Trump imposes 50% tariffs on Canadian goods, citing disputes over autos, alcohol and cheese
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has imposed 50% tariffs on most Canadian goods, declaring that Canada has unfairly discriminated against American autos, alcohol and dairy products. The move, announced Monday, could unleash a new wave of economic chaos, with risks of higher inflation and further fraying of relations between two nations that had been closely woven together before Trump’s return to the White House. The administration official previewing the action said that Canada was one of the only nations other than China that retaliated against Trump’s previous tariffs and must be held accountable.
AI stocks gather more strength, even as Brent oil's price tops $90
NEW YORK (AP) — More gains for makers of computer chips and other AI winners are carrying Wall Street higher. The S&P 500 rose 0.5% Tuesday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 219 points, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 0.8%. AI stocks were rising for a second straight day after tumbling the week before, and Nvidia and Micron Technology were the two strongest forces lifting the market. Brent crude oil's price topped $90 per barrel because of continued attacks in the war with Iran. That’s up from less than $72 early this month and helped push Treasury yields higher in the bond market.
US gas prices back up to an average of $4 a gallon again as the US and Iran launch attacks
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. gas prices have jumped to an average of $4 a gallon again as the U.S. and Iran launch more attacks. According to AAA, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is now back to $4. The average price a year ago was $3.14 a gallon. The price is a national average, meaning drivers in some states have been paying well over $4 a gallon for a while now. Prices vary between states due to factors ranging from nearby supply to differing tax rates. People around the world are also dealing with high gas prices as a result of the war.
FDA still focused on lettuce supplier as source of parasite, despite faulty test result
WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal health officials have remained focused on lettuce from Taylor Farms as the source of a multistate outbreak despite inaccurate test results reported over the weekend. Food and Drug Administration officials on Monday briefed reporters on how the government erroneously reported a direct link between a sample of lettuce from Taylor Farms and the parasite that causes severe diarrhea. Officials said the false positive result came from a rapid, molecular test used to screen incoming lettuce from Mexico at the border. While the FDA reported the link Saturday, officials said a subsequent quality check found the result was a false positive.
As defaults on student loans surge, millions are trying to get their lives back on track
According to an Associated Press analysis, more than 4.2 million people across the country defaulted on student loans between April 2025 and March 2026. The total number of borrowers in default has reached a record 9.5 million. The surge includes many who went off track in 2024, when loan payments started coming due again after a pandemic-era freeze. Hundreds of thousands more are months behind on payments, and another surge in defaults could be on the way. Borrowers enter default after missing payments for nine months. The consequences can upend people’s lives. It hurts credit ratings and can lead to the debt being sent to collections.
Judge says Paramount and Warner must halt merger for at least two weeks, granting states' request
NEW YORK (AP) — A federal judge has ordered Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery to halt their $81 billion merger for at least two weeks, allowing states that are challenging the deal more time to see their case through in court. The judge issued her order Monday. Twelve states, led by California, sued to block Paramount’s pending buyout of Warner last week — alleging that such a combination would “extinguish competition” in Hollywood and lead to fewer choices for consumers, particularly moviegoers and cable customers across the U.S. Paramount, which was bought out by Skydance just last year, has called the states claims meritless and vows to “vigorously defend” its acquisition.
How to use TIPS in your portfolio
Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities can hedge inflation, manage risk, and protect retirement income. Introduced in 1997, TIPS are issued by the U.S. Treasury with maturities of five, 10, or 30 years. Investors have several options for investing in TIPS, but they aren't necessarily suitable for all investors.
Conflicts and energy shocks threaten progress against global hunger, UN agency head warns
ROME (AP) — Conflicts and disruptions to global energy markets could push millions more people into hunger by driving up fuel, fertilizer and food costs. That is according to the head of the Rome-based International Fund for Agricultural Development warns. A new United Nations report released Tuesday shows progress against hunger remains too slow to meet global targets. The U.N. food security report has found global hunger eased modestly in recent years. But it projected more than 500 million people could still face chronic hunger by 2030. Africa is expected to bear the largest share of that burden.
Appeals court rejects Biden's bid to block release of recordings of ghostwriter interviews
WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal appeals court has rejected a request by Joe Biden to block the release of audio recordings and transcripts of his interviews with a memoir ghostwriter before he was elected president. A divided three-judge panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit suspended its decision until Aug. 3 to allow more time for Biden to consider another appeal. The panel’s 2-1 ruling late Monday found there's a substantial public interest in disclosing the material the Democrat wants to keep hidden. The recordings were obtained by a special counsel who investigated Biden’s handling of classified documents. Republicans demanded the material after the special counsel declined to file charges.
