- US imposes “toughest sanctions in history” on Iran: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced sweeping new sanctions targeting Iran and its trading partners, framing it as “economic warfare” to avoid direct combat.
- USS Abraham Lincoln ends record wartime deployment: The carrier heads to San Diego after an extended Middle East stint marked by low morale and supply shortages; USS George Washington has taken over in the region.
- Houthi–Yemen government clashes surge: Largest-scale fighting since the 2022 truce, with 81 attacks claimed by government forces in 24 hours and Houthi drone strikes on a Saudi airport and oil facility.
- Sudan displacement spikes: Over 200,000 newly displaced in Kordofan as fighting intensifies between the Sudanese army and Rapid Support Forces.
- Tunisia protests demand democratic restoration: Hundreds marched in Tunis calling for President Kais Saied’s ouster, release of jailed activists, and restoration of democracy.
- West Bank violence escalates: Armed Israeli settlers stormed homes in Sa’ir, killing a young Palestinian man and seriously injuring a 70-year-old.
- Trump threatens Canada with 50% tariffs: New trade deal talks stalled; President Trump warned of drastic tariffs if negotiations fail.
- US Navy aids tankers through Strait of Hormuz: Reports indicate US assistance in disabling transponders to help oil tankers evade detection; around 10 million barrels of oil now reaching global markets.
- Trump seeks fresh Kim Jong Un meeting: Pushing for another summit with North Korea’s leader, potentially this fall, after their last meeting in 2019.
- NYC flash floods: Torrential rain inundated streets and subway platforms in New York City.
- Global GDP growth forecast revised to 2.4%: Stronger-than-expected Q2 data in Western Europe and Asia-Pacific underpin resilience despite China’s slower domestic demand.
- Fed tightening expectations ease: US rates likely unchanged in 2026; Japan and India may tighten soon, ECB hikes remain uncertain.
- Bangladesh elects new president: Lawmakers chose BNP leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir as head of state following a major political transition.
- India’s oil & gas import bill up 43%: Iran war and global tensions push energy costs higher, straining fiscal buffers.
- Import prices up 5.9% YoY (US): Fuel imports surged 25.2% from July 2025 to July 2026.
- NASA’s Swift Observatory to re-enter Earth: Private rescue mission failed; ageing space telescope expected to burn up later this year.
- BWF World Championships: Indian duo wins: Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand defeat Chinese opponents to clinch women’s doubles title in Delhi.
- Retailer e-commerce sales jump 23% globally: Revenue rose 5.9% in fiscal Q2, driven by online growth.
- Kentucky farmers reject $26M data center offer: Land preservation prioritized over tech development.
- NYC government-run grocery stores face lawsuit: Local grocers allege unfair competition from taxpayer-funded stores.
