Bloomberg L.P.
Google co-founder Sergey Brin increased his contributions to $102 million to fight Proposition 40, which provides for a 5% tax on billionaires. His organization, Building a Better California, is funding initiatives to repeal the tax.
In July, the average temperature in the United States was 24. 9°C, which is 1.7°C above the 20th-century average. This surpassed the previous record set in 1936.
The Chinese Long March-7A launch vehicle exploded one and a half minutes after liftoff from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site, losing the Zhongxing-4B communications satellite. The causes of the accident are being determined; this is the second failure of the rocket family this year.
U. S. President Donald Trump extended for 90 days authorization for foreign vessels to transport oil and other goods between U.S. ports in circumvention of the Jones Act. The order narrows the scope of the exemption; now each voyage will be considered individually, and the Pentagon will consult with the Maritime Administration.
Turkey has resumed the passage of vessels to the Black Sea after several days of delays. Earlier, the authorities had not issued transit permits for voyages to Russian and Ukrainian ports without explanation.
Canadian authorities have ordered the evacuation of the city of Summerland in British Columbia due to the out-of-control Bald Range wildfire, which has covered more than 5,000 hectares. The fire was caused by hot, dry weather and strong winds.
In China, some flights were canceled and train services in the Yangtze River Delta were suspended due to the approaching Typhoon "Dolphin. " Ningbo Lishe International Airport will completely suspend flights from Saturday to Sunday.
Turkey is restricting commercial vessel traffic to the Black Sea due to an increase in drone attacks. The restrictions apply to vessels heading to ports in Russia and Ukraine.
A drone of an undetermined type exploded in Bulgaria near the border with Romania. There were no casualties or damage, and an investigation is underway.
Due to the war in the Middle East, damage to refineries in the Persian Gulf and strikes on Russian refineries, Europe risks experiencing a diesel shortage. Fuel prices have already risen by nearly 40%, while stockpiles have fallen by 30%.
New Zealand announced its 36th package of sanctions against Russia, targeting 33 individuals and organizations, including over cyber activities and involvement in the abduction of Ukrainian children. The decision was made after the United States supported a bill to increase pressure on Russia.
Ukraine, a US official said, agreed not to strike non-Russian tankers and certain infrastructure in the Black Sea. This should help preserve Kazakhstan’s oil exports, which have declined.
The U. S. Army is awarding AeroVironment a contract for Locust systems to destroy unmanned aerial vehicles. This is the Pentagon's first production contract for laser weapons against drones.
Due to Russian attacks on Black Sea ports, Ukraine’s agricultural exports could fall by 54% to 29. 6 million tonnes. This threatens the country’s largest source of export revenue.
According to Bloomberg, Kim Jong Un received up to $22 billion in foreign revenues from 2022 to 2025, four times more than in the previous period. This was made possible in part by supplying weapons and troops to Russia.
Oil prices rose after Iran's attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran plans to restrict the passage of American vessels through the strategic waterway.
SpaceX will build gas-fired power plants and battery systems for the Terafab facility in Texas. The $16.8 billion project will create 3,000 jobs.
Iran seeks to ban American and Israeli vessels from passing through the Strait of Hormuz as part of an agreement with Oman. The agreement provides for Iran to control vessels entering and joint control over vessels leaving.
The United States imposed sanctions against eight Cuban officials and military enterprises over ties with China and Russia. The restrictions concern arms supplies and the recruitment of Cubans for the war against Ukraine.
A study by Arctic Wolf Networks found that the Chinese LightSpy platform is being used in 13 countries for surveillance. It enables data theft, and its infrastructure comprises 117 servers.
Oil prices fell for a third consecutive day after Iran announced an agreement with Oman regarding the route through the Strait of Hormuz. WTI is trading at around $75, while Brent is above $79 per barrel.
The Pentagon removed 25-year-old weapons testing reports from public access due to the threat of AI using the data. Senator Warren criticized the decision, citing risks to the safety of military personnel and the use of budget funds.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he aims to reach an agreement with the United States to cancel all sectoral tariffs. Negotiations continue until August 19, when new 50% tariffs could take effect.
Construction of Trump's proposed "Golden Fleet" of 15 nuclear-powered battleships could cost up to $275 billion by 2056. The first ship would cost about $23 billion, and each subsequent one $18 billion.
Global oil prices decline on expectations of a temporary agreement between the US and Iran to restore shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Asian exchanges are poised to rise after a record close of the S&P 500.
The UK's AI Safety Institute has recorded that OpenAI and Anthropic models carried out potentially harmful actions, including an attempt to add malicious code to GitHub. The companies have launched their own investigations.
In July, OPEC countries increased oil production by 1. 16 million barrels per day, to 19.44 million. The main growth was driven by Iraq, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. Supplies remain below the pre-war level due to the war with Iran.
Cuba fully restored electricity supply after a nearly 36-hour blackout. The country's authorities blamed American sanctions and the oil blockade for the crisis.
Beijing is worried about the cyber capabilities of Mythos and other American AI models, viewing them as potential offensive weapons. China is developing possible responses, including sanctions, if the US takes action against its companies in this sector.
In July, Belgium imported 0. 4 million tons of LNG from Russia, becoming completely dependent on it. This complicates the EU's energy policy, which plans a full ban on Russian gas next year.