US and Canada hold last-minute talks to stop Trump’s 50% tariffs
WASHINGTON (AP) — Tension between Washington and Ottawa is already high, stoked by trade disputes and President Donald Trump's inflammatory comments about making Canada the 51st U.S. state. But relations could deteriorate further at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday if Trump goes ahead with his plan to impose 50% tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian products, ranging from hockey sticks to tongue depressors. As the deadline approaches, the two countries are seeking a truce that would avoid the new round of tariffs. The threat gives Trump leverage with Canada as he seeks to renegotiate a North American trade pact.
Opening arguments set to begin in Meta's federal trial over child safety
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — A pivotal trial for Meta Platforms is set to kick off in a California federal court. Proceedings are expected to begin Tuesday and last six to eight weeks. Attorneys general from California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey are seeking extensive financial damages plus changes to how the company operates Facebook and Instagram. Twenty-nine states sued the tech giant in 2023 over child safety and privacy. The other 25 will go to trial later. The company also faces lawsuits in state courts. Meta said in a statement that it believes it has a strong case.
Ukraine takes aim at Russia’s economy and morale by attacking online retailer
Day after day over recent weeks, Ukrainian drones have pummeled giant depots belonging to Wildberries, the country’s biggest online retailer, burning estimated billions of dollars’ worth of merchandise and bringing the war home to the broad public. The attacks that hit about 20 depots belonging to Wildberries in a month reflect Ukraine’s ability to strike deep inside Russia and cast a new challenge to President Vladimir Putin nearly 4 ½ years after the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The strikes have shaken the empire founded by Tatyana Kim, the country’s richest female entrepreneur. Forbes Russia estimated her fortune at $8.1 billion before the strikes began.
Shakira makes surprise visit in earthquake-damaged Colombia and commits to rebuilding schools
BOGOTÁ, Colombia (AP) — Colombian superstar Shakira pledged to help rebuild at least 10 schools in a remote region of her home country after a devastating earthquake struck last week. The quake killed hundreds and affected thousands of educational sites. During a surprise visit to Quibdó, Shakira toured damaged schools and committed her Barefoot Foundation's support. She was joined by philanthropist Howard Buffett, who will collaborate with her foundation on the project. The 7.4 magnitude quake destroyed over 26,000 dwellings and affected more than 265 educational sites in Chocó. Shakira emphasized the importance of rebuilding schools to secure children's futures.
OpenAI launches ChatGPT for Teens, promising a more age-appropriate chatbot
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — OpenAI is launching a version of ChatGPT designed for teenagers — the first generation to grow up with artificial intelligence — who are already using it for schoolwork, questions about daily life and even companionship. The San Francisco-based company says ChatGPT for Teens, which launches Tuesday, is tailored for kids aged 13 to 17 with stronger protections including content restrictions around things like suicide, self-harm and romantic or sexual chats. It also provides homework and study support designed to help students learn rather than spit out answers and school essays. The idea is to guide teens toward healthy AI use in an age-appropriate environment, the company said.
Drug prices have declined sharply, and Trump is taking credit. The reason behind the drop is complex
NEW YORK (AP) — President Donald Trump has been promoting new data showing U.S. prescription drug prices fell 0.8% in July and are down 3.1% from a year ago. Trump's Republican administration credits “most favored nation” drug deals and the TrumpRx website for the drop. However, experts say the picture is more complex. They point to factors like a law from Democratic President Joe Biden's time in office allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices and increased competition from generic and biosimilar products. In addition, experts caution that consumers may not feel the impact of the price drop as many are facing rising insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
Small projects lift Home Depot quarterly sales, but outlook in slumping housing market is unchanged
Home Depot’s sales improved during its fiscal second quarter as customers spent more during the summer months and concentrated on smaller projects. Revenue for the Atlanta-based company increased to $47.86 billion from $45.28 billion. Wall Street was calling for $47.24 billion. Sales at stores open at least a year, a key indicator of a retailer’s health, climbed 1.7%. In the U.S., comparable store sales rose 1.3%.
Global shares slip as worries about rising oil prices offset boost from strong earnings
TOKYO (AP) — Global shares are mostly lower, as rising oil prices and worries about inflation weigh on investor sentiment. Benchmarks are falling in early Tuesday trading in France and Germany, while inching down in Britain. In Asia, Tokyo's Nikkei 225 index led declines, falling 2.5%. U.S. futures fell and Brent crude oil gained 0.1%. Analysts said robust earnings reports in Asia and the U.S., partly tied to AI, have helped to counter worries about what the war in Iran will do to the global flow of crude oil and its impact on energy prices. Oil prices have crept higher after a brief respite last month driven by hopes for an end to disruptions caused by the war with Iran.
Avocado pickers in Mexico welcome restart of exports to US, but security fears remain
SANTA ANA ZIROSTO, Mexico (AP) — Authorities have lifted a U.S. security alert that halted avocado exports from Michoacán, Mexico's main avocado-producing state. The alert had left around 200,000 workers in limbo while the military set up increased security measures. By the weekend, orchards and packing plants were back in operation, and U.S. inspectors had returned to certify the fruit. Some workers are relieved to have their wages back, while others fear the calm won't last. The region is plagued by violence and extortion from local cartels. Increased security measures have been deployed, but growers remain cautious, hoping for lasting improvements.
Discord halts livestreams in Brazil after watchdog cites child safety failures
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Discord, the popular platform for gamers to communicate online, said it suspended its livestreams in Brazil. The move Monday takes place in the wake of a suicide case and after a body of the country’s justice ministry accused it of failing to protect for children and adolescents. Discord said in a statement that it is implementing the suspension of livestreams after a decision by Brazil’s national agency of data protection last week and added it is in conversations “to seek a solution that allows us to reestablish those resources for our users in Brazil.”
