Asian stocks paused on Friday as investors awaited U.S. employment figures. The data could be pivotal to the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate decision next month. Oil prices extended their gains, highlighting that tensions in the Middle East remain far from resolved. Markets are watching both the labor data and geopolitical risks for clues about the next policy and trading moves.
Asian sharesUS jobs dataFederal Reserveoil pricesMiddle East risks
Hundreds of thousands of people in southwestern Japan were told to evacuate as slow-moving Typhoon Dolphin drew closer on Friday. The storm was expected to bring violent winds, heavy rain and high waves to the region. More than 500 flights were cancelled as authorities responded to the approaching weather threat.
Media coverage of depleted US ammunition stocks has reportedly troubled the US president for several weeks. The Wall Street Journal cited sources in describing the leaks as a continuing source of concern for Trump. The newspaper’s headline says the reports are “driving Trump crazy.” The account is based on claims from the cited sources.
Donald TrumpUnited Statesammunition stocksmedia leaks
A social media hashtag saying that northeast China seems to be waiting for Aug. 7 became a trending topic on Thursday. Residents are anticipating a sharp drop in temperatures on Friday. The date coincides with Start of Autumn, or li qiu, one of China’s 24 traditional solar terms. People across the region are looking to the seasonal marker for relief from the heat.
An Australian aviation team carried out a difficult rescue operation in Antarctica during the middle of winter. The crew evacuated a patient from McMurdo Station after landing an aircraft in complete darkness. Temperatures at the time reached as low as -43°C. The mission was described as a daring Antarctic rescue.
The United States is experiencing several major salmonella outbreaks connected to food and pets. Hundreds of people across dozens of states have become sick. One death has also been reported in connection with the outbreaks.
Israeli forces carried out a raid in Qalandiya in the occupied West Bank, injuring 51 Palestinians. The operation took place near Jerusalem, where dozens of Palestinians were also arrested. The arrests and injuries come amid an uptick in military activity and settler violence across the West Bank. The report frames the raid as part of the recent escalation in violence affecting Palestinians in the area.
A New Mexico court has ordered Meta to pay $567m over harm caused to youths. The decision was issued in the second phase of a landmark trial. The owner of Instagram and Facebook also lost in proceedings held in March, adding to the legal setbacks facing the company.
Meta has been ordered to pay $567 million to address children’s mental health. The order links the technology company directly to concerns involving the mental wellbeing of children. No further details about the authority behind the order or how the money will be used are provided here.
A New Mexico judge has ordered Meta to put $567 million into a fund intended to remedy the company’s role in a youth mental health crisis. The ruling adds to $375 million in penalties that had already been decided. Meta therefore faces both the new fund contribution and the previously determined penalties. The case centers on the company’s alleged impact on young people’s mental health.
A court in New Mexico ordered Meta on Thursday to contribute $567 million to a state fund. The money is intended to address mental health problems faced by teenagers who use the company’s products. The ruling directs the payment toward efforts focused on teen mental health.
A New Mexico court has ordered Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, to pay $567 million. The money is intended to address harms to young people linked to its platforms. The ruling centers on concerns about children’s and teenagers’ mental health and safety while using the services.
A New Mexico judge has ordered Meta, the parent company of Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp, to pay another $567m. The ruling concerns the company’s alleged harm to children. The judge characterized Meta’s conduct as a “public nuisance,” making the decision a significant legal setback for the technology company. The case centers on the impact of its platforms on children.
Advanced Micro Devices said Thursday that it will acquire chip startup Taalas for an undisclosed sum. The deal is intended to strengthen AMD’s technology. The company is targeting the rapidly expanding market for artificial intelligence inference workloads. The move represents a deeper commitment to AI inference as competition among chipmakers intensifies.
US President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order seeking to place limits on birthright citizenship. The policy concerns the granting of nationality to children born in the United States. Trump had also said on the first day of his second-term inauguration last year that he would review the system.
US President Donald Trump signed two executive orders on Thursday seeking to narrow birthright citizenship. The move represents a fresh effort by his administration after the Supreme Court ruled against its earlier order. The orders renew the administration’s push on the issue despite that judicial setback.
Donald Trumpbirthright citizenshipexecutive ordersSupreme Court
Donald Trump has made another attempt to limit birthright citizenship in the United States. The new executive orders prohibit birth tourism and broaden the existing definition of people whose children are considered ineligible for US birthright citizenship.
Donald Trumpbirthright citizenshipexecutive orders
Donald Trump has signed an executive order banning what it calls “birth tourism” in the United States. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller said the group of people ineligible for automatic US citizenship had been expanded. The order therefore broadens the scope of those excluded from automatic citizenship under the administration’s policy.
US President Donald Trump has signed two executive orders aimed at further narrowing eligibility for birthright citizenship. The measures target what is described as so-called “birth tourism”. They represent an additional effort to restrict who can qualify for citizenship by birth in the United States.
US President Donald Trump has signed new orders aimed at restricting birthright citizenship. The move comes only two months after the Supreme Court ruled that his first executive order on citizenship was unconstitutional. The new action brings the citizenship dispute back into focus. It follows the administration’s earlier attempt to change the policy through executive authority.
US President Donald Trump has signed another executive order aimed at what he calls “birth tourism.” The measure seeks to restrict entry for pregnant visitors who intend to give birth in the United States, thereby limiting access to birthright citizenship. Trump said the step came after the Supreme Court rejected his previous attempt to narrow the constitutional right.
US President Donald Trump has signed new executive orders aimed at limiting birthright citizenship in the United States. The move marks his latest attempt to pursue a reinterpretation of the constitutional right. It follows a Supreme Court ruling against his effort to advance that interpretation.
Donald Trumpbirthright citizenshipexecutive ordersUS Supreme Court
President Donald Trump signed two executive orders seeking to deny citizenship to some people born in the United States. It marks his second effort to restrict birthright citizenship. The move follows the Supreme Court’s rejection of an earlier directive on the issue. The new orders revive the dispute over how birthright citizenship should be applied.
Donald Trumpbirthright citizenshipexecutive ordersUS Supreme Court
President Donald Trump has signed executive orders targeting birthright citizenship. The action comes one month after the US Supreme Court rejected the Republican president’s attempt to restrict the practice. The orders renew the administration’s effort to challenge the policy despite the court’s earlier ruling.
Donald Trumpbirthright citizenshipexecutive orders
U.S. President Donald Trump plans to sign two executive orders on Thursday, Axios reported. The measures would target citizenship for children born in the United States in cases connected to commercial “birth tourism.” The reported plan frames the action as an effort to deny citizenship to those children. Trump is expected to sign both orders as part of the administration’s stated approach.
Donald Trumpbirthright citizenshipexecutive orders
Vladimir Saldo says Kyiv’s reliance on Western “wonder weapons” against Russia has failed as expected. He argues that Russia is growing stronger and continues to find countermeasures for everything. The statement presents the weapons effort as ineffective while emphasizing Russia’s increasing strength and ability to respond.
Alibaba plans to seek a share of revenue from major users of the next version of its Qwen open-source AI model, according to two people familiar with the company’s plans. The proposed arrangement would link charges to income users generate from the highly anticipated offering. The plan is aimed at large users of the model.
CNN’s Decision Desk projects State Rep. Justin Pearson will secure the Democratic nomination. The contest is for Tennessee’s newly redrawn 9th District. Pearson is identified as the projected nominee in the district race.
Alphabet Inc. has sold $25 billion in investment-grade bonds. Generous yield payouts helped the company attract one of the largest order books of the year for AI-related debt. The transaction marks Alphabet’s return to the bond market. It comes as investors remain concerned about the scale of artificial intelligence spending.
A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Thursday that the devastation and tragedies caused by nuclear weapons must never happen again. The spokesperson said the lessons of Japanese militarism’s aggression and expansion must continue to serve as an alarm. The remarks stressed remembrance of those lessons as a warning against a repetition of such devastation.
Japanese militarismnuclear weaponshistorical lessons
Police are investigating the death of a 23-year-old man whose body was found at a rural property in Eschol Park, in Sydney’s south-west, on Wednesday. He had significant injuries that authorities say indicate he may have been attacked before he died. The incident is being treated as a suspected dog attack while the investigation begins.
An ambitious effort to give an aging probe a boost during its journey through the uncharted reaches of interstellar space appears to have worked. The mission involves keeping the probe moving through territory beyond established exploration routes. The report offers no further details about the probe or the technique used. The apparent success marks a positive development for the ongoing journey.
space explorationinterstellar spaceprobe technology
Mikhail Galuzin says Western efforts to undermine relations between Russia and Kazakhstan are doomed to fail. He characterizes the two countries’ ties as a comprehensive strategic partnership and an alliance, presenting the relationship as broad and closely aligned.
Stock in Elon Musk’s space company climbed Thursday. The increase came even as many SpaceX insiders were given an opportunity to sell their shares for the first time. The development puts the company’s rising stock price alongside a new avenue for insider sales.
A Chinese research team has completed an updated geological map covering the entire Moon. The Institute of Geology of the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences announced the achievement on Thursday. The map uses a scale of 1:5 million. The work is intended to support future exploration of the Moon.
A recent medical emergency during a flight highlighted the potential role of traditional Chinese medicine techniques in unexpected settings. The approaches were used to complement emergency care and help treat patients aboard the aircraft. The incident drew attention to how such techniques may support urgent medical treatment beyond conventional clinical environments.
traditional Chinese medicinein-flight medical careemergency treatment
Alejandra Palacios experienced a dramatic shift from summer heat to winter cold within only a few minutes. She had been walking in summer clothing through warmth approaching 30 C. Soon afterward, she found herself in a distinctly wintry environment. The contrast highlights Harbin’s indoor winter experience during the hottest part of the season.
Netflix is preparing to adapt one of the chapters that most politically defined India. The project is described as the streaming company’s biggest production in the country to date. The headline offers no further details about which chapter is involved or how the production will be made.
A mudslide struck Zhashui County in Shangluo, Shaanxi province, after heavy rainfall. One person was killed in the incident. Two others remain missing, according to Xinhua News Agency. Search and rescue efforts are continuing as authorities respond to the disaster.
Thousands rallied in Buenos Aires against President Javier Milei’s private property bill. Police clashed with protesters after the demonstration. The government had already withdrawn a provision concerning foreigners buying land in Argentina, but opposition to the bill continued to fuel anger.
Brazil has formally accused 16 people in connection with the deadly 2024 Voepass plane crash. An official said the aircraft had been irregularly cleared to depart before it went down. The crash occurred outside São Paulo and killed 62 people. The accusations mark a formal move over the disaster.
Brazil formally accuses 16 over deadly 2024 Voepass crash
FlashTranslated by Minutes
Reuters Tech Reporter Courtney Rozen explains why both Republicans and Democrats blame President Trump's ties to the tech industry for his administration's limited response to recent hacks carried out by OpenAI and Anthropic's AI agents.
Reuters Tech Reporter Courtney Rozen explains why both Republicans and Democrats blame President Trump's ties to the tech industry for his administration's limited response to recent hacks carried out by OpenAI and Anthropic's AI agents.
Officials are continuing efforts to bring the fires under control in a Spokane neighbourhood. At least 860 buildings have been destroyed by the blazes, including hundreds of homes. BBC reporting from the area describes a community devastated by the fires and left ‘wiped out’.
Taiwanese troops practiced defending a key bridge on Thursday during annual war games. The bridge sits at a critical chokepoint that could provide Chinese forces with a shortcut toward Taipei if captured. The exercise, now in its second day, is testing the island’s ability to repel an attack.
Police in Buenos Aires fired tear gas as thousands of people took part in a protest. The action was aimed at stopping demonstrators, according to the report. Al Jazeera correspondent Teresa Bo reported from the Argentine capital. The incident unfolded during the large gathering of protesters.
A judge approved a $106 million settlement on Thursday. The agreement brings to an end a yearslong legal battle over the fatal 2019 collapse of a Hard Rock Hotel that was still under construction in New Orleans.
New OrleansHard Rock Hotelbuilding collapselegal settlement
Millennium Management is teaming up with Anthropic PBC to create a risk analyst powered by artificial intelligence. The hedge fund firm also plans to broaden its use of Anthropic’s models. The partnership will apply the developer’s AI technology to risk analysis and additional areas across the company.
Millennium Partners With Anthropic to Develop AI Risk Analyst
FlashTranslated by Minutes
BREAKING New Mexico judge orders Meta to pay more than half a billion dollars over five years over the state's claims that the social media giant created a "public nuisance" and harmed children
BREAKING New Mexico judge orders Meta to pay more than half a billion dollars over five years over the state's claims that the social media giant created a "public nuisance" and harmed children
Two people have been convicted in connection with the death of French streamer Raphaël Graven. Graven, who was 46, died in August 2025. His death was broadcast live on the streaming platform Kick. The convictions relate to the circumstances surrounding that death and the people involved in the case.
Russian commander Apty Alaudinov said total Ukrainian military casualties have reached nearly 2.5 million. He alleged that the Kiev regime buries the bodies of Ukrainian servicemen transferred by Russian forces without conducting forensic examinations. Alaudinov also said the remains are not returned to the servicemen’s families and loved ones. His remarks present the casualty figure and handling of bodies as claims by a Russian military commander.
UkraineRussiamilitary casualtiesRussia-Ukraine war
Donald Trump has imposed a 15% tariff on a material considered essential to chip production. The measure is intended to counter Chinese producers. Those producers are described as holding a monopoly over global polysilicon production. The tariff therefore targets a strategically important part of the chip-material supply chain.
Republican Rep. Max Miller is facing mounting pressure from Senate Republicans to resign or abandon his reelection campaign. Miller has so far vowed to stay in the race. He denies abuse allegations made by his ex-wife.
SpaceX plans to build its own natural-gas power plants in support of a massive semiconductor manufacturing facility it is developing in Texas with Tesla. The proposed plants would provide dedicated electricity for the chip operation. The project links SpaceX and Tesla’s Texas manufacturing plans with new on-site power generation.
Six companies now own 90 percent of the American media market. The figure highlights how concentrated media ownership has become in the United States. It also raises a basic question for audiences about which companies control the media they consume.
Babies born after rape in Sudan often struggle to obtain birth certificates. Without this legal document, they may face difficulties throughout their lives. Their lack of official identity leaves them vulnerable to lasting legal and social problems.
Lost harvests and disrupted supply routes have pushed many families in Mozambique deeper into food insecurity. The flooding has therefore created a second disaster, as households struggle to secure enough food after their crops and access to supplies were affected.
British scientists have reported the first successful human trial of a vaccine that does not require refrigeration. The product can be stored at room temperature. It could substantially reduce vaccine waste worldwide caused by failures in the cold chain.
Extreme heat and drought across Europe have brought a range of historical remains back into view. The discoveries include bombs, a Nazi warship, ancient mammoth bones and forgotten monasteries. Water levels in the Danube basin, which runs through 19 countries, have fallen to their lowest point in 30 years.
A source described as close to the Saudi army told AFP that Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey are set to conclude a joint defence agreement on Friday. The signing is planned for Jeddah. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif are expected to meet in the Saudi city. The liveblog is following the latest developments.
The Venezuelan government met opposition figures in Caracas on Thursday, beginning talks backed by the United States. The meeting followed several days of delays. The discussions are intended to guide Venezuela toward a democratic transition. Nobel laureate Machado was absent from the opening talks.
US-backed negotiations opened on Thursday between Venezuela’s interim government and a faction of the opposition. The talks followed almost a week of delays, according to the two sides. They are intended to reshape the country’s political system and prepare the ground for eventual elections. Nobel laureate Machado was absent from the discussions.
VIDEO: Taiwanese troops used concrete barriers, barbed wire and Hesco walls to block a key bridge near Taipei on Thursday in a drill to stop invading Chinese forces attempting to advance on the capital.
VIDEO: Taiwanese troops used concrete barriers, barbed wire and Hesco walls to block a key bridge near Taipei on Thursday in a drill to stop invading Chinese forces attempting to advance on the capital.
Shares of United Wholesale Mortgage, the biggest mortgage lender in the United States, dropped as much as 49% on Thursday. The move marked the company’s steepest decline ever. It came after the lender reported a net loss of $452 million. The company also suspended its dividend for the first time, intensifying the market reaction.
A South Korean satellite has photographed a newly formed crash site on the moon. The Danuri spacecraft passed over the location shortly after a SpaceX rocket accidentally struck the lunar surface on Wednesday. The images provide before-and-after views of the fresh impact scene.
Donald Trump says the war cannot continue for much longer. The United States, Iran and Oman are reportedly close to reaching a temporary agreement. The proposed deal would reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The talks therefore center on restoring passage through the strategic waterway.
Oil prices continued to rise after reports said Iran attacked what it called “hostile targets” in the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran is seeking an arrangement with Oman that would bar US ships from the strategically important waterway. The reported action and the proposed restriction are adding to pressure on energy markets. The developments center on access through the strait and Iran’s negotiations with Oman.
Iran is seeking to prevent US and Israeli ships from using the Strait of Hormuz, according to local media reports. The proposal is part of a potential agreement with Oman to manage the strategic waterway. It would also require hostile countries to provide compensation before being permitted to use the passage. The reports indicate that negotiations between Iran and Oman are moving forward.
The US Central Command says 49 ships have been redirected after Iran’s naval blockade resumed. The US military also reports that two additional vessels have been put out of action. The statement presents the shipping changes alongside the reported loss of those vessels. No further details are provided about the ships or the circumstances.
Since the Iran war began, Iranian attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted shipping. A US blockade of Iranian ports has also slowed the movement of energy exports and other commodities from the Middle East. Finding an alternative route around the strait is therefore far from simple.
An Iranian parliamentary committee is considering a preliminary bill that would prevent U.S. and Israeli vessels from transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The proposal would also cover other ships classified as “hostile.” Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency reported the review, citing a lawmaker. The measure remains at the draft stage as the committee examines it.
A proposed arrangement between Iran and Oman would give Tehran control over ships entering the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz. Four industry sources said the plan would be difficult for shipping companies to implement. They pointed to U.S. sanctions and restrictive insurance clauses covering any payments as key obstacles to making the deal workable.
A US watchdog’s review has found that some reports behind Doge’s claimed $110bn in savings are incorrect or unsupported by evidence. The review examined the body that was formerly tasked with reducing government spending. It identified several problems in the way the figures were calculated. The findings cast doubt on the reliability of at least part of Doge’s reported savings total.
U.S. oil producer Occidental Petroleum said it expects both production and capital spending to remain flat in 2027. The company added that reducing debt will continue to be a priority. Its outlook points to no planned expansion in those areas next year, while financial efforts remain centered on lowering its debt burden.
Gaza students seeking education face a difficult journey because of blockades and bureaucratic obstacles. Restrictions imposed by Israel and Europe prevent talented young people from pursuing opportunities beyond the territory. Their hopes for a brighter future are entangled in travel procedures that make reaching education an uphill struggle. The barriers leave students trapped while trying to continue their studies.
The United States would like Russia to release Gilman, who has been convicted, a news agency reports. A source told Reuters that Secretary of State Marco Rubio raised the case during a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The discussion took place in Manila. No further response or outcome was given.
Residents in South Lebanon have expressed outrage after Israel resumed attacks in the area. New displacement orders have added to the pressure on communities already facing the consequences of the strikes. People are also questioning how their government is responding to the renewed attacks and orders. The developments have deepened uncertainty among those living in the region.
Iranian parliament speaker Ghalibaf accuses US President Donald Trump of repeatedly engaging in what he calls show diplomacy. Trump says he is taking part in talks and predicts that the war will end “pretty soon.” He also claims Iran cannot continue for much longer, presenting the conflict as nearing a conclusion while Tehran’s criticism challenges that portrayal.
Prosecutors say the alleged arsonist in the first of three devastating Washington state wildfires last week admitted to starting that blaze. Court documents indicate the person also acknowledged igniting more than two dozen other fires since last year. The admissions are part of the case surrounding the Spokane-area wildfire. The allegations connect the suspect to a broader series of fires, according to the documents.
Asian stocks were poised for a modest decline on Friday as renewed geopolitical tensions weighed on US equities and bonds. Oil prices surged, bringing inflation worries back to the forefront. Investors are also looking ahead to a key US jobs report. The market moves reflect heightened concern over the latest developments involving Iran.
Senior diplomat Alexander Grushko says the West has completely failed in its efforts to defeat Russia. He argues that “Russophobia” is being used to conceal disagreements and divisions within Europe. According to Grushko, those disputes concern economic and migration issues. His remarks frame anti-Russian sentiment as a cover for Europe’s internal tensions.
A former governor of Mexico’s southern Guerrero state has been arrested. Authorities said he allegedly ordered evidence destroyed that could have helped clarify what happened to 43 students who disappeared in 2014. The arrest links the former governor to an alleged effort to obstruct the search for information about their whereabouts. The case remains focused on the fate of the missing students and the handling of evidence connected to their disappearance.
Coco Gauff says she understands why the WTA Tour introduced its new gene-testing policy. The two-time Grand Slam champion objects to the way the debate has become politicized. Gauff argues that this politicization generates what she described as animosity toward the trans community. Her comments support the policy’s rationale while criticizing the hostility surrounding its public discussion.
Architecture is undergoing a broader shift in creative practice. Many of the world’s leading firms are increasingly extending their work beyond buildings. Interiors, furniture and exhibition design are being developed as connected parts of a single creative vision. The trend reflects a more integrated approach to architectural design.
Supporters say Michigan progressive Abdul El-Sayed scored an extraordinary victory in the US Senate race. He fended off pressure from AIPAC as well as the Democratic establishment. The result reportedly stunned the pro-Israel establishment, which had been challenged on both fronts. El-Sayed’s win is presented as a striking setback for those forces in the contest.
The US president acknowledged that the US Army needs to replenish its weapons stockpiles. He made the statement while discussing why his administration had asked Congress for an additional $87.6 billion. The requested funding is linked to efforts to restore depleted weapons reserves.
Donald TrumpUS Armyweapons stockpilesCongress funding
Gianni Infantino has survived a leadership crisis at FIFA. The brief report presents his continued survival as the central development. It does not provide further details about the crisis or its outcome.
Major General Turki Al-Maliki, spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition, said the Houthis had struck civilian targets in the Najran region. The coalition said the attack injured 11 civilians. His statement characterized the incident as an assault on civilian targets. No further details about the attack were provided in the report.
A Saudi official told CNN that Saudi Arabia is preparing for what he described as “multiple coordinated attacks.” The alleged threat involves Iraqi militias working with Iran-backed Houthis. The warning comes as the conflict in the Middle East threatens to broaden further across the region. No additional details about the possible attacks were provided.
Saudi ArabiaIraqi militiasHouthisMiddle East conflict
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Replimune’s drug for a difficult-to-treat form of skin cancer. The company said the decision came on Thursday. It gives the biotechnology firm its first product to reach the market. The approval follows multiple earlier regulatory setbacks for the drug.
Foreign ministers from Pacific Island countries are expected to consider on Friday whether to issue a joint statement about China’s missile launch in July. New Zealand is pressing for a response to the launch. Its foreign minister acknowledged that disagreements among the islands could prevent them from reaching a common position. The planned debate will determine whether the group speaks collectively.
India’s top court has drawn attention to unsafe footpaths across the country. Its intervention has also put forgotten pedestrians back in the spotlight. The focus is on the safety of people who walk through Indian cities.
Jackie, a bald eagle who became famous worldwide through a live stream of a nest in California, is in critical condition. The eagle has been diagnosed with anemia. Jackie’s role as the central figure in the nest broadcast made the bird widely known. The diagnosis has prompted concern among those who follow the live camera.
More than one million Powerball tickets were sold on Wednesday as hopeful players tried their luck. No ticket matched the numbers needed to win the jackpot. The prize will therefore roll over and climb to an estimated $856 million for the next drawing.
The Trump administration is actively weighing an executive order focused on vaccines and autism, according to people familiar with the matter. The measure could be issued as soon as next week. The administration is still considering whether and how to proceed. The possible order’s specific provisions have not been described.
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