🗽 U.S. News Digest – July 20, 2025
Here’s your top U.S. news recap for July 20, 2025 – from global trade tensions and aviation disputes to streaming battles and superhero success stories.
1- Major Trade Talks at Risk: U.S.–EU Tariff Deadline Approaches
As tensions escalate between the United States and the European Union, the world watches closely. A critical trade deadline is approaching on August 1, 2025, which could see the U.S. imposing new tariffs on a broad range of European goods. These proposed measures could significantly disrupt global trade and impact key industries on both sides of the Atlantic.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that the U.S. is fully prepared to move forward with 30% tariffs if a fair trade agreement is not reached. The targeted goods include automobiles, electronics, steel, aluminum, wine, and agricultural products. According to Lutnick, these actions are aimed at restoring balance and protecting American jobs and industries.
The European Union, in turn, has warned of retaliatory measures if the tariffs are implemented. EU officials have prepared their own list of U.S. goods to target, including aircraft parts, whiskey, and high-end vehicles. The EU also plans to challenge the move at the World Trade Organization (WTO) if necessary.
This potential trade war could have a wide-reaching impact. Economists warn that supply chains may face disruption, especially in the tech and manufacturing sectors. Global stock markets have already begun to react to the uncertainty, with sharp fluctuations reported in both European and U.S. indexes.
What’s more, Lutnick hinted that the USMCA trade agreement (between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada) may be up for renegotiation within the next year. While USMCA-compliant goods are currently exempt from the August 1 deadline, this could change if broader trade goals are not met.
With only days remaining, negotiators from both sides are in urgent talks. Whether a compromise can be reached in time—or if the global economy will face another shock—remains to be seen.
2- U.S. Threatens Flight Restrictions Over Mexico’s Slot Cuts
As tensions escalate between the United States and Mexico, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a stern warning over Mexico City’s recent changes to air traffic allocations. The DOT claims that Mexico violated a bilateral aviation agreement by removing flight slots from U.S. carriers and mandating the relocation of American cargo operations to the more distant Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA).
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized that if Mexico fails to address these concerns, the U.S. may:
- Reject flight applications from Mexican airlines,
- Revoke antitrust immunity for the Delta–Aeroméxico joint venture, and
- Require pre-approval for all major Mexican passenger and cargo flights to the U.S.
The DOT argues that Mexico’s actions—initiated in 2022 and 2023—have imposed additional costs on U.S. businesses, disrupted logistics for time-sensitive cargo, and potentially hurt American consumers and cross-border competition. The agency cited construction delays at Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX), claiming promised congestion relief has not occurred, leaving U.S. airlines at a disadvantage.
Delta Air Lines responded that withdrawing antitrust approval would “cause significant harm to consumers traveling between the U.S. and Mexico, as well as U.S. jobs, communities, and transborder competition.” Aeroméxico confirmed it is preparing a joint response with Delta.
With the July 29 deadline for Mexican carriers to submit U.S. flight schedules, both governments are under pressure to resolve the dispute quickly. The outcome may reshape air travel, cargo flow, and airline partnerships throughout North America.
3- Disney+ Faces Continued Subscriber Loss Despite Price Cuts
Despite aggressive pricing strategies and content updates, Disney+ continues to lose subscribers for the third consecutive quarter, raising concerns among investors and market analysts. The latest earnings report reveals a decline of 1.2 million global subscribers, with significant drops reported in both North American and Southeast Asian markets.
Disney had recently introduced a series of bundled offerings, combining Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ at a reduced rate. They also expanded their ad-supported plan internationally and released exclusive content like the new Star Wars spinoff "Echoes of the Force" and Pixar’s latest animated feature.
However, these efforts appear to have only slowed the bleeding, not stopped it. Executives blame increased competition from platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and regional players such as ViU and JioCinema, which offer localized content at lower costs.
CEO Bob Iger addressed the issue in a press call, saying:
"We are reinventing our streaming strategy to meet evolving viewer demands. Quality over quantity will define the next chapter of Disney+."
Analysts warn that unless Disney+ shifts its approach—by either producing more globally appealing content or lowering its entry barriers further—it may face long-term stagnation.
The upcoming Q4 performance, especially with major releases like Avengers: Rise of Omega and a new live-action remake of Hercules, will be a key test for Disney+ in regaining momentum.
4- “Superman: Legacy” Dominates Global Box Office in Record-Breaking Debut
DC Studios has officially bounced back. The release of "Superman: Legacy", directed by James Gunn, has shattered expectations with a record-breaking global box office debut of $312 million during its opening weekend — the highest ever for a Superman film.
Starring David Corenswet as the new Man of Steel and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, the rebooted saga blends modern storytelling with classic comic book elements. Critics and audiences alike have praised the film’s emotional depth, practical effects, and return to Superman’s “truth, justice, and hope” roots.
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Key Highlights:
- $145 million from U.S. domestic theaters.
- Huge overseas turnout in China, the UK, and Brazil.
- Positive critic scores: 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, 8.6 on IMDb.
- Strong family turnout and repeat viewership reported.
James Gunn, who also serves as the new co-head of DC Studios, stated:
"We wanted to make Superman feel inspiring again. Not just a symbol of strength — but of goodness and heart."
The film introduces a fresh narrative arc that sets up the DCU reboot, connecting with upcoming titles like The Brave and the Bold (Batman) and Lanterns (Green Lantern series). Fans have already started speculating about hidden Easter eggs and crossovers that hint at a much bigger universe.
With its financial and critical success, Superman: Legacy has reignited excitement for DC’s cinematic future — finally giving them a film that competes directly with Marvel’s box office giants.
Here’s your top U.S. news recap for July 20, 2025 – from global trade tensions and aviation disputes to streaming battles and superhero success stories.
1- Major Trade Talks at Risk: U.S.–EU Tariff Deadline Approaches
As tensions escalate between the United States and the European Union, the world watches closely. A critical trade deadline is approaching on August 1, 2025, which could see the U.S. imposing new tariffs on a broad range of European goods. These proposed measures could significantly disrupt global trade and impact key industries on both sides of the Atlantic.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that the U.S. is fully prepared to move forward with 30% tariffs if a fair trade agreement is not reached. The targeted goods include automobiles, electronics, steel, aluminum, wine, and agricultural products. According to Lutnick, these actions are aimed at restoring balance and protecting American jobs and industries.
The European Union, in turn, has warned of retaliatory measures if the tariffs are implemented. EU officials have prepared their own list of U.S. goods to target, including aircraft parts, whiskey, and high-end vehicles. The EU also plans to challenge the move at the World Trade Organization (WTO) if necessary.
This potential trade war could have a wide-reaching impact. Economists warn that supply chains may face disruption, especially in the tech and manufacturing sectors. Global stock markets have already begun to react to the uncertainty, with sharp fluctuations reported in both European and U.S. indexes.
What’s more, Lutnick hinted that the USMCA trade agreement (between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada) may be up for renegotiation within the next year. While USMCA-compliant goods are currently exempt from the August 1 deadline, this could change if broader trade goals are not met.
With only days remaining, negotiators from both sides are in urgent talks. Whether a compromise can be reached in time—or if the global economy will face another shock—remains to be seen.
2- U.S. Threatens Flight Restrictions Over Mexico’s Slot Cuts
As tensions escalate between the United States and Mexico, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a stern warning over Mexico City’s recent changes to air traffic allocations. The DOT claims that Mexico violated a bilateral aviation agreement by removing flight slots from U.S. carriers and mandating the relocation of American cargo operations to the more distant Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA).
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized that if Mexico fails to address these concerns, the U.S. may:
- Reject flight applications from Mexican airlines,
- Revoke antitrust immunity for the Delta–Aeroméxico joint venture, and
- Require pre-approval for all major Mexican passenger and cargo flights to the U.S.
The DOT argues that Mexico’s actions—initiated in 2022 and 2023—have imposed additional costs on U.S. businesses, disrupted logistics for time-sensitive cargo, and potentially hurt American consumers and cross-border competition. The agency cited construction delays at Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX), claiming promised congestion relief has not occurred, leaving U.S. airlines at a disadvantage.
Delta Air Lines responded that withdrawing antitrust approval would “cause significant harm to consumers traveling between the U.S. and Mexico, as well as U.S. jobs, communities, and transborder competition.” Aeroméxico confirmed it is preparing a joint response with Delta.
With the July 29 deadline for Mexican carriers to submit U.S. flight schedules, both governments are under pressure to resolve the dispute quickly. The outcome may reshape air travel, cargo flow, and airline partnerships throughout North America.
3- Disney+ Faces Continued Subscriber Loss Despite Price Cuts
Despite aggressive pricing strategies and content updates, Disney+ continues to lose subscribers for the third consecutive quarter, raising concerns among investors and market analysts. The latest earnings report reveals a decline of 1.2 million global subscribers, with significant drops reported in both North American and Southeast Asian markets.
Disney had recently introduced a series of bundled offerings, combining Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ at a reduced rate. They also expanded their ad-supported plan internationally and released exclusive content like the new Star Wars spinoff "Echoes of the Force" and Pixar’s latest animated feature.
However, these efforts appear to have only slowed the bleeding, not stopped it. Executives blame increased competition from platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and regional players such as ViU and JioCinema, which offer localized content at lower costs.
CEO Bob Iger addressed the issue in a press call, saying:
"We are reinventing our streaming strategy to meet evolving viewer demands. Quality over quantity will define the next chapter of Disney+."
Analysts warn that unless Disney+ shifts its approach—by either producing more globally appealing content or lowering its entry barriers further—it may face long-term stagnation.
The upcoming Q4 performance, especially with major releases like Avengers: Rise of Omega and a new live-action remake of Hercules, will be a key test for Disney+ in regaining momentum.
4- “Superman: Legacy” Dominates Global Box Office in Record-Breaking Debut
DC Studios has officially bounced back. The release of "Superman: Legacy", directed by James Gunn, has shattered expectations with a record-breaking global box office debut of $312 million during its opening weekend — the highest ever for a Superman film.
Starring David Corenswet as the new Man of Steel and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, the rebooted saga blends modern storytelling with classic comic book elements. Critics and audiences alike have praised the film’s emotional depth, practical effects, and return to Superman’s “truth, justice, and hope” roots.
Key Highlights:
- $145 million from U.S. domestic theaters.
- Huge overseas turnout in China, the UK, and Brazil.
- Positive critic scores: 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, 8.6 on IMDb.
- Strong family turnout and repeat viewership reported.
James Gunn, who also serves as the new co-head of DC Studios, stated:
"We wanted to make Superman feel inspiring again. Not just a symbol of strength — but of goodness and heart."
The film introduces a fresh narrative arc that sets up the DCU reboot, connecting with upcoming titles like The Brave and the Bold (Batman) and Lanterns (Green Lantern series). Fans have already started speculating about hidden Easter eggs and crossovers that hint at a much bigger universe.
With its financial and critical success, Superman: Legacy has reignited excitement for DC’s cinematic future — finally giving them a film that competes directly with Marvel’s box office giants.
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