First Thing: Trump imposes fresh tariffs on UK, EU and dozens of other trading partners

Trump Imposes Tariffs on More Than 80 Countries Under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974

Donald Trump has directed the imposition of tariffs ranging from 10 percent to 12.5 percent on imports from more than 80 countries, replacing a 10 percent global duty scheduled to expire. The new measures apply to the United Kingdom, the 27 European Union member states, Mexico, Canada, Australia, India, China and additional trading partners.

The tariffs were announced late on July 23 by U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and are grounded in Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. They follow investigations opened by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative in March 2026 into 60 trading partners. Those investigations examined whether the partners had failed to enforce prohibitions on imports of goods produced with forced labor, a step the administration stated was necessary to address documented enforcement shortfalls that created an unlevel playing field for U.S. producers.

The February 10 percent tariff had been imposed after an earlier Supreme Court ruling found certain prior tariff actions unlawful. The current duties are presented by the administration as permanent measures adopted once the court decision allowed renewed use of the Section 301 authority.

Several governments affected by the tariffs have stated that their domestic labor statutes already prohibit forced labor and exceed U.S. standards in certain respects. No specific enforcement findings from the March 2026 investigations have been released in full by the U.S. Trade Representative at the time of the announcement.

Southern California Suburb Reports Cluster of Ewing Sarcoma Cases

Health officials in Orange County, California, are examining a cluster of Ewing sarcoma diagnoses among children in the Ladera Ranch community, which has approximately 26,000 residents. Six cases have been reported to county supervisors, according to Vice-Chair Katrina Foley. Ewing sarcoma is a rare bone and soft-tissue cancer that primarily affects children and young adults.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli has requested that the Environmental Protection Agency open an investigation to determine whether environmental factors are associated with the cases. The EPA has not yet issued a public response to the request.

Trump Comments on Potential Military Action Against Iran

President Trump stated on July 24 that he is considering a large-scale military operation against Iran, describing it as larger in scope than previous U.S. strikes during the extended period of conflict with Tehran. The remarks were made to Axios as Brent crude oil prices exceeded $100 per barrel following Houthi attacks on Saudi tankers in the Red Sea.

Trump said any decision would carry consequences and that he had not yet finalized a course of action. He added that Israel would participate if requested but stated that U.S. forces did not require additional partners. No timetable for a decision was provided.

Minnesota Man Sentenced in Killing of State Lawmaker and Husband

A Minnesota man who pleaded guilty to the 2025 killings of a Democratic state legislator and her husband was sentenced on July 23 to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The attacks occurred more than a year earlier.

Federal Advisers Review Access to Certain Peptides

A panel of federal health advisers voted narrowly on July 23 to recommend expanded access to several peptides that have gained popularity among wellness influencers. Government scientists had testified that the substances lack sufficient evidence of safety and effectiveness. The recommendation is not binding on the Food and Drug Administration.

Shooting Reported in Northern West Bank

Health officials reported that four Palestinians and one Israeli were killed in a shooting incident in the northern West Bank on July 23. Several additional people were wounded. No group has claimed responsibility.

Indian Activist Ends Hunger Strike

Sonam Wangchuk, an activist from Ladakh, ended a 26-day hunger strike on July 23. The protest began over an examination-paper controversy and expanded into broader demonstrations involving young people critical of policies under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Ryan Gosling Discusses Poster Adjustment for “La La Land”

Actor Ryan Gosling confirmed that a minor digital adjustment has been made to the poster for the 2016 film “La La Land” to straighten his wrist, which had appeared bent in the original image. Gosling has said the original pose resulted from deviating from choreography instructions during filming. Some viewers have objected to the change, arguing that the original posture had become an established element of the film’s visual identity.

Defense Budget Request Reaches $1.5 Trillion

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has submitted a request for a $454 billion increase in military spending for fiscal year 2027, bringing the proposed total to nearly $1.5 trillion. Earlier in 2025, Hegseth had directed an 8 percent annual reduction target over five years as part of broader federal spending reviews; that target was later set aside. The new request is described by the department as a multi-year investment in force structure and procurement.

Secondhand Fashion Market Expands

The resale clothing sector has grown into a reported $350 billion industry, driven in part by online platforms and younger consumers. Vintage retailers note that items once viewed as low-status have gained broader acceptance, with some pieces now commanding higher prices than comparable new garments.

Wildfires Burn Across Canada

As of July 23, more than 900 wildfires were active in Canada, affecting approximately 3 million hectares. The most intense activity is concentrated in the Northwest Territories and Ontario, where multiple fires remain uncontained. Seasonal forecasts indicate continued elevated risk through peak fire months.

Elon Musk Reflects on Political Involvement

Elon Musk stated that he became overly engaged in political matters during his period of cooperation with the Trump administration and his temporary role overseeing aspects of federal spending reduction. The comments follow the conclusion of that arrangement.

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