President Donald Trump expressed disappointment with NATO during the first day of a summit in Turkiye, criticizing some European allies for not supporting the US during conflicts and urging them to increase defense spending. The summit also discussed NATO’s support for Ukraine amid the Russia-Ukraine war and raised tensions over Greenland’s sovereignty.
Key Facts
President Trump said he was “very disappointed” with NATO and criticized some European countries like Italy, Germany, and France for not supporting the US in conflicts involving Iran.
Trump urged European NATO members to spend more on defense, pointing out that only five members are expected to meet the 3.5% GDP spending target by 2026.
Trump renewed his claim that Greenland should be controlled by the US, not Denmark, which Denmark’s prime minister rejected, emphasizing Greenland is not for sale.
The summit is focused on maintaining NATO unity amid ongoing tensions, including disagreements over Iran, Greenland, and mutual defense commitments.
NATO leaders discussed continuing military support for Ukraine, with Norway pledging about $306 million for air defense and other allies expected to keep support through 2026 and 2027.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged NATO to allow Ukraine to join the alliance for stronger defense protection.
President Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin before the summit and is expected to meet Zelenskyy during the event.
Trump expressed hope that the Russia-Ukraine conflict would be resolved soon, saying both sides want a deal.
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The Trump administration ended a special permission that allowed some sales of Iranian oil and petrochemicals. This decision followed reports that Iran attacked three ships near the Strait of Hormuz, an important route for shipping oil.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump’s administration revoked a sanctions waiver for Iranian oil and petrochemical sales.
The waiver allowed certain transactions that are now no longer permitted.
The revocation was announced by the U.S. Treasury Department.
This action came after reports of Iran striking three ships near the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway used for transporting oil internationally.
The sanctions aim to limit Iran’s oil exports as part of U.S. policy.
The measure tightens restrictions on Iran in response to regional security concerns.
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The article discusses the need for a shared national purpose in the United States to bring people together. The author, a retired Army brigadier general, suggests creating a universal national service system to unite Americans across different backgrounds and political beliefs.
Key Facts
The author is a Greek American who served as an Army doctor and retired as a brigadier general.
He reflects on questions about identity and belonging that persist after 250 years since the Declaration of Independence.
National identity is built through shared responsibility, not just slogans.
The author proposes a universal national service to connect young Americans from all races, religions, and political views.
Shared historical experiences do not guarantee a shared identity because people remember events differently.
Institutions today often divide people by background, income, culture, and politics rather than unite them.
The military is one of the few institutions that bring people together across these divides.
The article highlights that a common mission is needed to strengthen national unity in the U.S.
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President Donald Trump has strengthened U.S. ties with Turkey during the NATO summit in Ankara, recognizing Turkey’s growing strategic role between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Turkey’s military and diplomatic influence has increased in several regional conflicts, making it an important partner for NATO and U.S. regional strategy.
Key Facts
President Trump expressed strong support for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the NATO summit.
Turkey is geographically important, located between conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Some U.S. allies, including European countries and Israel, have criticized Erdogan’s style of leadership and Turkey’s growing influence.
Turkey has been a NATO member since 1952 and has one of the largest militaries in the alliance after the U.S.
Erdogan has led Turkey since 2003, boosting its military and diplomatic power in regions like Libya, Syria, and the Caucasus.
Turkish drones have been used effectively in conflicts in Ukraine and the Caucasus.
Turkey maintains a complex relationship with Russia, acting as a mediator between Moscow and Kyiv.
Turkey’s role is central to many NATO security concerns, making it a key partner for U.S. regional plans.
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Recent changes in federal energy policies under President Donald Trump are expected to increase energy bills for American households. A report by Energy Innovation predicts that rolling back clean-energy programs and incentives will add an average of $460 to energy costs per year by 2035, with some states facing even higher increases.
Key Facts
Energy Innovation analyzed seven major federal policy changes made since President Trump took office in January 2025.
These changes include cutting clean-energy incentives, rolling back emissions rules, and ending programs like Solar for All.
The report estimates households could pay $460 more annually for energy by 2035, with some states seeing increases over $500.
States likely most affected include Kentucky, Missouri, Oklahoma, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
States like Maine, Vermont, Washington, and New Hampshire might face smaller impacts due to existing state energy-efficiency policies.
President Trump’s energy plan focuses on increasing fossil fuel and nuclear energy production while reducing clean energy support.
The administration aims to strengthen the energy grid, lower costs, and support manufacturing.
White House officials say these changes will make energy more affordable despite the report’s findings.
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In Greystones, Ireland, a community has agreed that children should wait until secondary school age before getting a smartphone. The episode also shares a story about a woman who created a safety device after a late-night attack and discusses an experiment where AI ran a café in Sweden.
Key Facts
Greystones has a volunteer rule to delay giving smartphones to children until they reach secondary school.
The "It Takes A Village" initiative supports this approach to managing children's phone use.
A local school principal and a parent explain the reasons behind this agreement.
A woman developed a wearable device to improve safety after surviving an attack.
In Sweden, a café was operated by artificial intelligence (AI) to test how it would work.
The episode was presented by Shiona McCallum and produced by Tom Quinn.
The story was broadcast on the World Service on July 7, 2026.
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Colombian President-elect Abelardo de la Espirella, who has support from U.S. President Donald Trump, paused the government transition. He said the current president, Gustavo Petro, is trying to stop him from taking office by planning a coup.
Key Facts
Abelardo de la Espirella is the newly elected president of Colombia.
He is a conservative and a millionaire.
President Trump endorsed de la Espirella during the election.
De la Espirella stopped the official transition to the new government.
He accused current President Gustavo Petro of trying to hold on to power through a coup.
President Petro was previously criticized by Trump but later called “terrific” after a meeting.
The transition pause creates uncertainty about Colombia’s political future.
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A large landslide covered a tunnel construction site in Kerala, India, during heavy monsoon rains, killing at least five people. Rescue teams are searching for others who may be trapped under the debris.
Key Facts
The landslide happened during heavy monsoon rain in Kerala, India.
It buried a tunnel construction site.
At least five people died due to the landslide.
CCTV footage recorded the landslide collapse.
Rescue operations are underway to find more trapped workers.
The disaster occurred amid the seasonal heavy rains typical to the region.
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The National Guard deployment in Washington, D.C. has grown to about 5,000 troops during the country’s 250th anniversary celebrations. Some Democratic-led states, like Michigan and Minnesota, sent troops but face criticism from local groups who say the troops are being used beyond event security, linked to a longer deployment started by President Trump due to crime concerns.
Key Facts
National Guard troops from Democratic-led states joined the Washington, D.C. deployment for the 250th anniversary events.
The deployment has increased recent troop numbers from about 2,300–2,600 to around 5,000.
The Guard has been in Washington since August 2025, following an emergency order by President Trump citing high crime.
Troops have helped with arrests, medical emergencies, curfew enforcement, and city maintenance tasks like snow removal.
Some local groups and think tanks asked Michigan’s Governor Gretchen Whitmer to remove her state’s Guard forces.
The groups argue that President Trump’s use of the Guard is unusual and open-ended, raising concerns about misuse.
Michigan and Minnesota have joined other Democratic-led states in a lawsuit challenging the ongoing Guard deployment.
Minnesota Guard troops sent for the celebration are expected to leave early amid the criticism.
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President Donald Trump said the United States should control Greenland instead of Denmark, repeating claims about threats from China and Russia around the island. At a NATO summit, members announced major military spending plans, and Trump lifted sanctions on Turkey related to its purchase of a Russian missile system, improving U.S.-Turkey relations.
Key Facts
President Trump stated Greenland should be controlled by the U.S., not by Denmark.
Trump claimed Greenland faces threats from Chinese and Russian ships, a claim not supported by evidence.
NATO members announced billions of dollars in new military projects to increase defense capabilities.
Trump lifted U.S. sanctions on Turkey, which were imposed after Turkey bought a Russian S-400 missile defense system.
Turkey’s purchase of the S-400 led to its removal from the U.S. F-35 fighter jet program.
The U.S. is considering selling F-35 jets to Turkey despite concerns from Israel and some U.S. lawmakers.
Turkish President Erdogan and Trump showed a strong personal relationship during the NATO summit.
NATO’s secretary-general and European leaders aimed to satisfy Trump’s demands for increased European defense spending.
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Microsoft is cutting many jobs at its gaming studios id Software and Bethesda as part of a larger reduction in the Xbox division. Around half of id Software’s staff and up to half of Bethesda’s team behind The Elder Scrolls Online were laid off, with Bethesda shifting focus to its strongest game series.
Key Facts
Microsoft announced 3,200 layoffs in its Xbox division.
Around 50% of id Software’s employees, including most coders, were laid off.
Approximately 90 workers lost their jobs at id Software, known for Doom.
Bethesda Studios also faced heavy layoffs, with many employees affected.
Up to half of the developers for The Elder Scrolls Online were laid off.
Bethesda plans to focus more on its main game franchises for growth.
Future projects like Starfield and Elder Scrolls Online may be impacted by staff cuts.
Microsoft said it will lay off an additional 1,600 employees later this year.
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Two earthquakes in Venezuela caused buildings to collapse, trapping many people and killing more than 3,500. Families like Noel Márquez’s have been left to search for and recover their dead relatives on their own, often without government help or proper equipment.
Key Facts
The earthquakes struck Venezuela, heavily damaging high-rise buildings.
Noel Márquez’s family home collapsed and caught fire; only his brother survived, trapped under rubble.
Family members have been forced to recover bodies themselves, sometimes using bare hands and basic tools.
Authorities have not provided heavy machinery to remove large debris, delaying rescues and recovery.
The official death toll is over 3,535, with more than 16,740 injured.
Over 30,000 missing people have been reported to an opposition-run website.
Most rescue efforts by the government have ended; international teams are preparing to leave.
Civilians, firefighters, and some Mexican rescuers continue searching through 1.2 million tons of debris.
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The upcoming Marvel movie "Avengers: Doomsday" will feature Doctor Doom as the main villain, played by Robert Downey Jr. Rumors from leaked LEGO sets suggest the movie includes battles with big robots called Sentinels and could introduce a villainous team called the Dark Avengers.
Key Facts
"Avengers: Doomsday" is a new Marvel film about the Avengers and other heroes fighting Doctor Doom.
Robert Downey Jr. returns to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Doctor Doom, not as Iron Man.
LEGO set leaks reveal a "Sentinel Battle" set with a giant robot Sentinel and heroes like Thor and Magneto.
Another leaked LEGO set shows a Dark Avengers Quinjet with a HYDRA Captain America figure, hinting at a villain version of Steve Rogers.
The Dark Avengers team may make their first appearance in this movie.
The first official trailer is expected around San Diego Comic-Con.
The story may feature a team-up of the New Avengers, Fantastic Four, and X-Men against Doctor Doom.
Some rumors about the villain team and LEGO sets are unconfirmed and might be inaccurate.
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Jeremy Hansen, a Canadian astronaut who is part of NASA’s Artemis II mission, announced he is retiring from the Canadian Space Agency after 17 years. He said he will continue to support Canada's progress even after leaving his official role.
Key Facts
Jeremy Hansen is a Canadian astronaut on NASA’s Artemis II mission.
He announced his retirement from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).
Hansen has worked with the CSA for 17 years.
He announced his decision publicly on social media.
Hansen stated he will still support Canada's growth after retirement.
He is 50 years old.
Artemis II is a historic mission planned by NASA involving astronauts from different countries.
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President Donald Trump arrived in Turkey to attend a NATO summit and was welcomed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at a formal ceremony. The event included national anthems, a guard of honor, and a military flyover as part of the official welcome.
Key Facts
President Trump arrived in Turkey on Tuesday for a NATO summit.
Turkish President Erdoğan greeted Trump with a ceremony on a blue carpet.
Both leaders stood for their national anthems at the July 15 Martyrs' Memorial.
They reviewed a guard of honor as a military flyover took place.
Erdoğan wore sunglasses due to bright sunlight during the welcome.
The two leaders shook hands, and Trump squeezed Erdoğan’s shoulder.
Erdoğan gently guided Trump while inspecting the troops together.
Trump talked to Erdoğan and his wife about the new Air Force One plane.
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A 3-year certificate of deposit (CD) account currently offers fixed interest rates above 4%, allowing savers to earn a guaranteed return over three years. The interest earned depends on the deposit size, and early withdrawal fees apply if funds are taken out before the term ends.
Key Facts
Current interest rates for 3-year CDs are around 4.15% and are fixed for the full term.
Interest earnings vary by deposit amount; for example, $1,000 earns about $130 and $50,000 earns about $6,487 over three years.
CDs lock your money for a set period, protecting funds while earning interest.
Early withdrawal from a 3-year CD could result in a large fee that reduces or wipes out earned interest.
Inflation is high, making higher fixed rates on CDs attractive for protecting money’s value.
Savers should shop around, including online, to find the best CD rates available.
CDs are not suitable for everyone, especially if access to funds might be needed before maturity.
A 3-year CD provides a balance of higher returns and security compared to some savings accounts or investments.
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Marjorie Taylor Greene warned that Social Security and Medicare could run out of money by 2032, which might lead to cuts in benefits. She said both political parties are responsible for not fixing the problem and that Americans may face financial challenges if changes are not made soon.
Key Facts
Social Security provides monthly benefits to over 70 million Americans.
The Social Security retirement trust fund is projected to be depleted by 2032.
If the trust fund runs out, benefit payments will likely be reduced automatically.
Greene blamed both Democrats and Republicans for failing to address the funding crisis.
Americans pay into these programs during their working lives through payroll taxes.
Greene warned the value of the dollar is decreasing due to overspending by Congress.
She said Social Security benefits may first be cut for wealthy people, then for the middle class.
Experts say lawmakers have so far delayed making decisions to fix the funding problems.
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Prince Harry lost a High Court privacy case against the Daily Mail’s publisher. While speaking at an event for his Invictus Games, news of the ruling broke, overshadowing his message. He and co-claimant Baroness Doreen Lawrence strongly criticized the judgement as unfair.
Key Facts
Prince Harry lost all his privacy claims against Associated Newspapers Limited in the High Court.
The court decision came while he was addressing an Invictus Games event in London.
He maintained his prepared speech, welcoming Uganda as a new member of the Games.
Prince Harry and Baroness Doreen Lawrence issued a written statement calling the ruling a "complete and obvious whitewash."
No public statement was given in person on the court result.
An upcoming Invictus Games event will not allow outside press, only in-house reporters.
Prince Harry’s planned stay at Buckingham Palace was canceled due to a security disagreement.
The lawsuit was part of a larger, personal effort by Prince Harry to challenge certain press practices.
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Fox News host Mark Levin criticized President Trump for giving military equipment to Turkey while trying to sell them F-35 fighter jets. Levin called it a "big mistake" and compared the aid to giving Turkey many generous gifts.
Key Facts
Mark Levin is a Fox News host who commented on President Trump's actions.
Levin said providing Turkey with military equipment was a "big mistake."
President Trump is trying to sell F-35 fighter jets to Turkey.
Levin compared the military aid to Turkey as like "Christmas," meaning many gifts.
Turkey's president is Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The discussion centers on U.S.-Turkey military relations.
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A woman suspected of planting a bomb to kill a Ukrainian businessman in Monaco was found dead in Ukraine. Ukrainian authorities said she died from gunshot wounds to the head.
Key Facts
The bombing attempt targeted a Ukrainian business tycoon in Monaco last week.
The suspect was found dead in Ukraine.
Ukrainian Security Service reported the cause of death as gunshot wounds to the head.
The incident is connected to the ongoing conflict situation involving Ukraine.
No further details about the suspect’s identity or motive have been given in this report.
The investigation is linked to cross-border criminal and political tensions.
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