Top News — Fri, Jul 24, 1:04 PM UTC

Wildfires Force 80,000 Evacuations in France, Spain

Spain declared a national emergency as wildfires forced the evacuation of over 10,000 people near Madrid, while France ordered the total evacuation of the Cap Ferret peninsula, displacing more than 40,000 residents and tourists. Several firefighters have been killed battling the intense blazes across Europe.

Alaska sends 3,000 letters to voters verifying citizenship ahead of elections

Alaska election officials sent over 3,000 letters to residents asking them to verify their US citizenship ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Officials admitted that old DMV data incorrectly flagged many actual US citizens.

Trump Conditions Saudi Nuclear Deal on Abraham Accords

President Trump stated that any nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia is contingent on the kingdom normalizing relations with Israel by joining the Abraham Accords. This demand complicates the sensitive deal, as Saudi Arabia has previously linked normalization to a pathway for Palestinian statehood.

Senate GOP Infighting Stalls Trump's SAVE Act

President Trump's Safeguard American Voter Elections (SAVE) Act faces roadblocks in the Senate, with tensions rising between the White House and Senate Majority Leader John Thune over the bill's inability to pass. House Republicans are urging aggressive action on the framework before Congress's summer recess.

US hits 60 partners with new tariffs; allies dispute ‘forced labor’ claims

The Trump administration announced tariffs ranging from 10% to 12.5% on imports from 60 countries, citing concerns over lax enforcement of forced labor bans. This move replaces temporary global duties that expired, drawing criticism from trading partners like China, Japan, and Australia.

Activist Wangchuk ends 26-day hunger strike over India exam leaks

Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike after receiving assurances that parliament would address concerns about the exam system, as nationwide student protests, dubbed the 'Cockroach movement,' continue to challenge Prime Minister Modi's government over corruption and youth unemployment.'

South Korean Tech Titan Ordered to Pay $644 Million in Divorce Settlement

SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won was ordered by a South Korean court to pay his ex-wife Roh Soh-yeong 944 billion won ($644 million) in a record-setting divorce settlement. The decade-long dispute, dubbed the 'divorce of the century,' involved money, romance, and corruption.'

South African President Ramaphosa Halts Impeachment Inquiry

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa won a temporary halt to a parliamentary impeachment inquiry into his handling of a 2020 robbery at his private farm. The 'Farmgate' scandal had previously threatened his leadership of the African National Congress.

DOJ Withdraws Subpoenas for New York Times Reporters

The Justice Department agreed to withdraw subpoenas that sought to compel New York Times journalists to testify about their sources for an Air Force One story. This decision came after a federal judge questioned government lawyers about their legal errors.

Supreme Court Justice Kagan Rejects ‘Rubber Stamp’ Label for Trump Administration

Justice Elena Kagan stated that the Supreme Court, despite its conservative majority, is not a 'rubber stamp' for President Trump. She made these remarks during the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference, rejecting a common liberal narrative about the court.

IDF Launches Manhunt After Five Killed in Deadliest West Bank Shooting

Five people, including one Israeli and four Palestinians, were killed in a shooting clash near a Palestinian village in the West Bank. The IDF has launched a manhunt for those involved and canceled weekend leave for West Bank troops, preparing for an extensive counterterrorism operation.

Last updated: 7/24/2026, 1:04:14 PM