President Donald Trump announced that the United States will increase tariffs on Canadian goods to 35%, despite Canada dropping its planned digital tax under U.S. pressure. Trump has sent notices to several countries about these increased tariffs, which will start on August 1 unless new trade agreements are made.
Key Facts
Trump announced a 35% tariff on Canadian goods, up from the previous 25%.
Canada agreed to cancel a digital services tax that would have affected U.S. technology companies.
Tariffs will begin on August 1 unless new trade deals are reached.
Canada is the U.S.'s second-largest trading partner, after Mexico.
The U.S. claims Canada is not doing enough to stop the flow of fentanyl, an addictive drug, into the U.S.
Canada exports items like oil, cars, and industrial machinery to the U.S.
Trump imposed separate tariffs on steel, aluminum, and car parts globally.
Canada has a $63.3 billion trade surplus with the U.S.
The article discusses why Generation Z (Gen Z) seems to express fear or hesitation towards sex compared to previous generations. This trend is linked to several factors, including growing up during the COVID-19 pandemic, shifts in cultural conversations like the #MeToo movement, and concerns about legal changes affecting reproductive rights.
Key Facts
Gen Z is reportedly having less sex than previous generations did at the same age.
The COVID-19 pandemic affected Gen Z's experiences with in-person relationships.
Online engagement, such as watching porn and participating in LGBTQ+ communities, is more common among Gen Z.
Legal and cultural shifts, like the #MeToo movement and changes to reproductive rights, contribute to anxieties about sex.
Some young people express fear of unwanted pregnancies due to changes in laws regarding reproductive rights.
Despite these concerns, many Gen Z individuals express interest in sex, though they may not act on it as frequently.
The conversation around sexuality and sex for pleasure has evolved, impacting how young people view sex.
The government is starting a consultation to introduce a new Private Parking Code of Practice to make parking charges fairer. This comes after complaints from drivers who faced high fines, like Rosey Hudson, who was billed £1,906 for a delay in paying at a car park in Derby. The proposed code aims to prevent unfair parking fees and improve transparency and oversight in the private parking sector.
Key Facts
The government wants to create a fairer system for private parking charges.
Drivers like Rosey Hudson have been fined large amounts for minor delays.
The new code seeks to prevent unfair charges due to mistakes or poor technology.
Private parking firms currently self-regulate through two trade associations.
Parking operators can get driver details from the DVLA to issue fines.
A previous code from February 2022 was withdrawn due to legal challenges.
The AA believes the new proposals do not sufficiently protect drivers.
The government is consulting the public on the new code until 5 September.
The National Trust plans to cut about 550 jobs, which is 6% of its workforce, due to increased costs from higher taxes and wages. The charity is trying to save £26 million and has started talking to staff and their union to reduce the number of forced job losses.
Key Facts
The National Trust will cut about 550 jobs, or 6% of its workforce.
Higher wages and increased taxes are the main reasons for the job cuts.
The National Trust's wage costs have gone up by more than £10 million.
They aim to save £26 million through these cost-cutting measures.
A 45-day consultation period with staff started on Thursday.
The Trust is working with the union Prospect to try and lessen forced job losses.
Afghan taxi drivers in Kandahar face extremely high temperatures often above 40°C (104°F). To cope, they have found their own ways to stay cool since their car air-conditioners often fail.
Key Facts
Kandahar, a city in Afghanistan, frequently experiences temperatures over 40°C (104°F).
Taxi drivers there often have problems with their car air-conditioning systems breaking down.
To handle the heat, these drivers are creating their own methods to stay cool inside their cars.
The situation highlights the challenges faced by workers in hot climates without reliable cooling options.
The problem is common among many drivers due to the harsh weather conditions and equipment issues.
Heathrow Airport plans to expand its capacity to handle 10 million more passengers each year by 2031. The expansion includes a £10 billion investment for new terminal spaces and improved facilities, and would require higher passenger charges over the investment period.
Key Facts
Heathrow Airport wants to add 10 million extra passengers yearly by 2031.
The expansion plan involves a £10 billion investment.
It aims to demolish the old Terminal 1, extend Terminal 2, and build a new access road tunnel.
Passenger charges are expected to rise to an average of £33.26, up from £28.46.
The plan includes creating new terminal spaces the size of 10 football fields.
The improvements will lead to faster security and baggage handling.
Heathrow aims to increase its annual passenger capacity by 12%.
Rayyan Arkan Dikha, an eleven-year-old from Indonesia, created a viral boat-racing dance that has become popular worldwide. His dance, known as "aura farming," is seen in videos across social media, with notable athletes and teams joining in. The dance, which he performed during a traditional boat race, has led him to gain widespread attention.
Key Facts
Rayyan Arkan Dikha is an eleven-year-old boy from Indonesia who created a viral dance.
The dance is performed at the tip of a racing boat during the national Pacu Jalur race.
"Aura farming" is an internet term meaning to build charisma or coolness.
His dance has been replicated by athletes such as Travis Kelce and the Paris Saint-Germain football team.
Videos of his dance have millions of views on TikTok.
Dikha's role during the boat race includes energizing the crew.
His mother expressed concerns about his safety while dancing on the boat, though a rescue team is always nearby.
The article mentions a weekly quiz by NPR, which includes questions about Elon Musk's new political party and his company, xAI. It also invites readers to submit their own quiz questions related to news from July 7 to July 15 for a chance to be featured.
Key Facts
NPR hosts a weekly quiz that includes questions about current events.
Some quiz questions are related to Elon Musk's new political party and his company, xAI.
Readers are invited to submit their own questions for the quiz.
Submissions should relate to news from the week of July 7 through July 15.
If selected, contributors will be acknowledged on NPR's website.
Submissions are subject to NPR's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) recently obtained high-level access to a database that manages government payments to farmers and ranchers in the United States.
Key Facts
DOGE stands for the Department of Government Efficiency.
DOGE now has high-level access to a specific database.
The database controls government payments to farmers and ranchers.
A recent report discusses three areas affected by red tape: the challenges facing professional gamblers, potential increases in business spending on research and development, and difficulties in unsubscribing from services. A court has stopped a rule from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that aimed to make unsubscribing easier.
Key Facts
Professional gamblers in the U.S. are concerned about future obstacles due to government rules and procedures, often called red tape.
Businesses may invest more in research and development (R&D), which involves creating new products or improving existing ones.
The FTC introduced a 'click to cancel' rule meant to simplify the process of unsubscribing from services.
A court has blocked this 'click to cancel' rule from being implemented.
The discussion includes related topics such as sports gambling expansion and the difficulties faced by day traders.
The report is part of a series called "Indicators of the Week" presented by NPR’s Planet Money.
The Srebrenica massacre, where over 8,000 Bosnian men and boys were killed by Bosnian Serb forces in 1995, remains a painful memory in Bosnia and Herzegovina. A new play, "Flowers of Srebrenica," highlights this tragedy and ongoing ethnic tensions in the region. Despite convictions for the genocide, some leaders still deny it happened, reflecting deep divisions within the country.
Key Facts
In July 1995, over 8,000 Bosnian men and boys were killed in Srebrenica by Bosnian Serb forces.
The United Nations was supposed to protect Srebrenica, but Dutch soldiers did not prevent the massacre.
Bodies were originally placed in mass graves but later moved to hide the crime, complicating identification.
DNA testing has helped many families identify and bury their loved ones at Potočari Cemetery.
The play "Flowers of Srebrenica" shows the identification of massacre victims by clothing and personal items.
Some Bosnian Serb leaders deny the genocide, despite international convictions of Ratko Mladić and Radovan Karadžić.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is divided into two entities by the Dayton Peace Agreement, contributing to current tensions.
Republika Srpska’s president, Milorad Dodik, has taken steps challenging Bosnia's national institutions, causing further conflict.
Autofocus glasses from Finnish company IXI use liquid crystal lenses that adjust automatically to help people see clearly at different distances. These glasses aim to improve vision corrections compared to traditional bifocals or varifocals as the global population ages and eyesight issues grow. The glasses' design focuses on looking like regular eyewear, and they include technology to track eye movements.
Key Facts
IXI's glasses use liquid crystals in the lenses to adjust vision correction using an electric field.
The glasses have a built-in eye tracker that changes the lens based on where the wearer looks.
Autofocus lenses aim to replace traditional bifocal or varifocal glasses, offering a smooth transition for different distances.
The glasses' earlier prototypes had poor quality, but newer versions show improvement in tests.
IXI's glasses feature a small battery that lasts about two days and can be recharged overnight.
The design of the frames offers some adjustability, but limited due to internal electronics.
The CEO has not revealed the launch date or final pricing but hinted at a possible high cost.
These glasses might help where traditional options are challenging, but more evidence is needed to confirm their effectiveness for critical tasks like driving.
A retired woman in Georgia, Beverly Morris, is facing water issues she believes are caused by a nearby data center built by Meta, the company that owns Facebook. While Meta denies its data center affects groundwater, the increasing number of data centers raises concerns about water usage, as they require significant amounts to keep servers cool.
Key Facts
Beverly Morris lives near a data center in Mansfield, Georgia, owned by Meta.
Morris blames the data center for problems with her well water, including sediment buildup.
Meta conducted a groundwater study, stating their operations don't affect local water conditions.
The US, including Georgia, is seeing growth in data centers, driven by increased online activity and needs for AI tools.
Data centers use large amounts of water to cool servers; one facility can use millions of gallons daily.
In Georgia, data centers are attractive due to the humid climate aiding cooling processes.
Local activism is increasing, with some data center projects delayed or stopped.
A study predicts AI-driven data centers worldwide may use 1.7 trillion gallons of water by 2027.
Liberians feel upset and confused after a comment from U.S. President Donald Trump about their President Joseph Boakai's English skills. Trump expressed surprise about Boakai's English during a meeting with West African leaders at the White House, leading to mixed reactions. Liberia has a long history with English as its official language and strong ties with the United States.
Key Facts
U.S. President Donald Trump complimented Liberian President Joseph Boakai's English, calling it "beautiful."
English has been the official language of Liberia since the 1800s.
The meeting happened at the White House with five West African leaders present.
Liberia has historical ties with the U.S., including efforts to relocate freed slaves.
Some Liberians viewed Trump's comments as condescending and disrespectful.
Liberia's foreign minister said the comment acknowledged Liberia's American-influenced accent.
The U.S. recently stopped a major aid program, which affected Liberia's economy.
Liberia's political system and flag are modeled after those of the United States.
The number of measles cases in 2025 is higher than it has been in over 30 years in this country. Over 150 people have needed hospital care because of a growing outbreak, and three people have died.
Key Facts
2025 has the highest number of measles cases in over 30 years.
More than 150 people have been hospitalized due to the outbreak.
Three people have died from measles.
Two of the deceased were unvaccinated children in Texas.
Amna Nawaz discussed the outbreak with Dr. Adam Ratner.
Dr. Ratner is the author of a book about measles and children's health.
A festival in Omaha, Nebraska, showcased new art projects that connect art, disability, and technology. The event aimed to explore themes like who is given a voice in society.
Key Facts
The festival took place in Omaha, Nebraska.
It featured new art projects.
The main focus was on the relationships between art, disability, and technology.
The event raised questions about whose voices are heard in society.
Jeffrey Brown reported on this event for an arts and culture series called CANVAS.
Nigerian security forces have killed at least 30 gunmen in a joint operation after armed groups attacked villages in the country's northwest. The operation, which involved both police and military forces, resulted in the deaths of three police officers and two soldiers. The attacks are part of a larger pattern of violence by armed groups in Nigeria's northwestern and north-central regions.
Key Facts
Nigerian security forces killed at least 30 gunmen in the northwest.
A joint police and military operation took place on Wednesday.
Hundreds of armed men attacked several villages on Tuesday.
Three police officers and two soldiers died in the operation.
Violence in northwest and north-central Nigeria has increased recently.
Armed groups often engage in killings and kidnappings for ransom.
These groups usually consist of former herders.
Nigeria is also dealing with an insurgency in the northeast, affecting many civilians.
More than 500 migrants landed at Lavrio port near Athens after Greek authorities intercepted their boat south of Crete. Greece moved the migrants to the mainland because the facilities on Crete are full. Greece has paused asylum processing for migrants arriving by sea for three months due to an increase in migrant crossings.
Key Facts
Over 500 migrants arrived at Lavrio port near Athens after Greek authorities intercepted their boat.
The migrants mainly consisted of young men and were moved from a fishing boat to a larger ship before reaching the mainland.
Makeshift reception centers on Crete are overcrowded, leading to transfers to the mainland.
Greece has paused asylum processing for migrants arriving by sea from North Africa for three months.
The Greek government stated that these steps aim to reduce migration from North Africa.
More than 7,000 migrants have arrived in Crete from Libya in the past 10 days.
The European Union reported a 20% drop in irregular crossings into the EU in the first half of 2025, though there were increases around the Mediterranean.
The International Rescue Committee criticized Greece's pause on asylum as illegal and inhumane.
A trial in Dayton, Tennessee, 100 years ago involved a teacher accused of unlawfully teaching human evolution, sparking a national debate known as the "Monkey Trial." Today, the debate over the role of religion in public schools continues, with controversies over displaying religious symbols like the Ten Commandments in classrooms and incorporating religious education. Recent court cases have challenged laws requiring religious displays, reflecting ongoing tensions between religious inclusion and the separation of church and state.
Key Facts
The "Monkey Trial" involved teacher John T. Scopes, who was tried for teaching evolution against Tennessee's Butler Act.
The trial became famous for its courtroom debates between a famous lawyer and a Christian politician.
New laws in several states now require the display of the Ten Commandments in public classrooms, but these face legal challenges.
The U.S. Supreme Court's decisions influence ongoing debates about religion in taxpayer-funded education.
Recent legal cases upheld the exclusion of religious teachings, citing the Establishment Clause, which prevents government-sponsored religion.
The governor of Texas supports the connection between the Ten Commandments and Texas history, despite legal disputes.
Efforts to include religious elements in schools include adding prayer time and vouchers for religious schools.
Legal scholars argue that the principle of a secular state continues to be relevant and defend its importance.
Lawyers for MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell were fined for submitting a court document with many mistakes made by AI, including fake legal cases. A judge in Colorado ruled that the lawyers broke court rules by not making sure their claims were based on real law. This incident highlights the growing issues with using AI to create legal documents.
Key Facts
Two lawyers for Mike Lindell used AI to prepare a court document that contained mistakes and fake cases.
A federal judge in Colorado fined the lawyers $3,000 each for the errors.
"AI hallucination" is when AI tools create incorrect or fake information.
The lawyers violated a rule requiring that legal claims be well-grounded in law.
Mike Lindell lost the defamation case and was ordered to pay over $2 million.
The use of AI in creating legal documents is not illegal, but users must ensure accuracy.
There have been over 200 recent cases where AI-generated errors occurred in legal settings.
Experts say issues with AI errors in legal documents are becoming more common in courts.
