary, middle, and high school levels.
The new reading list also includes well-known books such as "Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White and "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens.
The required reading list will start being phased in with elementary students in 2030.
Critics say the requirement blurs the line between church and state and lacks diversity, while supporters say it reflects the nation’s Christian heritage.
Texas allows other Christian-related activities in public schools, like hiring chaplains and displaying the Ten Commandments.
The Texas law requires at least one literary work per grade, but this list contains about 200 texts, including Bible passages, exceeding that requirement.
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Israel and Lebanon have signed a new framework agreement in Washington after US-led talks. The deal aims to create peace and security but does not include Hezbollah, a key group in Lebanon supported by Iran.
Key Facts
The agreement was signed after several days of negotiations led by the United States.
Details of the agreement have not been fully released to the public.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the deal a "first step" toward lasting peace.
Previous ceasefires between Israel and Hezbollah saw frequent cross-border attacks despite agreements.
Hezbollah, backed by Iran, was not part of this agreement, and its participation remains uncertain.
Ongoing tensions between Israel, Lebanon, and Iran have complicated US efforts for peace in the region.
President Donald Trump has stated he can influence Israel's actions regarding Lebanon.
Fighting between Israel and Hezbollah resumed after a ceasefire ended in April and continued even after later truces.
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Abdikerm Eidleh, a suspected leader in the biggest pandemic fraud case in the U.S., was arrested in Somalia after more than four years on the run. He is accused of helping run a $250 million scheme that involved fake receipts and bribery to steal government money meant for food programs in Minnesota.
Key Facts
Abdikerm Eidleh was arrested in Mogadishu, Somalia, in a raid led by the FBI and Somali intelligence.
He is a key figure in the Feeding Our Future fraud case, which involved $250 million in stolen funds.
Eidleh allegedly collected $5 million in bribes and told food businesses to submit fake receipts.
He was second in command to Aimee Bock, who received a prison sentence of over 40 years for leading the fraud.
So far, 79 people have been charged in the case, mostly of Somali descent, with 66 convicted or pleading guilty.
The fraud involved taxpayer-funded social programs like childcare, housing, and behavioral health, mostly in Minnesota.
Officials say the total fraud in Minnesota might be more than $1 billion.
The FBI emphasized that Somalia is not a safe place for fugitives due to international law enforcement efforts.
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A U.S. soldier named Adrian Bonsey died after being hit by an M2 Bradley armored vehicle during a training exercise in the Mojave Desert on June 10. The Army is investigating the incident, which happened during early morning hours with low visibility.
Key Facts
Adrian Bonsey was 29 years old and a combat engineer in the 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Georgia.
The accident occurred around 4:30 a.m. during a large-scale training at the National Training Center in the Mojave Desert.
The armored vehicle involved was an M2 Bradley fighting vehicle, which weighs 27 tons and is designed to carry troops and support them with weapons.
Bonsey joined the Army in 2023 and had also served at Fort Carson, Colorado, and deployed to Poland in 2024.
The Army lost 31 soldiers in training accidents in 2025, many involving military vehicles.
Common causes of fatal training accidents include sleep deprivation, lack of proper training, and inexperienced leaders.
The training at the National Training Center prepares units for possible combat overseas.
The Army continues to work on reducing training accidents, with a current downward trend since the mid-2000s.
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Thunderstorms caused lightning strikes across many parts of the UK during the early hours of Friday. The storms were linked to recent high temperatures, and a weather warning has been issued for some areas in Scotland and northern England.
Key Facts
Lightning was seen over cities like Edinburgh, Bristol, and Manchester.
Parts of Northern Ireland and Wales also experienced lightning strikes.
The storms followed a period of intense heat in the UK.
A yellow warning for thunderstorms is active in Scotland and northern England.
The heat is expected to lessen over the weekend.
Social media showed videos of the lightning lighting up the sky.
The lightning happened during the early hours of Friday.
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