Ref News Today — July 14, 2026

As the world watches the World Cup semi-finals unfold, with predictions of a spectacular match between France and Spain, and speculation about which team will ultimately take home the trophy, other significant developments are taking place on the global stage. In the realm of international politics and defense, Ukraine is set to receive a significant boost with the US allowing them to build Patriot missile systems, and the country is also exploring the development of its own homegrown missiles. This move is seen as a strategic enhancement of Ukraine's defense capabilities, and it will be interesting to see how this development unfolds in the coming days.

In the United States, former President Donald Trump is facing a new challenge after a US judge voided his $1.8 billion settlement with the IRS that had granted him immunity from tax audits. This decision has significant implications and is likely to have far-reaching consequences. Additionally, the Department of Justice has turned over evidence related to the Minnesota D.H.S. shootings, and a Navy drone boat program has become embroiled in politics, highlighting the complexities and challenges that exist at the intersection of technology, defense, and governance. As these stories continue to evolve, RefNews will provide in-depth coverage and analysis to help readers make sense of the rapidly changing landscape.

Today's signal:
• Trump Will Let Ukraine Build Patriots. Ukraine Wants to Make Homegrown Missiles Too. (nytimes.com)
• How a Promising Navy Drone Boat Program Got Mired in Politics (nytimes.com)
• Who will win the World Cup? The view from the semi-finalists (bbc.co.uk)
• Deschamps predicts 'spectacular' France v Spain semi-final (bbc.co.uk)
• US judge voids Donald Trump's $1.8bn settlement with IRS that gave him immunity from tax audits (bbc.co.uk)
• D.O.J. Turns Over Evidence in Minnesota D.H.S. Shootings (nytimes.com)