Newsroom Briefing | July 16th, 2025
- Olga Nesterova
- Jul 16
- 21 min read
Trump Touts $90 Billion in AI and Energy Investments at Pennsylvania Summit
At the Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit in Pittsburgh on July 15, 2025, President Donald Trump touted more than $90 billion in pledged investments aimed at positioning Pennsylvania as a major hub for AI and energy infrastructure.
These pledges include:
$25 billion from Blackstone for data centers and natural gas plants.
$25 billion from Google for AI data centers in the PJM region (including hydropower deals).
$6 billion from CoreWeave for AI data center expansion.
$15 billion-plus by FirstEnergy in energy infrastructure.
Additional investments from Equinor, Enbridge, Anthropic, Meta, AWS, Westinghouse, ExxonMobil, and others.
Trump framed this as crucial to ensuring U.S. dominance in AI and energy, and hinted that the investments are tied to speeding up permitting and expanding energy capacity.
Meta’s AI Data Center Sparks Water Crisis in Georgia, Reflecting Wider Industry Strain
Meta’s new AI data center project in Newton County, Georgia—codenamed “Hyperion”—has triggered a local water crisis by drawing millions of gallons of groundwater daily for construction. Residents near the site have reported their private wells running dry, leaving homes without access to running water. This situation exemplifies a growing national concern as AI data centers, which rely heavily on water-intensive evaporative cooling systems, expand rapidly across water-stressed regions such as Georgia, Arizona, and Texas.
Despite public commitments from Meta, Microsoft, Google, and Amazon to become “water positive” by 2030—restoring more water than they consume—critics argue these goals are often achieved through indirect offsets rather than by replenishing the exact water sources being depleted. As a result, local ecosystems and communities continue to bear the brunt of the resource demand.
Community resistance is mounting. In some areas, like Mesa, Arizona, city councils have enacted stricter water regulations for large facilities, requiring the purchase of water rights and limiting drawdowns. Nationally, growing opposition has delayed or canceled more than $47 billion worth of data center projects due to environmental and water-related concerns.
As AI infrastructure expands, its massive water footprint is becoming a pressing environmental issue. While some companies are experimenting with less water-intensive cooling alternatives, many still depend on traditional methods that place increasing strain on vulnerable water supplies. The conflict in Newton County highlights the urgent need to balance technological growth with sustainable resource management.
Bahrain Announced $17 Billion U.S. Investment Plan During Trump Meeting
Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa announced over $17 billion in planned investments in the United States during a meeting with President Donald Trump. A White House official said the package includes a $7 billion deal for Gulf Air to buy Boeing aircraft and GE engines, supporting around 30,000 American jobs.
Bahrain also intends to invest in U.S. energy, technology, and manufacturing, including aluminum production, LNG facilities, and advanced AI chips. Deals with Oracle and Cisco will replace Chinese servers with American technology. Additionally, an MOU will lay the groundwork for Bahrain to explore commercial nuclear energy development.
The announcement follows Saudi investment commitments made during Trump’s May visit to the Middle East. Bahrain’s king is expected to visit Washington later in the year to finalize the agreements.
Trump-Rutte Announcement Reactions
The Kremlin has effectively rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s 50-day ultimatum to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine, instead signaling confidence in withstanding economic pressure and remaining committed to its military objectives.
Russian papers, according to the BBC, commented on Trump’s Russia announcement with:
“As so often with Trump the teaser was more interesting than the main show.” “The 50 days [before tariffs are implemented] is a long time for Trump. In that time he can change his mind many times.”
Foreign Minister Lavrov said Moscow wants to understand what is behind Trump’s statement about 50 days for Ukraine’s settlement:
“We’ve heard 24 hours, 100 days before. We’ve been through all of that.”
Lavrov knows well how the “50 days” fit Russia’s timeline:
Recent reports from multiple credible sources confirm Russia is actively preparing for a major new offensive in Ukraine, likely before September 2025.
According to an Associated Press report from March 2025, Ukrainian officials and G7 diplomatic sources warned that Russia was building up forces along a broad 1,000 km front — particularly near Sumy, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia. The goal is to improve Russia’s position ahead of potential negotiations.
In May 2025, the Financial Times reported Russia was shifting large numbers of troops into key positions despite ongoing ceasefire talks, emphasizing Moscow was likely preparing for a “significant offensive” during the summer.
A June/July 2025 report from RBC-Ukraine cited military analysts observing that Russia was forming new units, with signs pointing to an offensive starting in August or early September.
In short, Russia is preparing to launch a large-scale offensive in Ukraine before September 2025, with clear signs of troop buildup and tactical positioning already well underway.
Donald Trump announced the 50‑day ultimatum to Russia on July 14, 2025, during a White House press event alongside NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. The 50-day window concludes on September 2, 2025.
On July 15, President Trump downplayed the possibility of sending Ukraine long-range weapons as Kyiv awaits an injection of U.S. weaponry to counter Russia’s intensifying air offensive.
A senior Ukrainian military official has said Ukraine could secure victory over Russia if international partners supply Kyiv with additional air defense systems and end resistance to long-range strikes inside Russian territory.
The U.S. Senate has postponed its vote on the bill sanctioning Russia, as President Trump has now “taken over the negotiations.” The vote was canceled for July, with the next window scheduled for July 21, which is expected to be delayed again. This bill has received strong bipartisan support and could impose up to 500% tariffs on Russia and its allies.
France, Italy Reportedly Opt Out of U.S.-NATO Arms Deal
France declined to join the plan because of President Macron’s push for European nations to strengthen their own defense industries by purchasing domestically produced arms, Politico and La Stampa reported.
France now plans to accelerate its defense spending, hitting a planned defense budget of €64 billion ($74.8 billion) by 2027 instead of 2030. Macron specified that the 2026 budget, initially planned at €57.5 billion, would be boosted by an extra €3.5 billion before reaching the big €64 billion spend in 2027, three years earlier than originally planned.
“No one has been briefed” — Europe blindsided by Trump’s Ukraine weapons deal.
Trump’s announcement caught NATO allies off guard, with European officials saying they weren’t consulted, per Reuters (July 16).
Germany denies knowledge of Patriot missiles en route to Ukraine, against Trump's claim.
"I cannot confirm that anything is currently on the way. That is not known to me," a spokesperson for the German Defense Ministry said, according to SRF.
Another "win" for Rutte’s “daddy diplomacy.”
China on Possible “Secondary Tariffs” on Russian Buyers
Tweet by Chinese Embassy in the U.S.:
Responding to a question over US Senator Lindsey Graham threatening 500% tariff on countries including China if they continue to trade with Russia, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said: “China's position on the Ukraine crisis has been consistent and clear. We always maintain that dialogue and negotiation are the only viable way to resolve the crisis. China firmly opposes any illicit unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction. Tariff wars have no winners. Coercion and pressuring will lead nowhere. We hope parties will help create the atmosphere and conditions for a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, and act in ways conducive to promoting talks for peace.”
NOTE: China sends troops and weapons to Russia, aiding them in the invasion and occupation of a sovereign country, to win more time to prepare to do the same to Taiwan.
Slovak PM Demands Exemption for Russian Gas
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has demanded an exemption to continue buying Russian gas until 2034 in exchange for lifting his veto on the new EU sanctions package against the Kremlin.
In other words, he wants the EU to cap the low price per barrel and let Slovakia use it until 2034.
New Propaganda Billboards in Moscow Target Baltic States
New propaganda billboards in Moscow titled "Origins and Meaning of Baltic Neo-Nazism" use inflammatory language and slurs to demean Baltic peoples.
Key translations include:
"Marionettes of Europe: The Entire 'Great' History of Lithuania"
"From the Tribes of 'Letts' [Untermenschen] to Our 'Latvians'"
"Our 'Latvians'"
"Kaja Kallas – Baltic Canadian – Baltic Mongrel"
"How Kallas – Estonian Canadian – Became an Estonian Mongrel"
These billboards use derogatory terms like “Untermenschen” (subhumans) and “mongrel” to attack Baltic identities.
Massive Iceberg Threatens Village in Greenland
A huge iceberg has been sitting off the coast of a fishing village in Greenland for several days — two ice giants have fused into one. Authorities have shut down the local fish plant and store to discourage residents from going outside unnecessarily.
The main threat is that if the iceberg starts to break apart or melt, it could trigger powerful waves that may damage coastal homes. A similar incident happened here back in 2018.
Despite the danger, some locals continue to watch the towering mass of ice from their windows and yards.
Canada Unveils Major Plan to Protect and Revitalize Steel Industry
On July 16, 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a comprehensive strategy to safeguard and strengthen Canada’s steel sector amid global market instability. The new measures aim to limit foreign steel imports, invest in domestic production, and prioritize Canadian steel for major infrastructure projects.
Key actions include:
Trade Measures:
Tariff rate quotas for non-FTA countries will be cut to 50% of 2024 levels, with a 50% tariff on volumes above that.
For non-U.S. FTA partners, a new 100% quota of 2024 levels will apply, with tariffs beyond that.
A 25% tariff will be added to all steel imports (excluding U.S.) containing steel melted and poured in China.
Canada will revise its remission framework to encourage the use of domestic steel.
Worker and Industry Support:
$70 million will support retraining and income aid for up to 10,000 steel workers.
$1 billion will go to the Strategic Innovation Fund to support competitiveness and job creation.
Financial support programs will expand for SMEs and large firms in the steel industry.
Federal Procurement Prioritization:
Canadian steel will be prioritized for national infrastructure and housing projects.
Federal contractors will be required to source steel domestically.
The plan emphasizes shifting from dependency to resilience, aiming to bolster Canadian sovereignty, industrial strength, and economic leadership.
Renewed Clashes in Southern Syria Undermine Ceasefire Amid Israeli Strikes
Fighting erupted again this morning near Sweida in southern Syria, despite a ceasefire declared just a day earlier by the country’s interim government. The violence, sparked by tensions between Bedouin tribes and Druze militias, has escalated into broader clashes involving Syrian government forces, who reportedly looted homes during operations this week.
Adding to the instability, Israel launched airstrikes on the Syrian defense ministry in Damascus—the latest in a three-day campaign targeting Syrian forces and weapons near Sweida. A senior Israeli official publicly called for Syria’s interim president to be “eliminated,” while Syria condemned the strikes as violations of international law.
A UK-based war monitor estimates that over 200 people have died in the fighting.
The violence underscores the challenges facing interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who came to power after the ouster of Bashar al-Assad but has struggled to contain militia activity and regional unrest. Tensions in the Druze-majority Sweida region remain high, with fears of further escalation.
NATIONAL NEWS
Trump Administration Seeks State Voter Data, Inspects Voting Equipment
President Donald Trump's administration and its allies are trying to obtain voter data from states and inspect voting equipment, The Washington Post reported on Wednesday. The moves have caused concern among state and local election officials.
Trump Says China May Impose Death Penalty for Fentanyl
President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he believes China will begin sentencing people to death for fentanyl manufacturing and distribution. Speaking at an event for the signing of the HALT Fentanyl Act, attended by family members of people who had died from fentanyl overdoses, Trump said he imposed a tariff on China “because of fentanyl.”
Trump Attacks Republicans Over Epstein Case Criticism
President Donald Trump on Wednesday attacked fellow Republicans critical of his administration’s handling of the case of deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. On social media and in the Oval Office, Trump lashed out at allies he said were falling for a “hoax” pushed by Democrats, who “unlike Republicans ... stick together like glue.”
DOJ Explored Charges Against Minnesota Judges Over Immigration Arrests
The U.S. Justice Department explored bringing criminal charges against Minnesota judges and defense lawyers who discussed requesting virtual court hearings to protect defendants from being arrested by federal immigration officers, according to five people familiar with the matter.
Armed Man Detained Near U.S. Capitol
The U.S. Capitol Police detained a man with guns and a bow and arrow in his vehicle along Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. The USCP said in a statement that charges are pending.
Trump Administration Transfers Alaska Land to Native Corporation
The Trump administration transferred 28,000 acres (11,331 hectares) in a remote part of Northwest Alaska to a Native corporation, putting more land near a proposed mining road under local control.
States Sue to Block End of Disaster Grant Program
A group of 20 mostly Democrat-led U.S. states filed a lawsuit on Wednesday seeking to block the Trump administration from terminating a multibillion-dollar grant program that funds infrastructure upgrades to protect against natural disasters.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Fires Two Top Leaders
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has fired two top leaders at the department—Chief of Staff Heather Flick Melanson and Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Hannah Anderson—a spokesperson said on Wednesday.
House Advances Crypto Bills After Trump Intervenes
The Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives cleared a key procedural hurdle Wednesday, setting the stage for likely passage of several cryptocurrency bills a day after President Donald Trump intervened to save the initiative.
DOJ Alumni Warn Senate Against Confirming Trump Nominee
More than 900 former U.S. Department of Justice employees on Wednesday warned the Republican-controlled Senate Judiciary Committee against confirming President Donald Trump's nominee Emil Bove to serve as an appellate court judge, according to a letter seen by Reuters.
Trump Administration Pulls National Guard From Los Angeles
The Trump administration is pulling half of the California National Guard members it deployed to Los Angeles, marking a major rollback of President Donald Trump's militarized response to protests in Southern California over immigration arrests and raids.
Senators Urge FCC to End Investigations into CBS News
Two Democratic U.S. senators on Wednesday urged Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr to end investigations into CBS News and other media outlets. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Ed Markey, in a letter first reported by Reuters, urged the commission “to end its partisan attacks on CBS and cease interfering with the judgment of independent news organizations.”
Senate Advances Bill to Rescind Foreign Aid, Public Broadcasting Funds
The Senate advanced legislation that would rescind $9 billion for foreign aid and public broadcasting. Some Republican senators refused to support the move to cut aid and public broadcasting funds. Senator JD Vance had to break a tie. PBS and NPR are pleading directly with lawmakers to shield them from more than $500 million a year in federal funding cuts.
Trump Administration Sues CPB Board Members Who Refused to Leave
President Donald Trump’s administration filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against three board members of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting who have not left their posts despite Trump's attempt to fire them.
Expiring Food Aid in Dubai Highlights Trump’s Freeze
With 1,100 metric tons of emergency food rations nearing expiry in a U.S. government warehouse in Dubai after President Donald Trump’s aid freeze, it took a warning of “wasted tax dollars” for a top U.S. official to eventually agree to a deal for the supplies to be used, sources told Reuters.
Senator Josh Hawley Moves to Reverse Medicaid Cuts
Josh Hawley, a senator from Missouri, introduced legislation to reverse some of the Medicaid cuts that he voted for as part of Trump’s big policy bill two weeks ago.
House Democrats Call for Testimony on Epstein Investigation
House Democrats, capitalizing on a Republican rift, called for Trump administration officials to testify about their handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
U.S. Resumes Deporting Migrants to Third Countries
The U.S. resumed deporting migrants to countries other than their own, sending five people to Eswatini, in southern Africa. The Supreme Court cleared the practice.
Mass Government Layoffs Follow Supreme Court Ruling
The Health and Human Services Department finished firing thousands of employees after a Supreme Court ruling cleared the way for mass government layoffs.
DOJ Seeks to Undo Civil Service, Whistle-Blower Protections
The Justice Department wants to undo civil service and whistle-blower protections so it can fire career law enforcement officials without cause.
Veteran Detained by ICE on U.S. Soil Speaks Out
I spoke to George Retes — a U.S.-born citizen, military veteran, and father of two — who was recently detained by ICE while working as a guard on a farm. He was employed by the security company Securitas. His story is deeply troubling.
Here are some key takeaways:
George is 25 years old. He served in the U.S. military and was deployed to Iraq in 2019, where he worked as a guard.
Despite being a U.S. citizen, he was detained by ICE for three days in inhumane conditions.
He had no access to legal counsel or contact with his family. After being sprayed during detention, he wasn’t allowed to clean up.
George was placed on suicide watch and left alone in a cell — his mental health declined rapidly, especially as he realized he was missing his 3-year-old's birthday.
His release came only after media attention — no charges, no explanation. An officer walked him out, had him sign a paper, and that was it.
ICE smashed his car window during the arrest; he's still driving with the damage. No apology has been issued, and he doesn’t know the repair cost.
He plans to file a lawsuit.
George repeatedly emphasized: he believes the only reason he’s free today is because the media shined a light on his case.
Thank you to the United Farm Workers (UFW) for hosting today’s press conference.
DEFENSE
U.S., South Korea, and Japan Conduct Trilateral Bomber Escort Mission
The United States, South Korea, and Japan conducted an unusual trilateral flight on July 11, featuring two U.S. B-52H Stratofortress bombers escorted by two Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-2s and two Republic of Korea Air Force KF-16 fighters—each country’s respective variant of the F-16. That same weekend, the top military officers of the three nations met in Seoul for their annual “Tri-CHOD” meeting.
Lawmakers Work to Save Air Force’s E-7 Wedgetail Program
House lawmakers are moving to keep the Air Force’s E-7 Wedgetail development program alive after the Pentagon announced plans to wind it down in the coming years.
Space Force Faces Pressure to Fund TacSRT Program
Space Force leaders have touted their “surveillance-as-a-service” TacSRT program as a success story, leveraging commercial firms to deliver information to users far faster than typical space intelligence assets. Now, lawmakers want the service to put more heft behind the effort—starting with actually funding the program in fiscal 2026.
Air Force Plans External Weapons Pylons for B-1B Bomber
The Air Force plans to add external weapons pylons to the B-1B bomber, both to increase the number of aircraft that can test hypersonic missiles and to expand the Lancer’s loadout as the service transitions to the B-21 bomber.
Lockheed Martin Delivers Backlogged F-35 Jets After Software Delays
Lockheed Martin has delivered all of the F-35 fighter jets that were stored in long-term parking at its Texas facilities after software problems held up deliveries for a year. The Pentagon stopped accepting deliveries of the jet in July 2023 due to delays with an upgrade package called Tech Refresh-3. However, the company did not stop building them, resulting in 72 jets stacking up at Lockheed facilities during the year-long pause. Until now, the Pentagon has declined to say how many jets were affected.
Lawmakers Push Back on Privatizing Military Retail Programs
Lawmakers are hoping to put the brakes on a Defense Department initiative to privatize retail programs on military bases, such as commissaries, exchanges, and other retail outlets.
BUSINESS
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang revealed this week that the company will resume selling its popular H20 semiconductors to China. The Trump administration had placed restrictions on sales of the chips due to national security concerns, but Huang said President Trump reversed course after meeting with him at the White House. The move—the latest in a string of good news for Nvidia—sent the chipmaker’s stock to another new record as its market cap continues to climb past the $4 trillion mark. Huang’s net worth recently caught up to Warren Buffett’s.
Amazon is delaying the launch of a web-based version of its voice assistant, Alexa, The Washington Post reported.
The Department of Justice has shut down two investigations into predictions platform Polymarket, potentially laying the foundation for its entry into the U.S. market, Bloomberg reported.
SiriusXM is launching its first ad-supported tier, which will cost approximately $7 a month and feature limited commercials.
The head of North American sales for Tesla has left the company after 15 years, The Wall Street Journal reported.
Unreleased Beyoncé music was reportedly stolen from a car used by her choreographer and one of her dancers.
An $8 billion trial by Meta Platforms shareholders against Mark Zuckerberg and other current and former company leaders kicked off on Wednesday over claims they illegally harvested Facebook user data in violation of a 2012 agreement with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.
ECONOMY
Fed Reports Modest Economic Growth Amid Tariff Pressures
U.S. economic activity increased slightly in recent weeks, but the outlook was neutral to slightly pessimistic, the Federal Reserve said on Wednesday. Businesses reported that the Trump administration’s higher tariffs were putting upward pressure on prices.
Big Banks Beat Expectations as Earnings Season Kicks Off
JPMorgan kicked off earnings season with a solid beat, posting $15 billion in profit as corporate dealmaking rebounded more than expected last quarter. Citigroup also smashed expectations, reporting total revenue up 16% from the same period a year ago. Wells Fargo reported higher Q2 profits after the Federal Reserve lifted its asset cap, though its stock fell after it lowered its annual forecast for net income.
Overall, it was a more-good-than-bad day for the biggest U.S. banks, providing further evidence that they’re weathering the tariff-induced economic uncertainty better than most.
JPMorgan CEO Defends Fed Independence Amid Trump Criticism
JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon offered unwavering support for the concept of an independent Federal Reserve amid President Trump’s ongoing attacks on Chairman Jerome Powell.
“Playing around with the Fed can often have adverse consequences, absolutely opposite of what you might be hoping for,” Dimon said yesterday.
Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested the process to identify Powell’s successor has already started, claiming Trump’s criticism of the chairman is simply “working the refs” to cut interest rates. Powell’s term as Fed chair ends next year, but his term as one of the Fed governors isn’t up until 2028.
Trump Considers Firing Powell
President Donald Trump is open to the idea of firing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, a source told Reuters on Wednesday. Trump reportedly polled some Republican lawmakers about firing Powell and received a positive response, the source said.
On Tuesday, Trump suggested that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent could be a candidate to replace Powell, but added that it might not happen.
Speaking to the press at the Oval Office, Trump said the following about Powell:
“I was surprised he was appointed.”
Trump himself appointed Powell in 2017.
Inflation Rises as Tariff Effects Begin to Show
Prices rose 2.7% in the year leading up to June, up from 2.4% in May, according to government data released yesterday. Though the figure is only modestly above the Fed’s 2% annual target, economists who analyzed the inflation report noted signs that tariffs might be starting to show up at the checkout, with prices in import-dependent shopping categories rising faster than others.
Analysts believe this tariff-related inflation risk could justify the Fed’s wait-and-see approach to lowering interest rates, with investors betting that Powell and the Federal Open Market Committee are all but guaranteed to keep rates steady at their next meeting.
GLOBAL NEWS
Trump Says Vietnam Trade Deal Nearly Complete
President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that a trade agreement with Vietnam was nearly complete. Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews near Washington, Trump said "he could release details of the Vietnam trade agreement but did not think it was necessary".
Trump Announces Tariff Terms for Indonesia
Yesterday, President Trump informed Indonesia via tweet that the U.S. will sell American products tariff-free in Indonesia, while Indonesian exports to the U.S. will face a 19% tariff—a cost that will be passed on to American consumers and importers.
U.S. to Maintain 25% Tariff on Japan, Eyes India Deal
President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the U.S. will probably “live by the letter” on tariffs with Japan—meaning it will stick to the 25% tariff—and may have another trade deal coming up with India, following his announcement of an accord with Indonesia on Tuesday.
U.S. Investigates Brazil Over "Unfair" Trade Practices
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said on Tuesday that he had launched an investigation into Brazil’s “unfair” trading practices, a week after President Donald Trump threatened a 50% tariff on imports from Latin America’s largest economy.
Brazil Urges U.S. to Respond to Trade Proposal
Brazil on Wednesday urged the U.S. to respond to a trade proposal it submitted in May, reaffirming its openness to a “mutually acceptable” deal after President Donald Trump announced a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods starting in August.
Netanyahu’s Coalition in Crisis
An ultra-Orthodox party in Israel announced it would quit Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ruling coalition in protest of a bill limiting exemptions from military conscription, leaving him with only a one-seat majority in parliament. The party’s seven resignations take effect today. It remains unclear whether a second ultra-Orthodox party, which holds eleven seats, will also leave; Netanyahu would lose his majority if they do.
U.S. Ambassador Urges Investigation Into Killing in West Bank
The U.S. ambassador to Israel urged an investigation into the killing of a Palestinian American during a clash with Israeli settlers in the West Bank, calling it a terrorist act.
Trump Meets Qatar PM for Gaza Ceasefire Talks
President Donald Trump met with Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani on Wednesday, the White House said, as Trump presses for progress on a Gaza ceasefire and hostage-release deal.
Europe Threatens Iran With Snapback Sanctions
France’s foreign minister said in Brussels that, along with Germany and the United Kingdom, France would trigger a UN snapback mechanism to reimpose sanctions on Iran if nuclear talks do not restart by the end of August. An Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson said Monday that Tehran would respond with unspecified “appropriate and proportionate” measures if the mechanism was used, adding that no date has been set for continued U.S.-Iran nuclear talks.
Malaysia Protests Trump’s Ambassador Nominee
Malaysia’s government is facing mounting calls to reject a self-styled “alpha male” influencer picked by President Donald Trump to be U.S. ambassador. The White House has proposed 40-year-old author and outspoken political commentator Nick Adams to the Senate as its nominee for ambassador to Malaysia, triggering concerns in the Muslim-majority nation over Adams’ views on Islam and support for Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. No date is set for the Senate vote, but Adams is expected to be approved, with the Republican-held Senate green-lighting every Trump nominee since he became president in January.
EU Warns of Trade Rift After Trump’s Tariff Threat
European Union (EU) trade ministers met in Brussels yesterday after Trump’s weekend threat of 30% tariffs on the bloc. Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič warned after the meeting that there was a “big gap” between EU and U.S. positions to potentially bridge before Trump’s August 1 deadline. He had previously warned that transatlantic trade would be “almost impossible” if the tariffs went into effect.
Mexico Responds to Trump’s Tariff Threat
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said yesterday that the United States could do more domestically to improve border security. In a letter over the weekend, Trump tied his threatened 30% tariff on Mexico to border issues. Sheinbaum expressed confidence that she and Trump would reach an agreement before August 1, but said any deal would not include bringing U.S. security forces to Mexico.
Australia-China Talks Aim to Strengthen Trade Ties
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Chinese President Xi Jinping met yesterday in Beijing to strengthen bilateral relations around trade, despite tensions over security and human rights. Calling their meeting “very constructive,” this was Albanese’s second official visit to China since 2022. Albanese said he complained to Xi about Chinese naval exercises that in February had affected commercial air traffic. Xi did not press Albanese on their opposing views on Taiwan’s sovereignty.
U.S. to Bar Undersea Cables With Chinese Tech
The Federal Communications Commission said on Wednesday it plans to adopt rules to bar companies from connecting undersea submarine communication cables to the United States if they include Chinese technology or equipment.
Beijing’s Tech and EV Moves
Beijing is spending billions to become an A.I. superpower. China will also restrict the use of its battery-making technology in other countries, a move that could cement its lead in electric-vehicle production.
India Beats Clean Energy Target Ahead of Schedule
New Delhi announced yesterday that 50% of its installed electricity capacity now comes from non-fossil fuel sources. It has beaten its 2030 target under the Paris Agreement by five years. The country’s renewable energy output has grown in the first half of this year at its fastest rate since 2022.
France “Open” to Niger Reparations Talks
A letter from the office of France’s permanent representative to the United Nations, viewed by The Guardian, suggests that France is “open to bilateral dialogue” with Niger about reparations for descendants of a violent 1899 colonial campaign. The letter did not acknowledge responsibility.
UN HLPF 2025: Driving Inclusive, Science-Based Progress on the SDGs
The United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) 2025 is taking place from July 14–23 at UN Headquarters in New York, marking a decade of global effort since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Under the theme “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals,” this year’s forum is focused on reviewing five critical SDGs:
SDG 3 – Good health and well-being
SDG 5 – Gender equality
SDG 8 – Decent work and economic growth
SDG 14 – Life below water
SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
A key feature of the forum is the presentation of Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) by 37 countries, offering valuable insights into national progress, challenges, and innovations in sustainable development.
From July 21–23, a ministerial segment will bring together high-level officials to adopt a ministerial declaration, reaffirming global commitments and guiding SDG efforts during the final five years to 2030.
The Forum also features over 190 side events, including a Science Day, VNR Labs, and multi-stakeholder dialogues on climate, food systems, oceans, and development financing. These activities highlight the importance of inclusive and science-driven policy-making.
HLPF 2025 builds on key global processes including the 2024 Summit of the Future, the Beijing+30 Review, and preparations for upcoming UN conferences on oceans and development finance.
With time running short to meet the 2030 Goals, HLPF 2025 serves as a critical moment to accelerate progress, scale partnerships, and ensure no one is left behind.
TODAY IN HISTORY
Ancient and Early Modern
622 – The Hijra: Muhammad and his followers begin their migration from Mecca to Medina, marking the start of the Islamic calendar.
1439 – Kissing is banned in England to stop the spread of the plague.
18th–19th centuries
1769 – Father Junípero Serra founds Mission San Diego de Alcalá in what is now California, the first in a chain of 21 Spanish missions.
1790 – The Residence Act is signed into law, establishing Washington, D.C. as the U.S. capital.
1861 – American Civil War: The Battle of Bull Run begins as Union and Confederate troops clash in Virginia (though the main battle is often dated to July 21, troops began mobilizing on the 16th).
20th century
1945 – Trinity Test: The first atomic bomb is detonated at Alamogordo, New Mexico. This marks the dawn of the nuclear age.
1951 – The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger is published.
1965 – Mont Blanc Tunnel between France and Italy opens.
1969 – Apollo 11 launches from Kennedy Space Center, beginning the first manned mission to land on the Moon.
1979 – Saddam Hussein becomes president of Iraq.
1990 – An earthquake kills more than 1,600 people in Luzon, Philippines.
1999 – John F. Kennedy Jr.’s plane disappears off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard; he, his wife Carolyn, and her sister Lauren are later confirmed dead.
21st century
2004 – Millennium Park opens in Chicago.
2013 – Detroit, Michigan files for the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history.
2019 – A partial lunar eclipse is visible over most of the world except North America and the Pacific.
That's all for now. Thank you for reading. The next Newsroom Briefing will arrive on Friday.
