- President Donald Trump could meet Vladimir Putin as soon as next week, a White House official said, as the US continued preparations to impose secondary sanctions, including potentially on China, to pressure Moscow to end the war in Ukraine.
- US federal employees are facing a barrage of intimidation and harassment after a group linked to the Trump administration posted their personal information on online “watchlists” denouncing them as liberals. Some have been fired. Two have moved abroad, fearing for their safety.
- Trump said he may use the National Guard to police the streets of Washington, D.C., and a White House official said federal law enforcement would increase its presence in the city this week, as the president eyes taking over running the city that serves as the seat of the US government.
- Firefighters battled for a third day to contain France’s biggest wildfire in nearly eight decades, which has burnt over 16,000 hectares, killed one person and destroyed dozens of houses.
- Ibrahim al-Najjar said he lost his five-year-old son Naim to malnutrition that is ravaging Gaza. One year later, he is still grieving while scrambling to make sure his other children don’t suffer the same fate.
- Nearly 700,000 Afghans have been expelled from Iran since June, over accusations by Iranian authorities that Afghan nationals were spying for Israel, according to the UNHCR. The war triggered rushed exits has left many without their wages or possessions.
- When Trump welcomes the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to the White House on Friday, the meeting will culminate in the signing of a peace framework that includes exclusive US development rights to a strategic transit corridor through the South Caucasus.
- Trump’s higher tariff rates of 10% to 50% on dozens of trading partners have kicked in, testing his strategy for shrinking US trade deficits without massive disruptions to global supply chains, higher inflation and stiff retaliation from trading partners.
- Trump added that the US will impose a tariff of about 100% on imports of semiconductors but offered up a big exemption – it will not apply to companies that are manufacturing in the US or have committed to do so. Watch our daily market rundown for more.
- At a glance, Trump appears to be winning the trade war he unleashed after returning to the White House in January. Significant hurdles remain, however, including whether US trading partners will make good on investment and goods-purchase commitments.
- In an exclusive interview with Reuters, Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said that he saw no room for direct talks now with Trump, which would likely be a “humiliation,” as US tariffs on Brazilian goods were raised to 50%. Brad Haynes joins today’s Reuters World News podcast to discuss other key details of his interview.
- Trump announced that Apple will invest an additional $100 billion in the United States, a move that could help it sidestep potential tariffs on iPhones.
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the Trump administration has instructed US diplomats in Europe to launch a lobbying campaign to build an opposition to the European Union’s Digital Services Act, which Washington says stifles free speech and imposes costs on US tech companies, an internal diplomatic cable seen by Reuters showed.
- The Trump administration has been talking to drugmakers about ways to raise prices of medicines in Europe and elsewhere in order to cut drug costs in the United States, according to a White House official and three pharmaceutical industry sources.
- US Senators Ron Wyden and Elizabeth Warren are launching an investigation into UnitedHealth Group related to allegations that the healthcare conglomerate secretly paid nursing homes thousands in bonuses to help slash hospital transfers for ailing residents.
- OPEC+ oil producers have used high summer demand to launch their first output increases in three years, but those targets have proved difficult to hit, leaving the market surprisingly tight.
- Fort Stewart Shooting: A gunman wounded five soldiers at Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield in Georgia yesterday. The suspect—a 28-year-old male Army sergeant—was apprehended roughly 40 minutes later and remains in US custody. The attack began at 10:56 am ET, when the assailant—a soldier from Florida who worked in automated logistics—used a personal handgun against members of his own unit. Nearby soldiers tackled him before law enforcement arrived to place him in custody. All five of the victims were transported to a nearby Army hospital in stable condition. An investigation is ongoing.
- Iranian Water Crisis: Iran closed government offices in over half of its 31 provinces yesterday, including Tehran. The decision—the second of its kind in weeks—comes as authorities work to manage a dual water and electricity crisis. The country has experienced regular power shortages since December due to its aging power grid, among other factors. Iran is also in its fifth consecutive year of drought. Rainfall is down 40% from the long-term average—the lowest levels in 60 years. Eighty percent of the country’s reservoirs are nearly empty (see here, w/video). Exacerbating the issue is Iran’s water-intensive agriculture for crops like rice, accounting for 90% of the country’s water use. Meanwhile, a heat wave has sent temperatures above 122 degrees Fahrenheit in parts of the country.
- Vaccine Research Redirected: Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. canceled nearly $500M in funding for 22 projects aimed at advancing mRNA technology Tuesday. The money will be redirected to projects developing traditional, whole-cell vaccines. Watch Kennedy’s announcement here.
- WWE: ESPN signs five-year deal with the WWE for streaming rights to WrestleMania and other major live events; deal averages $325M per year (More)
- PGA: The PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup Playoffs kick off today; read about the playoff format, including its bonus prize pool of $100M with the overall champion earning $10M (More)
- “Hamilton”: to get US theatrical release on Sept. 5, five years after its initial premiere on Disney+, which purchased the rights to the filmed version of the Broadway hit for $75M (More)
- Brainiacs: Replenishing the brain’s natural supply of lithium appears to reverse memory loss and neurological signs of Alzheimer’s, new study suggests; researchers identify lithium orotate as potentially protecting against onset of the disease.
- OpenAI: to offer the enterprise version of ChatGPT to federal agencies beginning next year at a cost of $1; move seen as a bid to beat competitors in adoption into government workflows (More)
- Ancient Mariners: Ancient stone tools more than 1 million years old discovered on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi; suggests human relatives made a major sea crossing prior to the use of boats.
- Tariffs: US stock markets close up (S&P 500 +0.7%, Dow +0.2%, Nasdaq +1.2%) as corporate earnings continue rolling in and the Trump administration’s new trade tariff deadline looms.
- Homeward Bound: Apple to invest an additional $100B on domestic manufacturing; Apple previously announced plans to spend $500B in the US over the next four years.
- Bankruptcy: Accessories retailer Claire’s files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for second time since 2018 amid debt load and changing consumer preferences; follows second bankruptcy of teen retailer Forever 21 in March.
- Tariffs: President Donald Trump imposes an additional 25% tariff on India over its Russian oil purchases, raising combined levies to 50%; takes effect Aug. 27 and comes as new tariffs kick in for dozens of trading partners today.
- Texas Democrats who left the state in protest of a redistricting bill were temporarily evacuated from an Illinois hotel following a bomb threat (More) | US Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) enters race to replace outgoing Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee (R), pledging to push forward Trump’s agenda.
- Heavy Matters: United Airlines grounds flights nationwide for several hours amid technical issue with its weight calculation system.
- Rate Cut: The Bank of England is expected to cut interest rates for the fifth time in a year on Thursday, likely lowering the bank rate from 4.25% to 4%. The move will be in response to a slowing jobs market, exacerbated by a recent employer tax hike and trade tensions.
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Can a Treaty Stop the Ocean from Drowning in Plastic?
Sea Shepherd GlobalThursday, 07 Aug, 2025. As Sea Shepherd Global crews continue removing deadly fishing gear from the ocean every day, world leaders have a final chance in Geneva to adopt a Global Plastics Treaty strong enough to tackle plastic pollution at its source. -
Ready to rescue on Hạ Long Bay in case of unexpected situations
Viet Nam NewsThe medical ship and two boats patrol from 7am to 6pm every day on tourist routes, with a permanent ship stationed at the Ti Tốp Island. A boat of the Quảng Ninh Provincial Military Command patrol the Hạ Long Bay. — VNA/VNS Photo Đức Hiếu … -
Trump may look like he’s winning the trade war, but hurdles remain
ReutersWASHINGTON, Aug 7 (Reuters) – At a glance, U.S. President Donald Trump appears to be winning the trade war he unleashed after returning to the White House in January, bending major trading partners to his will, imposing double-digit tariff rates on … -
Over 11000 thousand children displaced as fighting cuts off Mahaas in Somalia
Save the Children InternationalClashes between local militia, government forces and non-state armed groups in the Hiraan region have intensified in the last two months, displacing over 11,000 children. MOGADISHU, 07 August 2025 – More than 22,000 people including over 11,000 … -
Is Kansas AG Kris Kobach a citizen? After persecution of Lenexa leader, it might be time to ask.
Kansas ReflectorThe KBI forwarded the information to Lenexa police, who forced the people’s elected representative to show them her papers. Surely Kobach can do the same for Kansans. You know, just to put our minds at rest. -
India’s Modi vows no compromise on farmers interests amid Trump’s tariff salvo
ReutersNEW DELHI, Aug 7 (Reuters) – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday he will not compromise the interests of the country’s farmers even if he has to pay a heavy price, in his first comments after U.S. President Donald Trump’s salvo of a … -
Grandchildren of men who experienced A-bomb attacks 80 years ago now work for peace
ABC NewsHIROSHIMA, Japan — When the atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, Ari Beser’s grandfather was on board both of the American B-29 bombers that carried the weapons. On the ground, Kosuzu Harada’s grandfather survived both … -
South Sudan: IRC launches emergency response in Upper Nile and Unity state following escalation of conflict and …
International Rescue CommitteeThe International Rescue Committee (IRC) has launched an emergency response in Unity and Upper Nile states in South Sudan to address growing humanitarian needs driven by escalating conflict, displacement, and food insecurity. -
Gaza father grieving loss of child to malnutrition scrambles to save siblings
ReutersSummary. Gaza father grieving from loss of child to malnutrition; Global hunger monitor says famine situation unfolding in Gaza; 81% of Gaza households report poor food consumption, UN says; Says desperate people resorting to ‘extremely severe coping … -
Israel’s security cabinet expected to sign off plans for expanded Gaza operation – Middle East crisis live
The GuardianYesterday, the Israeli military put parts of Gaza City and Khan Younis under new enforced displacement orders. The move comes amid fears that the country’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is preparing to order the full occupation of the Palestinian … -
Africa unlikely to achieve some SDGs by 2030 – UN report
University World NewsAfrican countries are unlikely to attain five of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals by the 2030 target date: good health and well-being (SDG 3); gender equality (SDG 5); decent work and economic growth (SDG 8); life below water (SDG 14) … -
Hiroshima trees replanted in the name of peace
City of FremantleFour trees, grown from seeds from a tree that survived the atomic bomb attack on the Japanese city of Hiroshima in 1945, which were vandalised then nursed back to life, have been replanted in a special ceremony in North Fremantle. -
Live Updates: US Tariffs Take Effect, a New Step in Trump’s Trade War
The New York TimesFew major trading partners have been spared the import taxes, which have already disrupted supply chains and are expected to drive up prices for Americans. Share full article. Image A container ship sits in the distance as an American flag waves in the … -
Two Ghanaian ministers die in helicopter crash, along with six others
BBC NewsGhana’s ministers of defence and environment have died in a military helicopter crash in the central Ashanti region, along with six other people, a government spokesperson says. Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment, Science and … -
The grandchildren of 2 men who experienced both A-bomb attacks 80 years ago now work for peace
The Washington PostHIROSHIMA, Japan — When the atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, Ari Beser’s grandfather was on board both of the American B-29 bombers that carried the weapons. On the ground, Kosuzu Harada’s grandfather survived both … -
The North Coast 500 sold a Scottish dream to the world. A decade on, locals are counting the cost
Telegraph.co.ukThen again, the way tourists behave doesn’t always follow conventional logic. The deep valleys and high peaks of Scotland have been here for hundreds of millions of years. But only in the last decade, in this narrow lay-by of history, have the tourist … -
August Declared Breastfeeding Awareness Month In Belmont County
Wheeling IntelligencerBelmont County WIC Department Director Lori DeCoy and Breastfeeding Peer Helper Krysila Baratie were in attendance at the board’s regularly scheduled Wednesday morning meeting and spoke about the importance of raising awareness about breastfeeding. Decoy … -
Australia and the US are at odds on a plastics treaty, with last-ditch negotiations underway
ABC NewsOn Monday, esteemed British medical journal The Lancet delivered a dire warning, as nations were readying for last-ditch negotiations meant to “end plastic pollution”. Ahead of a United Nations meeting in Geneva, The Lancet warned plastic — like … -
Lake Chad’s Troubled Waters
www.lemonde.frAli Gombo, 45 years old, at the Malmari displaced persons camp, in the Lac province of Chad, June 22, 2025. JORIS BOLOMEY. With a slow gesture, Ali Gombo removed his black mask, revealing the scar that ran across his right cheek. -
Filmmakers, San Francisco Japantown museum reflect on 80-years since first atomic bomb
CBS NewsThis summer, the NJAHS resurrected an exhibit from 30 years ago to remember the victims of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombs that the United States dropped on Japan on Aug. 6 and 9, 1945. -
Helicopter crash in Ghana kills 8 people including Defence, Environment Ministers
The HinduThe Ghanian military said the helicopter took off in the morning from the capital, Accra, and was heading northwest into the interior toward the gold-mining area of Obuasi in the Ashanti region when it went off the radar. The wreckage was later found in … -
Trump’s Tariff Gamble Puts America’s Ties With India at Risk
The New York TimesOn Wednesday, Mr. Trump seemed ready to ditch that relationship. He doubled already hefty tariffs on Indian exports to the United States for its steadfast refusal to stop buying oil from Russia, in an effort to pressure Russia to end the war. -
Federal politics live: Anthony Albanese says ‘only’ tax policy will be what was taken to election
ABC NewsAnthony Albanese has narrowed the scope of Labor’s intentions on tax reform during this term of government ahead of an upcoming productivity round table. It comes as peak union and welfare groups call for the government to revisit changes to negative … -
Codelco asks to restart part of El Teniente mine after accident
ReutersSANTIAGO, Aug 6 (Reuters) – Copper miner Codelco (COBRE.UL) has asked Chile’s mining regulator for permission to reopen a part of its flagship El Teniente mine after a collapse last week that killed six people, two sources with knowledge of the matter … -
Trump orders India tariff hike to 50% for buying Russian oil
BBC NewsGetty Images India Prime Minister Narendra Modi shakes hands with President Donald Trump at the White Getty Images. US President Donald Trump has issued an executive order hitting India with an additional 25 … -
Yukon coroner investigating death of person in Whitehorse hospital bathroom
CBC.caYukon’s chief coroner has confirmed her office is investigating the death of someone in a public bathroom at Whitehorse General Hospital. “Preliminary findings suggest this death is suspected to be the result of toxic illicit drugs,” chief coroner … -
Yukon coroner investigating death of person in Whitehorse hospital bathroom
CBC.ca“Preliminary findings suggest this death is suspected to be the result of toxic illicit drugs,” chief coroner Heather Jones wrote in an email. She said her office received a report of the death on July … -
Pressure on Netanyahu intensifies as Israeli military chief opposes Gaza war expansion
CBC.caIsrael’s military chief has pushed back against Benjamin Netanyahu’s plans to seize areas of Gaza it doesn’t already control, three Israeli officials said, as the prime minister faces increasing pressure over the war both at home and abroad. -
People returned to live in Pompeii’s ruins, archaeologists say
BBC NewsNew evidence suggests people returned to live among the ruins of Pompeii after the ancient Roman city was devastated by a volcanic eruption. Archaeologists believe some survivors who could not afford to start a new life elsewhere returned to the site … -
Border Patrol arrests Indian nationals after illegally crossing border into Maine
WABIBRIDGEWATER, Maine (WABI) – Two people were arrested after law enforcement says they recently crossed the border illegally near Bridgewater. Border Patrol says two Indian nationals were taken into custody Friday and placed into removal proceedings. -
The future of foreign aid: evolving funding environment
Walsh School of Foreign ServiceOn July 1, 2025, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) officially ceased to exist, with its few remaining programs and staff absorbed into the U.S. State Department. With its closure, U.S. foreign assistance funding dropped to $13 … -
Trump intends to meet with Putin soon
The Washington PostPresident Donald Trump will soon meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to a source at the White House, following a meeting Wednesday in Moscow between Putin and Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff. Just hours after the meeting, … -
Trump Directed His Wrath at India
The New York TimesTrump’s onslaught began last week, when he declared India’s economy “dead.” Until that time, his administration had been angling to reduce India’s trade barriers. Now India is keeping company with Brazil, whose leftist president Trump considers a political … -
Woman sexually assaulted by man who offered ride home after Canada Day: Edmonton police
Globalnews.caThe incident happened around 1:30 a.m. on July 2, when a woman near Jasper Avenue and 113 Street was attempting to secure an Uber ride home. That’s when police said an unknown man in a … -
India Introduces New Consular Centers in the US
Envoy Global Resource CenterIndia will significantly enhance its consular presence in the U.S. with the launch of eight new Indian Consular Application Centers (ICACs) in Boston, Columbus, Dallas, Detroit, Edison, Orlando, Raleigh and San Jose, bringing the total to 17 nationwide. -
The United Kingdom Changes to Skilled Worker Visa for 2025
Envoy Global Resource CenterTo address short-term labor gaps, the government introduced a Temporary Shortage List (TSL), allowing certain sub-degree roles to remain eligible under adjusted salary bands. Applicants may qualify for lower salary rates … -
On World Breastfeeding Week, countries urged to invest in health systems and support breastfeeding mothers
Pan American Health OrganizationIn the Americas, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) echoes this call, highlighting regional efforts to boost breastfeeding rates and protect mothers from commercial pressures. In a joint statement issued on 4 August 2025 … -
Brazilian Supreme Court justice eases Bolsonaro’s house arrest to allow unrestricted family visits
PBS NewsHourRIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes on Wednesday eased a key term of the house arrest imposed on former President Jair Bolsonaro in his coup plot case, allowing family members to visit without prior authorization. -
Thursday Briefing: Trump Threatens to Double India’s Tariffs
The New York TimesIndia’s foreign ministry called the move “extremely unfortunate” and reiterated that it was importing oil from Russia to meet the energy needs of its 1.4 billion people. India is the second-largest importer of Russian oil after China; Turkey is another … -
A New Mexico man was awoken by an intruder. It turned out to be a bear
ABC NewsA New Mexico man who woke to strange noises in his camper found himself face to face with a black bear, leading to a deadly encounter that the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish told ABC News could have been prevented by proper food storage. -
A Defiant Israel Eyes a Full Gaza Takeover Despite Global Isolation
Bloomberg“Israel is undergoing a deep change, one that can be seen in many countries — the rise of populism,” says Dan Meridor, who served as a minister under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “There … -
Trump Tells European Leaders He Intends to Meet With Putin and Zelensky
The New York TimesPresident Trump intends to meet in person with President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia as soon as next week, and he plans to follow up shortly afterward with a meeting between himself, Mr. Putin and President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, according to … -
Defunct electronics recycling companies ordered to pay $3M for hazardous waste violations in Ohio
Waste Today MagazineA Franklin County, Ohio, judge has ordered the owners of two defunct electronics recycling companies to pay $3 million in civil penalties for abandoning hazardous waste in Columbus, Ohio. Judge Andria Noble issued the final ruling July 28, … -
COP15 Seeks to Reverse Wetland Loss Through Synergies with Other MEAs
IISD Reporting ServicesThe 15th meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP15) to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands sought to reverse wetland loss and degradation through increased synergies with other multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs), … -
New York State Department of Health Recognizes National Breastfeeding Month and World Breastfeeding Week
New York State Department of Health“Breast/chestfeeding lowers the risk of respiratory illnesses, diabetes and sudden infant death syndrome in babies, while also protecting birth parents from high blood pressure and certain types of cancer. It’s so important that we … -
A zoo in Denmark asked patrons to donate their pets. Not as attractions, but for food
NPRA European zoo stirred up intrigue and controversy after a social media post asking for surplus pets to be donated to feed captive animals went viral. In a post on Facebook, the Aalborg Zoo in Denmark asked people to donate unwanted pets that would be … -
A glimpse of Gaza’s miserable future
The EconomistThe UN is pleading with Israel to allow more lorries of aid into the territory. Arab and Western states are airdropping food. On August 5th Donald Trump said America would take a larger role in distributing aid, though he was vague about the details. -
Trump threatens 50% tariffs on India for buying Russian oil
BBC NewsUS President Donald Trump has issued an executive order hitting India with an additional 25% tariff over its purchases of Russian oil. That will raise the total tariff on Indian imports to the United States to 50% – among the highest rates imposed by … -
SOFI 2025 Reveals Regional Disparities in Fighting Hunger
IISD Reporting ServicesImprovements in the prevalence of undernourishment in southern Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean are in sharp contrast with the steady rise in hunger across Africa and western Asia. The report projects that … -
Data Gaps Prevent Full Picture of Africa’s Development Performance: Report
IISD’s SDG Knowledge HubIt recommends making use of the demographic dividend, natural resources, digital technology, private sector investment, and strong institutions to facilitate the transformative change needed for sustainable and inclusive development.
World News – 7 August 2025
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Fun South African fact
Dear Editor Fun South African fact: towns like Franschhoek and Stellenbosch are home to world-class wine farms set in stunning, scenic surroundings. Regards Aressa Smith In Response to/From: Luxury Properties Seized in New Lottery Crackdown
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Condolences on the Passing of Lusanda Dumke
Statement by Leander Kruger MPL – DA Buffalo City Constituency Leader: The Democratic Alliance in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality mourns the passing of Springbok Women’s rugby player and Mdantsane trailblazer, Lusanda Dumke, who lost her battle with cancer at the age of 28. South Africa has lost an exceptional athlete, a leader, and a source…
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Rape Kits Delivered, But…
Statement by Nicholas Gotsell MP – DA NCOP Member on Security & Justice: The DA can confirm that 2 840 rape kits arrived in Cape Town on Monday, following sustained DA oversight and pressure after multiple police stations across the Western Cape were found to be without this critical forensic evidence tool. While this delivery…
Old Man Winter
A South African, an Australian and an Englishman are all having a drink
The Englishman and South African both drink from Pint Glasses, the Australian from a bottle.
The South African, upon draining his glass, drops in back down on the bar, pulls out a pistol, and shoots the glass.
\”In South Africa, there is so much sand that I never drink from the same glass twice!\”
The Australian, having drained his bottle, sets it down upon the bar and, upon seizing the South African\’s pistol, shoots his bottle.
\”In Australia, there is so much booze that I never drink from the same brand twice!\”
The Englishman, likewise having drained his glass, sets his glass upon the table, seizes the pistol the pistol from the Australian, and shoots the South African and the Australian, quite dead.
\”In England, there are so many of you bastards that I never drink with the same two twice!\”
Friday Ferrari
A Priest was seated next to Van Der Merwe on a flight to Brakpan.
After the plane was airborne, drink orders were taken.
Van Der Merwe asked for a Rum and Coke, which was brought and placed before him.
The flight attendant then asked the priest if he would like a drink.
He replied in disgust \”I\’d rather be savagely raped by a dozen whores than let liquor touch my lips.\”
Van Der Merwe then handed his drink back to the attendant and said \”Me too, I didn\’t know we had a choice.\”