Neutral summaries of your favorite news sources — just the facts.
Your favorite news sources, one neutral feed — we distill their reporting into fact-first
summaries and always link to the original story. How it works
World News
Comprehensive coverage of international news and global events
The European Union and the United States are close to reaching a trade deal to avoid high tariffs. The EU aims to prevent a 30% tariff on its exports to the US, proposed by President Trump, by negotiating for a lower rate. If no agreement is reached by August 1, the EU plans to impose counter-tariffs on US goods.
Key Facts
The US plans to impose a 30% tariff on EU imports starting August 1, unless a deal is reached.
EU negotiators are working hard to reach an agreement that benefits European consumers and companies.
The EU has prepared a response of counter-tariffs worth €93 billion if the US tariffs take effect.
Counter-tariffs could target US goods, including motorcycles, bourbon whiskey, and aircraft parts.
The EU's target is to negotiate a 15% tariff, lower than the 30%, but higher than the EU's initial hope of 10%.
EU negotiators are prepared for both negotiations and retaliation (a "twin-tracks" approach).
The European Central Bank is concerned about how trade uncertainty affects the economy.
President Trump wants the EU to open its market more to American businesses as a condition to avoid the tariffs.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed a new bill to Ukraine's legislature to address concerns about a recent law that critics say could lead to corruption. This move follows public protests and objections from European allies about placing certain anti-corruption bodies under the control of the prosecutor general.
Key Facts
President Zelenskyy introduced a new draft bill in response to protests over a controversial law passed earlier.
The new bill aims to ensure the independence of anti-corruption agencies in Ukraine.
The earlier law placed NABU and SAPO under the control of the prosecutor general, raising concerns about political interference.
Many Ukrainians protested against the law, even under martial law conditions.
European officials expressed worry that the law could impact Ukraine's EU membership prospects and aid from Europe.
Zelenskyy has promised legislation that prevents Russian influence in anti-corruption bodies.
Opposition lawmakers are also working on their own legislation to overturn the previous law.
Zelenskyy consulted with UK and German leaders and plans to involve experts in shaping the new bill.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The International Criminal Court found two leaders of a Christian rebel group in the Central African Republic guilty of war crimes against Muslim civilians during 2013 and 2014. They received sentences of 12 and 15 years in prison for their roles in violent attacks and other crimes.
Key Facts
The court convicted Patrice-Edouard Ngaissona and Alfred Yekatom for war crimes.
Ngaissona received a 12-year sentence; Yekatom received a 15-year sentence.
The crimes were part of violence by the anti-Balaka militia against Muslim civilians.
These events occurred after Muslim Seleka rebels took control of the capital, Bangui, in 2013.
The violence resulted in thousands of deaths and mass displacement of people.
Ngaissona was arrested in France in 2018, while Yekatom was arrested in the CAR and extradited to the ICC.
This trial is the first at the ICC focusing on the violence following the 2013 Seleka takeover.
Other related trials and investigations, including of a Seleka commander, are ongoing.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Israel has restricted the people living in Gaza from accessing the Mediterranean Sea, which was used for relief from the heat. In Ukraine, President Zelenskyy has agreed to let anti-corruption organizations stay independent after protesters demanded it.
Key Facts
Israel has blocked Gazans from accessing the Mediterranean Sea.
The sea was a place where people in Gaza could escape the heat.
Some Gazans live in difficult conditions without basic needs like shelter and clean water.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy responded to protests.
Protesters in Ukraine want anti-corruption groups to remain independent.
Zelenskyy agreed to keep these anti-corruption groups independent.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
During the early months of his second term, Donald Trump used US airstrikes as a key strategy in foreign policy, with 529 attacks reported across several regions. His administration aimed to prioritize "America First," sometimes using quick military actions, which raised discussions about his overall international approach.
Key Facts
Donald Trump served in his second term as President, focusing on "America First" foreign policy.
In the first five months of this term, the US conducted 529 airstrikes in areas such as the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa.
These airstrikes almost match the total number carried out by the previous administration over four years.
Trump’s approach involves using military force quickly, instead of waiting as a last resort.
There was a notable military campaign against the Houthis in Yemen and airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities.
Vice President JD Vance described a "Trump Doctrine" involving clear American interests, attempting diplomacy, and using military force if needed.
Analysts noted that Trump’s strategy seems inconsistent and rushed according to the US Program Director at Crisis Group.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
CBS has announced two decisions related to Donald Trump this week. The network will settle a lawsuit for $16 million with Trump over a "60 Minutes" episode and has cancelled Stephen Colbert's show, who is known for criticizing Trump.
Key Facts
CBS will pay Donald Trump $16 million to settle a lawsuit involving "60 Minutes."
The lawsuit was related to a past episode of "60 Minutes."
CBS has cancelled Stephen Colbert's show.
Stephen Colbert is well-known for being one of Trump's vocal critics.
The situation is drawing attention to media freedom in the United States.
CBS is a major television network in the US.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Three freelance journalists in Gaza, working with the BBC, are struggling to feed their families due to the ongoing conflict. Despite the severe circumstances, including food shortages and loss of family members, they continue to report and provide vital news coverage from Gaza.
Key Facts
Three Palestinian journalists in Gaza are struggling to feed their families and often go days without food.
These journalists continue to work and send important news footage even after losing homes or family members.
One journalist has been hurt by shrapnel from an Israeli bombing in the past.
The United Nations has warned about the risk of severe food shortages in Gaza, but it has not been officially labeled as a famine.
Israel controls supplies entering Gaza and has denied responsibility for the shortages.
The BBC and other news agencies like AFP, AP, and Reuters have expressed concern about the safety and wellbeing of journalists in Gaza.
A journalist's son with autism is not aware of the conflict but shows signs of hunger, highlighting the personal challenges families face.
Journalists in Gaza report feeling exhausted and physically weak due to the lack of food and water.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will recognize Palestine as a state. This decision adds diplomatic pressure on Israel during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. France becomes the largest Western country to make this recognition, potentially influencing other nations.
Key Facts
French President Emmanuel Macron announced France's recognition of Palestine as a state.
Macron plans to formalize this decision at the United Nations General Assembly in September.
Israel opposed France's decision, stating it rewards militants and poses a threat.
France is now the largest Western country to recognize Palestine.
Over 140 countries, including more than a dozen European ones, already recognize Palestine.
The Palestinian Authority welcomed France's decision.
France and Saudi Arabia plan to host a U.N. conference about a two-state solution.
Britain's Prime Minister called for a ceasefire and emphasized the right to Palestinian statehood and peace for both Palestinians and Israelis.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The United Kingdom and India signed a new trade agreement that will lower taxes on many goods and increase business opportunities in both countries. The deal, considered the UK's most significant since leaving the EU, will require approval from the UK Parliament. It aims to boost trade and investment significantly between the two nations.
Key Facts
The trade agreement will reduce tariffs on goods like textiles, whisky, cars, and spices.
The UK and Indian trade ministers signed the deal at a meeting hosted by British PM Keir Starmer and Indian PM Narendra Modi.
The agreement comes after three years of negotiations and still needs UK Parliament approval.
It is the biggest trade deal for the UK since exiting the European Union in 2020.
The average tariff on British goods in India will drop from 15% to 3%.
Import taxes on whisky and gin in India will decrease significantly over ten years.
India aims to eliminate import duties on 99% of its exports, including clothes, shoes, and food.
The UK and India plan to increase their trade by £25.5 billion and add £4.8 billion annually to the UK economy through this deal.
The two countries are major global economies, ranking sixth and fifth largest, with a trade relationship worth about £41 billion.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Recent reports highlight the severe food shortages in Gaza, with individuals like 19-year-old Abdullah Jendeia dying amidst efforts to obtain aid. Malnutrition and a lack of adequate food supply continue to affect many in the area, with international organizations expressing concern over the humanitarian crisis.
Key Facts
Abdullah Jendeia, a 19-year-old from Gaza, died while trying to get food aid.
The Hamas-run health ministry recorded two deaths from malnutrition within a day.
Aid agencies and the UN report a growing food crisis, blaming an Israeli siege.
Israel denies causing the food shortage, attributing it to Hamas.
Abdullah went to an aid truck in a military zone where Israeli soldiers allegedly fired on them, resulting in his death.
Abdullah worked with local grocers and hoped to start a business after the war.
Ahmed Alhasant, aged 41, died from malnutrition after losing substantial weight.
Ahmed's health declined due to the blockade of aid and insufficient food, exacerbated by his diabetes.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The World Boxing Organization (WBO) has requested that Joseph Parker and Oleksandr Usyk negotiate the terms for a heavyweight title fight. They have 30 days to reach an agreement, or a bidding process will start to determine who promotes the fight.
Key Facts
The WBO has ordered Joseph Parker and Oleksandr Usyk to negotiate for a title fight.
They have 30 days to agree on the fight terms before a purse bid starts.
A purse bid is a process where promoters bid for rights to host a fight.
The minimum bid for the heavyweight division is one million dollars.
Oleksandr Usyk has been the WBO champion since 2021 and has defended the title four times.
Usyk reclaimed the IBF belt after defeating Daniel Dubois by knockout.
Joseph Parker won the WBO interim title last year and defended it in February.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, have filed a lawsuit against U.S. influencer Candace Owens. They are taking legal action because Owens claimed that the first lady was born male.
Key Facts
French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron are involved in a legal case.
They are suing Candace Owens, a U.S. influencer.
The lawsuit is for defamation, which means making false statements that harm someone's reputation.
Candace Owens claimed that Brigitte Macron was born male.
This claim led the French president and his wife to seek legal action to protect their reputations.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A Christian village in the West Bank was attacked by Israeli settlers. The incident led to criticism from the U.S. ambassador to Israel, who is typically a supporter of Israeli settlers.
Key Facts
Israeli settlers attacked a Christian village in the West Bank.
The village is part of the occupied Palestinian territories.
This event is part of a series of attacks by Israeli settlers.
The U.S. ambassador to Israel criticized the attack.
The U.S. ambassador is also an evangelical Christian pastor.
The ambassador usually supports Israeli settlers but spoke out against this attack.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Jeremy Corbyn, a former leader of the Labour Party in the United Kingdom, has announced the creation of a new political party. He and fellow Member of Parliament Zarah Sultana, both now independents, intend for the party to address social injustices and a system they claim is unfair.
Key Facts
Jeremy Corbyn announced a new political party, temporarily called "Your Party."
Corbyn and Zarah Sultana are leading this new initiative after becoming independent MPs.
The new party aims to address social injustices and a perceived unfair system.
Policy goals include wealth redistribution and recognition of a free and independent Palestine.
The party is organizing an inaugural conference to establish its leadership and policies.
The launch of this party comes as Labour's current leader, Keir Starmer, faces criticism for policy decisions.
Corbyn stepped down as Labour leader after losing the 2019 election and was suspended in 2020 following a probe into anti-Semitism claims within the party.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Columbia University in New York City agreed to pay $221 million to settle claims with the U.S. government about not addressing anti-Semitism on campus. In exchange, the federal government will reinstate billions in funding that had been frozen. The university must also make changes to its programs and curriculum as part of the agreement.
Key Facts
Columbia University will pay $200 million over three years to the U.S. government and $21 million to resolve claims by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
The settlement allows Columbia to regain access to federal funding, which was previously cut off.
Columbia must appoint an administrator to ensure compliance with the agreement.
The university will review its Middle East curriculum to make it "comprehensive and balanced."
A new faculty team will be appointed to the Institute for Israel and Jewish Studies at Columbia.
Bart Schwartz will act as an independent monitor, reporting on Columbia's compliance with the deal.
The university aims to address anti-Semitism complaints that sparked the settlement.
The deal follows protests on campus related to Israel’s conflict in Gaza, which were accused of turning into anti-Semitism.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Aitana Bonmati, a Spanish soccer player, helped her team reach the Women's Euro 2025 final by scoring the winning goal against Germany. She had previously been in the hospital with viral meningitis and was uncertain if she would be able to play in the tournament. Now recovered, Bonmati will lead Spain in the final against England.
Key Facts
Aitana Bonmati scored the goal that took Spain to the final of the Women's Euro 2025.
At the end of June, Bonmati was hospitalized with viral meningitis.
Viral meningitis is less severe than bacterial meningitis but still serious.
Bonmati returned to play as a substitute for Spain's opening match in the tournament.
Spain beat Germany with a late goal from Bonmati to reach the final.
Spain will play the final against England, in a rematch of the 2023 World Cup final.
Bonmati has won the Ballon d’Or, a top football honor, in the past two years.
Spain is competing in its first senior women's European Championship final.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Billboard music charts saw a shake-up as five new albums entered the top 10. Travis Scott's "JACKBOYS 2" and Justin Bieber's "SWAG" took the top two spots, both achieving this with different strategies. The charts also saw the return of Clipse with their first album in 16 years, along with entries from K-pop artists TWICE and ATEEZ.
Key Facts
Travis Scott's album "JACKBOYS 2" debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart.
"JACKBOYS 2" sold 160,000 copies and had strong streaming performance.
Justin Bieber's album "SWAG" debuted at No. 2, mainly through streaming.
"SWAG" had the highest single-week streaming numbers in Bieber's career.
Morgan Wallen's album dropped to No. 3 after eight weeks at No. 1.
Clipse released their first album in 16 years, debuting at No. 4.
K-pop group TWICE's new album debuted at No. 6 on the charts.
ATEEZ re-entered the top 10 at No. 7 with a deluxe version of their album.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Low-income households in Hull can apply for funding to make their homes more energy-efficient. Hull City Council has received £3.4 million from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to help with these improvements over three years.
Key Facts
Hull City Council received £3.4 million for energy-saving home improvements.
The funds come from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
The goal is to reduce fuel poverty by making homes cheaper to heat.
Improvements can include wall, loft, and underfloor insulation, air-source heat pumps, and solar panels.
The funding will be available over the next three years.
Residents must meet certain criteria to qualify for the funding.
People can apply through the government website or contact the council's warm homes team.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The European Union (EU) and China held a summit in Beijing where EU leaders discussed trade imbalances and China's relationship with Russia as these factors affect EU-China relations. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that how China deals with Russia's involvement in the Ukraine war will influence future relations between the EU and China. Both sides expressed a need for better cooperation and understanding.
Key Facts
The EU and China held a one-day summit in Beijing to discuss their relationship.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen mentioned that EU-China relations have reached an "inflection point," meaning they are at a critical turning point.
Von der Leyen highlighted the EU's significant trade deficit with China, which reached €305.8 billion last year.
The EU wants to improve market access for European companies in China and reduce restrictions on exports.
China’s relationship with Russia, especially regarding the Ukraine war, is a key concern for the EU.
EU leaders pressed China to use its influence to persuade Russia to end its war in Ukraine.
There is tension in the relationship, worsened by EU sanctions on two Chinese banks connected to Russia.
Chinese President Xi Jinping called for managing differences and building mutual trust with the EU.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has approved a draft law to protect the independence of Ukraine's main anti-corruption agencies after major protests took place. Earlier, a law had placed these agencies under the control of the prosecutor general, leading to public and international concerns. The new draft law aims to ensure these bodies remain free from Russian influence.
Key Facts
Zelensky announced a new draft law to safeguard Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies' independence.
Protests happened across Ukraine against a law passed earlier that week.
The earlier law had put the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (Nabu) and Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (Sap) under the prosecutor general's control.
Zelensky initially justified the law, citing threats from alleged Russian spies.
Thousands of Ukrainians protested, fearing the law weakened Nabu and Sap's power.
Western allies, including the EU, expressed concern about the law's impact on Ukraine's democratic processes.
Ukraine is an official candidate to join the EU, making the rule of law a key requirement.
There was no acknowledgment of protests in Zelensky's public messages, but he emphasized respecting citizens' views.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
