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US-Canada animosity could impede an end to a trade war neither country wants
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The U.S. and Canada have ramped up their trade war, hitting each other with steep new tit-for-tat tariffs. Despite the bravado coming from both sides of the border over the past few days, though, analysts suspect the longtime allies will eventually strike a deal to end a conflict neither really wants. The prospects for compromise looked bleak Tuesday, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney reacting to new 50% U.S. tariffs on certain Canadian goods by responding in kind on about $20 billion worth of American imports, including steel, dairy products, appliances and farm equipment. With the breakdown threatening to harm one of the world’s largest trading relationships, experts say there’s still time to avoid an even bigger trade war.
Meta reaches $18 billion settlement with states in landmark trial over teen social media addiction
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- Meta has agreed to pay up to $18 billion and add stronger child-safety measures to its Facebook and Instagram platforms as part of a landmark legal settlement. The deal announced Wednesday ends a trial over teen social media addiction and settles claims with 48 states and some U.S. territories. The settlement resolves a pivotal case years in the making that sought to hold the tech giant accountable for the role its platforms played in undermining children’s mental health. The effort targeted features designed to hook young people’s attention. If approved by the court, it will stop an avalanche of litigation by states against Meta. The company still faces lawsuits from individuals and school districts across the U.S.
At least 160 killed and hundreds missing after flash floods in Nepal and China
UDIN DHUNGA, Nepal (AP) -- Flash floods in a border area of Nepal and China on Wednesday have killed at least 160 people and left hundreds missing. Experts said an avalanche from a glacier was the likely cause in the warming Himalaya region. Nepalese police report 157 dead, while China’s state broadcaster reports at least three dead there and over 260 missing. Drone footage shows roads destroyed and buildings buried. Officials in Nepal say 403 people, including 341 foreign nationals, are missing. Many were on a pilgrimage to a sacred site. The U.S. Geological Survey first reported an earthquake then called the shaking a 5.2 magnitude landslide.
Talarico wants to unearth Paxton’s depositions to keep focus on opponent’s past in Texas Senate race
James Talarico, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Texas, wants to reveal depositions involving his Republican opponent, Ken Paxton. The depositions are part of a civil case where Unity Resources was accused of fraud. Paxton was connected to the company but not a defendant, and the case was settled. Talarico’s campaign plans to ask a court on Wednesday to release the documents. Talarico hopes voters will recoil from past accusations against Paxton, though similar tactics have failed before. Paxton denies the allegations and calls them politically motivated smears. Talarico’s lawyers say the documents should be public.
Maryland court rules Democratic-backed redistricting amendment cannot go on November ballot
A Maryland court has ruled that a redistricting amendment cannot go on the November ballot. Democratic state lawmakers had approved a proposed constitutional amendment earlier this month. If passed by voters, it could pave the way to redraw congressional districts before the 2028 election. But a judge ruled Wednesday that lawmakers missed a July deadline they had set to prepare summaries of ballot measures. The judge paused the effect of his ruling to allow for an appeal. Democrats already hold seven of the state’s eight U.S. House districts. They hope that redistricting could help them win all eight.
A Wildberries depot in Russia is destroyed as Ukraine extends its drone campaign
Ukrainian long-range drones have struck a major warehouse belonging to Russia’s biggest online retailer, Wildberries, for the second time in six weeks. Authorities say the attack started a fire that destroyed the facility. The depot, in the Tambov region, was previously hit July 18, killing seven people. Kyiv officials say goods sold by Wildberries includes equipment used by Russia’s military, which the company denies. The attacks aim to unsettle Russians far from the front line and hurt the economy. Wildberries confirmed the attack and fire, saying the facility was evacuated. Ukraine also has targeted oil facilities in Russia, which is one of the world’s largest energy producers.