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- Trump threatens 100% tariffs on countries imposing digital service taxes
- US strikes Iran in response to attack on cargo ship in Strait of Hormuz
- Dembele’s hat-trick leads France to 4-1 victory over Norway in World Cup 2026
- Asteroid to approach Earth this weekend at closest point since 1600s
- Trump threatens 100% tariff on countries introducing digital services tax
- Plane crashes into CITIC Tower in Beijing, wreckage falls to ground
- Europol identifies 731 organised crime networks operating across the EU
- Shipping Traffic in Strait of Hormuz Continues Amid Iranian Vessel Attacks
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Trump threatens 100% tariffs on countries imposing digital service taxes
1:00 am
Trump threatens 100% tariffs on countries imposing digital service taxes
Tariff Threat
President Donald Trump announced a potential 100% tariff on imports from any country imposing a digital services tax on American companies.
President Donald Trump announced a potential 100% tariff on imports from any country imposing a digital services tax on American companies.
Tariff Implications
A threatened 100% tariff on countries taxing US digital services could significantly disrupt international trade and deepen tensions, particularly with European nations already facing economic challenges.
A threatened 100% tariff on countries taxing US digital services could significantly disrupt international trade and deepen tensions, particularly with European nations already facing economic challenges.
Strong Warning
“Please let this statement serve to represent that any Country that imposes such a Tax will immediately be met with a 100% tariff on any and all Goods sent to the United States of America.”
“Please let this statement serve to represent that any Country that imposes such a Tax will immediately be met with a 100% tariff on any and all Goods sent to the United States of America.”
US President Donald Trump threatens 100% tariffs if Europe implements digital services tax
President Donald Trump on Friday threatened a 100% tariff on imports from any country that imposes a tax on digital services provided by United States companies.
In a social media post, Trump took aim at European countries, he said, that are discussing the “imminent” implementation of taxes on American companies.
The US president has repeatedly sought to use tariffs to deter such taxes, but many countries are seeking revenue as their economies increasingly operate in digital realms dominated by American companies.
“Please let this statement serve to represent that any Country that imposes such a Tax will immediately be met with a 100% tariff on any and all Goods sent to the United States of America,” Trump wrote.
He added that the new tax would supersede any previously negotiated trade deals. Trump said the penalty would apply to any country that moves forward with such a tax, but he singled out European nations in his post.
Trump has consistently opposed international attempts to tax or regulate American tech giants. Last year, he threatened fresh tariffs on any nation attempting to do so, writing in a post last August that digital taxes and regulations “are all designed to harm, or discriminate against, American Technology.”
The warning arrives just ahead of Trump’s 4 July deadline for the European Union and the US to begin implementing a trade agreement that caps most tariffs on EU exports at 15%.
The EU finalised that trade deal with the United States in May. It followed months of internal EU debate after European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen initially reached a tentative agreement last year during a visit to Trump’s golf course in Scotland.
The issue of digital tax remained unresolved
Digital taxes were excluded from that pact and remain a primary source of friction between the US and the European bloc.
While the US government has previously launched Section 301 investigations into digital services taxes, it remains unclear how Trump intends to enforce his latest threat, or whether the tariffs would be applied globally or targeted at specific countries first.
Britain, having left the EU, has levied its own 2% digital services tax since 2020 on revenue generated by search engines, social media platforms and online marketplaces that “derive value” from UK users.
In a policy document released at the time, the British government argued that existing corporate tax rules for digital firms had “led to a misalignment between the place where profits are taxed and the place where value is created.”
The UK tax features specific thresholds, ensuring it is primarily paid by major multinational corporations. The policy was implemented to “ensure the large multinational businesses in-scope make a fair contribution to supporting vital public services,” the document noted.
US strikes Iran in response to attack on cargo ship in Strait of Hormuz
11:02 pm
Media Lens: US strikes Iran in response to attack on cargo ship in Strait of Hormuz
US strikes Iran following attack on cargo ship.
The U.S. has conducted strikes against Iranian targets in response to an attack on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz. The situation has been covered in multiple news outlets, including US and global politics and global security developments.
What happened
Recent reports indicate that the U.S. has launched strikes against Iranian targets in response to an attack on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz. These developments have arisen amid increasing tensions in the region.
The situation has seen significant media coverage, highlighting the potential implications for international shipping and regional stability. Various news outlets are providing updates on the unfolding events and their potential consequences.
Key facts
- US forces conducted strikes against Iranian targets.
- The military action was a response to an attack on a cargo ship.
- The incident occurred in the Strait of Hormuz.
- The event has heightened tensions in the region.
Where coverage differs
- Reuters emphasizes the military action against Iran, while CNN emphasizes the context of the attack on the cargo ship.
- The New York Times foregrounds the implications of U.S. strikes, rather than the immediate events surrounding them.
- AP News prioritizes the response of international agencies to the crisis over the specifics of the military engagement.
One story, four angles
Reuters – US strikes Iran following attack on cargo ship in Strait of Hormuz
Publication: Reuters | Primary framing pattern: Political | Tone: Informative | Intensity: 6/10 | Sentiment: Neutral | Legal precision: High
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Espresso Shot: The article reports on the U.S. airstrikes in response to an attack on a cargo ship, emphasizing the immediate political reaction and the context of military actions being taken in a sensitive region. It ties the military engagement to larger geopolitical tensions.
Publication emphasis: Immediate political consequences of U.S. military actions.
Framing analysis: The foreground builds on the notion of military response under geopolitical tension, while secondary elements include potential ramifications for international relations.
Bias: Selection: Focuses on the U.S. military actions; Language: Describes actions as “strikes” without significant framing of their implications; Omission: Little context on the perspectives of the impacted nations.
Assessment: Provides a direct account of military actions with a focus on political ramifications without deep exploration of underlying causes.
CNN – US strikes Iranian targets in response to attack on cargo ship
Publication: CNN | Primary framing pattern: Policy | Tone: Urgent | Intensity: 8/10 | Sentiment: Neutral | Legal precision: Moderate
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Espresso Shot: CNN details the U.S. military response to an Iranian attack, stressing the urgency and potential wider implications of escalating military engagement. The framing supports a narrative of necessary action amid rising tensions.
Publication emphasis: Urgency of military decisions amid geopolitical tensions.
Framing analysis: Foregrounds the necessity of military action in response to threats, while secondary themes include discussions about the ongoing conflict and its implications on international security.
Bias: Selection: Highlights U.S. actions predominantly; Language: Defined as “strikes” which implies a direct response; Omission: Fewer insights into Iranian perspectives or reactions.
Assessment: Presents the narrative with a tone of urgency, emphasizing the geopolitical stakes involved in the military response.
The New York Times – U.S. Forces Attack Iran
Publication: The New York Times | Primary framing pattern: Legal | Tone: Serious | Intensity: 7/10 | Sentiment: Neutral | Legal precision: High
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Espresso Shot: This article discusses the legal ramifications of U.S. strikes on Iranian targets following an attack on a cargo ship, emphasizing the legal context for military intervention and potentially the mechanisms of justification involved.
Publication emphasis: Legal implications of strikes against Iran.
Framing analysis: Focuses on the justification for military action under international law, while secondary points include the analysis of what constitutes legitimate self-defense.
Bias: Selection: Concentrates on the legal justification for attacks; Language: Describes actions within the context of legality; Omission: Less emphasis on the human or political costs of military action.
Assessment: Provides a serious look at the legal framework for military action, reflecting the stakes involved in international law adherence.
AP News – UN agency pauses evacuation of ships through the Strait of Hormuz after attack on vessel
Publication: AP News | Primary framing pattern: Consequence | Tone: Cautious | Intensity: 5/10 | Sentiment: Neutral | Legal precision: Moderate
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Espresso Shot: The piece highlights the consequences of the strikes on shipping routes and the impact on maritime security, illustrating how military actions lead to significant disruptions in international commerce.
Publication emphasis: Consequences of military actions on global shipping.
Framing analysis: Foregrounds disruptions in maritime navigation due to military tensions, while secondary issues include implications for international trade and commerce.
Bias: Selection: Focuses on impacts on shipping rather than the military actions themselves; Language: Uses cautious terminology regarding actions taken; Omission: Lacks direct mention of the broader geopolitical implications.
Assessment: Offers a cautious view on the fallout from military engagements, emphasizing the wider implications for commerce and security.
Food for thought
Reuters employs the strongest legal framing by emphasizing the legality of U.S. military actions in response to threats against maritime safety in the Strait of Hormuz. In contrast, CNN adopts the most escalatory framing, portraying the strikes as part of a broader confrontation with Iran, thereby elevating the perceived stakes of escalation. Meanwhile, The New York Times presents a neutral perspective, highlighting the military response without casting judgment on legality or escalation. AP News focuses on operational risks, voicing concerns over ongoing evacuations, reflecting heightened tensions across the region. The facts do not change. What changes is where scrutiny lands.
Dembele’s hat-trick leads France to 4-1 victory over Norway in World Cup 2026
10:00 pm
Get you up to speed: Dembele scores hat-trick as France beat Norway 4-1 at World Cup 2026
France defeated Norway 4-1 in a World Cup 2026 match at Boston Stadium, with Ousmane Dembele scoring a hat-trick. The victory allowed France to finish top of Group I, securing nine points in the group stage.
France will play their last-32 tie against a third-place finisher at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Tuesday. Coach Didier Deschamps is expected to rejoin the squad on Saturday following his bereavement leave.
France’s assistant coach Guy Stephan expressed the team’s anticipation for manager Didier Deschamps’ return, stating, “We did what we needed to do,” while emphasising areas for improvement. With France advancing as Group I winners, they will face a third-place finisher in the last-32 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey next Tuesday.
What remains unclear — It is uncertain how long France’s head coach Didier Deschamps will be absent from the team following his mother’s funeral.
Dembele’s hat-trick leads France to 4-1 victory over Norway in World Cup 2026
Sport|World Cup 2026Dembele scores hat-trick as France beat Norway 4-1 at World Cup 2026
Dembele’s first-half hat-trick helps France to a 4-1 win over second-string Norway to finish top of Group I.
Published On 26 Jun 202626 Jun 2026
Ousmane Dembele scored one of the earliest hat-tricks in World Cup history as the Ballon d’Or winner starred in France’s 4-1 win over a second-string Norway, while Erling Haaland watched on from the bench.
Paris Saint-Germain forward Dembele opened the scoring in the seventh minute at Boston Stadium on Friday, struck again on 20 minutes, and after Thelo Aasgaard had pulled one back, he made it 3-1 in the 32nd minute.
The only player to complete a hat-trick earlier in a World Cup match is Erich Probst, who got three inside the first 24 minutes for Austria against Czechoslovakia in 1954.
Dembele moves on to four goals in the tournament after also scoring in the 3-0 win over Iraq on Monday, and his display here will perhaps ease some of the pressure on captain Kylian Mbappe to always be France’s match-winner.
Desire Doue completed the scoring late on, and the victory allowed France to end the group stage with the maximum nine points – they have scored 10 goals in three games and advance as Group I winners.
France will now stay in the northeastern United States for a last-32 tie against a third-place finisher at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey next Tuesday.
It was an emotionally charged day for Les Bleus, who had to play this match without coach Didier Deschamps after he returned to France to attend his mother’s funeral. Deschamps, who will step down at the end of the World Cup after 14 years in charge, is due back with his squad on Saturday.
Norway, who also saw Jorgen Strand Larsen have a penalty saved, go through in second place with six points, their progress already having been secured before this game thanks to wins over Iraq and Senegal.
That explains why coach Stale Solbakken made 10 changes to his starting lineup here following the 3-2 win over Senegal last time out.
Haaland, Odegaard rested
Haaland, captain Martin Odegaard and striker Alexander Sorloth were among the players rested, with Benfica’s Fredrik Aursnes the only one retained.
The regulars will undoubtedly return in the next round, and Norway will take on Ivory Coast in Dallas next Tuesday.
France were without Arsenal defender William Saliba as he rested a sore back, so Maxence Lacroix of Crystal Palace replaced him. Doue, Theo Hernandez and Aurelien Tchouameni all returned.
However, Dembele and Mbappe both kept their places, with the latter winning his 101st cap and looking to add to his 16 World Cup goals and catch up with Lionel Messi’s overall tournament record of 18.
But Dembele, a teammate of Mbappe’s in the France team that won the 2018 World Cup, stole the headlines with his brilliant hat-trick.
Mbappe released the 29-year-old for the early opener, as Dembele cut in from the right, dropped a shoulder and went back onto his right foot before firing across goalkeeper Egil Selvik and in.
Dembele was transformed into a Ballon d’Or winner after Luis Enrique, his coach at PSG, moved him from the wing into a central role.
But he caused havoc here, coming in from the right flank, scoring his second as he cut infield and curled a low shot on his left foot into the far corner.
Aasgaard, of Rangers, pulled one back straight from the restart with a low strike past goalkeeper Mike Maignan, with the French defence having switched off.
But Dembele curled in his team’s third, again on his left foot and into the same bottom corner, albeit this time from inside the area.
Three goals in the space of 25 first-half minutes is not the fastest hat-trick at a World Cup – that record is held by Hungary’s Laszlo Kiss, who needed less than eight minutes against El Salvador in 1982.
However, Dembele is now in illustrious company: the only previous French hat-tricks at the tournament were scored by Just Fontaine (twice in 1958) and Mbappe, who netted three in the 2022 final.
Norway could have pulled one back early in the second half after Oscar Bobb was tripped in the area by Hernandez, but Strand Larsen’s spot-kick was poor and Maignan saved.
Doue then headed in France’s fourth in stoppage time.
The hat-trick hero, Dembele, said it was an important match to win because France wanted to finish top in the group.
“We want to win every match, and we’ll keep our focus because what’s coming next is even more important,” he told reporters after the game.
France’s assistant coach Guy Stephan said the team’s thoughts were with Deschamps, and they were looking forward to him rejoining the squad on Saturday.
“As for the game, we did what we needed to do. There was a lot of enjoyment in the way we played, plenty of intensity and plenty of chances,” he said.
“That said, there were also moments when we weren’t quite at our best and we need to iron those out.”
Senegal thrash 10-man Iraq 5-0 to keep knockout hopes alive
Substitute Pape Gueye scored a pair of sensational second-half goals from long range, and Senegal got a much-needed boost for their goal differential with a 5-0 victory over 10-man Iraq in their Group I finale on Friday.
Ismaila Sarr added his third goal of the tournament, the first of four after half-time for the Lions of Teranga, who sealed a third-place group finish and are vying for one of the eight third-place spots in the round of 32.
They currently hold the fifth-best record of third-place sides based on their plus-2 goal differential, but four of the squads beneath them have yet to play their final group matches.
Habib Diarra opened the scoring in the fourth minute while it was still 11 on 11, and Iliman Ndiaye wrapped it up with his own long-range effort in the 82nd minute.
Iraq were eliminated from their second World Cup and first since 1986.
Asteroid to approach Earth this weekend at closest point since 1600s
8:00 pm
Get you up to speed: Asteroid set to be nearest to Earth since 1600s can be seen from Canada
A large asteroid, estimated to be as big as three CN Towers stacked, is set to pass Earth this weekend at its closest point in four centuries. Experts confirm this will be the nearest approach since the 17th century.
The asteroid is expected to make its closest approach to Earth this weekend, providing a rare opportunity for observation. Experts have noted that this is the nearest encounter the asteroid has had since the 17th century, highlighting its significant size.
Officials have confirmed that a large asteroid, estimated to be as big as three CN Towers stacked, is set to make its closest approach to Earth this weekend. Scientists are closely monitoring its trajectory and assure the public there is no risk of collision.
What remains unclear — The exact size of the asteroid and its potential impact on Earth are not specified.
Asteroid to approach Earth this weekend at closest point since 1600s
A large asteroid experts believe to be as big as three CN Towers stacked on top of each other is about to pass Earth this weekend at its nearest point since the 17th century.
Trump threatens 100% tariff on countries introducing digital services tax
6:47 pm
Get you up to speed: Trump vows immediate 100% tariff if countries levy digital services tax
President Trump has threatened to impose a 100% tariff on countries that implement a digital services tax targeting U.S. companies. This statement followed European discussions regarding such taxes, which Trump stated would trigger immediate import duties on U.S. goods.
President Trump has set a deadline of July 4 for the European Union and the U.S. to finalise a trade deal that would cap tariffs on most EU exports at 15%. The U.S. Trade Representative launched investigations into nine European Union countries regarding their digital taxes in 2020, marking ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Europe over this issue.
President Trump has reiterated threats to impose a 100% tariff on countries that implement a digital services tax, emphasising that any such measures will be met with immediate tariffs on imports to the United States. The U.S. Trade Representative had previously initiated investigations into European nations exploring similar taxation, indicating that this issue remains a significant barrier in ongoing trade negotiations.
What remains unclear — It is uncertain how many European countries are close to implementing a digital services tax and what specific measures will be taken in response by the U.S.
Trump threatens 100% tariff on countries introducing digital services tax
President Trump is threatening to impose a 100% tariff on countries that levy a tax on U.S. companies offering digital services.
In a social media post on Friday, Mr. Trump pointed to European countries considering implementing a so-called “digital services tax,” which is aimed at companies that do business in a country but lack a physical presence there and do not pay income tax.
“European Countries have been discussing the imminent implementation of a Digital Services Tax on American Companies,” he said on Truth Social. “Some of these Countries are close to actually doing this. Please let this statement serve to represent that any Country that imposes such a Tax will immediately be met with a 100% TARIFF on any and all Goods sent to the United States of America.”
A new U.S. tariff on other nations’ imports would override any trade agreements with a trading partner, Mr. Trump noted, adding that the 100% import duty would be imposed immediately if a country proceeds with a digital services tax.
Roughly half of all European members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development have proposed, announced or already implemented a digital services tax, according to the nonpartisan Tax Foundation, which notes that such taxes would mostly affect U.S. companies.
Mr. Trump has set a July 4 deadline for the European Union and the U.S. to finalize a trade deal that caps tariffs on most EU exports at 15%. Digital taxes were not part of the agreement and have remained a sticking point between the U.S. and the European bloc.
The president also threatened retaliation against countries that propose digital taxes during his first term in office. In 2020, the U.S. Trade Representative launched investigations into nine European Union countries that had adopted or were considering digital taxes.
Last year, Mr. Trump also threatened new tariffs on any country that imposed a digital tax, saying in an August 2025 post that digital taxes and regulations are intended to weaken U.S. companies.
“America, and American Technology Companies, are neither the ‘piggy bank’ nor the ‘doormat’ of the World any longer. Show respect to America and our amazing Tech Companies or, consider the consequences!” he wrote at the time.
Plane crashes into CITIC Tower in Beijing, wreckage falls to ground
6:18 pm
Get you up to speed: Plane crashes into Beijing’s tallest skyscraper the China Zun with wreckage plummeting to the ground | News World
A small aircraft, identified as a B-12PP, crashed into Beijing’s CITIC Tower at around 6pm local time, breaking into pieces upon impact. The building suffered minor damage, with two windows smashed, while police evacuated the area and smoke was observed rising from the ground where parts of the aircraft smouldered.
Emergency services have established a perimeter around the CITIC Tower and are assessing the scene for potential casualties, though the status remains unclear. The B-12PP aircraft took off from Shifosi Airport approximately 30 minutes before the incident, deviating from its flight path before losing signal near Beijing’s East Fifth Ring Road.
Beijing authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident, with police confirming the evacuation of the CITIC Tower prior to the crash. As recovery efforts continue, the cause of the aircraft’s deviation from its flight path remains under scrutiny, and emergency services have established a perimeter around the site.
What remains unclear — It is not yet known if there are any casualties from the crash or the cause of the incident.
Plane crashes into CITIC Tower in Beijing, wreckage falls to ground
A plane has crashed into Beijing’s famous CITIC Tower skyscraper, also known as the China Zun.
The small aircraft broke into pieces, plummeting to the ground after hitting the city’s tallest building, which stands at 109-storeys.
It appears from footage on social media that the skyscraper is largely undamaged, with two windows smashed on impact.
Police arrived on the scene and evacuated the building ahead of the crash, which happened around 6pm local time.
The entire tail of the plane, identified by local outlets as a B-12PP, was found lying on the road.
Smoke could be seen rising from the ground where parts of the aircraft sat smouldering.
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The plane smashed two windows on impact (Picture: AP Photo/Han Guan Ng)
Emergency services set up a perimeter around the base of the building (Picture: REUTERS)
It’s not currently clear if there are any casualties, with the pilot reportedly flying solo. The cause of the crash is also unknown.
The plane reportedly deviated from the flight path, according to Global.hk, after taking off from Shifosi Airport half an hour earlier.
It was due to turn around and return to the airport for 5.45pm, but flight monitoring lost tracking signal around Beijing’s East Fifth Ring Road.
After this, the aircraft was unable to be reached and moments later crashed into the skyscraper.
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