Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada is ready to act if President Trump imposes 50 percent tariffs on Canadian goods. This statement came amid ongoing talks to reach a new trade agreement between the two countries.
Key Facts
Canada is prepared to respond to possible new tariffs from the United States.
President Trump has threatened to impose 50 percent tariffs on goods from Canada.
The tariffs would come if trade talks fail to create a comprehensive agreement.
Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized focusing on what Canada can control.
The statement was made during a press conference on Thursday.
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Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker of the UK House of Commons, visited Washington D.C. during a time when the UK had recently changed its prime minister again. He made a comment about how the UK has had many prime ministers in a short time, comparing it to many buses arriving all at once.
Key Facts
Sir Lindsay Hoyle is the Speaker of the UK House of Commons.
He visited Washington D.C. this week.
The UK has recently changed its prime minister again, adding to a series of quick successions.
Hoyle described the number of prime ministers as “overachieving.”
He used a London bus analogy to explain the frequent changes: “They all come at once.”
The interview took place at the British ambassador’s residence in Washington D.C.
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A large explosion and fire occurred at an industrial site near Rettendon, Essex, on Friday. More than 100 firefighters responded, and a major incident was declared as teams worked to control the fire and manage the smoke spreading across the area.
Key Facts
The explosion happened at an industrial unit close to the village of Rettendon, south of Chelmsford.
Over 100 firefighters, along with police and ambulance hazardous area teams, attended the scene.
Witnesses described the explosion as very loud, comparing it to a bomb or sonic boom, and felt the ground shake miles away.
Thick smoke from the fire spread across the local area, leading officials to advise residents to keep windows and doors closed.
The cause of the explosion and whether anyone was injured were still unknown as of the latest update.
Fire service officials stated that while smoke remained significant, the fire was contained within a surrounding area.
Residents reported seeing a large "mushroom cloud" of flames and several smaller fires near the main blast site.
The public was asked to stay clear of the area while emergency crews worked to finish putting out the fire.
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Spanish police arrested a man accused of starting a wildfire by using farm machinery near Madrid. The fire and other wildfires across Spain and France have forced more than 100,000 people to evacuate, with large areas burned and emergency measures in place.
Key Facts
A tractor driver was arrested for allegedly causing a wildfire in central Spain near Madrid.
The fire merged two blazes, burning 30 square kilometers and forcing around 40,000 people to evacuate.
Spain declared a national wildfire emergency for the first time due to the severity of the fires.
A second suspect linked to a similar incident is under investigation.
Fires in Spain’s Avila province burned 90 square kilometers and displaced about 1,500 people.
France is facing large wildfires, including one that burned 125 square kilometers and caused 44,000 evacuations by boat.
The European Union sent water-bombing planes to help both Spain and France fight the fires.
Wildfire damage in Europe has increased significantly, with land burned rising 57% in four years.
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Chuck Russell, a film director known for movies like The Mask and The Blob, died at age 74 in his San Diego home. He helped launch the careers of actors such as Jim Carrey, Cameron Diaz, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. The cause of his death has not been confirmed.
Key Facts
Chuck Russell was found dead at his home in San Diego, California.
He was 74 years old at the time of his death.
Russell directed popular movies including A Nightmare on Elm Street 3, The Blob, The Mask, Eraser, and The Scorpion King.
The Mask helped make Jim Carrey and Cameron Diaz famous and earned an Oscar nomination for its special effects.
The Scorpion King was the first lead role for actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
Russell’s career began as a producer and writer before he became a director.
His last film was a 2024 remake of the horror movie Witchboard.
The cause of his death has not been publicly announced.
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UNESCO has added six sites in the occupied West Bank and southern Lebanon to its list of World Heritage sites in danger. This decision, made despite objections from Israel, highlights the impact of ongoing conflicts on these historic locations.
Key Facts
Six sites in the occupied West Bank and Lebanon were placed on UNESCO’s World Heritage and endangered lists at the same time.
The decision was made at a UNESCO meeting in Busan, South Korea, using an emergency procedure due to conflict damage.
The West Bank site, Sebastia, is an ancient archaeological area linked to biblical history and John the Baptist.
Palestinians asked for Sebastia to be protected because Israeli plans for a national park could limit Palestinian access.
In Lebanon, five castles including Beaufort Castle were listed; Beaufort was recently taken by Israeli troops during fighting with Hezbollah.
Lebanon says Israeli attacks damaged one castle and threaten others, but Israel claims Hezbollah uses some sites for military purposes.
Israel left UNESCO in 2019 over accusations of bias but now participates only as an observer.
Earlier, the ancient Lebanese city of Tyre was also named endangered due to destruction seen in satellite images.
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Iran and the United States exchanged military attacks, with Iran targeting US forces in Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait, and the US bombing sites in Iran. The conflict around the Strait of Hormuz continues to escalate, affecting regional security and world energy supplies.
Key Facts
Iran attacked US military bases in Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait using drones.
The US responded with airstrikes on multiple locations inside Iran.
US embassies warned Americans in the Middle East about rising dangers and possible travel limits.
The Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy shipments, has effectively been closed by Iranian actions.
In Erbil, Iraq, US-led forces shot down five drones loaded with explosives.
Iran claimed an attack on an Amazon data center in Bahrain, but this has not been confirmed.
Bahrain reported intercepting Iranian aerial attacks and said drones targeted civilian areas.
Iranian officials said their country will not give in to US threats or pressure and is discussing matters with China and Russia.
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Israeli settlers have burned Palestinian homes and cars in villages near Nablus. These attacks followed a deadly shootout that killed at least four Palestinians and two Israelis.
Key Facts
The violence took place near the city of Nablus.
Israeli settlers started fires in Palestinian properties.
The attacks happened after a shootout with several deaths.
At least four Palestinians died in the shootout.
At least two Israelis also died during the incident.
Rights groups are warning about possible widespread violent attacks called pogroms.
The situation is escalating tensions between Israelis and Palestinians.
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Ghanaian nationals have asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate xenophobic violence against migrants in South Africa that has lasted for several months. Meanwhile, attacks by an Islamic State-linked group in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have killed around 20 people.
Key Facts
Ghanaian nationals requested the ICC to investigate xenophobic violence in South Africa targeting migrants.
The violence in South Africa has continued for several months.
Around 20 people died in an attack by an Islamic State-affiliated group in eastern DR Congo.
The attack in DR Congo is part of increased violent actions by this group.
Coconut trees are disappearing along Ivory Coast's coast due to deforestation and rapid city growth.
The loss of coconut trees threatens local ecosystems and the coconut business.
French military is mobilized in response to a large wildfire near Bordeaux, France.
The article also notes other international stories including air strikes in Russia and Ukraine and political developments in Senegal.
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Venezuela has told the United Nations it will leave the International Criminal Court (ICC) because it believes the court is unfairly targeting countries in the Global South. This decision follows ICC investigations into alleged crimes by the Venezuelan government during protests in 2017 and comes as Venezuela shifts its political alignment towards the United States.
Key Facts
Venezuela informed the UN of its decision to withdraw from the ICC.
The government says the ICC is biased against African and Latin American countries.
The ICC started investigating possible crimes against humanity by Venezuela in 2021.
Venezuela’s National Assembly canceled its agreement to follow the ICC’s Rome Statute in 2023.
The ICC has faced criticism for treating Western and Global South leaders differently.
Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodriguez leads the government and supports closer ties with the US.
The US opposes the ICC and has taken actions, like sanctions, against ICC officials.
The move to leave the ICC comes amid Venezuela’s efforts to improve relations with Israel.
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Saudi Arabia has carried out air strikes on the city of Hodeidah in Yemen, which is controlled by the Houthi rebels. This action follows recent attacks by the Houthis on Saudi ships and a maritime blockade they imposed on Saudi Arabia.
Key Facts
Saudi Arabia launched air strikes on Hodeidah, a city held by Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Houthi media reported that telecommunications facilities and Kamaran Island were targeted.
A Saudi ship was reportedly hit in the Red Sea amid ongoing tensions.
The Houthis announced a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia on July 20.
The blockade was described by Houthis as retaliation for a Saudi strike on Sanaa’s airport.
This attack ended a four-year informal truce that started in 2022.
Hodeidah’s port is crucial because it handles most commercial and humanitarian imports for northern Yemen.
The conflict is increasing tensions in the region during other ongoing conflicts involving Iran, Israel, and Gaza.
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Canada opened the Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan, without U.S. officials present. The event was quiet and focused on Canadian attendees due to a trade dispute and tariff threats from President Donald Trump, which have strained relations between the two countries.
Key Facts
The Gordie Howe International Bridge links Windsor, Ontario, with Detroit, Michigan.
Canada canceled a planned joint ribbon-cutting ceremony with the U.S. because of tensions over trade and toll-sharing.
President Trump threatened 50% tariffs on Canada amid ongoing trade disagreements.
The $4.7 billion bridge, funded by Canada, aims to provide a faster alternative to the existing Ambassador Bridge.
Canadian officials celebrated the opening with family of Gordie Howe and encouraged patriotic dress in red and white.
There are ongoing disagreements about how toll revenues from the bridge will be divided between Canada and the U.S.
The bridge is important for trade, with $194 million worth of goods crossing daily between Windsor and Detroit.
A Detroit businessman opposing the bridge donated $1 million to a Trump-aligned political group, though no direct connection to the trade dispute was confirmed.
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The International Criminal Court (ICC) voted to remove its chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, due to serious misconduct related to sexual misconduct allegations. This is the first time the ICC has removed a chief prosecutor, following a long investigation and vote by member states.
Key Facts
Karim Khan, the ICC’s chief prosecutor, was accused of sexual misconduct with a female aide and denies the allegations.
The ICC’s Assembly of States Parties, made up of 125 member countries, voted by a large majority to remove Khan.
Khan was temporarily suspended in June 2023 while the investigation happened.
The court found Khan committed "serious misconduct and serious breach of duty."
A motion to make it harder to remove Khan was rejected early in the meeting.
The ICC is facing pressure from the United States, which is working to reduce the court’s influence and protect U.S. citizens from ICC investigations.
Venezuela announced it will leave the ICC, accusing it of focusing unfairly on Africa and Latin America.
The controversy around Khan’s removal is linked to political tensions over the court’s investigations, such as those involving Israel and the U.S.
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Afrah al-Zouba has been appointed Yemen’s first female foreign minister, marking a historic first for the country’s cabinet. She has a long career working in development, peacebuilding, and government, including key roles in Yemen’s political transition after the 2011 revolution.
Key Facts
Afrah al-Zouba is the first woman to serve as Yemen’s foreign minister or hold any top cabinet position.
She has more than 25 years of experience in development and peacebuilding in Yemen.
Al-Zouba was appointed minister of planning and international cooperation in February 2024, just before her new role.
She led the body responsible for managing foreign aid to Yemen.
She played a senior role in the National Dialogue Conference from 2013 to 2015, which aimed to create a new political system in Yemen.
Al-Zouba helped draft a proposed new constitution during the political transition period.
The peace process she worked on failed after the Houthi movement rejected the agreements and took control of the capital in 2014.
Her background includes degrees in pharmacy, community health, health economics, and business administration.
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Costa Rica captured Alejandro Arias-Monge, a top fugitive nicknamed "Diablo," who was wanted by the United States for drug trafficking. The arrest involved a fight that injured several Costa Rican agents, and authorities also seized weapons and arrested others at the scene.
Key Facts
Alejandro Arias-Monge, 41, known as "Diablo," is a major drug trafficker wanted by the U.S.
He was caught in Costa Rica after an hourlong struggle during which six federal agents were injured.
One agent remains in serious condition following the arrest.
Two other people were arrested, and authorities seized high-powered weapons.
The U.S. State Department offered a $500,000 reward for Arias-Monge's capture.
Arias-Monge led a violent transnational criminal group smuggling drugs from Colombia to the U.S.
His group operated throughout all seven provinces of Costa Rica.
He and his syndicate used social media to post violent content to intimidate locals.
Arias-Monge had been on the run since 2016 and is suspected of involvement in about 100 deaths.
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A police boat crashed into Westminster Bridge in central London, throwing officers into the River Thames and injuring five crew members. The cause of the crash is being investigated, and no civilians were reported hurt.
Key Facts
The crash happened on the River Thames near Westminster Bridge.
Five police officers on the boat were injured and treated by paramedics.
A police helicopter was present near the scene during the rescue.
The police boat’s purpose at the time of the crash is unknown.
Witnesses saw the boat crash and officers fall into the water.
The bridge was closed to traffic while emergency crews responded.
The Port of London Authority and Coastguard assisted police with river traffic.
No civilians were involved or injured in the incident.
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A large wildfire in central Spain has forced over 10,000 people to leave their homes. Firefighters are working to control what is described as the worst wildfire in the country’s history.
Key Facts
The wildfire is happening in central Spain.
More than 10,000 people have been evacuated.
Firefighters are trying to stop the fire from spreading.
Authorities have declared a state of emergency because of the fire.
This wildfire is called the worst in Spain’s history.
Evacuees have spoken about their close escapes from the fire.
Efforts to manage the wildfire are ongoing.
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Police Scotland declared a major incident as a wildfire has burned in Cairngorms National Park for 10 days. A change in wind direction increased the risk of the fire spreading toward the village of Nethy Bridge, leading to the evacuation of all residents.
Key Facts
The wildfire started near Ryvoan Bothy, south of Nethy Bridge, last Wednesday.
Over 100 firefighters, along with fire engines and specialist units, are working to control the fire.
A change in weather, especially wind direction, has made the fire spread more quickly.
Nethy Bridge residents are evacuated to the Macdonald Aviemore Hotel for safety.
Smoke from the fire has been seen as far away as Aberdeen, 59 miles from the blaze.
Firefighters use firebreaks (gaps in vegetation to stop fire spread) and drones to manage the fire.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service calls the situation "dynamic and unpredictable" due to weather changes.
First Minister John Swinney is monitoring the situation and plans a review to improve future response and resources.
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Karim Khan, chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), has been removed by a vote of ICC members due to allegations of sexual misconduct. Khan denies the accusations, but an extensive investigation found he engaged in improper conduct with a junior staff member and tried to block her complaint.
Key Facts
Karim Khan was elected ICC prosecutor in 2021 and suspended last month.
ICC members voted 82 in favor to remove him from his role.
Khan is accused of sexual misconduct involving a junior staff member and trying to stop her complaint.
Khan denies all allegations and his lawyers say the suspension was unfair and lacked evidence.
Investigations by ICC and United Nations offices produced over 5,000 pages of evidence.
Khan’s removal happened amid political tensions, including U.S. sanctions against him.
The U.S. opposes the ICC and is launching efforts to weaken or dismantle the court.
Khan cannot enter the U.S. because of sanctions related to ICC investigations into alleged war crimes by Israeli officials.
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Young people across India are protesting after the government canceled a national medical entrance exam because test questions were leaked. The protests began when India's chief justice called unemployed youth "cockroaches," and many young people adopted this term as a symbol of their movement against the government.
Key Facts
The protest movement started after the chief justice called unemployed young people "cockroaches."
Students created the "Cockroach Janata Party" as a joke against Prime Minister Modi’s party, gaining over 25 million Instagram followers.
The government canceled a medical entrance exam for 2 million students due to leaked questions.
These exams are very competitive and important for students’ futures and social mobility.
Protests spread across many Indian cities despite government crackdowns.
Activists say test leaks have contributed to at least 20 student suicides.
Protesters want the education minister removed and harsher punishments for leaks.
They also want compensation for fees students paid when exams are canceled.
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