Texas Dems walk out. Russia strikes. Veterans lose rights. Ukraine gains secrets.

Olga Nesterova
Aug 4
5 min read

This is today's NEWS RECAP.

Welcome to your Monday global briefing. From Texas Democrats staging a dramatic walkout to Ukraine’s stunning capture of Russian nuclear submarine secrets, today’s headlines span power struggles, shifting alliances, and rising global tensions.

👉 Watch today’s News Recap video for more context and commentary on YouTube

Let’s get into it.

UNITED STATES

The White House: Parking Lot Aesthetic, Golden Price Tag

Photos circulating online show the new White House Rose Garden that now resembles a parking lot.

That, paired with the controversial $200 million golden ballroom under construction, has raised questions about priorities and optics.

Texas Democrats Walk Out to Block Redistricting

In a dramatic move to break quorum and stop a GOP redistricting plan, 57 of 62 Texas House Democrats left the state. The plan, driven by Gov. Greg Abbott, would redraw congressional maps to flip five Democratic seats in time for the 2026 midterms. Most lawmakers went to Illinois at the invitation of Gov. JB Pritzker, while others fled to Boston and Albany, NY.

Their absence halts the 30-day special session, a move they hope will “run out the clock.”
Abbott has threatened $500-per-day fines and even expulsion.
Texas AG Ken Paxton warned on Steve Bannon’s podcast that eventually “they have to come home.”
Democrats issued a defiant three-word response:

“Come and take it.”

VA Seeks to Roll Back Abortion Access for Veterans

In a new proposed rule, the Department of Veterans Affairs plans to revoke abortion and counseling access for veterans and beneficiaries—except in cases where the mother’s life is endangered.This would undo a Biden-era policy that allowed abortions in cases of rape, incest, or health risk, regardless of restrictive state laws.

Currently, 20 U.S. states limit or ban abortion, often correlating with higher maternal mortality and economic instability.
The rule is now open for 30 days of public comment.

Peter Thiel in Hungary with Viktor Orbán

Tech billionaire Peter Thiel met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, alongside Austria’s former Chancellor, who resigned in 2021 over a corruption and bribery scandal.

Trump’s Envoy to Moscow

Trump’s special envoy to Russia, Steve Witkoff, is expected at the Kremlin on Wednesday.Meanwhile, Putin—via spokesperson Dmitry Peskov—says he’s open to meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, pending “preparatory work at the expert level.” In short, he is buying time.

DEFENSE & SECURITY

Pentagon Awards $7.8B for Missile Production

Two major contracts were issued for JASSM (Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile) and AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile) systems, aimed at replenishing U.S. and allied stockpiles.

Air Force May Lose 4-Star Commanders

The Pentagon is considering downgrading three four-star commands—USAFE (Europe), AMC (Air Mobility), and AFMC (Materiel)—to three-star status as part of a broad effort to reduce general officer positions across the military.

Weather Satellite Data Saved—For Now

Following meteorologists’ warnings, the Pentagon reversed plans to stop sharing data from three key satellites that aid in hurricane forecasting, citing risks to public safety and storm tracking.

National Guard to Remain in Los Angeles

Despite a broader drawdown, 250 National Guard troops will stay deployed in LA to protect federal buildings and personnel, per the Defense Department.

POLAND

Tank Mega-Deal with South Korea

Poland signed a $6.7 billion deal to purchase 180 K2 tanks from South Korea, with 61 units built domestically and the rest in Korea.

Poland is already committed to fielding over 1,000 tanks by 2030, overtaking the combined total of Germany, France, the UK, and Italy.

MEXICO

U.S.-Mexico Intelligence Deal in Progress

President Claudia Sheinbaum announced ongoing negotiations for a new security agreement with the U.S., focused on intelligence sharing to fight drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl.

The talks could also help normalize trade relations, which have been strained by Trump’s tariff threats and accusations over Mexico’s trade deficit.

CANADA

“Canada Has What the World Needs” — PM Carney

From the Port of Vancouver, PM Mark Carney declared Canada ready to expand exports, especially to Asian markets, citing infrastructure upgrades and industry support.

The Port of Vancouver is Canada’s top Asian-facing export hub and 4th largest port in North America.

Carney also attended Vancouver Pride, further promoting Canada’s inclusive image.

RUSSIA

HIV Crisis in Russian Military

HIV infections among Russian troops have surged by 2,000% since the Ukraine war began. According to the Carnegie Endowment, the crisis stems from unprotected sex, drug use, and the Kremlin’s closure of HIV prevention NGOs.

Kamchatka Volcano Erupts for First Time

Krasheninnikov volcano erupted for the first time in recorded history, with ash clouds reaching up to 6 km above sea level.

Nuclear Posturing and Retaliation

After Dmitry Medvedev “warned” the U.S. about Russian nuclear capability, Trump ordered the repositioning of two nuclear submarines.
Putin responded:

“Everyone should be very, very careful with nuclear rhetoric.”

Russia launched missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, killing 31.
Ukraine struck back, hitting a Russian oil depot in Sochi.
Trump also tweeted promising to impose higher tariffs on India over continued imports from Russia. China, though trading with Russia as well, said its energy policy would remain unchanged.

UKRAINE

Ukraine Seizes Russian Nuclear Submarine Secrets

Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (HUR) secured sensitive documents from the Knyaz Pozharsky, Russia’s newest Borei-A class nuclear sub

.Files include:

Crew lists with training levels and qualifications
Combat manuals and operating orders
Design layouts and navigation unit data
Inspection reports from Gadzhiyevo base

ISRAEL / GAZA

Hostage Video Sparks Outrage

Hamas released footage of hostage Evyatar David, emaciated and in distress.

The group said it would allow Red Cross aid if “certain demands” are met.
Israel’s PM Netanyahu pledged a military rescue operation.

➡️ A UN Security Council session on Gaza hostages is scheduled for tomorrow.

BRAZIL & CHINA

Coffee War: U.S. Tariffs, China Gains

Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Brazilian coffee, significantly raising prices for American consumers. In response, China hosted 183 Brazilian coffee sellers, expanding trade amid U.S. pullback.

INDIA / PHILIPPINES

First Naval Drills in South China Sea

India and the Philippines began their first joint naval exercises in the contested South China Sea, shadowed by Chinese vessels.

Simultaneously, China and Russia kicked off joint drills in the Sea of Japan—a pre-planned exercise now layered with new tension after Trump’s submarine repositioning.

BRAZIL

BP Hits Giant Oil Find

BP announced its largest oil discovery in 25 years, located off Brazil’s southeastern coast.

This marks a major pivot from its earlier push toward renewables, solidifying its oil-first strategy.

HONG KONG

Activists Abroad Targeted

Authorities cancelled passports and banned financial support for over a dozen pro-democracy activists living abroad, citing last year’s national security law.

Arrest warrants had already been issued, sparking international condemnation.