Top Iranian cleric issues 'fatwa' against Trump, Netanyahu

In the latest episode of Missing in the Amazon, Guardian reporter Tom Phillips revisits the Javari Valley, where Indigenous activists and journalists face relentless danger from organized crime. Beto Marubo, a local leader, warns that the threats haven’t diminished—if anything, the risks remain just as deadly for those trying to protect the rainforest. The episode grapples with a bleak question: Can the Amazon still be saved? Alongside the harrowing reporting, there’s a nod to Dom Phillips’ memory, with links to his favorite music playlists.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a story about faraway conflicts—it’s a stark reminder of how violence and greed are chipping away at the Amazon, with real people paying the price. The podcast humanizes the crisis, showing the bravery of those on the ground while forcing us to confront whether the world’s inaction is sealing the forest’s fate. And the playlists? A bittersweet touch, honoring a journalist who lost his life covering this very fight.

This quirky piece, titled Pepper…and Salt, seems to play with contrasts—perhaps blending humor and seriousness, or light and dark themes, much like the condiments themselves. While the excerpt doesn’t give much away, the title hints at a clever, possibly satirical take on everyday life or societal observations.

Editor’s Note: At first glance, it might feel like a small, whimsical piece, but titles like this often pack a punch. Think of it as a wink from the writer—using something as simple as kitchen staples to mirror bigger ideas about balance, duality, or even the spice of life. It’s the kind of story that could surprise you with its depth or just leave you smiling. Either way, it’s a reminder that even the mundane can be meaningful.

Canada has backed off from implementing its digital services tax—a move that came just a day before companies were supposed to start paying. The government says it’s stepping back to smooth things over with the U.S., which had cut off trade talks after the tax was proposed. Ottawa’s hoping this retreat will help secure a better trade deal down the line.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about taxes—it’s a high-stakes dance between two close trading partners. Canada blinked first, showing how much it relies on U.S. cooperation. For businesses, it means one less headache (for now), but it also signals that trade tensions can flare up fast over digital economy rules. Watch this space—the next round of negotiations could get spicy.

Canada is backing down on a digital-services tax to keep trade talks with the U.S. alive after President Trump hit pause on negotiations. Both sides are aiming to strike a deal by July 21, according to a Canadian official.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about taxes—it’s a tactical retreat by Canada to avoid a full-blown trade standoff with the U.S. With tensions already high, scrapping the tax could buy time for a compromise. But if talks stall again, both economies could feel the ripple effects.

In a shocking and tragic incident, Idaho firefighters responding to a blaze near Canfield Mountain were shot at, leaving two people dead. Authorities quickly issued a shelter-in-place order for nearby residents as the situation unfolded. Details are still emerging, but the violence against first responders has rattled the community.

Editor’s Note: Attacks on firefighters—who are literally there to help—are rare but deeply unsettling. This isn’t just a wildfire story; it’s about the safety of the people who run toward danger. The shelter-in-place order suggests authorities are treating this as an active threat, adding another layer of fear for locals already dealing with the fire. It’s a grim reminder of how volatile emergency situations can become.