Guatemala issued its second-highest emergency alert after Fuego volcano erupted, sending lava and ash plumes about six kilometres into the air. Two nearby villages were evacuated as authorities warned the volcano could enter a more explosive phase, with ashfall and hot debris flows threatening surrounding communities.
Ukraine says video of a remotely controlled Russian drone pursuing and striking a street vegetable seller in the Kherson region amounts to a “human safari” attack and war crime. The man survived with shrapnel wounds, concussion and trauma. Ukrainian officials called the attacks deliberate and systematic intimidation of civilians.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law imposing temporary restrictions on people who left Russia and were convicted in absentia under the Criminal Code or “political” administrative statutes. Their Russian bank accounts may be frozen, property and vehicle sales blocked, online services disabled, and some consular services denied. The law takes effect upon publication.
The U.S. trade deficit narrowed in June as imports declined. The improvement may not last, however, because the country’s artificial-intelligence buildout depends heavily on imported goods. That reliance could keep import demand elevated as the AI expansion continues, putting renewed pressure on the trade balance.
U.S. tradetrade deficitimportsartificial intelligence
The EU has praised Spain’s “swift response” after about 72,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta from Morocco over two days last week. Spain says roughly 70,000 have since been returned, while at least 75 people died on the Spanish side and 11 in Morocco. The episode prompted criticism and added checks by several European countries.
EU interior ministers agreed to provide Spain with emergency aid to strengthen border security in Ceuta. They called for continued action against migrant-smuggling networks, stronger returns and EU borders, while Spain’s interior minister insisted the incursion had not compromised the Schengen Area. About 60,000 people have returned to Morocco and 2,500 remain in Ceuta.
The EU Council says no migrants have moved from the Spanish autonomous city of Ceuta to mainland Spain or other EU member states, while the vast majority of those who crossed illegally have returned to Morocco. Spain’s interior minister earlier said at least 72,000 entered Ceuta since late July and 70,000 had already left for Morocco.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott directed state regulators and ERCOT to verify and audit new data center proposals before they connect to the power grid. Applicants must disclose incentives, expected grid use, water consumption and plans to track community impacts, potentially slowing approvals. Data centers make up about 90 percent of new power requests.
Texas requires data centers to pass an audit before joining the grid
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⚽ 🇨🇱 🇨🇻 Cape Verde's Vozinha arrives in Chile after signing for Colo-Colo
Vozinha, the goalkeeper who played a key role in Cape Verde's fairytale World Cup run, has arrived in Chile to officially become a new player for Colo-Colo. The keeper moved from Chaves of the Portuguese second division
⚽ 🇨🇱 🇨🇻 Cape Verde's Vozinha arrives in Chile after signing for Colo-Colo
Vozinha, the goalkeeper who played a key role in Cape Verde's fairytale World Cup run, has arrived in Chile to officially become a new player for Colo-Colo. The keeper moved from Chaves of the Portuguese second division
Bharti Airtel, India’s second-largest telecom operator, reported a 37.3% increase in first-quarter profit on Tuesday. The company attributed the gain to adding subscribers and to users moving to more expensive plans. The results point to stronger revenue from both customer growth and upgrades. Airtel’s performance was therefore supported by higher-value services as well as a larger subscriber base.
Russia will temporarily restrict the transit of poultry meat and by-products made by EU companies from August 5, Rosselkhoznadzor said. The measure is intended to prevent the spread of epizootic diseases and protect consumers after an allegedly German-origin shipment was found moving illegally with falsified veterinary certificates. The restrictions will remain until talks with the European Commission follow the investigation.
Wingate University has told thousands of high school students that they have already been admitted to its class of 2030. The students were also informed that they would receive $24,000 in scholarships. They did not need to submit an application to receive the offer. The approach represents a wider use of admissions offers to students who had not applied.
Thousands attended a Gaza City funeral for 112 members of the Hassayna and Abu Sharia families, whose remains were recovered from a collapsed residential building nearly three years after an Israeli air raid. At least 40 were children. Relatives accused Israel of war crimes and called for international investigations.
Lebanon and Israel are holding another round of direct talks in Rome under US sponsorship. The meeting is the seventh since Hezbollah drew Lebanon into the Middle East war in March by firing rockets at Israel. Israel responded with heavy airstrikes and a ground invasion. Hezbollah’s leader condemned the negotiations, saying they brought “shame” and “humiliation” to Lebanon.
A consortium headed by Swiss-Japanese company Kanadevia Inova says it intends to begin construction of a waste-to-energy facility in Casablanca by the end of the year. The planned project is valued at $1.5 billion. Full operations are expected to start by mid-2030, according to the consortium.
Morocco to build $1.5 billion waste-to-energy plant in Casablanca
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🇩🇰 🪖 Young Danes start extended military service
Some 1,600 young Danes have recently begun 11 months of military service after Denmark extended the length from four months as a consequence of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine
🇩🇰 🪖 Young Danes start extended military service
Some 1,600 young Danes have recently begun 11 months of military service after Denmark extended the length from four months as a consequence of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine
Japan’s Cabinet Office says medical teams will begin providing treatment and health consultations aboard a ship docked at Yatsushiro Port from Aug. 5, after many medical institutions were damaged in the Kumamoto earthquake.
The Bezos Earth Fund and Re:wild have announced a new effort to support species facing an extremely high risk of extinction. The organizations pledged an initial $200 million for recovery programs. The Bezos Earth Fund was established by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Re:wild was co-founded by actor Leonardo DiCaprio.
Bezos Earth Fund and Re:wild launch $200 million endangered-species drive
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Austria records all-time temperature high of 40.8C: national weather service
Austria records all-time temperature high of 40.8C: national weather service
AFP News Agency
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🇮🇹 One man's mission to clear Rome of graffiti
Valerio Tuveri, 28 -- known on Instagram and TikTok as "the guy who cleans Rome" -- has been posting videos for two years showing off his graffiti-cleaning, which he carries out for free in agreement with city authorities
🇮🇹 One man's mission to clear Rome of graffiti
Valerio Tuveri, 28 -- known on Instagram and TikTok as "the guy who cleans Rome" -- has been posting videos for two years showing off his graffiti-cleaning, which he carries out for free in agreement with city authorities
Two years after a student-led uprising toppled Sheikh Hasina, critics say Bangladesh is losing momentum on reforms as political divisions deepen and key measures stall. The BNP government is accused of abandoning several commitments, while disputes over the July Charter continue with the opposition and student-led figures.
Bangladeshpolitical reformSheikh HasinaJuly Charter
Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, 93, has been out of public view for nearly two months while his team rejects rumours about his health. From Geneva, he issued decrees appointing senior military officials and promoting five colonels, including Raymond Jean Charles Beko’o Abondo, who was reappointed commander of the presidential guard. The opposition says Biya’s absence has created a “glaring institutional vacuum”.
World’s oldest president reshuffles army as absence fuels unease
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🇷🇺 🇺🇦 Moment Ukrainian drone hit Russian Black Sea beach resort
A Ukrainian drone strike on a Russian resort village on the Black Sea coast killed six people, including three children, and wounded at least 40 others, a regional governor said
🇷🇺 🇺🇦 Moment Ukrainian drone hit Russian Black Sea beach resort
A Ukrainian drone strike on a Russian resort village on the Black Sea coast killed six people, including three children, and wounded at least 40 others, a regional governor said
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is continuing to expand, with 3,748 confirmed cases and 1,657 deaths in under three months. The case fatality rate is 44%, while 690 patients are isolated in hospitals. Most cases are in Ituri province, with five other provinces also affected.
The European Commission said Tuesday it has opened an in-depth investigation into an arbitration ruling involving Spain and Japan’s JGC Holdings. The ruling ordered Spain to compensate the Japanese company after changes to a renewable power support scheme. EU officials will examine whether that payment breaches the bloc’s state aid rules. The probe focuses on the compatibility of the compensation with European Union requirements.
European CommissionSpainJGC Holdingsrenewable subsidies
India’s foreign ministry said on Tuesday that the New Delhi event at which Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to speak is being arranged by a private organization. The ministry spokesperson said the Indian government has no involvement in the event. The statement separates New Delhi from the organization of Hasina’s planned virtual address.
President Donald Trump says US-Iran talks are underway and calls them Iran’s “last chance” for a deal to end the war. Iran denies negotiations with Washington, saying it is only discussing Strait of Hormuz management with Oman. Trump says the US Navy controls the strait, while CENTCOM says it continues enforcing the blockade.
Israeli leaders believe keeping the US-Iran conflict at its current level serves Israel’s interests better than an agreement, Al-Monitor reported, citing Israeli diplomatic sources. Israel doubts a deal would curb Iran’s nuclear program or end ballistic missile production, while Washington is focused on restoring shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Leonid Slutsky, chairman of the Russian State Duma’s International Affairs Committee, said Zelensky’s 40-day pressure plan had prompted Russia to intensify strikes on Ukrainian logistics and energy infrastructure. He said Ukraine was being systematically cut off from weapons routes and could face its worst winter, while accusing Kyiv of terrorist attacks against civilians and claiming Russian troops were advancing in Donbass.
Russia-Ukraine warUkraineRussian State Dumamilitary strikes
Zelensky’s 40-day plan opens ‘portal to hell’ for Ukraine, Russian lawmaker says
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🇮🇩 Drought reveals once-submerged Indonesian village
For several years, the Indonesian village of Somang has been submerged beneath a reservoir that was created to supply Jakarta with water. However, water levels have dropped amid drought conditions revealing the village once again.
🇮🇩 Drought reveals once-submerged Indonesian village
For several years, the Indonesian village of Somang has been submerged beneath a reservoir that was created to supply Jakarta with water. However, water levels have dropped amid drought conditions revealing the village once again.
AFP News Agency
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🇵🇸 Rolling through the rubble in Gaza
Palestinian roller skaters lace up and practise their moves amidst the rubble of destroyed buildings in Khan Yunis, where they say the sport offers release from displacement and daily hardship.
🇵🇸 Rolling through the rubble in Gaza
Palestinian roller skaters lace up and practise their moves amidst the rubble of destroyed buildings in Khan Yunis, where they say the sport offers release from displacement and daily hardship.
Russia’s Federal Security Service says it detained a Russian national in Crimea suspected of treason. The agency alleges that, after being recruited by a Ukrainian Security Service officer, he gathered military information and organized the production and assembly of drones, including models capable of releasing munitions. Investigators are determining the relevant criminal charges.
Nigerian law enforcement dismantled a methamphetamine laboratory on July 29 in an abandoned shed. The site was described as remnants of an alleged multimillion-dollar transnational meth operation. It stood on roughly an acre of forest straddling the villages of Abidagba and Iroto. Authorities identified it as the largest meth lab ever discovered in Nigeria. The operation comes amid claims that a Mexican cartel is pushing into the country.
French authorities say 173 migrants were rescued after a boat attempting to cross the Channel to the UK caught fire. They were taken to Boulogne-sur-Mer, where 11 suffered minor injuries. French prosecutors opened an investigation and police detained an Egyptian national in connection with the incident.
Palantir Technologies reported second-quarter revenue of $1.94bn, up 93 percent year on year, and lifted its annual forecast, sending shares more than 14 percent higher in after-hours trading. The company’s ties to the US and Israeli governments and its role in military technology, including support for Israel’s campaign in Gaza, remain controversial.
Russian authorities have filed an administrative case against politician Boris Nadezhdin, accusing him of participating in the activities of an “undesirable organization.” The case concerns an interview he gave to Meduza, which Russia has designated as undesirable; the charge carries a fine of up to 15,000 rubles.
Palestinian patients who received medical treatment abroad have returned to Gaza and reunited with loved ones after nearly three years apart. Israel’s systematic destruction of Gaza’s healthcare system has driven thousands to seek care outside the enclave, while thousands more remain blocked from leaving for urgent treatment.
Luis Carlos Rúa took his oath in Colombia’s Senate wearing the white cartoon-elephant costume associated with his alias, Elefante blanco. He spent five years exposing overpriced or abandoned public works while hiding his identity, then won about 124,000 votes. Rúa says he will continue his anti-corruption oversight from the Senate.
A joint study by Megafon and bookstore chain Chitai-Gorod found that sales of Homer’s Odyssey in Russia rose 254% year on year in July after Christopher Nolan’s film adaptation premiered. Overall sales of Homer’s works increased 125%, while traffic to the film’s official website reached eight times its average in the week before release.
The second part of Health SHIFT examines body odor and skin gases. It discusses foods that may intensify sebum odor, the link between poorer sleep and a “garlic odor,” and the impact of worsening liver function. It also covers skin-gas testing instead of blood tests and research into detecting cancer through body odor.
The Summer National High School Baseball Championship will open at Koshien Stadium on the 5th. As part of measures against the heat, this year’s opening ceremony is again scheduled for the evening, and players from all 49 representative schools took part in a rehearsal.
Summer National High School BaseballKoshien Stadiumhigh school sports
A new summer wave of inbound tourism is bringing international visitors to China for deeper local experiences under the “China Cool” banner. Inbound tourist spending has risen 72.9% year on year since June, while cities including Harbin, Dalian, Changchun, Guiyang and Xining gain attention. Visa-free access, expanded routes and cultural activities are also supporting tourism in Hainan.
‘China Cool’ draws global visitors beyond traditional destinations
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🇲🇽 Mexico steps up effort to clear up sargassum on Riviera Maya
Mexico is deploying specialised navy ships to fight a massive influx of sargassum on the country's Caribbean beaches, as the smelly seaweed threatens the crucial tourism sector.
🇲🇽 Mexico steps up effort to clear up sargassum on Riviera Maya
Mexico is deploying specialised navy ships to fight a massive influx of sargassum on the country's Caribbean beaches, as the smelly seaweed threatens the crucial tourism sector.
China will implement new entry-exit rules on September 15, allowing border officials to dissuade citizens from traveling to high-risk countries and regions when necessary. People deemed to have endangered national security and interests abroad could be barred from leaving again after returning. Researchers, immigration agencies and some foreigners will also be affected. Scholars say population movement and technology are being brought further under a national-security framework, while state media rejects claims of “closing the country.”
China exit-entry rulestravel restrictionsnational securityresearchers
CCTV released on Monday shows a Malaysian pilot being caught at Jakarta airport while allegedly trying to smuggle 70,000 ecstasy pills in his suitcase. Officers removed about 26kg of drugs, and the man said he was paid the equivalent of £9,000. Authorities said he was under the influence when arrested.
Denmark’s ambassador to the United Nations says Russian strikes have grown increasingly brutal. On August 4, Ukrainians gathered for the funerals of people killed a week earlier in a Russian ballistic-missile attack, including three children. Across the border, what appeared to be a drone struck a crowded beach area near the Russian town of Gelendzhik. Local authorities said seven people died and blamed Kyiv for the attack.
Saudi Arabia’s observed crude exports declined slightly in July. Threats to vessel traffic in both the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea restrained the kingdom’s shipments. The simultaneous risks in the two waterways added pressure to Saudi oil deliveries during the month.
UBS Financial Services Inc., a subsidiary of UBS Group AG, has agreed to pay $125 million in fines. The payment settles allegations brought by the US government. Authorities accused the company of willfully and repeatedly violating anti-money laundering rules. The case centers on compliance failures at the financial-services subsidiary.
Helicopters dump water to fight a wildfire in Kryo Pigadi, about fifty kilometres west of Athens, while Greek firefighters continue battling multiple blazes across the country.
Helicopters dump water to fight a wildfire in Kryo Pigadi, about fifty kilometres west of Athens, while Greek firefighters continue battling multiple blazes across the country.
Authorities arrested 37-year-old Aaron Farinacci and charged him with first-degree arson in connection with Spokane’s largest wildfire after a witness allegedly saw him near where it began. Fires around the Washington city have displaced about 67,000 people, burned more than 8,000 acres and destroyed hundreds of structures.
Spokane wildfiresarson arrestevacuationsWashington state
Firefighters’ bodycam footage captures the urgency of efforts to contain a blaze sweeping through the northwestern United States. Wildfires near Spokane, Washington, have raged for a third consecutive day, forcing more than 60,000 people to leave their homes.
Specialists from a repair company attached to Russia’s Battlegroup West have developed the Astra-PVO interceptor drone to counter Ukraine’s jet-powered fixed-wing strike drones, a unit representative told TASS. It can reach up to 560 kph and destroy UAVs through kinetic impact or a warhead. An Astra-KZ variant is due to begin trials in the special military operation zone.
Jio Financial Services and BlackRock launched the JioBlackRock Nifty 50 ETF on Tuesday. The product marks the companies’ entry into India’s exchange-traded fund market. Their move is being made through their asset-management joint venture. The fund is based on the Nifty 50 index.
Jio-BlackRock enters India’s ETF market with Nifty 50 fund
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🇦🇹 Vienna beer lovers attempt world record for biggest simultaneous pour
More than 600 beer enthusiasts gather at Vienna's Ottakringer Brewery in a bid to break the world record for the largest number of people pouring a beer at the same time.
🇦🇹 Vienna beer lovers attempt world record for biggest simultaneous pour
More than 600 beer enthusiasts gather at Vienna's Ottakringer Brewery in a bid to break the world record for the largest number of people pouring a beer at the same time.
AFP News Agency
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Cuba's national electrical grid collapsed again as authorities struggled to restore power following a nationwide blackout on August 2, state-run media reported, marking a fresh setback in the country's deepening energy crisis.
Cuba's national electrical grid collapsed again as authorities struggled to restore power following a nationwide blackout on August 2, state-run media reported, marking a fresh setback in the country's deepening energy crisis.
Reuters
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A video circulating on social media shows a Russian drone hunting an unarmed civilian trading at a local market in Kherson's Central district around 6:45 a.m.
Video: National Police / Telegram.
A video circulating on social media shows a Russian drone hunting an unarmed civilian trading at a local market in Kherson's Central district around 6:45 a.m.
Asian shares moved unevenly on Tuesday after a rally on Wall Street. The U.S. market advance was supported by easing oil prices. Investors across the region are still weighing the impact of developments involving the United States last week. Higher oil prices added a fresh element to the market picture as trading continued.
One week after an earthquake registering a maximum intensity of 7 in Kumamoto Prefecture, the Japan Meteorological Agency is holding a news conference at 4 p.m. on the 4th. It will discuss seismic activity and the outlook for heat and rain. The agency urges continued caution for about a week against earthquakes of lower-5 intensity or stronger; dangerous heat is expected again on the 5th, while Typhoon No. 13 is also approaching.
LIVE: Japan Meteorological Agency to outline earthquake activity, heat and rain outlook
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These are the indicative estimates of Russia’s combat losses as of Aug.4, according to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
These are the indicative estimates of Russia’s combat losses as of Aug.4, according to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The Kyiv Independent
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Michigan has reported the first U.S. deaths linked to cyclosporiasis. Gastroenterologist Rabia de Latour of NYU Grossman School of Medicine spoke to Reuters about why this outbreak is different from previous ones, as cases climb to around 22,000.
Michigan has reported the first U.S. deaths linked to cyclosporiasis. Gastroenterologist Rabia de Latour of NYU Grossman School of Medicine spoke to Reuters about why this outbreak is different from previous ones, as cases climb to around 22,000.
The Japanese government has drafted revisions to guidelines that clarify requirements for judging permanent-residency applications by foreign nationals. The proposed income criterion would consider whether household annual earnings have consistently remained at a level above the Japanese average.
Japan considers household income above national average in foreign permanent-residency reviews
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Volunteers rescue dogs and cats from raging wildfires in the Megara Region, west of Athens. Some 110 animals have already found refuge at temporary shelters set up The Megara Stadium
📸 Aris Oikonomou
Volunteers rescue dogs and cats from raging wildfires in the Megara Region, west of Athens. Some 110 animals have already found refuge at temporary shelters set up The Megara Stadium
Norway’s Sigrid Haugset won the third stage of the Women’s Tour de France. She claimed a solo victory after spending 87 kilometres in a breakaway. The result earned her the race’s yellow jersey. Haugset’s win came through a sustained individual effort rather than a group sprint.
Israeli attacks on Gaza intensified in the days after a US-brokered agreement presented as a breakthrough. The deal requires Hamas to disarm, while Israel is expected to halt attacks and withdraw troops, but the sides remain deadlocked over implementation. Gaza’s Health Ministry said 152 people were killed in July; by August 3, 1,250 had been killed and more than 4,100 wounded since the October 2025 ceasefire.
The 2026 “Blooming Flowers Along the Way” China-Malaysia International Culture and Art Performance and Exhibition concluded in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday. Performers presented traditional arts from both countries, including Chinese konghou music and dance alongside Malaysian solar-term drums and ethnic dances. Organizers said the event aims to promote cultural and youth exchanges and deepen mutual understanding.
China-Malaysia relationscultural exchangeKuala Lumpur
China-Malaysia cultural event concludes in Kuala Lumpur
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An underwater explosion in the Danube River in Izvoarele village aims at deepening the channel and diverting water to the cooling systems of the Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant.
Critically low water levels caused by a heatwave has forced Romania to close two nuclear reactors
📸 Daniel Mihailescu
An underwater explosion in the Danube River in Izvoarele village aims at deepening the channel and diverting water to the cooling systems of the Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant.
Critically low water levels caused by a heatwave has forced Romania to close two nuclear reactors
📸 Daniel Mihailescu
AFP News Agency
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Cape Verde’s veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, who became a social media sensation at the World Cup, has signed for Colo-Colo, the Chilean club announced.
Cape Verde’s veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, who became a social media sensation at the World Cup, has signed for Colo-Colo, the Chilean club announced.
Reuters
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NASA SpaceX Crew-13 members held a news conference ahead of their mission to the International Space Station. "There's no issue," said Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Joshua Kutryk, who is of Ukrainian heritage, when asked about launching alongside a Russian crewmate.
NASA SpaceX Crew-13 members held a news conference ahead of their mission to the International Space Station. "There's no issue," said Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Joshua Kutryk, who is of Ukrainian heritage, when asked about launching alongside a Russian crewmate.
Whirlpool lowered its profit outlook for the year. The company said the revision reflects new interest expenses tied to its recent issuance of $2 billion in secured bonds. The change shows how the additional financing costs are affecting its annual earnings expectations.
Vietnam posted a wider $3.59 billion trade deficit in July, marking its eighth consecutive monthly shortfall. Exports rose 25% year on year to $53.1 billion, but imports climbed 41.4%. The year-to-date deficit reached $20.5 billion, already exceeding the country’s 2008 annual record, with higher fuel costs contributing to the import bill.
Hugging Face CEO Clément Delangue said China is gaining ground in AI through open-weight models while U.S. labs build in silos. After a cyberattack overwhelmed the company, Hugging Face used Z.ai’s GLM-5.2 for defense after an unnamed leading U.S. model could not be deployed because of its guardrails. Advocates say restricting Chinese models could disadvantage U.S. developers.
China is planning to strengthen its ability to prevent landslides and floods and reduce the damage they cause. State broadcaster CCTV said the effort is intended to help the country respond more effectively to climate change. The planned measures focus on improving disaster-prevention and response capacity.
The man who pleaded guilty to federal charges tied to the killings of a prominent Minnesota Democratic lawmaker and her husband has appeared in state court for the first time. He is already serving two life sentences plus 40 years. The initial state-court appearance marks the beginning of the related state proceedings.
Twenty-five states sued Donald Trump’s administration over tariffs ranging from 10% to 12.5% on goods from dozens of countries. Washington says the duties address trading partners’ failure to tackle forced labour, while the Democratic-led coalition calls the decision arbitrary, unlawful and an improper pretext for a sweeping tariff scheme.
US tariffsTrump administrationstate lawsuitforced labour
The US State Department has told Congress it intends to close five diplomatic missions, Reuters reports, citing sources. The posts are in Winnipeg, Nagoya, Douala, Medan and St. George’s. The White House initially sought to shut as many as 30 overseas posts, while Democratic Party and national security sources warned that the reductions could weaken Washington’s position across several regions.
Chinese scientist Wang Jinsong has become the first Chinese recipient of the William Nordberg Medal, awarded by the Committee on Space Research for outstanding contributions to applying space science. The honor was presented Monday at the 46th COSPAR Scientific Assembly in Florence, Italy. An asteroid was also named after him.
Wang JinsongWilliam Nordberg Medalspace sciencespace weather
Since seizing power in a 2022 coup, Captain Ibrahim Traore has built regional support around sovereignty and resistance to foreign influence. His government has expelled French troops, deepened ties with Russia and promoted self-reliance, but restrictions on political activity, persistent insecurity and doubts about lasting change are putting his record at home under scrutiny.
The Japan Meteorological Agency said Friday morning that the rainy season is believed to have ended in Hokuriku, southern Tohoku and northern Tohoku. This means all of Japan except Hokkaido, which has no rainy season, has entered the post-rainy-season period. Dangerous heat is forecast around Kyushu on Saturday.
The arrests of independent bookstore operators in Hong Kong over books published in Taiwan have prompted publishers to reassess the risks of selling through the territory. As space for political titles narrows, e-books, Taiwan’s domestic market and overseas sales are emerging as alternatives, though scholars warn of losses to physical bookstores and public discussion.
Hong Kong publishingTaiwan publishingindependent bookstorese-books
‘Published in Taiwan, sold in Hong Kong’: Book trade seeks a way forward under red lines
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Reuters Sports Reporter Amy Tennery explains why FIFA President Gianni Infantino faces an uphill battle in his re-election bid after a failed proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors.
Reuters Sports Reporter Amy Tennery explains why FIFA President Gianni Infantino faces an uphill battle in his re-election bid after a failed proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors.
When a family member dies unexpectedly, smartphones, online bank accounts and social media profiles can become a major challenge. The article introduces preparations to make in advance and ways to manage these digital remains.
digital legacysmartphonessocial mediaonline banking
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche appears to have met the demands made by Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis. CNN Politics says, however, that his assurances contain major loopholes. The report focuses on gaps in the concessions and limits within the commitments Blanche offered to the two senators.
Todd BlancheJohn CornynThom TillisJustice Department
Investigators are working to establish what prompted a 24-year-old man to open fire at an Idaho fast-food restaurant. Authorities say the attack killed three people and wounded seven others. The man then killed himself, according to officials. The motive remains under examination as the investigation continues.
Sequoia Capital led a $1 billion financing round for nuclear startup Valar Atomics Inc. The company says the new funding will support its move beyond demonstrating small reactors. Valar plans to use the capital to begin producing the reactors at volume. The round marks a major step in the startup’s shift toward manufacturing.
Japan revised its high-cost medical expense system in August, raising the monthly out-of-pocket spending cap for most income groups. An annual cap was also introduced for people receiving long-term treatment. The article explains the possible increase in costs, key changes and points to watch.
Game Freak’s new action game, Beast of Reincarnation, offers a postapocalyptic Japan where mercenary Emma absorbs the powers of mutated creatures. Its fast, inventive combat and unusual abilities stand out, but much of the wider experience relies on ideas and designs players have encountered before.
Higher School of Economics expert Nikolay Novik says the Pentagon’s seven-year, $3 billion framework agreements with Northrop Grumman will not increase Ukraine’s deliveries of Patriot and THAAD interceptors in the coming months. Output is expected to rise in 2027-2028, leaving the PURL program as Kyiv’s main supply channel.
Japanese company Habita has acknowledged that two workers who died in a shopping mall explosion after a powerful earthquake were sent back inside by their boss to secure cash. The company apologised to their families for violating evacuation protocols.
Singapore-based Grab lifted its full-year revenue and profit forecasts for 2026. The company is relying on promotions and expansion efforts to stimulate demand for its ride-hailing and delivery businesses. The upgraded outlook reflects confidence in both service areas.
Honda’s Super-ONE has drawn major attention because of subsidies of up to ¥2.6 million. Yet it appears to be more than an affordable EV, with unexpected driving performance, design evoking the 1980s and equipment surpassing its vehicle class.
Venezuela says 6,125 people are confirmed dead after magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes struck on June 24, while 61,000 were treated in hospitals. National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez reported limited debris removal as criticism grows over the government’s response. La Guaira state and Caracas were hit hardest.
Whole Foods is working to move beyond its reputation for being an expensive grocery chain. It has reduced prices and broadened the selection of products under its 365 private label. The changes come as inflation makes shoppers more attentive to what they spend. The company is using the adjustments to attract customers who are increasingly focused on value.
The US president says negotiations with Iran are still underway, despite Tehran’s denials. He claims Iran has one final opportunity to reach an agreement concerning the Strait of Hormuz and its nuclear programme. Trump warns that failure could lead to what he calls “decapitation.”
Mexican officials say Ramón Ángel Álvarez Ayala, the alleged leader of Los Rs, was arrested in a joint military and law enforcement operation. He is accused of ordering and financing the assassination of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo, while authorities also link his cell to the livestreamed killing of beauty influencer Valeria Márquez.
One week after an earthquake registering a maximum intensity of 7 struck Kumamoto Prefecture, 38 people have died, including those suspected of suffering disaster-related deaths. More than 7,500 people remain in shelters, while over 44,000 households are without water. Some evacuees are sleeping in cars amid dangerous heat.
U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said Washington is unlikely to conclude a long-term agreement with Ukraine on jointly producing Patriot interceptor missiles before winter. The United States is exploring wider defense cooperation with Ukraine and European allies while seeking to ensure Kyiv receives air-defense capabilities as quickly as possible.
Ukraine’s former top military commander, now serving as ambassador to Britain, was quoted on Monday as saying that the country has no prospect of joining NATO. Membership remains an aspiration embedded in Ukraine’s constitution. His reported assessment casts doubt on the near-term viability of that constitutional goal.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has urged “united action” to strengthen border security after tens of thousands of migrants entered Spain’s exclave of Ceuta from Morocco. EU interior ministers will hold emergency video talks, while Spain says about 69,500 people have returned to Morocco and 83 people died on both sides of the border.
An estimated 50,000 people crossed from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta last week, while dozens died trying to reach it. The incident has triggered a political crisis in Spain and criticism from EU countries, highlighting divisions across Europe.
The European Commission has offered Morocco more support at the borders of Ceuta and Melilla and urged united EU action on border security. Interior ministers will hold an emergency video meeting Tuesday after tens of thousands of people crossed into Ceuta last week, causing tensions among member states.
An earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture at around 6:04 a.m. on the 4th, registering an intensity of 3. The epicenter was in the Amakusa-Ashikita region, about 10 kilometers deep, with an estimated magnitude of 3.9. No tsunami threat was expected.
The Minutes Reader extension turns the original page into a focused reading view and translates articles and video subtitles on demand. It is in limited beta.