Canada decided not to go forward with a planned digital tax on U.S. tech companies. This decision came after President Trump threatened to impose higher tariffs on Canadian goods. Canada aims to resume trade talks with the U.S. to reach a new trade deal.
Key Facts
Canada canceled a digital tax that would have affected U.S. tech companies like Google and Amazon.
President Trump threatened higher tariffs on Canadian imports if the tax went ahead.
The digital tax was supposed to start on Monday but was withdrawn to avoid trade issues.
Canada's Finance Minister said the tax was canceled in hopes of a new trade deal with the U.S.
Canada aims to reach a trade agreement with the U.S. by July 21.
Current U.S. tariffs include a 25% tax on certain Canadian imports and a 50% tax on Canadian aluminum and steel.
The Trump administration has a deadline of July 9 for reaching trade deals before higher tariffs are applied globally.
The stock market initially dropped when high tariffs were announced but later improved when the situation seemed to calm down.
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Over 70 countries, excluding the United States, gathered in Spain to address the financial gap between rich and poor nations, hoping to raise $4 trillion annually for global development. The meeting aims to tackle issues like debt, investment, and trade while pushing for reforms to fund health, education, and infrastructure. The U.S. disagreed with certain proposals and withdrew from the process.
Key Facts
The meeting is called the Financing for Development meeting and is being held in Seville, Spain.
It aims to address the $4 trillion annual financing gap for development and achieving the U.N.'s Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
More than 70 world leaders and representatives from various sectors are attending.
The U.S. withdrew from the negotiations, disagreeing with proposals affecting international financial governance.
The proposed Seville Commitment calls for tax reforms and increased lending by development banks.
Developing countries will pay $947 billion in debt service this year, which is increasing.
The U.N. Secretary-General mentioned that current financial efforts for development are insufficient.
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The WNBA is expanding by adding three new teams, bringing the total number of teams to 18. Cleveland will start in 2028, Detroit in 2029, and Philadelphia in 2030. The decision to expand is based on potential market success and support from local communities.
Key Facts
The WNBA will have 18 teams after adding Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia.
Cleveland's team will start playing in 2028, Detroit's in 2029, and Philadelphia's in 2030.
The league currently has 15 teams, with recent additions in Toronto and Portland.
The new teams were chosen based on factors like market success and strong local support.
The expansion is part of the WNBA’s overall growth, following a record season for viewership and merchandise sales.
The WNBA last had 16 teams in 2002, with Detroit's old team, the Shock, winning three titles before relocating.
The WNBA is currently facing labor issues, with the players' union seeking higher salaries in 2024.
The addition of the new teams requires approval from the WNBA and NBA Boards of Governors.
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The WNBA is set to expand to 18 teams by 2030, with Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia joining the league. Cleveland will start playing in 2028, Detroit in 2029, and Philadelphia in 2030 if they receive approval from the league's governors. Toronto and Portland will join the league in the coming year.
Key Facts
The WNBA will have 18 teams by 2030.
New teams in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia will start between 2028 and 2030.
Each new team paid a $250 million fee to join the league.
Toronto and Portland will join the WNBA next year.
The new teams belong to NBA ownership groups.
Cleveland and Detroit had WNBA teams in the past.
Detroit sports figures hold minority stakes in the team.
Detroit and Cleveland teams will use existing NBA arenas; Philadelphia plans a new building by 2030.
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Firefighters in Turkiye are working to control wildfires in Izmir for a second day. Strong winds have worsened the fires, leading to evacuations in several villages and neighborhoods.
Key Facts
Wildfires are affecting the Kuyucak and Doganbey areas in Izmir, Turkiye.
Winds up to 50 kilometers per hour are spreading the fires.
Authorities have evacuated four villages and two neighborhoods.
Over 1,000 people, helicopters, and planes are involved in firefighting efforts.
Turkiye's coastal areas are experiencing more wildfires due to hotter, drier summers.
Scientists link these changing summer conditions to climate change.
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Canada decided to cancel a tax on large U.S. technology companies just before it was supposed to start. This move was made to restart trade talks with the United States, which had been stopped after U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the tax. The planned tax would have charged companies like Amazon, Meta, Google, and Apple a 3% fee on revenue made in Canada over $20 million.
Key Facts
Canada canceled a planned tax on U.S. tech companies to restart trade talks with the U.S.
The tax, called the digital services tax (DST), was to be 3% on Canadian revenue over $20 million for big tech firms.
The trade talks were halted after U.S. President Donald Trump called the tax a "blatant attack."
Canada's finance minister, François-Philippe Champagne, announced the tax cancellation.
The tax was initially announced in 2020 to ensure tech companies pay taxes on money made in Canada.
It was estimated that the tax could have cost tech companies over $2 billion per year.
Trump, who has strong ties with tech company owners, opposed the tax.
Canada exports over $400 billion worth of goods to the U.S. each year.
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Turkiye is dealing with wildfires in the western province of Izmir, prompting evacuations in several areas. Strong winds have made firefighting efforts difficult, with operations also affecting the local airport. Fires have been reported in multiple locations with hundreds of personnel and firefighting equipment deployed.
Key Facts
Four villages and two neighborhoods in Izmir, Turkiye, were evacuated due to wildfires.
The fires began on June 29, 2025, in Izmir's Seferihisar district and spread because of high winds.
Winds reaching up to 117 km/h (75 mph) made firefighting challenging.
Over 1,000 people, helicopters, and aircraft are involved in efforts to control the fires.
Izmir Adnan Menderes airport operations were suspended due to the fires.
Fires also threatened an industrial zone and car dealerships near central Izmir.
Similar fires have recently affected broader southern Europe, with wildfires also reported in France, Greece, and Portugal.
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Two firefighters were killed by gunfire while responding to a fire on Canfield Mountain in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. A man believed to be the shooter was later found dead nearby. Authorities suspect the fire was started intentionally as an ambush against the firefighters.
Key Facts
The incident occurred in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, at Canfield Mountain.
The fire started around 1:22 pm, and gunfire began approximately 30 minutes later.
Two firefighters lost their lives, and a third was injured and is in stable condition.
Authorities believe the fire was started deliberately to target firefighters.
Police found a dead man, suspected to be the shooter, near the scene.
Kootenai County Sheriff stated the suspect was likely acting alone.
The area is popular for hiking and mountain biking, located near a national forest.
The shelter-in-place order was lifted on Monday after the situation was controlled.
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Devices that connect the brain directly to a computer could soon help people who cannot move or speak. These brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) have already been tried with people, and several companies are working to make them available for everyday use. The first users are likely to be people with paralysis from spinal injuries or ALS.
Key Facts
Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) link the brain to a computer, allowing control of devices with thoughts.
These devices have helped paralyzed people perform tasks like moving a cursor or generating speech.
Companies like Precision Neuroscience, Blackrock Neurotech, Paradromics, Synchron, and Neuralink are developing these technologies.
BCIs detect brain signals related to movement or speech and use them to control devices.
The technology includes sensors to pick up brain activity and interfaces to process signals.
The first users are expected to be people with spinal injuries or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Elon Musk’s Neuralink has gained attention for its work in the BCI field.
A paralyzed individual, Noland Arbaugh, was the first to receive Neuralink’s device and successfully used it to move a computer cursor.
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Sergei Tikhanovsky, an opposition figure in Belarus, was released from solitary confinement in a high-security prison after over five years. He was jailed for opposing the Belarusian president and has now been exiled but remains determined to continue advocating against the regime.
Key Facts
Sergei Tikhanovsky was held in solitary confinement for over five years in Belarus.
He was arrested for opposing Belarus's authoritarian president, Alexander Lukashenko, before a 2020 election.
Tikhanovsky's imprisonment included harsh conditions, such as being in a punishment cell without basic amenities.
His release came after a visit by a senior US delegation to Belarus.
Tikhanovsky lost almost 60kg (132 pounds) during his time in prison.
He was released alongside 13 other political prisoners.
While in prison, he was not allowed phone calls, letters, or visits, including from a priest.
Tikhanovsky's wife, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, ran for president in his place and drew large public support.
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People traveling on the train line between London and Brighton might face delays on Monday and Tuesday because of hot weather. Temperatures are expected to reach up to 34°C (93°F), which could affect the train tracks and cause slower train speeds and fewer trains running.
Key Facts
Train passengers on the London to Brighton line may experience delays due to high temperatures.
Temperatures might reach 34°C (93°F) on Monday and could be higher on Tuesday.
Heat could make train tracks get as hot as 50°C (122°F).
Speed limits on trains will be reduced to prevent track damage.
Fewer trains will be running, and journeys will take longer.
People are advised to check train schedules online before traveling.
Those who can work from home are encouraged to do so to avoid crowded trains.
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Many Americans will learn they have cancer this year. Supporting a friend with cancer can be hard, but simply being present, listening, and allowing them to express their feelings helps. Avoid telling unrelated stories or disappearing, as this may feel more hurtful than the illness itself.
Key Facts
Over 2 million Americans are expected to be diagnosed with cancer this year.
It is common for friends to not know how to support someone with cancer effectively.
Experts recommend being present and listening as key ways to support a friend with cancer.
Sharing unrelated cancer stories can feel irrelevant or hurtful to the person with cancer.
"Cancer ghosting" is when people avoid contact out of fear or discomfort, which can feel more painful than the illness.
Social support can impact a patient’s mental health and their ability to cope with the disease.
Being physically present can help the person feel less alone and maintain some sense of normalcy.
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Canada has canceled its digital services tax to restart trade talks with the United States after President Trump stopped negotiations in response to the tax. Canada and the U.S. have agreed to continue these discussions, aiming for progress by July 2025.
Key Facts
Canada withdrew its digital services tax aimed at large tech companies.
U.S. President Trump stopped trade talks with Canada because of this tax.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Trump agreed to restart trade talks.
The goal is to make progress by July 21, 2025.
The tax would have applied to large tech firms making over $820 million globally and $14.7 million in Canada.
Affected companies would pay a 3% levy on digital service revenues from Canadian users.
The tax was meant to apply to online marketplaces, social media, ads, and user data sales.
The tax would have been retroactive, covering revenues from January 1, 2022.
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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that trade talks with the United States have resumed after Canada withdrew its plan to tax U.S. technology companies. The talks had been halted when President Donald Trump objected to this tax, calling it unfair, but they are now back on track.
Key Facts
Canada planned to tax U.S. tech firms like Amazon, Google, and Meta with a 3% levy on revenue from Canadian users.
President Trump halted trade talks with Canada due to this planned tax, considering it an attack on the U.S.
Canada's Digital Services Tax would have cost U.S. companies $2 billion.
Prime Minister Carney and President Trump spoke on Sunday and agreed to resume trade talks.
Trade negotiations are aiming for a deadline set for July 21, 2025, as discussed at the G7 Summit.
The move to rescind the tax removed the obstacle for continuing trade discussions between the U.S. and Canada.
Canada's Finance Minister also communicated with the U.S. Treasury to support the progression of trade talks.
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Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defeated Inter Miami 4-0 in the Club World Cup's last 16. Joao Neves scored twice for PSG, and the team will play the winner of the Bayern Munich vs. Flamengo match in the quarterfinals.
Key Facts
PSG beat Inter Miami 4-0 in the Club World Cup match.
Joao Neves scored two goals for PSG.
Achraf Hakimi and an own goal by Miami's Tomas Aviles added to the score.
The match took place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Inter Miami did not attempt a shot for the first 50 minutes of the game.
Lionel Messi faced PSG for the first time since moving to Inter Miami.
Inter Miami's coach, Javier Mascherano, saw the game as a helpful experience for the team.
PSG will compete against either Bayern Munich or Flamengo in the quarterfinals.
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Israel has told people in northern Gaza to leave their homes as it plans more military actions. Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump is urging for a ceasefire and a deal to release hostages.
Key Facts
Israel advised residents in northern Gaza, including Gaza City and Jabalia, to move south to the al-Mawasi area.
At least 86 people died in the 24 hours leading up to midday on Sunday, according to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry.
Three children were reportedly killed in a strike on the supposed "safe zone" of al-Mawasi.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump called for a ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Israel Defense Forces stated their operations in north Gaza aim to eliminate terrorists and their infrastructure.
Reports indicated that bombings intensified on Sunday, destroying several houses.
Medics said an airstrike hit a tent in al-Mawasi, killing five people, including three children from the Maarouf family.
International mediators are working on finding a resolution to end the conflict and release hostages, but talks have stalled.
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Companies in China are working hard to develop artificial intelligence (AI) applications, which is increasing the need for high quality training data. Training data is information used to teach AI systems how to perform tasks.
Key Facts
Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications are growing rapidly in China.
To build these AI applications, companies need a lot of training data.
Training data is used to teach AI systems to understand and work accurately.
High quality data is especially important because it helps improve AI performance.
There is a significant demand for this data as more AI applications are developed.
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Lando Norris won the Austrian Grand Prix, holding off his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri. The race saw some tense moments, including a near-collision between the two McLaren drivers. Max Verstappen crashed out early, impacting his championship position.
Key Facts
Lando Norris won the Austrian Grand Prix for the McLaren team.
Oscar Piastri briefly led the race before Norris regained the position.
There was a near-collision between Norris and Piastri during the race.
Max Verstappen crashed with Kimi Antonelli in the first lap, ending his race.
Piastri apologized for the near-collision and expressed regret for not capitalizing on his time in the lead.
Charles Leclerc finished in third place, while Lewis Hamilton came in fourth.
McLaren is currently leading the constructors' championship, ahead of Ferrari.
The next race in the Formula 1 season will be the British Grand Prix.
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This year's Supreme Court decisions have given the president more power and reduced the power of the courts. NPR's Scott Detrow talked to Greg Stohr from Bloomberg about what these decisions say about the court's future direction.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court made decisions that increase the president’s authority.
The courts now have less power than before these decisions.
The changes highlight a shift in how the government branches work together.
NPR's segment features a discussion between Scott Detrow and Greg Stohr.
The program "Consider This" can be accessed through various platforms like NPR App and Apple Podcasts.
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