Federal Reserve keeps rates steady but sees rare double dissent in vote - The Federal Reserve kept short-term interest rates at a level of 4.25 percent to 4.5 percent on Wednesday, but the vote saw the first double dissent from Fed board officials in more than 30 years. Nine members of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) agreed to keep rates where they are. But Fed Vice Chair of Supervision Michelle Bowman and Gov. Christopher Waller — who are both in the running for President Trump’s nomination to replace Fed Chair Jerome Powell — voted to lower them, following an immense pressure campaign from the president. It was the first time two members of the Fed board, which usually votes unanimously, dissented in more than 30 years. All members of the Fed board are part of the FOMC, which also includes a rotation of regional reserve bank officials. Powell downplayed the significance of the dissents during a Wednesday press conference, praising Bowman and Waller for laying out clear and logical cases for their decisions during the meeting. “This was quite a good meeting all around the table,” Powell said. “People thought carefully about this and put their positions out there.” “The majority of the committee was of the view that inflation is a bit above target. Maximum employment is at target. That calls for modestly restrictive [interest rates] in my way of thinking,” Powell continued. Powell said Wednesday that despite a rash of recent White House trade deals, there is far too little evidence by which to judge the economic impact of the tariffs. “You have to think of this as still quite early days, and so I think what we’re seeing now is substantial amounts of tariff revenue being collected,” Powell said. “We know from surveys that companies feel that they have every intention of putting this through to the consumer, but truth is, they may not be able to in many cases. We’re just going to have to watch and learn empirically,” he said. Along with a robust June jobs report, which showed the economy adding a seasonally adjusted 147,000 jobs and the unemployment rate ticking down to 4.1 percent, upward price pressures are continuing independent of White House trade moves. “Inflation — while much more subdued than immediately following the pandemic — has ranged between 2.3 and 3.0 percent since last June, and remains well above the Fed’s 2.0 percent target level,” Jerry Tempelman, a former New York Fed analyst and a vice president at Mutual of America Capital Management, wrote in a commentary. “Monthly job growth has been much more robust than it was last summer, which had prompted the Fed to ease policy three times in 2024,” he added.
FOMC Statement: No Change to Fed Funds Rate -Fed Chair Powell press conference video here or on YouTube here, starting at 2:30 PM ET. -FOMC Statement: Although swings in net exports continue to affect the data, recent indicators suggest that growth of economic activity moderated in the first half of the year. The unemployment rate remains low, and labor market conditions remain solid. Inflation remains somewhat elevated. The Committee seeks to achieve maximum employment and inflation at the rate of 2 percent over the longer run. Uncertainty about the economic outlook remains elevated. The Committee is attentive to the risks to both sides of its dual mandate. In support of its goals, the Committee decided to maintain the target range for the federal funds rate at 4-1/4 to 4-1/2 percent. In considering the extent and timing of additional adjustments to the target range for the federal funds rate, the Committee will carefully assess incoming data, the evolving outlook, and the balance of risks. The Committee will continue reducing its holdings of Treasury securities and agency debt and agency mortgage‑backed securities. The Committee is strongly committed to supporting maximum employment and returning inflation to its 2 percent objective. In assessing the appropriate stance of monetary policy, the Committee will continue to monitor the implications of incoming information for the economic outlook. The Committee would be prepared to adjust the stance of monetary policy as appropriate if risks emerge that could impede the attainment of the Committee's goals. The Committee's assessments will take into account a wide range of information, including readings on labor market conditions, inflation pressures and inflation expectations, and financial and international developments.. Voting against this action were Michelle W. Bowman and Christopher J. Waller, who preferred to lower the target range for the federal funds rate by 1/4 percentage point at this meeting.
'Most Divided' Fed In 32 Years Refuses To Cut Rates (Again) | ZeroHedge - 6 Graphs - Source: Bloomberg - Since the last FOMC meeting (on June 18th), stocks have soared and gold (and crude oil) have been sold while bonds and the dollar have trod water... Most notably, while macro data has shown 'growth' has strengthened; 'inflation' has continued to fall, significantly... Interestingly, while the voyage has been eventful, the market's expectations for rate-cuts in 2025 is exactly where it was at the last FOMC meeting (just below 2 full cuts)... Heading in to today's FOMC decision, expectations were unequivocally for no cut today, with September signaled as better than a coin-toss for the next cut (though those odds were falling into the FOMC statement)... So, while expectations are for no rate-cut today, hints of future dovishness (in the statement as well as in Powell's presser) are a key focus as the potential for the first double-Governor-dissent since 1993 is on the cards... So, what did The Fed actually do (and say)... The Fed held rates flat (as expected): But see some weakness... It's a Double Dissent Day, dude!! That's the first time sine 1993... Our first take is that the combination of a double dissent (pro cuts) and the recognition that growth is 'moderating', strongly suggests a dovish tilt from the Fed and the market is seeing odds of a September cut rising... FOMC statement redline changes: 1) Replaced "economic activity has continued to expand at solid pace" with "growth of economic activity moderated in first half of the year" 2) Removed "diminished" from "uncertainty about economic outlook has diminished but remains elevated" Read the full statement redline below:
Powell: 'Many, many uncertainties' remain for tariff impacts — Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said the central bank is still trying to get a handle on how higher tariffs will impact the economy. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said during his regular press conference Wednesday that the process of determining tariff-related price increases was always going to be slow, but it has taken longer than he expected.
Trump demands that Federal Reserve board wrest full control of central bank from Fed Chair Powell (AP) — President Donald Trump on Friday called for the Federal Reserve’s board of governors to usurp the power of Fed Chair Jerome Powell, criticizing the head of the U.S. central bank for not cutting short-term interest rates. Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump called Powell “stubborn.” The Fed chair has been subjected to vicious verbal attacks by the Republican president over several months. The Fed has the responsibility of stabilizing prices and maximizing employment. Powell has held its benchmark rate for overnight loans constant this year, saying that Fed officials needed to see what impact Trump’s massive tariffs had on inflation. If Powell doesn’t “substantially” lower rates, Trump said, “THE BOARD SHOULD ASSUME CONTROL, AND DO WHAT EVERYONE KNOWS HAS TO BE DONE!” Trump sees the rate cuts as leading to stronger growth and lower debt servicing costs for the federal government and homebuyers. The president argues there is virtually no inflation, even though the Fed’s preferred measure is running at an annual rate of 2.6%, slightly higher than the Fed’s 2% target. Trump has called for slashing the Fed’s benchmark rate by 3 percentage points, bringing it down dramatically from its current average of 4.33%. The risk is that a rate cut that large could cause more money to come into the economy than can be absorbed, possibly causing inflation to accelerate. The Supreme Court suggested in a May ruling that Trump could not remove Powell for policy disagreements. This led the White House to investigate whether the Fed chair could be fired for cause because of the cost overruns in its $2.5 billion renovation projects. Powell’s term as chair ends in May 2026, at which point Trump can put his Senate-confirmed pick in the seat.
Fed's Adriana Kugler to step down -The Federal Reserve Board will have its first vacancy of President Donald Trump's second term in office. Adriana Kugler, member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. The Federal Reserve governor's term was set to expire in January and President Donald Trump has made it clear that she would not be reappointed. The vacancy will give Trump an opportunity to appoint someone new to the central bank's board.
Data credibility fears fueled after Trump orders firing of labor official (Reuters) - Sharp downward revisions to past jobs data on Friday, followed by Trump’s sudden order to fire the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, stoked investor fears about the integrity of economic data and the Fed’s ability to read the true state of the economy. News of a surprise weakening in the U.S. labor market last month jolted investors, while revisions to job figures for the past two months raised worries the U.S. central bank may have been flying blind in recent months and may need to play catch-up with interest rate cuts, investors said. Fed Governor Adriana Kugler's early resignation from her term on Friday also potentially shakes up what was already a fractious succession process for Fed leadership amid difficult relations with Trump. "Kugler’s resignation allows the president to further shape the FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) in his own image," . Nonfarm payrolls increased by 73,000 jobs in July after rising by a downwardly revised 14,000 in June, the Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics said in its employment report on Friday. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast payrolls increasing by 110,000 jobs after rising by a previously reported 147,000 in June. The report comes two days after the U.S. central bank left unchanged its benchmark interest rate and avoided signaling imminent rate cuts, dialing back market expectations for an easing at the next policy meeting in September. That changed dramatically on Friday, with odds for a 25 basis point cut in September jumping to around 81% after the data from 38% on Thursday, according to CME Group data. "The Fed's job is becoming increasingly difficult based on the deterioration of the economic data," "These revisions are massive and really are a game changer to the Fed's reaction function, and so I think this Fed meeting is one that they'd like to revise." U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday said, without evidence, that numbers contained in the July jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics were rigged. "In my opinion, today’s Jobs Numbers were RIGGED in order to make the Republicans, and ME, look bad," Trump said in a Truth Social post. He ordered that the commissioner of the Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics Erika McEntarfer be fired after the data release. "It’s definitely a case of shooting the messenger,” said Dean Smith, chief strategist at FolioBeyond. "Firing the head of BLS is not going to improve data collection and dissemination … it’s going to undermine confidence in the data going forward,” he added.
BEA: Real GDP increased at 3.0% Annualized Rate in Q2 --From the BEA: Gross Domestic Product, 2nd Quarter 2025 (Advance Estimate) Real gross domestic product (GDP) increased at an annual rate of 3.0 percent in the second quarter of 2025 (April, May, and June), according to the advance estimate released by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. In the first quarter, real GDP decreased 0.5 percent. The increase in real GDP in the second quarter primarily reflected a decrease in imports, which are a subtraction in the calculation of GDP, and an increase in consumer spending. These movements were partly offset by decreases in investment and exports. ... Compared to the first quarter, the upturn in real GDP in the second quarter primarily reflected a downturn in imports and an acceleration in consumer spending that were partly offset by a downturn in investment. Real final sales to private domestic purchasers, the sum of consumer spending and gross private fixed investment, increased 1.2 percent in the second quarter, compared with an increase of 1.9 percent in the first quarter. The price index for gross domestic purchases increased 1.9 percent in the second quarter, compared with an increase of 3.4 percent in the first quarter. The personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index increased 2.1 percent, compared with an increase of 3.7 percent. Excluding food and energy prices, the PCE price index increased 2.5 percent, compared with an increase of 3.5 percent. PCE increased at a 1.4% annual rate, and residential investment decreased at a 4.6% rate. The advance Q2 GDP report, with 3.0% annualized increase, was above expectations.
Senate GOP quietly pressures House to avoid shutdown drama - Senate Republicans say President Trump has made it clear he doesn’t want a government shutdown, and they’re urging House GOP lawmakers to tone down their approach to the Sept. 30 funding deadline. House Republicans jammed Senate Democrats in March with a partisan funding bill, which Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) reluctantly voted for to avoid a shutdown. But the political dynamics are different now. Schumer is under heavy pressure to fight harder against Trump and his MAGA allies, heightening the chance of a shutdown if Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) tries to use the same playbook. “I know that our side won’t want a shutdown. Trump hates that, and rightly so,” said a Republican senator, who requested anonymity to discuss conversations with the White House. The senator said “the fate of the approps bills” to fund the government in fiscal 2026 will be the focus of the GOP conference before it leaves for a four-week August recess. A second Republican senator who requested anonymity said Trump, who dined with Senate Republicans at the White House recently to celebrate the passage of the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act, has made it clear to his allies on Capitol Hill that he wants to avoid a shutdown in the fall. The president is focused on landing trade deals and touting the accomplishments included in the massive tax and spending package Congress passed before July 4. This is a big reason why Senate Republicans have sought common ground with Democrats on the annual appropriations bills, hoping to put behind them the bruising partisan battles over the reconciliation bill and a measure that clawed back $9 billion in funding for PBS, NPR and global aid. The senator said higher spending levels in the Senate appropriations bills offer a “better path” to avoiding a government shutdown in the fall because they are less likely to provoke opposition from Democrats. The Senate’s Interior and Environment appropriations bill for 2026, for example, provides $41.45 billion in total funding, including $3.27 billion for the National Park Service and $6.17 billion for the Forest Service. It passed out of committee with overwhelming bipartisan support, 26-2. The House Interior, Environment and Related Agencies bill, by comparison, provides $38 billion in funding, which is $2.9 billion below the level enacted in 2025. It also includes 72 controversial policy riders that would restrict the issuance of rules to protect sage grouse, prohibit the implementation of an updated public lands rule and dictate the timing of offshore and onshore fossil-fuel extraction leases. The House measure passed out of committee on a partisan 33-28 vote.
Senate committee advances funding bills amounting to $1 trillion - The Senate Appropriations Committee advanced legislation Thursday amounting to more than $1 trillion in government funding for fiscal 2026, ahead of a late September shutdown deadline. The committee approved about $852 billion in discretionary funding for defense programs and roughly $200 billion in discretionary funding for the departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education. Overall, the panel has so far advanced eight out of the 12 annual funding bills for fiscal 2026, which begins Oct. 1. Negotiators say the proposed defense funding would amount to an increase of about 3 percent above what President Trump requested earlier this year. That’s in addition to the $150 billion defense boost Republicans passed as part of a sweeping tax cuts and spending package to help advance the president’s agenda earlier this month. “We can’t build a Golden Dome or restock our munitions or bring back American ship building without a sustained increased investment in all of our national defense, and we can’t treat reconciliation like a cure all,” Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who heads the subcommittee that crafted the Pentagon funding bill, said during Thursday’s committee meeting. “I was glad to vote for the ‘one big, beautiful bill,’ but let’s not kid ourselves. It was not the additive defense spending some of us had hoped for,” he said. The bill funds a 3.8 percent pay raise for service members and a 10 percent bump in pay for junior enlisted service members. The bill also provides $171 billion for the procurement of weapon systems, more than $140 billion for research and development, and about $303 billion aimed at the “sustainment of operations, weapons, training, and readiness activities,” according to the committee. The panel also detailed increases across a number of items, including air and missile defense efforts, munitions, drone and counterdrone capabilities, and shipbuilding that includes $1.9 billion to fully fund Virginia-class subs. The bill includes $500 million for Israel Cooperative Programs, which covers the Iron Dome, as well as $800 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which appropriators say was zeroed out in Trump’s budget request. In the annual Labor and Health and Human Services (HHS) funding bill, negotiators were able to agree on about $50 billion in funding for the National Institutes of Health for biomedical investments in research, including billions for Alzheimer’s research and the National Cancer Institute, along with boosts for women’s and maternal health research. The bill also includes about $12 billion for Head Start; $8.8 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant; more than $3 billion for State Opioid Response Grants and the Substance Use Prevention, Treatment and Recovery Services Block Grant; along with about $5.5 billion for mental health research, treatment and prevention. “This bill also continues our bipartisan record by including a number of priorities from both sides of the aisle like, investments in America’s biomedical research, child care, education, mental and rural heath, and continued efforts to combat the opioid epidemic,” Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), who chairs the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, said Thursday. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (Wis.), the top Democrat on the subcommittee that crafted the bill, also told reporters ahead of the meeting that it would fully fund the suicide hotline. “988, the suicide hotline is fully funded, including a $15 million increase for their operations,” Baldwin said. “We reject the Trump administration and RFK Jr.’s efforts to shut down SAMHSA, in which the 988, and other important mental health and substance use programs are housed,” she continued, referring to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Health and Human Services secretary.
Spending bill excludes Corporation for Public Broadcasting funding -Sen. Patty Murray (Wash.), the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, said Thursday that appropriators did not include funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) in a fiscal 2026 spending bill after Republicans successfully yanked back previously approved dollars for public media at President Trump’s request. “One thing this bill does not do, unfortunately, is fund the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. As everyone knows, Republicans rescinded bipartisan funding we provided for CPB in the first ever partisan rescissions package,” Murray said.“It is a shameful reality, and now communities across the country will suffer the consequences as over 1,500 stations lose critical funding.”Murray made the remarks as the Senate Appropriations Committee began consideration of the annual bill funding the departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education — which has traditionally included funding for the corporation that was established nearly six decades ago.The bill, which calls for roughly $200 billion in funding for fiscal year 2026 for the agencies, was advanced out of committee with bipartisan support. Earlier this month, Republicans greenlit a bill clawing back already allocated foreign aid and public broadcasting funds, including more than $1 billion in cuts to the CPB, which provides some funding to NPR and PBS.Many Republicans say the cuts are long overdue, singling out NPR and PBS for what they perceive as political bias. But Republicans in both chambers have expressed concerns about how the cuts would impact the smaller stations they say their constituents depend on. Some Republicans have also been hopeful of Congress approving some funding for local media ahead of a looming Sept. 30 deadline to fund the government for fiscal 2026.
Senators release more spending bills as minibus talks drag - Senate leaders continued negotiating a bipartisan spending package Thursday while appropriators advanced two more bills rejecting Trump administration cuts.A popular energy assistance program that President Donald Trump proposed to eliminate would get a $20 million increase under senators’ fiscal 2026 Labor-HHS-Education bill. The flurry of action Thursday was part of the Senate’s scramble to make more headway on the fiscal 2026 process before the August recess. But while the Appropriations Committee continued to advance bills, there appeared to be little movement on the floor. Indeed, leaders’ effort to bundle the Military Construction-Veterans Affairs, Agriculture-FDA and Commerce-Justice-Science bills into one package and put it up for a vote this week appeared to be teetering.
Iran's Foreign Minister Says US Must Provide Compensation Before Nuclear Talks Can Resume - Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has told the Financial Times that Iran wants compensation from the US for damages incurred during the 12-Day War and guarantees that it won’t be attacked again before resuming nuclear negotiations.“They should explain why they attacked us in the middle of … negotiations, and they have to ensure that they are not going to repeat that [during future talks],” Araghchi said. “And they have to compensate [Iran for] the damage that they have done.”The Iranian diplomat didn’t specify what sort of compensation Iran was seeking, but the US does have the ability to release billions in frozen Iranian funds. It’s unlikely that the Trump administration would go for anything like that since it has been imposing fresh sanctions on Iran, continuing the so-called “maximum pressure” campaign.Araghchi said that “anti-negotiation feelings” were very high within Iran since Israel launched the war under the cover of previous US-Iran talks. “People are telling me, ‘Don’t waste your time anymore, don’t be cheated by them … if they come to negotiations it’s only a cover-up for their other intentions,” he said.While the US and Iran haven’t engaged in talks since the war, Araghchi said he has exchanged messages with US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. Araghchi said that his message to Witkoff has been that there needs to be a “win-win” deal and that the US needs to show real “confidence-building” measures.“The road to negotiation is narrow but it’s not impossible. I need to convince my hierarchy that if we go for negotiation, the other side is coming with real determination for a win-win deal,” he said.
Iran To Respond in ‘Decisive Manner’ If US and Israel Attack Again - Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran would respond in a “more decisive manner” if the US or Israel attacked again.“Iran knows exactly what happened during the recent American-Israeli aggression, both to us and our adversaries—including the extent of blows that are still being censored,” the diplomat wrote on X. “If aggression is repeated, we will not hesitate to react in a more decisive manner and in a way that will be IMPOSSIBLE to cover up.”Araghchi’s post followed a threat by President Donald Trump to “wipe out” Iran’s nuclear program again. Trump made the threat to Iran while referencing a statement from the Iranian Foreign Minister that Tehran would continue its nuclear enrichment program.“Iran’s been sending out bad signals, I’ll tell you. For a country that just got wiped out, they’ve been sending very bad signals, very nasty signals. And they shouldn’t be doing that,” Trump said during a press conference in Scotland with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday.The day before, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz also threatened renewed attacks on the Islamic Republic. “I want to send a clear message from here to dictator Khamenei: If you continue to threaten Israel, our long arm will reach Tehran again with even greater power – and this time personally to you too,” he said Sunday.Washington and Tel Aviv have argued that Tehran is close to building nuclear weapons, as the Islamic Republic has a uranium enrichment program. Iran maintains it has no intention to build nuclear weapons, and the enrichment program is key to its sovereignty.Araghchi explained the importance of Iran’s enrichment program: “More than a million Iranians need medical radioisotopes produced by the Tehran Research Reactor, an American-supplied facility fuelled by 20%-enriched uranium. Iran also needs enrichment to fuel our nascent nuclear power reactors. No one in their right mind would abandon the fruits of tremendous investment in homegrown and peaceful technology which is saving lives—and simply because bullying foreigners demand it,” he said.
US Imposes Sweeping New Sanctions On Iranian Shipping Network -- The US Treasury Department has announced new sanctions targeting the global shipping interests reportedly controlled by Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, son of senior Iranian official Ali Shamkhani, in what it described as the most significant Iran-related action since 2018. The sanctions aim to dismantle what Treasury officials called a "vast network" used to sell Iranian and Russian oil through container ships and tankers operated by front companies and intermediaries.The network, they said, generated tens of billions of dollars used to support the Iranian government."These profits have helped prop up the Iranian regime," the Treasury stated, accusing Shamkhani of leveraging corruption and personal connections in Tehran to evade existing restrictions. In total, the action designates 15 shipping firms, 52 vessels, 12 individuals, and 53 entities involved in sanctions evasion, with operations spanning 17 countries, including Panama, Italy, Hong Kong, the UAE, and the UK.A US official said the measure was "tailored" to avoid disrupting global oil markets while striking specific targets."From our perspective, given where this individual fits, given his connection to the supreme leader and his father's previous sanctions activities, given the Iran-related authorities, it's critically important to emphasize that this is an Iran action that is meaningful and very impactful," the official said.The EU sanctioned Shamkhani earlier in July for his role in the Russian oil trade, and his father, Ali Shamkhani, was sanctioned by the US in 2020.Tehran condemned the decision as a hostile move, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei calling it a "blatant assault on the Iranian people and their national dignity," adding that it reflected "the hostility of American policymakers towards the Iranian people."He accused Washington of seeking to "cripple Iran’s development, sow internal discord, and erode the rights and livelihoods of ordinary citizens.""The Iranian people, fully aware of the malicious intent of the aggressive sanctioning party …, will stand firm with all their might to safeguard their dignity and interests," Baghaei said. He criticized the US's "addiction" to unilateralism and said its measures repeatedly violated “international law, human rights, and freedom of sovereign trade.”He called for international accountability and reaffirmed Iran’s "unshakeable resolve" to defend its sovereignty and continue its development goals.
US Imposes Sanctions on Iranian Shipping Network, Further Undercutting Chances for Diplomacy - The Trump administration on Wednesday announced a series of sanctions on an Iranian shipping network, making the prospect of diplomacy with Iran even less likely.The Treasury Department said the sanctions were targeting more than 50 individuals and entities and that it identified more than 50 ships involved in the network it says is run by the son of Ali Shamkhani, an advisor to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.Before Israel launched its war on Iran on June 13 under the cover of US negotiations with Iran, Shamkhaniexpressed support for a diplomatic deal with the US that would have involved Tehran reducing its nuclear enrichment. An Israeli airstrike targeted Shamkhani’s home, and he was initially reported to have been killed, but he ended up surviving the attack. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent claimed that the sanctions against the shipping network overseen by Shamkhani’s son were the largest since the US withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal, known as the JCPOA, in 2018.“The Shamkhani family’s shipping empire highlights how the Iranian regime elites leverage their positions to accrue massive wealth and fund the regime’s dangerous behavior,” Bessent said. “The over 115 sanctions issued today are the largest to date since the Trump Administration implemented our campaign of maximum pressure on Iran.”On top of the continued sanctions, the US and Israel have also been threatening to bomb Iran again. President Trump has said he would launch strikes to “wipe out” Iran’s nuclear program if it resumes enrichment, something Iranian officials say they’re planning to do. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned this week that Tehran would respond in a more “decisive manner” if the US and Israel attack again. Araghchi and other Iranian officials have said one of their main conditions for resuming talks with the US is assurances that they won’t be attacked during the next round of negotiations.
Sen. Angus King to oppose 'any' support for Israel amid Gaza crisis --Sen. Angus King (I-Maine) said Monday he will oppose “any” support for Israel amid the hunger crisis in Gaza. “I am through supporting the actions of the current Israeli government and will advocate—and vote—for an end to any United States support whatsoever until there is a demonstrable change in the direction of Israeli policy,” King said in a statement on his website. “My litmus test will be simple: no aid of any kind as long as there are starving children in Gaza due to the action or inaction of the Israeli government,” he added. On Monday, President Trump indicated a break with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where the president stated there was “real starvation” happening. Trump said to reporters during a meeting alongside British Prime Minister Keir Starmer that he was “not particularly” in line with Netanyahu’s claim that there was no starvation occurring in Gaza, which has faced mass destruction and death in Israel’s war against Hamas. “I mean, based on television, I would say not particularly because those children look very hungry,” Trump told reporters when asked about Netanyahu’s claim. Rachael Cummings, Gaza humanitarian director for Save the Children, said the situation for Palestinians in Gaza is “catastrophic” and that “children are literally starving.” “The situation in Gaza is catastrophic for children and increasingly now for adults. There is no food available in the market. Children are literally starving,” Cummings said on ABC’s “This Week.” King said in his Monday statement that he “cannot defend the indefensible,” adding that “Israel’s actions in the conduct of the war in Gaza, especially its failure to address the unimaginable humanitarian crisis now unfolding, is an affront to human decency.” “What appears to be a deliberately-induced famine among a civilian population—including tens of thousands of starving children—can never be an acceptable military strategy,” he continued.
Trump signals break with Netanyahu on Gaza hunger crisis President Trump on Monday signaled a break with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where Trump acknowledged there was “real starvation” happening. Trump told reporters during a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer that he did “not particularly” agree with Netanyahu’s claim that there was no starvation happening in Gaza, which has been devastated by Israel’s war against Hamas. The president also said the U.S. would take a more active role in getting food into the region. Still, Trump has not gone as far as some European leaders in calling for the recognition of a Palestinian state. And he has largely stopped short of outright criticizing Israel for its role in preventing aid from getting to Palestinians. “I mean, based on television, I would say not particularly because those children look very hungry,” Trump told reporters when asked about Netanyahu’s claim. Stamer, standing beside Trump after greeting each other in Scotland, called the situation in Gaza, in which photos of malnourished children amid reports of 1 in 3 people going multiple days without eating show a crisis coming to a head, “absolutely intolerable” and “revolting.” ' Trump and his administration have been involved in ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas but so far no agreements have stuck. Trump recently put the blame on Hamas as the obstacle to a deal. But the president has also routinely shown frustration with Netanyahu, with their bond being tested before over the continued fighting with the two leaders’ opposing assessments of starvation in the enclave being the latest example. “He certainly seemed to have a different view of what’s happening on the ground in Gaza with respect to starvation or massive hunger,”
Donald Trump says US will assist with 'food centers' in Gaza -President Trump said Monday the United States would be getting more involved in getting food into Gaza amid an ongoing humanitarian crisis. Trump told reporters during a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer that the U.S. would work to set up “food centers” in Gaza. He did not provide specifics on whether the U.S. would be involved on the ground or if a third-party organization would assist, but indicated it would be a joint effort with other nations. “We’re going to do it in conjunction with some very good people, and we’re going to supply funds … and other nations are joining us,” Trump said alongside Starmer. “I know your nation’s joining us, and we have all of the European nations joining us, and others also called and they want to be helpful. So we’re going to set up food centers and where the people can walk in and no boundaries. We’re not going to have fences.” “It’s going to be working with the United States. We’ll be helping with the food … and we’re going to bring it over there, and we’re also going to make sure they don’t have barriers stopping people,” Trump said when asked how the food centers would work. Trump’s comments come amid international outcry over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has been devastated by Israel’s war against Hamas. Images and news reports have circulated in recent days detailing that many in Gaza, including children, are facing starvation because of a lack of aid being allowed into the territory. “We’re going to be getting some good, strong food. We can save a lot of people. Some of those kids — that’s real starvation. I see it. And you can’t fake that,” Trump said Monday. “So we’re going to be even more involved.” Pressed on whether Israel, which has placed restrictions on aid getting into Gaza for months, can do more to get food to Palestinians, Trump said he thought Israel “can do a lot” before accusing Iran of derailing ceasefire talks.
Greene says Israel is ‘systematically cleansing’ its enemies as she rips US aid - Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) wrote a lengthy post online Thursday condemning Israel’s treatment of Palestinians while ripping the United States’s support of foreign conflict through military aid. She also called on Christians to pay attention to the situation in the Gaza Strip, calling it “absolutely unacceptable.” “Are innocent Israeli lives more valuable than innocent Palestinian and Christian lives? And why should America continue funding this?” Greene questioned on social platform X. “The secular government of nuclear armed Israel has proven that they are beyond capable of dealing with their enemies and are capable of and are in the process of systematically cleansing them from the land,” she added. The Georgia representative has been outspoken about her disdain for the humanitarian crisis in Israel in recent days. Greene told her followers, “many of us, even though we are Christians, no longer want to fund and fight nuclear armed secular Israel’s wars especially when it leads to starving children and killing innocent people including Christians.” “Of course we are against radical Islamic terrorism, but we are also against genocide,” she added. It is the second time this week she has referred to the situation in Gaza as a genocide. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denied there is starvation among Palestinians in Gaza. On Monday, President Trump said there was “real starvation” in Gaza, breaking with Netanyahu. The Gaza Health Ministry is reporting that 147 people, including 88 children, have died from malnutrition and starvation since October 2023, when Hamas killed approximately 1,200 people and took 251 hostage, launching a war with Israel. In recent days, the United Kingdom and France announced they would recognize Palestine as a sovereign state in response to ongoing conflict. The U.K. also said it would conduct air drops with aid while transporting the sick to its homeland for treatment. On Thursday, the White House said U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and U.S. special envoy for peace missions Steve Witkoff would travel to Gaza to discuss aid distribution. Some of Greene’s colleagues in Congress sharply disagreed with her statement earlier this week. “I [honestly] don’t care what crazy pants thinks. And why is that news and her views on that right now?” Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) said when asked about Greene’s remarks. “It’s not a genocide, you know, that’s just not the case. And she’s entitled to her opinion, but I’m entitled to not really care what her views on that is,” he added later. Despite criticism Greene doubled down on her stance Thursday. “None of this is antisemitic and I, along with millions of Americans, refuse that manipulative label,” Greene wrote. “It’s the consequences of decades of America LAST policies, nonstop foreign intervention, and the American people clearly seeing the truth and suffering,” she added.
Record number of Senate Democrats vote to block weapon sales for Israel A record number of Senate Democrats, more than half the caucus, voted in favor of two resolutions to block U.S. military sales to Israel on Wednesday night. While the resolutions ultimately failed, the vote demonstrated how Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has fractured historically bipartisan support in Congress over the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip in Israel’s war against Hamas. The resolutions, sponsored by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt), failed in the face of all Republicans voting against the measure and 20 Democrats. Senators voted 27-70, defeating Sanders’s resolution, which sought to block more than $675 million in weapons sales to Israel. A second resolution garnered 24 in favor, and 73 against. That resolution sought to prohibit the sale of tens of thousands of fully automatic assault rifles. “Whatever happens tonight, history will condemn those of us who failed to act in the face of these horrors,” Sanders said ahead of the vote. It was the third time Sanders put senators on record over their military support for Israel. An April vote garnered 15 Democratic Senators. A vote in November 2024 garnered 18 Democratic senators. Democrats framed their opposition to military aid to Israel as a protest against Netanyahu, and not as opposition to Israel as a whole. Democrats voting yes for the first time included Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), the vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “This legislative tool is not perfect, but frankly, it is time to say enough to the suffering of innocent young children and families,” she said in a statement explaining her vote. “As a longtime friend and supporter of Israel, I am voting yes to send a message: the Netanyahu government cannot continue with this strategy. Netanyahu has prolonged this war at every turn to stay in power.” Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, also voted yes. While she voted in favor of Sanders’s November resolution, she voted against his April resolution. “I will continue to stand up for the existence of Israel and the safety of its citizens. I will also continue to support Israel’s right to defend itself, but I cannot in good conscience vote in support of weapons until the human anguish in Gaza comes to an end,” she said in a statement.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene Becomes First Republican in Congress To Label Israel's Actions in Gaza a Genocide - Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) on Monday described the situation in Gaza as a “genocide,” making her the first Republican member of Congress to use the term to describe the Israeli assault on the Palestinian territory.Greene made the comments in response to the news that the pro-Israel lobby AIPAC has dropped Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL) from its list of pro-Israel candidates after he said Palestinians in Gaza should “starve away” amid news of rising malnutrition deaths due to the Israeli siege. AIPAC later downplayed Fine‘s removal from the list, saying they would consider his potential endorsement later in the election cycle.“I can only imagine how Florida’s 6th district feels now that their Representative, that they were told to vote for, openly calls for starving innocent people and children,” Greene wrote on X.“It’s the most truthful and easiest thing to say that Oct 7th in Israel was horrific and all hostages must be returned, but so is the genocide, humanitarian crisis, and starvation happening in Gaza,” she added.The Georgia congresswoman also said that a Jewish US representative “calling for the continued starvation of innocent people and children is disgraceful” and “will actually cause more antisemitism.”Greene recently led an amendment to cut $500 million in military aid to Israel from the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which only received support from five other House representatives: Green, Omar, Lee, Tlaib, and Thomas Massie (R-KY), who has also been critical of Israel’s actions and wants the US to end all military aid to Israel but hasn’t publicly called its assault on Gaza a genocide.Greene’s comments came after two leading Israeli human rights organizations released reports concluding that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, a conclusion reached by many international rights groups and genocide scholars.
Marjorie Taylor Greene Called It A Genocide Before Bernie Sanders -Caitlin Johnstone -MAGA wingnut Marjorie Taylor Greene is calling the Gaza holocaust a genocide while progressive hero Bernie Sanders continues to adamantly refuse to do so, despite the solidified consensus among human rights groups and genocide experts that that’s what this is. This is humiliating for everything that passes for the “left” in mainstream US politics. Imagine being such a dogshit human being that you’d let Marjorie Taylor Greene be a better person than you. I keep seeing people say we shouldn’t use the label genocide until Israel has been found guilty by an international court, but that’s exactly the same as saying you can’t say a murderer is trying to murder someone and intervene to stop him until he has been convicted of murder in a court of law.France, the UK and Canada are saying that they intend to recognize a Palestinian state in September. It’s unclear what this would look like, how it would happen, or how it would address any of the Israeli atrocities we’re witnessing at the moment. I mean, the US and Israel are openly and explicitly saying they’re going to empty all the Palestinians out of Gaza. What are they going to do, stick a Palestinian flag in the empty field of rubble? If they were serious about stopping this nightmare they’d be talking about hard economic sanctions.
Trump Acknowledges There Is 'Real Starvation' in Gaza - President Trump acknowledged on Monday that there was “real starvation” in the Gaza Strip, comments that came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed there was “no starvation” despite the daily malnutrition deaths that have been caused by the US-backed Israeli siege.“That’s real starvation stuff, I see it. You can’t fake that,” the president told reporters while meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at a Trump golf course in Scotland.Trump said the US would become “even more involved” with getting aid into Gaza. However, the current US aid system, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), has created death traps for Palestinians as they are regularly gunned down by the Israeli military near GHF sites.Earlier in the day, Trump was asked if he agreed with Netanyahu’s claim that there was no starvation in Gaza, and replied, “Based on television, I would say not particularly because those children look very hungry.” In other comments, Trump said Israel has “a lot of responsibility” for the starvation and must work to get more food into Gaza.The UN and other aid groups that operate in Gaza have been calling for Israel to lift all restrictions on aid deliveries and for a ceasefire, which is required to provide a full humanitarian relief effort for Gaza’s starving population. But both the US and Israel recently quit ceasefire talks with Hamas, and Trump appears to be suggesting that Israel should escalate military operations.
Gallup Poll: Just 32% of Americans Approve of Israel's Actions in Gaza - A new poll from Gallup has found that just 32% of Americans approve of Israel’s genocidal war on the Gaza Strip, a 10 percentage point drop from a September 2024 poll and the lowest yet since Gallup first asked the question in November 2023.The poll, conducted from July 7 to July 21, found 60% of Americans disapproved of Israel’s actions in Gaza, an increase from 48% in the September 2024 poll. The poll shows a sharp partisan divide as just 8% of Democrats and 25% of Independents approve of Israel’s actions in Gaza, while 71% of Republicans are supportive of Israel’s campaign.Gallup also asked if Americans favored Israel’s recent military action against Iran, and only 38% said they approved, while 54% disapproved. Just 12% of Democrats approved the action against Iran, while 78% of Republicans were supportive.The poll found that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s favorability rating was at an all-time low in the US, with 52% of Americans having an unfavorable view of the Israeli leader. Just 29% of Americans said they had a favorable view of Netanyahu, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for his role in war crimes in Gaza.The lack of support from Americans for Israel’s military campaign in Gaza comes as the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territory is as bad as ever, and people have begun starving to death in significant numbers due to the US-backed Israeli siege.
Two Israeli Human Rights Groups Say Israel Is Committing Genocide in Gaza - Two leading Israeli human rights organizations — B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights-Israel (PHRI) — issued reports on Monday that conclude Israel is committing the crime of genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza.The reports mark the first time Israeli rights groups have stated that Israel is conducting genocide, a conclusion that’s been reached by many other international rights organizations and genocide scholars.“An examination of Israel’s policy in the Gaza Strip and its horrific outcomes, together with statements by senior Israeli politicians and military commanders about the goals of the attack, leads to the unequivocal conclusion that Israel is taking coordinated action to intentionally destroy Palestinian society in the Gaza Strip. In other words: Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip,” B’Tselemsaid in its report titled “Our Genocide.”The PHRI report said the evidence shows “a deliberate and systematic dismantling of Gaza’s health and life-sustaining systems through targeted attacks on hospitals, obstruction of medical aid and evacuations, and the killing and detention of healthcare personnel.”PHRI said Israel’s action fit the criteria for genocide under international law. It said Israel is committing three “core acts” that are defined in the Genocide Convention, including “killing members of the group, causing them serious bodily or mental harm, and deliberately inflicting on them conditions of life calculated to bring about the group’s destruction in whole or in part.”B’Tselem strongly condemned Hamas’s October 7 attack on southern Israel but said it didn’t justify Israel’s genocidal assault in Gaza. “Our analysis shows how the Israeli government has cynically exploited the trauma experienced by many Israelis and used it to carry out genocide and ethnic cleansing in the Gaza Strip,” the group said. “One crime does not justify another – certainly not the mass killing of civilians or an attempt to erase and destroy an entire group.”Yuli Novak, the executive director of B’Tselem, warned that the genocide could be spread to the Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. “The lives of all Palestinians, from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea, are being treated as worthless. They can be starved, killed, displaced – and the situation keeps getting worse,” she said.
US and Israel Have No Proof That Hamas Systematically Steals Aid - While both the US and Israel frequently claim Hamas has stolen massive amounts of aid supplies that have entered Gaza, neither government has evidence to back up the assertion, according to reports from The New York Times and Reuters.Reuters reported on Friday that an internal US government analysis found no evidence of systematic theft by Hamas of US-funded aid supplies that have entered Gaza. The analysis was conducted by a bureau within the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and completed at the end of June.The analysis examined 156 incidents of theft or loss of US-funded supplies and found “no reports alleging Hamas” benefited from the aid. The report also cited a source familiar with US intelligence assessments who said they knew of no US intelligence reports detailing Hamas aid diversions and that Washington was relying on Israeli reports.The New York Times report, which was published on Saturday, cited two senior Israeli military officials and two other Israelis involved in the matter who said the Israeli military never found proof that Hamas had systematically stolen aid from the UN. The Israeli military officials also said that the UN aid system had been largely effective in providing food to Gaza’s desperate and hungry population.Israel has used the unfounded claims to undermine the UN food system in Gaza and set up the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which has set up aid distribution sites manned by US security contractors that have turned into death traps for desperate Palestinians seeking food. Since the GHF began operating at the end of May, more than 1,000 Palestinian aid seekers have been killed, the majority near GHF sites.While accusing Hamas of stealing aid, Israel has armed an ISIS-linked gang led by Yasser Abu Shabab, a criminal who admitted in an interview with The Washington Post last year that his group was looting aid trucks.Israel also used the claims of Hamas aid diversions to justify the total blockade that it imposed on Gaza in March, which violated the January ceasefire deal. That blockade was only eased slightly when the GHF sites were established, and a trickle of aid trucks was allowed to enter Gaza in May.
Trump administration not participating in UN two-state solution conference The State Department said Monday it would not participate in an initiative from France and Saudi Arabia at the United Nations supporting a two-state solution to the Israeli and Palestinian conflict, criticizing the summit as harmful to ceasefire efforts between Israel and Hamas. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said the U.N. two-state solution conference is an “ill-advised stunt that will further embolden Hamas and undermine our serious diplomatic efforts to end the war.” “The United States will not participate in the July UN two-state solution conference,” Bruce wrote on social platform X. “We will continue to work with partners towards a resolution.” President Trump has held back from endorsing long-standing U.S. policy supporting a two-state solution to end the Israeli and Palestinian conflict, which aims to establish a Palestinian state in the territories of the West Bank and Gaza Strip while preserving Israel’s security. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has for decades pushed policies aimed at undermining the establishment of a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza. During a meeting at the White House in July, Trump deferred to Netanyahu on whether the Israeli leader supports a two-state solution. Netanyahu answered that Palestinians could have self-government, but that Israel should maintain ultimate security control.
Netanyahu To Propose a US-Supported Plan To Annex Gaza - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to propose to his political-security cabinet a US-supported plan to begin annexing the Gaza Strip, Haaretz reported on Monday.The report said that the plan is being proposed to appease Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and prevent him from quitting the government. Smotrich is angry over Netanyahu’s steps to slightly increase humanitarian aid shipments into Gaza amid international outrage over the starvation deaths in Gaza caused by the Israeli siege.Under the plan, Israel will declare that it is giving Hamas a few days to agree to a ceasefire, the conditions of which are unclear. Hamas’s position is that it’s willing to free all remaining Israeli captives in exchange for a permanent truce, but Israel has only entertained the idea of a temporary ceasefire. If Hamas doesn’t agree to the proposal, Israel will then begin annexing territory with Gaza. It will start by annexing the “buffer zone” it created along Gaza’s border with Israel and areas in northern Gaza that are adjacent to the Israeli cities of Sderot and Ashkelon, with the ultimate goal of annexing the entire Palestinian territory.
US Envoy Steve Witkoff Meets With Netanyahu in Israel Amid Stalled Gaza Ceasefire Talks - US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Thursday amid stalled Gaza ceasefire negotiations and as people are starving to death in the Palestinian territory due to the US-backed Israeli siege.Neither side released a statement on the meeting, but the two officials were expected to discuss the status of negotiations with Hamas, which both the US and Israel quit last week. Hamas said on Thursday that it was willing to restart talks if the humanitarian crisis was resolved.“Continuing negotiations while there is mass starvation empties them of content and meaning,” Hamas said, according to Haaretz. “The occupation [Israel] withdrew from talks last week without any justification.”An Israeli official told Hebrew media outlets that the US and Israel have reached an understanding that they should pursue a “comprehensive deal” to free all remaining Israeli captives rather than a “partial deal” that would involve only a temporary ceasefire. But the official said that communication has broken down with Hamas and that there is “no one to talk to on the other side.” Other Israeli reports say that Israel isthreatening to start annexing Gaza if Hamas doesn’t accept its terms for a deal.
Canada plans to recognize Palestinian state, raising allies' pressure on Israel (Reuters) - Canada plans to recognize the State of Palestine at a meeting of the United Nations in September, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Wednesday, ratcheting up pressure on Israel as starvation spreads in Gaza. The announcement came after France said last week it would recognize a Palestinian state and a day after Britain said it would recognize the state at September's U.N. General Assembly meeting if the fighting in Gaza, part of the Palestinian territories occupied by Israel, had not stopped by then. Carney told reporters that the reality on the ground, including starvation of people in Gaza, meant "the prospect of a Palestinian state is literally receding before our eyes." "Canada condemns the fact that the Israeli government has allowed a catastrophe to unfold in Gaza," he said. Carney said the planned recognition was based in part on repeated assurances from the Palestinian Authority, which represents the State of Palestine at the U.N., that it was reforming its governance and is willing to hold general elections in 2026 in which Hamas "can play no part." The announcements by some of Israel's closest allies reflect growing international outrage over Israel's restrictions on food and other aid to Gaza in its war against Hamas militants, and the dire humanitarian crisis there. A global hunger monitor has warned that a worst-case scenario of famine is unfolding in the enclave. The Gaza health ministry reported seven more hunger-related deaths on Wednesday, including a two-year-old girl with an existing health condition. The Hamas-run government media office in Gaza said the Israeli military killed at least 50 people within three hours on Wednesday as they tried to get food from U.N. aid trucks coming into the northern Gaza Strip. Israel and its closest ally, the U.S., both rejected Carney's statements. "The change in the position of the Canadian government at this time is a reward for Hamas and harms the efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and a framework for the release of the hostages," the Israeli foreign ministry said in a statement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made similar comments after the French and British announcements. A White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said President Donald Trump also sees recognition of the State of Palestine as wrongly "rewarding Hamas." U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff is due to travel to Israel on Thursday to discuss Gaza. Trump said this week he expected centers to be set up to feed more people in the enclave. The State of Palestine has been a non-member observer state of the U.N. General Assembly since 2012, recognized by more than three-quarters of the assembly's 193 member states. Jonathan Panikoff, former deputy U.S. national intelligence officer on the Middle East, said recognition of Palestine is intended "to increase pressure on Israel to compel it to return to a two-state paradigm." But he said Canada's announcement is "unlikely to be anything more than symbolic and risks undermining their relationship with a longtime ally in Israel." French President Emmanuel Macron, who spoke with Carney before Canada's announcement, said the recognition of Palestine will "revive a prospect of peace in the region."
Trump Threatens Trade Deal With Canada Over Its Plan To Recognize a Palestinian State - President Trump has said it would be “very hard” to reach a trade deal with Canada if it recognizes a Palestinian state, suggesting the US’s trade relationship with its neighbor to the north hinges on its stance toward Israel.“Wow! Canada has just announced that it is backing statehood for Palestine,” Trump wrote on Truth Social early Thursday morning. “That will make it very hard for us to make a Trade Deal with them. Oh’ Canada!!!”The post came after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada would recognize a Palestinian state in September if the Palestinian Authority agrees to certain commitments.“Preserving a two-state solution means standing with all people who choose peace over violence or terrorism, and honoring their innate desire for the peaceful co-existence of Israeli and Palestinian states as the only roadmap for a secure and prosperous future,” Carney said.Carney’s on Wednesday when asked about the UK’s plans.While the talking point from the US and Israel is that recognizing a Palestinian state, the Western countries would consider the PA the de facto governing body, and the PA has repeatedly called for Hamas to disarm and give up governance in Gaza. Despite the PA’s stance and President Trump’s previous favorable comments about PA President Mahmoud Abbas, the Trump administration is taking action against the body.The State Department announced on Thursday that it was imposing sanctions on PA and Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) officials over their support for the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) actions against Israel.
Trump Shows Strong Support for Israel as Palestinians in Gaza Starve to Death - President Trump has shown strong support for Israel in recent days, while much of the world has been outraged over the images of Palestinians who are starving to death due to the US-backed Israeli siege on Gaza.After the US and Israel quit ceasefire talks, Trump blamed the lack of progress on Hamas and suggested it was time for Israel to “finish the job” in Gaza. “I think they want to die, and it’s very, very bad,” Trump said on Friday, referring to Hamas.For its part, Hamas has said that it was surprised by the US and Israel quitting the truce talks and that it was committed to continuing the process until a deal was reached.In recent weeks, Trump has been claiming that a ceasefire deal was close, but now he is appearing to suggest that Israel should escalate its genocidal war. “They’re gonna have to fight, and they’re gonna have to clean it up. You’re gonna have to get rid of [Hamas],” he said.Israeli officials told Axios that they weren’t sure if Trump’s comments were a negotiating tactic or a “green light” for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to use even more extreme military measures. The report said the Trump administration was rethinking its Gaza strategy, but there’s no sign it’s considering putting pressure on Israel to reach a ceasefire.
Somalia: US Carries Out Airstrikes Against al-Shabaab, Conducts Raid Against ISIS Affiliate - US Africa Command announced on Saturday that its forces carried out airstrikes against al-Shabaab in southern Somalia and also conducted a raid against the ISIS affiliate in Somalia’s northeastern Puntland.Both operations took place on Friday, and AFRICOM shared virtually no details about the airstrikes or the ground raid. The US-backed Somali Defense Ministry announced on Friday that it repelled an al-Shabaab attack in Sabiib, a town in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region.The Defense Ministry said that it fought with Uganda’s military, which is operating in Somalia under the African Union’s AUSSOM mission. The ministry said four Somali soldiers and 18 al-Shabaab fighters were killed in the fighting, and it credited “aerial strikes” launched by an “international partner” for “inflicting heavy damage on al-Shabaab militants.”AFRICOM said in its press release that its forces carried out “airstrikes” near Sabiid, suggesting it launched more than one. Counting the attack as two airstrikes brings the total number of US airstrikes in Somalia this year to at least 53, putting the Trump administration well on track to break the annual record of 63, which President Trump set during his first term in 2019.AFP reported last week that US-backed Somali government forces had “melted” in the face of an al-Shabaab offensive and lost most of the territory it gained in 2022 and 2023. Despite the losses, the Trump administration has doubled down on the policy of propping up the increasingly unpopular Federal Government. In its press release on the raid in Puntland, AFRICOM said that it “conducted an operation against the ISIS-Somalia terrorist network in Somalia on July 25” and added that “specific details about units and assets will not be released to ensure continued operations security.”The US backs local forces in Puntland, who said in a post on X that the US captured the ISIS affiliate’s alleged finance chief, Abdiweli Mohamed Yusuf, along with two other people. The US has been launching a significant number of airstrikes against the ISIS affiliate in Puntland this year. While the US has been bombing Somalia at a record pace this year, the air war gains virtually no US media coverage.
Donald Trump reduces timeline for Russia to reach ceasefire or face consequences -President Trump told reporters he plans to shorten the timeline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine to within the next two weeks based on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s continued attacks on Ukrainian cities. Trump had said July 14 that Russia would face additional sanctions and tariffs if it did not stop fighting in Ukraine within 50 days, putting the deadline at Sept. 2. But Monday, the president indicated he would push up that time frame to early August. “We thought we had that settled numerous times, and then President Putin goes out and starts launching rockets into some city like Kyiv and kills a lot of people in a nursing home or whatever,” Trump said standing alongside British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. “You have bodies lying all over the street. And I say that’s not the way to do it. So we’ll see what happens with that. I’m very disappointed. I’m disappointed in President Putin. “I’m going to reduce that 50 days. I gave him to a lesser number, because I think I already know the answer what’s going to happen,” Trump added. During a sit-down conversation with Starmer later, the president said he would move up the timeline to initiate sanctions against Moscow to “about 10 or 12 days from today,” adding, “We just don’t see any progress being made.” The president earlier this month said the U.S. would impose “severe” tariffs on Russia if Moscow did not agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine in the next 50 days. Trump indicated he would impose a 100 percent “secondary” tariff, which would target other nations that do business with Russia, in a bid to further hurt the Russian economy.
Trump Says Russia Now Has '10 or 12 Day' Deadline To End Ukraine War - President Trump said on Monday that he was giving Russia a new deadline of “10 or 12 days” to end the war in Ukraine and said he was no longer interested in speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin.“I’m going to make a new deadline of about 10 — 10 or 12 days from today,” Trump told reporters while meeting British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Scotland. “There’s no reason in waiting. … We just don’t see any progress being made.”On July 14, Trump said Russia had 50 days to end the war, putting the deadline on September 2. At the time, he threatened to impose 100% tariffs on Russia and its major trading partners. The implication is that the US could impose significant tariffs on China and India, which would have a significant impact on the US and global economy.“So what I’m doing is we’re going to do secondary sanctions, unless we make a deal, and we might make a deal, I don’t know,” the president said on Monday. Russia has made clear that it’s committed to achieving its war goals despite the ultimatum from Trump and that it wouldn’t settle for a peace deal that doesn’t address its core demands, which include the recognition of the four oblasts Moscow annexed in 2022 as Russian territory and Ukrainian neutrality.Ukrainian leadership has also made clear that it won’t concede to Russia’s territorial demands as long as the US and NATO continue supporting the war. Last week, the Trump administration approved a series of potential arms deals for Ukraine, and he recently announced a plan for NATO countries to purchase more US weapons to fuel the proxy war.While Trump has continued supporting Ukraine, he has broken from the Biden administration’s policy of cutting off virtually all high-level contact with Russia and has held several calls with Putin. However, Trump suggested that the communication with Russia’s president might not continue.“I’m not so interested in talking anymore,” Trump said Monday. “He talks. We have such nice conversations, such respectful and nice conversations, and then people die the following night in a — with a missile going into a town.”
US Tells UN That Trump Wants a Deal To End Ukraine War by August 8 - The US has told the UN Security Council that President Trump wants a deal to be reached to end the war in Ukraine by August 8, as the US leader is threatening to impose tariffs and sanctions targeting Russia and its trading partners.“Both Russia and Ukraine must negotiate a ceasefire and durable peace. It is time to make a deal. President Trump has made clear this must be done by August 8. The United States is prepared to implement additional measures to secure peace,” US diplomat John Kelley told the UN Security Council, according toReuters.The message to the UN came after President Trump said earlier this week that he was shortening his original deadline and that he wanted a deal within “10 or 12 days.” The president initially said he wanted the war to end in 50 days, a deadline that would have fallen on September 2.Trump has previously threatened to hit Russia’s trading partners with 100% tariffs, and a bill in the Senate that has 84 co-sponsors would add 500% tariffs on any country that “knowingly engages in the exchange of Russian-origin uranium and petroleum products.” Either step would have a significant impact on the US and global economy since China and India are major buyers of Russian oil.Trump said on Thursday that he would impose 25% tariffs on India and another unspecified “penalty,” a step he said was being taken in response to India’s own trade barriers and its trade relationship with Russia, though he signaled the tariffs could change as Washington and New Delhi engage in negotiations.For its part, Russia has made clear that it’s not fazed by Trump’s ultimatum and that it’s willing to continue the war until it achieves its goals. Russia and Ukraine are also extremely far apart on their conditions for a peace deal, making Trump’s deadline for an agreement unrealistic.
Trump Envoy Says This Time Oil Sanctions On Russia Will 'Bite' Keith Kellogg, Trump's special envoy to Russia and Ukraine, has freshly warned in newly published comments that oil sanctions will have a serious and hard-hitting economic impact if properly enforced - though they haven't been up till now, he suggested. His prediction comes after President Trump's announcement early this week that he would shorten Russia’s deadline to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine down to ten days from the previous 50. "We haven’t really applied full pressure on the oil sector yet," Kellogg said on The Record With Greta Van Susteren. "Russia’s a petrostate, exporting around 7 million barrels of oil daily, much of it through what’s called the ‘dark fleet,’" he continued. Noting that India and China remain Russia's two biggest oil customers, he described that the revenue from these exports helps finance the war in Ukraine and fund "huge bonuses" for soldiers being recruited as Russia expends manpower in a war of attrition. The proposed sanctions, including 100% tariff on countries purchasing Russian oil, will "start to bite"... "If that happens—and if Russian oligarchs start seeing the effects, especially with Russian sovereign assets largely held in Belgium—Putin will start feeling the pressure not just from within his military, but also from the oligarchs and internally," Kellogg said. He gaged the current level of sanctions as moderate, rating them at about "six out of ten" while admitting that enforcement remains weak, which he put at a "three out of ten." Kellog called for strengthening enforcement if Washington hopes to make the sanctions more effective. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has shrugged off these new threats and Trump's revised timeline, which is clearly aimed at drastically ratcheting the pressure on Moscow.
US Senate committee backs more Ukraine funding, following Trump shift on aid (Reuters) - A powerful U.S. Senate committee approved a military spending bill on Thursday that includes about $1 billion to support Ukraine, despite President Donald Trump's administration having asked Congress to eliminate such funding in its budget request. The Republican-led Senate Appropriations Committee approved $852 billion for the Department of Defense in the fiscal year ending on Sept. 30, 2026, which is $21.7 billion, or 2.6%, more than the Republican president requested earlier this year. The committee voted 26-3 to send the spending measure for a vote in the full Senate, with strong support from both Democrats and Trump's fellow Republicans. "Not only the prior administration, but this administration as well, have underestimated the level of challenge that we have," said Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, who chairs the panel's defense subcommittee. The bill includes $800 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), and $225 million for the Baltic Security Initiative, much of which ends up supporting Ukraine in its war against Russia's invasion. "I would say support for Ukraine is a billion dollars," Senator Chris Coons of Delaware, the defense spending subcommittee's top Democrat, told reporters at a briefing ahead of the Appropriations Committee meeting. Trump's budget request, and the defense appropriations bill passed by the House of Representatives earlier this year, did not include any funding for the USAI, under which the U.S. provides funds for purchases of equipment for Ukraine. However, many Republicans in Congress, particularly in the Senate, backed support for Ukraine even before Russia launched its full-scale invasion in early 2022. Some have expressed frustration with Trump's administration for deciding repeatedly to halt shipments of weapons for Ukraine, and failing to brief members of Congress who authorized the shipments. Senate aides from both parties said they had asked the administration for an accounting of which weapons were being sent, now that shipments have resumed, but had not received the information. Separately, Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Democrat Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, both members of the Appropriations committee, said on Thursday they introduced a bill that would provide $54.6 billion in aid to Ukraine over the next two years. Despite being bipartisan, the Murkowski-Shaheen bill faces a stiff struggle to become law. Congress last passed a major aid package for Ukraine - $61 billion - in April 2024, when Democrat Joe Biden was still president and his fellow Democrats had a slim majority in the Senate. Trump's Republicans now control the Senate, House of Representatives and White House. Trump himself recently has grown more frustrated with Moscow's refusal to agree to a ceasefire. He has recently announced deadlines for Russia to show progress toward ending the war or face new sanctions - despite in the past speaking about having a good relationship with Putin. To become law, the appropriations bill must pass the full Senate and then be reconciled with the House of Representatives bill, which adhered to the Trump administration's $831.5 billion Pentagon spending request and did not include Ukraine aid. After that, it would be sent to the White House for Trump to sign into law or veto.
Zelensky Says US, Ukraine Agreed to ‘Large-Scale’ Arms Deal - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Kiev has inked a major arms agreement with the US. “Today, I also agreed on the main principles of our agreements with America, Ukraine – the United States, on arms,” he stated in his nightly address on Wednesday. “Large-scale agreements, I talked about them with President Trump, and I very, very much hope that we will be able to implement all of this. This will definitely strengthen both of our countries, and therefore – our allies, our partners.” Zelensky did not provide details on what arms will be sold to Ukraine or how Kiev would pay for the weapons. Ukraine has relied on the largesse of the US and its NATO allies to fund its government and arm its troops. However, President Donald Trump has been critical of the Joe Biden administration’s policy of transferring arms to Ukraine for free. Since Trump returned to office, Washington, Kiev, and NATO have developed multiple schemes to keep arms to Ukraine flowing without the US paying for the arms with military assistance. NATO has agreed to buy billions in American arms for Ukraine. Additionally, Trump and Zelensky signed a minerals deal that would see the US sell weapons to Ukraine, funded by profits from sales of Ukrainian natural resources. Last week, the Trump administration approved a series of arms sales to Ukraine totaling $650 million. It is unclear if those sales are part of the “large-scale” deals discussed by Zelensky. Zelensky restated that Kiev’s goal remains to force Moscow to end the war. “Right now we need to act to force Russia to peace. Yes, Moscow wants to continue fighting. But the whole issue is in the potential, the whole issue is in the resources for war, in money. That is why sanctions are useful. That is why pressure can work,” he said.
US, UK In Secret Talks With Ukrainian Officials To 'Replace Zelensky': Russian Intelligence Claims -Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has claimed in a new statement published by TASS state news agency that US and British officials recently met with senior Ukrainian figures in an undisclosed Alpine resort in Europe to discuss the possible replacement of President Volodymyr Zelensky.The meeting allegedly included top Ukrainian officials such as Andrey Yermak, head of the presidential office; Kirill Budanov, head of Ukraine’s military intelligence; and Valery Zaluzhny, the former commander-in-chief now serving as Ukraine’s ambassador to the UK.Given the high stature of these individuals, this is a massive claim, and it could be that Russian intelligence is is releasing such a report - even if unverified and/or possibly untrue - in order to sow discord, suspicion and paranoia within the Ukrainian presidency's office. But some recent independent reports in the West have also pointed to a key former top general being groomed as a potential successor.TASS reports that the Western representatives at the meeting proposed Valery Zaluzhny as Zelensky’s potential successor. He had long been Ukraine's most visible and celebrated general, as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine from 2021 until his controversial dismissal by Zelensky in 2024.His dismissal from the top command post over the armed forces to now serve as Ambassador of Ukraine to the United Kingdom waswidely seen as in effect a political exile of sorts.The SVR and state media are claiming further that Yermak and Budanov accepted the US-UK proposal, securing assurances that they would retain their current roles and have influence over future appointments if Zaluzhny took power.At the moment the European Union has made the unprecedented threat to cut off funding to Kiev, after Zelensky moved to undermine Ukraine’s anti-corruption institutions, which was formalized in a law Zelensky signed this month.President Trump has clearly been putting immense pressure on the Russian side after the latest round of failed talks in Istanbul, giving Putin just ten days to show serious progress toward negotiating peace - but could the same level of pressure now be on Zelensky behind the scenes?
Trump tells Russia’s Medvedev to ‘watch his words’ President Trump issued a warning early Thursday morning to former Russian President and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev after he criticized Trump’s foreign policy, telling him to “watch his words.” “I don’t care what India does with Russia,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care. We have done very little business with India, their Tariffs are too high, among the highest in the World.” “Likewise, Russia and the USA do almost no business together. Let’s keep it that way, and tell Medvedev, the failed former President of Russia, who thinks he’s still President, to watch his words. He’s entering very dangerous territory!” the president added. Since returning to office in January, Trump and his administration have pushed for an end to the more than three-year war between Russia and Ukraine, without much success. At times, the president has aired frustration with both sides over lack of progress on a ceasefire agreement, despite several rounds of peace talks.Earlier this month, he gave the two nations a 50-day deadline to reach a deal, threatening Russia and its allies, including India, with increased sanctions.Trump re-upped the push Wednesday, saying he would impose a 25 percent tariff on India as a penalty for purchasing Russian military equipment and gas. He also signaled he could shorten the timeline — which now falls in early September — for the Kremlin to agree to a peace deal and end its onslaught on Ukraine, which has largely been on board with ceasefire proposals. The president also said Monday, during a sit-down conversation with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Scotland, that he could start imposing sanctions on Russia in “about 10 or 12 days.” Medvedev, in response, knocked Trump for “playing the ultimatum game.” “Trump’s playing the ultimatum game with Russia: 50 days or 10… He should remember 2 things: 1. Russia isn’t Israel or even Iran. 2. Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war,” Medvedev, deputy chair of Russia’s Security Council, wrote on the social platform X. “Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with his own country.” “Don’t go down the Sleepy Joe road!” he added, using Trump’s nickname for former President Biden.
Trump deploys nuclear submarines near Russia -President Trump said Friday the U.S. is positioning two nuclear submarines in “appropriate regions” near Russia, a move he blamed on threatening rhetoric from former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who remains a top Kremlin adviser. Trump cited in a Truth Social post what he called “highly provocative statements” from Medvedev and said the submarines were “just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that.” In a rhetorical tit for tat this week, Trump told Medvedev in a Truth Social post Thursday to “watch his words,” calling Russia and India “dead economies.” Medvedev responded with a Telegram post referencing the Soviet doomsday plan called the “dead hand” in which lower-level officials could trigger a nuclear response if its leaders were taken out. On Truth Social on Friday, Trump expressed hope that the matter would not escalate further, even as he repositioned nuclear assets closer to Russia.US and Japan Discuss Scenario for US Nuclear Weapons Use - The US and Japan have been discussing a potential scenario in which the US military would use nuclear weapons in the event of a conflict in East Asia, Kyodo News reported on July 26.Japan is the only country in the world that has suffered a nuclear attack when the US dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II, killing hundreds of thousands of civilians, but Tokyo is now considered to be under the US nuclear umbrella. The Kyodo report said the discussions on the use of US nuclear weapons were held as part of Washington and Tokyo’s “extended deterrence” talks, which began in 2010. The report said that as part of the talks in recent years, the two sides “have held multiple tabletop exercises to strategize a scenario in which a conflict broke out in East Asia and the United States is pressured to use nuclear weapons.”The discussions involved reviewing how to coordinate on a nuclear attack and how to deal with certain issues it will create, including the management of public opinion. The US has a mutual defense treaty with Japan, under which it has committed to defending Japanese territory if it comes under attack.Experts told The South China Morning Post that a stronger commitment regarding the US’s nuclear umbrella could ease some Japanese concerns about supporting the defense of Taiwan if it’s attacked by China. US officials have been pressing both Japan and Australia to make commitments on what they would do in the event of a war with China over Taiwan.The nuclear talks are also sure to anger China, which has expressed concern about the news. “As a country that has suffered nuclear bombings, Japan should have a deep understanding that nuclear war must not be fought,” Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Zhang Xiaogang said on Wednesday.Zhang added that there were elements in Japan who wanted to upgrade the US extended deterrence posture and are considering nuclear sharing, an arrangement the US has with several of its NATO allies. “This is an extremely dangerous trend,” he added.
Trump Says India Will Face 25% Tariffs and a 'Penalty' for Buying Russian Oil and Military Equipment - President Trump announced on Wednesday that he will be imposing 25% tariffs on India and an unspecified “penalty,” steps he said were being taken in response to New Delhi’s own trade barriers as well as its trade relationship with Russia.The announcement came after the president had been threatening to impose “secondary tariffs” on Russia’s trading partners if a deal wasn’t reached to end the war in Ukraine. On Monday, Trump said Russia had “10 or 12 days” to conclude the conflict, shortening a deadline that he had set earlier.“Remember, while India is our friend, we have, over the years, done relatively little business with them because their Tariffs are far too high, among the highest in the World, and they have the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary Trade Barriers of any Country,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Wednesday.“Also, they have always bought a vast majority of their military equipment from Russia, and are Russia’s largest buyer of ENERGY, along with China, at a time when everyone wants Russia to STOP THE KILLING IN UKRAINE — ALL THINGS NOT GOOD!” the president added.Trump said that the tariffs and the “penalty” will come into effect on August 1. He also told reporters that the US and India were currently in the middle of trade negotiations and suggested that the tariff rates could change.“They have one of the highest tariffs in the world. Now they’re willing to cut it very substantially, but we’ll see what happens. We’re talking to India now. We’ll see what happens,” he said.
Western Pressure On India Over Russia Already Backfired Even If It Partially Complies --It’s reshaping Indian policymakers’ views of the West and breeding resentment of their governments among its society... India’s former Permanent Representative to the UN Syed Akbaruddin recently published an informative opinion piece at NDTV titled “Tariff Blitz: Is India Becoming Collateral Damage In Someone Else's War?” The gist is that the West, via Trump’s threatened 100% sanctions on Russia’s trading partners upon the expiry of his deadline to Putin for a ceasefire in Ukraine and the EU via its new sanctions barring the import of processed Russian oil products from third countries, is putting undue pressure on India. They can’t defeat Russia on the battlefield by proxy, nor will they risk World War III by taking it on directly, so they’re going after its foreign trade partners in the hopes of eventually bankrupting the Kremlin. This is counterproductive though since their threatened sanctions could torpedo bilateral ties, push India closer to China and Russia (thus possibly reviving the RIC core of BRICS and the SCO), and spike global oil prices, which hitherto remained manageable due to India’s massive imports from Russia.Nevertheless, partial compliance is also possible due to the damage that Western sanctions could inflict on the Indian economy, so it can’t be ruled out that India might curtail its aforesaid imports and no longer export processed Russian oil products to the EU.Full compliance is unlikely though since India would risk ruining its ties with Russia, with all that could entail as was touched upon here, while reducing its economic growth rate through higher energy prices and thus offsetting its envisaged Great Power rise.Even in the scenario of partial compliance, however, Western pressure on India over Russia already backfired.Their coercive threats and the very real consequences for no compliance whatsoever, presuming that exceptions can be made for partial compliance, are reshaping Indian policymakers’ views of the West and breeding resentment of their governments among its society. The “good ‘ole days” of naively assuming that the West operated in good faith and was India’s true friend will never return.This is for the better from the perspective of India’s objective national interests since it’s more useful to have finally realized the truth than to keep having illusions about the West’s intentions and formulating policy based on that false perception. Conversely, this is for the worse from the perspective of the West’s hegemonic interests since their policymakers can no longer take for granted that India will naively go along with whatever they request and blindly trust its intentions. This new dynamic might lead to rivalry.To be clear, India’s envisaged Great Power rise doesn’t pose a systemic challenge to the West like China’s superpower trajectory does, nor is it “disruptive” like the restoration of Russia’s Great Power status has been. India consistently sought to facilitate the global systemic transition to multipolarity by serving as a bridge between East and West, which complements the West’s objective interests, albeit while undermining its subjective hegemonic ones that are responsible for many of the Global South’s troubles.Trying to subordinate India and then treating it as a rival when it doesn’t submit could therefore further destabilize this already chaotic transition, thus possibly leading to unforeseeable consequences that accelerate the decline of Western hegemony more than if the West treated India as an equal.Pressuring India even more and then punishing it for lack of full compliance with their demands will only hasten this outcome. It’s unlikely to succeed in getting India to submit to them so they should abandon this policy.
How Moscow Might Respond if Trump Stops Russian Oil to India - (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump’s demand on India to halt Russian oil imports could threaten billions in Russian revenues, prompt Moscow to retaliate by stopping a major U.S.-led oil pipeline and potentially lead to a new global supply crisis. India, the world’s third largest oil importer, has become the biggest buyer of Russian oil since 2022, purchasing up to 2 million barrels per day of oil accounting for 2% of global supply. Other top buyers are China and Turkey. The Indian route is so important for the Kremlin that if disrupted it could prompt it to retaliate by closing the CPC pipeline from Kazakhstan, where U.S. oil majors Chevron and Exxon hold big stakes, analysts at JP Morgan said this week. “Russia is not without leverage,” the U.S. bank said. Trump has threatened to slap tariffs of up to 100% on countries that buy Russian oil unless Moscow reaches a peace deal with Ukraine by August 7-9. A 25% tariff on all U.S. goods imports from India starts on Friday. Reuters reported on Thursday that Indian state refineries had paused purchases of Russian oil this week amid Trump’s threats. India only began buying large quantities of oil from Russia, the world’s second largest oil exporter, since 2022. It became a top importer after Europe, Russia’s former top client, imposed a ban on Russian oil over its military actions in Ukraine. Russia’s oil giant Rosneft has a major stake in one of India’s biggest oil refineries. India is now 35% reliant on Russian oil imports worth $50.2 billion in the 2024-25 fiscal year, according to India’s government data. “Cutting off this flow would require a massive realignment of trade flows,” said Aldo Spanjer from BNP Paribas, adding that the global supply was already stretched. India buys all varieties and grades of Russian oil – including Urals from Western ports, ESPO and Sokol from the Pacific and some grades from the Arctic, according to LSEG data. Urals would be hit hardest if India stops buying as it purchases up to 70% of Russia’s biggest export grade by volume. India’s oil minister said the country can find alternative supply. India would need to raise imports of U.S. and Middle Eastern crude or cut refining runs, leading to a spike in diesel prices, especially in Europe, which imports fuel from India. “Indian refiners will still struggle to replace the heavy quality of Russian crude so they may end up paring runs,” said Neil Crosby from Sparta Commodities. Russia has managed to continue selling oil since 2022 despite international sanctions, although it sells it at discounts to global prices. Falling global prices mean Russia’s income is already under pressure. Its oil and gas revenue fell 33.7% year-on-year in June to its lowest since January 2023, finance ministry data showed. Revenues will fall 37% in July due to weaker global oil prices and a strong rouble, Reuters calculations show. Russian firms will need to store oil on tankers if India stops buying, paying extra money for shipping charges and being forced to offer wide discounts to new buyers, traders said. A loss of 2 million bpd of exports might also gradually prompt Russia to start reducing oil production from the current levels of 9 million bpd, traders said. Russia’s current production is regulated by OPEC+ quotas. Russia could potentially divert some 0.8 million bpd of oil to Egypt, Malaysia, Pakistan, Peru, Brunei, South Africa and Indonesia, JP Morgan said. Moscow could also disrupt the CPC pipeline to make sure the West feels the pain from higher oil prices. Western oil firms Exxon, Chevron, Shell, ENI and TotalEnergies ship up to 1 million bpd via CPC, which has total capacity of 1.7 million bpd. “If we get a visible and substantial difficulty in clearing Russian crude and Putin shuts off CPC, oil prices might get well over $80 per barrel, possibly a lot more,” said Crosby. The CPC pipeline crosses Russian territory and the consortium has clashed with Moscow, which ordered it to suspend operations for several days in 2022 and 2025 citing environmental and tanker regulations. A combined stoppage of CPC and Russian flows to India would create a disruption of 3.5 million bpd or 3.5% of global supply. “The Trump administration, like its predecessors, will likely find sanctioning the world’s second-largest oil exporter unfeasible without spiking oil prices,” JP Morgan said.
Democrats blast Lutnick for reversal of Nvidia chip sales to China -A group of congressional Democrats blasted the Trump administration’s decision to allow advanced computer chips made by Nvidia to be sold in China, in a set of letters sent to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. In a letter to Lutnick on Sunday, Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.) and Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.) said the administration was using export controls on semiconductors and advanced computer parts as a “bargaining chip,” a move they contended “risks eroding the credibility of our export controls regime, blurs the line between economic and security priorities, and sends a dangerous signal that critical guardrails are up for negotiation.” The White House announced in May that it would restrict sales to China of Nvidia’s H20 chip, widely used on AI models. But in mid-July, it changed course, with Lutnick telling CNBC the reversal was linked to a trade deal involving rare earth magnets. Administration officials including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent are in Stockholm this week for trade talks with China aimed at extending a shaky truce on tariffs between the two countries. Lutnick was not in Stockholm for the first day of the talks on Monday, Bloomberg reported. The letter from Krishnamoorthi and Meeks was followed by another message from a group of five Democratic senators to Lutnick on Monday, calling the administration’s position on semiconductors “extremely troubling.” “The PRC’s development of advanced Al capabilities represents a clear risk to the United States’ national and economic security,” the lawmakers, Sens. Mark Warner (D-Va.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.), wrote. “We urge you to swiftly reverse course on these ill-advised actions and protect American advantages across the compute stack.” The tussle over computing chips comes after the White House unveiled an artificial intelligence action plan last week aimed at scaling up American investments and innovation in the industry, with an eye on competing with China.*
Myanmar's Kachin State Is At The Center Of The Sino-US Scramble For Rare Earths | ZeroHedgeThe US seeks influence over this region that supplies much of neighboring China’s rare earth industry... Western media has published a spree of articles raising awareness of the important role that Myanmar’s Kachin State plays in the global rare earth minerals industry.The latest phase of that country’s long-running civil war, which is more complex than most Western and non-Western accounts alike make it seem as explained here in February 2024, has seen regional separatists take control of sites that produce roughly half of the world’s heavy rare earths. Here are five of those aforementioned reports about this:
- * 28 March: “Insight: Myanmar rebels disrupt China rare earth trade, sparking regional scramble”
- * 23 June: “How war-torn Myanmar plays a critical role in China’s rare earth dominance”
- * 8 July: “Exclusive: Why China's ultimatum to Myanmar rebels threatens global supply of heavy rare earths”
- * 11 July: “What to Know About the Rush for Rare Earth Metals in War-Torn Myanmar”
- * 18 July: “A Rebel Army Is Building a Rare-Earth Empire on China’s Border”
To summarize, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) is trying to expand control over its eponymous state, which threatens the ruling military authorities with whom they’ve been at war for decades. China has reportedly demanded that they halt their offensive otherwise it’ll curtail imports of their rare earths. This could in turn destabilize global supply chains if the KIA doesn’t comply and China carries through on its ultimatum since China has a near-monopoly on processing these resources.It's within this context that the US just lifted sanctions on some of the ruling junta’s allies. By alleviating some of the pressure that it placed upon them since they reassumed power over the country in early 2021 following disputed parliamentary elections several months prior, which sparked the latest round of what’s by far the world’s longest-running civil war, the US seems to be signaling interest in a deal. All pressure could possibly be removed if Myanmar (con)federalizes and gives the US influence over Kachin. Myanmar might be tempted to consider this seeing as how the armed forces have been on the backfoot for nearly the past two years. It’s also so concerned about becoming disproportionately dependent on China that it comprehensively expanded ties with Russia as a means of hedging against that scenario. An American-brokered political-resource deal might therefore keep the generals in power and lead to Myanmar diversifying its Chinese balancing act by having the US complement Russia’s role in this regard.
Trump, EU’s von der Leyen strike trade deal for 15 percent tariffs - President Trump and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen announced a trade deal on Sunday, setting tariffs at 15 percent for European goods, including automobiles. The European Union will purchase $750 billion worth of energy from the U.S. as part of the deal, Trump announced, and agreed to invest in the U.S. $600 billion more than the current investments for other goods. The agreement is lower than the 30 percent tariff Trump had threatened to impose on the EU, which would have begun on Aug. 1, and avoids a trade war with the U.S.’s largest trading partner. Trump and von der Leyen both touted the enormity of the deal they had agreed to during a meeting at the president’s golf course in Turnberry, Scotland. “I think it’s the biggest deal ever made,” Trump said. “We have a trade deal between the two largest economies in the world. It’s a big deal, it’s a huge deal, it will bring stability, it will be predictability,” von der Leyen said. “It’s a good deal, it’s a tough deal.” When asked about concessions the U.S. made to reach the deal, von der Leyen acknowledged that there was an unbalanced trade relationship previously between the EU and the U.S., resulting in a deficit for the U.S. “We wanted to rebalance the trade relation and we wanted to do it in a way that trade goes on between the two of us across the Atlantic,” she said. Trump went into the meeting with von der Leyen saying he thought there was a 50-50 chance the two leaders could strike a deal on Sunday. “You’re known as a tough dealmaker and negotiator,” von der Leyen said before the meeting. “And fair,” Trump responded. “This is really the biggest trading partnership in the world so we should give it a shot,” Trump said. Trump similarly reached a deal with Japan on trade earlier this week, which would set a 15 percent tariff on Japanese goods. That is lower than the 25 percent tariff Trump had threatened to impose on Japan beginning Aug. 1.Also in that deal, Trump said that Japan would invest $550 billion in projects in the U.S. and would open its markets to U.S. automobiles, rice and other agricultural products.
Trump “steamroller” imposes tariff and trade deal on European Union -The European Union (EU) and the US administration have reached a deal on trade and tariffs after the European powers backed down in the face of Trump’s threat to impose a 30 percent tariff from the end of the week which would have devastated large sections of European industry. The character of the deal was summed up in the headline of a Financial Times (FT) article, “How the EU succumbed to Trump’s tariff steamroller.” Under the main terms of the agreement, announced after a meeting between Trump and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen at Trump’s Turnberry golf resort in Scotland yesterday, the EU will spend hundreds of billions of dollars on US energy products and weapons and be hit with a 15 percent tariff on European exports to the US. The only “concession” by the US appears to be that exports of Europeans cars would have a 15 percent tariff rather than the 25 percent previously announced. The sectoral levies of 50 percent on all imports of aluminium and steel would remain and not be reduced to the 15 percent level. Trump hailed the agreement as “probably the biggest deal ever reached in any capacity, trade or beyond trade.” He said the EU had agreed to spend an additional $750 billion on US energy products, invest $600 billion in the US and buy a “vast amount” of US military equipment worth “hundreds of billions of dollars.” Neither side has released the text of the agreement as has also been the case in earlier deals announced with Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam, and the agreement reached with the UK in May. Von der Leyen said the “deal creates certainty in uncertain times … for citizens and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic and the 15 percent tariff would apply to cars, pharmaceuticals and semi-conductors.” But far from certainty being created, doubts have already been raised about what exactly has been covered. Trump specifically stated that pharmaceuticals, on which he has proposed to impose a tariff as high as 200 percent, would not be included. Elaborating further in another news conference, von der Leyen said: “The EU agreed we have 15 percent for pharmaceuticals. Whatever decisions later—by the president of the US—that’s on a different sheet of paper.” She was referring to the investigation now being conducted by the Trump administration into whether increased tariffs should be imposed on pharmaceuticals and semi-conductors—two crucial areas for the EU—on “national security” grounds. Von der Leyen, who said the 15 percent was “the best we could get,” indicated that further concessions may be agreed to by the EU as the US would gain better access to the European market and address non-tariff barriers—a reference to regulations against which the US has railed. According to Trump: “We have the opening up of all of the European countries which I think I could say were essentially closed.” The EU, he declared, had agreed to open up to “trade at zero tariff.” The “deal” follows years of denunciations of the EU as a parasite on the US, which was ripping it off in some ways “worse than China” because of the US trade deficit with the bloc. In her remarks Von der Leyen acknowledged that the EU’s goods trade surplus with the US of around €200 billion last year had to be cut and “we have to rebalance it.” “With this deal we are securing access to our largest export market,” she said, while acknowledging that a 15 percent tariff would be a “challenge for some European industries.” The alternative, however, was an impost of 30 percent which would have had a major impact across the EU economy, already experiencing very low growth rates.
Belgium PM Bart De Wever relieved by but not celebrating US-EU trade deal - Belgium’s prime minister said Sunday that the trade deal announced between the United States and the European Union is a “moment of relief” but not worthy of celebration.In a post on the social platform X, Bart De Wever said he hopes President Trump will one day come to “embrace the value of free trade.” “As we await full details of the new EU–US trade agreement, one thing is clear: this is a moment of relief but not of celebration. Tariffs will increase in several areas and some key questions remain unresolved,” De Wever said. “I sincerely hope the United States will, in due course, turn away again from the delusion of protectionism and once again embrace the value of free trade – a cornerstone of shared prosperity,” he added. Trump and the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced the trade deal Sunday, setting tariffs at 15 percent for European goods, including automobiles. Up Next - 'Proud' Benzema calls time on international career with France The European Union will purchase $750 billion worth of energy from the U.S. as part of the deal, Trump announced, and agreed to invest in the U.S. $600 billion more than the current investments for other goods. Trump had threatened to impose a 30-percent tariff on goods from the EU, which would have begun Aug. 1, and the deal announced Sunday avoids a trade war with the U.S.’s largest trading partner. Still, the tariffs are higher than some European allies would have liked.
French PM slams Trump-EU trade deal as 'submission' - French Prime Minister François Bayrou is criticizing the trade deal struck by President Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as an act of “submission” by the European Union (EU). “It is a dark day when an alliance of free peoples, united to affirm their values and defend their interests, resolves to submission,” Bayrou said in a post on social platform X early Monday. The agreement sets tariffs at 15 percent for European imports, including automobiles. That’s lower than the 30 percent tariff Trump had threatened to impose on the EU but higher than some European officials would have liked to see — especially after decades of enjoying low single-digit tariffs for most exports to the U.S. As part of the deal, the EU pledged to purchase $750 billion worth of energy from the U.S. and agreed to invest in the U.S. by $600 billion more than the current investments for other goods. French President Emmanuel Macron has not commented publicly on the deal, but other French officials have joined Bayrou in attacking it as unbalanced. France’s deputy minister for European Affairs, Benjamin Haddad, said Europeans must “fight to continue seeking trade balance with the United States” and called for Europe to activate anti-coercion mechanism to tax U.S. digital services or exclude them from public agreements. “The current situation is not satisfactory and cannot be sustainable. The free trade that has brought shared prosperity to both sides of the Atlantic since the end of the Second World War is now rejected by the United States, which is choosing economic coercion and complete disregard for WTO rules. This is a structural change. We must quickly draw the consequences or risk fading away,” Haddad wrote in a post on X, referring to the World Trade Organization.
Trade deal between the EU and US: Another stage in an escalating trade war -The trade deal agreed to on Sunday by US President Donald Trump and European Union (EU) Commission President Ursula von der Leyen marks a further stage in an escalating trade war that is being waged on the backs of the working class and dragging the whole world into the abyss. A trade dispute has been raging between the US and the EU for months. Trump recently threatened to impose tariffs of 30 percent on imports from the EU worth €380 billion from August 1. The EU had agreed on a list of counter-tariffs on American goods worth €93 billion. To avoid a spiral of escalation, the EU has now made far-reaching concessions. The US will impose tariffs of 15 percent on most goods from the EU, while imports from the US into the EU will remain duty-free. The existing US tariff of 50 percent on European steel and aluminum will remain in place. Only a few goods will be exempt from the tariffs. According to von der Leyen, these include aircraft and aircraft parts, certain chemicals, generic medicines, agricultural products and critical raw materials. Exact details are not known, as the text of the agreement has not been published. It is also unclear whether pharmaceutical products, which account for a significant portion of European exports, will be subject to the 15 percent tariff or charged at a higher rate. The EU has also committed to importing $750 billion worth of energy from the US over the next three years, investing $600 billion in the US, and purchasing several hundred billion dollars worth of American weapons. However, it is unclear how this will be achieved, as the EU has neither the authority nor the means to do so and is dependent on individual member states and private investors. While Trump praised the agreement as “the biggest deal ever made” and von der Leyen claimed it would bring stability and planning security, European reactions ranged from cautious to angry. EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic, who helped negotiate the agreement, described it as “the best deal we could get under very difficult circumstances.” He said it was “better than a trade war with Europe.” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed the agreement, saying it had “succeeded in averting a trade conflict that would have hit the export-oriented German economy hard.” He specifically mentioned the German automotive industry, for which tariffs will fall from the current 27.5 percent to 15 percent. Although this is still six times as much as at the beginning of Trump’s term in office, it will not completely paralyze car exports. Nevertheless, Merz also admitted that “the German economy will suffer considerable damage as a result of these tariffs.” The consequences would not be limited to Germany and Europe; “the consequences of this trade policy will also be seen in America.” Against this backdrop, German business associations and media outlets openly criticized the deal. The Federation of German Industry (BDI) described the agreement as an “insufficient compromise” that sends “a fatal signal to the closely intertwined economies on both sides of the Atlantic.” The Chemical Industry Association (VCI) resignedly stated: “Those who expect a hurricane are grateful for a storm.” The Wirtschaftswoche magazine complained: “Brussels has allowed itself to be blackmailed and has bowed to Donald Trump’s arbitrariness.” It quoted the Greek general Pyrrhus: “Another such victory and I am lost.” The short-term economic consequences of the deal may still be manageable, but “the real costs of this trade appeasement will be felt later.” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni viewed the agreement positively because it avoids “a trade escalation between Europe and the US with unpredictable and potentially devastating consequences.” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also supported the trade agreement but “without any enthusiasm.” In France, on the other hand, all parties from right to left railed against the agreement. Prime Minister François Bayrou commented on the consequences for the EU on X, saying, “It is a dark day when an alliance of free peoples, who have come together to affirm their values and defend their interests, resigns itself to submission.” Marine Le Pen of the far-right Rassemblement National described the agreement as a “political, economic and moral fiasco.” And Jean-Luc Mélenchon of the pseudo-left La France Insoumise wrote: “Everything has been ceded to Trump, along with the right to change the rules of the game that have been established over 75 years of bilateral relations.” The only alternatives available, he said, were “disobedience to the empire” [the US] and “non-alignment.” Contrary to the hopes of its supporters, the agreement between Trump and von der Leyen will not slow down the trade conflict with the US. This is not only due to Trump’s capriciousness, someone who can change his position at any time, but also to the deep crisis of US and world capitalism. As in the First and Second World Wars, the struggle of the imperialist powers for raw materials, markets and profits is once again taking on increasingly extortionate, destructive and military forms. Trump is not the cause but the consequence of this development. The rise of the fascist-minded gangster from the real estate and casino industry to the top of the American state is a consequence of the rottenness of US and world capitalism—the unbridgeable gap between the ruling oligarchs and the masses of the population, the subordination of all social needs to the profit interests of a parasitic minority.
COMMENTARY: EU’s Pledge for $250 billion of US energy Imports is Delusional - There are strong echoes of Donald Trump’s failed trade deal with China from his first term as U.S. president in the framework agreement reached with the European Union. Trump and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the deal for a 15% tariff on U.S. imports of EU goods at the U.S. leader’s golf course in Scotland on Sunday. But more important than the 15% tariff rate was the apparent commitment by the EU to massively ramp up energy imports from the United States. The agreement calls for EU imports of U.S. energy, which currently are mainly crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG), of $250 billion a year for three years. This is a delusional level of imports that the EU has virtually no chance of meeting, and one that U.S. producers would also struggle to supply. Even if the EU did manage somehow to boost its energy imports from the United States to the $250 billion a year mark, it would also prove massively disruptive for energy flows around the rest of the world. The numbers show the scale of the challenge. The 28 members of the EU imported 3.38 billion barrels of seaborne crude oil in 2024, according to data compiled by energy analysts Kpler. Assuming the 2025 volume stays the same and the price paid per barrel averages around $70, this means the EU will pay about $236.6 billion for its crude. The EU’s imports from the United States were 573 million barrels in 2024, which if replicated this year would be valued at around $40.1 billion. For LNG, the EU imported 82.68 million metric tons in 2024, which would have cost around $51.26 billion assuming an average price of around $12 per million British thermal units (mmBtu). Imports of the super-chilled fuel from the United States were 35.13 million tons in 2024, worth about $21.78 billion. The EU also buys coal from the United States, the bulk being higher-value metallurgical coal used to make steel. Total EU imports of metallurgical coal in 2024 were worth $6.72 billion, assuming an average price of $200 per ton, with those from the United States valued at $2.67 billion. Putting together the value of EU imports of U.S. crude oil, LNG and metallurgical coal gives a 2024 total of around $64.55 billion. This is about 26% of the $250 billion the EU is supposed to spend on U.S. energy a year under the framework agreement. If the EU did ramp up its imports of U.S. crude, LNG and metallurgical coal to $250 billion, it would account for 85% of its total spending on those energy commodities. The United States exported 1.45 billion barrels of crude in 2024, according to Kpler, which would be worth $101.5 billion at a price of $70 a barrel. U.S. shipments of LNG were 87.05 million tons in 2024, which would be worth about $54 billion at an average price of $12 per mmBtu. The U.S. exported 51.53 million tons of metallurgical coal in 2024, worth $10.3 billion at an average price of $200 a ton. Putting together the value of all three energy commodities gives a total of $165.8 billion, meaning that even if the EU bought the entire volume it would still fall well short of the $250 billion. The scale of the delusion probably exceeds what Trump and China agreed in their so-called Phase 1 trade deal in December 2019, under which China was supposed to buy $200 billion of additional U.S. energy by the end of 2021. The reality is that China never even came close to buying that level, and its imports of U.S. energy didn’t even reach what they were before Trump launched his first trade war in 2017. There are a few caveats when looking at the framework agreement between Trump and Von der Leyen. The first is that not all the details are known and the $250 billion of energy is also said to include nuclear fuel, although this will only be a small value even if included. The second is the deal will probably include refined fuels, with U.S. exports to the EU of products such as diesel, being almost 110 million barrels in 2024, worth about $10.9 billion assuming a price of $100 a barrel. But it’s still clear that the commitment to buy $250 billion in U.S. energy is completely unrealistic and unachievable. The smart people in the room must know this, begging the question as to why agree to what is obviously a ridiculous number? What happens when the inevitable failure is realised? Perhaps the EU is hoping for the same outcome as China did with the first trade war with Trump in 2019. Run down the clock, talk nice, and hope the next U.S. president is easier to deal with.
Lutnick says tariffs set in place Aug 1: ‘No extensions. No more grace periods.’ Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said on Sunday that President Trump would not grant any further extensions to countries wishing to negotiate trade deals ahead of the Aug. 1 deadline. “No extensions, no more grace periods. Aug. 1, the tariffs are set,” Lutnick said in an interview on “Fox News Sunday.” “They’ll go into place, customs will start collecting the money, and off we go,” Lutnick continued. Lutnick added, however, that the president would be open to continuing to negotiate even once the tariffs are in place. “Obviously after Aug. 1, people can still talk to President Trump,” Lutnick said. “I mean, he’s always willing to listen.” The president will also continue to talk to other countries before the Aug. 1 deadline, Lutnick added. “Whether they can make him happy is another question,” Lutnick said. “But the president’s definitely willing to negotiate and talk to the big economies for sure.” The interview came shortly before Trump announced a trade deal with the European Union, setting tariffs at 15 percent for European goods, including automobiles. The EU agreed to purchase $750 billion worth of energy from the U.S. as part of the deal, Trump announced on Sunday, and to invest in the U.S. $600 billion more than the current investments for other goods. The agreement is lower than the 30 percent tariff Trump had threatened to impose on the EU, which was set to take effect on Aug. 1, and avoids a trade war with the U.S.’s largest trading partner. Trump earlier this month posted letters to social media sent to more than a dozen countries vowing to impose steep tariffs on their imports starting Aug. 1.An initial round of tariffs unveiled in April was paused for 90 days to allow time for negotiations, and the president then pushed the deadline for the tariffs to take effect back by another few weeks — to Aug. 1.
Senator blasts discrepancies around Trump deals ahead of trade deadline - A top Senate Democrat is warning that confusion and discrepancies loom over President Donald Trump’s mineral deals with countries like Indonesia ahead of the White House’s Friday trade deadline.Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada in a letter to Trump’s top trade official on Thursday said Indonesian officials appear to be refuting White House assertions the country will raise restrictions on critical minerals, throwing into question the president’s assertions around his success in hammering out trade deals.The White House asserted in a fact sheet that Indonesia would lift a ban on mineral exports as a condition of $50 billion deal that Trump forged with the nation’s leaders. The announcement was significant given Indonesia is the world’s largest producer of nickel, a key ingredient in stainless steel, alloys and electric vehicle batteries. Today, the U.S. has just one operating nickel mine in Michigan. “Indonesian officials are now saying that they made no such commitment,” Cortez told U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
Trump is getting the world economy he wants — but the risk to growth could spoil his victory lap (AP) — President Donald Trump is getting his way with the world economy. Trading partners from the European Union to Japan to Vietnam appear to be acceding to the president’s demands to accept higher costs — in the form of high tariffs — for the privilege of selling their wares to the United States. For Trump, the agreements driven by a mix of threats and cajoling, are a fulfillment of a decades-long belief in protectionism and a massive gamble that it will pay off politically and economically with American consumers. On Sunday, the United States and the 27-member state European Union announced that they had reached a trade framework agreement: The EU agreed to accept 15% U.S. tariffs on most its goods, easing fears of a catastrophic trans-Atlantic trade war. There were also commitments by the EU to buy $750 billion in U.S. energy products and make $600 billion in new investments through 2028, according to the White House. “We just signed a very big trade deal, the biggest of them all,” Trump said Monday. But there’s no guarantee that Trump’s radical overhaul of U.S. trade policy will deliver the happy ending he’s promised. The framework agreement was exceedingly spare on details. Most trade deals require months and even years of painstaking negotiation that rise and fall on granular details. Financial markets, at first panicked by the president’s protectionist agenda, seem to have acquiesced to a world in which U.S. import taxes — tariffs — are at the highest rates they’ve been in roughly 90 years. Several billion in new revenues from his levies on foreign goods are pouring into the U.S. Treasury and could somewhat offset the massive tax cuts he signed into law on July 4. Outside economists say that high tariffs are still likely to raise prices for American consumers, dampen the Federal Reserve’s ability to lower interest rates and make the U.S. economy less efficient over time. Democrats say the middle class and poor will ultimately pay for the tariffs. To his closest aides, Trump’s use of tariffs has validated their trust in his skills as a negotiator and their belief that the economists who warned of downturns and inflation were wrong. Stocks dipped slightly in Monday afternoon trading, but they’ve more than recovered from the tariff-induced selloff in April.But the story is not over. For one thing, many of the details of Trump’s trade deals remain somewhat hazy and have not been captured in writing. The U.S. and Japan, for instance, have offered differing descriptions of Japan’s agreement to invest $550 billion in the United States.“The trade deals do seem to count as a qualified win for Trump, with other countries giving the U.S. favorable trade terms while accepting U.S. tariffs,” said Eswar Prasad, a Cornell University economist. “However, certain terms of the deals, such as other countries’ investments in the U.S., seem more promising in the abstract than they might prove in reality over time.”
Schumer blasts Trump’s EU deal: ‘It’s fake!’ Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) blasted the trade deal negotiated between the United States and the European Union over the weekend, calling it “fake.” The trade deal sets tariffs on European goods at 15 percent, half the rate that Trump had previously threatened on the continent. In exchange, the EU has pledged to buy $750 billion in American energy over the next three years. “Trump would have you believe it’s the biggest deal ever,” Schumer complained. “Europe has admitted that this agreement isn’t legally binding, and they have no control over whether these investments even happen.” While Europe is presumably avoiding a trade war with the U.S., several leading figures condemned the deal. French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou called Sunday a “dark day” in a post on X. Schumer compared the agreement to Trump’s deal with Japan, where the U.S. has imposed a 15 percent tariff in exchange for $550 billion in Japanese investments in American sectors. It is not clear what those exact investments would entail. The deal with Europe was reached days before Trump’s postured deadline of Aug. 1, when his threatened levies are generally scheduled to take place. American trade representatives have fanned across the globe to attempt to make deals with countries as the president has continued dialing tariffs up and down. Schumer was also among the Democratic senators who sent a letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick Monday criticizing the administration’s reversal on allowing certain high-powered computer chips to be sold to China.
Trump’s $750 Billion EU Energy Deal Collides With Market Reality - The European Union has promised President Trump a $750 billion shopping spree on American energy. Making good on that pledge will be a tall order. The energy deal is a centerpiece of the trade agreement reached between Washington and Brussels on Sunday, which puts baseline U.S. tariffs at 15% for most European goods. The EU has agreed to buy $250 billion worth of U.S. oil, gas and nuclear fuels per year for three years, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said. The commitment appears more aspirational than realistic, analysts said. Purchases of the agreed magnitude would require a major rearrangement of energy flows, and it isn’t clear whether U.S. companies could even export that much. Private companies, which constitute the majority of Europe’s energy importers, would also need to be persuaded to give priority to a political directive over market trends. “It’s a nice number but it’s just not realistic,” said Warren Patterson, head of commodities strategy at ING Bank. “You’d essentially have to divert all energy trade. That’s just not possible.” European officials said Monday that the plan to increase energy purchases isn’t legally binding and is based on amounts the bloc believes it can accommodate. Purchases would also depend in part on U.S. infrastructure capacities, they said. Europe learned the danger of relying on a single energy supplier when Russia—previously the continent’s largest energy supplier—invaded Ukraine in 2022. In response, the EU has worked to diversify its energy imports. It now sources oil and natural gas from an array of nations. The deal with Trump would essentially result in the EU “rotating from Russia to the U.S. as a key energy supplier,” Deutsche Bank analysts wrote in a note to clients Monday. The EU imported 376 billion euros, equivalent to $440 billion, worth of oil, natural gas and coal from various countries last year. Roughly €65 billion of that came from the U.S., according to Eurostat, the bloc’s statistics agency. Europe has already sharply increased its purchases of American energy. The U.S. was the EU’s largest oil supplier last year, with a 16% share of imports, according to data from Eurostat. The U.S. also provided almost half of the EU’s imported liquefied natural gas. Ramping up energy imports further to hit the $250 billion target might be a stretch. “Even if the EU were to buy the entirety of U.S. crude and LNG exports, the annual value of its purchases would total only $141 billion,” according to Gavekal Economics. It based its figures on current prices and the U.S.’s estimated year-end LNG export capacity.
Trump reaches comprehensive trade agreement with South Korea | Fox Business -President Trump announced Wednesday that the U.S. and South Korea have reached a comprehensive trade agreement, in which the East Asian country will invest $350 billion in American projects selected by Trump. South Korea, which has agreed to be "completely open" to trade with the U.S., will now face a reduced tariff of 15% on imported goods — down from the planned 25%, which would have gone into effect on Aug. 1, Trump said. "I am pleased to announce that the United States of America has agreed to a Full and Complete Trade Deal with the Republic of Korea," Trump said in a Truth Social post Wednesday. "The Deal is that South Korea will give to the United States $350 Billion Dollars for Investments owned and controlled by the United States, and selected by myself, as President." As part of the deal, the U.S. President said South Korea will also purchase $100 billion worth of liquefied natural gas (LNG) or other energy products. "Additionally, South Korea will purchase $100 Billion Dollars of LNG, or other Energy products and, further, South Korea has agreed to invest a large sum of money for their Investment purposes," Trump said. "This sum will be announced within the next two weeks when the President of South Korea, Lee Jae Myung, comes to the White House for a Bilateral Meeting." Newly elected South Korean President Lee Jae-myung speaks during a press conference at the presidential office on June 04, 2025 in Seoul, South Korea. (Ahn Young-Joon/Getty Images / Getty Images)In the Truth Social post, Trump congratulated South Korean President Lee Jae-myung on his recent election win. South Korean voters swung left in the presidential race last month, and conservative candidate Kim Moon-soo conceded defeat to liberal opponent Lee in the snap election."I would also like to congratulate the new President on his Electoral Success. It is also agreed that South Korea will be completely OPEN TO TRADE with the United States, and that they will accept American product including Cars and Trucks, Agriculture, etc," Trump said. "… I would like to thank the Trade Representatives who came forward today. It was an Honor to meet them, and talk about the Great Success of their Country!"
Trump Punishes Brazil With Sweeping Tariffs, Sanctions - Which Bolsonaro Hails As 'Not Revenge, But Justice' -In a huge move which the Brazilian government has blasted as rank political interference in its internal affairs, the Trump administration on Wednesday pulled the trigger on previously threatened sweeping tariffs on Brazil, and in addition sanctioned the judge overseeing the trial of Jair Bolsonaro, who has been accused of plotting a coup - and remains currently on trial - after rejecting the election results which brought President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to power. "Today, the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is sanctioning Brazilian Supreme Federal Court (STF) justice Alexandre de Moraes (de Moraes), who has used his position to authorize arbitrary pre-trial detentions and suppress freedom of expression," the US Treasury statement reads. "Alexandre de Moraes has taken it upon himself to be judge and jury in an unlawful witch hunt against US and Brazilian citizens and companies," said Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. "De Moraes is responsible for an oppressive campaign of censorship, arbitrary detentions that violate human rights, and politicized prosecutions—including against former President Jair Bolsonaro. Today’s action makes clear that Treasury will continue to hold accountable those who threaten U.S. interests and the freedoms of our citizens." It is quite significant that the Treasury statement openly names Bolsonaro as essentially subject of a political witch hunt. Trump himself has previously emphasized these precise words in several statements. The outspoken former president, who has long been dubbed by some regional media as 'the Brazilian Donald Trump' - has even lately been ordered by the court to wear an ankle monitor after declaring him a flight risk. Bolsonaro recently returned from what was essentially political exile in Florida, only to be detained and stand trial once to his home country. This action is very unique, given that compared to other tariffs recently introduced by Trump, these measures against Brazil are explicitly political, which puts the two countries' long positive trade relations in jeopardy. But Moraes is now in the spotlight, and pressure could build for Lula to made a political sacrifice and simply dismiss and make this all go away, to preserve economic status quo with the United States. The US has sought to present this as more than just political and in protection of Trump-ally Bolsonaro, however, as the Treasury also cited Brazil’s "unusual and extraordinary" actions as harmful to American businesses, free speech, and economic interests.
Trump unveils 50 percent tariffs on certain copper products -The Trump administration on Wednesday announced anticipated tariffs on copper, levying different duties on finished products versus refined copper.The White House in February announced an investigation into copper to lay the groundwork for potential tariffs on the metal.As a result of that process, the administration Wednesday announced it would impose a 50 percent tariff on “all imports of semi-finished copper products and intensive copper derivative products.” That will go into effect Aug. 1.The administration also announced a phased tariff on refined copper. The tariffs will begin in 2027 at 15 percent and increase to 30 percent in 2028.The White House cited findings that the United States’ dependency on foreign copper imports was a “national security vulnerability” that could lead to supply chain disruptions and economic instability.Copper prices declined on news of the new tariff plans.The Trump administration has targeted various sectors with tariffs, with the president arguing that imposing duties on foreign imports will lead to greater production domestically.The president had previously announced tariffs on steel and aluminum imports and has threatened tariffs on pharmaceuticals. He has also imposed a blanket tariff on all imports of 10 percent, with higher rates for certain countries.
US Copper Prices Crash Most On Record After Trump Confirms 50% Tariff Excludes Refined Products - U.S. copper futures crashed over 19% within minutes around 2:00 p.m. ET, marking the largest intraday drop on record, after the White House announced a 50% tariff on all semi-finished copper imports starting August 1. Largest daily decline on record! Traders were stunned when copper cathodes, the most widely imported and traded form of refined copper, were exempted from the new duties, triggering a vicious unwinding of bullish bets. The initial expectation had been that the tariffs would apply to all refined imports. Pre-2:00 p.m. ET, U.S. copper prices were trading at record highs. President Trump invoked the Defense Production Act, which allows his administration to direct industries to boost production of copper critical to national security. This means 25% of high-quality copper scrap and forms of raw copper must be made in the U.S. and sold domestically in 2027. That percentage would rise to 40% by the end of the decade. This move should be enough to boost domestic refining capacity while supporting U.S. refiners. Trump wrote in the order that the Commerce Secretary concluded copper imports threaten U.S. national security, citing overreliance on foreign sources, weakened domestic capacity, and global overproduction. The metal is critical to defense systems, infrastructure, and the broader industrial base, with no adequate substitutes.
Trump raises tariffs on Canada to 35 percent - President Trump announced Thursday that the U.S. would raise tariffs on certain Canadian goods from 25 percent to 35 percent beginning Friday. Goods that are covered under the 2020 United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement will be exempt from the tariff rate, the White House said. The White House announced the increase hours before higher tariff rates on several countries were set to go into effect. Canada is among the United States’s top trading partners. “Canada has failed to cooperate in curbing the ongoing flood of fentanyl and other illicit drugs, and it has retaliated against the United States for the president’s actions to address this unusual and extraordinary threat to the United States,” the White House said in a fact sheet. Trump earlier this year imposed a 25 percent tariff on Mexico and Canada, citing frustrations that the countries had not done enough to curb the flow of fentanyl into the United States. Experts have noted relatively little fentanyl crosses into the U.S. via the northern border compared with the southern border. The president earlier this month threatened to raise tariffs on Canada to 35 percent, again citing the fentanyl issue. Trump late Wednesday said Canada’s decision to recognize the Palestinian state complicated efforts to broker a trade agreement.
Trump announces new ‘reciprocal’ tariff rates -President Trump on Thursday announced tariff rates for dozens of countries that will take effect on Aug. 7, potentially upending the global trade system. Trump signed an executive order that modified tariff rates for dozens of countries after he had twice delayed plans to implement “reciprocal” tariffs on other nations. Tariff rates range from as high as 41 percent on goods from Syria to as low as 10 percent, which is the baseline established for all imports. “Some trading partners have agreed to, or are on the verge of agreeing to, meaningful trade and security commitments with the United States, thus signaling their sincere intentions to permanently remedy the trade barriers … and to align with the United States on economic and national security matters,” the executive order stated. “Other trading partners, despite having engaged in negotiations, have offered terms that, in my judgment, do not sufficiently address imbalances in our trading relationship or have failed to align sufficiently with the United States on economic and national-security matters,” the executive order continues. The executive order states that all imports will face a 10 percent tariff. The order goes into effect at 12:01 a.m., seven days after it is signed, which would fall on Aug. 7. Some nations have negotiated separate trade agreements to lock in tariff rates. For example, Indonesia and Thailand agreed to a 19 percent tariff, South Korea and Japan negotiated deals that included a 15 percent tariff and the United Kingdom struck a deal for a 10 percent tariff. Certain other nations that have not negotiated deals will face higher rates. Trump announced he was hitting Brazil with a 50 percent tariff, in part citing the country’s prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro over his efforts to remain in power after losing an election. Trump has also announced Canada will face a 35 percent tariff, citing frustrations with the flow of fentanyl into the United States. Other tariff rates established in Thursday’s executive order include Laos (40 percent), Switzerland (39 percent), Iraq (35 percent), South Africa (30 percent), India (25 percent), Algeria (30 percent), Moldova (25 percent) and Nicaragua (18 percent). Many other countries are facing a 15 percent tariff. The timing and severity of tariffs on other nations have been shifting targets since Trump took office, after vowing on the campaign trail to aggressively impose duties on imports. He has reportedly threatened tariffs on other nations, only to back off or delay their imposition. The president on April 2 announced “reciprocal” tariffs on dozens of other countries. But a week later, he lowered those rates to 10 percent for 90 days as markets reacted negatively, giving time for negotiations. The 90-day window was set to expire in early July, only for Trump to extend the deadline to Aug. 1.
Ford posts first quarterly loss in two years after $800 million tariff hit - Automotive giant Ford posted its first quarterly loss in two years on Wednesday after seeing $800 billion in tariff costs. Ford reported $50.2 billion in second-quarter revenue, a 5 percent increase from the second quarter of last year. The Dearborn, Mich., company reported a net loss of $36 million, stemming from “special charges related to a field service action and expenses related to a previously announced cancellation of an electric vehicle program.” Costs related to tariffs will run the company around $2 billion in annual earnings. Ford’s top executives are in touch with the White House to tamp down tariffs on steel and aluminum. They’ve made it clear that Ford as the most American automaker should not be disadvantaged,” Ford’s CFO Sherry House said on Wednesday, according to The Wall Street Journal. “We are optimistic.” President Trump slapped a 25 percent tariff on imported automobiles and parts in April. Since then, he has adjusted portions of the auto tariffs and reached a deal with the European Union, including a 15 percent tariff on cars. “We recorded our fourth consecutive quarter of year-over-year cost improvement, excluding the impact of tariffs, building on progress we made last year when we closed roughly $1.5 billion of our competitive cost gap in material cost,” House said.
Despite trade deals, the fallout from tariffs is just beginning -- With the Aug. 1 trade deadline at hand, deals with Japan and the European Union have been announced that give investors greater clarity on what President Trump is seeking from key trading partners. Trump agreed to lower Japan’s reciprocal tariff rate to 15 percent from 25 percent last week in return for a commitment by Japan to invest $550 billion into the U.S. and to open its market to U.S. goods. The European Union also agreed to 15 percent tariffs on most of its exports to the U.S., which was down from Trump’s prior threat of 30 percent. In return, the EU reportedly also agreed to purchase $750 billion in energy and to invest $600 billion in the U.S. on top of existing investments. While the framework for the two deals was similar, the reaction in Japan was more favorable than in Europe. The deal Japan struck was attractive because it meant Japanese carmakers would be subject to 15 percent tariffs instead of the 25 percent tariffs levied on cars and auto parts. Politico reports that the agreement is giving domestic automakers “heartburn,” because U.S. car manufactures have taken hits from duties on components they import from Mexico and Canada. In comparison, EU leaders were less enthusiastic about the deal they struck, and European stocks and the euro sold off on the news. As the editorial board of the Financial Times put it, “The world’s largest trading bloc may have dodged higher tariffs, but it has also rubber stamped the U.S. president’s new world order.” For the time being at least, investors appear comforted that the worst of the trade war is over, as trading partners have refrained from retaliating against U.S. actions. In this respect, it is playing out differently than during the Great Depression. That said, the tariff hikes being contemplated are the largest and most extensive since the 1930s. At an AI summit in Washington last week, Trump suggested he would not go below a 15 percent threshold as he sets reciprocal tariffs for the Aug. 1 deadline. Previously, 10 percent was the lower boundary. The latest estimate of the Yale Budget Lab model of the average effective U.S. tariff rate is approximately 17 percent, up from 2 percent at the start of this year.However, the Financial Times reports that the tariff rate based on actual trade is about one-half of the effective rate, because importers stockpiled goods ahead of the April 2 “Liberation Day” announcement.Meanwhile, there is an ongoing debate about who is paying for the tariffs.The Council of Economic Advisors has downplayed the effect of tariffs by claiming that import prices have dipped faster than overall goods prices since February. However, the U.S. import price index constructed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics measures the prices of imported goods as they cross U.S. borders, before tariffs or other taxes are applied.The Wall Street Journal reports that most of Trump’s tariffs are being picked up by corporate America. U.S. companies had held off passing the cost of the tariffs on to consumers by running down inventories that accumulated before the tariff hikes and by taking cost-saving measures. However, they will eventually have to raise prices to consumers to bolster profits.
Bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus requests meeting with Trump on immigration, debt - The Problem Solvers Caucus, a bipartisan coalition of House lawmakers that frequently works across the aisle, is requesting a meeting with President Trump to discuss immigration, permitting reform and the national debt. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) and Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.), the co-chairs of the caucus, sent a letter Monday to Trump, focusing on the trio issues after the faction earlier this year set up working groups to address those and more. Almost 50 lawmakers signed the request. “As the Co-Chairs of the Problem Solvers Caucus, we lead a bipartisan group of nearly 50 Members of the House of Representatives focused on finding common ground on the key issues facing our nation,” the pair wrote. “We meet regularly to discuss opportunities for bipartisan compromise and to develop legislation that both parties can agree on and vote for.” “In that spirit, we are writing to request a meeting with you to discuss three issues where we see both the opportunity and the need for comprehensive bipartisan solutions: immigration, permitting reform, and the national debt,” they added. The request for a meeting comes after Republicans on Capitol Hill passed their “big, beautiful bill,” which contained many of Trump’s domestic priorities. It extended the 2017 Trump tax cuts, did away with some taxes on tips and social security, approved $150 billion for the border and rolled back some green-energy tax credits, among other priorities. To pay for the package, lawmakers made deep cuts to Medicaid.The measure is estimated to add $3.4 trillion to the deficit over the next decade, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Fitzpatrick, who represents a purple district, was one of two Republicans — along with Rep. Thomas Massie (Ky.) — to vote against the legislation. On the issue of the debt, the Problem Solvers Caucus is proposing creating a bipartisan, bicameral fiscal commission that would work “to develop a plan to stabilize our nation’s finances.” The co-chairs said “cutting wasteful spending is a start,” but more has to be done. “[W]e will need to take a comprehensive look at both sides of the balance sheet — spending and revenue — in order to solve this problem,” they wrote. On immigration, the letter praised Trump for decreasing the number of illegal border crossings to an historic low — “We thank you for restoring order to the border, and we believe you deserve credit for delivering on this campaign promise” — but the group is calling for bipartisan legislation to continue addressing the situation at the border. “But there is still more work to do,” the co-chairs wrote. “It will take bipartisan legislation to permanently secure the border, fix the overwhelmed asylum system, and ensure that essential workers in fields like agriculture, healthcare, and hospitality can continue to contribute to our economy. We all agree the immigration system is broken — let’s work together to find a lasting solution.”
Third court blocks Donald Trump birthright citizenship order nationwide after Supreme Court decision --A third court ruled Friday that President Trump’s birthright citizenship executive order cannot go into effect across the country, following the Supreme Court’s decision last month clawing back nationwide injunctions. U.S. District Judge Leo Sorokin, an appointee of former President Obama, found that the nationwide injunction he granted to more than a dozen states remains in effect because “no workable, narrower alternative” would provide the plaintiffs full relief — an exception laid out in the Supreme Court’s ruling. “Despite the defendants’ chosen path, the Court — aided substantially by the plaintiffs’ meticulous factual and legal submissions — undertook the review required of it by CASA and considered anew whether its original order swept too broadly,” Sorokin wrote in a 23-page opinion, referencing the high court decision.“After careful consideration of the law and the facts, the Court answers that question in the negative,” he said.Sorokin’s decision follows rulings by another district court and an appellate panel of judges that also allowed blocks on Trump’s order to remain in place for states. The president’s directive would deny citizenship to children born in the country who don’t have at least one parent with permanent legal status. Each court to weigh in on the legality of the order has so far deemed it unconstitutional. But in June, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 to curtail the ability of federal judges to issue nationwide injunctions, which allow relief for anyone in the country as opposed to only the parties suing.
Justice Department files formal complaint against Judge Boasberg --- The Justice Department filed a formal complaint on Monday, accusing U.S. District Judge James Boasberg of misconduct and demanding that he be removed from a high-profile deportation case and face reprimand. Boasberg has long faced the ire of President Trump, who at one point called for Boasberg’s impeachment over his handling of the case. But Monday’s letter escalates tensions with Trump’s Justice Department, which newly demands Boasberg be investigated and referred for appropriate discipline. “Judge Boasberg’s actions have harmed the integrity and public confidence in the integrity of the judiciary,” Justice Department Chief of Staff Chad Mizelle wrote in the five-page complaint, which was obtained by The Hill. The complaint centers on comments Boasberg reportedly made to fellow judges at a March 11 meeting of the Judicial Conference, the federal judiciary’s policymaking arm. The Federalist, a conservative outlet, earlier this month reported that Boasberg said he was concerned “that the Administration would disregard rulings of federal courts leading to a constitutional crisis.” The Justice Department’s new complaint alleges Boasberg, an appointee of former President Obama, violated ethical obligations to promote public confidence in the integrity of the judiciary and refrain from public comments about matters pending in any court. “These comments have undermined the integrity of the judiciary, and we will not stand for that,” Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote on X.
Judges overseeing Trump cases speak out against threats - Federal judges presiding over major cases involving the Trump administration on Thursday denounced threats they’ve faced as tensions between the White House and judiciary continue to mount. U.S. District Judges John J. McConnell Jr. of the District of Rhode Island and John Coughenour of the Western District of Washington said during a virtual event that they have endured campaigns of harassment since taking on the prominent cases. The judges’ public remarks condemning the violent threats and intimidation they’ve faced are a rare occurrence, as sitting judges often remain mum amid criticism to avoid appearing biased. But the pair said the time had come to speak out, as the independence of the judiciary comes under increasing attacks. “We need a call to action in this country from our lawyers and from our judges to say, ‘Not in this country, not on our watch,’” Coughenour said. Coughenour in February indefinitely blocked President Trump’s executive order to restrict birthright citizenship, while McConnell in January blocked the administration’s federal aid freeze. McConnell said his court has received more than 400 “vile, threatening, horrible” voicemails since then. One stood out from them all. In that expletive-laden voicemail, an unnamed individual called for McConnell to be imprisoned and wished the judge would be assassinated. It said, “we’re going to come for him.” “I’ve been on the bench almost 15 years, and I must say, it’s the one time that actually shook my faith in the judicial system and the rule of law,” McConnell said, adding that he’s so far faced six credible death threats on top of other threats to him and his family. Coughenour said that he and his wife were swatted, causing law enforcement to show up at his home with weapons drawn after a local sheriff’s office received a call that he had murdered her. He said he would “endure” the threats and intimidation efforts because he signed up to be a judge but emphasized that his family did not, calling it “just wrong” that they’ve been targeted, as well. “It’s just been stunning to me how much damage has been done to the reputation of our judiciary because some political actors think that they can gain some advantage by attacking the independence of the judiciary and threatening the rule of law,” Coughenour said. It’s not just judges overseeing Trump administration cases who have received threats. U.S. District Judge Esther Salas, whose son, Daniel, was killed in 2020 by a lawyer who had once appeared before her, spurring her advocacy for better protections for judges, said at a legal forum last month that she’s tracked 408 threats against judges this year. On Thursday, Salas emotionally recounted how both federal and state judges have had pizzas they did not order delivered to their homes in Daniel’s name — an intimidation tactic meant to show that the judges’ home addresses are known to potentially bad actors. McConnell said he had received one such pizza, which ultimately spurred his decision to speak out. Another judge on the call, U.S. District Judge Robert Lasnik of the Western District of Washington, said he and two of his adult children who do not live with him also received pizzas in Daniel’s name after he spoke out against threats in news media. “Everything that Danny stands for is love and light, and to hear people using it as a weapon — weaponizing his name to inflict fear on Judge McConnell and Judge Laznik and Judge Lasnik’s kids,” Salas said, trailing off. Salas slammed “political leaders” for “fanning these flames” by attacking judges when they disagree with their rulings. Judges are used to being appealed to higher courts when parties think they’ve ruled incorrectly, she said, but the verbal attacks have gone too far. “ What they’re doing when they do that irresponsible rhetoric is they are inviting people to do us harm,” Salas said.
ICE Looking To Hire Personnel, Offers $50,000 Signing Bonus - The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has launched a recruitment drive to hire “brave and heroic Americans” for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to tackle illegal immigration, the DHS said in a July 29 statement.The “Defend the Homeland” recruitment initiative aims to hire individuals as federal law enforcement agents and remove “the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens from America’s streets,” the statement said. ICE is offering attractive incentives for new recruits, including signing bonuses of up to $50,000, student loan repayment and forgiveness options, overtime pay, and enhanced retirement benefits.As Naveen Athrappully reports for The Epoch Times, recruitment materials will be distributed across major college campuses, law enforcement networks, job fairs, and cities nationwide starting this week, DHS said. ICE encourages Americans with a commitment to upholding the rule of law to apply, it added.“Your country is calling you to serve at ICE. In the wake of the Biden administration’s failed immigration policies, your country needs dedicated men and women of ICE to get the worst of the worst criminals out of our country,” Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said in the statement.“This is a defining moment in our nation’s history. Your skills, your experience, and your courage have never been more essential. Together, we must defend the homeland.”At present, ICE employs more than 20,000 law enforcement and support personnel across more than 400 offices in the United States and globally.According to DHS, the ICE recruitment drive is backed by “significant new funding” from the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) Act that was signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 4. The OBBB Act has allocated $150 billion to support immigration enforcement.The Act allocated nearly $30 billion to ICE for hiring and training additional personnel, including signing and performance bonuses.
FEMA to send states $608 million to build migrant detention centers - The Federal Emergency Management Agency is preparing to send $608 million to states to construct immigrant detention centers as part of the Trump administration's push to expand capacity to hold migrants. FEMA is starting a "detention support grant program" to cover the cost of states building temporary facilities, according to an agency announcement. States have until August 8 to apply for the funds, according to the post. The Trump administration has been encouraging states to build their own facilities to detain migrants. This program provides a way for the administration to help states pay for it. The funds will be distributed by FEMA in partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, according to the post. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican, said on Friday morning that the state would apply for FEMA reimbursement to pay for its new immigrant detention center known as "Alligator Alcatraz." DHS officials said this summer the facility will cost an estimated $450 million annually. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has said DHS will tap FEMA's $650-million shelter and services program to fund Florida's facility. Congress during the Biden administration directed DHS to distribute the money to state and local governments to cover the cost of sheltering migrants. Nonprofits were also eligible. The funding stream was separate from money Congress set aside for FEMA to cover disaster relief. FEMA declined to answer a question from Reuters about whether Florida would receive money from the detention fund.
FEMA denying some funding after floods - A review of federal documents by The Hill shows that the administration denied such “hazard mitigation” funds to states after 16 out of 18 flood disasters during the Trump presidency, with both of the approvals coming before mid-March. After the deadly Independence Day floods, the administration declined to provide Texas with access to a tranche of FEMA funds aimed at heading off the next disaster — money intended to pay for things such as warning systems, tornado shelters and anti-flood measures. It’s not alone. In May, children in a Missouri elementary school sheltered from a tornado that shattered windows and ripped gutters off the building inside a safe room purchased with hazard mitigation money issued after the deadly 2011 Joplin tornado. Though the Trump administration approved Missouri’s disaster declaration, it refused the hazard mitigation funds the state requested to buy generators and more outdoor warning sirens, state officials told The Hill. Missouri is appealing that decision. In neighboring Oklahoma, the Biden administration had in November approved hazard mitigation funding for wildfires and straight-line winds. But even as those funds went out, more wildfires, driven by straight-line winds, were raging across the Sooner State. President Trump issued a disaster declaration on the last day of the weeklong emergency — but denied hazard mitigation funding. It was the first time in at least 15 years that Oklahoma wasn’t approved for requested hazard mitigation, according to state emergency management officials. This pivot — which breaks long-standing federal precedent — comes amid steep Trump cuts to FEMA, which he has also talked about eliminating entirely, as well as cuts to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the federal forecasting and research apparatus.
Democratic appropriators seek ruling on DOE spending - Two top Democratic appropriators are calling on the Government Accountability Office to issue a legal decision on the Department of Energy’s fiscal year 2025 spending. House Energy-Water Appropriations ranking member Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) and Senate Appropriations Vice Chair Patty Murray (D-Wash.) requested the decision on the department’s use of funds following the agency’s recent spending plan that showed sharp reductions for energy efficiency and renewable energy programs for the current fiscal year. Specifically, the pair requested that GAO examine whether DOE’s actions comply with the Purpose Statute — which says appropriations should be applied only to the objects for which the appropriations were made, except as otherwise provided by law — and the Antideficiency Act, which bars federal agencies from spending money in excess of available appropriations. “GAO decisions describe a nexus between Purpose Statute violations and the Antideficiency Act. We are concerned that DOE’s actions may not comply with either statute,” they wrote in a new letter shared with POLITICO.
What To Know About Trump's Executive Order On Homelessness -The Trump administration has made a move to address homelessness with an executive order to bring back facilities to house those with mental illness or drug addiction. President Donald Trump issued a July 24 executive order titled “Ending Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets.”The administration says that chronic homelessness is often fueled by addiction and mental illness, which has led to safety concerns in many cities.The White House stated that during the last administration, a record of more than 274,000 individuals were found to be experiencing homelessness.The order pushes local governments to redirect the homeless to “long-term institutional settings for humane treatment through the appropriate use of civil commitment.”Cabinet heads have been instructed to prioritize funding to cities that work to abolish open drug use and camping on the streets.Trump’s order tasks Attorney General Pam Bondi and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert Kennedy Jr. to seek the reversal of any policy at the federal, state, or local level that blocks the commitment of those with mental incapacity or addiction who are living on the streets to “appropriate facilities for appropriate periods of time.”The order also redirects funds to rehabilitation and treatment facilities, and attempts to “restore public order,” saying “endemic vagrancy, disorderly behavior, sudden confrontations, and violent attacks have made our cities unsafe.”Trump has called for a shift back toward long-term institutional care, saying that this is a more compassionate and safe solution for both the homeless and the individuals they interact with in U.S. cities.The order also directs federal resources toward grants and other programs to not only fund the facilities to house the homeless, but also to ensure grant money for substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery only funds “evidence-based programs.”Some critics of the order say the administration’s efforts would be counterproductive.The National Homelessness Law Center issued a statement the day the order was signed, saying it “deprives people of their basic rights and makes it harder to solve homelessness.”Areas of concern for the group include the expanded use of police and institutionalization as a response to homelessness, as well as the prioritization of funding for states to deal with homelessness as a crime. According to the group, the way the order is structured, it will also cut off funding for current programs that the group believes save lives and reduce harm. “Today’s executive order, combined with MAGA’s budget cuts for housing and healthcare, will increase the number of people forced to live in tents, in their cars, and on the streets,” the law center warned.“This order does nothing to lower the cost of housing or help people make ends meet.”The group said, “Forced treatment is unethical, ineffective, and illegal.”According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, the two current primary contributors to the homelessness crisis are the lack of affordable housing and limited government-funded housing assistance programs.
Trump to fire BLS commissioner after bad jobs report -President Trump said Friday he directed his team to fire the commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics following a dismal jobs report he blamed squarely on the appointee of former President Biden.Trump said on Truth Social that the commissioner, Erika McEntarfer, had “faked the Jobs Numbers” before the 2024 election in order to boost former Vice President Kamala Harris’s White House bid.He cited revisions both during the Biden administration of labor statistics that at the time boosted job numbers ahead of the election. The jobs report released Friday showed a significant downturn during Trump’s administration in May and June that showed the U.S. added 258,000 fewer jobs during those months than had initially been reported.“No one can be that wrong?” Trump said. “We need accurate Jobs Numbers. I have directed my Team to fire this Biden Political Appointee, IMMEDIATELY. She will be replaced with someone much more competent and qualified. Important numbers like this must be fair and accurate, they can’t be manipulated for political purposes.”McEntarfer was nominated by Biden in 2023 and confirmed by the Senate in 2024 as the 16th commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which is part of the Department of Labor.
Live updates: Trump responds to bad jobs report by firing BLS commissioner; Markets plunge - Stock markets plunged Friday after a weak jobs report and major downward revisions to May and June employment figures set off alarm bells about the direction of the U.S. economy. The U.S. added only 73,000 jobs in July and the unemployment rate stayed flat at 4.2 percent, according to data released Friday by the Labor Department. That was well below the expectations of economists, most of whom projected job gains of at least 100,000 in July. Job growth in May and June was also far lower than first reported, according to the Labor Department, which shaved 258,000 jobs off of its past two reports. The bad jobs news followed President Trump’s Thursday night announcement of higher tariff rates on dozens of nations that hadn’t yet agreed to trade deals with the U.S., hours before his suspended “reciprocal” tariffs were set to take effect Friday. Those new rates will take effect Aug. 7.In a separate executive order, Trump set Canada’s tariff rate at 35 percent, 10 points higher than he’d previously announced, which he said reflected the nation’s inability to control fentanyl at the border.The jobs report is giving Democrats a new line of attack to use against Trump ahead of next year’s midterm elections.Trump is set to travel to his Bedminster, N.J., home Friday, where he’ll reportedly host a fundraiser for MAGA Inc., the super PAC that supports him.
August 1, 2025: A Day that Will Live in Statistical Infamy - Menzie Chinn - As of 1:35PM CT today, the President has fired the Commissioner of Labor Statistics, within 6 hours of the latest employment release. So what all of feared about the safety of the independence of our economic statistical agencies has come to pass. We might as well delegate the employment numbers to Kevin Hassett at the NEC. From NBC: President Donald Trump on Friday ordered the firing of the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, hours after a stunning government report showed that hiring had slowed down significantly over the past three months.Taking to Truth Social, he attacked Erika McEntarfer, the commissioner of the BLS. He claimed that the country’s jobs reports “are being produced by Biden appointee” and ordered his administration to terminate her. Needless to say, his assertions that the numbers were manipulated are without merit. With no hint of irony, he wrote:“We need accurate Jobs Numbers,” … “She will be replaced with someone much more competent and qualified. Important numbers like this must be fair and accurate, they can’t be manipulated for political purposes.”At this rate, if a recession occurs within the next 3.5 years, we’ll not see a negative GDP print let alone employment print.And if you thought this was unimportant to you, remember BLS calculates the CPI used for Social Security COLAs, as well as the headline CPI used to calculate TIPS yields. Oh, also the inflation adjustments to the marginal tax rate thresholds…
Federal government paying 154K not to work: WaPo - The federal government is reportedly paying more than 154,000 employees not to report to work under the Trump administration’s deferred resignation program. Thousands have been receiving pay since June and will continue to be compensated until the end of fiscal 2025, according to a report from the The Washington Post. The outlet spoke with two Office of Personnel Management (OPM) officials under the condition of anonymity. The exact number of individual salaries being shelled out remains unknown. OPM spokesperson McLaurine Pinover told the Post that more than 150,000 employees were offered “a dignified and generous departure” from the federal government. “It also delivered incredible relief to the American taxpayer. No previous administration has gotten even close to saving American taxpayers this amount of money in such a short amount of time,” Pinover said in a statement. OPM and the White House did not immediately respond to The Hill’s request for comment on the matter. Democrats have openly slammed the deferred resignation program as a wasteful measure. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), ranking member on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs subcommittee for investigations, has called for a probe into the layoffs as part of a broader investigation into the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Trump's Medicaid cuts pose threat to caregivers, experts say --Medicaid cuts under President Trump’s sweeping tax and spending package will harm family caregivers, experts warn, by reducing access to health care for themselves and the people they care for, which could then lead to more caregiving responsibilities. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the package will reduce Medicaid spending by roughly $911 billion over the next 10 years and increase the number of uninsured Americans by up to 10 million Some of those who could lose coverage are among the 8 million — or 13 percent — of family caregivers in the United States who receive their health insurance coverage through Medicaid, according to the National Alliance of Caregiving. “We are very concerned of the impact of the just finalized Medicaid cuts on the community of family caregivers,” Jason Resendez, president and CEO of the alliance, said during a call with reporters earlier this week. Medicaid recipients will be subject to more frequent eligibility checks, in part, due to revised work requirements for the joint state and federal program. Now, adults between the ages of 19 and 64 will need to work or participate in community service activities for at least 80 hours a month to be eligible for health care coverage under Medicaid. There are some exceptions for parents with dependents as well as for those deemed “medically frail” or who are pregnant or postpartum, according to the health care policy nonprofit KFF. Many caregivers cannot work outside the home because of the intense care their family members need, or can only work limited hours, which can make fulfilling Medicaid work requirements difficult to impossible.
Judge orders Medicaid funding temporarily restored to all Planned Parenthood affiliates - A federal judge in Boston on Monday blocked the Trump administration from cutting funding to all Planned Parenthood affiliates as part of the GOP’s new tax cut and health law. The ruling by U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani expands on a decision last week, when she issued a preliminary injunction restoring Medicaid funding for only 10 Planned Parenthood affiliates. “Patients are likely to suffer adverse health consequences where care is disrupted or unavailable,” Talwani wrote in her Monday order. “In particular, restricting Members’ ability to provide healthcare services threatens an increase in unintended pregnancies and attendant complications because of reduced access to effective contraceptives, and an increase in undiagnosed and untreated STIs.” Planned Parenthood Federation of America, which advocates for abortion rights and does not provide medical care, sued on behalf of all of its 47 regional affiliates, along with its Utah and Massachusetts chapters. The lawsuit contests a provision in the new law that imposes a one-year ban on state Medicaid payments to health care nonprofits that also offer abortions and received more than $800,000 in federal funding in 2023. Talwani’s ruling last week was narrow. The injunction applied only to affiliates in states where abortion is illegal, and to ones that did not exceed the $800,000 revenue threshold. “A preliminary injunction maintains Planned Parenthood Members’ ability to seek Medicaid reimbursements — and maintain their status quo level of service to patients,” Talwani wrote Monday. “We strongly disagree with the court’s decision. States should not be forced to fund organizations that have chosen political advocacy over patient care. This ruling undermines state flexibility and disregards longstanding concerns about accountability,” Health and Human Services spokesperson Andrew Nixon said in a statement to The Hill.
USDA defends secretive rollout of reorganization plan - The Department of Agriculture deliberately kept lawmakers in the dark about its plan to reorganize the agency for fear the information would leak out if shared with their offices, Deputy Agriculture Secretary Stephen Vaden told a Senate committee Wednesday. Vaden, the USDA’s No. 2 official behind Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, said at a Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee hearing that officials took the secretive approach out of “common courtesy and respect” to the department’s nearly 100,000 employees whom officials wanted to inform first about the sweeping plan. “There was a thought to that,” Vaden said, responding to complaints from Democrats and Republicans alike about the lack of prior consultation with Congress. “The employees are the ones who are most directly affected by the secretary’s decision,” Vaden said. “They should hear that decision from the secretary first, and not from a leak that originated from somewhere else.” The surprise nature of the reorganization announced last Thursday was a flash point at the hearing, where a few Republicans joined Democrats in expressing displeasure that the Trump administration didn’t involve them in the decision. Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry ranking member Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) said the committee learned of the plan just minutes before it was announced. Vaden’s assertion that concern for employees was the top priority fell flat with the American Federation of Government Employees, which represents USDA workers. The department didn’t consult in advance with labor representatives either, although consultation is required by federal law when an agency seeks to reorganize and relocate workers, said an AFGE spokesperson, Tim Kauffman. The USDA plan includes relocating about 2,600 of the agency’s 4,600 Washington-area employees to five regional hubs to be created from North Carolina to Utah. “The heart of USDA is in the field,” Vaden said, noting that 90 percent of agency workers are already located away from the nation’s capital.
NIH: The quiet engine of science is being dismantled yourlocalepidemiologi Years ago, when I was a professor, I studied how violence spreads through communities (much like infectious diseases) and how to interrupt the spread. My research was funded through federal grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Several federal grants supported my research on the mental health of police officers—people who routinely witness traumatic events that affect not just their well-being (think PTSD), but also how they engage with the communities they serve. Like many researchers, I became involved in this work because it held personal significance for me. My husband was a police officer.The officers we worked with—many of whom are MAGA supporters (and our dear friends!)—weren’t passive subjects. They were collaborators. They opened their doors, welcomed us into their stations, shared coffee, and helped us ask and answer hard questions. Together, we eventually co-developed solutions that became policy across departments! The same grant that funded this work also supported the training of PhD students, many of whom continue this work today, grounded in relationships they built with officers years ago.This is the power of public research. When done well, it doesn’t just answer questions; it builds community, capacity, and long-term change for a healthier future.I’ve been thinking about that project a lot lately. If it were up for funding this year, it would’ve been discontinued due to executive orders. Not one of those officers, regardless of political leaning, would have been okay with it because it was their project, too. However, those officers never really knew NIH/NIOSH was the invisible engine behind the magic.In just six months, more than 5,500 research projects have been halted. That’s 5,500 unanswered questions. Thousands of communities left behind. Researchers stuck in limbo. And a generation of training lost.All of this is happening quietly, strategically, and politically. But we in science and public institutions must also own our part: We haven’t done enough to make this work visible to the people it impacts. This invisibility has consequences. Because when people don’t see science working for them, it becomes easy to tear it down.The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the world’s largest public funder of research. It’s not one agency but a collection of 27 institutes and centers, each focused on specific areas like cancer (NCI), infectious diseases (NIAID), aging (NIA), and mental health (NIMH). NIH isn’t the only research engine in the United States (for example, there’s also the National Science Foundation ht funds NASA), but NIH is by far the biggest.Getting a federal research grant is no small feat. Scientists spend months writing proposals, which are then reviewed rigorously by peers. Only the most promising, relevant, innovative, and well-designed research makes the cut, which is usually only the top 10-20% of applications. Securing a grant is a huge deal for your career. It is often the only way a scientist’s salary is paid, but it is also a guarantee that you’ll work on what you’re most passionate about for a few years.Research funding budgets rise and fall every fiscal year, depending on Congress's priorities, but this year is dramatically different. At the NIH alone, approximately 5,500 fewer research projects are being funded due to executive decisions, which is significantly lower than in any other year, as shown below. Some of these projects support teaching and training the next generation of researchers, but funding has literally flatlined.These cuts are currently being made through executive orders in three ways:
- Cutting entire institutes, such as the Fogarty International Center, which supports global health research and pandemic preparedness.
- Targeting research topics that don’t align with political agendas, like occupational health (my project), climate and health, LGBTQ+ health, gun violence prevention, healthy equity, misinformation, and vaccine confidence.
- Targeting specific institutions that get awarded funds, like all grants to the Harvard School of Public Health that were cancelled last month.
And even where programs haven’t been cut outright, they’re in limbo. Peer review panels are stalled. People handling grants (called program officers) are eerily reading from scripts when you call them. Researchers are waiting on funding decisions that should have arrived months ago. Unfortunately, this is just the beginning. The Congressional budget has proposed an additional 40% cut to the NIH. NIH is the most significant cut in the Health and Human Services discretionary budget. To say that scientific discovery is being stripped to the bare bones is an understatement.
Top FDA Vaccine Official Departs Agency - The top vaccine official at the Food and Drug Administration has resigned. Dr. Vinay Prasad, just months into his tenure, is leaving the FDA, the FDA’s parent agency said on July 29. “Dr. Prasad did not want to be a distraction to the great work of the FDA in the Trump administration and has decided to return to California and spend more time with his family,” a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services told news outlets in a statement. “We thank him for his service and the many important reforms he was able to achieve in his time at FDA.” An email to Prasad’s FDA account bounced back. He did not return an early morning message to his University of California, San Francisco account. A longtime college professor, Prasad gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic for criticizing the broad COVID-19 vaccine mandates and recommendations, including recommendations that all young men receive vaccines even though they faced a much higher risk of heart inflammation. He also wrote on social media about his politics, with a post in 2020 offering that he wanted Joe Biden to beat President Donald Trump and a 2022 post describing how he aligned with the Democratic Party on a wide range of topics such as abortion and immigration. Some Republicans had been critical of Prasad in recent days, including influencer Laura Loomer and former Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.).
Kennedy calls for changes to Vaccine Injury Compensation Program -Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said yesterday that he intends to "fix" a government program that compensates people with vaccine injuries. The Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) was established by Congress in 1986 to protect vaccine makers from most lawsuits alleging vaccine-related injury, while also giving people who believe they were injured by vaccines an opportunity to have their claims heard and potentially receive compensation from HHS. According to the Health Resources & Services Administration, VICP has paid more than $5.4 billion in awards for harm over the life of the program. But in a post yesterday on X, Kennedy said that the structure of the VICP hobbles claimants because HHS (rather than the vaccine makers) is the defendant and that it routinely dismisses meritorious cases or drags them out for years. Kennedy said he is working with US Attorney General Pam Bondi to fix the program."The VICP is broken, and I intend to fix it," Kennedy said. "I will not allow the VICP to continue to ignore its mandate and fail its mission of quickly and fairly compensating vaccine-injured individuals." Though Kennedy's post did not provide any details on changes he plans to make to the VICP, observers are concerned that it could be an attempt to further reshape US vaccine policy. A longtime critic of vaccines, Kennedy has already overhauled the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, replacing the board's 17 vaccine experts with seven new members, some of whom share his views on vaccines. Among the concerns is that Kennedy wants to expand the eligibility for compensation by allowing claimants to sue for adverse events that haven't been shown to be associated with vaccines."There are improvements needed to the program, but that’s not what the Secretary wants to do," Dorit Reiss, PhD, a law professor at the University of California Law, San Francisco, wrote on the Skeptical Raptor blog. "He wants to serve the anti-vaccine agenda by making the program compensate cases not caused by the vaccines."
$9.7 million of U.S.-funded contraceptives for poor nations to be burned in France: Reuters U.S.-funded contraceptives worth nearly $10 million are being sent to France from Belgium to be incinerated, after Washington rejected offers from the United Nations and family planning organizations to buy or ship the supplies to poor nations, two sources told Reuters. A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department confirmed to Reuters on Wednesday that a decision had been taken to destroy the stock. The supplies have been stuck for months in a warehouse in Geel, a city in the Belgian province of Antwerp, following President Donald Trump's decision to freeze U.S. foreign aid in January. They comprise contraceptive implants and pills as well as intrauterine devices to help prevent unwanted pregnancies, according to seven sources and a screengrab shared by an eighth source confirming the planned destruction. The U.S. government will spend $167,000 to incinerate the stocks at a facility in France that handles medical waste, the U.S. State Department confirmed. The spokesperson said that a preliminary decision had been made to destroy certain products from terminated U.S. Agency for International Development contracts. "Only a limited number of commodities have been approved for disposal," the spokesperson said via email, adding that no condoms or HIV medications would be destroyed. U.S. lawmakers have introduced two bills this month to prevent the destruction of the supplies following Trump's decision to shut down USAID, but aid groups say the bills are unlikely to be passed in time to stop the incineration. The Belgian foreign ministry said Brussels had held talks with U.S. authorities and "explored all possible options to prevent the destruction, including temporary relocation." "Despite these efforts, and with full respect for our partners, no viable alternative could be secured. Nevertheless, Belgium continues to actively seek solutions to avoid this regrettable outcome," it said in a statement shared with Reuters on Tuesday. "Sexual and reproductive health must not be subject to ideological constraints," it added. The supplies, worth $9.7 million, are due to expire between April 2027 and September 2031, according to an internal document listing the warehouse stocks and verified by three sources. Sarah Shaw, Associate Director of Advocacy at MSI Reproductive Choices, told Reuters the non-profit organization had volunteered to pay for the supplies to be repackaged without USAID branding and shipped to countries in need, but the offer was declined by the U.S. government. "MSI offered to pay for repackaging, shipping and import duties but they were not open to that... We were told that the U.S. government would only sell the supplies at the full market value," said Shaw. She did not elaborate on how much the NGO was prepared to pay, but said she felt the rejection was based on the Trump's administration's more restrictive stance on abortion and family planning. "This is clearly not about saving money. It feels more like an ideological assault on reproductive rights, and one that is already harming women." She added that many countries in sub-Saharan Africa had relied on USAID for access to contraception and that the aid cuts would lead to a rise in unsafe abortions. The United Nations' sexual and reproductive health agency, UNFPA, also offered to buy the contraceptives outright, three sources told Reuters, without disclosing the financial terms of the proposal. However, negotiations broke down, a source with knowledge of the talks said, in part due to a lack of response from the U.S. government. UNFPA declined to comment. One of the sources with knowledge of the issue said that the Trump administration was acting in accordance with the Mexico City policy, an anti-abortion pact in which Trump reinstated U.S. participation in January. The pact forbids the U.S. government from contributing to or working with organizations providing funding or supplies that offer access to abortions. The source said there was no way for the U.S. government to ensure that UNFPA would not share the contraceptives with groups offering abortions, violating the Mexico City policy. The State Department also told Reuters these were factors in their decision on Wednesday, and added that it had avoided $34.1 million in costs by cancelling other orders placed under the Biden administration. The source also said the matter was complicated by the fact that the contraceptives in Belgium were embossed with the USAID trademark and Washington did not want any USAID-branded supplies to be rerouted elsewhere. UNFPA did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the concerns raised by the source. One of the two sources who told Reuters the stocks of contraceptives were being trucked to France said it would likely take dozens of truckloads and at least two weeks to move the supplies out of the Geel warehouse, with a third source also confirming the scale of the operation. The French government did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Chemonics, the contractor managing the supply chain for USAID's family planning program, declined to comment on the plans to destroy the supplies.
US pushes to revoke scientific ruling that underpins climate regulations -President Donald Trump's administration on Tuesday moved to reverse a foundational scientific determination that underpins the US government's authority to limit greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles and, more broadly, to combat climate change. Speaking at an auto dealership in Indianapolis, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin argued that the 2009 Endangerment Finding was based on flawed reasoning and had inflicted serious economic harm. "If finalized, today's announcement would amount to the largest deregulatory action in the history of the United States," he said, standing alongside Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who added his department had carried out a new study about climate science. The proposed move—first announced in March—will be subject to a 45-day public comment period and is certain to face legal challenges. While Zeldin cast the move as a way to reverse what he called the "Biden-Harris administration's electric vehicle (EV) mandate," revoking the Endangerment Finding could also unravel the legal basis for a wide array of climate regulations, including those on power plants and oil and gas operations. The EPA said in a press release that the finding had "been used to justify over $1 trillion in regulations" and undoing it would save $54 billion annually. The Endangerment Finding was grounded in overwhelming scientific consensus and peer-reviewed research. It followed a landmark 2007 Supreme Court ruling that found greenhouse gases qualify as air pollutants under the Clean Air Act and directed the EPA to revisit its position. Environmental groups and states are expected to swiftly sue. The case could ultimately reach the Supreme Court, which may need to overturn its own 2007 precedent to side with the current Republican administration. Dan Becker of the Center for Biological Diversity told AFP the Endangerment Finding has survived multiple legal challenges by industry over the years. "But this time, it's the government itself mounting the attack," he said. "Hopefully they will recognize that this is science and not politics—that there was a good reason for that precedent and no good reason to revoke it," said Becker. "But this is a very political court." He added that the administration's cost-saving arguments were misleading, pointing to official data showing that rules now targeted for repeal saved the average American driver $6,000 in fuel and maintenance over the lifetime of vehicles built under the standards. "It's abundantly clear what's going on here," said Gretchen Goldman, president of the Union of Concerned Scientists. "The Trump administration refuses to acknowledge robust climate science and is using the kitchen sink approach: making every specious argument it can to avoid complying with the law."
EPA used an unexpected argument to kill the endangerment finding -EPA’s proposal to undo a key scientific finding that supports most climate regulations included an unexpected legal argument.The draft to scuttle the so-called endangerment finding, released Tuesday, led with the claim that EPA can only regulate pollutants that cause direct harm to people and the environment, and the danger needs to be near the source of pollution.It added that the link connecting pollution to a danger should be clear-cut. If a local pollutant, for example, combines with the global swirl of atmospheric gases that result in higher temperatures — and contributes to impacts such as floods in Texas, wildfires in California or heat waves in Indiana — that doesn’t count, EPA argued. “As a general matter, there is a point at which harm no longer has a sufficiently close connection to the relevant conduct to reasonably draw a causal link,” the proposal states. “We propose that emissions from new motor vehicles and new motor vehicle engines in the United States do not have a sufficiently close connection to the adverse impacts identified in the Endangerment Finding to fit within the legal meaning of ‘cause’ or ‘contribute.’”
EPA says endangerment reversal is guided by Supreme Court - EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin described his move Tuesday to kill a 2009 scientific finding on climate change as “the largest deregulatory action in the history of America.”But whether his agency is able to finalize the rollback will likely hinge on the courts.His proposal to strike down the so-called endangerment finding for greenhouse gases threatens to take a wrecking ball to the legal foundation of modern day U.S. climate regulations, and risks having to face a gauntlet of courtroom challenges.So EPA cloaked the proposal in arguments taken from four landmark Supreme Court decisions that it claimed support the conclusion that planet-warming gases don’t pose health dangers to people and, therefore, don’t qualify as air pollutants.
EPA research cuts stoke fears over scientific independence - Despite losing an EPA research grant this May, Jane Clougherty feels relatively sanguine about her individual situation.She’s not as optimistic about the future of EPA-funded research, though.“I’m lucky enough to be tenured and secure in my position at the moment,” Clougherty, an environmental health scientist at Drexel University in Philadelphia, said in an interview early this month. But as the Trump administration slashes funding for university-based inquiry, Clougherty said, “I think a lot of public health schools are going to be in a lot of trouble.” Her project, which was examining the combined impact of extreme heat and air pollution on children’s health in New York state, was one among many axed midstream this spring on the grounds that they no longer meshed with administration priorities. It’s part of the piecemeal dismemberment of EPA’s science initiatives that has only gathered steam. Earlier this month, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has since confirmed plans to dissolve the agency’s Office of Research and Development, which last year had more than 1,500 employees and is described by supporters and former officials as an irreplaceable engine of innovation in fields like chemical safety and the risks posed by pollution exposure.Under the plan, ORD will lay off some researchers through a reduction in force while shunting others to a new Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions as well as existing wings of the agency. In all, the restructuring will save almost $750 million, Zeldin said in a news release, adding that the reduction in force (RIF) will ensure that EPA can better fulfill its mission of protecting human health and the environment “while being responsible stewards” of taxpayer dollars.Apart from that one-page release, EPA has been stingy with details about the plan, which last week encountered its first institutional pushback.In an explanatory report accompanying a draft fiscal 2026 spending bill, members of the Senate Appropriations Committee said they were “appalled” by the research office’s imminent dissolution and demanded an immediate halt to “all actions related to the closure, reduction, reorganization, or other similar such changes.”Asked this week whether EPA will comply with that directive, press secretary Brigit Hirsch cited “longstanding practice” in declining to comment on pending legislation. One union leader, however, said the agency appears to be pressing ahead unfazed.
Enviros are reeling in Trump’s ‘scorched-earth’ second term - E&E News by POLITICOIt’s a rough time to be an environmentalist. Green groups spent the early days of this administration stunned as the Trump 2.0 team dismantled federal agencies, slashed spending and torpedoed regulations in a flurry that caught many of the administration’s critics by surprise. Now, as environmental nonprofits gear up for several more years of playing defense against an emboldened administration, the movement is scrambling to regain traction. Green groups are watching years of work on environmental regulations vaporize. The administration is purging the federal workforce — including staffers who work inside energy and environmental agencies. And the court system that President Donald Trump’s critics are using to challenge the administration is overshadowed by a conservative Supreme Court that has already handed some big wins to the president. “The reason for bad vibes is obvious: This is the most anti-environmental administration that our country and perhaps the world has ever seen,” said Bill McKibben, a longtime environmentalist and author. “It is difficult to be hopeful in the face of all that.” In its latest blockbuster move to slash environmental policies, the Trump administration this week announced plans to jettison the so-called endangerment finding, the scientific determination that underpins EPA’s climate regulations. It’s a seismic move that could fully upend the government’s climate rules — and one that the first Trump administration avoided in part due to concerns about the political ramifications. This Trump administration is different. The environmental movement is on its heels as it scrambles to respond. And as they gear up for defense in the policy realm, some green groups are also struggling with internal problems. Some organizations aren’t getting the same surge in donations they saw during the first Trump administration. Prominent green groups have laid off staff this year at a time they’d like to be boosting their personnel to fight back. And environmentalists are worried the administration will target environmental nonprofits’ tax-exempt status, a move that would make fundraising even tougher. POLITICO’s E&E News interviewed more than a dozen green group leaders, climate activists and employees at environmental nonprofits for this story. They described a movement that’s been forced to recalibrate as the Trump administration has slashed climate policies, targeted long-standing environmental protections and purged employees across the federal government. “We just lost a decade’s worth of work under the Trump administration and we’re in the process of losing more as he guts federal agencies and they go after rewriting bedrock environmental laws,” said Erich Pica, president of the Washington-based green group Friends of the Earth. At Friends of the Earth, individual donations fell by about $1.3 million this year — an 11 percent drop over last year, said Pica. At Friends of the Earth, the steep decline in donations has led to staff layoffs, Pica said. The organization laid off eight people in June as a result of restructuring and cost-cutting to address its budget deficit, Pica said. The layoffs are “terrible for our staff and staff morale,” Pica said. That organization is also restructuring its communications work in an effort to adapt to the times, he said. That means more experimenting with what it means to be successful on TikTok, Substack, Instagram, LinkedIn and other emerging platforms, Pica said. Other groups have laid off staff this year, too.The Sierra Club laid off dozens of employees earlier this year. Those layoffs — attributed to budget shortfalls — fueled ongoing strife inside that group, where staff have been feuding with management for years. Sierra Club’s executive director, Ben Jealous, went on unexplained leave in July, the group announced.The Washington-based Ocean Conservancy told 21 employees in the spring that their positions were being eliminated,The layoffs, the group’s CEO Janis Searles Jones told staff in an internal email, were the result of factors including “significant shifts in the policy and fundraising environment, unprecedented volatility, and unprecedented pressure on the philanthropic sector.”Another group, Greenpeace, is in the throes of a high-stakes legal battle that could have dire financial and political consequences for the organization. A jury in North Dakota earlier this year ordered the environmental group to pay more than $660 million in damages to a pipeline developer, a sum Greenpeace doesn’t have, the group’s interim Executive Director Sushma Raman told E&E News in March.Greenpeace is still challenging the jury’s verdict, said Deepa Padmanabha, a Greenpeace senior legal adviser. “This is still the beginning of the fight.” Greenpeace has said it plans to fight “all the way to victory” in that case, and it says that the outcome “could establish dangerous new legal precedents” and that “our entire movement’s future could be in jeopardy.”
Donald Trump administration puts two NOAA officials on leave -The Trump administration has placed two high-ranking officials at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on leave amid a series of efforts to make cuts at the agency. NOAA spokesperson Kim Doster confirmed in an email that Jeff Dillen, deputy general counsel, and Stephen Volz, acting assistant secretary and assistant administrator for NOAA’s Satellite and Information Service, were placed on administrative leave. CNN, which first reported the news, also reported that the duo led the investigation into the “Sharpiegate” scandal in which NOAA released a statement rebuking a weather service office social media post that contradicted President Trump about the path of Hurricane Dorian in 2019. However, Doster said the decision to place the officials on leave was not related to the investigation. Instead, she said Dillen was placed on leave “pending a review of performance issues over the past several weeks.” She did not say what the alleged issues were. She said that Volz was placed on leave “on an unrelated matter” but did not specify what it was. The move comes a few weeks after the confirmation hearing of Neil Jacobs to lead the agency. Jacobs also led NOAA under the last Trump administration, including during the “Sharpiegate” scandal.
Trump official tasked with overhauling Interior heads for the exit -A Trump administration official tasked with overhauling the Interior Department’s budget and staffing is getting ready to leave the agency, raising questions about who will take over a reorganization that could see unknown numbers of staff ousted or reclassified.Tyler Hassen, who joined Interior as part of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, announced last week he would end a six-month commitment to the federal government, stating that he looks “forward to being at home again with my family.”“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve our great country under President Trump’s historic administration,” Hassen, a former Texas oil services executive, wrote in a social media post Saturday. The New York Times reported that he told staff he would step down Aug. 1, but the department has not confirmed that date. Hassen’s departure leaves a notable vacancy at Interior since Secretary Doug Burgum had taped him as acting assistant secretary of policy, management and budget — and later changed that title to principal deputy assistant secretary, a post that does not require Senate confirmation. That move put Hassen in charge of the department’s cost-cutting efforts and staff reorganization.
Trump memo allows federal workers to persuade coworkers their religion is 'correct' - The Trump administration released a memo Monday that aims to protect religious expression among federal workers, outlining that employees can attempt to persuade co-workers about why their religious beliefs are “correct.” The memo outlined conduct that should not result in disciplinary or corrective action, including displaying in the office bibles, religious artwork, jewelry, posters displaying religious messages and other indicia of religion “such as crosses, crucifixes and mezuzah.” The memo also said one or more employees should be allowed to engage in individual or communal religious expressions and that employees can engage in conversations on religious topics “including attempting to persuade others of the correctness of their own religious views, provided that such efforts are not harassing in nature.” Federal workers can also “encourage their coworkers to participate in religious expressions of faith, such as prayer, to the same extent that they would be permitted to encourage coworkers participate in other personal activities,” the memo said. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director Scott Kupor sent the memo to heads of departments and agencies with guidance on how to allow personal religious expression by federal employees “to the greatest extent possible unless such expression would impose an undue hardship on business operations.”
Corporation for Public Broadcasting says it is beginning to shut down --The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) said Friday it will begin “an orderly wind-down of its operations” after seeing its budget cut through GOP-led legislation.“Despite the extraordinary efforts of millions of Americans who called, wrote, and petitioned Congress to preserve federal funding for CPB, we now face the difficult reality of closing our operations,” CPB President Patricia Harrison said in a statement.“CPB remains committed to fulfilling its fiduciary responsibilities and supporting our partners through this transition with transparency and care,” her statement continued.The CPB cited legislation passed by Republicans last month that yanked back two years’ of advanced funding at the request of President Trump, amounting to a clawback of more than $1 billion for fiscal 2026 and 2027. It also pointed to a lack of funding for the CPB in an annual funding bill advanced by the Senate Appropriations Committee on Thursday, saying it was the first time in more than five decades the funding had been left out.The CPB said most of its employees jobs would conclude at the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30, while a small transition team would work through January “to ensure a responsible nd orderly closeout of operations.”“This team will focus on compliance, final distributions, and resolution of long-term financial obligations, including ensuring continuity for music rights and royalties that remain essential to the public media system,” it added.Many Republicans have defended cutting funding for the CPB, accusing NPR and PBS, both of which receive CPB funding, of political bias and downplaying the threat of the cuts on media access.
GOP bullish on dismantling Voting Rights Act --Republicans are increasingly bullish they can whittle away at the Voting Rights Act (VRA) as Democrats renew a long-shot effort to broaden the landmark law that turns 60 next week. The Supreme Court could become the arbiter of Republicans’ efforts, with a major Louisiana redistricting battle set for rehearing next term and other battles bubbling up in the lower courts. The conservative-majority high court has already eviscerated significant parts of the VRA, but the new legal fronts could reshape decades-long precedent of legal battles over political power. “There are clouds around, and a lot of them are circling the Supreme Court at the moment,” said Adriel Cepeda Derieux, the deputy director of the American Civil Liberties Union’s (ACLU) Voting Rights Project. With Democrats viewing the law as under siege from federal court rulings, a group of Democratic senators reintroduced a bill Tuesday that would restore and expand protections of the VRA. The legislation would reimpose the VRA’s requirement struck down in 2013 by the Supreme Court that jurisdictions with a history of discriminatory practices receive federal approval before changing their voting laws; prevent voters from being purged from voter rolls if they haven’t voted recently; and add protections for poll workers against threats and intimidation. “Voting rights are preservative of all other rights,” Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) said at a press conference announcing the bill’s reintroduction. “The democracy is the very house in which we live. It is the framework in which we get to fight for the things that we care about.” But the bill faces long odds in a Republican-controlled Congress and could face constitutional challenges, if ever enacted. Meanwhile, Republicans have set their sights on weakening the VRA by preventing voters and private groups from enforcing it. The GOP effort would cut off the ACLU and other prominent players that have long leveraged the law to challenge maps and voting practices, leaving lawsuits to the attorney general. “Private litigants have been key to bringing these claims over the history of the Voting Rights Act’s existence,” Cardozo Law School professor Wilfred Codrington said. “And, in fact, all the cases that are sort of monumental cases include many private litigants. So, that is a big thing.”
GOP bill seeks to rename Kennedy Center for Donald Trump - A House Republican’s bill would strip former President Kennedy’s name from the Washington institution created in the 35th commander in chief’s honor and instead have it known as the “Trump Center for the Performing Arts.” The bill, recently introduced by Rep. Bob Onder (R-Mo.), aims to “designate the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as the ‘Donald J. Trump Center for the Performing Arts.'” Representatives for Onder and the Kennedy Center didn’t immediately return ITK’s request for comment about the proposed name change. In an earlier statement, Onder called Trump “a patron of the arts and a staple of the pop-culture landscape.” Dubbing the bill the Make Entertainment Great Again (MEGA) Act, a play on Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign slogan, “Make America Great Again,” Onder said, “I cannot think of a more ubiquitous symbol of American exceptionalism in the arts, entertainment, and popular culture at large than President Trump.” House Republicans on the Appropriations Committee approved an amendment earlier this month to the interior, environment and related agencies annual spending bill that would rename a space inside the Kennedy Center — the prominent Washington arts hub’s famed opera house — the “First Lady Melania Trump Opera House.”
Thune: Recess appointments on table as Senate faces backlog of nominees - Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) says putting the Senate into an extended recess to allow President Trump to make recess appointments to clear the backlog of his pending nominees is an option that’s “on the table.” Thune pushed back on the idea of putting the Senate into an extended recess at the start of the year to allow Trump to fill his Cabinet without having to go through the time-consuming confirmation process. Now, Thune isn’t ruling out the idea of opening the way for recess appointments as the Senate faces a huge backlog of 161 nominees, mostly lower-level positions that in past years would have been filled by voice votes or unanimous consent agreements on the floor. “I think everything is on the table,” Thune told reporters, who said that other options such as rules reform “make more sense.” “Fixing the rules, not just for now, but for the long term would be a better solution for it. But at this point right now, I wouldn’t say we’re taking any options off the table,” he said. Could a Congressional stock trading ban become law this year? Some Republicans are making the argument within the GOP conference that putting the Senate into an extended recess, which would allow Trump to swiftly fill open positions with recess appointments, is the best path forward. Proponents of going the route of recess appointments argue that there are so many nominees currently pending that it would take too long to reach consensus on a rules change to speed up confirmations and that the rules reform would likely be too modest to have much of an immediate impact on the backlog.
Donald Trump's tirade against Chuck Grassley irritates Republican senators -Republican senators were appalled by President Trump’s rough treatment of 91-year-old Sen. Chuck Grassley (Iowa), the Senate’s most senior Republican, on social media and are pushing back on Trump’s attempts to squeeze the senator into abolishing an arcane procedure known as the Senate blue slip. GOP senators were not pleased that Trump piled so much pressure on Grassley, the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, to get rid of a long-established Senate tradition. Trump piled on by reposting on Truth Social posts accusing Grassley of being a “RINO” and “sneaky” and standing in the way of Trump’s agenda. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee who has separately felt the wrath of Trump for his opposition to the tax and spending megabill earlier this month, said Trump appears to be getting bad advice from his staff. “I think it was a bad — No. 1, Chuck is beloved in our conference. No. 2, the blue-slip policy helps the president. He’s got staff giving him bad advice,” Tillis said. He argued that keeping in place the tradition of allowing senators to use documents known as blue slips to block district-court level judicial nominees and U.S. attorney nominees has preserved an important element of bipartisanship in the Senate. Tillis said getting rid of blue slips would make it even tougher to work with Democrats as Republicans attempt to move legislation that needs 60 votes to pass the Senate, such as the annual spending bills. “I think the president’s staff have a bad habit of advising him that was a good idea,” Tillis said of Trump’s penchant of taking public shots at Republican allies in Congress when they disagree with him on an issue.
Trump CIA chief: Brennan, Comey and Hillary Clinton treasonous, could be indicted -- CIA Director John Ratcliffe said he made referrals to the Justice Department for former Obama administration officials following the release of intelligence information about the 2016 election. Ratcliffe said former CIA Director John Brennan, former Director of National Intelligence (DNI) James Clapper and former FBI Director James Comey could all face charges relating to what he called a “hoax” about the election. Current DNI Tulsi Gabbard released two sets of documents about the 2016 election last week. The files reveal little new information about Russia’s much-studied efforts to influence the 2016 election, but Republicans have nonetheless claimed the intelligence reviews were designed to cast doubt on Trump’s victory. The documents do not undercut a central conclusion: that Russia lunched a massive campaign with the hopes of influencing the contest. “That’s why I’ve made the referrals that I have, DNI Gabbard has made referrals, and why we’re gonna continue to share the intelligence that would support the ability of our Department of Justice to make fair and just, bring fair and justice claims against those who have perpetrated this hoax against the American people and this stain on our country,” Ratcliffe said during an appearance on Fox’s “Sunday Morning Futures.”
GOP stops short of backing Tulsi Gabbard, Trump on arresting Obama officials --Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard’s document releases about the Obama administration’s review of the 2016 election are leading President Trump to call for prosecution of former officials, including his predecessor. But many Republicans in Congress aren’t ready to go quite that far. While Trump’s GOP supporters in Congress have united in expressing outrage, they have varying ideas of what accountability looks like. And Democrats say the Trump administration is completely misrepresenting the facts while abusing intelligence and the justice system. They also see it as a bid to distract from growing pressure on the White House to release more information about Jeffrey Epstein. The files reveal little new information about Russia’s much-studied efforts to influence the 2016 election, but Republicans have nonetheless claimed the intelligence reviews were designed to cast doubt on Trump’s victory. The documents do not undercut a central conclusion: that Russia lunched a massive campaign with the hopes of influencing the contest. House GOP leaders are vowing Congress will investigate, but are stopping short of calling for prosecutions, as Trump has, or proposing any tangible consequences for those named in the newly released documents. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) called Gabbard’s disclosures “pretty earth-shattering.” But Scalise declined to call for arrests or prosecutions. “There needs to be accountability,” Scalise said. “But now our committees are going to go to work. There’s a lot of work to do to find out more. …. You follow the evidence wherever it leads, and then if somebody broke laws, you take action. We’re at the beginning stages of this. So let’s find out where it leads.” Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said on Fox Business Network last week that “it would appear that laws have been broken by any number of people,” also alluding to congressional action. “We will use every tool within our arsenal to bring about accountability here. And if we have to create and pioneer new tools, we’ll do that as well,” Johnson said.
Brennan, Clapper: Trump administration seeks to ‘rewrite history’ with Obama claimsFormer CIA Director John Brennan and former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper Loading used a joint op-ed to push back on claims from the Trump administration that Obama-era intelligence officials misrepresented conclusions about its review of Russia’s effort to influence the 2016 election. “Tulsi Gabbard, the director of national intelligence, and John Ratcliffe, the Central Intelligence Agency director, have over the past month claimed that senior officials of the Obama administration manufactured politicized intelligence, silenced intelligence professionals and engaged in a broad ‘treasonous conspiracy’ to undermine the presidency of Donald Trump. That is patently false,” the duo wrote in The New York Times. The intelligence community concluded that Russia interfered in the 2016 election with the aim of aiding President Trump in the contest. The pair then listed a suite of reports that backed that conclusion, from Trump-appointed special counsel John Durham to a bipartisan Senate Intelligence Committee report prepared under now-Secretary of State Marco Rubio. “Every serious review has substantiated the intelligence community’s fundamental conclusion that the Russians conducted an influence campaign intended to help Mr. Trump win the 2016 election,” the two wrote. Amid pressure on the Trump administration to release files related to the prosecution of deceased financier Jeffrey Epstein, the Trump team has released several other tranches of documents.Gabbard, in particular, has released a memo and documents she said shows Clapper withheld information from the American public, including that there was “no indication of a Russian threat to directly manipulate the actual vote count.” That was never in dispute though, and intelligence officials said at the time that Russia was unable to manipulate vote counts. The documents released by Gabbard show intelligence officials discussing that Russia was unable to change any votes. Gabbard later released a report from House Intelligence Republicans casting doubt on whether Russia aimed to help Trump versus sow chaos in the U.S., but most other assessments back the conclusion the adversary did so with the hopes of boosting the president. But beyond the documents released, Gabbard and others have largely talked about the intelligence community’s review of the 2016 election as part of a conspiracy to damage Trump, undermine his victory, and boost the largely-debunked Steele dossier. “Contrary to the Trump administration’s wild and baseless claims, there was no mention of ‘collusion’ between the Trump campaign and the Russians in the assessment,” they wrote. “We have testified under oath, and the reviews of the assessment have confirmed, that the dossier was not used as a source or taken into account for any of its analysis or conclusions,” they added. They also reiterated that the assessment made no judgment about the impact Russia’s moves had on the outcome of the election. “While some state and local electoral boards and voter information and registration systems were accessed by Russian intelligence, the assessment made clear that none of those types of systems were involved in counting votes,” they wrote. “Russian influence operations might have shaped the views of Americans before they entered the voting booth, but we found no evidence that the Russians changed any actual votes.” Clapper and Brennan go on to describe efforts to keep their intelligence work shielded, understanding the influence it would have on the election, calling it a “remarkable irony” to have Trump figures release it now.
Ghislaine Maxwell appeals conviction, eyes Trump pardon - Ghislaine Maxwell, the longtime accomplice of Jeffrey Epstein, urged the Supreme Court on Monday to overturn her sex trafficking conviction as her attorney simultaneously made overtures to President Trump. “We are appealing not only to the Supreme Court but to the President himself to recognize how profoundly unjust it is to scapegoat Ghislaine Maxwell for Epstein’s crimes, especially when the government promised she would not be prosecuted,” attorney David Oscar Markus said in a statement. With pressure growing on the administration to release more information from the Epstein files, Trump has punted on whether he would pardon Maxwell. Trump said on Monday that “I’m allowed to give her” a pardon but “nobody’s approached me.” Markus’s latest comments mark his most direct suggestion yet of Trump intervening. On Friday, Markus said he hadn’t spoken to the president yet about a pardon and “we’re going to take one day at a time.” The new statement came as Maxwell on Monday made her final plea to the Supreme Court before the justices decide whether to take up her case. Maxwell filed the appeal in April, and the justices are poised to consider it upon returning from their summer recess. Maxwell argues her conviction violates a non-prosecution agreement that Epstein signed with federal prosecutors. The appeal turns on the scope of the 2007 deal, which let Epstein avoid federal charges for pleading guilty to state-level sex crimes in Florida and serving 18 months in prison. The deal was signed by the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Florida. Lower courts ruled the deal only covers that district and doesn’t apply to federal prosecutors in New York, where Maxwell was sentenced to 20 years in prison for aiding Epstein in abusing underage girls.
Sen. Dick Durbin demands recordings of Ghislaine Maxwell-Department of Justice talks - Senate Judiciary Committee ranking member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) is demanding that the Justice Department (DOJ) turn over all recordings, transcripts and notes from its interviews with Ghislaine Maxwell, the partner of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein who is serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking. Durbin is raising the alarm over Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche’s interview with Maxwell, calling it “highly unusual, if not unprecedented, for the deputy attorney general” to conduct such an interview instead of line prosecutors who are familiar with the details of the case and who “can more readily determine if the witness is lying.” “In light of troves of corroborating evidence collected through multiple investigations, a federal jury conviction, and Ms. Maxwell’s history and willingness to lie under oath, as it relates to her dealings with Jeffrey Epstein, why would DOJ depart from long-standing precedent and now seek her cooperation?” Durbin asked in the letter, which was also signed by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (R.I.), the top Democrat on the Judiciary federal courts subcommittee. Durbin and Whitehouse warned that Maxwell “may provide false information or selectively withhold information in return for a pardon or sentence commutation,” noting that Maxwell is pursuing an appeal to overturn her 2021 conviction for crimes she committed with Epstein. They flagged what they called “the potential for a corrupt bargain” between the Trump administration and Maxwell that would have an “impact” on the victims and survivors of Epstein’s and Maxwell’s “horrific abuses.” Trump last week said he hadn’t thought about pardoning Maxwell. The Democrats asked the Justice Department to provide full transparency to the victims and survivors “with respect to any decisions the department makes regarding Ms. Maxwell’s appeal” and to pledge not to offer a pardon or commutation of sentence to Maxwell in exchange for information. They asked Blanche to provide a detailed explanation of why the Justice Department believes Maxwell will be truthful after federal prosecutors argued in court that she demonstrated a “willingness to brazenly lie under oath about her conduct.” The Democrats pointed out that Maxwell was charged in 2020 with two counts of perjury stemming from false statements she made in a civil deposition while under oath. They asked the deputy attorney general to provide a detailed explanation of what information the DOJ believes Maxwell could answer that it did not obtain prior to her 2020 arrest and indictment. And they demanded the Justice Department “provide all recordings, transcripts, reports of investigations” and other notes pertaining to interviews with Maxwell that took place on July 24 and 25. They also asked for recordings and transcripts from any prior interviews with Maxwell and a complete description of any oral or written agreement the Justice Department entered into with Maxwell regarding past or future interviews. Durbin and Whitehouse hypothesized the meetings with Maxwell are “another tactic to distract from DOJ’s failure to fulfill Attorney General [Pam] Bondi’s commitment that the American people would see ‘the full Epstein files.’”
Trump says he turned down offer to go to Epstein island: ‘One of my very good moments’ President Trump said Monday he had previously turned down an offer to go to Jeffrey Epstein’s private island, calling out other people he said the press should focus on as the president has tried to move on from questions about Epstein. “I never went to the island, and [former president] Bill Clinton went there supposedly 28 times. I never went to the island, but [former Treasury Secretary] Larry Summers, I hear, went there, he was the head of Harvard. And many other people that are very big people, nobody ever talks about them,” Trump said while in Scotland meeting with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer. He added, “I never had the privilege of going to his island, and I did turn him down. But a lot of people in Palm Beach were invited to his island. In one of my very good moments, I turned it down. I didn’t want to go to his island.” When asked why he had thrown Epstein out of his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, the president said he didn’t want to “waste your time” by explaining the story from years ago. “For years, I wouldn’t talk to Jeffrey Epstein … because he did something that was inappropriate. He hired help,” he said. “He stole people that worked for me; I said don’t ever do that again. He did it again, and I threw him out of the place,” Trump added.
DOJ asks Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell 'about 100 different people,' lawyer says --Convicted Jeffrey Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell "was asked maybe about 100 different people" during a meeting with a top Department of Justice official in Florida on Friday, her lawyer said. "I think Ghislaine did a wonderful job," her attorney, David Oscar Markus, told reporters outside U.S. District Court in Tallahassee, where Maxwell met for the second day in a row with Deputy Attorney Todd Blanche. "She literally answered every question. She didn't say, You know what? Don't ask me that. I'm not going to talk about this person," Markus said about his client, who is serving a 20-year prison term for crimes related to procuring and grooming girls for Epstein to sexually abuse. "She was asked maybe about 100 different people. She answered questions about everybody, and she didn't hold anything back," he said. "They asked about every single, every possible thing you could imagine, everything," he said. Markus did not identify the people Maxwell was asked about. Earlier Friday, President Donald Trump deflected questions about his former friend Epstein, who died from a jailhouse suicide weeks after being arrested on child sex trafficking charges in July 2019. "I have nothing to do with the guy," Trump said of Epstein, with whom he had socialized for years before falling out with the now-dead pedophile in the mid-2000s. Trump instead said people should focus on others who, like him, had previously socialized with Epstein, among them former President Bill Clinton and ex-Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, who also served as president of Harvard University. People "don't talk about them. They talk about me," Trump griped before departing for a trip to Scotland. "You should focus on Clinton. You should focus on the president of Harvard, the former president of Harvard, you should focus on some of the hedge fund guys," Trump said. "I'll give you a list. These guys lived with Jeffrey Epstein, I sure as hell didn't." Asked if he was considering a pardon or sentence commutation for Maxwell, Trump said, "It's something I haven't thought about." "I'm allowed to do it," he added. Maxwell's lawyer Markus, when asked by reporters about possible clemency from Trump in exchange for her cooperation with the DOJ, replied: "No offers have been made." Markus also said, "I am not going to comment on what we're hoping for" from those discussions with Blanche. The lawyer had been asked if Maxwell hoped to get some kind of deal, possibly including a recommended sentence reduction, from prosecutors. "Ghislaine answered every single question asked of her over the last day and a half, she answered those questions honestly, truthfully, to the best of her ability," Markus said. "She never invoked a privilege. She never refused to answer a question." Trump has faced growing pressure to release information about Epstein after the DOJ earlier this month reneged on promises by Attorney General Pam Bondi and top FBI officials to disclose files criminal investigators assembled in their sex trafficking probe of Epstein. Trump last week ordered Bondi to seek the unsealing of grand jury transcripts related to investigations of Epstein and Maxwell, shortly after The Wall Street Journal reported he had sent a "bawdy" letter to Epstein in 2003 for the money manager's 50th birthday. "I don't even know what they're talking about. Now, somebody could have written a letter and used my name, but that's happened a lot," Trump said about the letter on Friday. On Tuesday, Blanche said he would seek to meet Maxwell and ask her if she had information about other people who had potentially abused underage girls and young women connected to Epstein. Blanche is a former criminal defense lawyer for Trump. Blanche met for hours with Maxwell and her attorney on Thursday in U.S. District Court in Tallahassee, the city where she is serving her prison term.
Family of Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre responds to ‘shocking’ Trump comments, rejects pardoning Maxwell --The family of Virginia Giuffre, a victim of Jeffrey Epstein’s sex-trafficking ring, said it was taken aback by President Trump’s comments about her when claiming that Epstein “stole” women who worked at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida years ago.“It was shocking to hear President Trump invoke our sister and say that he was aware that Virginia had been ‘stolen’ from Mar-a-Lago,” Giuffre’s family said in a statement Wednesday reported by NBC News and other outlets.Trump was asked about Giuffre on Air Force One while returning from Scotland earlier this week. He said he remembered the then-16-year-old being “stolen” from his Palm Beach club while discussing Epstein poaching former employees.“I think she worked in the spa, I think so. I think that was one of the people — yeah, he stole her,” the president said. “And by the way, she had no complaints about us, as you know. None whatsoever.”Giuffre’s family called on Trump to answer more questions surrounding the Epstein case while urging the president not to pardon the disgraced financier’s accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell.“A predator who thought only of herself, she destroyed the lives of girls and young women without conscience,” Giuffre’s family said of Maxwell, according to NBC.“Virginia always said that Ghislaine Maxwell was vicious and could often be more cruel than Epstein,” the family added.Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year prison sentence, has urged the Supreme Court to intervene and overturn her sex trafficking conviction, while her attorney has also made overtures to Trump. The president said he has authority to pardon her but said earlier this week that “nobody’s approached” him.Trump has long described a falling out with Epstein and this week explained he was mad at the wealthy businessman for hiring away women from the spa at his Palm Beach resort.“For years, I wouldn’t talk to Jeffrey Epstein … because he did something that was inappropriate. He hired help,” the president said.“He stole people that worked for me. I said, ‘Don’t ever do that again.’ He did it again, and I threw him out of the place,” Trump added.Lawmakers in Washington have called for the administration to release more information on the case surrounding Epstein, who officials say died by suicide in a jail cell in 2019. A top Justice Department official interviewed Maxwell multiple times last week.Giuffre died by suicide in April, years after providing testimony detailing Epstein’s coercion forcing her to perform sexual acts for various powerful men, including, she alleged, Prince Andrew. She sued the British royal in 2021, and they reached a settlement the following year.Her family said she endured death threats and financial ruin due to her candor.French President Macron, wife sue Candace Owens for transgender claim -French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, on Wednesday sued right-wing provocateur podcaster Candace Owens for repeatedly falsely claiming that Brigitte Macron "is in fact a man."The Macrons' 22-count civil lawsuit accusing Owens of defamation and false light alleges that Owens, since March 2024, has "used this false statement" about Brigitte Macron "to promote her independent platform, gain notoriety, and make money.""Owens disregarded all credible evidence disproving her claim in favor of platforming known conspiracy theorists and proven defamers," the lawsuit filed in Delaware Superior Court says."And rather than engage with President and Mrs. Macron's attempts to set the record straight, Owens mocked them and used them as additional fodder for her frenzied fan base," says the suit, which notes that Brigitte Macron bore three children from her first husband.The complaint says that Owens' allegedly knowingly false statements about the Macrons include claims that they are blood relatives who have committed incest, and that President Macron was chosen to be president as part of a CIA-operated program or "similar mind-control program."The statements were made in an eight-part podcast, "Becoming Brigitte," and in accompanying posts on the social media site X, the suit says."These lies have caused tremendous damage to the Macrons," the suit says. The complaint seeks monetary damages to be determined at trial.
Crypto donations flood Trump's super PAC -- The crypto industry has donated more than $26 million to President Trump this year, according to newly-filed campaign finance disclosures. The massive infusion underscores how Trump and the crypto industry have been cozying up to one another.The Trump administration came into office promising to deliver policies that would make the industry grow.So far he has delivered.
- Trump signed the first federal law on stablecoins, the GENIUS Act.
- He's given Congress a deadline to pass the CLARITY Act, which would create the first comprehensive rules for the crypto industry.
- He announced a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve shortly after coming into office.
Just this week, he put out a 160-page report on steps his administration can take to grow the industry, protect its open-source spirit and defend user privacy. Trump has been criticized for profiting on the growth of the industry he's used policy to accelerate, including questions of conflict-of-interest.The Trump family is deep in everything from stablecoins, meme coins and NFTs to Bitcoin mining. Big crypto industry donors to the pro-Trump MAGA Inc. super PAC during the first half of 2025 include:
- Blockchain.com, which gave $5 million.
- Investors Marc Andreesen and his business partner, Ben Horowitz, who gave $3 million apiece.
- Cryptocurrency bank Gemini Trust, which donated nearly $3 million. Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, the company's founders, both contributed around $500,000 apiece.
- Crypto platform Ondo Finance, which donated $2.1 million.
- Cryptocurrency investor Paradigm, which gave $1.2 million.
Crypto firms return to US as regulators push onshoring agenda -Crypto companies are beginning to return to the United States as top officials signal a shift toward friendlier regulation and domestic growth.In a Thursday speech at the America First Policy Institute, SEC Chair Paul Atkins called on the country to “reshore the crypto businesses that fled,” reinforcing a broader effort by the administration of President Donald Trump to position the US as a global hub for digital assets.Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Friday that the US has entered the “golden age of crypto” and issued a direct call to builders: “Start your companies here. Launch your protocols here. And hire your workers here.”Backed by clearer regulations and high-level political support, crypto companies are beginning to respond, with some relocating operations to the US from abroad, and others, like Kraken and MoonPay, expanding their domestic footprint in response to the policy shift.The combination of pro-crypto rhetoric, concrete legislation and a clearer regulatory climate under the Trump administration is starting to deliver results, with several global crypto companies expanding into the US and bringing operations back to American soil.On April 28, Nexo, a Bulgaria-based crypto lending and yield platform, announced its return to the US market after a multi-year absence, citing improved regulatory clarity and a more constructive stance from federal agencies.In early May, Deribit, a Netherlands-based derivatives exchange, was reportedly exploring a US market entry. London-based algorithmic trading company and market maker Wintermute opened a New York office in the same month.In June, OKX, a centralized exchange registered in Seychelles, formallyrelaunched its US operations. The company established a new headquarters in San Jose, California, following a $500 million settlement with US regulators and a renewed focus on domestic growth.In July, Beijing-based mining company Bitmain announced plans to open its first US-based ASIC production facility by early 2026, according to a report from Bloomberg. The company also said it will establish a new headquarters in Texas or Florida by the end of the third quarter.The announcement followed mid-June reports that Bitmain, Canaan and MicroBT, companies that, combined, retain a significant portion of the global Bitcoin ASIC market—are all shifting production to the US.Kraken and MoonPay, both US-based firms, are also expanding their domestic footprint.In June, Kraken moved its global headquarters to Cheyenne, Wyoming, citing the state’s pro-crypto stance.In April, MoonPay, initially based in Miami, opened a new headquarters in New York City, and in June said it had secured licenses to operate in all 50 states.
White House lays out plan to crack down on illicit crypto -President Trump's working group on digital asset markets, established in January by executive order 14178, released a report this week providing recommendations about changes to crypto regulations and addressing the risks of illicit finance in crypto assets. A White House working group is calling for updated crypto regulations, AI-powered fraud detection and clearer guidance for banks.
Crypto Victim Loses $908,551 in 458-Day Phishing Attack Linked to Old Wallet Approval -A cryptocurrency user recently became the target of a complex and long-term phishing attack that ultimately resulted in a loss of $908,551 in USDC. Onchain data reveals that the scam originated from an ERC-20 approval transaction signed over 458 days earlier, which granted the scammer’s wallet, “0x67E5Ae,” continuous access to the victim’s funds [1]. This unauthorized approval was likely obtained through a phishing website or a fake airdrop [2]. The scammer, linked to the notorious pink-drainer.eth wallet address, executed the theft on August 2 at 4:57am UTC, making off with the entirety of the victim’s funds. The attack only became viable after the victim, on July 2, deposited $762,397 into the compromised wallet, followed by an additional $146,154 in USDC from a Kraken wallet within ten minutes [1]. This sudden influx of funds likely triggered the scammer to act, illustrating a common tactic in phishing approval attacks: waiting for the victim’s wallet to accumulate significant value before draining it [2]. The delayed nature of the theft highlights the subtle yet dangerous risks associated with token approvals in decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystems. Many users are unaware that granting a token approval to a smart contract or dApp allows the address continuous access to their funds until the permission is manually revoked. In this case, the victim likely never realized that the approval remained active, making the eventual theft both swift and largely undetected [1]. Such attacks underscore the need for users to proactively manage their token approvals. Tools like Etherscan’s Token Approval Checker allow Ethereum users to review and revoke unnecessary permissions; however, each revocation requires a gas fee, which can be a deterrent for some. Analysts emphasize that the onus is on users to remain vigilant and regularly audit their blockchain interactions [2]. The incident also aligns with broader trends in crypto-related fraud. In July alone, bad actors stole over $142 million in 17 separate attacks, with one of the most significant losses attributed to the exploitation of crypto exchange CoinDCX. These figures highlight the urgent need for both individual users and platform developers to strengthen security protocols and improve user education [2]. Scam Sniffer, the analytics platform that identified the theft, warned users to “regularly review and revoke old approvals” to avoid similar fates. As the DeFi space continues to expand, incidents like this serve as a stark reminder of the importance of wallet security and the potentially long-term consequences of a single overlooked approval [1].
Pastor Indicted For Cryptocurrency Scam He Claims God Told Him To Do --Affinity fraud is the name of the type of fraud where people put undeserved trust in someone offering an investment opportunity because that person is "someone like me." Affinity fraud works because people trust other people who may share a common bond, such as family, religion or some other group affiliation. The list goes on and on. Scammers take advantage of every connection they can make with their victims to gain their trust and then steal their money.In 2024 civil fraud charges were brought by the Colorado Division of Securities against Colorado Pastor Eli Regalado and his wife who created a cryptocurrency called INDXcoin and sold it to members of his online Victorious Grace Church through a cryptocurrency marketplace that he created and controlled between January of 2022 and July of 2023 The Regalados used their online church the to solicit investments from congregants claiming divine inspiration and tellinginvestors they would have more money than they ever had in their life. Regalado announced he was selling the cryptocurrency on YouTube, telling people that God told him to do this and that God said it was a safe and profitable investment. It wasn’t. According to Denver District Attorney, John Walsh $1.3 million of 300 investors’ money went to fund the pastor’s and his wife's extravagant lifestyle which included a home renovation, luxury handbags, cosmetic dentistry and a Range Rover.The Regalados marketed the INDX coin as a stable and secure cryptocurrency, citing a cybersecurity audit without providing the audit which rated it a 0 out of 10 and called it “catastrophically technologically deficient."INDXcoin could only be bought and sold on the Kingdom Wealth Exchange, the online marketplace the Regalados started and then shut down in November 2023 leaving purchasers holding coins that could not be bought or sold rendering them worthless.Eli Regalado and his wife Kaitlyn Regalado were tried on the civil fraud charges in a bench trial in which they represented themselves before Judge Heidi Kutcher in the Colorado District Court in May, however, Judge Kutcher has not yet issued a ruling on the civil charges. Meanwhile, the two Regalados were indicted recently on forty criminal charges including racketeering, theft and securities fraud related to the same scamAccording to District Attorney Walsh, “these charges mark a major step forward in our work to hold the Regalados accountable for their alleged crimes and to bring a measure of justice to the victims."
$142 Million Lost to Crypto Hacks in July: Protect Your Funds with Best Wallet - Brave New Coin -That pushes this year’s total losses past $3.2 billion, already higher than 2024’s full-year tally with five months still to go.Crypto hackers haven’t taken a summer break. In July alone, 17 separate attacks drained over $142 million from exchanges and platforms – a 27% jump from June.And the methods? They’re getting sneakier – less about buggy code, more about tricking people and breaching systems behind the scenes. That’s why many investors are turning to solutions like Best Wallet, a crypto wallet that combines enterprise-grade security with simplicity.July was a brutal reminder that crypto security is still fragile. CoinDCX’s $44 million breach started with a simple trick – fake recruiters convincing a software engineer to install malware. While the hackers spared customer accounts, they still accessed an operational wallet with devastating results.WOO X’s $14 million loss came through a compromised employee computer, while BigONE lost $27 million through backend infrastructure gaps. Notice the pattern? These weren’t zero-day exploits, but textbook examples of attackers targeting the human element – the persistent weak spot in any security system.
AI-fueled crypto scams are booming, up 456% — and no one is safe, expert warns - Crypto crooks are getting bolder — and now, they sound just like your mom.Global crypto scams soared 456% between May 2024 and April 2025 — becoming increasingly reliant on AI-generated voices, deepfake videos and phony credentials to fleece unsuspecting victims, blockchain intelligence firm TRM Labs‘ Ari Redbord told The Post after testifying before Congresslast Tuesday.“These scams are highly effective, as the technology feels incredibly real and familiar to the victim,” Redbord said. TRM Labs’ Ari Redbord, who testified before Congress last week, says scammers are now using AI-generated voices and deepfake credentials to mimic loved ones and steal crypto “We’ve seen cases where scammers use AI to replicate the voice of a loved one, tricking the victim into transferring money under the guise of an urgent request.”And the threat is exploding — especially in high-density cities like New York, Miami and Los Angeles, he added.In June, New York officials froze $300,000 in stolen cryptocurrency and seized more than 100 scam websites linked to a Vietnam-based ring that targeted Russian-speaking Brooklynites with fake Facebook investment ads.Meta shut down over 700 Facebook accounts tied to the scam.Investigators say the group used deepfake BitLicense certificates and moved victims onto encrypted apps like Telegram before draining their wallets.Even crypto pros aren’t safe — MoonPay’s CEO and CFO were conned into wiring $250,000 to a scammer pretending to be a Trump inauguration insider.Igor Faun – stock.adobe.comSome New Yorkers lost hundreds of thousands of dollars — and it’s not just everyday joes getting targeted. Even crypto insiders are falling for it. Florida-based crypto firm MoonPay saw its CEO Ivan Soto-Wright and CFO Mouna Ammari Siala duped intowiring $250,000 in crypto to a scammer posing as Trump inauguration co-chair Steve Witkoff, according to a recent Department of Justice complaint.And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.Globally, fraudsters swiped more than $10.7 billion in 2024 through crypto cons — including romance scams, fake trading platforms and “pig-butchering,” where scammers build fake relationships before draining victims’ accounts, Redbord said.In the US, Americans filed nearly 150,000 crypto-related fraud complaints in 2024, with losses topping $3.9 billion, according to the FBI. But the real number is likely much higher.
AI generated Keanu Reeves used in costly romance scam— Two women lost substantial amounts of money after being targeted by a romance scam involving artificial intelligence, where criminals impersonated movie star Keanu Reeves. According to the Marion County Sheriff's Office, one woman from Marion County was scammed out of $40,000, while another from Hillsborough lost close to $170,000. Both women felt a romantic connection with Reeves, but it was all fake. Valerie Strong from the Marion County Sheriff's Office said, "On a scale from one to ten... what are their chances of getting their money back? One... zero to one probably." The scammers used AI-generated voice and video to convince one victim that she was speaking with Reeves. "And I believe that victim received phone calls and video where they were able to use the AI-generated voice and video… so she actually thought she was talking to Keanu Reeves," Strong said. The fake Reeves claimed he needed money for reasons such as going through a divorce, cancer research, or an investment. The scammers initially made contact with the women through word games on their phones, like Scrabble. Strong described the process: "You say Hey, find me a game and they match you up with someone and play Scrabble, and it is normally someone you don't know in person." Strong further detailed the scam's progression: "She thinks she's just playing Scrabble and then… yes, and so he starts messaging here… they build a connection and then he lets her know he's Keanu Reeves, and he wants her to send money." Investigators revealed that the money was sent in Bitcoin to an account in Nigeria.
BankThink The promise and peril of programmable payments - Amid the intensifying focus on stablecoin issuance and demand, one potential blockchain innovation feels relatively overlooked: programmable payments. Noelle Acheson outlines the key blockchain innovations for payment programmability, and highlights their advantages and their risks.
'Pie is getting bigger faster': Customers CEO on stablecoins -- Sam Sidhu, the incoming president and CEO of Customers Bancorp, says the recent enactment of federal stablecoin legislation is a validation of the Pennsylvania company's yearslong bet oncryptocurrency.The Pennsylvania-based bank will continue to lean into its digital assets payment platform now that the GENIUS Act has become law. Its incoming CEO says he's not concerned about new entrants.
Lagging stablecoin regulations threaten the UK: payment experts --The U.K. has not kept up with the U.S. and EU in regulating stablecoins, a slow pace that consultants say will leave the country out of the market, with risks that go beyond the country's status in cryptocurrency industry. The GENIUS Act in the U.S. and MiCA in the EU are creating a path to the mainstream for digital assets, while Britain won't have crypto regulation until 2026.
JPMorganChase and Coinbase partner on crypto offerings -JPMorganChase and Coinbase have partnered on cryptocurrency offerings as American banks evaluate their digital asset strategies. The bank partnered with the cryptocurrency exchange platform to connect Chase customer accounts and services directly to Coinbase wallets next year.
BankThink It's time for the banking industry to look to a future beyond SWIFT - The groundwork for a system of international payments that bypasses the sclerotic SWIFT network has been created. Now the banking industry needs to get behind the switch to blockchain-based payments, writes Kirill Gertman, of Conduit. In 1973, computers were the size of a refrigerator. Today you can fit one in your pocket. SWIFT — the cross-border messaging protocol used today by more than 11,000 correspondent banks in 200 countries to move trillions of dollars — was also introduced in 1973. Sadly, its progress has not been so rapi The groundwork for a system of international payments that bypasses the sclerotic SWIFT network has been created. Now the banking industry needs to get behind the switch to blockchain-based payments.
BankThink: Nonbank financial firms are a growing vector of systemic risk -Regulators should be paying more attention to the ballooning galaxy of nonbank financial institutions currently operating in global markets. The risks they pose to the financial system are not well understood, write Olivier Fines and Kurt Schacht, of the CFA Institute.When it comes to deregulation, who can resist an improved regulatory framework that is more efficient, effective and less costly to operate? But what if that framework ends up backtracking on progress that market regulators have made in protecting the global economic system from systemic meltdown? Deregulation must balance economic growth with financial stability. Regulators should be paying more attention to the ballooning galaxy of nonbank financial institutions currently operating in global markets. The risks they pose to the financial system are not well understood.
White House calls for transparency in master account access— The White House group that studies crypto said that there should be more "transparency" in how crypto firms seek and acquire bank charters or master accounts. The White House working group on digital assets said in a report that regulators should "promote transparency regarding the process for institutions to obtain bank charters or Reserve Bank master accounts."
BankThink: This is not the time to disable our financial early warning system- Treasury's Office of Financial Research was created for moments like this, when financial innovation accelerates and uncertainty builds. This is no time to slash its personnel, writes Greg Feldberg, of Yale School of Management. The Treasury Department is proposing drastic cuts for the Office of Financial Research, or OFR, the nonpartisan, data-driven research shop that Congress created after the Global Financial Crisis of 2007-09 to monitor vulnerabilities in the financial system. That would be a mistake. Proposed cuts to the Treasury's Office of Financial Research would deprive the government of vital insight into the financial markets at a time when the sector is experiencing major disruptions.
Senators introduce bill to tighten AML regulations on U.S. art market -Art collectors — and criminals — can anonymously spend millions on art in the U.S. A newly introduced bill could change that. A bipartisan coalition of U.S. senators introduced the Art Market Integrity Act, seeking to extend anti-money-laundering, or AML, and counter-terrorism financing regulations under the Bank Secrecy Act, or BSA, to U.S. art dealers and auction houses.
Five FDIC officials engaged in workplace misconduct: Report --The Office of Inspector General released a second report on toxic workplace culture at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., providing new details about allegations of inappropriate conduct and demeaning behavior by former Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Chairman Martin Gruenberg and four senior FDIC officials. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. withheld bonuses from former FDIC Chair Martin Gruenberg and four senior officials, whose names were redacted from the report, as part of "corrective action" for allegations of misconduct.
Bipartisan bills call for annual Treasury stress test - A pair of bipartisan bills introduced during the past week would require the Treasury Department to conduct an annual stress test of the nation's financial system and the government's ability to support it during a crisis. The legislation would direct the department to assess the federal government's ability to respond to a host of systemic challenges including war, pandemic and financial crisis.
How cannabis missed out on the debanking moment - The push to stop "debanking" — the denial of financial services to a particular entity, often from controversial industries — gained momentum in Washington last year. Fueled by GOP outrage over an Obama-era policy that discouraged banks from working with disfavored industries like arms dealers, the second Trump administration's financial regulators have moved to rein in bank supervisors' oversight of which industries banks may serve, removing reputational risk from bank examination procedure. But amid the outcry, one sector seemed to be left behind: cannabis. Despite a deregulatory push under Trump, cannabis banking remains hindered by legal uncertainty. The path forward under the current administration is not much clearer than under the last, but some cannabis banking experts are cautiously optimistic.
Warner, Crapo press OMB on unobligated CDFI money — A bipartisan pair of senators is pressuring key allies of President Donald Trump to release hundreds of millions of dollars in community development funding that they say has been stalled for months, another step in the battle over programs that support lending in underserved rural and urban areas. The CDFI Fund has yet to announce and disburse awards for five programs, even though applications closed months ago, the lawmakers said in a letter to Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought.
Housing bills advance with pluses, minuses for bankers — The Senate Banking Committee passed a housing package that includes funding for manufactured and other kinds of housing, but also includes an appraisal provision that mortgage bankers oppose.The Senate Banking Committee passed the package of housing bills unanimously in a 24-0 vote.
Fannie and Freddie: Single Family Serious Delinquency Rates Decreased in June - Freddie Mac reported that the Single-Family serious delinquency rate in June was 0.55%, unchanged from 0.55% May. Freddie's rate is up year-over-year from 0.50% in June 2024, however, this is below the pre-pandemic level of 0.60%.Freddie's serious delinquency rate peaked in February 2010 at 4.20% following the housing bubble and peaked at 3.17% in August 2020 during the pandemic.Fannie Mae reported that the Single-Family serious delinquency rate in June was 0.53%, unchanged from 0.53% in May. The serious delinquency rate is up year-over-year from 0.48% in June 2024, however, this is below the pre-pandemic lows of 0.65%.The Fannie Mae serious delinquency rate peaked in February 2010 at 5.59% following the housing bubble and peaked at 3.32% in August 2020 during the pandemic.These are mortgage loans that are "three monthly payments or more past due or in foreclosure". Mortgages in forbearance are being counted as delinquent in this monthly report but are not reported to the credit bureaus. For Fannie, by vintage, for loans made in 2004 or earlier (1% of portfolio), 1.36% are seriously delinquent (down from 1.37% the previous month). For loans made in 2005 through 2008 (1% of portfolio), 1.93% are seriously delinquent (down from 1.94%).For recent loans, originated in 2009 through 2025 (98% of portfolio), 0.48% are seriously delinquent (down from 0.49%). So, Fannie is still working through a handful of poor performing loans from the bubble years.
MBA: Mortgage Applications Decrease in Latest Weekly Survey --From the MBA: Mortgage Applications Decrease in Latest MBA Weekly Survey Mortgage applications decreased 3.8 percent from one week earlier, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending July 25, 2025. The Market Composite Index, a measure of mortgage loan application volume, decreased 3.8 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis from one week earlier. On an unadjusted basis, the Index decreased 4 percent compared with the previous week. The Refinance Index decreased 1 percent from the previous week and was 30 percent higher than the same week one year ago. The seasonally adjusted Purchase Index decreased 6 percent from one week earlier. The unadjusted Purchase Index decreased 6 percent compared with the previous week and was 17 percent higher than the same week one year ago. “Mortgage applications fell to their lowest level since May, with both purchase and refinance activity declining over the week. There is still plenty of uncertainty surrounding the economy and job market, which is weighing on prospective homebuyers’ decisions,” said Joel Kan, MBA’s Vice President and Deputy Chief Economist. “The 30-year fixed rate was little changed at 6.83 percent, but high enough that there was not much interest in refinancing, pushing the refinance index lower for the third straight week. Purchase applications decreased by almost 6 percent, as applications for conventional, FHA, and VA purchase loans fell, despite slowing home-price growth and increasing levels of for-sale inventory in many regions.” ... The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with conforming loan balances ($806,500 or less) decreased to 6.83 percent from 6.84 percent, with points decreasing to 0.60 from 0.62 (including the origination fee) for 80 percent loan-to-value ratio (LTV) loans. The first graph shows the MBA mortgage purchase index. According to the MBA, purchase activity is up 17% year-over-year unadjusted. Purchase application activity is still depressed, but above the lows of October 2023 and slightly above the lowest levels during the housing bust. The second graph shows the refinance index since 1990.The refinance index decreased and remains very low.
Housing July 28th Weekly Update: Inventory up 0.4% Week-over-week; Down 10% from 2019 Levels - Altos reports that active single-family inventory was up 0.4% week-over-week.Inventory is now up 37.8% from the seasonal bottom in January. Usually, inventory is up about 22% from the seasonal low by this week in the year. So, 2025 is seeing a larger than normal increase in inventory.The first graph shows the seasonal pattern for active single-family inventory since 2015.The red line is for 2025. The black line is for 2019. Inventory was up 27.0% compared to the same week in 2024 (last week it was up 28.2%), and down 10.3% compared to the same week in 2019 (last week it was down 10.8%). It now appears inventory will be close to 2019 levels towards the end of 2025. This second inventory graph is courtesy of Altos Research. As of July 25th, inventory was at 860 thousand (7-day average), compared to 857 thousand the prior week. Mike Simonsen discusses this data and much more regularly on Youtube
Realtor.com Reports Most Active "For Sale" Inventory since November 2019 - On a weekly basis, Realtor.com reports the year-over-year change in active inventory and new listings. On a monthly basis, they report total inventory. For July, Realtor.comreported inventory was up 24.8% YoY, but still down 13.4% compared to the 2017 to 2019 same month levels. Here is their weekly report: Weekly Housing Trends: Latest Data as of July 26• Active inventory climbed 23.7% year over year. The number of homes active on the market climbed 23.7% year over year, slightly lower than last week. This represents the 90th consecutive week of annual gains in inventory. There were more than 1.1 million homes for sale again last week, marking the 12th week in a row over the million-listing threshold and the highest inventory level since November 2019. Active inventory is growing significantly faster than new listings, an indication that more homes are sitting on the market for longer.
• New listings—a measure of sellers putting homes up for sale—rose 5.8% year over year. New listings rose again last week on an annual basis by 5.8% compared with the same period last year. This marks a slight slowdown from last week, in which new listings grew by 7.2% year over year, but is roughly in line with new listing growth throughout this June and July.
• The median list price was flat year over year. The median list price posted its first week without year-over-year growth (0%) since May. The median list price per square foot—which adjusts for changes in home size—rose 0.5% year over year and has not fallen in nearly two years, suggesting that the mix of homes for sale is starting to favor smaller and less expensive inventory.
With inventory climbing, and sales depressed, months-of-supply is at the highest level since 2016 putting downward pressure on house prices in an increasing number of areas.
Case-Shiller: National House Price Index Up 2.3% year-over-year in May -- S&P/Case-Shiller released the monthly Home Price Indices for May ("May" is a 3-month average of March, April and May closing prices). This release includes prices for 20 individual cities, two composite indices (for 10 cities and 20 cities) and the monthly National index. From S&P S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Index Records 2.3% Annual Gain in May 2025 The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price NSA Index, covering all nine U.S. census divisions, reported a 2.3% annual return for May, down from a 2.7% annual gain in the previous month. The 10-City Composite saw an annual increase of 3.4%, down from a 4.1% annual increase in the previous month. The 20-City Composite posted a year-over-year increase of 2.8%, down from a 3.4% increase in the previous month. New York again reported the highest annual gain among the 20 cities with a 7.4% increase in May, followed by Chicago and Detroit with annual increases of 6.1% and 4.9%, respectively. Tampa posted the lowest return, falling 2.4%. ... The pre-seasonally adjusted U.S. National Index saw slight upward trends in May, posting gains of 0.4%. The 10-City Composite and 20-City Composite Indices both reported gains of 0.4%. After seasonal adjustment, the U.S. National Index posted a decrease of -0.3%. Both the 10-City Composite and the 20-City Composite Indices saw a -0.3% decrease, as well. The first graph shows the nominal seasonally adjusted Composite 10, Composite 20 and National indices (the Composite 20 was started in January 2000). The Composite 10 index was down 0.3% in May (SA). The Composite 20 index was down 0.3% (SA) in May. The National index was down 0.3% (SA) in May. The second graph shows the year-over-year change in all three indices. The Composite 10 NSA was up 3.4% year-over-year. The Composite 20 NSA was up 2.8% year-over-year. The National index NSA was up 2.3% year-over-year. Annual price changes were close to expectations. I'll have more later.
Newsletter: Case-Shiller: National House Price Index Up 2.3% year-over-year in May -Today, in the Calculated Risk Real Estate Newsletter: Case-Shiller: National House Price Index Up 2.3% year-over-year in May Excerpt: S&P/Case-Shiller released the monthly Home Price Indices for May ("May" is a 3-month average of March, April and May closing prices). March closing prices include some contracts signed in January, so there is a significant lag to this data. Here is a graph of the month-over-month (MoM) change in the Case-Shiller National Index Seasonally Adjusted (SA). The MoM decrease in the seasonally adjusted (SA) Case-Shiller National Index was at -0.29% (a -3.5% annual rate). This was the third consecutive MoM decrease. On a seasonally adjusted basis, prices increased month-to-month in just 8 of the 20 Case-Shiller cities. San Francisco has fallen 8.2% from the recent peak, Tampa is down 3.3% from the peak, and Denver down 3.3%.
Inflation Adjusted House Prices 2.0% Below 2022 Peak; Price-to-rent index is 9.3% below 2022 peak - Today, in the Calculated Risk Real Estate Newsletter: Inflation Adjusted House Prices 2.0% Below 2022 Peak Excerpt: It has been 19 years since the housing bubble peak, ancient history for many readers! In the May Case-Shiller house price index released yesterday, the seasonally adjusted National Index (SA), was reported as being 77% above the bubble peak in 2006. However, in real terms, the National index (SA) is about 10.5% above the bubble peak (and historically there has been an upward slope to real house prices). The composite 20, in real terms, is 1.9% above the bubble peak. People usually graph nominal house prices, but it is also important to look at prices in real terms. As an example, if a house price was $300,000 in January 2010, the price would be $442,000 today adjusted for inflation (47% increase). That is why the second graph below is important - this shows "real" prices. The third graph shows the price-to-rent ratio, and the fourth graph is the affordability index. The last graph shows the 5-year real return based on the Case-Shiller National Index. ... The second graph shows the same two indexes in real terms (adjusted for inflation using CPI). In real terms (using CPI), the National index is 2.0% below the recent peak, and the Composite 20 index is 2.2% below the recent peak in 2022. Both the real National index and the Comp-20 index decreased in May. It has now been 36 months since the real peak in house prices. Typically, after a sharp increase in prices, it takes a number of years for real prices to reach new highs (see House Prices: 7 Years in Purgatory)
HVS: Q2 2025 Homeownership and Vacancy Rates -The Census Bureau released the Residential Vacancies and Homeownership report for Q2 2025 today. The results of this survey were significantly distorted by the pandemic in 2020.This report is frequently mentioned by analysts and the media to track household formation, the homeownership rate, and the homeowner and rental vacancy rates. However, there are serious questions about the accuracy of this survey. This survey might show the trend, but I wouldn't rely on the absolute numbers. Analysts probably shouldn't use the HVS to estimate the excess vacant supply or household formation, or rely on the homeownership rate, except as a guide to the trend.National vacancy rates in the second quarter 2025 were 7.0 percent for rental housing and 1.1 percent for homeowner housing. The rental vacancy rate was higher than the rate in the second quarter 2024 (6.6 percent) and not statistically different from the rate in the first quarter 2025 (7.1 percent). The homeowner vacancy rate of 1.1 percent was higher than the rate in the second quarter 2024 (0.9 percent) and virtually the same as the rate in the first quarter 2025 (1.1 percent). The homeownership rate of 65.0 percent was not statistically different from the rate in the second quarter 2024 (65.6 percent) and not statistically different than the rate in the first quarter 2025 (65.1 percent). The Red dots are the decennial Census homeownership rates for April 1st, 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2020. The HVS homeownership rate was decreased to 65.0% in Q2, from 65.1% in Q1. The results in Q2 and Q3 2020 were distorted by the pandemic and should be ignored.The HVS homeowner vacancy was unchanged at 1.1% in Q2 from 1.1% in Q1. The homeowner vacancy rate declined sharply during the pandemic and includes homes that are vacant and for sale (so this mirrors the low but increasing levels of existing home inventory).
Construction Spending Decreased 0.4% in June --From the Census Bureau reported that overall construction spending decreased: Construction spending during June 2025 was estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $2,136.2 billion, 0.4 percent below the revised May estimate of $2,143.9 billion. The June figure is 2.9 percent below the June 2024 estimate of $2,199.8 billion.Private spending decreased and public spending increased slightly: Spending on private construction was at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1,621.9 billion, 0.5 percent below the revised May estimate of $1,630.2 billion. ...In June, the estimated seasonally adjusted annual rate of public construction spending was $514.3 billion, 0.1 percent above the revised May estimate of $513.7 billion. This graph shows private residential and nonresidential construction spending, and public spending, since 1993. Note: nominal dollars, not inflation adjusted.Private residential (red) spending is 9.7% below the peak in 2022.Private non-residential (blue) spending is 6.6% below the peak in December 2023.Public construction spending (orange) is at a new peak.The second graph shows the year-over-year change in construction spending.On a year-over-year basis, private residential construction spending is down 6.2%. Private non-residential spending is down 4.0% year-over-year. Public spending is up 5.2% year-over-year.This was well below consensus expectations; however, spending for the previous two months was revised up slightly.
New report reveals why vast swaths of US land are too dangerous to build homes on: 'Housing options are diminished' -Building new homes in California is becoming increasingly challenging due to climate-related risks. Eroding shorelines and wildfire risks are exacerbating California's housing shortage as safe places to build are dwindling. As Bloomberg reported, much of the land available for new housing in California has become too dangerous to build upon. Although state legislation has exempted some housing projects from environmental regulations to spur development, there simply aren't enough safe places to build homes anymore. Although there is a demand for new housing in California, local officials are wary of approving new construction projects in areas prone to wildfires, coastal erosion, and flooding. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection expanded its high fire hazard zone areas on maps and informed the public that future fires are inevitable in these places. The limited development situation in California is problematic for residents, and other states, such as Arizona, are facing similar challenges. There's something undeniably unsettling about pouring your life's savings into and going into debt for a home that may not be able to withstand intense storms for just a few years or less. There's also the issue of finding and affording homeowners' insurance for new houses in high-risk zones. The idea of building homes in at-risk areas is hindering economic development and pushing the already questionable homeowners' insurance market beyond its capacity. Some homeowners have no other option but to rely on the high-cost, state-provided, basic insurance when no private options are available. "As housing prices continue to increase and housing options are diminished, the only option is going to be rentals," said Spencer Kamps from the Home Builders Association of Central Arizona. Construction projects approved to move forward are incorporating disaster-proofing measures, such as anti-flammable roofs, ember-resistant yards, and sprinklers. Planned communities now also feature wide roads to prevent congestion during evacuations.
Las Vegas in June: Visitor Traffic Down 11.3% YoY; Convention Traffic Down 10.7% YoY -- From the Las Vegas Visitor Authority: June 2025 Las Vegas Visitor Statistics Reflecting the broader backdrop of persistent economic uncertainty and weaker consumer confidence, compounded by a slower convention month, the destination saw a ‐11% YoY decline in visitation, hosting approximately 3.1M visitors. Convention attendance was approx. 375k for the month (down ‐10.7%), reflecting in part out rotations of shows that were held elsewhere this year, including InfoComm (30k attendees) and Cisco Live (18k attendees). Hotel occupancy of 78.7% (down ‐6.5 pts) and ADR of $164 (‐6.6% YoY) translated to monthly RevPAR below $129 (‐13.8% YoY). The first graph shows visitor traffic for 2019 (Black), 2020 (dark blue), 2021 (light blue), 2022 (light orange), 2023 (orange), 2024 (dark orange) and 2025 (red).Visitor traffic was down 11.3% compared to last June. Visitor traffic was down 14.2% compared to June 2019. Year-to-date (YTD) visitor traffic is down 7.5% compared to the same period in 2019. The second graph shows convention traffic. Convention traffic was down 10.7% compared to June 2024 and down 27.1% compared to June 2019. YTD convention traffic is down 8.8% compared to 2019.
TSA: Airline Travel Mostly Unchanged YoY --Here are the daily travel numbers from the TSA. This data is as of July 27, 2025. This data shows the 7-day average of daily total traveler throughput from the TSA for the last 6 years.Air travel is essentially unchanged YoY (7-day average up about 0.5% YoY). The red line is the seven-day average for 2025. 2020 (black) was the worst year for air travel due to COVID. Each year that followed showed a pickup in air travel, with 2023 (yellow) finally reaching 2019 levels (light blue).There is no growth this year with air travel mostly tracking 2024 levels.
CEO Of Largest U.S. Foodservice Distributor Warns Consumer Sentiment, Confidence "Not High Right Now" -The CEO of Sysco, the largest foodservice distributor in the U.S., serving nearly 20% of the nation's restaurants and commercial kitchens, issued a warning on Tuesday: Consumer sentiment and confidence remain lackluster. CEO Kevin Hourican spoke with Bloomberg during an interview after the foodservice distributor reported earnings and forecasted annual sales at the lower end of its target range. Hourican noted that consumer sentiment and confidence "is not high right now." Sysco expects sales growth of about 3% to 5% in fiscal 2026, less than the three-year sales growth target of 4% to 6% it forecasted last year. Sysco serves over 700,000 customer locations, giving it unparalleled visibility into the health of America's restaurants and commercial kitchens. Its massive scale and nationwide reach make it a barometer for consumer behavior across the entire foodservice industry. For more U.S. restaurant trends, a team of Goldman Sachs analysts led by Christine Cho posted a note for clients on Tuesday that showed Net Purchase Intent over time for three restaurant subsectors: Fast Casual, Casual Dining, and Fast Food, based on trailing 3-month averages (T3M). Takeaways:
- Shift in preferences: Consumers are pivoting from fast casual to casual dining, possibly seeking a fuller dining experience or better value amid inflation.
- Fast casual sentiment is weakening, despite historically being the leader in restaurant trends.
- Fast food remains under pressure, with the lowest consumer intent scores across the board.
Personal Income Increased 0.3% in June; Spending Increased 0.3% - From the BEA: Personal Income and Outlays, June 2025 Personal income increased $71.4 billion (0.3 percent at a monthly rate) in June, according to estimates released today by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Disposable personal income (DPI)—personal income less personal current taxes—increased $61.0 billion (0.3 percent) and personal consumption expenditures (PCE) increased $69.9 billion (0.3 percent). Personal outlays—the sum of PCE, personal interest payments, and personal current transfer payments—increased $69.5 billion in June. Personal saving was $1.01 trillion in June and the personal saving rate—personal saving as a percentage of disposable personal income—was 4.5 percent. From the preceding month, the PCE price index for June increased 0.3 percent. Excluding food and energy, the PCE price index also increased 0.3 percent. From the same month one year ago, the PCE price index for June increased 2.6 percent. Excluding food and energy, the PCE price index increased 2.8 percent from one year ago. The June PCE price index increased 2.6 percent year-over-year (YoY), up from 2.3 percent YoY in May. The PCE price index, excluding food and energy, increased 2.8 percent YoY, up from 2.7 percent in May. The following graph shows real Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) through June 2025 (2017 dollars). Note that the y-axis doesn't start at zero to better show the change. The dashed red lines are the quarterly levels for real PCE. Personal income was at expectations and PCE was below expectations. Inflation was slightly above expectations.
ISM® Manufacturing index Decreased to 48.0% in July --The ISM manufacturing index indicated contraction. The PMI® was at 48.0% in July, down from 49.0% in June. The employment index was at 43.4%, down from 45.0% the previous month, and the new orders index was at 47.1%, up from 46.4%.From ISM: Manufacturing PMI® at 48% July 2025 Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business®Economic activity in the manufacturing sector contracted in July for the fifth consecutive month, following a two-month expansion preceded by 26 straight months of contraction, say the nation's supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business®.“The Manufacturing PMI® registered 48 percent in July, a 1-percentage point decrease compared to the 49 percent recorded in June. The overall economy continued in expansion for the 63rd month after one month of contraction in April 2020. (A Manufacturing PMI® above 42.3 percent, over a period of time, generally indicates an expansion of the overall economy.) The New Orders Index contracted for the sixth month in a row following a three-month period of expansion; the figure of 47.1 percent is 0.7 percentage point higher than the 46.4 percent recorded in June. The July reading of the Production Index (51.4 percent) is 1.1 percentage points higher than June’s figure of 50.3 percent.The Prices Index remained in expansion (or ‘increasing’) territory, registering 64.8 percent, down 4.9 percentage points compared to the reading of 69.7 percent reported in June. The Backlog of Orders Index registered 46.8 percent, up 2.5 percentage points compared to the 44.3 percent recorded in June. The Employment Index registered 43.4 percent, down 1.6 percentage points from June’s figure of 45 percent.“The Supplier Deliveries Index indicated faster delivery performance after seven consecutive months in expansion (or ‘slower’) territory. The reading of 49.3 percent is down 4.9 percentage points from the 54.2 percent recorded in June. (Supplier Deliveries is the only ISM® Report On Business® index that is inversed; a reading of above 50 percent indicates slower deliveries, which is typical as the economy improves and customer demand increases.) The Inventories Index registered 48.9 percent, down 0.3 percentage point compared to June’s reading of 49.2 percent.“The New Export Orders Index reading of 46.1 percent is 0.2 percentage point lower than the reading of 46.3 percent registered in June. The Imports Index registered 47.6 percent, 0.2 percentage point higher than June’s reading of 47.4 percent.” This suggests manufacturing contracted in July. This was below the consensus forecast of 49.8. New export orders were still weak; employment was weak and prices very strong.
Musk: Samsung to produce Tesla's AI6 chip in Texas -- Tesla CEO Elon Musk said a new Samsung plant in Texas will be devoted to making the next generation of semiconductors for the electric vehicle (EV) company as it pushes the needle on artificial intelligence (AI).In a Sunday post on X, the social media platform he purchased in 2022, Musk said Samsung’s new factory will be “dedicated” to making Tesla’s AI6 chip. Musk said he will also be a presence at the factory to “assist” Samsung “in maximizing manufacturing efficiency.”“This is a critical point, as I will walk the line personally to accelerate the pace of progress. And the fab is conveniently located not far from my house,” Musk wrote.The Hill has reached out to Samsung for comment. The value of the contract is $16.5 billion, according to CNBC. Tesla’s deal with Samsung could be a major lift for the embattled EV company as it attempts to overcome a serious dip in sales, spurred largely by Musk’s brief alliance with President Trump. Tesla’s global sales sunk throughout 2025 as Musk led Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency cost-cutting panel. He also spurred backlash to Tesla in Europe by aligning himself with far-right political figures and attacking Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Weekly Initial Unemployment Claims Increase to 218,000 --The DOL reported:In the week ending July 26, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 218,000, an increase of 1,000 from the previous week's unrevised level of 217,000. The 4-week moving average was 221,000, a decrease of 3,500 from the previous week's unrevised average of 224,500. The following graph shows the 4-week moving average of weekly claims since 1971. The dashed line on the graph is the current 4-week average. The four-week average of weekly unemployment claims decreased to 221,000. The previous week was unrevised. Weekly claims were lower than the consensus forecast.
BLS: Job Openings Decreased to 7.4 million in June -From the BLS: Job Openings and Labor Turnover Summary The number of job openings was little changed at 7.4 million in June, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Over the month, both hires and total separations were little changed at 5.2 million and 5.1 million, respectively. Within separations, quits (3.1 million) were little changed while layoffs and discharges (1.6 million) were unchanged. The following graph shows job openings (black line), hires (dark blue), Layoff, Discharges and other (red column), and Quits (light blue column) from the JOLTS. Note: The difference between JOLTS hires and separations is similar to the CES (payroll survey) net jobs headline numbers. . Note that hires (dark blue) and total separations (red and light blue columns stacked) are usually pretty close each month. This is a measure of labor market turnover. When the blue line is above the two stacked columns, the economy is adding net jobs - when it is below the columns, the economy is losing jobs. The spike in layoffs and discharges in March 2020 is labeled, but off the chart to better show the usual data. Jobs openings decreased in June to 7.44 million from 7.71 million in May. The number of job openings (black) were mostly unchanged year-over-year. Quits were down 4% year-over-year. These are voluntary separations. (See light blue columns at bottom of graph for trend for "quits").
ADP: Private Employment Increased 104,000 in July -- From ADP: ADP National Employment Report: Private Sector Employment Increased by 104,000 Jobs in July; Annual Pay was Up 4.4% “Our hiring and pay data are broadly indicative of a healthy economy,” said Dr. Nela Richardson, chief economist, ADP. “Employers have grown more optimistic that consumers, the backbone of the economy, will remain resilient.” This was above the consensus forecast of 75,000 jobs added. The BLS report will be released Friday, and the consensus is for 118,000 non-farm payroll jobs added in July.
July Employment Report: 73 thousand Jobs, 4.2% Unemployment Rate - From the BLS: Employment Situation Total nonfarm payroll employment changed little in July (+73,000) and has shown little change since April, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported today. The unemployment rate, at 4.2 percent, also changed little in July. Employment continued to trend up in health care and in social assistance. Federal government continued to lose jobs....Revisions for May and June were larger than normal. The change in total nonfarm payroll employment for May was revised down by 125,000, from +144,000 to +19,000, and the change for June was revised down by 133,000, from +147,000 to +14,000. With these revisions, employment in May and June combined is 258,000 lower than previously reported.The first graph shows the jobs added per month since January 2021. Total payrolls increased by 73 thousand in July. Private payrolls increased by 83 thousand, and public payrolls decreased 10 thousand (Federal payrolls decreased 12 thousand). Payrolls for May and June were revised down by 258 thousand, combined.The second graph shows the year-over-year change in total non-farm employment since 1968. In July, the year-over-year change was 1.54 million jobs. Year-over-year employment growth is slowing. The third graph shows the employment population ratio and the participation rate.The Labor Force Participation Rate decreased to 62.2% in July, from 62.3% in June. This is the percentage of the working age population in the labor force.The Employment-Population ratio was decreased to 59.6% from 59.7% in June (blue line). The fourth graph shows the unemployment rate.The unemployment rate was increased to 4.2% in July from 4.1% in June.This was below consensus expectations and May and June payrolls were revised down by 258,000 combined. A weak report.
July jobs report: especially with revisions, an awful report that screams near-recession - Let me cut right to the chase in this first sentence: the only reason this employment report was not recessionary is that it did not have a negative number. Aside from that, it was either flat to awful almost across the board. Put another way, even before the utter chaos of the new Administration in Washington, my focus had been on whether the economy would have a “soft” or “hard” landing, i.e., recession. This report, especially with the revisions to the last two months, virtually screams “Hard Landing!!!” Below is my in depth synopsis.
- 73,000 jobs added. Private sector jobs increased 83,000. Government jobs declined -10,000. The three month average declined sharply to +32,000, well below the breakeven point necessary with any kind of population growth.
- Within government jobs, Federal jobs declined -12,000, while State jobs increased 5,000 and local jobs declined -3,000.
- The pattern of downward revisions to previous months went thermonuclear this month. May was revised downward by -144,000 to only +19,000, and June by -133,000 to only +14,000, for a net decline of -258,000.
- The alternate, and more volatile measure in the household report, declined by -260,000 jobs. On a YoY basis, this series increased 1,887,000 jobs, or an average of 157,000 monthly.
- The U3 unemployment rate rose 0.1% to 4.2%. Despite this, the real time “Sahm rule”indicator is only at +0.1%, meaning it has not been triggered.
- The U6 underemployment rate rose 0.2% to 7.9%, down -0.1% from its 3+year high in February.
- Further out on the spectrum, those who are not in the labor force but want a job now rose by 145,,000 to 6.175 million, its highest level since July 2021.
- the average manufacturing workweek, one of the 10 components of the Index of Leading Indicators, was unchanged at 41.0 hours, but remains down -0.6 hours from its 2021 peak of 41.6 hours.
- Manufacturing jobs decreased by -11,000, the third decline in a row. This series declined sharply in the second half of 2024 before stabilizing earlier this year. It is now at a 3+ year low.
- Truck driving, which had briefly rebounded, declined another -3,600.
- Construction jobs rose 2,000.
- Residential construction jobs, which are even more leading, declined -1,400. Further, with revisions this is the 4th decline in a row for this important series.
- Goods producing jobs as a whole declined -13,000. With revisions, this is now the third decline in a row, which is very important because these jobs typically decline before any recession occurs. Further, on a YoY% basis, these jobs are now negative by -0.1%. Only three times in the past 70+ years - 1952, 1967, and 1984 - has this series been negative YoY without it being during or shortly before a recession.
- Temporary jobs, which have declined by over -650,000 since late 2022, declined again this month, by -4,400, close to their post-pandemic low set last October.
- the number of people unemployed for 5 weeks or fewer rose 58,000 to 2,299,000, vs. its 12 month high of 2,465,000 last August.
- Average Hourly Earnings for Production and Nonsupervisory Personnel increased $.08, or +0.3%, to $31.34, for a YoY gain of just under +3.9%, its lowest YoY% gain in 4 years. Nevertheless, this continues to be well above the 2.7% YoY inflation rate as of last month.
- The index of aggregate hours worked for non-managerial workers rose 0.3%, and is up 1.1% YoY, about average for the past three years.
- The index of aggregate payrolls for non-managerial workers rose 0.6%, rebounding sharply from last month’s initially reported -0.2%, which has been revised to +0.1%. It is now up 5.0% YoY.
- Professional and business employment declined another -14,000. These tend to be well-paying jobs. This is the third decline in a row, and is the lowest since its May 2023 peak except for October 2024. It remains lower YoY by -0.3%, which in the past 80+ years - until now - has almost *always* meant recession. This is vs. last spring when it was down -0.9% YoY.
- The employment population ratio declined -0.1% to 59.6%, vs. 61.1% in February 2020.
- The Labor Force Participation Rate also declined -0.1% to 62.2%, vs. 63.4% in February 2020.
SUMMARY: This was a horrible report. About the only “good” thing to say about it was that the headline number was not actually negative.There were a few rays of light. Wages and payrolls continued to rise at a good pace, and in particular it is all but certain that real aggregate nonsupervisory payrolls made another new all-time high last month, which is an excellent short leading indicator for continued economic growth. And total construction jobs rose slightly, although that was in the more lagging public sector.But aside from the aforementioned aggregate payrolls, and the manufacturing workweek which was steady, all of other, important leading indicators in the report declined. Perhaps most importantly, residential construction jobs appear to have at long last decisively turned down. This is typically one of the last shoes to drop in that sector before a recession begins. And more broadly, goods producing jobs as a whole - again, with revisions - also appear to have made a significant downward turn.In the previous two months, the only reason the unemployment and underemployment rates did not go up was that the labor force participation declined significantly. This month their luck ran out as, even with another LFPR decline, both unemployment and underemployment went up. And once again, further out on the spectrum, those not in the labor force but who want a job increased to the highest level in 4 years.Last month I concluded that “Indeed, if construction jobs had turned down, this report would probably have merited going on ‘recession watch.’ We’re not quite there, but we’re not far away either.” Yesterday I wrote that real personal income and spending merited a “yellow flag” and would have warranted a “recession watch” but for the tariff front-running issue. With this morning’s report, we are now a hair’s breadth away from “recesion watch.” The only reason not to hoist a red flag now is that I still want to see the ISM manufacturing and services reports for July.
Stunning revisions show US added 258K fewer jobs than first reported -The U.S. added 258,000 fewer jobs in May and June than the Labor Department first reported, according to federal data released Friday. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) issued stunning revisions to its reports on May and June employment growth in an overall dismal July jobs report, drastically changing the picture of the U.S. economy. The U.S. only added 19,000 jobs in May compared to an initial report of 144,000, and only 14,000 in June after an initial report of 147,000, according to the BLS. Those two paltry totals, plus a July jobs gain of 73,000, means the U.S. added just 106,000 jobs over the past three months. “Hiring has hit a wall in the U.S. Substantial downward revisions in payrolls means that private sector hiring has averaged a little more than 50,000 jobs over the past three months,” Bankrate senior economic analyst Mark Hamrick wrote in an analysis. While the BLS often revises job figures, the scale of the revisions — and what they said about the economy — stunned experts and investors after a week of relatively solid economic data. The July jobs report showed the labor market stalling out last month, with most industries other than health care reporting meager job gains or outright losses. The report comes two days after the Federal Reserve kept interest rates steady, but with two members of the Fed board calling for lower rates. President Trump raged against the Fed and its chair, Jerome Powell, in the hours before the report was released. Trump urged the Fed board to overrule Powell on future decisions and warned of future dissents from board members. The combination of slowing job gains and rising inflation, however, make it harder for the Fed to respond without exacerbating either issue. Cutting interest rates can fuel economic activity to support job growth, but also risks fueling inflation. Keeping interest rates at moderately high levels can help snuff out inflation, but could hold back the job market. “Persistent policy uncertainty, tariffs, and diminished immigration flows paralyzing employers, the US economy is now flirting with job losses, revealing a labor market that is much weaker than most Fed policymakers had believed,” EY-Parthenon chief economist Gregory Daco wrote in an analysis. This dynamic, he said, now puts the Fed “behind the curve.”
Comments on July Employment Report by Bill McBride - The headline jobs number in the July employment report was below expectations and May and June payrolls were revised down by 258,000 combined. A weak report. The participation rate and the employment population ratio decreased, and the unemployment rate was increased to 4.2%. NOTE: Last month I noted that state and local government education hiring was up sharply - probably due to a data collection, timing or seasonal adjustment issue. That increase was revised away for June. Earlier: July Employment Report: 73 thousand Jobs, 4.2% Unemployment Rate Since the overall participation rate is impacted by both cyclical (recession) and demographic (aging population, younger people staying in school) reasons, here is the employment-population ratio for the key working age group: 25 to 54 years old. The 25 to 54 years old participation rate decreased in July to 83.4% from 83.5% in June. The 25 to 54 employment population ratio decreased to 80.4% from 80.7% the previous month. Both are down from the recent peaks, but still near the highest level this millennium. WagesThe graph shows the nominal year-over-year change in "Average Hourly Earnings" for all private employees from the Current Employment Statistics (CES). There was a huge increase at the beginning of the pandemic as lower paid employees were let go, and then the pandemic related spike reversed a year later. Wage growth has trended down after peaking at 5.9% YoY in March 2022 and was at 3.9% YoY in July, up from 3.8% YoY in June. From the BLS report: "The number of people employed part time for economic reasons, at 4.7 million, changed little in July. These individuals would have preferred full-time employment but were working part time because their hours had been reduced or they were unable to find full-time jobs." The number of persons working part time for economic reasons increased in July to 4.68 million from 4.47 million in June. This is above the pre-pandemic levels. These workers are included in the alternate measure of labor underutilization (U-6) that increased to 7.9% from 7.7% in the previous month. This is down from the record high in April 2020 of 22.9% and up from the lowest level on record (seasonally adjusted) in December 2022 (6.6%). (This series started in 1994). This measure is above the 7.0% level in February 2020 (pre-pandemic). This graph shows the number of workers unemployed for 27 weeks or more. According to the BLS, there are 1.83 million workers who have been unemployed for more than 26 weeks and still want a job, up from 1.65 million the previous month. This is down from post-pandemic high of 4.171 million, and up from the recent low of 1.056 million. This is above pre-pandemic levels. The headline jobs number in the July employment report was below expectations and May and June payrolls were revised down by 258,000 combined. The participation rate and the employment population ratio decreased, and the unemployment rate was increased to 4.2%. This was a weak employment report.
AAP calls for end to nonmedical vaccine exemptions for school attendance --The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) today reaffirmed its call for an end to nonmedical exemptions for routine childhood vaccinations. In a revised policy statement published today, the AAP said that it continues to support medical exemptions from immunization when granted appropriately and believes such exemptions should be available to children. But it's concerned that the growth in nonmedical vaccine exemptions, and the variation in how different states implement nonmedical exemption policies, is leading to disparities in immunization coverage and schools that are less safe.The statement, which updates a 2016 policy that was reaffirmed in 2022, comes amid rising rates of vaccine exemptions in the United States and the worst year for measles the country has seen since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000. Of the 1,319 confirmed US measles cases so far this year, 92% have been in individuals (primarily children) who are unvaccinated or have unknown vaccination status.AAP argues that nonmedical vaccine exemptions "erode the safety of school environments" and limit the public health value of vaccine requirements for school attendance."Because medically recognized contraindications for specific individuals from specific vaccines exist, there continues to be a place for legitimate medical exemptions to immunization," the team of five AAP-affiliated physicians wrote. "However, exempting children for nonmedical reasons from immunizations is problematic for medical, public health, and ethical reasons and creates unnecessary risk to both individuals and communities."The AAP said requiring proof of immunization as a condition for childcare and school attendance—as all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico currently do—is an effective means of protecting communities from vaccine preventable diseases because it helps protect those who can't be vaccinated for one reason or another."Certain infants, children, and adolescents cannot safely receive certain vaccines because of age or specific health conditions, and some vaccinated individuals may not develop immunity despite appropriate immunization," the authors wrote. "When nearly all individuals for whom a vaccine is not contraindicated have been appropriately immunized, the risk of illness or spread of a contagious vaccine-preventable infectious agent to those who do not have the direct benefit of immunization is minimized."
“Everything is on the table”: Budget crisis deepens in Chicago as educators are laid off, denied backpay - More than 1,450 Chicago Public Schools (CPS) teachers and staff received layoff notices this month, in the second round of job cuts this summer. Special education classrooms have been hit hardest, losing 677 Special Education Classroom Assistants (SECAs), organized under the SEIU. More than 430 teachers, 311 paraprofessional aides and 33 security guards were also among those pink-slipped. Earlier this summer, more than 160 were laid off and 209 unfilled positions closed, including central office workers and crossing guards. The CPS budget deficit has recently been reported to far exceed the $529 million originally announced in May, now standing somewhere around $734 million. CPS officials claim the first round of summer layoffs saved more than $160 million and the administration has promised to review all avenues for cutting even more. A budget is to be approved by August 29. The district’s chief budget officer told WBEZ: “Everything is on the table… It’s too early to say where we’re going to land.” The looming crisis in the school district, which coincides with “doomsday” planning of 40 percent cuts to the regional transit system, is part of a massive nationwide funding crisis affecting almost every large city in America. This crisis has been generated artificially by the cutoff of federal funding under Biden and Trump. Together with the massive cuts to federal Medicaid and food stamp funding under the “Big Beautiful Bill,” it is part of an all-out attack by the corporate oligarchy on all government programs benefitting the working class. Meanwhile, the US military budget has ballooned to $1 trillion a year, and the super-rich have been gifted trillions in tax cuts. The role of Democratic Party city administrations shows this is a bipartisan attack. Without the intervention of the working class, Chicago and other cities face a catastrophe. A working class movement must be built against both capitalist parties as well as the management stooges in the union bureaucracy. Earlier this month, 9,000 city workers in Philadelphia waged a powerful strike, which was sold out by the AFSCME union with a sellout deal. The same role is being played by the bureaucracy in every city. The CPS layoffs come three months after the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) concluded what its leadership called a “transformative” contract that would “protect our students” and “Trump-proof” the district. But the four-year contract was pushed through by the CTU leadership on entirely false premises. Union leaders concealed the scale of the budget crisis and planned cuts from educators, while claiming an agreement with CPS would somehow force state funding to materialize, secure the federal funding that makes up 16 percent of district revenue, and protect the democratic rights of students and teachers. These were all fantastical lies. The WSWS warned the agreement was brought to teachers under false pretenses and warned that schools and educators would come under attack immediately following ratification. This was quickly confirmed when mayor Brandon Johnson, a former CTU official elected with the support of the union and the Democratic Socialists of America, suddenly announced that “the situation had changed,” necessitating deep cuts. This was a lie. Johnson in fact had first floated school cuts in May of 2023, before he was even elected and that he could rely on his ties to the CTU to carry it out. “Who is better able to deliver bad news to a friend than a friend?,” he declared. A recent comment by CTU President Stacy Davis Gates illustrates the union’s role: It is cold comfort, but these layoffs are lower than last year.” In other words, educators have no choice but to accept cuts.
Ontario government seizes control of four school boards to ruthlessly enforce austerity measures -- Ontario’s right-wing Progressive Conservative government has taken over the running of four school boards in the Greater Toronto Area and Ottawa, setting aside the elected school councillors, in order to ram through massive budget cuts and sweeping attacks on workers’ rights. Premier Doug Ford’s government has appointed supervisors to oversee the operations of the four boards following an “investigation” into school board finances. The school boards now under government trusteeship include the province’s two largest, the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB), as well as the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) and the Dufferin-Peel Catholic School Board (DPCSB). The latter supervises publicly-funded Catholic schools in the Peel region, which includes much of Toronto’s western and northwestern suburbs, and Dufferin County, in central Ontario. The government has made no secret of its intention to use the takeover of the boards to ramp up its drive to gut public spending. In a statement, it declared that it is concerned with “growing deficits, depleting reserves and mismanagement,” while conceding that there is no question of any financial malfeasance on the part of the boards or the elected school board councillors. Education Minister Paul Calandra accused the four boards of running “unsustainable deficits,” and warned the government is prepared to seize control of other boards to slash spending. “All school boards across the province should be put on notice,” he declared. The Canadian Center for Policy Alternatives noted in a report that the Ford government has cut public education by $6.3 billion since coming to power in 2018. The TDSB alone has faced cuts just shy of $900 million since 2018, according to the same report. Billions more in cuts are planned by the end of this decade. The official opposition Ontario New Democratic Party (ONDP) evaded the basic issues at stake in its response to the takeover of the school boards, merely portraying it as a power grab and a political game on the part of the government. Nothing more can be expected from the social-democratic ONDP, which played a key role in keeping the McGuinty-Wynne Liberals in power as they savaged spending on public education and other public services prior to Ford. Teachers, students, their families, and all workers who want to defend public services for all will find no support for such a fight from this pro-capitalist party, which at the federal level has propped up the Liberal government as it rearms for war and slashes in real-terms the transfers to the provinces on which the funding of public services depend. The President of the Toronto branch of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation (OSSTF), which represents high school teachers, Michelle Texeira, has called the takeovers “an affront to local democracy and community voice.” “The investigations into these school boards,” she continued, “were nothing more than a ruse designed to distract from the fact that” the Ford government is “willfully underfunding education in this province.” Far from being a “distraction,” the takeovers are a mechanism by which such attacks on education funding can be intensified. However, the more fundamental issue raised by the OSSTF bureaucrat’s remarks is how is it that a rabid right-winger like Ford has been able to get away with taking the hatchet to public education and other budgets for public services in the face of widespread working-class opposition?
Education Department probe of University of Michigan cites bogus “agroterrorism” claims against Chinese scholars -- The US Department of Education initiated a federal investigation into the University of Michigan (U-Mich) on July 15, citing “inaccurate” and “incomplete” foreign funding disclosures. The Education Department demanded that the university deliver within 30 days all financial records, contracts and other documents related to foreign funding for the past five years. The investigation is based on Section 117 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, largely unenforced for decades but aggressively revived during the first Trump administration. Section 117 mandates semi-annual disclosure of foreign gifts and contracts exceeding $250,000. Between 2019 and 2021, the Department of Education initiated 19 compliance investigations of major universities, including Harvard, Yale and MIT. Upon retaking office, President Trump revived this campaign, reopening its Harvard inquiry and launching new investigations into the University of Pennsylvania, the University of California, Berkeley, and now U-Mich. An April 23, 2025 executive order signed by Trump links Section 117 compliance to the False Claims Act, a federal law that penalizes false claims to the government, creating unprecedented civil liability for universities and potentially individual faculty members. The DETERRENT Act, which passed the House with bipartisan support in March, aims to introduce mandatory fines for Section 117 violations, potentially amounting to millions of dollars, a stark increase from previous penalties. This investigation, like the June 18 congressional inquiry into “research security” at U-Mich, promotes witch-hunting claims against Chinese scientists associated with the university. In the Education Department press release, Chief Investigative Counsel Paul Moore tied the investigation to the cases of Yunqing Jian and Chengxuan Han. It stated: Despite the University of Michigan’s history of downplaying its vulnerabilities to malign foreign influence, recent reports reveal that UM’s research laboratories remain vulnerable to sabotage, including what the US Department of Justice recently described in criminal charges as “potential agroterrorism” by Chinese nationals affiliated with UM. As the recipient of federal research funding, UM has both a moral and legal obligation to be completely transparent about its foreign partnerships. Yunqing Jian faces charges stemming from allegations that she attempted to smuggle the fungus fusarium graminearum through Detroit Metro Airport. The Department of Justice (DOJ) labeled this fungus a “potential agroterrorism weapon.” Separately, Chengxuan Han was charged with smuggling and making false statements after allegedly mailing four packages containing non-hazardous biological material—C. elegans roundworms and plasmids—from China to U-Mich laboratories without proper authorization. Jian and Han have been in federal custody since early June, held without bond, and face 20 years in prison. This witch-hunt against Chinese scholars is part of Washington’s preparations for war against China. By whipping up anti-Chinese sentiment through alarmist, unscientific claims about “agroterrorism” and “sabotage,” the US government seeks to put the American population on a war footing and subordinate the entire university and college system to militarist and hyper-nationalist ideology. By means of punitive investigations, threats to federal funding, and strict compliance requirements universities are being coerced into severing international ties and suppressing any internationalist or anti-war sentiment. The government’s alarmist narrative, particularly regarding the “agroterrorism” potential of fusarium graminearum, is not based on science. Caitilyn Allen, plant pathologist and professor emeritus at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, told the World Socialist Web Site that “it’s irresponsible and unethical to say these scientists were planning to commit agroterrorism.” The issue is a customs violation. Allen said, “They certainly should have obtained a permit to move the fungal strains, but importing without a permit has been punished with a fine, not a 20-year jail sentence.”
New COVID-19 variants surge as Kennedy escalates war on science --The ruling class’s declaration that “the pandemic is over” has been disproven yet again, as the 11th wave of mass COVID-19 infection is now sweeping across the US and other countries, driven by new highly transmissible variants. The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has shown no signs of settling into a predictable “endemic” state falsely promised by official scientists and COVID contrarians alike. The current surge is being propelled by two dominant variants: NB.1.8.1, dubbed “Nimbus,” and XFG, known as “Stratus,” which together represent a new phase of viral evolution. NB.1.8.1 now accounts for 43 percent of US cases, while XFG has rapidly spread worldwide and comprises the third most prevalent strain nationally. According to the Pandemic Mitigation Collaborative (PMC) from Tulane University, the most consistent public dashboard available in the US, new daily infections reached 347,000 by July 21, with forecasts suggesting this number will nearly double by next month. Extrapolating from these data, the PMC estimates that over the coming month there will be between 6,700 and 11,200 excess deaths due to COVID-19, while up to 3.76 million Americans will join the tens of millions more already suffering from Long COVID. Strikingly, they estimate that the average American has now been infected 3.85 times, meaning more than 1 billion COVID-19 infections have occurred in the US since the pandemic began. Separate data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that official deaths in the US continue to remain elevated at 10.6 percent above pre-pandemic levels, underscoring the ongoing mortality burden caused by the pandemic. The current crisis represents the culmination of a bipartisan war on public health, which began not with Trump’s return to power but with the Biden administration’s systematic dismantling of COVID-19 protections. Biden’s September 2022 declaration that “the pandemic is over” set the stage for today’s wholesale dismantling of all public health measures under the diktats of the anti-vaccine quack Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Since taking control of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Kennedy has unleashed an unprecedented assault on federal health agencies. HHS employment has been slashed from 82,000 to 62,000 workers through mass firings, buyouts and early retirements. The agency’s 28 divisions are being consolidated to just 15, with numerous offices entirely shuttered. Under the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) faces a staggering $18 billion cut—a 40 percent reduction that would devastate medical research. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) would lose $3.6 billion, more than half its budget, with critical programs for chronic disease prevention, HIV surveillance and global health monitoring eliminated entirely.These coincide with a calculated undermining of the scientific method itself. Kennedy has fired vaccine experts, rescinded evidence-based flu shot recommendations, and on Friday announced plans to fire all 16 members of the US Preventive Services Task Force, which determines what cancer screenings and preventive health services insurers must cover. The administration has canceled more than $11 billion in funding to state and local health departments, severing the connections between federal agencies and frontline public health workers.
Disadvantaged COVID survivors at over twice the risk for long-term symptoms, researchers say -COVID-19 survivors who experience social and economic hardship may be at higher risk for persistent symptoms, a Harvard Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH)–led research team reports in the Annals of Internal Medicine. For the observational study, the investigators collected the results of a baseline questionnaire on socioeconomic factors and a 6-month symptom survey from 3,700 US adults enrolled in the RECOVER-Adult (Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery) cohort. Participants, who had a COVID-19 Omicron infection within the previous 30 days between October 2021 and November 2023, lived in 33 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, DC.The average participant age was 49 years, 69% were women, 60% were White, 14% were Black, 13% were Hispanic, 7% were Asian, 6% were pregnant, 4% were unemployed due to disability, and 69% had one or more chronic conditions."Social determinants of health (SDoH) are the 'conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live and age, and the wider set of forces and systems shaping the conditions of daily life,'" the researchers noted. "A disproportionate burden of social risk factors, defined as individual-level 'adverse social conditions that are associated with poor health,' within these domains contributes to disparities in acute and chronic conditions."Of 3,787 participants, 35% had at least one measure of economic instability, most often financial hardship, at 29%. A total of 28% had less than a college education, 29% cited one or more healthcare access or quality barriers, 18% had experienced discrimination in a medical setting, and 73% reported at least one social or community support challenge, with 22% citing a lack of social support and 28% reporting a lack of neighborhood cohesion. In total, 11% of participants developed long COVID. Financial hardship (adjusted marginal risk ratio [ARR], 2.36), food insecurity (ARR, 2.36), lack of a college degree (ARR, 1.60), experiences of medical discrimination (ARR, 2.37), foregone medical care due to cost (ARR, 2.87), lack of social support (ARR, 1.79), and living in ZIP codes with the most crowded households (ARR, 1.36) were linked to an increased risk of long COVID.Also, the more social risk factors a participant had across multiple domains, the higher the risk of lingering symptoms. While minority racial groups had a significantly greater burden of socioeconomic risk factors than their White peers, the risk factors appeared to affect White, Black, and Hispanic adults similarly.
Study details higher COVID death risks in undocumented people -Undocumented immigrants were at a sharply higher risk of death during the worst years of the COVID-19 pandemic, a finding that has implications for future health emergencies, researchers reported in a new study based on an analysis of death certificates and other demographic data of people who died from natural causes in California.Other studies have found racial and ethnic disparities for COVID deaths, but the new study is the first to look at the relationship between immigration status and other sociodemographic factors. The team, led by researchers at the University of California at Santa Cruz, detailed their findings last week in the American Journal of Public Health.For the study, the team examined death certificates for all California residents ages 25 and older who died from natural causes in the state between 2016 and 2023. The death certificates included birth country and whether decedents had a valid Social Security number, which allowed researchers to ascertain if people were documented or undocumented immigrants. They also included a range of other factors, including sex, age, race/ethnicity, educational attainment level, and occupation type. Then the group looked for differences in pandemic-era survival outcomes, modeling absolute and relative excess mortality from March 2000 through May 2023, based on prepandemic mortality and other seasonal variables. For potentially undocumented immigrants, researchers estimated a 55% increase in death rate above the prepandemic level, compared to 22% for immigrants who appeared to be documented and 12% for US-born citizens. The team wrote that there are several explanations for the inequities. For example, they said undocumented workers are more likely to work jobs that increased their exposure to the virus and lacked benefits such as sick leave, public medical insurance, and unemployment insurance. Stress over fear of arrest or deportation could have health impacts and may have posed barriers to seeking healthcare or reporting workplace safety violations.
Kennedy calls for changes to Vaccine Injury Compensation Program -Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said yesterday that he intends to "fix" a government program that compensates people with vaccine injuries. The Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) was established by Congress in 1986 to protect vaccine makers from most lawsuits alleging vaccine-related injury, while also giving people who believe they were injured by vaccines an opportunity to have their claims heard and potentially receive compensation from HHS. According to the Health Resources & Services Administration, VICP has paid more than $5.4 billion in awards for harm over the life of the program. But in a post yesterday on X, Kennedy said that the structure of the VICP hobbles claimants because HHS (rather than the vaccine makers) is the defendant and that it routinely dismisses meritorious cases or drags them out for years. Kennedy said he is working with US Attorney General Pam Bondi to fix the program."The VICP is broken, and I intend to fix it," Kennedy said. "I will not allow the VICP to continue to ignore its mandate and fail its mission of quickly and fairly compensating vaccine-injured individuals." Though Kennedy's post did not provide any details on changes he plans to make to the VICP, observers are concerned that it could be an attempt to further reshape US vaccine policy. A longtime critic of vaccines, Kennedy has already overhauled the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, replacing the board's 17 vaccine experts with seven new members, some of whom share his views on vaccines. Among the concerns is that Kennedy wants to expand the eligibility for compensation by allowing claimants to sue for adverse events that haven't been shown to be associated with vaccines."There are improvements needed to the program, but that’s not what the Secretary wants to do," Dorit Reiss, PhD, a law professor at the University of California Law, San Francisco, wrote on the Skeptical Raptor blog. "He wants to serve the anti-vaccine agenda by making the program compensate cases not caused by the vaccines."
Quick Takes: US COVID uptick, new polio cases in 4 countries, measles outbreak in Michigan | CIDRAP
- COVID-19 activity is picking in the United States, according to the latest update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Although wastewater levels are low nationally, the CDC said cases are rising in many Mid-Atlantic, Southeastern, Southern, and West Coast states. According to the CDC COVID Data Tracker, test positivity for the week ending July 26 rose to 6.5%, up from 4.9% the previous week, while the rate of COVID-related emergency department visits for all ages climbed from 0.6% to o.7%. The percentage of US deaths from COVID rose from 0.3% to 0.4%. Seasonal flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity remain low. The CDC also noted that respiratory infections caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae remain elevated in some parts of the country.
- Four countries reported new polio cases this week, according to the latest update from the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. Pakistan reported three cases of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1), bringing its WPV1 total for the year to 17 cases. Cases of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) were reported in Yemen (43), Nigeria (5), and Ethiopia (1). The 43 cVDPV2 cases in Yemen were primarily from 2024, bringing that year's total to 107 cases, with 12 reported in 2025.
- The Central Michigan District Health Department yesterday announced a measles outbreak in Osceola County after confirming additional cases. The department said the outbreak (defined as three or more cases) has been traced to residents who were infected while traveling out of state in mid-June. No public exposures have been identified. Michigan has reported 27 measles cases this year, 15 of which are tied to outbreaks.
Germ-killing UV lights modestly cut overall rates of respiratory infection in nursing homes --Using germicidal ultraviolet (GUV) lights in the common areas of four nursing homes didn't cut rates of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) per zone but did slightly reduce ARI rates overall, according to a randomized clinical trialpublished yesterday in JAMA Internal Medicine."Despite evidence that airborne transmission contributes substantially to the spread of respiratory viruses within residential care for older adults, this mode of transmission has been largely unaddressed by existing infection control practices," the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute–led researchers wrote.The investigators divided nursing homes into two equally sized zones, with an average of 44 beds per zone. Zones were randomly assigned to receive active GUV lights (intervention) or inactive (control) lights for 6 weeks, followed by a 2-week washout, crossover, and a second 2-week washout. Seven consecutive cycles were conducted from August 2021 to November 13, 2023.Over 211,952 bed-days, 596 ARIs (79.7% during intervention or control periods) were documented. The incidence in the control arm was 4.17 infections per zone per cycle, compared with 3.81 in the intervention arm (incidence rate ratio, 0.91). But modeling showed that 2.61 ARIs per week occurred in the control group, compared with 2.29 in the intervention group (mean difference, 0.32 infections [12.2%]). "Some of the key advantages of germicidal ultraviolet air-treatment appliances are that they are easily installed into existing facilities and cost effective to use," lead author Andrew Shoubridge, PhD, of Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia, said in a Flinders news release. Writing in a commentary in the same journal, Michael Klompas, MD, MPH, of Harvard Medical School, said that air-cleaning technologies have made only a mild impact on reducing infections.
Report describes rare type of deadly flu-related brain damage in kids -A case series describes 41 US children with influenza-related acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) that killed 27% of them—despite receiving multiple treatments and most of them being previously healthy—during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 respiratory virus seasons. For the study, published yesterday in JAMA, the Influenza-Associated Acute Necrotizing Encephalopathy Working Group assessed the clinical characteristics, interventions, and outcomes of children with flu-related ANE, a type of brain damage, at 23 US hospitals. The team issued a call for cases through academic societies, public health agencies, and pediatric specialists at 76 US academic centers, requesting information on ANE patients treated from October 2023 to May 2025. Most (76%) children (median age, 5 years; 23 girls) were previously healthy, 12% had complex medical conditions, and only 16% of the 38 patients with an available vaccination history had been vaccinated against flu that year.ANE causes brain swelling and an outsized immune response. "Acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) is a rare, but severe, neurologic condition for which epidemiologic and management data remain limited," the researchers wrote. "During the 2024-2025 US influenza season, clinicians at large pediatric centers anecdotally reported an increased number of children with influenza-associated ANE, prompting this national investigation."The most common symptoms were fever (93%) and seizures (68%). Thirty-nine patients (95%) had influenza A (14 with H1N1, 7 with H3N2, and 18 with unknown subtype) and 2 had influenza B. Laboratory findings were elevated liver enzymes (indicating liver disease; 78%), thrombocytopenia (low blood platelets; 63%), and elevated cerebrospinal fluid protein (indicating a problem in the central nervous system; 63%). Most patients received multiple immunomodulatory treatments, including the corticosteroid methylprednisolone (95%), intravenous immunoglobulin antibodies (66%), the immunosuppressive drug tocilizumab (51%), plasmapheresis (32%), the immunosuppressive drug anakinra (5%), and intrathecal methylprednisolone (5%). Most patients (85%) were intubated, 51% had hemodynamic instability, and 24% had acute kidney injury. Median intensive care unit and hospital lengths of stay were 11 and 22 days, respectively. Eleven patients (27%) died a median of 3 days from symptom onset, primarily from cerebral herniation (91%).Of the 41 children, 27% died within 3 days after symptom onset, 91% of them from cerebral herniation; only 1 had been vaccinated against flu. In total, 63% had moderate to severe disabilities at 90-day follow-up. Of the 30 survivors, 19 regained the ability to sit, 16 could stand without assistance, and 13 could walk independently.
NYC health officials report Harlem Legionnaires' outbreak - An outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in areas of Central Harlem has sickened at least 22 people, the New York City Health Department (NYC Health) said yesterday. One person has died since the first case was identified on July 25.All operable cooling towers in the investigation area are being sampled. If any are found contaminated, remediation will begin immediately, NYC Health said. Deputy Chief Medical Office Toni Eyssallenne, MD, PhD, said Harlem residents should be vigilant about symptoms. "Anyone with flu-like symptoms should contact a health care provider as soon as possible," Eyssallenne said in a press release from NYC Health. "Legionnaires' disease can be effectively treated if diagnosed early, but New Yorkers at higher risk, like adults aged 50 and older, those who smoke or have chronic lung conditions should be especially mindful of their symptoms and seek care as soon as symptoms begin.”The bacterium Legionella can cause a severe type of pneumonia. People typically get the disease when they breathe in contaminated water vapor from cooling towers, whirlpool spas, hot tubs, humidifiers, hot water tanks, and evaporative condensers of large air-conditioning systems. Early treatment with antibiotics is necessary to avoid the most severe complications.
More measles cases in US as infections in Canada balloon -In its weekly update yesterday, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said the United States has 14 more measles cases, raising the national total to 1,333 cases. The cases have been reported in 40 jurisdictions, and 87% of confirmed cases (1,156 of 1,333) are outbreak-associated. There have been 25 outbreaks (three or more related cases) this year in the United States.Two thirds of cases reported this year have been in people age 19 years and younger, with 382 cases in children under the age of 5 years and 491 cases in children ages 5 to 19 years. Thirty-four percent of cases (453) have occurred in adults ages 20 years and older.So far there have been 3 confirmed measles deaths in 2025 and 169 hospitalizations. Children under 5 years account for 81 (48%) of the 169 hospitalizations.Measles cases are now at the highest level reported in the United States since the virus was officially declared eliminated in 2000. A large outbreak centered in West Texas fueled the outbreak, and762 cases have been confirmed in Texas since late January. Canada has reported 4,206 cases of measles this year, more than three times as many as the United States, and doctors in Alberta are criticizing government officials for not declaring a public health emergency in the Western province. From July 13 to July 19, 230 new measles cases were reported in Canada, according to the latest official data.Canada is now the only Western nation on the CDC's list of top 10 countries with measles, joining the ranks of Yemen, Pakistan, and India, which lead the list. Canada has had the ninth most cases in the world so far this year, just ahead of RussiaWhile case counts have slowed in Ontario, activity is increasing in Alberta, which has lower vaccination rates than other provinces, and more residents who eschew vaccines.Schools in Alberta do not have mandatory immunization requirements for school enrollment, and the province was a hotbed of protests against COVID-19 vaccine mandates. Only 70% of children are fully vaccinated with two doses of measles-containing vaccine in the province.
Canada has three times as many measles cases as US --Canada has had three times as many measles cases as the U.S. this year, according to the Canadian government and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data.Canada has faced 4,206 measles cases this year, according to a government website, with 1,450 in Alberta, 2,301 in Ontario and 140 in British Columbia. However, the government also said 3,878 of the total cases were confirmed.According to the CDC, there have been 1,333 confirmed cases in the U.S. in 2025, with Texas having the highest number of cases out of all 50 states at more than 700.The federal government, especially Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has been facing scrutiny over its approach to vaccination, with Kennedy previously expressing vaccine skepticism.In April, Kennedy touted the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine as the “most effective” method to stop measles spreading amid a visit to Texas with the family of an 8-year-old girl who was killed by the disease.
US childhood vaccination rates continue to fall, CDC data show -Routine vaccine uptake among US kindergartners continues to fall amid a rising rate of exemptions, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC).The data, posted yesterday on the CDC website, show that vaccination coverage for all children entering kindergarten in the 2024-25 school year declined for all reported vaccines from the year before, continuing a multiyear trend that is raising concerns among public health experts. Uptake of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine fell to 92.5%, down from 92.7% last year and 95.2% in the 2019-20 school year. The vaccine exemption rate rose to 3.6%.The continued decline in MMR vaccine coverage comes amid the worst year for measles in the United States since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000. According to the CDC's most recent update, there have been 1,333 confirmed measles cases this year, surpassing the previous post-elimination high of 1,274, set in 2019. National MMR vaccine coverage needs to be at least 95% to prevent outbreaks and maintain elimination status. Other vaccines that saw declining uptake include the diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis (DTaP) shot, which fell to 92.1%, down from 92.3% last year and 94.9% in 2019-20. The percentage of children with who received two doses of the varicella vaccine also fell to 92.1%, down from 92.3% in 2023-24 from 94.8% in 2019-20. Uptake of the polio vaccine dropped to 92.5%, down from 92.7% last year and 95% in 2019-20.The CDC noted that coverage with the MMR, DTaP, polio, and varicella vaccines declined from the previous year in more half of states. But unlike last year's CDC report on vaccine coverage among US kindergartners, which was published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report and contained a discussion on the implications of declining vaccination rates, the new data are not accompanied by any messaging on the importance of routine vaccine coverage.That omission appears to have been noticed by the president of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)."As pediatricians, we know that immunizing children helps them stay healthy, and when everyone can be immunized, it's harder for diseases to spread in our communities," Susan Kressly, MD, said in statement. "At this moment when preventable diseases are on the rise, we need clear, effective communication from government leaders recommending immunizations as the best way to ensure children’s immune systems are prepared to fight dangerous diseases."
Report details deadly medical tourism–related fungal meningitis outbreak -A report in Clinical Infectious Diseases describes the largest US outbreak of fungal meningitis caused by Fusarium species, which occurred among residents who received epidural anesthesia for cosmetic surgeries with the same anesthesiologist in Matamoros, Mexico, in 2023.Of the 24 patients sickened, 12 died, which the authors say underscores the need for clinicians to suspect fungal meningitis in patients with negative bacterial and viral cultures and molecular testing who underwent epidural anesthesia for any reason."Healthcare-associated fungal meningitis is rare but can cause high case-fatality rates and long-term complications," they wrote. "Fungal meningitis is challenging to identify and treat because it has non-specific symptoms and can be misdiagnosed as a bacterial or viral infection." The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-led team investigated the outbreak after learning that two women, ages 34 and 52, were hospitalized in Texas after having epidural anesthesia for cosmetic procedures at one of two Matamoros clinics. One of the two patients developed an intracranial hemorrhage and died shortly after admission.Public health officials identified all US patients known to have had surgery at these clinics from January 1 to May 13, 2023, after which Mexican authorities shut down the clinics. The most common procedure performed was liposuction (21 patients), and the most common symptoms were headache, nausea, and stiff neck. Of the 18 patients who completed a questionnaire on motivation for seeking cosmetic surgery outside of the United States, half cited high US costs. Most were referred to the Mexican clinics or clinician by a relative or friend (33%), followed by social media ads (17%).Of the 223 potentially exposed US residents, 170 responded to officials, with 61% reporting undergoing epidural anesthesia at the clinics, and 29% following up with a diagnostic lumbar puncture. Whole-genome sequencing of the isolates identified Fusarium solani species complex in 24 patients (23 women), 12 of whom died. The isolates from both clinics were closely related genetically.
Study highlights characteristics of US Candida auris patients -An analysis of data from a large US healthcare system reveals some of the geographic variation in patients with Candida aurisinfections, researchers reported yesterday in Antimicrobial Stewardship & Healthcare Epidemiology. For the study, researchers with HCA Healthcare analyzed data on C auris patients treated at 37 of its acute-care facilities across 5 states from January 2021 through September 2022. They were specifically interested in patients in Nevada and Florida, the two states that have seen significant increases in cases of the multidrug-resistant fungal infection. Their aim was to describe patient factors associated with the organism and identify similarities and differences related to geographic location.Clinical outcomes were mostly similar between the two regions. Over one-third of patients required mechanical ventilation at some point during their admission, while greater than half of the total study population received a blood transfusion. Approximately 25.2% of all patients received hemodialysis, while 24.3% received total parenteral nutrition during their hospital stay. More than 50% of patients in both regions required admission to the intensive care unit at some point during their stay. However, the percentage of patients who died or entered hospice at discharge was significantly higher in the Eastern Region than in the Western Region (32.1% vs 19.1%). "Patients identified with C. auris were characterized by significant underlying morbidity and disease burden," the authors concluded. "Further studies are warranted to identify infection prevention best practices to reduce transmission and reduce mortality through earlier identification and appropriate antifungal therapy."
Worsening cholera epidemic in Africa will hit kids hardest, officials warn --United Nations officials are warning that an estimated 80,000 children in West and Central Africa could be at high risk of cholera as the rainy season begins.In a news release yesterday, UNICEF said the increased risk of cholera is being driven by active outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Nigeria, which is raising the threat of cross-border outbreaks in neighboring countries. The hardest-hit country, DRC, has reported 38,000 cases and 951 deaths through July, with children under 5 accounting for 25% of cases. Nigeria has reported 3,109 suspected cases and 86 deaths.Cholera spreads through water and food contaminated by theVibrio cholerae bacterium, causing severe diarrhea and dehydration. Though easily treatable with antibiotics, oral rehydration solution, and intravenous fluids, it can quickly become life-threatening if it goes untreated. Other countries experiencing ongoing outbreaks of the highly infectious bacterial disease include Chad, the Republic of Congo, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Togo. In addition, Benin, Cameroon, the Central Africa Republic, Liberia, and Niger are considered vulnerable to outbreaks. On top of known risk factors such as poor hygiene and lack of sanitation, UNICEF officials say heavy rains, widespread flooding, and high levels of displacement in the region are fueling the increased risk of cholera transmission."With access to safe water and hygiene conditions already dire, urgent action is needed," said Gilles Fagninou, UNICEF's regional director for West and Central Africa. "This is a matter of survival." DRC has one of the highest cholera incidence rates on the continent. UNICEF said the situation in Kinshasa, DRC's capital city, has become critical, with cases surging over the past 4 weeks following weeks of intense rainfall and widespread flooding. The case-fatality rate is 8%. The situation in DRC has been exacerbated by armed conflict between the government and a rebel group that has resulted in mass displacement, destroyed water and sanitation infrastructure, and an incapacitated healthcare system. Deep cuts to US humanitarian assistance have also hampered the response to the cholera outbreak. "This is a full-blown public health emergency," Manenji Mangundu, PhD, MPH, Oxfam's country director for DRC, said in a news release. "Families are returning to ruins—no shelters, no toilets, no clean water. In many areas, latrines have been flooded or stripped for firewood, forcing people to defecate in the open and contaminate the only water available." UNICEF said children account for most of the displaced population and are living in extremely precarious conditions, adding that children in the country could face the worst cholera crisis since 2017 unless measures to contain the epidemic are intensified.The increase in cholera cases in West and Central Africa comes amid a continent-wide rise in illness. As of early June, African countries had reported more than 130,000 cases, with 2,700 deaths, and are on pace to pass 2023 and 2024 case numbers.
Almost 90% of treated Ebola survivors have long-term health effects, data show - Today in Open Forum Infectious Diseases, researchers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) report that 86.7% of survivors of the country's 2020 Ebola outbreak who received advanced therapies experienced long-term health effects. For 1 year, the researchers followed up on 750 adults and children infected from April to October 2020. The median patient age was 32 years. The outbreak, the DRC's tenth, was the first in which Ebola patients received drugs such as the monoclonal antibodies REGN-EB3, ansuvimab, and ZMapp and the antiviral medication remdesivir.Untreated Ebola kills 50% to 90% of those infected. Among survivors, short- and long-term symptoms such as fatigue, bone pain, headaches, abdominal pain, and impaired vision or other eye disorders. “Although new therapeutic agents improved survival, questions remain about their long-term impact," the investigators wrote. "Research has reported late-onset ocular complications, such as uveitis and neurologic symptoms, even in survivors treated with monoclonal antibodies." Another study showed that antibody levels waned quickly over time, particularly in ansuvimab recipients.In total, 86.7% experienced post-Ebola conditions, including neurologic (61.7%), musculoskeletal (49.7%), and general (38.4%) symptoms for at least 38 months. At enrollment (median time to baseline visit, 330 days after hospital release), neurologic symptoms were more common in the REGN-EB3 group (hazard ratio [HR], 2.14) than in remdesivir recipients. Musculoskeletal symptoms were linked to age (HR, 1.02), ZMapp treatment (HR, 3.17), and hemorrhagic symptoms during infection (HR, 1.64), while ocular sequelae were tied to age (HR, 1.04). Patients who were female, older, had underlying metabolic conditions, or received REGN-EB3 were more likely to have recurrent neurologic and musculoskeletal symptoms. Recurrent ocular symptoms were slightly more common in adults than in children (HR, 1.02).
Quick takes: Chikungunya in Cuba, rapid filovirus test, World Hepatitis Day | CIDRAP
- Cuban health officials have reported a chikungunya outbreak in a newly affected area, Matanzas province in the west central region, according to News Digitales, a news service based in Argentina. The infections are occurring in the city of Perico, and health officials issued an alert after infections were confirmed by Cuba’s Pedro Kouri Institute of Tropical Medicine, which promoted an emergency response that include fumigation, larvicide distribution, and educating the community about eliminating mosquito breeding sites. Cuba recorded its first chikungunya cases in 2014. Other regions of the world are also reporting chikungunya outbreaks, including China, where health officials are now reporting more outbreaks in Guangdong province beyond the initial hot spot in Foshan to include Guangzhou, Zhongshan, and nine other cities, The Standard, an English-language newspaper based in Hong Kong, reported yesterday. The province has now recorded 4,824 cases, most of them in Foshan.
- Aptitude Medical Systems today announced that it has signed a partnership with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), that includes $9 million to develop a rapid molecular test to detect and differentiate Ebola and Marburg virus species. In a statement, the California-based company said the small, portable platform would be appropriate for use in remote or point-of-care settings and can deliver a result in 30 minutes from a venous or fingerstick blood sample. The test builds on the company’s Metrix molecular diagnostic platform, which was advanced through an earlier BARDA contract.
- Global health groups today marked the annual observance of World Hepatitis Day, including theWorld Health Organization, which called on governments and partners to take urgent steps to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat and reduce liver cancer deaths. Hepatitis B, C, and D are among the causes of acute liver infection, which can lead to chronic illness and result in cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer. The WHO said those three subtypes affect 300 million people globally and cause 1.3 million deaths each year. It noted that hepatitis D is now classified as carcinogenic to humans, along with hepatitis B and C. Hepatitis D is known to only strike people infected with hepatitis B and is linked to a two- to six-fold increased risk of liver cancer compared with hepatitis B alone.
Chikungunya Fever Spreading Rapidly In South China; CCP Downplays Outbreak - Chikungunya fever has spread rapidly in many places in Guangdong Province and spilled over to other parts of China. Local residents told The Epoch Times that the Chinese communist regime is forcing residents into quarantine and asking them to pay for it, which many people cannot afford. An Aedes aegypti mosquito on human skin in a lab of the International Training and Medical Research Training Center in Cali, Colombia, on Jan. 25, 2016. Luis Robayo/AFP/Getty Images As of July 24, the total number of officially confirmed cases of Chikungunya fever reported in Foshan City, Guangdong Province, and elsewhere in China reached more than 4,014, according to Chinese state media. The first case was reported on July 8. In the city, 53 hospitals have been designated to treat the disease, with more than 3,600 isolation beds set up and preparations made for expansion to a quarantine facility, according to state media. Because of the Chinese communist regime’s record of censoring data it considers politically sensitive, as was seen with its underreporting of COVID-19 infections and related deaths in late 2019, the true number of known Chikungunya fever infections could be higher. Chikungunya fever is a viral disease mainly transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. Its symptoms are similar to dengue fever. Patients usually experience fever, severe joint pain, muscle pain, headache, fatigue, and rash. It has the potential to be fatal. There is no specific antiviral treatment for Chikungunya. Deaths from the disease are rare but do occur, especially among vulnerable populations such as infants and the elderly. The outbreak has also spread from the hardest-hit Shunde District of Foshan City to the provincial capital of Guangzhou City, as well as Yangjiang City in western Guangdong Province, more than 124 miles away. A case of Chikungunya fever occurred in Yuexiu District of Guangzhou, according to Chinese media reports. The Yangjiang City Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported on July 25 that three cases of Chikungunya fever have been diagnosed in the area. The Macau Health Bureau, which is independent from the Chinese communist regime’s health authorities, also reported a case of Chikungunya fever on July 18. The patient is a Macau resident who visited relatives in Shunde District of Foshan City from July 8 to July 17.
H5N1 avian flu hospitalizes Cambodian man --Cambodia's health ministry today announced another H5N1 avian flu infection, the country's 14th of the year. Meanwhile, global health groups yesterday updated their risk assessment of H5N1 based on recent developments, including an ongoing spike in human infections in Cambodia. Cambodia's latest case involves a 26-year-old man from Siem Reap province in the northwestern part of the country who is hospitalized and receiving treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU), the ministry said in a Facebook post that was translated and posted by Avian Flu Diary, an infectious disease news blog. The man's illness was confirmed on July 26.Investigators found that there were sick and dead chickens near the patient's home and that he had slaughtered some 3 days before his symptoms began. Health officials are probing the situation in poultry, tracing the man's contacts, and distributing oseltamivir (Tamiflu) to close contacts.Erik Karlsson, PhD, who is with the National Influenza Center and Pasteur Institute in Cambodia, said onX today that, of the 14 cases reported this year, 7 were fatal, amounting to a case-fatality rate (CFR) of 50%. He also noted that, since 2005, of 86 human H5N1 infections reported in the country, 50 were fatal, for a CFR of 58.1%. Many of latest human cases have involved a reassortant (2.3.2.1e) between an older H5N1 clade that has circulated in Cambodia since 2014 and the newer clade 2.3.4.4b virus that is circulating globally. The rise in human cases began at the end of 2023 and has accelerated this summer, with 11 reported over the past 2 months.In another related development, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, the World Health Organization, and the World Organization for Animal Health yesterday published an updated risk assessment, which covers new H5 avian flu detections in animals and humans since their last update in April. Overall, they said the global public health risk is still low, but they said the risk is low to moderate for people with occupational or frequent exposure to infected animals, depending on risk mitigation steps that are in place, the hygiene situation, and the local epidemiologic situation.Of 16 new human cases since April noted in the risk assessment, all were previously reported, including 9 from Cambodia. Of 14 poultry outbreaks included during the period, 9 occurred in the vicinity of human cases. The other human cases were in Bangladesh, India, China, Mexico, and Vietnam. Three different H5N1 clades were involved: 2.3.2.1a from India and Bangladesh, 2.3.2.1e from Cambodia, and 2.3.4.4b from China and Mexico. The report didn't note the clade for Vietnam's case.Alongside ongoing circulation in poultry and wild birds, some of the new detections in animals included H5N1 in captive serval cats in Bangladesh, domestic cats on a poultry farm in Belgium, milk from a single sheep in the United Kingdom, poultry breeder birds at a farm in Brazil, and harbor seals and sea otters in Japan.
Report details raccoon roundworm infections in 2 California children in 2024 -Yesterday in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, investigators from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health officials recounted 2024 raccoon roundworm infections in two children in Los Angeles County, California, that left one with severe cognitive, motor, and visual deficits due to initial misdiagnosis.After possibly ingesting raccoon feces and/or contaminated soil, the two unrelated boys presented with signs and symptoms such as encephalopathy, roundworm larva in the eye, peripheral and cerebrospinal fluid eosinophilia (high levels of a kind of white blood cell), behavioral changes, and unsteady gait. The patients, who had brain abnormalities on imaging, were found to be infected with Baylisascaris procyonis, a roundworm parasite often found in raccoons that can cause baylisascariasis, a rare and potentially serious human disease."Baylisascaris procyonis (raccoon roundworm) is an intestinal parasite that causes widespread, typically asymptomatic infection in raccoons (Procyon lotor) in the United States, where up to 80% of raccoons in the Northeast, Midwest, and West Coast regions are affected," the researchers wrote.The first patient, age 14 years, had autism and a history of pica (consumption of nonedible items). The second patient, age 15 months, had previously been healthy. Both patients received the antiparasitic drug albendazole and corticosteroids. The first patient recovered neurologically, but the second patient developed severe persistent neurologic complications after a substantial delay in receiving an accurate diagnosis and treatment.Epidemiologic investigation identified raccoon feces that had fallen from a rooftop latrine (communal raccoon defecation site) as the possible source of exposure for the teen, but a source wasn't identified for the younger child.
PFAS Contamination at Military Superfund Sites: Uncovering the Risks -- Results from new Department of Defense drinking water tests seem to contradict claims by the Environmental Protection Agency saying that 15 military bases designated as EPA Superfund sites due to high levels of hazardous chemical contamination have “human exposure under control.”The EPA maintains that the amount of chemicals on the bases no longer poses a risk to human health, yet DOD test results say otherwise. Tap water testing near 15 military sites finds the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS at levels that raise concern about potential health harms.The apparent disagreement between agencies emerges against a backdrop of uncertainty about the future of federal limits for toxic chemicals like PFAS. Bases in Arizona, California, Florida, New Jersey and Washington, among others, have all reported PFAS in nearby drinking water wells above the federal standards.The contradiction between the two agencies raises urgent concerns about how the EPA assesses health risks at some of the nation’s most polluted areas, known as Superfund sites, as well as casts doubt on the likelihood and duration of cleanup at these sites.PFAS contaminates the off-base drinking water at 15 military Superfund sites. These highly polluted areas have been targeted for cleanup by the EPA for other toxic chemicals. However, the EPA appears not to have taken PFAS fully into account yet.The contradiction also calls into question whether communities near these installations are unknowingly drinking contaminated water as a result of stalled cleanup efforts. The levels of PFAS at these sites exceed current federal standards for PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS and PFNA, according to Pentagon tests. The EPA may roll back the PFHxS and PFNA standards, while the DOD says that, for now, it will clean up sites to the existing standards. The federal limits are known as maximum contaminant levels, or MCLs. They represent the highest amount of a chemical legally allowed in drinking water. An MCL standard is based on the health risks of PFAS exposure and the public health benefits associated with lower PFAS levels. The EPA’s official public reports show that human health exposure from hazardous substances is “under control” at these 15 sites. The designation of a Superfund site as “under control” signals that the EPA has determined the site is no longer a source of toxic chemical exposure. Therefore, the designation can reduce the agency’s urgency and prolong cleanup projects, which sends a message to the community that there is no longer a risk of exposure. Despite the DOD test results, the EPA has not yet updated its records for the 15 military Superfund sites to reflect that human health exposure to PFAS is not, in fact, entirely under control. The threat remains. Civilian wells continue to receive PFAS-contaminated water, leaving many residents living near the sites still exposed to forever chemicals in their tap water. In a rare move, the EPA recently updated its assessment of another site, the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, officially stating that human exposure and groundwater migration are no longer “under control” due to the presence of PFAS. Although this is the only known case of a change in status tied to PFAS, there may be others. The military has provided bottled water or tap water filters to households near the bases, although only at a select number of the locations, not all 15.
PFAS contamination spreads in Twin Cities east metro, hundreds of wells flagged | FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul --The number of private wells flagged for elevated levels of PFAS chemicals dramatically increased to 420 advisories issued in 2024 – 30 times higher than the number of advisories issued the previous year. The MPCA said the increase is due to increased sampling, changes in drinking water guidance metrics, and newer lab testing equipment capable of detecting smaller traces of the chemicals. Lake Elmo, West Lakeland Township and Afton were the communities with the highest number of new well advisories issued in 2024. 3M used PFAS chemicals to produce blockbuster products like Scotchgard and dumped chemical waste in the east metro for decades. PFAS chemicals have since been linked to a variety of health risks, including cancer. The private well advisories are based on a Health Risk Index – which assesses the overall risk of negative health effects when considering all the types of PFAS chemicals present in the water. "The biggest one thing you can do is get your well tested and know what is in there," said Kristine Klos, supervisor of the Minnesota Department of Health’s risk assessment unit. An advisory is issued when the state believes the water carries an increased risk of negative health effects, especially on young children, babies, fetuses and vulnerable people. "There is a cancer component to PFAS, unfortunately we don’t know how long you need to be exposed or how much PFAS you need to be exposed to," Klos said. If your private well is located in the 3M settlement area, you can request testing of your well for free. If an advisory is issued on your private well, you will be reimbursed for the cost of having your home connected to city water. If you cannot be connected to city water, you are entitled to have a granulated carbon filtration system installed in your home. After the State of Minnesota sued 3M, hundreds of millions of dollars in settlement money has been used to clean up city-wide water systems impacted by PFAS. There are currently 37 active projects in the east metro, including the development of water treatment plants in Hastings, Cottage Grove and St. Paul Park. However, 3M is now questioning whether some of those projects are "reasonable" or necessary.
Maryland residents sue Perdue AgriBusiness over alleged PFAS contamination - Two Salisbury residents are suing Perdue AgriBusiness, alleging the Maryland agribusiness giant improperly discharged wastewater containing toxic chemicals onto land and into nearby streams.Filed in Maryland's federal district court, the lawsuit claims Perdue dumped wastewater containing PFAS, or per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances, into the ground and waterways near its Salisbury facility.PFAS are commonly referred to as "forever chemicals" because they can persist in the environment and human body for thousands of years. According to the complaint, Perdue treats wastewater on-site and disposes of it by spraying it on nearby fields, discharging it into Peggy Branch, a small stream originating at the facility, or storing it in an on-site lagoon. The plaintiffs allege that this practice has led to high concentrations of PFAS in the local groundwater."We believe this lawsuit is motivated more by the law firm's financial gain than by meaningful progress for communities affected by PFAS," the company said in a statement. "Perdue AgriBusiness remains focused on transparency, accountability, and identifying the true source of contamination, since PFAS is not part of our manufacturing process."The lawsuit states that private wells near Peggy Branch contained PFOS, a type of PFAS, at levels exceeding 100 parts per trillion. The plaintiffs argue that Perdue's practices violate the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, a federal law that regulates the management of hazardous waste.The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) discovered elevated PFAS levels at the Salisbury site during statewide testing in 2023, according to the lawsuit. Despite this, the plaintiffs say Perdue did not notify nearby residents until nearly a year later, in the fall of 2024.
Poison in the water: the town with the world’s worst case of forever chemicals contamination – podcast – transcript: If Agneta Bruno closes her eyes, the soapy smell takes her back to childhood. Cycling home to the barracks where she lived with her father, an air force major, she would whiz through patches of snowy-white foam near the entrance of the base. “I had to lift my feet up to avoid getting wet,” Bruno told me. Aqueous film-forming foam (Afff) is a miracle of firefighting: it’s highly effective in putting out flammable liquid fires, such as those caused by jet fuel spills. Chemicals in the foam create a stable blanket over liquid fuel, trapping the flammable vapours and extinguishing the fire. At the air force base in Bruno’s home town of Kallinge in Sweden, firefighters were trained to douse flames using the foam. New recruits came every few weeks, so the training sessions were pretty constant. Afterwards, the foam would soak away into the sandy soil and disappear. On 16 December 2013, the residents of Ronneby municipality, which includes Kallinge, heard on the news that their tap water had been switched over to a different source. The water supply, which had won awards for being one of the cleanest in Sweden, had been found to contain high levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or Pfas. News reports said the chemicals had seeped into the municipal water system from the firefighting foam used at the airbase. It had been going on for years, even decades, but no one had previously thought to check the water for Pfas, which have no taste or smell. Nonetheless, the municipality’s message to residents was reassuring: the old water supply had now been shut down and switched over to a clean source. The next day, 17 December, the Swedish Food Agency made an announcement which to many sounded reassuring: the chemicals did not “pose an acute health risk”. While drinking a cup of Ronneby’s tap water wouldn’t make you acutely sick, the issue was the long-term consequences. In the past 12 years, far more research has been conducted into links between Pfas and diseases such as cancer and diabetes, but even back in 2013, a reasonable amount was known about the health risks associated with these chemicals. Production and use of perfluorooctane sulfonate, or Pfos, one of the main types of Pfas found in Ronneby’s water, had been restricted in the EU since 2009 (though firefighting foams were excluded from that restriction). A few days after the initial discovery, Ronneby’s administrators contacted researchers at nearby Lund University. They knew that the drinking water had been heavily contaminated with Pfas; the question was to what extent this showed up in local people’s blood. Since children are particularly vulnerable to chemical pollutants, they would start by testing 11-year-olds from Ronneby’s schools. When Lindh ran his tests, he found the results so impossibly high, he had to run them again, to “double check”. Children from affected areas had more than 37 times the amount of Pfas in their blood than children from outside the contaminated zone. Afzelius, like many others in Ronneby, didn’t really start to worry until he received a letter asking him to have a blood test. The letter, adorned with logos of the Ronneby municipality, the Skåne region and Lund University, called for all local residents to get tested for Pfas. “That was actually the first time I reacted. I thought, ‘Why do they want to test my blood?’” Afzelius said. The results came by post a few months later. Afzelius was shocked by what he read. To help recipients interpret the numbers, the letter included comparison results. Afzelius’s Pfas levels were at least nine times higher than the people from outside the contaminated area. “I instantly thought, OK, damn, this is really, really high,” he said. His case was far from the worst. Some people in Ronneby found themselves staring at numbers more than 1,000 times the level that is, today, considered safe. It was official: Ronneby was the world’s worst known case of Pfas contamination.
A global framework proposes a plan for tackling toxic tire pollution crisis --An international research team led by the University of British Columbia has proposed the first comprehensive global framework for regulating tire additives, linked to mass fish die-offs and detected in humans. These chemicals are a ubiquitous yet largely unregulated source of environmental contamination, affecting ecosystems and human health worldwide. Published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters, the article outlines the Management Framework for Tire Additive Pollution, a proactive policy roadmap inspired in part by the successful Montreal Protocol, which helped reverse ozone layer damage. With the next round of global plastics treaty negotiations (INC-5.2) beginning August 5 in Geneva, the researchers say the time is now to put tire additives on the international regulatory agenda."These chemicals are everywhere—urban streams, sediments, even Arctic environments—and they're now showing up in people," said Dr. Timothy Rodgers, lead researcher and postdoctoral fellow in the Scholes Lab at UBC's department of civil engineering in the faculty of applied science."Yet tire additives haven't received the regulatory attention that other pollutants like pesticides or industrial chemicals have. It's a major blind spot."One such chemical, 6PPD-quinone, is formed when the tire preservative 6PPD reacts with ozone. It has been linked to mass die-offs of coho salmon and has been detected in human biomonitoring samples, including urine and cerebrospinal fluid. As tires wear down, they release particles and additives into the environment at massive scales—estimated at over one million tons annually in both the U.S. and E.U.The proposed framework outlines five key action areas:
- A phased transition towards safe, nonhazardous tire additives
- Consideration of tire impacts throughout their life cycle
- Greater transparency on the chemicals used in tires and their properties
- Independent assessments on the hazards of tire additives and their replacements
- International coordination, potentially through the proposed global plastics treaty
The paper also highlights how Indigenous communities and vulnerable populations bear disproportionate exposure risks. For instance, the Tseshaht First Nation in B.C. has witnessed dramatic salmon population declines potentially tied to road runoff on their lands.
Scientists issue urgent call ahead of final plastics treaty talks -With the final round of UN negotiations on a global plastics treaty fast approaching, a group of over 60 leading scientists from around the world has issued an urgent call for governments to agree on ambitious, enforceable action to tackle plastic pollution, such as reducing plastic production and prioritizing human health.The letters, published in the journalCambridge Prisms: Plastics in the run-up to the resumed session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2), warn that the plastics crisis has become a defining environmental, health, and social justice issue of our time. "This is not just a call for action, this is thescientific community bearing witness," said Professor Steve Fletcher, Editor-in-Chief ofCambridge Prisms: Plastics and Director of the Revolution Plastics Institute. "We've watched the evidence pile up for decades. This treaty is a test of whether the world is prepared to govern plastics in a way that reflects the scale and urgency of the crisis."The authors argue that the stakes at INC-5.2 could not be higher: this is the world's best opportunity to secure a binding agreement that tackles plastic pollution across its entire lifecycle.The open letters provide a coherent evidence-based roadmap for treaty negotiators. Key demands include:
- Legally binding targets to cap and reduce plastic production. Phase-out of toxic additives and chemicals in plastics.
- Global health safeguards to protect human health. Structural inclusion of affected communities in treaty design and implementation—especially Indigenous Peoples, informal waste workers, and fence line communities.
- Independent scientific oversight insulated from corporate lobbying and greenwashing.
- Robust financing and compliance mechanisms to ensure treaty enforcement and support for low-and middle-income countries.
Many letters warn that low-ambition countries and industry lobbying risk derailing progress. The politicization of science in treaty negotiations is another central concern raised in the letters. Several contributors warn that without the meaningful inclusion of those most affected by plastic pollution, the treaty will fall short. They call for the structural involvement of Indigenous Peoples, small island states, women, young people, informal waste workers, and residents of pollution hotspots, not as afterthoughts, but as key voices in setting the agenda and shaping implementation.
Chemical 'leakage' adds urgency to calls for a robust world plastics treaty -Rising levels of plastic waste are breaking down in every part of Earth's land, sea and air, leading to the proliferation of micro- and nanoplastic pollution, posing a risk to all lifeforms. Flinders University Associate Professor Melanie MacGregor has co-authored a scientific policy submission to next month's United Nations final round negotiations to support the launch of an effective international treaty to manage plastic production and waste."Nanoplastics are pollutants of concern tohuman health and ecosystems around the world and are an important part of this treaty debate, with the intentional and unintentional release of chemicals and other particles part of all plastics' life cycle," says Associate Professor MacGregor, who is a member of the international scientist coalition for the plastic treaty.The Scientists' Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty has submitted a policy brief to the UN-led Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to be held in Geneva, Switzerland on August 5-14, 2025.Worldwide consumption of plastics is ballooning. More than half of the plastics ever made were created after 2000. On the current trajectory, annual global production is expected to double by 2050. With much of this plastic being single-use, and less than 10% of plastic waste currently being recycled, the output will continue to contaminate land andmarine environments around the world. "In our submission, we call for more control, prevention and monitoring of plastic industries, in particular the release and 'leakage' of chemicals and other particles including primary polymers," "Tougher measures should be taken to reduce the release of greenhouse gas emissions, chemicals and pollutants such as volatile organic compounds and micro- and nanoplastics to the environment, food chain and living organisms both during production and after use," she says.Furthermore, much more must be done to improve the production, use, waste management, recycling and remediation of plastics—not least to stop the intentional use of microplastics (particles of up to 5mm) in paints, personal care products, industrial abrasives, and synthetic textiles, tire and road materials, food contact and agricultural plastics, and other industries.
Canadian wildfire smoke brings poor air quality to Midwest as flood threat looms in Carolinas - Smoke from hundreds of wildfires burning in Canada is blanketing the skies in the Midwest, leaving millions with dangerous breathing conditions. Minneapolis, Chicago and Detroit were ranked in the top 10 major cities in the world with the worst air quality on Friday morning. Air quality alerts are in place in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan, as well as parts of Nebraska and Missouri. MORE: 3 life-saving tactics to use if in a car during a flash flood Meanwhile, the Northeast is cleaning up after heavy rain inundated the Interstate 95 corridor from New York City to New Jersey to Maryland on Thursday evening. One to 4 inches of rain fell in the region, with 6 inches of rain in isolated areas, leading to numerous flash flood warnings. During the height of the storm, the rain closed sections of major New York City roads and suspended some services on the Long Island Rail Road and New Jersey Transit. On Friday, the risk for flooding shifts south to the Carolinas and Texas. In the Carolinas, heavy showers and thunderstorms will hit on Friday afternoon and continue overnight. Rainfall rates of up to 2 inches per hour are possible. In Texas, the Dallas-Fort Worth area is under risk for excessive rainfall on Friday afternoon and evening. Heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected and flash flooding is possible in the urban corridors.
Canada wildfire smoke brings unhealthy air to large swaths of the Midwest - Smoke from Canadian wildfires hovered over several Midwestern states Saturday, bringing warnings of unhealthy air for at least the third day. Air quality alerts were in effect in Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan, as well as eastern Nebraska and parts of Indiana and Illinois. Forecasters said the smoky skies would remain for much of the day. People with lung disease, heart disease, children, older adults and pregnant women are most susceptible to the poor breathing conditions. Canadian environmental officials said smoke from forest fires that was causing reduced visibility and poor quality would persist into Sunday for some areas. The Switzerland-based air quality monitoring database IQAir, which assesses air quality in real time, listed the city of Minneapolis as having some of the worst air pollution in the world since Friday. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to reach the red or unhealthy category in a large swath of Minnesota and will likely remain through Saturday. AQI is a system used to communicate how much air pollution is in the air. It breaks pollution down into six categories and colors, and advice on what isn’t safe to do. They range from “good” (the color green) to “hazardous” (maroon). “What’s been unique in this go-around is that we’ve had this prolonged stretch of smoke particulates towards the surface, so that’s where we’ve really had the air quality in the red here for the past few days," said Joe Strus, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area in Minnesota. “We’ve sort of been dealing with this, day in and day out, where you walk outside and you can taste the smoke, you can smell it," he said. "Sometimes we’ve been in higher concentrations than others. Other times it’s just looked a little hazy out there.” The air quality on Saturday was improving, specifically across the Twin Cities and southwestern Minnesota, he said, but state health officials warned the air could remain unhealthy for sensitive groups through Monday.
French health experts speak out against bee-killing pesticide --French health experts and patient associations on Tuesday urged authorities to protect the public from a bee-killing pesticide, saying the chemical could also harm children and adults. The legislation to reintroduce in France acetamiprid, a pesticide that is harmful to ecosystems but popular with many farmers in Europe, was adopted on July 8, but without a proper debate to bypass gridlock in a divided parliament. The move sparked anger in France, and support for a student-initiated petition against the legislation has snowballed, with university lecturers, left-wing lawmakers and star chefs backing it. The petition had garnered more than 2 million signatures by Tuesday. Health experts and patient associations have now weighed in, saying in an open letter in French daily Le Monde that they cannot back "a law that is dangerous to the health of our fellow citizens." President Emmanuel Macron, who has been under increasing pressure to act, said he is waiting to hear the verdict of the Constitutional Council, which is expected to rule on the constitutionality of the law on August 7.The health experts and patient associations urged the Constitutional Council to reject the legislation, calling on its members to "respond to the democratic demand strongly expressed by French citizens."The signatories included Agnes Linglart, president of the French Pediatric Society, Olivier Coutard, president of the scientific council of France's flagship scientific research center CNRS and Gerard Socie, president of the scientific council of the National Cancer Institute. The Constitutional Council, the letter said, must protect future generations from the legislation that "without a shadow of reasonable doubt compromises the health of young people, children and the unborn."
Radioactive wasps found at former South Carolina nuclear bomb site The U.S. Department of Energy has announced it discovered a radioactive wasps' nest, with radiation levels more than ten times those laid out in federal regulations, at a facility in South Carolina. Savannah River Site, where the nest was found, used to be involved in manufacturing nuclear weapons and is currently used to store nuclear waste. Newsweek contacted the Savannah River Mission Completion, which manages the facility, for comment on Thursday via email outside of regular office hours. The Department of Energy's Radiological Control Operations (RCO), which discovered the radioactive wasps nest, is responsible for monitoring government facilities to ensure they comply with regulations on radiological hazards. According to the federal Environmental Protection Agency radiation "has sufficient energy to affect the atoms in living cells and thereby damage their genetic material." This can cause cells to become cancerous if not properly treated. In a report published online the Department of Energy said the radioactive wasps nest was discovered on July 3 in the F-Area Tank Farm of the Savannah River Site by the RCO. The report said the nest was "sprayed to kill the wasps" after which an analysis found its contamination level was "greater than 10 times the total contamination values" setout in federal regulations. However in a statement provided to The Aiken Standard, a local newspaper, the Savannah River Mission Completion said "no wasps were found on the nest." Related video: These Old Nuclear Tests Are Still Leaking Radioactivity in Australia (Dailymotion) The Department of Energy report concluded the radioactive wasp nest was the result of "on-site legacy radioactive contamination" and not "a loss of contamination control" from nuclear material currently being stories, with no further action required. The Department said there was a delay in reporting "due to time needed to investigate previous contaminated wasp circumstances" and information gathering.
Invasive moth spreads to new state: Where else has it been detected? -— The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) has confirmed the detection of a new invasive insect in the Commonwealth: the box tree moth.Inspectors discovered the pest, Cydalima perspectalis, at four locations in Clarke and Loudoun counties. This marks the first time the species has been found in Virginia, though it has been detected in several other states. The box tree moth poses a serious threat to boxwood plants (Buxus species), a popular ornamental shrub in Virginia landscapes, officials said. The caterpillars are known for their voracious appetites and can quickly strip boxwood of its foliage. If infestations are left untreated, the damage can lead to plant death. VDACS officials said they will treat affected boxwood plants if the moth is confirmed on the property. Native to East Asia, the box tree moth and its caterpillars eat not only boxwoods, but nearly all box species, according to Michigan wildlife officials.The caterpillars are lime-green, with black heads and “short, rigid hairs,” according to The Ohio State University Extension. Stripes on the caterpillars start as dark stripes that deepen in color as yellow stripes emerge. Full-grown moths of the species are, in most cases, primarily white with brown around the edges of the wings. In some cases, the moths can be entirely brown with a few white spots, Michigan wildlife officials say. The box tree moth has become a major pest in Europe and was first detected in the U.S. in 2021 in New York by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Since then, it has spread to several other states, including Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina. Maryland and West Virginia also detected their first box tree moths this year.
Wildlife refuge helpers warn of ‘serious’ staffing shortfalls - The Trump administration’s slashing of Fish and Wildlife Service personnel is crystal-clear to 87-year-old Carl Zenger, a retired mechanical engineer newly honored as the nation’s outstanding wildlife refuge volunteer. Since he first started pitching in about 28 years ago at the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge in upstate New York, Zenger says he has contributed about 45,000 hours. While refuge budget woes are nothing new, Zenger says the current shortfalls in funding and staff are the worst ever. “It’s very, very disturbing to see,” Zenger said in an interview. “It’s a serious, serious situation here. We’re just heading in the wrong direction.” Zenger’s deep commitment to the 10,828-acre Iroquois refuge located between Buffalo and Rochester has earned him the title of volunteer of the year, presented by the National Wildlife Refuge Association.
Study warns of alarming decline in freshwater reserves - The planet has endured massive freshwater losses over the past two decades due to the combined effects of climate change, overconsumption and drought, a new study has found. Arid land areas are expanding at a rate roughly twice the size of California each year, according to the study, published in Science Advances. Dry spots are now drying up faster than wet areas are getting wetter — reversing historic hydrological patterns, per the research. This continental-scale phenomenon of “mega-drying,” the study authors warned, could have severe consequences on water security, agriculture, sea level rise and global stability. Describing their results as “staggering,” the researchers determined that 75 percent of the world’s population lives in 101 countries that have been losing freshwater for the past 22 years “These findings send perhaps the most alarming message yet about the impact of climate change on our water resources,” principal investigator Jay Famiglietti, a professor at Arizona State University’s School of Sustainability, said in a statement. “Continents are drying, freshwater availability is shrinking, and sea level rise is accelerating,” Famiglietti added. Up Next - 'No Pressure:' Trump Backs Off On FIRING Powell Despite Tense Federal Reserve Visit | TRENDING To evaluate changes in terrestrial water storage, the researchers combed through more than two decades of satellite observations — from April 2002 through April 2024 — from NASA’s Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) and GRACE Follow-On missions. Ultimately, the researchers identified robust changes in these water storage levels since previous global studies. These declines, they found, have been driven by high-latitude water losses in Russia and Canada, extreme losses in Central America and Europe and groundwater depletion — responsible for 68 percent of the losses alone. The researchers also identified a “tipping point” in 2014-15, years that meteorologists generally characterize as “mega” El Nino. In North America, El Nino years typically involve dryness and warmth in the northern U.S. and Canada, with increased flooding in the South. Near the tipping point, climate extremes began accelerating, leading to a surge in groundwater use and continental drying-up that surpassed the rates of glacier and ice sheet melting, per the study. Evaluating their 22 years of data, the scientists also determined that certain water storage loss “hotspots” previously assumed to be isolated were actually interconnected. These places, they concluded, make up four continental-scale, mega-drying regions. The first region spans the U.S. Southwest, Mexico and Central America and includes many major food-producing regions. The second, meanwhile, includes Alaska and Northern Canada, which are stricken by snow and permafrost melt, as well as drying in agricultural zones. Northern Russia, per the study, is the third region and is also undergoing considerable snow and permafrost melting in high latitude zones. The fourth area, the Middle East-North Africa region and Pan-Eurasia, houses multiple major desert cities, food producing hubs, shrinking seas and urban cities, the researchers noted. “It is striking how much non-renewable water we are losing,” “Glaciers and deep groundwater are sort of ancient trust funds,” he added. “Instead of using them only in times of need such as a prolonged drought, we are taking them for granted.” Chandanpurkar also lamented the fact that humans are failing to replenish groundwater reservoirs during wet years and are thereby nearing “an imminent freshwater bankruptcy.” Describing their findings as “a planetary wake-up call,” the authors stressed a need for ongoing research that can help inform policymakers about these dire water challenges.
Kerr County, Texas, lead emergency management official says he was asleep during deadly flooding - For the first time since catastrophic flooding killed more than 100 people in Kerr County, Texas, the county emergency management director conceded that he was sick and asleep as the water rose to historic levels on the Guadalupe River. William "Dub" Thomas, the Kerr County emergency management director since 2015, detailed his whereabouts during the crisis to the Texas House and Senate Select Committees on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding on Thursday in Kerrville, Texas. Thomas said that after working a full day on July 2, he went home sick. He said at the time, no concerns had been raised about an elevated weather condition "beyond what is typical for the region during the summer." Thomas said he stayed home sick on July 3 and did not participate in two meetings dealing with the Texas emergency management coordination center. Thomas said his supervisors, including the Kerr County sheriff, were aware he was out sick. He said he briefly woke up about 2 p.m. on July 3, but there was no rainfall at the time and no indication of the pending change in the river. He said he went back to sleep. "I was awakened around 5:30 a.m., on July the Fourth by my wife following a call from the city of Kerrville EMC (Emergency Management Coordinator) Jeremy Hughes requesting that I mobilize," Thomas said. He said the call was the first time he realized that an emergency was unfolding.
Flash floods hit Chicago after over 150 mm (6 inches) of rain in under 2 hours - (videos) Severe thunderstorms caused flash floods across the Chicago metropolitan area on Friday, July 25, 2025, with over 150 mm (6 inches) of rainfall reported in Bridgeview within just two hours. Chicago Midway International Airport recorded 38 mm (1.5 inches) of rain in just 37 minutes. Within 90 minutes, the total had reached 70 mm (2.77 inches). A ground stop was issued at Midway, and both Midway and O’Hare International Airports experienced delays to inbound and outbound flights. In Bridgeview, more than 150 mm (6 inches) of rain fell in less than two hours, overwhelming storm drains and flooding streets. Located in one of the lowest elevation zones in the Chicago area, Bridgeview is particularly vulnerable to flooding. On Western Avenue, between 76th and 74th Streets, water levels rose so high that some drivers were forced to use the sidewalk to pass through the viaduct. At 58th and Harlem, knee-deep water inundated the entire block. Flooding was also reported under the viaduct at 47th and Archer. One report indicated a person became trapped in a vehicle within a flooded viaduct, requiring the vehicle to be towed. “There are many reports of flooded viaducts generally along and south of Interstate 55 due to all the rain that fell in the past few hours. If you encounter one of them, DO NOT drive into the water. Your car WILL get stuck,” the National Weather Service (NWS) said. The residential area near Daley College at Hamlin and 75th Street was also flooded. Residents stated that while storms on the previous night, July 24, caused some damage, Friday’s storms were significantly worse. “At least yesterday it wasn’t flooding. Now it’s flooding,” Denise Cerna told CBS. “We’re doing everything. The whole basement is flooded. We’ve been mopping for two hours. From the outside, there’s water coming in.” In Summit, floodwaters inundated the basements of multiple homes. One family reported waist-deep water that displaced their newly installed washer and dryer. The family contacted Illinois Restoration Services for immediate cleanup. Company president Jim Sharp said they received numerous calls by Friday afternoon. “We are getting a lot of calls for flooded basements. A lot of people lost power, their sump pumps went out,” he said.
Flash floods kill one in Maryland, trigger states of emergency in New York and New Jersey – (videos) Flash floods along the I-95 corridor between Washington, D.C., and northern New Jersey claimed at least one life in Maryland and prompted a state of emergency in New York City on Thursday, July 31. Flash floods struck Maryland on Thursday afternoon after 50–100 mm (2–4 inches) of rainfall was reported by 14:15 local time (LT) in areas near Baltimore, including Perry Hall, Honeygo, Joppatowne, Kingsville, and Edgewood. By 16:25 LT, Bethesda, Rockville, and Potomac had also recorded 50–100 mm (2–4 inches) of rain, with localized totals reaching 100–150 mm (4–6 inches). “Monitor low areas and drainages for rapid rises. Seek high ground if needed. Parts of NE/NW DC, too,” warned the National Weather Service (NWS), which issued multiple flash flood warnings for areas along the I-95 corridor. The warnings came as numerous streams and creeks flooded in response to intense rainfall throughout Thursday. According to the Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company in Maryland, a boy was playing with other children when he was swept into a drainage pipe. He was later pronounced dead at the scene. New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for New York City and surrounding counties, advising employers to release workers early. Major flooding was reported along I-295 in Queens, disrupting transportation across the New York metro region. New York Police closed all northbound lanes of FDR Drive at East Houston Street due to flooding. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) reported delays on multiple subway lines, with water pouring onto platforms and tracks on the Long Island Rail Road at Great Neck in Queens. Long Island Rail Road service was suspended on some routes due to high water. Officials have not confirmed when full service will resume or whether there was damage to the tracks. Train delays were also reported between Philadelphia and Wilmington, where floodwaters were reported over the tracks.
Massive tornado damages buildings near Watertown, South Dakota – (3 videos) A powerful tornado touched down west of Watertown, South Dakota on July 27, 2025, destroying multiple structures and creating dramatic visuals. YouTube video The massive tornado touched down near Watertown in Codington County on July 27, going viral on social media due to the dramatic visuals. The tornado has destroyed at least one building and other structures, as seen in visuals recorded by storm chaser Tanner Charles. The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for the whole of Codington County till 18:30 local time (LT) on July 27. Meanwhile, a tornado warning was issued for Watertown and Krazburg lasting through 19:30 LT. Visuals shared on social showed a massive rotating funnel tornado, moving through areas west of Watertown creating dramatic visuals that Charles arrived at the scene after the tornado passed through the area and began search and rescue amid the debris. “We arrived at a destroyed home and began search and rescue. Thankfully, no one was home. But you never know what you’re walking into. It’s moments like this that remind you how fragile life can be,” said Charles.
Powerful derecho brings destructive winds to South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota - A destructive derecho swept through the central United States from the evening of July 28 into early July 29, 2025, producing wind gusts up to 160 km/h (99 mph), toppling trees, and causing widespread power outages. The powerful derecho developed over southern South Dakota late on July 28, producing embedded severe thunderstorms and isolated tornadoes. The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed peak measured wind gusts included 160 km/h (99 mph) in Sioux Center, Iowa, 148 km/h (92 mph) in Spencer, Iowa, 140 km/h (87 mph) in Irene, South Dakota, and 137 km/h (85 mph) in Parker, South Dakota. Earlier in the evening, storm chasers documented tornadoes near Gregory, South Dakota, and in other parts of the state’s south. The derecho then intensified as it moved east into Iowa and Minnesota, producing widespread destructive winds equivalent in force to a Category 2 hurricane. In Hudson, South Dakota, video documented extensive tree and structural damage, including collapsed buildings. In Beresford, South Dakota, numerous trees were snapped or uprooted, power lines were brought down, and debris blocked several streets. Similar tree damage was reported across much of the impacted corridor. Power outages peaked at more than 100 000 customers in Minnesota and just under 30 000 in Iowa. Many communities in South Dakota also experienced prolonged outages. Utility crews began restoration work overnight, but some areas remained without service through Tuesday morning. Derechos are defined as fast‑moving, long‑lived complexes of severe thunderstorms capable of producing sustained wind gusts above 93 km/h (58 mph) over hundreds of kilometers. This event traveled from the northern Plains into the Upper Midwest along a cold front in a highly unstable air mass, also producing large hail in localized areas.
WMO confirms megaflash spanning 829 km (515 miles) as the longest on record – (video) The World Meteorological Organization confirmed a new lightning flash record spanning 829 km (515 miles) across the Great Plains, United States, observed on October 22, 2017. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) announced a new record for the longest lightning flash on July 31. The record was awarded to a 829 km (515 miles) long megaflash observed on October 22, 2017, during a major thunderstorm over the Great Plains. The megaflash extended from eastern Texas to Kansas City, Missouri. The distance is equivalent to a trip from Paris, France to Venice, Italy—coverable by a commercial jet in approximately 90 minutes, or by car in about 8 to 9 hours. The new record has a margin of error of ±8 km (5 miles). It exceeds the previous record by 61 km, which was 768 ±8 km (477.2 ±5 miles) long, observed across parts of the southern United States on April 29, 2020. The Great Plains of North America are known hotspots for Mesoscale Convective Systems (MCS) thunderstorms, which create conditions favorable for such megaflashes. This specific flash was not identified during the initial 2017 analysis but was later discovered through a re-examination of the thunderstorm. “This new record clearly demonstrates the incredible power of the natural environment. Additionally, WMO assessment of environmental extremes such as this lightning distance record testify to the significant scientific progress in observing, documenting and evaluating such events. It is likely that even greater extremes still exist, and that we will be able to observe them as additional high-quality lightning measurements accumulate over time,” said Professor Randall Cerveny, rapporteur of Weather and Climate Extremes for WMO. Both the previous and current records were measured using the same maximum great-circle distance methodology. The 2017 event is particularly significant as it was among the first storms to be documented by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES-16) with lightning ‘megaflashes’—extremely long duration and distance lightning discharges.
Record-breaking heat in Tampa, Florida, as temperature reaches 37.8°C (100°F) for the first time - Tampa reached a temperature of 37.8°C (100°F) for the first time in recorded history at 15:30 LT on Sunday, July 27. The measurement was taken at Tampa International Airport and confirmed by the National Weather Service (NWS) and NOAA’s preliminary daily climate report. This surpasses the city’s previous record of 37.2°C (99°F), most recently observed on June 26, 2020, and initially set on June 5, 1985. Climate records for Tampa date back to April 1, 1890, making this the highest temperature recorded in more than 135 years of monitoring. Meteorologists attributed the extreme heat to a combination of atmospheric factors, including suppressed sea breezes, lower-than-average humidity, and a persistent high-pressure ridge over the region. These conditions allowed for uninterrupted solar heating, enabling surface temperatures to reach unprecedented levels. “The lack of a sea breeze due to strong offshore winds played a significant role in this historic event,” the National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists said. “Lower humidity than usual allowed the temperature to rise more rapidly than typical for Tampa summers.” NWS office in Jacksonville issued an extreme heat warning for northeastern and northern Florida as well as southeastern Georgia, effective from 12:00–19:00 LT on Monday, July 28. Heat index values are expected to reach up to 43.3°C (110°F) during this period. An extreme heat watch is in place for Tuesday afternoon through evening, with heat index values possibly rising to 45°C (113°F).
Record-breaking heat wave scorches Southeast US -- Residents in the Southeast U.S. are no strangers to heat in the summertime But this week's sweltering hot weather set at least one record and has forecasters urging residents to limit time outside on Tuesday if possible—and stay hydrated.The all-time high temperature at Tampa International Airport was broken on Sunday when the thermometer hit 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees Celsius). The previous record had been 99 F (37.2 C) in June 2020.The National Weather Service said Tuesday the prolonged heat is expected to peak in the Southeast at midweek. A strong upper ridge also was generating a "dangerous and prolonged" heat wave in the central and eastern sections of the country.The National Weather Service predicted temperatures in Savannah would reach 97 F (36 C) Tuesday, with heat index values—what the temperature feels like—approaching a broiling 110 F (43 C).The heat wave was expected to set records across Florida on Tuesday, with highs around 100 F. Heat index values in the Tampa Bay area were expected to range from 113 to 118 F (45 to 47.7 C)."We have extreme heat warnings in Georgia, down through northern Florida that would also include places like the Tampa Bay and Orlando metro areas," said Peter Mullinax, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service. "We're going to see today more opportunities for temperatures to be near 100 again."However, rain is in the forecast for Wednesday, which will likely cool things off a bit.Extreme heat warnings also were issued in the country's center from New Orleans up to St. Louis, the meteorologist said. The heat index value on Tuesday was expected to reach as high as 110 F around the St. Louis area and in southwest Illinois.
Extreme rainfall hits Hebei and Beijing, forcing mass evacuations - (videos) Record-breaking rainfall struck Fuping County, Hebei Province, China, on July 25–26, 2025, killing at least two people and leaving two others missing. Xizhuang station recorded 532 mm (20.94 inches) of rain in eight hours, with peak intensities reaching 145 mm (5.71 inches) per hour. Over 46 200 residents were affected, and more than 4 600 were evacuated. The rainfall, described by local authorities as historically unprecedented, severely impacted Baoding City’s Fuping County, where rescue and emergency relief operations are ongoing. The peak intensity occurred during overnight hours on July 25, overwhelming local drainage infrastructure and triggering flash flooding in multiple villages. According to meteorological data, the Xizhuang monitoring station in Fuping logged 532 mm (20.94 inches) of rainfall in just eight hours — equivalent to several months of precipitation. Rainfall rates briefly exceeded 145 mm (5.71 inches) per hour. The mountainous northern districts of Beijing, specifically Miyun and Huairou, experienced intense rainfall during the early hours of July 27. Huangtuliang Station in Miyun District recorded 315.3 mm (12.41 inches) of rain from 12:00 LT on July 26 to 02:00 LT on July 27. YouTube video Out of the total precipitation, 302 mm (11.89 inches) fell within a 6-hour period, triggering severe flooding in the area. A Level-1 flood alert was issued for Miyun District due to the extreme rainfall. At least two fatalities were reported while two others remain missing in Hebei Province, where a single-day precipitation record was broken in Fuping County, Baoding City. Hebei’s provincial emergency management bureau confirmed the deaths and noted that two individuals remain unaccounted for as of July 27. The heavy rain and subsequent flooding affected more than 46 000 people, forcing the evacuation of 4 655, state broadcaster CCTV reported. In Miyun District, authorities reported the urgent evacuation of 3 065 people from 149 villages due to rising waters, infrastructure damage, and loss of communications. Flow into the Miyun Reservoir peaked at 6 550 cubic meters (231 200 cubic feet) per second — a record high, according to Beijing authorities.
30 dead and over 80 000 evacuated as extreme rainfall hits Beijing, China – – videos - At least 30 people died and more than 80 000 were evacuated in Beijing, China, after record rainfall from July 26–28, 2025, caused severe flooding and landslides. Record-breaking rainfall from July 26–28, caused severe flooding across Beijing, leaving at least 30 people dead and forcing more than 80 000 to evacuate, Beijing Municipal Government officials confirmed on July 29. The fatalities occurred primarily in Miyun District, where 28 people were confirmed dead, and in Yanqing District, which reported two deaths. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of further casualties as search-and-rescue operations continue. According to the meteorological service in Beijing, total rainfall reached 543.4 mm (21.4 inches) at some monitoring stations in Miyun, nearly 90% of the city’s average annual total. The citywide average rainfall was measured at 165.9 mm (6.5 inches) between July 26 and 28. Hourly rainfall records were also broken, with Huairou District recording 95.3 mm (3.8 inches) in one hour. Beijing’s mountainous terrain to the north and west contributed to the rainfall concentration, acting as a “rain trap” and intensifying precipitation. Floodwaters damaged at least 31 roads, cut power to 136 villages, and disrupted communications in multiple districts. The Beijing Emergency Management Bureau confirmed widespread infrastructure damage, with rural and suburban areas suffering the most. Authorities activated the highest-level flood control emergency response and issued a red rainstorm warning. Schools, construction sites, and outdoor activities were suspended citywide. More than 17 000 people were evacuated from Miyun District alone. The Miyun Reservoir reached its highest level since it began operation in 1959, with an inflow of 730 million m³ (592 000 acre‑feet) of water. Controlled releases have discharged around 120 million cubic meters downstream to mitigate flood risks. The central government allocated CNY 550 million (USD 76 million) in emergency relief funding, including CNY 200 million for Beijing. Rescue teams from the Ministry of Emergency Management and the People’s Liberation Army were deployed to assist with evacuations and infrastructure repairs. Meteorological agencies warn that the risk of further flooding, mountain torrents, and landslides remains elevated in the coming days, particularly in northern Beijing and surrounding Hebei Province. The Beijing Water Authority has issued a blue flood warning for sections of the North Canal Basin.
At least 5 fatalities reported in Jharkhand as flooding submerges over 60 homes in Jamshedpur, India - Severe flooding affected parts of Jharkhand, India, from July 26 to 28, 2025, following persistent heavy rainfall since mid-July. In Jamshedpur, approximately 60 homes were fully submerged, and around 100 were partially flooded. At least five fatalities were reported, including four youths who drowned while bathing in a check-dam in Seraikela-Kharsawan district. The fifth fatality was a four-year-old girl, Vimla Sardar, who died when a rain-weakened wall of her mud hut collapsed in Mukundsai village, East Singhbhum district. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Jharkhand has received 52% more rainfall than the seasonal average, significantly increasing the risk of floods across multiple districts. The IMD issued orange alerts for heavy rainfall and lightning for July 27–28, covering seven districts. River systems in the region are critically swollen. The Kharkai River was reported at 132.79 m (436 feet), well above its danger level of 129 m (423 feet), while the Subarnarekha River, near Mango Bridge in Jamshedpur, was recorded at 120.66 m (396 feet), just below its danger mark of 121.50 m (398 feet). Emergency services remain on 24-hour alert. District officials have activated medical centers, rescue protocols, and flood response plans, particularly in low-lying urban and peri-urban areas. Power outages and disrupted transportation were also reported in several locations. Downstream in Odisha, the rising levels of rivers originating in Jharkhand have caused flooding across six districts, impacting over 11 000 people. The state has deployed National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), and Fire Service teams. Relief camps, anti-venom supplies, and emergency funds have been mobilized. Flood risk remains elevated, especially if rainfall persists or upstream river discharges intensify. Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant and adhere to evacuation advisories.
Flash flood after cloudburst kills three in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, during early-morning hours - A cloudburst struck Mandi town, Himachal Pradesh, during the early hours of July 29, 2025, triggering a flash flood that killed three people from the same family and left one person missing. The incident occurred around 03:30 local time (LT) in the Jail Road and Saini Mohalla areas, inundating residential zones and commercial streets. The victims died while attempting to move their vehicles to safety as floodwaters advanced. Another family member, Darshan Singh, was rescued and remains hospitalized. The missing person is still being searched for by rescue teams. The surge of water, laden with mud and debris, buried more than 20 vehicles and damaged numerous homes and shops. Roads, including sections of the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway, were blocked by landslides and waterlogging, disrupting connectivity between Mandi and Kullu. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local administration deployed teams for search-and-rescue operations. As of July 30, 193 roads remain closed in Mandi district. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued orange alerts for heavy to very heavy rainfall in Mandi, Kullu, and Kangra districts, and yellow alerts for Shimla, Chamba, and Sirmaur. Authorities have urged residents to avoid riverbanks and landslide-prone areas.
Severe floods leave at least 25 dead and thousands displaced in Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria -Torrential rain combined with suspected dam water release caused severe flooding in Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria, on July 27, 2025, leaving at least 25 people dead, 55 injured, and thousands displaced. Severe flooding struck the Yola North and Yola South local government areas of Adamawa State in the early hours of Sunday, July 27, following hours of intense rainfall and suspected water release from the Bole dam. The hardest-hit communities include Shagari Phase II, Sabon Pegi, Yolde-Pate, Modire, Anguwan Tabo, Tashan Sani, and Ibnu Abbas (Yola Bypass), where entire streets and farmlands were submerged within hours. The Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) initially confirmed five deaths and 55 injuries. By July 29, state authorities, including Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, revised the toll to 25 confirmed fatalities, warning that more victims may be recovered as rescue operations continue. Many of the injured were treated at Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital in Yola. Floodwaters destroyed homes, washed away property, and forced the evacuation of thousands. ADSEMA reports that 5 560 people have been relocated to temporary camps, with the largest shelter set up at Aliyu Mustafa College in Yola. Authorities have also reported the loss of farmland, raising fears of food insecurity in the coming months.
Hurricane Iona and Tropical Storm Keli form off the coast of Hawaii -Hurricane Iona and Tropical Storm Keli formed southeast of Hawaii on July 28, 2025, becoming the first two named storm to form in the central Pacific this year. Iona was named in the NHC advisory issued at 03:00 UTC and reached hurricane strength by 15:00 UTC the same day. Keli followed approximately 18 hours later, reaching tropical storm strength by 21:00 UTC. Both systems are moving westward and are not expected to make landfall. Hurricane Iona and Tropical Storm Keli formed southeast of Hawaii, rapidly strengthening on July 28. Iona was the first named storm of 2025 to form in the central Pacific, named in the advisory issued by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) at 03:00 UTC on July 28 (17:00 HST on July 27). Iona intensified rapidly after formation, reaching hurricane strength by 15:00 UTC (05:00 HST) on July 28. Tropical Storm Keli formed approximately 18 hours after Iona and was named in the advisory issued at 21:00 UTC (11:00 HST) on July 28. Hurricane Iona forecast track. Credit NHC. As per the latest advisory issued at 03:00 UTC on July 29 (17:00 HST on July 28), Iona was located approximately 1 440 km (895 miles) southeast of Honolulu, Hawaii. Sustained winds near the center reached 120 km/h (75 mph) with higher gusts. Minimum central pressure was estimated at 994 hPa, with hurricane-force winds extending outward up to 25 km (15 miles). The hurricane was moving westward at 16 km/h (10 mph) and was forecast to maintain this general motion, becoming a major hurricane on July 29. Based on the NHC forecast track, Iona is not expected to make landfall and is forecast to begin weakening by midweek. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Keli was located approximately 1 660 km (1 030 miles) southeast of Honolulu. Sustained winds near the center reached 65 km/h (40 mph) with higher gusts. Minimum central pressure was estimated at 1 008 hPa, with tropical storm-force winds extending outward up to 55 km (35 miles). Keli was moving westward at 19 km/h (12 mph) and was expected to continue this general motion for the next several days. While some additional strengthening was possible on July 29, Keli is forecast to begin weakening by midweek and is not expected to make landfall.
Typhoon Co-may makes double landfall in Shanghai and Zhejiang, bringing record rains - (videos) Typhoon Co-may made a double landfall in China’s Zhejiang and Shanghai on July 30, 2025, bringing record rainfall and severe flooding that forced over 282 000 to relocate. Typhoon Co-may, the eighth tropical cyclone of the 2025 Pacific typhoon season, made two landfalls in eastern China on Wednesday, July 30. The first landfall occurred at approximately 04:30 LT (20:30 UTC on July 29) on Zhujiajian Island in Zhoushan, Zhejiang Province. The second landfall followed at around 16:40 LT (08:40 UTC) in Fengxian District, Shanghai Municipality. Sustained winds at the time of both landfalls were approximately 82 km/h (51 mph), with higher gusts. The estimated minimum central pressure during the first landfall was 975 hPa, rising slightly to 978 hPa during the second. YouTube video. Shanghai rarely experiences direct landfalls from powerful typhoons, which typically affect areas further south. The last notable event was Typhoon Bebinca in 2024, classified as China’s most powerful tropical storm since 1949. With its latest double landfall, Co-may has now made four landfalls in total—two in the Philippines and two in China. Its first landfall occurred in Agno, Pangasinan, on July 24, followed by a second over Candon City, Ilocos Sur, on July 25. While official rainfall totals are yet to be published, local reports indicate that Zhejiang received over 370 mm (15 inches) of rainfall within 24 hours. Cixi reportedly broke its annual precipitation record, and Shanghai recorded its highest July rainfall to date. These figures and reports are preliminary and yet to be confirmed as rain continues in the affected areas. Authorities in Fengxian District closed multiple tourist sites and sheltered 71 vehicles in port facilities on July 29 as a precaution. Over 282 000 people were evacuated from vulnerable and low-lying areas in Shanghai and surrounding regions. More than 1 900 temporary shelters were established across the municipality. Construction activities were suspended at 4 628 sites in Shanghai for safety.
Rapidly spreading wildfire traps beachgoers at Punta Molentis, destroys dozens of vehicles in Sardinia, Italy - The Watchers A rapidly spreading wildfire forced the evacuation of 102 people, including 12 children, by sea at Punta Molentis beach in Villasimius, Sardinia, Italy, on July 27, 2025. The fire destroyed dozens of vehicles and cut off all land escape routes. Environmental organizations described the destruction as the loss of one of Sardinia’s coastal jewels. The rapidly spreading wildfire broke out near Punta Molentis beach in Villasimius, Sardinia, during the afternoon hours of July 27. Fanned by intense maestrale winds, the fire quickly reached the coastline, forcing more than 100 people to flee into the sea. Coast Guard patrol boat CP320 evacuated 102 individuals, including 12 children and a woman in her sixth month of pregnancy. Additional evacuations were conducted by the Guardia di Finanza and private vessels, with a total of approximately 200 people transported by sea to safety at the Port of Villasimius. The fire destroyed dozens of vehicles, with estimates ranging from 40 to over 200, parked near the beach, along with beach infrastructure such as kiosks. Emergency crews from the Italian National Fire Brigade (Vigili del Fuoco), the Regional Forestry Corps, and local civil protection teams were supported by aerial firefighting units, including two Canadair aircraft and helicopters. Punta Molentis is part of the Protected Marine Area of Capo Carbonara and the Natura 2000 network, a region with daily visitor limits due to its ecological sensitivity. The wildfire caused significant environmental damage, burning dense Mediterranean vegetation and disrupting local biodiversity. Environmental organizations described the destruction as the loss of one of Sardinia’s coastal jewels. In response, the Municipality of Villasimius issued an emergency ordinance closing all access to the beach on July 28. The closure remains in effect for safety assessments, vegetation clearance, and restoration. Shuttle services were provided for tourists who were unable to retrieve their vehicles after the evacuation.
17 dead, over 1 700 evacuated as wildfires sweep through Bursa Province, Türkiye - A deadly wildfire burned through approximately 3 000 ha (7 413 acres) of forest land in Bursa Province, northwestern Türkiye, forcing the evacuation of at least 1 765 people as of July 28, 2025. At least 17 fatalities have been confirmed in Türkiye since late June as wildfires intensified under extreme heat, including multiple deaths in Bursa over the weekend. A major wildfire affecting the Gürsu-Kestel corridor near the city of Bursa, Türkiye’s fourth-largest urban center, destroyed an estimated 3 000 ha (7 413 acres) of forest from July 26–28. The fire, driven by dry conditions and strong winds, triggered large-scale evacuations and severely disrupted transport and response infrastructure in the region. Authorities reported the evacuation of at least 1 765 residents in Bursa Province alone, with regional totals exceeding 3 500 as of July 28. Major road closures, including sections of the Bursa-Ankara highway, were imposed due to proximity of flames to transportation routes. At least 17 people have died in wildfire-related incidents since late June across Türkiye, including two volunteer firefighters whose water tanker overturned in Bursa and one firefighter who suffered a heart attack during operations. Nearly 2 000 personnel, 496 firefighting vehicles, and aerial support units comprising six aircraft and four helicopters, have been deployed to deal with the blaze. Teams from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), local municipalities, and civilian volunteer groups were involved in containment efforts. Extreme temperatures have contributed to rapid fire spread. A national temperature record of 50.5 °C (122.9 °F) was recorded in Şırnak during this period. Several provinces, including Bursa, remained under red or purple wildfire risk alerts according to regional meteorological data. Legal investigations are underway concerning possible arson. The Ministry of Justice announced probes in 33 provinces, with 97 individuals under scrutiny as of July 27. The government has declared disaster zones in İzmir and Bilecik, where earlier fires forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate. Local officials stated that certain fire fronts had come within meters of residential zones before being halted by firebreaks and waterline defenses. Damage assessments are ongoing. International support has been activated through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, with firefighting teams dispatched to both Türkiye and neighboring Greece amid broader regional wildfire outbreake.
Burned Amazon forests stay hot and stressed for decades, finds new study -- Forests in the Brazilian Amazon damaged by fire remain about 2.6°C (4.7°F) hotter than neighboring intact or selectively logged stands, and the extra heat can linger for at least 30 years, according to a new study published in the journal Environmental Research Letters. Forests in the Brazilian Amazon damaged by fire remain about 2.6°C (4.7°F) hotter than neighboring intact or selectively logged stands, and the extra heat can linger for at least 30 years, according to a new study published in the journal Environmental Research Letters. These findings suggest that fire alters tropical forests in ways that slow their recovery and may weaken their ability to tolerate climate stress and store carbon—a crucial role these forests play in global climate mitigation. "We're finding that burning has major ecological impacts over large timescales and that regeneration is much more at risk—it's slower or not happening at all," said lead author Savannah S. Cooley, a research scientist at NASA Ames Research Center and a recent Ph.D. graduate of Columbia's Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology (E3B) program. (Cooley was co-advised by Duncan Menge and Ruth DeFries, professor and co-founding dean of the Columbia Climate School.) Unlike fire-adapted ecosystems such as savannas or pine forests, Amazon rainforests evolved in humid conditions where natural fires were rare. As a result, many tropical tree species haven't developed traits to tolerate or recover from fire damage. In addition to being hotter on average, burned forests in the study area were more thermally unstable. Compared to selectively logged or intact forests, they experienced greater daily temperature fluctuations and were more likely to cross physiological thresholds that impair tree function. During peak dry season heat, nearly 87% of leaves exposed to sunlight in burned forests lose more energy from respiration than they gain from photosynthesis, compared to 72%–74% in selectively logged or intact stands. Burned forests were also 10 times more likely to cross the threshold for lasting damage. These temperature differences reflect fundamental changes in forest structure that leave burned areas more vulnerable to heat. Fires thin the upper canopy, remove mid- and lower-level vegetation and reduce leaf area, decreasing shade and the transpiration that typically cool a forest. Fewer leaves enable sunlight to heat exposed surfaces and air near the canopy. Burns also create edges next to cleared land, allowing warmer air to move inward. The forest retains this extra heat until its vegetation layers rebuild, a process that can take decades. The study suggests fire is the primary driver of prolonged heat stress in degraded Amazon forests. In areas where selective logging left the canopy mostly intact, temperatures were similar to those of undisturbed forests. The contrast highlights fire prevention and low-impact logging as key strategies for maintaining the health of tropical forests.
Turkey's glaciers fall victim to climate change -- Kemal Ozdemir looked up at the bare peaks of Mount Cilo in Turkey's Kurdish majority southeast: "There were glaciers 10 years ago," he recalled under a cloudless sky. A mountain guide for 15 years, Ozdemir then turned toward the torrent carrying dozens of blocks of ice below a slope covered with grass and rocks—a sign of glacier loss being exacerbated by global warming. "You can see that there are quite a few pieces of glacier in the water right now... the reason why the waterfalls flow lushly actually shows us how fast the ice is melting," he said. The glaciers of Mount Cilo, which rises to 4,135 meters in the province of Hakkari on the Iraqi border, are the second largest in the country behind those of Mount Ararat (5,137 meters )— 250 kilometers (155 miles) further north. As global temperatures rise amid human-caused climate change, new sections of the mountains that were once capped in ice are melting fast year after year. Turkey, which is experiencing heat waves and drought, even registered a record temperature of 50.5C on Friday in Silopi, some 200 kilometers (120 miles) from Hakkari. "The melting process is faster than we expected. According to our research, in the last 40 years, we lost almost 50% of this continuous snow and ice cover in this place," said Onur Satir, a professor at Yuzuncu Yil University and specialist in geographical information systems in the eastern province of Van. By the end of the century, temperatures are expected to rise in Turkey by 5 to 6C compared to the averages recorded between 1961 and 1990. "Some places melt faster than other places, so actually it's showing us which places must be protected but we have no opportunity to cover the whole ice area," Satir said. In recent years, several glaciers in the Alps have been covered with white tarpaulins in an attempt to delay their demise. According to the United Nations, glaciers in several regions of the world will not survive the 21st century, threatening the water supply of hundreds of millions of people. A UN report on desertification worldwide estimates that 88% of Turkey's territory is at risk: rainfall is expected to decrease by 30% by the end of the century, while temperatures are expected to rise by 5 to 6C compared to the averages recorded between 1961 and 1990.
New report reveals why vast swaths of US land are too dangerous to build homes on: 'Housing options are diminished' -Building new homes in California is becoming increasingly challenging due to climate-related risks. Eroding shorelines and wildfire risks are exacerbating California's housing shortage as safe places to build are dwindling. As Bloomberg reported, much of the land available for new housing in California has become too dangerous to build upon. Although state legislation has exempted some housing projects from environmental regulations to spur development, there simply aren't enough safe places to build homes anymore. Although there is a demand for new housing in California, local officials are wary of approving new construction projects in areas prone to wildfires, coastal erosion, and flooding. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection expanded its high fire hazard zone areas on maps and informed the public that future fires are inevitable in these places. The limited development situation in California is problematic for residents, and other states, such as Arizona, are facing similar challenges. There's something undeniably unsettling about pouring your life's savings into and going into debt for a home that may not be able to withstand intense storms for just a few years or less. There's also the issue of finding and affording homeowners' insurance for new houses in high-risk zones. The idea of building homes in at-risk areas is hindering economic development and pushing the already questionable homeowners' insurance market beyond its capacity. Some homeowners have no other option but to rely on the high-cost, state-provided, basic insurance when no private options are available. "As housing prices continue to increase and housing options are diminished, the only option is going to be rentals," said Spencer Kamps from the Home Builders Association of Central Arizona. Construction projects approved to move forward are incorporating disaster-proofing measures, such as anti-flammable roofs, ember-resistant yards, and sprinklers. Planned communities now also feature wide roads to prevent congestion during evacuations.
First clear images reveal early-stage subduction zone off British Columbia, raising earthquake concerns - A new study published on July 18, 2025, in Science Advances presents the first high-resolution seismic images of a nascent subduction zone off the coast of British Columbia’s Haida Gwaii archipelago, revealing a developing megathrust fault capable of producing powerful earthquakes and tsunamis. An international team of geoscientists has obtained the first clear seismic reflection images of a newly forming subduction zone in the Queen Charlotte fault system, off northern British Columbia. Their findings, published on July 18, in Science Advances, confirm that the fault system includes a low-angle plate-boundary megathrust, marking the early stages of subduction initiation. The study was based on data acquired during a 2021 expedition by the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory’s research vessel Marcus G. Langseth. Researchers deployed a 15 km (9.3 miles) long underwater streamer equipped with thousands of hydrophones to image the Earth’s subsurface. Seismic energy reflected off geological structures was recorded, revealing deep tectonic features beneath the Queen Charlotte Terrace. The seismic profiles show that the Pacific Plate is beginning to underthrust the North American Plate in this region. A low-angle megathrust called the Haida Gwaii thrust was imaged for the first time. This thrust is believed to have ruptured during the M7.8 earthquake near Haida Gwaii in 2012, which also generated a Pacific-wide tsunami. QCF_MapFigure Image credit: Seismic imaging reveals a strain-partitioned sliver and nascent megathrust at an incipient subduction zone in the northeast Pacific, Collin C. Brandl, Lindsay L. Worthington et al. “This region is actively becoming a subduction zone, so understanding the fault structure here tells us about the early stages of subduction zone development,” said lead author Collin Brandl, a postdoctoral researcher at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. “Our study provides the first direct observations of the Haida Gwaii thrust, the ‘megathrust’ of this system, which can help improve hazard analysis in the region, better preparing residents for future earthquakes and tsunamis.” The Queen Charlotte fault system accommodates about 55 mm (2.16 inches) per year of oblique convergence between the Pacific and North American plates. Unlike classic strike-slip boundaries, seismic data indicate that the region is undergoing strain partitioning, where lateral motion is separated from vertical underthrusting. This tectonic reconfiguration mirrors patterns observed in other early-stage subduction zones worldwide. The Queen Charlotte system is Canada’s most seismically active fault zone. In 1949, an M8.1 earthquake occurred along this boundary, the largest recorded earthquake in Canadian history. The 2012 Haida Gwaii earthquake and tsunami further demonstrated the fault’s capacity for producing destructive thrust events.
Powerful quake in Russia's far east causes tsunami, Japan and Hawaii order evacuations | Reuters (Reuters) - A powerful magnitude 8.8 earthquake off Russia's far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula triggered 4-metre (13-foot) tsunami waves and sparked evacuation orders across the Pacific on Wednesday. The shallow earthquake damaged buildings and injured several people in the remote Russian region, while much of Japan's eastern seaboard - devastated by a 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami in 2011 - was ordered to evacuate. In Hawaii, coastal residents were told to get to high ground or the fourth floor or above of buildings, and the U.S. Coast Guard ordered ships out of harbours as the tsunami approached. "Take Action! Destructive tsunami waves expected," the Honolulu Department of Emergency Management said on X. Tsunami waves reaching 10-13 feet struck parts of Kamchatka, partially flooding the port and a fish processing plant in the town of Severo-Kurilsk and sweeping vessels from their moorings, regional officials and Russia's emergency ministry said. "Today's earthquake was serious and the strongest in decades of tremors," Kamchatka Governor Vladimir Solodov said in a video posted on the Telegram messaging app. Russia's Ministry for Emergency Services said on Telegram that a kindergarten was damaged but most buildings withstood the quake. No serious injuries or fatalities have been reported. The U.S. Geological Survey said the earthquake was shallow at a depth of 19.3 km (12 miles), and was centred 119 km east-southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, a city of 165,000. It revised the magnitude up from 8.0 earlier, and reported a series of strong aftershocks up to a magnitude of 6.9. A resident in the city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky said the shaking started slowly but built up and rumbled for several minutes. "Considering its strength and how long it lasted … I decided to leave the building," said Yaroslav, 25. "The building is very flimsy and light, which might be why it survived. But it felt like the walls could collapse any moment. The shaking lasted continuously for at least 3 minutes.” WARNINGS ACROSS THE PACIFIC Tsunami alarms sounded in coastal towns across Japan's Pacific coast and evacuation orders were issued for tens of thousands of people. Workers evacuated the stricken Fukushima nuclear plant, where a meltdown following the 2011 tsunami caused a radioactive disaster, operator TEPCO said. Footage on public broadcaster NHK showed scores of people in the northern island of Hokkaido on the roof of a building, sheltering under tents from the beating sun, as fishing boats left harbours to avoid potential damage from the incoming waves. Aftermath of an earthquake in Russia
Tsunami warning live updates: Russia declares emergency after flooding in Kuril Islands; Hawaii prepares for first waves Russia appears to be the worst hit by the major earthquake so far, with some reported damage near the quake’s epicentre in Kamchatka. Footage showed a damaged kindergarten in the area, as well as waves sweeping inland in a port town nearby. There were also reports of waves up to four metres high in the remote region. But local officials have not yet reported any serious injuries. Oleg Melnikov, a regional health minister in Russia, said some people were hurt running outside and in other minor incidents, Reuters reports. But he said all patients “are currently in satisfactory condition, and no serious injuries have been reported so far”. Many along the Japanese coastline were waiting for waves to hit in the coming hour, and tsunami warnings remain in place for parts of Alaska and Hawaii. The initial effects of tsunami waves are expected to occur soon on Hawaii’s Kauai coast, with effects to Hawaii island about 20-30 minutes later. Hawaii governor Josh Green said data from Midway Atoll, which is part of the way between Japan and Hawaii, measured tsunami waves from peak to trough of 6 feet (1.8 meters). He said waves hitting Hawaii could be bigger or smaller and it was too early to tell how large they would be. A tsunami of that size would be akin to a three foot (90 centimeter) wave riding on top of surf, he said. He told a new conference that a wave that size could move cars and throw fences around. It can dislodge trees, that’s why you can’t just be out there. The impact is at great speed,” Green said. “Any any structure that gets loose and strikes the individual could take them out. And people can drown quite easily with the force of that kind of wave.” Share
Live updates: 8.8 magnitude quake triggers tsunami alerts for Japan, Alaska, Hawaii and US West Coast and Russia’s Far East | CNN - The US West Coast is now under a tsunami advisory. Parts of the Aleutian Islands and Hawaii are still under a tsunami warning.
- • Quake triggers waves: Tsunami warnings have been issued for multiple nations across the Pacific as well as Hawaii and the US Pacific coasts after a massive 8.8 magnitude quake struck off Russia’s sparsely populated far eastern coast. This quake is the joint-sixth strongest ever recorded.
- • Hawaii bracing: 10-foot tsunami waves are possible for some coasts of the Northern Hawaiian Islands. Honolulu’s mayor told residents to move to higher ground and Hawaii’s governor urged people to immediately evacuate coastal zones. “It will not hit one beach, it will wrap around the islands,” Gov. Josh Green said.
- • Sirens and evacuations: It’s too soon to say how destructive tsunami waves will be. The first waves to hit Japan were smaller than forecast but authorities across the Pacific are urging vigilance and ordering evacuations as the impact may differ between locations. Here’s what to do if you’re under a tsunami alert.
The US Coast Guard has told all commercial vessels to leave Hawaii ports and barred any incoming ships from entering them until tsunami advisories have lifted. “All harbors in Hawaii have been closed to incoming vessel traffic. Vessels transiting within the vicinity of the Hawaiian Islands or inbound to ports in Hawaii shall remain offshore until conditions subside,” a statement from the Coast Guard Oceania District said. Emergency shelters have begun opening in Hawaii after residents were urged to evacuate and as the governor warns that tsunami waves “will wrap around the islands.” Multiple shelters have been identified on the islands of Oahu, Kauai, and Maui and the county Hawaii, according to a list shared by CNN affiliate KGMB/KHNL. Authorities in Hawaii have urged residents to seek higher ground, stressing that precautionary measures are being taken ahead of approaching tsunami waves. The mayor of Hawaii’s capital Honolulu, Rick Blangiardi, urged residents to move to higher ground, speaking in an interview with CNN affiliate KITV. “We need people to stay calm but also to act accordingly. If you can get to higher ground if you’re in a low-lying area, please do that,” Blangiardi said. He said warning sirens have been blaring to alert residents to evacuate and urged caution on the roads amid “bumper-to-bumper traffic” during evacuations. “Everything that we’re doing is precautionary,” he stressed. “We don’t want to create undo panic, we want everyone to stay calm. We’re trying to act as much in advance as we possibly can to give people sufficient warning and opportunity to get to higher ground.” Travel disruptions are mounting along the US West Coast and in Hawaii amid tsunami warnings issued across the Pacific after a powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off Russia’s east coast. Flights to Honolulu are being disrupted, with diversions, delays and cancellations reported across affected airports, according to FlightRadar24. Flights from various airlines that departed from Los Angeles, Vancouver, San Francisco and San Diego that were bound for Hawaii were turned back to their destination airports late Tuesday, tracking data shows. Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines are holding departures to Hawaii, diverting some en route flights, and advising passengers to check flight statuses before heading to the airport.
- Evacuations are under way in Japan, Hawaii and some parts of the US West Coast as a magnitude 8.8 earthquake off Russia's far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula has triggered tsunami warnings across the Pacific Ocean
- Tsunami waves as high as 3-4 metres (10-13 feet) have been reported in Kamchatka while 30cm (12in) waves have hit a city in Hokkaido, northern Japan
- Hawaii Governor Josh Green has asked people to heed evacuation orders and stay calm while US President Donald Trump advised Americans to be on alert for tsunami warnings
- Several people have been injured in Kamchatka because of the earthquake and strong aftershocks are expected, TASS news agency reports
- Tsunami alerts of varying levels have also been issued in parts of China, the Philippines, Indonesia, Guam, Peru and the Galapagos Islands off Ecuador
Tsunami waves up to 1.7 m (5.7 feet) recorded in Hawaii after M8.8 Kamchatka earthquake on July 29, no major damage reported – videos - A tsunami generated by the M8.8 earthquake off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on July 29, 2025, produced waves of up to 1.7 m (5.7 ft) across parts of Hawaii, prompting evacuations, port closures, and widespread coastal alerts. No significant damage or casualties have been reported. A major M8.8 earthquake struck off the southeastern coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula at 23:25 UTC on July 29, 2025 (11:25 LT, July 30), prompting tsunami warnings across the Pacific region. Despite the scale of the event, no major damage or casualties were reported. In Hawaii, the first tsunami waves arrived at 19:17 local time (LT) on July 29, approximately 5 hours and 52 minutes after the earthquake, and continued for several hours. Observed wave heights in Hawaii included 1.7 m (5.7 feet) at Kahului on Maui, the highest in the state, 1.5 m (4.9 feet) at Hilo on Hawaii Island, and 1.2 m (4 feet) at Haleiwa on Oahu. YouTube video Noticeable sea level withdrawal was recorded at multiple locations, including Hanalei Bay and Haleiwa, shortly before the arrival of the first waves. Statewide tsunami sirens were activated shortly after the PTWC warning. Honolulu and other coastal areas implemented evacuation orders, with residents and visitors moving inland to designated safe zones. Shelters were opened across all islands. Ports and harbors were closed and maritime operations halted. Commercial flights were temporarily suspended at Hilo and Kahului airports, while Honolulu International resumed operations later in the night. Ground transport on some islands experienced heavy congestion as coastal residents relocated. Governor Josh Green urged residents to remain at least 120 m (400 feet) inland until the all‑clear was issued. Minor flooding was reported in some harbor facilities and low‑lying coastal parking areas, but authorities have confirmed no major structural damage or casualties.
Live updates: Tsunami waves reach Hawaii, California after huge quake off Russia --Tsunami waves have reached Hawaii, California and Washington after one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded. The 8.8-magnitude temblor struck off Russia’s remote Far East and sparked tsunami warnings and evacuations across the Pacific. Hawaii was braced for the most severe impact, but the alert level there was downgraded to a tsunami advisory just before 5 a.m. ET, allowing residents to return to their homes. Waves also hit Japan, where nearly 2 million people were asked to evacuate, and Russia's Kuril Islands in the Pacific. No deaths were immediately reported. Chart: The 8.8-magnitude quake that triggered the tsunami warnings was one of the most powerful quakes since 1900, data from the U.S. Geological Survey shows. The NOAA has canceled the tsunami advisory for some coastal areas of California from the California/Mexico border to Rincon Point, California, located 15 miles southeast of Santa Barbara. This means the Los Angeles area is no longer under a tsunami advisory. However, a tsunami advisory remains in effect from Rincon Point north to the Humboldt/Del Norte Line — including the San Francisco Bay. A tsunami warning also remains in effect for the California coast from the Humboldt/Del Norte Line to the Oregon/California Border. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said all tsunami warning systems worked “in a timely manner” following the massive earthquake, and people were evacuated from endangered regions. “In general, the seismic resistance of the buildings proved itself, so thank God there are no victims,” he said during a press call. “Technological preparedness proved itself and was at a high level.”
Ring Of Fire Awakens: Pacific Megaquake First Sparked Tsunami, Now Eurasia's Tallest Volcano Erupts --A tsunami triggered by a massive underwater earthquake off the eastern coast of Russia, impacting Hawaii, Alaska, and the U.S. West Coast in the overnight hours, has now led to the eruption of Eurasia's highest and most active volcano, located on the Kamchatka Peninsula.Russian media Tass News said the 8.7 magnitude earthquake that struck off Russia's Kamchatka was the "largest earthquake since 1952." It cited the Russian Academy of Sciences, which now says the Klyuchevskaya Sopka volcano has begun to erupt shortly after the quake. "Right now, Klyuchevskaya Sopka is erupting," the Russian federal agency wrote in the post with an accompanying photograph of the volcano's eruption. Key facts about Klyuchevskaya Sopka:
- Height: 4,750 meters (15,580 feet)
- Type: Stratovolcano (steep-sided and symmetrical)
- Location: Eastern Kamchatka, part of the Pacific "Ring of Fire"
- Volcanic activity: One of the most active volcanoes in the world, with frequent eruptions recorded since the 17th century
- Last eruption: Ongoing activity is common, with the most recent eruptions typically occurring every few years
- Formation: Estimated to have formed about 7,000 years ago
More footage of the eruption:Both the tsunami-triggering quake and the volcanic eruption stem from tectonic movements along the Pacific Ring of Fire, particularly the subduction of the Pacific Plate beneath the Okhotsk Plate. This suggests a major stress release event in the Earth's crust.This kind of event cluster in rapid succession could indicate a larger regional stress redistribution, raising the risk of additional quakes or eruptions in adjacent fault lines or volcanoes (e.g., in the Aleutians, Kuril Islands, or even Japan).
Moondust meteor storm from lunar asteroid impact possible in December 2032 - Asteroid 2024 YR4 has a 4 % chance of striking the Moon on December 22, 2032, potentially ejecting up to 100 million kg of lunar debris into space, with as much as 10 % of it reaching Earth and producing a rare, slow-moving meteor storm. A recently updated orbital analysis by NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) and the European Space Agency (ESA) indicates that asteroid 2024 YR4, measuring an estimated 53–67 m (174–220 feet) in diameter, has a probability of about 4 percent of colliding with the Moon on December 22, 2032. While there is no risk to Earth from a direct impact, the lunar strike could trigger a notable debris event visible from our planet. If the asteroid impacts the Moon, the kinetic energy released would be equivalent to approximately 6.5 megatonnes of TNT, excavating a crater about 1 km (0.62 miles) in diameter. The current impact corridor for 2024 YR4 (yellow) projected on a map of the Moon’s near side from Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter credit: E. J. Speyerer et al. 2011 Moon impact corridor for 2024 YR4. Credit E.j. Speyerer et al. 2011 Numerical modeling suggests that such an event could eject up to 1 × 10⁸ kg of lunar regolith into space. Depending on the impact location and the Moon’s orbital position, up to 10 percent of this ejecta could intersect Earth’s orbit within days. Unlike high-velocity meteors from typical showers such as the Perseids (about 60 km/s or 37 miles/s), lunar ejecta would arrive at speeds of about 11 km/s (7 miles/s). The lower velocity would produce longer-lasting, dimmer meteors—silver-white streaks sometimes persisting for over a second—rather than bright, fast flashes. The apparent radiant point for these meteors would be close to the Moon’s position in the sky at the time of arrival, and the activity could continue for several days rather than peaking sharply. If the impact occurs on the Moon’s near side, the flash of the collision could itself be visible to small telescopes or even binoculars from Earth, appearing as a short-lived brightening on the lunar surface. Some astrophotographers may also record a faint halo or haze near the Moon if fine dust lingers in its immediate vicinity.
Warming Arctic lakes may release more methane than expected --The findings are important because methane is over 25 times more powerful than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas. Arctic lakes are already major natural methane sources globally, but the processes that control how methane is produced and released from lake sediments have remained poorly understood—until now. In this study, Ph.D. candidate Marie Bulínová from the Geosciences Department at UiT The Arctic University of Norway worked with an international team that investigated 10 Arctic lakes across Svalbard and subarctic Scandinavia. They found that methane production in lake sediments was highest where lakes had greater productivity—more algae, aquatic plants, and land vegetation, and shallower depths. The findings are published in theJournal of Geophysical Research: Biogeosciences. "We were surprised by how clearly the productivity of the ecosystem was linked to methane production," said Marie. "Our results show that warmer and wetter conditions increase biological productivity in Arctic lakes, which in turn drives methane emissions from their sediments."Most methane was produced within the top 10 cm of lake sediment. In these shallow layers, the combination of fresh, organic-rich material and enhanced microbial activity creates ideal conditions for methane generation. The researchers calculated how much methane is likely to diffuse from the sediment into the overlying water and eventually into the atmosphere. The team compared their findings with data from over 60 lakes worldwide. This revealed that methane fluxes from individual Arctic lakes are generally lower than those in tropical or temperate regions, but still significant and highly variable considering the large number of lakes in northern landscapes. And surprisingly, they are similar to some boreal lakes.Marie explained, "One of the striking aspects of this work is how different Arctic lakes are from each other. Some release much more methane than others, depending on local factors like vegetation cover, lake shape, or sediment composition. That's why it's essential to study a wide range of lake types if we want to understand the Arctic's role in future climate feedbacks." The study underscores the importance of including lake sediments in Arctic greenhouse gas budgets. It also shows that seemingly small environmental changes can have large effects on methane emissions."The Arctic is changing rapidly, and we need to understand all the feedback involved," said Marie. "Our work suggests that increases in ecosystem productivity—something we could think of being positive—can also increase methane release and further accelerate warming."
US pushes to revoke scientific ruling that underpins climate regulations -President Donald Trump's administration on Tuesday moved to reverse a foundational scientific determination that underpins the US government's authority to limit greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles and, more broadly, to combat climate change. Speaking at an auto dealership in Indianapolis, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin argued that the 2009 Endangerment Finding was based on flawed reasoning and had inflicted serious economic harm. "If finalized, today's announcement would amount to the largest deregulatory action in the history of the United States," he said, standing alongside Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who added his department had carried out a new study about climate science. The proposed move—first announced in March—will be subject to a 45-day public comment period and is certain to face legal challenges. While Zeldin cast the move as a way to reverse what he called the "Biden-Harris administration's electric vehicle (EV) mandate," revoking the Endangerment Finding could also unravel the legal basis for a wide array of climate regulations, including those on power plants and oil and gas operations. The EPA said in a press release that the finding had "been used to justify over $1 trillion in regulations" and undoing it would save $54 billion annually. The Endangerment Finding was grounded in overwhelming scientific consensus and peer-reviewed research. It followed a landmark 2007 Supreme Court ruling that found greenhouse gases qualify as air pollutants under the Clean Air Act and directed the EPA to revisit its position. Environmental groups and states are expected to swiftly sue. The case could ultimately reach the Supreme Court, which may need to overturn its own 2007 precedent to side with the current Republican administration. Dan Becker of the Center for Biological Diversity told AFP the Endangerment Finding has survived multiple legal challenges by industry over the years. "But this time, it's the government itself mounting the attack," he said. "Hopefully they will recognize that this is science and not politics—that there was a good reason for that precedent and no good reason to revoke it," said Becker. "But this is a very political court." He added that the administration's cost-saving arguments were misleading, pointing to official data showing that rules now targeted for repeal saved the average American driver $6,000 in fuel and maintenance over the lifetime of vehicles built under the standards. "It's abundantly clear what's going on here," said Gretchen Goldman, president of the Union of Concerned Scientists. "The Trump administration refuses to acknowledge robust climate science and is using the kitchen sink approach: making every specious argument it can to avoid complying with the law."
EPA used an unexpected argument to kill the endangerment finding -EPA’s proposal to undo a key scientific finding that supports most climate regulations included an unexpected legal argument.The draft to scuttle the so-called endangerment finding, released Tuesday, led with the claim that EPA can only regulate pollutants that cause direct harm to people and the environment, and the danger needs to be near the source of pollution.It added that the link connecting pollution to a danger should be clear-cut. If a local pollutant, for example, combines with the global swirl of atmospheric gases that result in higher temperatures — and contributes to impacts such as floods in Texas, wildfires in California or heat waves in Indiana — that doesn’t count, EPA argued. “As a general matter, there is a point at which harm no longer has a sufficiently close connection to the relevant conduct to reasonably draw a causal link,” the proposal states. “We propose that emissions from new motor vehicles and new motor vehicle engines in the United States do not have a sufficiently close connection to the adverse impacts identified in the Endangerment Finding to fit within the legal meaning of ‘cause’ or ‘contribute.’”
EPA says endangerment reversal is guided by Supreme Court - EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin described his move Tuesday to kill a 2009 scientific finding on climate change as “the largest deregulatory action in the history of America.”But whether his agency is able to finalize the rollback will likely hinge on the courts.His proposal to strike down the so-called endangerment finding for greenhouse gases threatens to take a wrecking ball to the legal foundation of modern day U.S. climate regulations, and risks having to face a gauntlet of courtroom challenges.So EPA cloaked the proposal in arguments taken from four landmark Supreme Court decisions that it claimed support the conclusion that planet-warming gases don’t pose health dangers to people and, therefore, don’t qualify as air pollutants.
EPA research cuts stoke fears over scientific independence - Despite losing an EPA research grant this May, Jane Clougherty feels relatively sanguine about her individual situation.She’s not as optimistic about the future of EPA-funded research, though.“I’m lucky enough to be tenured and secure in my position at the moment,” Clougherty, an environmental health scientist at Drexel University in Philadelphia, said in an interview early this month. But as the Trump administration slashes funding for university-based inquiry, Clougherty said, “I think a lot of public health schools are going to be in a lot of trouble.” Her project, which was examining the combined impact of extreme heat and air pollution on children’s health in New York state, was one among many axed midstream this spring on the grounds that they no longer meshed with administration priorities. It’s part of the piecemeal dismemberment of EPA’s science initiatives that has only gathered steam. Earlier this month, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has since confirmed plans to dissolve the agency’s Office of Research and Development, which last year had more than 1,500 employees and is described by supporters and former officials as an irreplaceable engine of innovation in fields like chemical safety and the risks posed by pollution exposure.Under the plan, ORD will lay off some researchers through a reduction in force while shunting others to a new Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions as well as existing wings of the agency. In all, the restructuring will save almost $750 million, Zeldin said in a news release, adding that the reduction in force (RIF) will ensure that EPA can better fulfill its mission of protecting human health and the environment “while being responsible stewards” of taxpayer dollars.Apart from that one-page release, EPA has been stingy with details about the plan, which last week encountered its first institutional pushback.In an explanatory report accompanying a draft fiscal 2026 spending bill, members of the Senate Appropriations Committee said they were “appalled” by the research office’s imminent dissolution and demanded an immediate halt to “all actions related to the closure, reduction, reorganization, or other similar such changes.”Asked this week whether EPA will comply with that directive, press secretary Brigit Hirsch cited “longstanding practice” in declining to comment on pending legislation. One union leader, however, said the agency appears to be pressing ahead unfazed.
Economists, physicians and legal scholars back kids climate lawsuit - Young climate activists seeking to sue EPA over planet-warming emissions are getting support from children’s rights scholars, economists and physicians.Three groups have filed friend of the court briefs in support of the plaintiffs in Genesis B. v. EPA, which charges that the agency discriminates against children by placing less value on the future benefits of pollution regulations. The case has twice been dismissed by the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California but is under appeal at the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.The children’s rights advocates and legal scholars argue the district court got it wrong when it found the young people did not have the legal standing to bring the case.
Enviros are reeling in Trump’s ‘scorched-earth’ second term - E&E News by POLITICOIt’s a rough time to be an environmentalist. Green groups spent the early days of this administration stunned as the Trump 2.0 team dismantled federal agencies, slashed spending and torpedoed regulations in a flurry that caught many of the administration’s critics by surprise. Now, as environmental nonprofits gear up for several more years of playing defense against an emboldened administration, the movement is scrambling to regain traction. Green groups are watching years of work on environmental regulations vaporize. The administration is purging the federal workforce — including staffers who work inside energy and environmental agencies. And the court system that President Donald Trump’s critics are using to challenge the administration is overshadowed by a conservative Supreme Court that has already handed some big wins to the president. “The reason for bad vibes is obvious: This is the most anti-environmental administration that our country and perhaps the world has ever seen,” said Bill McKibben, a longtime environmentalist and author. “It is difficult to be hopeful in the face of all that.” In its latest blockbuster move to slash environmental policies, the Trump administration this week announced plans to jettison the so-called endangerment finding, the scientific determination that underpins EPA’s climate regulations. It’s a seismic move that could fully upend the government’s climate rules — and one that the first Trump administration avoided in part due to concerns about the political ramifications. This Trump administration is different. The environmental movement is on its heels as it scrambles to respond. And as they gear up for defense in the policy realm, some green groups are also struggling with internal problems. Some organizations aren’t getting the same surge in donations they saw during the first Trump administration. Prominent green groups have laid off staff this year at a time they’d like to be boosting their personnel to fight back. And environmentalists are worried the administration will target environmental nonprofits’ tax-exempt status, a move that would make fundraising even tougher. POLITICO’s E&E News interviewed more than a dozen green group leaders, climate activists and employees at environmental nonprofits for this story. They described a movement that’s been forced to recalibrate as the Trump administration has slashed climate policies, targeted long-standing environmental protections and purged employees across the federal government. “We just lost a decade’s worth of work under the Trump administration and we’re in the process of losing more as he guts federal agencies and they go after rewriting bedrock environmental laws,” said Erich Pica, president of the Washington-based green group Friends of the Earth. At Friends of the Earth, individual donations fell by about $1.3 million this year — an 11 percent drop over last year, said Pica. At Friends of the Earth, the steep decline in donations has led to staff layoffs, Pica said. The organization laid off eight people in June as a result of restructuring and cost-cutting to address its budget deficit, Pica said. The layoffs are “terrible for our staff and staff morale,” Pica said. That organization is also restructuring its communications work in an effort to adapt to the times, he said. That means more experimenting with what it means to be successful on TikTok, Substack, Instagram, LinkedIn and other emerging platforms, Pica said. Other groups have laid off staff this year, too.The Sierra Club laid off dozens of employees earlier this year. Those layoffs — attributed to budget shortfalls — fueled ongoing strife inside that group, where staff have been feuding with management for years. Sierra Club’s executive director, Ben Jealous, went on unexplained leave in July, the group announced.The Washington-based Ocean Conservancy told 21 employees in the spring that their positions were being eliminated,The layoffs, the group’s CEO Janis Searles Jones told staff in an internal email, were the result of factors including “significant shifts in the policy and fundraising environment, unprecedented volatility, and unprecedented pressure on the philanthropic sector.”Another group, Greenpeace, is in the throes of a high-stakes legal battle that could have dire financial and political consequences for the organization. A jury in North Dakota earlier this year ordered the environmental group to pay more than $660 million in damages to a pipeline developer, a sum Greenpeace doesn’t have, the group’s interim Executive Director Sushma Raman told E&E News in March.Greenpeace is still challenging the jury’s verdict, said Deepa Padmanabha, a Greenpeace senior legal adviser. “This is still the beginning of the fight.” Greenpeace has said it plans to fight “all the way to victory” in that case, and it says that the outcome “could establish dangerous new legal precedents” and that “our entire movement’s future could be in jeopardy.”
Dept. of Energy Releases Climate Science Report Based in Realism --The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) yesterday released a new report, “A Critical Review of Impacts of Greenhouse Gas Emissions on the U.S. Climate” (full copy below), evaluating existing peer-reviewed literature and government data on climate impacts of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions and providing a critical assessment of the conventional narrative on climate change. The report was developed by the 2025 Climate Working Group, a group of five independent scientists assembled by Energy Secretary Chris Wright with diverse expertise in physical science, economics, climate science, and academic research. Among the key findings, the report concludes that CO2-induced warming appears to be less damaging economically than commonly believed, and that aggressive mitigation strategies may be misdirected. Additionally, the report finds that U.S. policy actions are expected to have undetectably small direct impacts on the global climate, and any effects will emerge only with long delays.
As US climate data-gathering is gutted, Australian forecasting is now at real risk - This year, Australia has experienced record-breaking floods, tropical cyclones, heat waves on land and in the ocean, drought, coral bleaching, coastal erosion and devastating algal blooms. Over the past five years, insured losses from extreme events have risen to A$4.5 billion annually—more than double the 30-year average. But even as damage from climate changeintensifies, political change overseas is threatening Australia's ability to track what's happening now, and predict what will happen next. The United States has historically been a world leader in Earth observation systems and freely sharing the gathered data. Sharing of data, expertise and resources between scientists in the US and Australia makes possible the high-quality weather, climate and ocean monitoring and forecasting we rely on.But this is no longer guaranteed. Under the Trump administration, key US scientific institutions and monitoring programs are facing deep cuts. These cuts aren't just cosmetic—they will end essential data gathering. Australia has long relied on these data sources. When they dry up, it will make it much harder for scientists to look ahead.Australian leaders should look for ways to boost local Earth monitoring capabilities where possible and partner with other large scientific organizations outside the US. Forecasting weather and climate isn't simple. To produce accurate forecasts, scientists rely on Earth observation systems which monitor changes to Earth'sland, atmosphere, ocean and ice. Much of this vital data is gathered by satellites, augmented by ocean data from thousands of robotic ARGO floatswhich capture data on ocean temperatures and salinity. This year, the US government has announced sweeping cuts which could significantly degrade Earth monitoring data gathering and availability.In March 2025, the administration culled around 1,000 positions at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).Two months later, cuts were announced for NASA, including their Earth observation missions and to the National Science Foundation, with a proposedmajor reduction to Antarctic observations and research.In June, still deeper cuts were proposed for NOAA. These would see the agency's Ocean and Atmospheric Research section dismantled and parts moved to the National Weather Service and the National Oceans Service. If these cuts are approved, they would cut NOAA funding by about 25%. America's sweeping cuts to science will have large ripple effects. Losing these capabilities and expertise will be a significant setback for researchers in the US, Australia and worldwide. The cuts come at a time when extreme weather and damage from climate change is intensifying. Early warnings save lives.To meet the ever more urgent need for reliable forecasting and modeling, Australia can no longer rely on US data and expertise. It's time to boost local capabilities and expand vital alliances.
GOP State Treasurers (incl. PA) Turn Up the Heat on BlackRock re ESG - Marcellus Drilling News - A group of 26 financial officers (state treasurers) from 21 states sent letters to 18 major financial institutions this week, including BlackRock, warning them to abandon environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices if they wish to continue doing business with their states. Notably, Pennsylvania’s Treasurer, Stacy Garrity, was one of the signatories on the letter. West Virginia’s Treasurer, Larry Pack, signed, too. Unfortunately, Ohio’s Treasurer, Robert Sprague (a Republican), was NOT one of the signatories. Curious.
BP Withdraws Major Stake from Australian Renewable Energy Hub Project - BP, the multinational oil and gas giant, has officially announced its decision to withdraw from the Australian Renewable Energy Hub (AREH), a large-scale green hydrogen and renewable power project located in Western Australia. This exit signals a strategic pivot back toward the company’s conventional oil and gas business, as reported by Energy Source & Distribution. BP’s decision to relinquish both its majority ownership and operational leadership of the project comes amid changing corporate priorities. The company has notified its joint venture partners, InterContinental Energy and CWP Global, of its departure. Following BP's exit, InterContinental Energy has assumed operational control of the project. A BP spokesperson told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), “This move reflects our updated priorities. We are now concentrating on strengthening our oil and gas operations and will approach investments in the energy transition more carefully.” BP Withdraws Major Stake from Australian Renewable Energy Hub Project William Faulkner 30-Jul-2025 Previously, BP held a 63.57% stake in the AREH, which was conceived as a landmark initiative to generate renewable electricity and green hydrogen, both for local consumption in the Pilbara region and for international export. Located approximately 250 kilometers east of Port Hedland on the traditional territory of the Nyangumarta People, the AREH has been touted as a potential world-leading renewable energy development. Once operational, the project is expected to contribute significantly to Australia’s green energy capacity and help facilitate the global shift toward low-emissions hydrogen fuels. BP became involved in the AREH during a period when it was ramping up investments in low-carbon and renewable technologies, a move that was welcomed by stakeholders concerned about climate change. However, in recent times, the company has faced investor dissatisfaction due to stagnant stock performance and questions about the profitability and strategic clarity of its clean energy ventures. These pressures appear to have influenced BP’s decision to scale back its ambitions in the renewables sector and refocus on the more stable returns associated with fossil fuel exploration and production. Despite BP’s departure, the AREH project is expected to continue under the stewardship of InterContinental Energy, with CWP Global maintaining its involvement as a project partner. The remaining stakeholders are reportedly committed to pushing the development forward, aiming to maintain the project's original vision of producing largescale renewable energy and green hydrogen. BP’s withdrawal may slow progress in the short term, but it is unlikely to derail the broader trajectory of the initiative, which remains critical to both Australia’s and the global energy transition efforts.
Carbon storage site that leaked set to restart injections - For more than 10 months, the carbon dioxide injection well at Archer-Daniels-Midland’s storage site in Illinois has gone unused after testing showed evidence of a potential fluid leak. That pause, however, could be nearing its end. The agribusiness company — which typically sends 2,000 metric tons of CO2 underground per day at the site in Decatur, Illinois — anticipates resuming injection later this summer. Advocacy and environmental groups, Advocacy and environmental groups, who pushed unsuccessfully last year for a halt on new permitting of CO2 injection wells, still have a range of questions about what’s happened and changed since ADM detected a CO2 leak last spring. They are also pushing for transparency ahead of the restart of injection and some want to see EPA put forward new regulations.EPA “should absolutely do a new rulemaking for these injection wells to look at and update the standard for the chrome that’s used in the wells, to update the type of monitoring that’s required of these wells,” said Jim Walsh, policy director at the group Food & Water Watch.ADM has been under a magnifying glass since last year after EPA issued a violation notice to it, alleging the company had failed to meet the requirements of its Class VI permit and allowed CO2 and other fluids to move into unauthorized zones. Class VI wells are used to inject CO2 underground for long-term geologic storage.In mid-September, EPA took the additional step of issuing a proposed enforcement order to ADM, requiring the company to take a series of compliance measures.ADM, the first company to operate a Class VI storage well permitted by EPA, said it remains in talks with the agency about the proposed enforcement order.“We take our commitment to safety and being transparent in reports we submit to the government and in relevant information we share with stakeholders very seriously,” ADM spokesperson Jackie Anderson said in a statement.In an email Monday, EPA said ADM needs to complete steps listed in an April letter before resuming CO2 injections.EPA spokesperson Molly Vaseliou said the agency does not comment on pending enforcement actions. But she said the agency has received and is reviewing more than 50 public comments on the proposed enforcement order.“The timing of EPA’s decision on a final order will depend on a number of factors, including the nature of comments received and whether EPA determines any changes to the proposed order are appropriate,” Vaseliou said in a statement.The potential resumption at ADM’s well comes as the Trump administration works to expand the number of states that can issue Class VI permits in lieu of EPA.Demand to build Class VI wells has skyrocketed since passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022, which boosted the carbon capture incentive known as 45Q. EPA issues Class VI permits in all but four states. EPA awarded the designation, called primacy, to West Virginia in February and subsequently proposed doing so for Arizona and Texas.EPA has 235 applications for a Class VI now under review. Half of those applications have been submitted over the past 12 months.ADM is in the process of applying to EPA to add another Class VI injection well.
Interior order targets ‘preferential treatment’ for wind and solar - Interior Secretary Doug Burgum ordered his department Tuesday to weed out policies that favor nascent renewable power industries. His secretarial order decries “preferential treatment” for wind and solar, while other directives Tuesday ask agencies to consider withdrawing public land with “high potential for wind energy” and review projects’ impacts on wildlife.“Leveling the playing field in permitting supports energy development that’s reliable, affordable, and built to last,” Burgum said in a statement.His order is the latest Trump administration effort to weaken renewable energy development, despite presidential orders to bolster overall power generation for data centers and accommodate growing U.S. electricity demands.
Interior push to fast-track minerals-from-waste projects faces backlash - -Interior Secretary Doug Burgum is moving to more quickly approve projects that extract minerals from mine waste by clawing back regulations and streamlining reviews, a move that stands to benefit a growing number of politically connected companies.Burgum in an order last week directed his agency to streamline federal rules for projects seeking to recover rare earths and minerals like cobalt, lithium and uranium from mining waste streams, tailings and abandoned mines.Citing President Donald Trump’s declaration of an energy emergency, Burgum ordered the agency to update guidance to such projects eligible for federal funding and accelerate reviews, and he directed the U.S. Geological Survey to map and inventory federal mine waste sites.“By unlocking the potential of our mine waste, we are not only recovering valuable critical minerals essential for our economy and national security, but we are also leveraging groundbreaking research from the U.S. Geological Survey that identifies promising sources of these minerals,” Burgum said in a statement.
Judge sides with Utah in first legal test of roads crossing federal land - A federal judge has handed Utah and two counties a preliminary victory in a decade long dispute over ownership of dirt roads and trails crossing public lands that were authorized by a 19th-century mining law. The decision by Judge Clark Waddoups of the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah doesn’t resolve the broader, long-standing dispute over title to an estimated 35,000 miles of dirt roads crisscrossing federal lands in the state. But it is the first ruling among 15 bellwether trial cases that will set the stage for the more than 12,000 rights-of-way claims in a 2012 lawsuit by the state and numerous counties. The federal court in 2020 estimated it would take more than 20 years to analyze the validity of the rights-of-way claims. The court, therefore, chose 15 roads to set a precedent for the remaining cases. Waddoups’ ruling issued last week deals with the first two of those 15 roads.
Democratic appropriators seek ruling on DOE spending - Two top Democratic appropriators are calling on the Government Accountability Office to issue a legal decision on the Department of Energy’s fiscal year 2025 spending. House Energy-Water Appropriations ranking member Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) and Senate Appropriations Vice Chair Patty Murray (D-Wash.) requested the decision on the department’s use of funds following the agency’s recent spending plan that showed sharp reductions for energy efficiency and renewable energy programs for the current fiscal year. Specifically, the pair requested that GAO examine whether DOE’s actions comply with the Purpose Statute — which says appropriations should be applied only to the objects for which the appropriations were made, except as otherwise provided by law — and the Antideficiency Act, which bars federal agencies from spending money in excess of available appropriations. “GAO decisions describe a nexus between Purpose Statute violations and the Antideficiency Act. We are concerned that DOE’s actions may not comply with either statute,” they wrote in a new letter shared with POLITICO.
Ohio Democrats Introduce Bill to Ban Fracking Under State Parks - Marcellus Drilling News - In January 2023, Ohio House Bill (HB) 507 became law with the signature of Gov. Mike DeWine (see OH Gov. Signs Bill Expanding Drilling in State Parks, NatGas “Green”). The law allows shale drilling under (but not on top of) Ohio state-owned land, including state parks. The HB 507 law encourages (pushes for) more drilling under state-owned land. So far, we’re aware of exactly one well drilled under a state park (see Drilling Begins Under Salt Fork State Park – “No Signs of Fracking”). Yet Democrats in the Ohio House have just introduced a bill that would ban drilling under state parks.
Dem lawmakers want drilling banned under Ohio state lands, Lake Erie - Two Democratic state lawmakers want to ban any drilling for oil and gas under public state lands or the bed of Lake Erie, although the bill is unlikely to secure backing from the majority party caucus.Last Thursday, Reps. Christine Cockley (D-Columbus) and Tristan Rader (D-Lakewood) introduced House Bill 399, which would bar the director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) or “any other state authority” from awarding permits or leases to drill under designated parks.In early 2023, Gov. Mike DeWine signed a law clearing hurdles for drilling companies to obtain leases to extract resources from public lands and parks, although drilling under them has been legal since 2011. GOP proponents have said it was done to increase natural gas accessibility and bolster tax revenue, but opponents have decried the decision since.Since his first term, President Donald Trump has been pushing to accelerate access for fracking under federally-protected parks.“I thought we had this agreement across society, Teddy Roosevelt really started this a long time ago where we’re going to set aside a certain amount of land,” Rader said in an interview Tuesday. “There’ll be no commercial activity on that land, it will not be for sale, and it is for everybody to use and to enjoy.”Though he’s against fracking generally, he also worries about how close the infrastructure to do so is to protected lands that draw local naturalists and visiting tourists. “You can only drill so far laterally, right?” Rader said. “You have to put those facilities pretty darn near the park.” ODNR was poised to benefit from more than $30 million in bonus royalty payments from the drilling going on under its parks, but the biennial state budget ties that money to the agency’s already-existing bottom line instead.In June, the legislature cut ODNR’s parks and recreation budget—financed by tax revenue in the General Revenue Fund—by 50% in fiscal year 2026 and 13% in fiscal year 2027, according to Legislative Service Commission documents and then redirected the royalties to fill those holes.Aside from HB 399, Rader plans to push for other efforts he said his colleagues across the aisle may be more willing to sign onto that he believes would “minimize” the harms.Big Green Sues to Block Leasing & Drilling in OH National Forest Marcellus Drilling News - Did you know that there are federal lands in the Marcellus/Utica? The Wayne National Forest (WNF) is a patchwork of public and private mineral rights that covers over a quarter of a million acres of the Appalachian foothills in southeastern Ohio. For years, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), under Democrat presidents, blocked new permits and shale drilling in WNF. During the first Trump administration, the BLM began to auction off federal leases and permits. However, Big Green sued, and a federal judge blocked drilling in WNF in 2021, after President Autopen took office. The BLM in the second Trump administration recently announced it has restarted the leasing process in WNF (see Trump BLM Restarts O&G Leasing in Ohio’s Wayne National Forest). Big Green is hoping it can stop any new leasing or drilling with another lawsuit.
New natural gas pipeline to power fuel cell for Central Ohio data center - Columbus Business First -New natural gas pipeline in Central Ohio to power data center via fuel cells, addressing growing energy demand brought on by data centers. A new natural gas pipeline will go up in Central Ohio – and it is set to feed a new fuel-cell facility that will provide on-site electric power to a data center. The Ohio affiliate of Dover, Delaware-based Chesapeake Utilities Corp., Aspire Energy Express, will construct and operate an intrastate pipeline for a data center. RELATED ARTICLES:
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Eastern Gas Files with FERC to Expand Pipe Flows from PA to OH - Marcellus Drilling News - Eastern Gas Transmission and Storage (EGTS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company (Warren Buffett’s company), filed a new project with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on Monday. The project is called the Appalachian Reliability Project (ARP) and is designed to move more natural gas from Pennsylvania to Ohio. ARP will leverage existing EGTS pipeline infrastructure while increasing the capacity on its system through pipeline additions (4 miles of new pipe) and station upgrades. The project will create 550,000 dekatherms/day (550 MMcf/d) of extra transportation capacity from a new receipt point in Armstrong County, PA, for deliveries to Texas Eastern Pipeline in Westmoreland County, PA, and the Rockies Express Pipeline (REX) in Monroe County, OH.
'Major' gas line struck in New Middletown; repairs underway - WFMJ.com -State Route 170 in New Middletown is closed Tuesday morning after crews working on the road struck what the fire chief called a "major gas line."New Middletown Fire Chief Lee Ingold told 21 News that the one lane that had been open for traffic is closed and being rerouted until the leak can be fixed. Enbridge is on scene and working to repair the leak. The repair is expected to be done by 11 am. New Middletown and New Springfield fire departments responded to the accident, with Springfield handling air monitoring and helping with traffic control. A nearby dentist's office evacuated as a precaution.The road work began on State Route 170 in New Middletown in the spring of 2024 and is expected to last about two years.Contractor hits gas and water lines, stretch of Lewis Ave closed and home evacuated (WTVG) - A home was evacuated and a stretch of Lewis Avenue was closed Friday after crews struck gas and water lines. Six people, including two kids, were evacuated from their home in the 5000 block of Lewis Avenue Friday afternoon, according to Toledo Fire and Rescue officials at the scene. A contractor possibly hit two main lines while working around 4:30 p.m., TFRD said. A timeline for a fix is unclear. Officials turned off the gas and expect the family to be able to get back in the home once it’s ventilated. A stretch of Lewis Avenue, near Laskey Road, was still blocked off just before 6 p.m. Friday.
PA Antis Hate Fossil Fuels, Shale Drilling, and Now…Data Centers - Marcellus Drilling News - The environmental left in Pennsylvania once again shows its true colors as anti-intellectual and anti-progress. Two weeks ago, President Trump and PA U.S. Senator Dave McCormick announced an amazing $92 billion of private (no taxpayer funding) investment in the Keystone State, mainly in the data center sector (see Pittsburgh Energy Event Truly Mind-Blowing, $92B+ Investments for PA). It’s astonishing. It’s astounding. It’s almost unbelievable! Yet, it’s true and it’s happening. The investment will bring with it tens of thousands of jobs and an infusion of money into local and regional economies that will be staggering. Yet a bunch of ninny nannies on the environmental left don’t want it. They reject it. All of it. And (poor things), they have no way to officially object unless the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) gives them a way
14 New Shale Well Permits Issued for PA-OH-WV Jul 21 – 27 - - Marcellus Drilling News - For the week of July 21 – 27, the number of permits issued to drill new wells in the Marcellus/Utica decreased from the previous week. There were 14 new permits issued across the three M-U states last week, three fewer than the 17 issued two weeks ago. The Keystone State (PA) issued 13 new permits. Expand Energy received seven new permits, spread across two pads in Wyoming County. EQT received four new permits for a single pad in Lycoming County. Formentera Operations received a single permit in Lycoming County. Rounding out PA, Coterra Energy received a single permit in Susquehanna County. COTERRA ENERGY (CABOT O&G) | EQT CORP | EXPAND ENERGY | JAY-BEE OIL & GAS | LYCOMING COUNTY | PLEASANTS COUNTY | SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY | WYOMING COUNTY (PA)
LG&E and KU Still Trying to Build 2nd Gas-Fired Power Plant -- Marcellus Drilling News - -In December 2022, Louisville Gas and Electric Company (LG&E) and Kentucky Utilities Company (KU), both subsidiaries of PPL Corporation, announced a plan to replace 1,500 megawatts of aging coal-fired generation (nearly one-third of Kentucky’s coal fleet) with two 645-MW natural gas combined-cycle units along with several unreliable, intermittent solar projects (see PPL Replacing Coal-Fired Power Plants with NatGas in Louisville, KY). The Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) issued its decision on the request in November 2023 (see Kentucky PSC Votes to Retire 2 Coal Plants, Replace w/Gas-Fired). LG&E/KU got some, but nowhere near all of what they requested. It appears that LG&E/KU is making a new attempt at convincing the PSC to reconsider those parts of the plan it denied in 2023—namely, permission to build a second gas-fired power plant, permission to build a selective catalytic reduction facility to lower NOx emissions, and extending the life of a currently-operating coal-fired plant.
Two pipelines, one path: Will FERC approve both? - Two energy giants plan to build natural gas pipelines in the same place — setting the stage for a high-stakes squabble in the Southeast.Both Williams Cos. and Mountain Valley Pipeline are trying to lay new pipe along Williams’ existing Transco line in southern Virginia and North Carolina to meet growing energy demand.The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission could approve both. But Williams has argued that its pipeline is big enough to handle all planned volumes of natural gas — prompting Mountain Valley to bristle at the implication that its Southgate project isn’t necessary.“It seems as though Transco is attempting to undercut MVP Southgate,” Ian Heming, a natural gas analyst at East Daley Analytics, said in a recent interview.That is noteworthy in the world of energy permitting. While FERC is required to consider whether a pipeline is needed, the agency generally defines need as whether companies have committed to buying the gas the line would carry. Williams has cast a broader net, telling FERC in a short filing this month that the company could tack on Southgate’s “incremental” volumes by adding meter tubes and regulation at an existing station.The companies’ push to build the pipelines comes as electricity demand across the United States is forecast to surge in the coming years. That includes the Southeast, where utilities are looking to build new fossil fuel plants to power a growing population and planned data centers. Both Williams’ and Mountain Valley’s projects cite that demand at the heart of their proposals.Both companies are proposing to build about 30 miles of pipe along Williams’ massive Gulf-to-New York Transco gas pipeline system. Both pipelines — MVP Southgate and the Eden Loop segment of Williams’ Southeast Supply Enhancement Project (SSEP) — would start at the same point near Chatham, Virginia, and end near Eden, North Carolina.FERC is planning to release environmental assessments of both projects this fall, with the review for Williams’ SSEP slated for November and the analysis for MVP Southgate scheduled for October. What’s not being considered is the interest of ratepayers, said Shelley Robbins, senior decarbonization manager at the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. Her group doesn’t think either pipeline is needed — and has safety concerns about plans to have the two lines repeatedly cross each other and the Transco main line. But Robbins said regulators don’t seem to be looking at any advantages of building one pipe instead of two.“In theory, that’s cheaper,” Robbins said.But, she added, “the utilities and the pipeline companies make money building big things.”Building both pipelines would create a 30-mile corridor with up to six high-pressure gas lines running next to each other. The Transco system already includes as many as four parallel pipelines in that area.The MVP Southgate project aims to move gas from the end of the main Mountain Valley pipeline — where it connects to Transco in Virginia — to Eden, North Carolina. Another company is building a 45-mile pipeline from that point east to a planned Duke Energy natural gas-fired power plant near Roxboro, North Carolina.FERC approved Southgate in 2020, but Mountain Valley submitted an application in February to amend the expansion project by shrinking the pipeline’s length and increasing its diameter.The entire length of the proposed Southgate project now runs next to Williams’ Transco pipeline. In total, Williams’ Transco Southeast Supply Enhancement project would add approximately 55 miles of new pipe in two segments in parts of Virginia and North Carolina, as well as new compressor units. One 24-mile segment, the Salem Loop, cuts between the North Carolina cities of Winston-Salem and Greensboro.The other, the 30-mile Eden Loop, straddles the North Carolina-Virginia border and follows the same path of MVP Southgate.
Bipartisan SPEED Act for Permitting Reform Introduced in Congress -Permitting reform—shortening the amount of time and eliminating some of the onerous regulations that stand in the way of permitting new energy projects—has been a hot topic for at least the last three years, if not longer. Before leaving the Senate last year, West Virginia’s then-Senator, Joe Manchin, tried to get a bill passed to address permitting reform (see Barrasso, Manchin Release Bipartisan Energy Permitting Reform Bill). It never advanced. However, it’s baaaaaack! This time, a permitting reform bill has been introduced in the House. And once again, it’s bipartisan.
U.S. Coast Guard Warns On Declaration Of Inspection - The U.S. Coast Guard has issued a Safety Alert following a recent oil spill on the Delaware River. The Alert says the incident starkly underscored the critical need for effective communication when completing the required Declaration of Inspection (DOI) prior to an oil transfer in accordance with Title 33, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), §156.120 (33 CFR 156.120). Prior to the incident, the facility person in charge (PIC) filled out their section of the DOI and sent the checklist in a bucket hoist to the barge PIC who subsequently completed their portion. The two PICs never met in person nor exchanged any words throughout the DOI preparation process. The investigation revealed that a significant causative factor to the cargo tank overfill and subsequent discharge of at least 100 barrels (4,200 gallons) of oil into the Delaware River was the lack of direct communication between the PICs. To reduce risk and potential environmental harm when transferring hazardous liquids, 33 CFR §156.120(w) lists critical items that must be reviewed and addressed prior to cargo operations. The pretransfer conference required by these regulations allows the vessel and facility representatives to share and validate information. As a best practice, these conferences should be conducted face-to-face (in-person or virtual), ensuring that PICs agree about the information being exchanged and the procedures to be followed. As result of this incident the Coast Guard strongly recommends the following: • Vessel and Facility Operators conduct a safety standdown with their PICs to review the requirements and emphasize the necessity of effective communication when completing the DOI prior to commencing all transfers. • Vessel and Facility Safety Officers conduct unannounced visits to transfer evolutions to observe and validate compliance with 33 CFR Subchapter O requirements.
LNG Demand Expected to Drive Measured U.S. Production Growth Heading into 2026 --Natural gas production is set for a steady but measured climb through early 2026 as climbing LNG feed gas demand creates a counterbalance against sluggish prices and hefty storage injections this summer. chart comparing U.S. LNG feed gas deliveries with Henry Hub, Waha and Texas Eastern M-2, 30 Receipt spot natural gas prices During the first six months of the year, the market was largely colored by the faster-than-expected commissioning of modular blocks at Venture Global Inc.’s Plaquemines LNG and incremental demand boosts from Cheniere Energy Inc.’s Corpus Christi Stage 3 expansion. The added pull on domestic supply sparked a temperate resurgence in rigs and gas volumes, mostly in the western Haynesville Shale. East Daley Analytics’ Jack Weixel, senior director of energy analysis, said ramping feed gas demand brought balance to a market that has been oversupplied for several seasons, pushing production to around 107 Bcf/d in July.
Venture Global Greenlights Third U.S. LNG Terminal as Gulf Coast Buildout Accelerates -- Venture Global Inc. has sanctioned the construction of its third LNG export terminal on the Gulf Coast as it progresses plans to become one of the largest U.S. producers of the super-chilled fuel. NGI's list of U.S. LNG export projects under development.The Virginia-based firm announced a final investment decision (FID) Monday for the first phase of the CP2 LNG project in Calcasieu Pass, LA, after it closed $15.1 billion of financing. The project garnered commitments from 29 international banks, including lead arrangers ING Group NV and Banco Santander SA, amounting to more than $34 billion for the entirety of the project, according to Venture Global
Tourmaline Inks Another Natural Gas Supply Deal Linked to TTF – Three Things to Know About the LNG Market -Sempra Infrastructure has finalized an agreement to supply Jera Co. Inc. with 1.5 million tons/year (Mt/y) of LNG from the second phase of its Port Arthur export project in Texas. The companies signed a tentative heads of agreement in June. Jera, Japan’s largest power producer, would buy the LNG on a free-on-board basis, allowing it to move cargoes anywhere it wants in the world. The first 13 Mt/y phase of Port Arthur is under construction and expected to be online by 2028. Sempra still has to reach a final investment decision on the second 13 Mt/y phase.
US LNG Producers Soar as EU Agrees to $250 Billion in Annual Purchases --Shares of U.S. liquefied natural gas developers surged in premarket trading on Monday, after the European Union pledged to purchase $750 billion worth of the super-cooled fuel over the next three years as part of a sweeping trade pact. NextDecade, Venture Global, and Cheniere Energy jumped between 7% and 8.8%, with the deal bolstering the prospects for American LNG exporters as they expand to meet growing demand for cleaner-burning fuels. The EU, seeking to phase out its dependence on Russian gas, committed to buying $250 billion annually in U.S. LNG as part of the framework trade agreement unveiled on Sunday. The U.S. became the world’s biggest LNG supplier in 2023, surpassing Australia and Qatar, as surging global prices fed demand for more exports, due in part to supply disruptions and sanctions linked to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The agreement imposes a 15% U.S. import tariff on most EU goods, a softer blow than markets had feared. “Terms of the EU-U.S. trade deal were at the forefront, with the 15% tariff level better than feared (30% was mooted previously),” said Ashley Kelty, an analyst at Panmure Liberum. GLJ “This should see less of a drag on industrial activity between the two.” Still, Kelty noted the deal could weigh on gas prices. “The demand for the EU to buy more U.S. energy will see more U.S. LNG imports in the future,” Kelty said, signaling a potential supply glut. Shares of U.S. natural gas producers Expand Energy and EQT Corp were up 1.6% and 3%, respectively, before the bell.
Europe’s Pledge to Buy $750B of American Energy Met With Skepticism – The European Union’s (EU) new trade deal with the United States helped lift faltering natural gas prices on the continent as the week got underway, despite broader questions over its viability. historical graph showing Europe's LNG imports by country of origin. The September Title Transfer Facility (TTF) contract added 14 cents to finish at $11.18/MMBtu on Monday. Intense heat has been supporting global gas prices this summer, but ample supplies have kept them in check. In recent weeks, both spot and futures prices in Asia and Europe have fallen to multi-month lows after maintenance work ended and competition for LNG cargoes has remained limited.COMMENTARY: EU’s Pledge for $250 billion of US energy Imports is Delusional - There are strong echoes of Donald Trump’s failed trade deal with China from his first term as U.S. president in the framework agreement reached with the European Union. Trump and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the deal for a 15% tariff on U.S. imports of EU goods at the U.S. leader’s golf course in Scotland on Sunday. But more important than the 15% tariff rate was the apparent commitment by the EU to massively ramp up energy imports from the United States. The agreement calls for EU imports of U.S. energy, which currently are mainly crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG), of $250 billion a year for three years. This is a delusional level of imports that the EU has virtually no chance of meeting, and one that U.S. producers would also struggle to supply. Even if the EU did manage somehow to boost its energy imports from the United States to the $250 billion a year mark, it would also prove massively disruptive for energy flows around the rest of the world. The numbers show the scale of the challenge. The 28 members of the EU imported 3.38 billion barrels of seaborne crude oil in 2024, according to data compiled by energy analysts Kpler. Assuming the 2025 volume stays the same and the price paid per barrel averages around $70, this means the EU will pay about $236.6 billion for its crude. The EU’s imports from the United States were 573 million barrels in 2024, which if replicated this year would be valued at around $40.1 billion. For LNG, the EU imported 82.68 million metric tons in 2024, which would have cost around $51.26 billion assuming an average price of around $12 per million British thermal units (mmBtu). Imports of the super-chilled fuel from the United States were 35.13 million tons in 2024, worth about $21.78 billion. The EU also buys coal from the United States, the bulk being higher-value metallurgical coal used to make steel. Total EU imports of metallurgical coal in 2024 were worth $6.72 billion, assuming an average price of $200 per ton, with those from the United States valued at $2.67 billion. Putting together the value of EU imports of U.S. crude oil, LNG and metallurgical coal gives a 2024 total of around $64.55 billion. This is about 26% of the $250 billion the EU is supposed to spend on U.S. energy a year under the framework agreement. If the EU did ramp up its imports of U.S. crude, LNG and metallurgical coal to $250 billion, it would account for 85% of its total spending on those energy commodities. US EXPORTS Tarco | Delivering Engineered Solutions The United States exported 1.45 billion barrels of crude in 2024, according to Kpler, which would be worth $101.5 billion at a price of $70 a barrel. U.S. shipments of LNG were 87.05 million tons in 2024, which would be worth about $54 billion at an average price of $12 per mmBtu. The U.S. exported 51.53 million tons of metallurgical coal in 2024, worth $10.3 billion at an average price of $200 a ton. Putting together the value of all three energy commodities gives a total of $165.8 billion, meaning that even if the EU bought the entire volume it would still fall well short of the $250 billion. The scale of the delusion probably exceeds what Trump and China agreed in their so-called Phase 1 trade deal in December 2019, under which China was supposed to buy $200 billion of additional U.S. energy by the end of 2021. The reality is that China never even came close to buying that level, and its imports of U.S. energy didn’t even reach what they were before Trump launched his first trade war in 2017. There are a few caveats when looking at the framework agreement between Trump and Von der Leyen. The first is that not all the details are known and the $250 billion of energy is also said to include nuclear fuel, although this will only be a small value even if included. The second is the deal will probably include refined fuels, with U.S. exports to the EU of products such as diesel, being almost 110 million barrels in 2024, worth about $10.9 billion assuming a price of $100 a barrel. But it’s still clear that the commitment to buy $250 billion in U.S. energy is completely unrealistic and unachievable. The smart people in the room must know this, begging the question as to why agree to what is obviously a ridiculous number? What happens when the inevitable failure is realised? Perhaps the EU is hoping for the same outcome as China did with the first trade war with Trump in 2019. Run down the clock, talk nice, and hope the next U.S. president is easier to deal with.
‘Physical Call for Higher U.S. LNG Volumes’ Likely into Early 2026, Says Patterson-UTI Chief - U.S. exploration and production (E&P) customers are still shying away from boosting activity, but “early indications” are that the natural gas basins will be busier into 2026, according to Patterson-UTI Corp. CEO Andy Hendricks. {chart showing NGI's Henry Hub natural gas spot price) Hendricks and his executive team recently discussed second quarter results, offering a smattering of optimism about future drilling and completion work in the Lower 48. “On the natural gas side, we are starting to see early indications from customers that additional activity will start to be added as LNG facilities come online and begin to call for more U.S. natural gas,” Hendricks said.
US natural gas prices fall over 3% on near-record production — U.S. natural gas futures fell over 3% on Monday due to near-record production, but losses were capped by forecasts for extreme heat and a shorter U.S. deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire in the war with Ukraine. Front-month gas futures for August delivery on the New York Mercantile Exchange fell 12.2 cents, or 3.9%, to settle at $2.988 per million British thermal units at 03:21 p.m. EDT, its lowest level since late April. The August contract expires on Tuesday. LSEG said average gas output in the Lower 48 has risen to 107.4 billion cubic feet per day so far in July, up from a monthly record high of 106.4 bcfd in June. Meteorologists forecast temperatures in the Lower 48 U.S. states will remain mostly hotter than normal this week. A heat dome is driving record-breaking temperatures across the Southeast, mid-South, and parts of the Midwest. Oxford Economics said in a note that its baseline view assumes ample supply will keep the Henry Hub price below $3.80 per MMBtu through the decade. However, it added that "a significant share of U.S. gas is produced alongside oil, meaning a sustained drop in oil prices could reduce associated gas output and tighten the U.S. market." Venture Global said it had reached a final investment decision and successfully closed the $15.1 billion project financing for the first phase of the CP2 LNG export facility. The CP2 project, which will be the single largest export facility of the superchilled gas in the U.S., is expected to have a peak capacity of 28 million tonnes per annum of liquefied natural gas and is set to deliver its first LNG in 2027. On the trade front, as part of the new U.S.-EU agreement, the European Union has pledged $750 billion in strategic purchases during President Trump’s term, covering oil, gas, nuclear fuel, and chips.
Natural Gas Mid-Year Price Lull Belies Coming LNG, Data Center Demand Surge -- Natural gas forward prices have retreated off 2025 highs after summer power demand failed to live up to lofty expectations and production activity strengthened into mid-year. However, analysts warn the respite could be short-lived as winter weather risks and structural demand growth could tighten market balances in 2026. historical chart showing NGI's natural gas forward price curve at three dates in 2025 NGI’s Henry Hub forward prices for winter 2025-26 remain elevated above $4.00/MMBtu, showing gas bulls still have life after the pullback. December was priced at $4.177 and January 2026 was at $4.486 in late July, with the balance of winter 2025-26 at $4.088. “The forward curve still has some higher prices built in for the winter,” StoneX Financial Inc.’s Thomas Saal, senior vice president of energy, told NGI. “You have November, December, January and February over $4. So they’re not giving it away yet.”
Sluggish Chinese LNG Demand Could Set Stage for Strong Rebound in 2026 - China, the world’s largest LNG importer, is likely to remain on the sidelines for the remainder of the year and continue to keep Asian natural gas demand subdued, but analysts think that could change heading into 2026. NGI chart showing Kpler data of China's annual LNG imports Strong nuclear output and coal-fired power generation have helped meet power load in Asia amid heatwaves this summer. Since the beginning of the year, Asian LNG imports have fallen by 6% to 156.35 million tons (Mt), when compared to the same period in 2024, according to Kpler. Meanwhile, a round of maintenance that just ended and new facilities bringing more LNG to the market, such as LNG Canada, have had the Japan-Korea Marker trading at some of its lowest levels in weeks.
Freeport LNG Outage Reverses Relief Rally Attempt in NatGas -In an EBW Analytics Group report sent to Rigzone by the EBW team today, Eli Rubin, an energy analyst at the company, outlined that “another Freeport LNG outage reverse[d a]… relief rally attempt” in natural gas on Wednesday. The report pointed out that the September natural gas contract closed at $3.405 per million British thermal units (MMBtu) yesterday. It highlighted that this represented a drop of 9.7 cents, or 3.1 percent, compared to Tuesday’s close. “Although the September natural gas contract reached $3.186 [per MMBtu] yesterday, another Freeport LNG outage slashed Gulf Coast physical demand 1.8 billion cubic feet per day and sent the NYMEX front-month down to test the $3.00 per MMBtu psychological level,” Rubin said in the report. The EBW analyst warned in the report that, with “breaking key technical support at $3.06 per MMBtu, mild near-term weather, natural gas storage surpluses vs. the five-year average primed to achieve new heights, and ongoing LNG weakness, September appears positioned for another leg lower in search of support”. Rubin highlighted that Henry Hub at $2.97 per MMBtu yesterday “will remain critical to monitor during near-term weather weakness in potentially helping to define near-term downside risks”. “Consensus expectations anticipate a 36-40 billion cubic foot build with this morning’s EIA [U.S. Energy Information Administration] storage report,” Rubin went on to note in the report. “Following last week’s bullish surprise, a wide range of outcomes is possible - potentially introducing additional volatility risks at the front of the curve,” he added. Rigzone contacted Freeport LNG for comment on EBW’s report. In response, a Freeport LNG spokesperson told Rigzone, “one important thing to be noted here is that the Freeport LNG outage was caused by an external factor; an apparent power outage yesterday that affected the town of Freeport and some of the surrounding communities”. Rigzone has contacted CenterPoint Energy for comment on Freeport LNG’s statement. At the time of writing, CenterPoint Energy has not responded to Rigzone. The company states on its site that it “maintain[s] the wires, poles and electric infrastructure serving more than 2.9 million metered customers in the greater Houston area and in southwestern Indiana”. In an EBW report sent to Rigzone by the EBW team on Wednesday, Rubin noted that the August natural gas contract “rolled off the board at $3.081 … [on Tuesday] with the NYMEX curve bouncing off key technical support”. “While a relief rally attempts to extend in the immediate term, though, September faces challenges from (i) rapidly fading CDDs [cooling degree days], (ii) soft Henry Hub spot prices, (iii) possible production uptick today and tomorrow, and (iv) possible new heights in the storage surplus vs. five-year average,” Rubin added in that report. “Daily cooling demand may plunge six CDDs into Saturday. While weak Henry Hub physical performance during the heat wave appears to limit near-term fundamental upside potential, the possibility of relative physical strength this week could similarly sap downside risks,” Rubin continued. “Despite near-term challenges, natural gas appears modestly oversold on a seasonal basis, the market may increasingly focus on building Week 3 heat, and recently soft LNG may strengthen,” he went on to state in the report. “While this aligns with chances for a technical relief rally, chances for a durable rebound appear fundamentally stronger over the next 30-45 days,” he noted. In that report, EBW highlighted that the September natural gas contract closed at $3.142 per MMBtu on Tuesday. That represented an increase of 7.6 cents, or 2.5 percent, EBW pointed out in that report. The EIA’s next weekly natural gas storage report is scheduled to be released today. It will include data for the week ending July 25.
Yet Another Freeport LNG Outage; Blames Local Power Company -- Marcellus Drilling News - - Freeport LNG has become something of a punchline with respect to the frequent outages experienced at the facility. Except, it’s no laughing matter. Outages at Freeport have happened so frequently that we’ve lost count. Wednesday, the facility was offline again, affecting gas flows to (and from) the facility on Wednesday and Thursday. This time, the reason for the outage was that power to the City of Freeport and surrounding communities, including the LNG plant, was out. Which raises the question, doesn’t Freeport LNG have a backup generator for times like that? Apparently not. When Freeport goes down, it affects natural gas prices here at home and around the world. Yes, this one facility has that kind of impact.
Freeport LNG Gas Flows Still Curtailed After Power Outage, LSEG Data Show - (Reuters) – The Freeport LNG export terminal in Texas was running at about half of normal capacity on Thursday following a power interruption that had put the entire plant offline a day earlier, according to data from financial firm LSEG. Freeport LNG is the third-largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant in the U.S. and in the past has influenced LNG prices when it had technical challenges. The facility nominated some 1.1 billion cubic feet of natural gas on Thursday, according to the LSEG data, about half of its typical 2.2 bcf when operating normally. The company told Reuters that all its trains were operating on Thursday, but did not comment on the LSEG data. The company had said in a filing with state regulator, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, on Wednesday that all three of its trains had tripped offline due to a power interruption. “The plant operators managed to restore the normal operations of Trains 1, 2, and 3 as quickly and efficiently as possible to minimize vent gas to the flare,” Freeport said in the filing, saying the event lasted around nine hours. Freeport LNG has had frequent outages and in July alone reported seven trips of its LNG plants at its Texas facility, according to TCEQ filings.
Baker Hughes Mega Bid for Chart Industries Focused on Industrials and Data Center Buildout-Houston-based Baker Hughes Co. muscled out a rival offer to snap up Chart Industries Inc. on Tuesday, as it works to expand its global LNG and industrials empire. Three pie charts showing the valuation of Baker Hughes and CHart merger. The definitive agreement to pay Chart $210/share edged out a bid by Flowserve Corp. Chart was trading at around $170/share early Tuesday. Overall, the offer is estimated to be worth around $13.6 billion. “This acquisition is a milestone for Baker Hughes…as we continue to define our position as a leading energy and industrial technology company,” CEO Lorenzo Simonelli said. “We know Chart well, having worked alongside them on many critical energy infrastructure projects…
Op-Ed: The Peak Oil Myth is Back—and It's Still a Myth | Hart Energy - - President Trump’s “drill, baby, drill” agenda to increase daily U.S. oil production by 3 MMbbl to 16.1 MMbbl/d before the end of his second term has been met with much skepticism. But in just the first two and a half years of his first term in 2017-2021, daily production increased by 3.7 MMbbl to 12.9 MMbbl/d, peaking in November 2019. Who knows what might have been possible if the pandemic had not led to a collapse in demand—and thus, supply. While Trump 45 was successful at significantly increasing production, a new consensus seems to be emerging that crude production is peaking—or worse, headed for an outright collapse—during Trump 47. And key industry insiders have that can be construed as questioning how much U.S. shale oil producers have left in the tank.A way of summing up the new consensus is that shale producers have already exploited all the easiest targets. As the targets get harder, it takes higher crude prices than we have now to make production possible.Calling for a peak in oil production has been a national pastime for decades. My colleagues and I always pushed back against it, and we’ve always been right.We’re going to push back again now.Let’s look specifically at the Permian Basin, which is the focus of the current peak-production narrative.Legacy lost production from 23,294 wells completed since Trump 45 left office has quadrupled lost volumes from total existing wells to 428,100 bbl/d in January 2025.In January 2016, lost volumes from existing wells totaled only 104,646 bbl/d.The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) published decline curves for wells in the Permian Basin from 2019 to 2021. It has not updated the data since then, and no update is currently scheduled.The next-best metric to assess wells’ estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) is one-year decline curves.They are much better than 30-day initial production (IP) curves because operators can let pressure build prior to releasing the choke, thereby creating a gusher at abnormally high rates.In 2016, the best independent analysis suggested that EUR for the top five Permian operators in the Spraberry, Bone Springs and Wolfcamp produced 265,000 bbl over their lifetime.About 400 completions were needed to offset lost legacy production—or roughly 5% of 8,167 completions that year.In 2024, the International Energy Agency (IEA) reported that one-year decline curves were 448,000 bbl, which peaked last year on an annual basis.Again, operators need to replace four times more lost legacy production than in 2016, but that equates to only 1,000 completions—not four times 400 to hit 1,600 completions—because of wells’ higher EUR.And while this is roughly 19% of 5,700 completions needed last year, the percentage is higher than it was in Trump 45’s first year in office only because the numerator—overall well completions—is much lower.This is all very complicated, so let me be simple and clear: The industry is getting better at this, so more targets are easy targets.
The Permian's Dirty "Wastewater" Secret Is Bubbling Over - The Permian Basin produces over 5 million barrels of oil daily. With that, the Permian also produces a lot of wastewater, which has started to turn into a problem. Some drillers are even suing others for ruining their reserves.Back in May, the Texas Railroad Commission sent out notices to companies applying for licenses for wastewater disposal wells in the basin, stating that there were ground pressure issues caused by wastewater disposal. The number of new ones was to be restricted.This is one problem that does not have a straightforward solution, at least not a cheap one. For years, drillers in the Permian disposed of their wastewater by injecting it deep into the ground. However, this deep wastewater injection triggered increased seismic activity, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey. The USGS noted in its report that only a small minority of all wastewater disposal wells in the U.S. shale patch can cause quakes that are noticeable, but, per the Texas Railroad Commission, it’s not only quakes.When the link between deep wastewater disposal wells and seismic activity was reported by the USGS, drillers began to dispose of their wastewater in shallower wells. That was five years ago. Drilling activity over these five years, however, has grown so much that the ground can’t handle the increased volumes of wastewater—so it has started causing problems.Wastewater disposal, the Railroad Commission wrote in the letters, “has resulted in widespread increases in reservoir pressure that may not be in the public interest and may harm mineral and freshwater resources in Texas.” The RRC added that “Drilling hazards, hydrocarbon production losses, uncontrolled flows, ground surface deformation, and seismic activity have been observed,” as citedby Bloomberg.According to one company, wastewater disposal wells can indeed harm production—and reserves. A company called Stateline Operating is suing Devon Energy and water disposal company Aris Water Solutions, saying wastewater from Devon’s operations had ruined Stateline’s reserves, according to a Bloomberg report that cited a filing made in April this year. There is also an El Paso court ruling from April that denies a petition for appeal from Devon Energy and Aris Water Solutions. Per Bloomberg, the lawsuit was originally filed in 2023. According to Stateline Operating, the disposal of wastewater in close proximity to its producing assets by Devon and Aris had caused “permanent damage to Stateline’s wells and production, and irrevocably lost oil and gas in place.” The company is seeking $180 million in damages. “Aris strongly disputes that any of the water disposed in its wells has somehow damaged Stateline Operating’s production,” an attorney for one of the defendants said, as quoted by Bloomberg.Bloomberg’s report presents the problem as potentially turning drillers on each other because one company’s wastewater may be ruining another company’s oil assets. Yet there is a more direct and immediate problem: costs. If deep wastewater wells are not an option and now shallow wells are not an option either, then it’s either recycling or less drilling. Recycling adds to costs. Less drilling means less oil sales. The Railroad Commission has already instituted limits on water pressure levels at disposal wells because of “the physical limitations of the disposal reservoirs.”
Oil Rig Count Falls Again as Frac Crews Vanish -The total number of active drilling rigs for oil and gas in the United States fell this week, according to new data that Baker Hughes published on Friday as operators continue to scale back.The total rig count in the US fell by 2 rigs for the second week in a row, landing at 540, according to Baker Hughes, down 46 from this same time last year.The number of oil rigs fell by 5 to 410, down by 72 compared to this time last year. The number of gas rigs rose by 2 this week, coming in at 124 for a gain of 26 active gas rigs from this time last year. The miscellaneous rig count also gained a rig, for a total of 6.The latest EIA data showed that weekly U.S. crude oil production rose in the week ending July 25, from 13.273 million bpd to 13.314 million bpd, breaking four consecutive weeks of falling production.Primary Vision’s Frac Spread Count, an estimate of the number of crews completing wells, fell by 6 during the week of July 25, to 168. It is the fewest number of active frac crews since 2021. The count is now 47 below where it was on March 21.Drilling activity in the Permian basin saw another loss this week, losing 1 rig. The Permian now has 259 rigs—a figure that is 44 fewer than this same time last year. The count in the Eagle Ford saw stayed the same at 39 rigs, which is 11 fewer than this time last year.At 12:47 p.m., ET, the WTI benchmark was trading down $2.10 per barrel (-3.03%) on the day at $67.16—nearly $2 per barrel above last week’s levels. TheBrent benchmark was trading down $2.21 (-3.08%) on the day at $69.49.
Enbridge rides on utilities, gas segments strength to top estimates (Reuters) - Canadian pipeline operator Enbridge said on Friday its recent commercial process to gauge oil shippers' interest in an expansion of its Flanagan South pipeline was oversubscribed, indicating strong demand for additional oil transport capacity from Canada to the U.S. Gulf Coast.The success of the Flanagan South open season — an industry term for the binding process pipeline companies use to notify shippers of available capacity and solicit bids — brings Enbridge closer to formally sanctioning its proposed expansion of its Mainline network, CEO Greg Ebel said on a conference call. He said Enbridge plans to make a final investment decision on the first phase of the project, which would add 150,000 barrels of capacity to the Mainline system, before the end of this year.Enbridge's Mainline is the largest pipeline system in North America, with the capacity to move 3 million barrels per day of crude from Western Canada to markets in Eastern Canada and the U.S. Midwest. Flanagan South is a 954-km (593-mile) connector pipeline running from Illinois to Cushing, Oklahoma, and is part of the larger Mainline network.The Mainline system was in apportionment — a term that means demand has exceeded available pipeline capacity — for six of the first eight months of 2025, Ebel said.Canadian oil shipments to the U.S. are exempt from tariffs, and output from Canada's oil sands continues to rise. A recent report from S&P Global estimated Canada's oil sands will produce 3.8 million bpd of crude by 2030, a 15% increase from current levels.Canada's Trans Mountain pipeline, which ships oil from Alberta to British Columbia's west coast, where it can be exported overseas, is eyeing its own capacity increases.Polls in Canada — the world's fourth-largest oil producer — have shown an uptick in domestic support for a new oil pipeline to overseas markets, but no private company has indicated interest in building such a project. Ebel said on Friday a new pipeline is unlikely unless the federal government repeals some of its environmental policies, such as a proposed cap on greenhouse gas emissions from the oil sands as well as an existing ban on oil tankers off British Columbia's northern coast.Standard Chartered Sees Higher Long-Term Oil Prices As Shale Costs Rise --Oil prices are set to trend higher in the coming years, according to Standard Chartered, as the economics of U.S. shale have shifted significantly,according to OilPrice.com.While crude has hovered near $70/bbl — close to the 20-year average of $73.38 — StanChart notes that breakeven costs in the shale patch have climbed sharply. “The average breakeven price for Permian producers is now edging back toward the mid-$60s, up from the mid-$50s just two years ago,” the bank said, attributing the rise to higher costs for steel, labor, and frac materials, in part due to U.S. tariffs.Analysts at Rystad Energy and Wood Mackenzie share the view that today’s oil prices are unsustainably low for shale. Rystad estimates breakeven prices for new horizontal wells in key plays near $68/bbl, while WoodMac warns that without a firmer price floor, “the rig count will absolutely fall.” Both firms point to tight capital budgets, cautious reinvestment, and a continued investor focus on returns rather than growth.OilPrice.com reports that the outlook comes as crude prices hit six-week highs. Brent crude for September rose 1.2% to $73.34/bbl, while WTI gained 1.5% to $70.24, driven by geopolitics and trade developments. President Trump extended his deadline for Russia to reach a ceasefire with Ukraine to Aug. 3 from July 14, warning of additional sanctions and tariffs if talks fail. “The new deadline caught many analysts by surprise and, if enforced, could tighten Russian crude and fuel supplies to the global market,” BOK Financial Securities said.Oil prices also found support from a U.S.-EU trade agreement that avoided escalation into a full trade war. Under the deal, EU exports to the U.S. will face tariffs capped at 15%, providing relief to markets worried about a broader slowdown in trade.Still, gains were tempered by a surprise U.S. crude stock build. The Energy Information Administration reported commercial crude inventories rose 7.7 million barrels in the week ending July 25 to 426.7 million barrels. While stocks remain 6% below the five-year seasonal average, the weekly jump was far larger than the 1.54 million-barrel increase reported earlier by the American Petroleum Institute, catching traders off guard.Meanwhile, U.S. drilling activity continues to contract. The Baker Hughes rig count shows oil rigs falling for the 13th consecutive week to a 46-month low of 415, down 68 rigs year-to-date. Texas saw the steepest declines, with drilling in the Eagle Ford formation down five rigs to 34, while Permian activity slipped in both the Delaware and Midland basins.Bloomberg reports separately that fracking activity in the Permian Basin is slowing faster than expected as tariff uncertainty and rising OPEC+ production weigh on demand. ProPetro Holding CEO Sam Sledge said only about 70 frack crews remain active in the world’s top shale region, down from roughly 100 earlier this year.“The completions market in the Permian Basin continues to face challenges,” Sledge told analysts, citing idle capacity driven by weaker market conditions. ProPetro shares fell as much as 21% after a surprise second-quarter loss, with the company now planning 10–11 crews this quarter and potential cuts ahead.The forecast echoes Halliburton, which said last week it will sideline equipment amid worsening U.S. shale conditions.With U.S. output under pressure and global geopolitical risks mounting, Standard Chartered’s bullish view reflects a tightening supply picture. Many analysts see sustained prices above current levels as essential to stabilize U.S. production — a dynamic that may be shaping the Trump administration’s increasingly hard stance on Russia.
Five hurt, part of Highway 60 in Johnstown shut down by gas fire — Five people were taken to the hospital after a gas fire on Highway 60 in Johnstown that sent flames 20 to 40 feet into the air Thursday morning, according to first responders. The gas fire shut down the highway between County Roads 13 and 15 and prompted a shelter in place order than has since been lifted. Xcel Energy told Denver7 it had scheduled work in the area of Highway 60 and Meadowlark Drive in Johnstown Thursday. Front Range Fire Rescue said the five people injured were workers, but didn't specify who they worked for. They had non-life-threatening injuries, the agency said. A one-mile shelter-in-place order was issued to people in the area and evacuation orders were given to residents closest to the flames. Front Range Fire Rescue lifted all orders, as of 12:45 p.m. Front Range Fire Rescue said it first received word of the fire at 11:09 a.m., and first responders arrived on scene about two minutes later. The fire was extinguished by 12 p.m. However, roads remain closed until further notice, according to Front Range Fire Rescue.
Gas explosion in Colorado injures five and shuts down highway near Johnstown — A gas line exploded Thursday morning on Colorado 60 near Johnstown, sending five people to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and closing a mile-long stretch of the highway for several hours.Front Range Fire Rescue District Chief Ryan Roberts said in a Facebook video that the line that exploded at about 11:09 a.m. had been dug out during ongoing gas line work in the area. A fire that followed the explosion burned for about 30 minutes before crews brought it under control.One small shed was damaged in the incident, as were a couple of trucks belonging to workers, but no homes were involved, Roberts said. It’s not clear which company owned the gas line or was working in the area, but Roberts noted a large number of Xcel trucks in the area during the Facebook video. Xcel did not immediately respond to a call for comment on Thursday afternoon.Five people were taken by ambulance to a hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening. Roberts did not know the ages of those taken to the hospital.A half-mile shelter-in-place warning was issued, and emergency personnel went door-to-door evacuating nearby homes. Roberts said all evacuations were lifted by 12:30 p.m.Crews from the Greeley Fire Department, Windsor Severance Fire Protection District and Mountain View Fire Rescue responded and helped get the fire under control by 11:45 a.m. In total, 17 units and 35 fire and EMS personnel were on scene, Roberts said.Fire investigators with both Front Range Fire Protection District and the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control are on scene investigating the cause of the explosion, Roberts said.
More oil production to restart offshore of Santa Barbara County -- Months after offshore oil production resumed at one platform off the Santa Barbara County coastline, plans are in the works to start production at two additional offshore facilities. Sable Offshore plans to restart oil production at all three of its Central Coast offshore facilities by the end of 2025 as part of the Trump administration’s energy dominance initiative. The goal of the initiative is to achieve United States energy independence and lower energy prices by expanding production and exports. On July 25, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced that Sable is working to restart production at Platform Heritage by October, which will put two platforms in production. In 2015, a pipe owned by Plains All American Pipeline ruptured near Refugio State Beach in Santa Barbara County, causing more than 100,000 gallons of oil to spill. About 21,000 gallons flowed into a culvert and then into a ditch that drains into the ocean. The spill spread over 9 miles of mostly sandy beaches. The spill led to the closure of the three offshore drilling platforms and the pipeline, which are now owned by Sable. In May, Sable resumed oil production in federal waters offshore of Santa Barbara County. It started extracting oil from one of three platforms that had been closed since the 2015 spill. The resumption of offshore oil production began just a month after the California Coastal Commission fined Sable $18 million and ordered a halt to their work for not obtaining necessary permits. The company disputes the Coastal Commission’s finding, arguing it has all the required permits for its operations. Environmental groups, including the Center for Biological Diversity, have criticized the offshore oil production restart, citing risks to sensitive habits and species. Local residents have expressed opposition to the timing of the restart coinciding with 10th anniversary of the Refugio oil spill. On July 23, a Santa Barbara County Superior Court judge issued a partial preliminary injunction ordering Sable to inform the court after it receives all necessary permits to begin operations of the Santa Ynez pipeline. Sable is then required to wait 10 days before it can utilize the pipeline, during which opponents can appeal the decision to the court.
Interior yanks Biden plan on Alaska energy development - The Trump administration on Monday unraveled an effort begun during Joe Biden’s presidency to study and seek public input about whether additional protections are warranted for sensitive landscapes on Alaska’s North Slope. The Interior Department rescinded a request for information, published in July 2024, asking for feedback from stakeholders on whether protection-designated areas in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska needed to have their boundaries adjusted, whether new areas should be considered for protection and if there were “significant resource values” that had until then been missed.The NPR-A allows oil and gas drilling in portions of the reserve but also has “special areas” that have broad environmental protections for their sensitive habitats.Interior also rescinded a report on the public comments received about the NPR-A, which included determinations by the Bureau of Land Management that “subsistence” be recognized as a “significant resource value” in the special areas, and noting that proposed expansions of several currently designated special areas “are suitable for designation and merit further consideration.”
Alaska plans seismic tests for oil in ANWR - An Alaska state investment authority is looking to conduct seismic tests in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, setting up a clash between oil and gas supporters and environmentalists who oppose new oil wells. The Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA), which finances a range of economic projects, has posted a request for proposals for a “phased, multi-year 3D seismic acquisition program” in Section 1002 of ANWR. Section 1002 includes about 1.6 million acres of ANWR that do not have wilderness designation. A request for proposals was published on AIDEA’s permitting website on July 24, according to a public listing, with responses due Monday. Oil and gas supporters in Alaska have been pushing for exploration in ANWR for decades, citing seismic testing from the 1980s that found significant deposits of oil and gas. During President Donald Trump’s first term in office, Congress authorized a leasing program in the Section 1002 area, which the state investment agency used to bid on nine tracts in December 2020.Ovintiv Snaps Up First JKM Contract for Montney Natural Gas to Diversify from AECO -As LNG exports begin in Western Canada, Denver-based Ovintiv Inc. has secured its first natural gas supply contract linked to pricing at Asia’s Japan Korea Marker (JKM). The independent exploration and production company also works across the Anadarko and Permian basins. However, the portfolio in the gassy Montney Shale in Western Canada drew most of the spotlight in the second quarter results. Executive Vice President Meghan Eilers, who oversees midstream and marketing, said the JKM deal with an undisclosed client “is particularly exciting as it gives Ovintiv its first exposure to LNG pricing.”
LNG Canada Encounters Problems as It Begins Production Phase, Sources Say (Reuters) — Shell-led LNG Canada is experiencing technical problems as it ramps up production at its liquefied natural gas plant at Kitimat, with one LNG tanker diverting away from the facility without the superchilled fuel in recent days, according to four sources and LSEG ship tracking data. The plant is the first major LNG export facility in Canada and the first on the west coast of North America, providing direct access to Asia, the world's largest LNG market. The facility is expected to convert about 2 billion cubic feet of gas per day (Bcf/d) to LNG when fully operational, which market participants have hoped will boost Canadian natural gas prices. Western Canadian natural gas prices remain depressed, however, due to a persistent supply glut that has not yet been drawn down by fresh demand from LNG Canada's July 1 startup. The daily spot price at the Alberta Energy Company (AECO) storage hub closed at $0.22 per MMBtu on Tuesday, compared to the U.S. Henry Hub benchmark price of $3.12, according to LSEG data. LNG Canada, which took almost seven years to be built, has been operating at less than half the capacity of its first plant, also called a train, two of the four sources said. The facility's Train 1 has experienced technical issues with a gas turbine and with a Refrigerant Production Unit (RPU), according to two other industry sources. The sources all spoke on condition of anonymity because the information was not public. In response, a LNG Canada spokesperson said a new-build facility at the joint venture's size and scale may face operational setbacks as it ramps up production and stabilizes. There has been at least one diversion by Shell of an empty LNG vessel to Peru, while other tankers remain close to the facility, LSEG ship tracking data showed. Ferrol Knutsen, a 170,520 cubic meters LNG tanker, was signaling that it was headed to the Kitimat port but then changed directions and is now off the coast of California on its way to Peru, according to LSEG ship tracking data. LNG Canada is a joint venture between Shell, Malaysia's Petronas, PetroChina, Japan's Mitsubishi Corp. and South Korea's KOGAS. When fully operational, LNG Canada will have a capacity to export 14 million metric tonnes per annum (mtpa), according to company statements. So far the facility has exported four cargoes, including its first shipment on July 1. Another shipment is expected in the coming days, the LNG Canada spokesperson said. The pace of exports from the plant will increase as it moves through early operations and into a steady shipping cadence, the spokesperson said.
Global Natural Gas Prices Finally ‘Steadying’ After Wild Ride in 2022, Say Shell Execs -Global LNG markets have returned to more “normal” trading similar to the period before early 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine and caused natural gas prices to hit astronomical levels, Shell plc’s top executives said Thursday. Shell's map showing LNG Canada's advantaged geographical position to supply natural gas to Asia CEO Wael Sawan and CFO Sinead Gorman discussed second quarter results and shared their insights on the markets during a webcast from London. As Shell is the top LNG trader in the world, investors were keen to learn more about how the integrated gas (IG) arm was faring. “It feels much more like the new representative of the norm,” Gorman said. “Volatility has changed. If you were to look back to 2019 and then look back to just the war, you could see a difference. We're now back to pre-war in terms of volatility.”
Europe’s Gas Market Heats Up as Asian Competition Looms, TTF Gains Across Fall Contracts — The Offtake -A look at the global natural gas and LNG markets by the numbers
- 50 cents/MMBtu: European gas prices have rallied this week, mostly driven by the threat of competition in Asia, according to trading firm Mind Energy. In a recent note, analysts wrote that sweltering summer heat in East Asia has helped drive a three-day rally in Title Transfer Facility (TTF) prices. European buyers were trying to keep the price premium and stick to storage filling timelines, the firm said. September TTF has risen roughly 50 cents/MMBtu since Friday (July 25), followed by greater gains in monthly contracts through November.
- 8.8 magnitude: LNG traffic and spot prices in East Asia stabilized after a record earthquake in eastern Russia raised tsunami alerts throughout the Pacific. Some Japanese LNG importers preemptively cleared vessels from port after the 8.8 magnitude quake was reported Tuesday night. No damages to import infrastructure or prolonged delays in shipping were reported by Wednesday afternoon. East Asia LNG prices ticked up above the $12/MMBtu range as cooling demand remained high, but have been partially capped by heightened coal consumption and additional spot cargoes from commissioning terminals like LNG Canada.
Oil spilled near Scandinavian Beach in Dillingham clears -An oil spill near Scandinavian beach and the boat harbor in Dillingham, first reported to authorities last Tuesday, has dissipated. That’s according to officials from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. Howard Minor, an environmental program specialist for DEC, traveled to Dillingham on Friday to investigate the spill and coordinate possible responses. He says when he arrived on Friday, there was an oil sheen on the water in the harbor and on Scandinavian beach, but by the time he left on Saturday afternoon, it had diminished. “During that entire time frame, it was about 70-75 degrees and mostly sunny,” Minor said. “And by that Saturday, there was little to no indication of oil sheening on the beach.” Minor says sun and heat can help break up and dissipate the oil naturally. He says, based on his observations, the water is safe to harvest for subsistence. “Of course, I would recommend people fishing in that area inspect their lines,” Minor said. “But I do not see any indication that there was any pollution out there.” Minor says they do not know what the source of the spill was or how much oil went into the water. He says there were reports of a vessel listing in the area on Tuesday, but the department has not confirmed which boat it was or whether or not that was the source.
Trump Envoy Says This Time Oil Sanctions On Russia Will 'Bite' Keith Kellogg, Trump's special envoy to Russia and Ukraine, has freshly warned in newly published comments that oil sanctions will have a serious and hard-hitting economic impact if properly enforced - though they haven't been up till now, he suggested. His prediction comes after President Trump's announcement early this week that he would shorten Russia’s deadline to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine down to ten days from the previous 50. "We haven’t really applied full pressure on the oil sector yet," Kellogg said on The Record With Greta Van Susteren. "Russia’s a petrostate, exporting around 7 million barrels of oil daily, much of it through what’s called the ‘dark fleet,’" he continued. Noting that India and China remain Russia's two biggest oil customers, he described that the revenue from these exports helps finance the war in Ukraine and fund "huge bonuses" for soldiers being recruited as Russia expends manpower in a war of attrition. The proposed sanctions, including 100% tariff on countries purchasing Russian oil, will "start to bite"... "If that happens—and if Russian oligarchs start seeing the effects, especially with Russian sovereign assets largely held in Belgium—Putin will start feeling the pressure not just from within his military, but also from the oligarchs and internally," Kellogg said. He gaged the current level of sanctions as moderate, rating them at about "six out of ten" while admitting that enforcement remains weak, which he put at a "three out of ten." Kellog called for strengthening enforcement if Washington hopes to make the sanctions more effective. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has shrugged off these new threats and Trump's revised timeline, which is clearly aimed at drastically ratcheting the pressure on Moscow.
Oil Spill Reported in Andijan Region Canal — An oil spill occurred in the canal of the village of Raish in the Bulakbashi district of Andijan region, sparking a wide public response after footage from the site quickly spread on social media. According to the Andijan Regional Ecology Department, the incident was caused by an accident at an oil processing facility. On 29 July, specialists from the department, together with representatives of other relevant organizations, conducted an inspection and confirmed that the accident had taken place at a Sanoat Energetika Guruhi (Saneg) site during oil processing operations. “The incident has been fully contained. Documentation has been filed for a formal inspection of Sanoat Energetika Guruhi in accordance with established procedures,” the official statement read. Authorities said additional information on the environmental impact and remedial measures will be provided following the inspection. Sanoat Energetika Guruhi (Saneg, SEG) is Uzbekistan’s largest private oil and gas company, holding subsoil use rights for 103 oil and gas fields previously managed by Uzbekneftegaz. The company accounts for around 80 percent of the country’s oil production. Saneg is part of the Enera Group, whose assets include the Samarkand Tourist Center, the Humo Arena ice complex, Samarkand International Airport operator Air Marakanda, transport and logistics company TEG Central Asia, renewable energy developer Tepelen Group, Jizzax Organic agro-industrial complex, Samarkand International University of Technology (SIUT), logistics company ADL-Ulanish, and IT company OsiyoTech.
Chevron Nigeria Debunks Oil Spill Claims In Ondo State, Reaffirms Environmental Commitment - Reaffirms Environmental Commitment Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), operator of the joint venture with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has addressed recent media reports alleging an oil spill at its Berth Offshore Platform (BOP) located in the western operations area of Ondo State. In a firm response, CNL clarified that there is no ongoing oil spill at the BOP facility and described the allegations as unfounded. “CNL confirms that the allegation of oil spill in CNL’s BOP in Ondo State is not true,” the company stated. The organization emphasized its dedication to environmental protection, adding that its operations are carried out with strict adherence to regulatory guidelines and with respect for local communities and ecosystems. Furthermore, CNL reiterated its long-standing commitment to the socio-economic development and empowerment of communities neighboring its operations. This includes ongoing investments in people, infrastructure, and community programs aimed at fostering growth and sustainability. CNL continues to operate with integrity, ensuring safety, environmental stewardship, and community partnership remain central to its business practices.
Oman: EA dealing with oil spill in Salalah, Dhofar Governorate -The Environment Authority (EA), is dealing with an oil spill on a beach in Salalah, Dhofar Governorate. The Environment Authority received reports of an oil spill on a beach in Salalah, Dhofar Governorate. Subsequently, the Authority began field surveys of the affected areas, in preparation for cleanup operations in coordination with relevant authorities. "The Authority confirms that it is closely monitoring the situation in cooperation with the relevant authorities to complete verification procedures for the source of this oil and take the necessary environmental and regulatory measures in this regard," a statement said.8:19 AM
ADNOC Drilling reports strong H1 2025 results with $692 million net profit -- ADNOC Drilling Company has announced record-breaking financial results for the second quarter and first half of 2025, driven by fleet expansion, strong rig utilization, and robust growth in oilfield services (OFS). The company also reaffirmed its commitment to shareholder returns and continued regional expansion. In the first half of 2025, ADNOC Drilling reported revenue of $2.37 billion, up 30 percent year-on-year, while EBITDA reached $1.08 billion, marking a 19 percent increase. Net profit rose 21 percent to $692 million, as the company delivered solid performance across all segments and maintained strong profitability. In the second quarter of 2025, ADNOC Drilling’s board of directors approved a $217 million second quarterly dividend (approximately 5 fils per share), reinforcing the company’s progressive dividend policy. In the first half of 2025, ADNOC Drilling reported revenue of $2.37 billion, up 30 percent year-on-year Read: ADNOC’s 24.9 percent shareholding in OMV to be acquired by XRG The dividend will be paid in the second half of August to shareholders of record as of August 8, 2025. With two dividends declared so far this year and a third expected later in 2025, ADNOC Drilling continues to deliver reliable and growing returns to shareholders. Abdulla Ateya Al Messabi, ADNOC Drilling CEO, said: “Our record first half 2025 results once again demonstrate the strength, resilience, and scalability of ADNOC Drilling. We continue to deliver outstanding financial performance, dependable shareholder returns and disciplined regional expansion, all underpinned by our commitment to deploying AI and advanced technologies. “With this momentum, we are firmly on track to achieving our full-year growth targets. ADNOC Drilling has consistently demonstrated its ability to grow in any phase of the energy cycle. With high and visible cash flows, growing earnings and strong visibility of future returns, we remain confident in our ability to continue delivering long-term value to our shareholders.” adnoc drilling In the second quarter of 2025, ADNOC Drilling’s board of directors approved a $217 million second quarterly dividend
Kazakhstan Eyes Increased Oil Exports via BTC Pipeline - Kazakhstan and Turkey discussed a potential increase of Kazakh oil exports via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) oil pipeline to Turkey during the visit of Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Ankara. Tokayev and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed increased cooperation in the energy sector, including higher Kazakh oil exports via the BTC pipeline, the office of the Kazakh president said. Kazakhstan raised its oil exports via BTC by 12% to about 785,000 tons, or about 34,000 barrels per day (bpd), in the first half of the year. “We discussed the potential of higher exports and welcome Turkiye Petroleum’s intent to work on the Kazakh market,” Tokayev said. “We are also interested in working with Turkish companies and using their competence in diversifying energy sources and power plant construction,” the president added. Turkey, for its part, is boosting domestic natural gas production in its Black Sea waters and is looking to expand its international partnerships in oil and gas exploration in Bulgaria’s Black Sea, in the Caspian Sea region, and in Iraq. For landlocked Kazakhstan, raising oil exports via the BTC pipeline to Turkey’s Mediterranean port of Ceyhan would lead to higher volumes, circumventing the biggest export route out of the country—pipelines to Russia’s ports on the Black Sea and the Baltic Sea. The Russian Black Sea ports are Kazakhstan’s main crude oil export outlet, handling more than half of all its exports. Kazakhstan’s crude flows are not subject to Western sanctions despite the fact that they use Russian port infrastructure. The Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) operates the pipeline that transports oil from northwest Kazakhstan to Russia’s Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, a key hub for Kazakhstan’s oil exports. The port of Novorossiysk handles most of Kazakhstan’s crude exports from giant oilfields in Kazakhstan operated by international oil firms, including U.S. supermajor Chevron.
OPEC+ to hike petrol output to 548 000 bpd in August - Saudi Arabia, Russia and six other key members of the OPEC+ alliance on Saturday said they would further increase oil output in August to 548 000 barrels per day. Analysts had expected the alliance to decide on another output increase of 411 000 bpd -- the same target approved for May, June and July. The group said in a statement that "a steady global economic outlook and current healthy market fundamentals, as reflected in the low oil inventories" led to the decision to further hike output. Jorge Leon of Rystad Energy told AFP that "OPEC+ keeps surprising the market - this latest hike was even larger than expected and sends a clear message, for anyone still in doubt: the group is firmly shifting toward a market share strategy. "Two big questions now hang over the market: First, once the full 2.2 million barrels per day of voluntary cuts are unwound, will OPEC+ target the next tier of 1.66 million barrels? And second, is there enough demand to absorb it? "With prices holding comfortably above $60 and a turbulent geopolitical backdrop - especially given the fragile ceasefire in the Middle East, and broader risks in Ukraine and Libya - the answer to both questions might well be 'yes'." UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo said that "effectively Kazakhstan and Iraq still overproducing their higher quotas is a factor supporting the cut unwind decision" on Saturday. The meeting comes after a 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel, which briefly sent prices above $80 a barrel amid concerns over a possible closing of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for about one-fifth of the world's oil supply. The wider OPEC+ group - comprising the 12-nation Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies - began output cuts in 2022 in a bid to prop up prices. But in a policy shift, eight alliance members spearheaded by Saudi Arabia surprised markets by announcing they would significantly raise production from May, sending oil prices plummeting. Oil prices have been hovering around a low $65-$70 (R1 232) per barrel.
Global Oil Prices Rise Amid Trade Optimism and Supply Uncertainty --Oil prices rose on Monday following signs of easing global trade tensions, as the United States reached a trade agreement with the European Union and talks progressed toward extending tariff suspensions with China. These developments helped ease fears that escalating trade disputes could hurt global economic activity and reduce fuel demand. By 03:36 GMT, Brent crude futures had increased by 20 cents (0.29%) to $68.64 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose 15 cents (0.23%) to $65.31 per barrel. Market analyst Tony Sycamore from IG noted that the U.S.–EU trade framework and potential tariff suspension with China are supporting global markets and oil prices. “With the looming risk of a prolonged trade war, calming down the August tariff deadlines has triggered a positive market response,” he said. The U.S.–EU agreement, reached Sunday, imposes 15% tariffs on most EU goods—half the threatened rate—averting a broader trade war between the two major economic powers, who collectively represent nearly one-third of global trade. This has the potential to stabilize oil demand globally. Meanwhile, U.S. and Chinese negotiators were set to meet in Stockholm on Monday, aiming to extend a trade truce ahead of the August 12 deadline that could otherwise reinstate high tariffs. Oil prices had fallen to three-week lows last Friday amid global trade uncertainty and anticipated increases in Venezuelan oil output. Venezuela’s state oil company, PDVSA, is preparing to resume operations in its joint ventures under licensing terms similar to those granted during the Biden administration. This follows expectations that former President Donald Trump, if re-elected, may reauthorize oil-for-services contracts. Despite Monday’s modest rebound, gains were limited due to speculation that OPEC+ might ease production limits further. The OPEC+ Joint Market Monitoring Committee was scheduled to meet Monday at 12:00 GMT. According to four OPEC+ delegates, it is unlikely that the eight core members will propose changes to the current plan to increase output by 548,000 barrels per day in August, although one source noted it was still too early to be certain. Analysts at ING expect OPEC+ to fully unwind the 2.2 million barrels per day of voluntary supply cuts by end of September, beginning with at least 280,000 bpd in September alone. However, there remains room for more aggressive increases as the group seeks to regain market share, particularly amid rising summer demand. JPMorgan analysts reported that global oil demand rose by 600,000 bpd in July compared to the previous year, while global inventories increased by 1.6 million bpd. In the Middle East, tensions escalated as Yemen’s Houthi movement declared on Sunday its intention to target vessels of companies dealing with Israeli ports, regardless of nationality. This marks the start of what they called the fourth phase of military operations against Israel in response to the Gaza conflict. Despite supply uncertainties, geopolitical risks, and shifting trade dynamics, oil markets remain volatile and sensitive to both macroeconomic and regional developments.
The U.S. and European Union Struck a Trade Deal on Monday - The oil market on Monday traded higher after the U.S. and the European Union struck a trade deal, removing some market uncertainty. The U.S.-EU framework trade pact sets an import tariff of 15% on most EU goods, while U.S. President Trump said the deal calls for $750 billion of EU purchases of U.S. energy in the coming years. There was also a possible extension of the U.S.-China tariff pause, with U.S. and Chinese officials meeting on Monday ahead of an August 12th deadline. The market was further supported by U.S. President Donald Trump setting a new 10-12 day deadline for Russia to end its war with Ukraine and his warning to Iran that the U.S. would order new U.S. attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities if Iran attempted to restart facilities that the U.S. bombed last month. The crude market posted a low of $65.05 on the opening before it began to retrace Friday’s losses. The market breached its previous high of $66.74 as it rallied to a high of $67.06 amid the supportive news. However, the market erased some of its gains and settled in a sideways trading range during the remainder of the session. The September WTI contract settled up $1.55 at $66.71 and the September Brent contract settled up $1.55 at $70.04. The product markets ended the session in positive territory, with the heating oil market settling up 2.04 cents at $2.4266 and the RB market settling up 3.82 cents at $2.1352. U.S. President Donald Trump said he was setting a new 10 or 12-day deadline for Russia over its war in Ukraine, underscoring his frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin for prolonging fighting between the two sides. During a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, President Trump said he was disappointed in Putin and indicated he was not interested in more talks with Russia’s President. President Trump previously threatened new sanctions on Russia and buyers of its exports unless an agreement is reached by early September.U.S. President Donald Trump warned that he would order new U.S. attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities should Tehran try to restart facilities that the United States bombed last month. Iran, which denies seeking to develop a nuclear weapon, has insisted it will not give up domestic uranium enrichment despite the bombings of three nuclear sites. President Trump told reporters that Iran has been sending out “nasty signals” and any effort to restart its nuclear program will be immediately quashed.On Monday, an OPEC+ panel stressed the need for full compliance with oil production agreements, ahead of Sunday’s separate gathering of eight OPEC+ members to decide on increasing oil output for September. Ministers from the Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee convened online for brief talks. The JMMC asked countries thatare not fully compliant to submit updated compensation plans by August 18th. The eight countries will hold a separate meeting on August 3rd and remain likely to agree to a further 548,000 bpd increase for September. The next JMMC meeting is scheduled for October 1st.IIR Energy said U.S. oil refiners are expected to shut in about 171,000 bpd of capacity in the week ending August 1st, unchanged from the previous week. Offline capacity is expected to remain at the same level in the week ending August 8th.
Oil rises 2% on US-EU trade deal, Trump's shorter deadline for Russia (Reuters) - Oil prices rose 2% on Monday after a trade deal between the U.S. and the European Union, and U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement that he would shorten the deadline for Russia to end its war in Ukraine or face sanctions. Brent crude futures were up $1.60, or 2.3%, at $70.04 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude rose $1.55, or 2.4%, to $66.71. Brent touched its highest price in 10 days after Trump said he was reducing the 50-day deadline he gave Russia over its war in Ukraine to 10-12 days. The deal between the U.S. and EU and a possible extension of the U.S.-China tariff pause are also supporting global financial markets and oil prices, said Tony Sycamore, a market analyst at IG. The framework trade pact with the EU announced on Sunday sets a 15% U.S. import tariff on most EU goods. Trump also said the deal called for $750 billion of EU purchases of U.S. energy in the coming years. "Europe is going to have to give up a big percentage of everything they’re getting from Russia," "Not only does it (the trade pact) give U.S. producers a huge boost with this commitment, it also puts more pressure on (Russian President Vladimir) Putin to come to the table." Senior U.S. and Chinese officials are meeting in Stockholm on Monday to try to extend their tariff truce before an August 12 deadline. The U.S.-EU deal removed another layer of uncertainty and the focus seems to be shifting back towards fundamentals, said Tamas Varga, an analyst at PVM, adding that a strong dollar and falling Indian oil imports have weighed on crude prices. On the supply side, an OPEC+ panel on Monday stressed the need for full compliance with oil production agreements, ahead of Sunday's separate gathering of eight OPEC+ members to decide on increasing oil output for September. ING expects OPEC+, the group that includes the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies such as Russia, to at least complete the full return of 2.2 million barrels per day of additional voluntary supply cuts by the end of September.
Oil Prices Steady Amid Economic Uncertainty and Anticipation of U.S. Interest Rate Decision - Oil prices held steady on Tuesday as markets remained cautious about global economic prospects following a trade agreement between the United States and the European Union, while investors awaited the upcoming decision from the U.S. Federal Reserve on interest rates. Brent crude futures rose by one cent, reaching $70.05 per barrel at 06:10 GMT, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude edged down two cents to $66.69 per barrel. Both benchmarks had closed the previous session up by more than 2%, with Brent reaching a recent high. Although the trade deal between Washington and Brussels includes a 15% tariff on most European goods, it helped avert a full-blown trade war that could have endangered a third of global trade and weakened fuel demand. The agreement also outlines a commitment by the EU to purchase $750 billion worth of U.S. energy over the coming years—a target analysts describe as nearly impossible—in addition to $600 billion in European investments in the U.S. during President Donald Trump’s second term. According to an analytical note from ANZ Bank, “While the agreement provided relief to global markets amid persistent uncertainty, the timeline for implementing the investment commitments remains vague. We believe the 15% tariff will challenge eurozone economic growth but is unlikely to trigger a recession.” Meanwhile, senior economic officials from the U.S. and China met in Stockholm on Monday for more than five hours of discussions aimed at resolving ongoing economic disputes, with talks expected to resume on Tuesday. Oil market participants are also closely watching the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting on July 29–30, amid expectations that interest rates will remain unchanged. However, analysts suggest the Fed may adopt a more dovish tone due to declining inflation indicators, according to Priyanka Sachdeva, market analyst at Phillip Nova. Sachdeva added, “Momentum is skewed toward the upside in the short term, but the market remains vulnerable to volatility from surprise central bank moves or failed trade negotiations.” In another development, companies involved in global green hydrogen projects have begun canceling or scaling back investments, signaling that reliance on fossil fuels may persist longer than globally anticipated. Additionally, U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday gave Russia a new deadline of ‘10 to 12 days’ to make progress in ending the war in Ukraine, threatening new sanctions on Moscow and on countries that continue buying Russian exports if no progress is made, according to Reuters.
The Market Reacts to the U.S. and European Union Signing a Trade Framework -- The oil market on Tuesday rallied sharply higher after the U.S. Treasury Secretary said China could see high tariffs if it continues to buy Russian oil. The market posted a low of $66.53 in overnight trading before it continued to trend higher as concerns over a trade war between the U.S. and its trading partners was abating after the U.S. and European Union signed a trade framework on Sunday. The market was further supported as U.S. President Donald Trump increased pressure on Russia to end the war in Ukraine. President Trump said he would begin imposing tariffs and other measures on Russia in ten days if Russia did not make progress in ending the war in Ukraine. The market extended its gains to over $2.70 and retraced more than 50% of its move from a high of $75.95 to a low of $62.84 as it rallied to a high of $69.76 on the news of U.S. Treasury Secretary’s warning to China. The September WTI contract settled up $2.50 to $69.21 and the September Brent contract settled up $2.47 at $72.51. The product markets ended the session higher, with the heating oil market settling up 3.72 cents at $2.4638 and the RB market settling up 8.32 cents at $2.2184. U.S. President Donald Trump said that he was not seeking a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, but added that he may visit China at Xi’s invitation, which President Trump said had been extended. China’s top trade negotiator, Li Chenggang, said China and the United States will push for the continued pause of U.S. reciprocal tariffs on Chinese goods as well as China’s countermeasures. He said during their negotiations on Monday and Tuesday, the two sides reviewed the consensus reached in previous rounds of trade talks in Geneva and London. He said the two sides will continue to maintain communication and have “timely exchanges” on trade and economic issues. U.S. Commerce Secretary, Howard Lutnick, said U.S. President Donald Trump will make his trade deal decisions this week even as separate negotiations with China and the European Union continue, ahead of President Trump’s August 1st deadline. Kuwait’s Oil Minister, Tariq Suleiman Al-Roumi, said he was optimistic about the oil market’s fundamentals and that OPEC+ efforts aim for market balance. The Environmental Protection Agency will rescind the long-standing finding that greenhouse gas emissions endanger human health, as well as tailpipe emission standards for vehicles. The American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers criticized the Trump administration’s biofuel policies in a letter to top Republican lawmakers. The letter also reflects a growing divide between U.S. oil producers and refiners, an alliance that has fractured in recent years over biofuels policy. The letter said current energy policies will negatively affect U.S. oil refiners, consumers and President Donald Trump’s “energy dominance agenda.” The letter said the EPA’s recent proposal to increase the amount of biofuels that oil refiners must blend into their fuel mix will put compliance costs around the federal rule near $70 billion. A new section in the proposal that reduces the value of imported biofuel feedstocks also will raise compliance costs. The letter also criticized the EPA’s handling of waivers for small refiners that exempt them from the biofuel blending obligations; the EPA’s decision to allow temporary nationwide summertime sales of gasoline with a higher ethanol content; and tariffs on imported renewable feedstocks.
Oil prices rally on US pressure on Russia, trade deal optimism - Oil prices gained more than 3% on Tuesday as President Donald Trump ramped up pressure on Russia over its war in Ukraine and on optimism that a trade war between the U.S. and its major trading partners was abating. Brent crude futures settled $2.47, or 3.53%, higher at $72.51 a barrel while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude gained $2.50, or 3.75%, to settle at $69.21. Both contracts settled at their highest since June 20. On Tuesday, Trump said he would start imposing tariffs and other measures on Russia "10 days from today" if Moscow did not make progress toward ending the war in Ukraine. "We've amped it up. We have a hard deadline of 10 days," "And there's a suggestion that other countries are going to join us." Also on Tuesday, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he had told Chinese officials that, given U.S. secondary tariff legislation on sanctioned Russian oil, China could face high tariffs if Beijing continued its Russian oil purchases. Bessent was speaking after two days of bilateral talks aimed at resolving longstanding economic disputes and stepping back from an escalating trade war between the world's two biggest economies. Also supporting oil prices, the trade agreement between the U.S. and the European Union, while imposing a 15% import tariff on most EU goods, sidestepped a full-blown trade war between the two major allies that would have rippled across nearly a third of global trade and dimmed the outlook for fuel demand. "There is definitely some optimism around the trade deals," "It's not perfect, especially for the Europeans, but it is better than it could have been by a long shot." The agreement also calls for $750 billion of EU purchases of U.S. energy over the next three years, which analysts say the bloc has virtually no chance of meeting, while European companies are to invest $600 billion in the U.S. over Trump's term. Market participants also await the outcome of the U.S. Federal Reserve policy meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Fed is widely expected to hold rates steady but could signal a dovish tilt due to signs of cooling inflation
Oil Prices Remain Elevated as Traders Brace for Volatile Week | OilPrice.com --Oil prices held onto recent gains in early Asian trading on Wednesday, buoyed by a complex mix of geopolitical risks, tightening trade policies, and anticipation surrounding the U.S. Federal Reserve’s upcoming interest rate decision. After surging more than 3% on Tuesday, both major crude benchmarks saw modest gains in early Asian trade. At the time of writing, WTI crude was up slightly at $69.24 per barrel, while Brent crude also edged higher to $72.66 per barrel, marking their highest levels since June 22. The Tuesday rally was largely triggered by mounting pressure from the United States on Moscow to end the war in Ukraine, with former President Donald Trump issuing a shortened 10-12 day ultimatum for Russia to show meaningful progress or face new secondary sanctions. These measures would include 100% tariffs on trading partners continuing to import Russian oil, a move that ING analysts said “would lead to a dramatic shift in the oil market.” Such tariffs are expected to deter major importers like China and India. While China would be more likely to resist U.S. pressure, India has signaled its willingness to comply, potentially putting as much as 2.3 million barrels per day of Russian exports at risk. Simultaneously, the United States and European Union managed to avert a full-blown trade war with a deal that introduced 15% U.S. tariffs on certain EU imports, relieving some concerns over global economic growth and offering oil prices additional support. Meanwhile, in Venezuela, foreign oil partners are still waiting on U.S. approvals to resume sanctioned operations—a potential wildcard for global supply dynamics if those barrels re-enter the market. The latest American Petroleum Institute (API) data also cast a shadow over the recent rally. According to the API, U.S. crude inventories unexpectedly rose by 1.5 million barrels in the week ending July 25, against expectations for a 2.5 million-barrel draw. This surprise build suggests demand softness or refining bottlenecks in the world’s largest fuel consumer. The market now awaits official inventory data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, due later today, for confirmation. Oil traders remain cautious ahead of the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision later on Wednesday. While the Fed is widely expected to hold rates steady, the accompanying statement and economic projections could influence market sentiment and the U.S. dollar—an important factor for oil prices. A stronger dollar, which gained ahead of the Fed decision, tends to put downward pressure on crude by making it more expensive for foreign buyers. Other economic data due this week includes nonfarm payrolls on Friday, China’s PMI numbers on Thursday, and the Bank of Japan’s interest rate decision, all of which could influence global energy demand projections. Oil prices are set for another volatile week with geopolitical and economic catalysts sure to shift sentiment several times in the coming days.
WTI Dips After Biggest Crude Build In 6 Months - Oil prices were steady early on Wednesday, rising for a third session even as API reported an unexpected rise in US crude inventories.Oil prices have been supported by U.S. threats to impose secondary sanctions of buyers of Russian oil after U.S. President Donald Trump this week cut his deadline for Russia to reach a ceasefire in its war on Ukraine from 50 days to 10 to 12 days."Displaying frustration with the lack of tangible progress in peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, the US President has shortened his ultimatum for the aggressor from 50 days to 10-12. The prevailing assumption is that, after this period, new sanctions, including measures targeting Russia's energy sector, will be introduced ... The geopolitical risk surrounding key oil-producing regions has therefore risen," PVM Oil Associates noted.Still, the geopolitical risk is countered by rising supply. With Western hemisphere production also increasing, OPEC+ is returning 2.2-million barrels per day of production cuts to market in monthly tranches that began in May, with the full return expected to be complete in September.The question for traders this morning is simple - will the official data confirm API? API:
- Crude +1.54mm (-2.5mm exp)
- Cushing
- Gasoline -1.74mm
- Distillates +4.18mm
DOE:
- Crude +7.698mm - biggest build since January
- Cushing +690k - biggest build since March
- Gasoline -2.724mm
- Distillates +3.635mm
Against expectations of a small drawdown, the official data showed a large build in crude stocks last week (the biggest since January and far bigger than the API-reported level). Cushing stocks rose for the fourth week in a row while gasoline inventories fell for the third week in a row...Graphs Source: Bloomberg. The Trump admin added 238k barrels to the SPR last week (after two weeks of drawdowns), adding to the largest rise in commercial crude stocks since January.Despite the ongoing plunge in the rig count, US crude production remains near record highs...WTI Crude was largely unmoved by the DOE data coming slightly off the highs of the day...
Oil rises over 1% as investors weigh Trump's Russia stance, tariff threats (Reuters) - Oil prices settled 1% higher on Wednesday as investors focused on developments on U.S. President Donald Trump's tighter deadline for Russia to end the war in Ukraine and his tariff threats to countries that trade its oil. The Brent crude September contract, which was set to expire on Thursday, closed 73 cents, 1.01%, higher at $73.24. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was up 79 cents, or 1.14%, at $70, with investors largely shrugging off mixed U.S. data on crude and fuel inventories. Both contracts had fallen nearly 1% earlier in the day. The more active Brent October contract settled 79 cents, or 1.1% higher, at $72.47. On Tuesday, Trump said he would start imposing measures on Russia, such as secondary tariffs of 100% on trading partners, if it did not make progress on ending the war in Ukraine within 10 to 12 days, moving up from an earlier 50-day deadline. He imposed a 25% tariff on goods imported from India starting August 1, along with an unspecified penalty for buying Russian weapons and oil. The U.S. also warned China, the largest buyer of Russian oil, that it could face huge tariffs if it kept buying. JP Morgan analysts wrote that while China was unlikely to comply with U.S. sanctions, India has signaled it would do so, which could affect 2.3 million barrels per day (bpd) of Russian oil exports. "Traders seem more focused on the tariffs (related to Russia) and the compliance by India is being taken as a positive towards crude prices," Meanwhile, U.S. crude inventories rose by 7.7 million barrels, the Energy Information Administration said, compared with analysts' expectations in a Reuters poll for a 1.3 million-barrel draw.[EIA/S] U.S. gasoline stocks fell by 2.7 million barrels, exceeding expectations for a 600,000-barrel draw. Distillate stockpiles, which include diesel and heating oil, rose by 3.6 million barrels, higher than forecasts for a 300,000-barrel build. U.S. economic growth also rebounded more than expected in the second quarter, but that measurement grossly overstated the economy's health as declining imports accounted for the bulk of the improvement and domestic demand increased at its slowest pace in 2-1/2 years. The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady in a split decision that gave little indication of when borrowing costs might be lowered. Fed Chairman Jerome Powell also added it was too soon to say whether the central bank will cut its interest rate target in September, as financial markets expect.
Oil Prices Surge As Trump Warns India Over Russian Crude Imports -Oil prices surged to a six-week high after former U.S. President Donald Trump threatened punitive trade measures against India for continuing to import crude oil and military equipment from Russia. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump announced that his administration would impose 25% tariffs on Indian imports, along with an unspecified penalty for India’s continued dealings with Moscow. He accused India of undermining global efforts to isolate Russia over its ongoing war in Ukraine and criticized the country’s high tariff regime. “India is a friend, but its tariffs are far too high—among the highest in the world,” Trump wrote. “They’re buying oil and weapons from Russia when everyone wants Russia to STOP THE KILLING IN UKRAINE.” Trump said the measures would take effect from August 1, aligning with the U.S. deadline for concluding a new bilateral trade deal. In 2024, the United States recorded a $45.8 billion trade deficit with India. In response, the Indian government reiterated its commitment to finalizing a “fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement.” The geopolitical tension pushed Brent crude to trade near $73 per barrel, up nearly 7% this week, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) hovered just below $70. Meanwhile, data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) on Wednesday showed a surprise build-up in commercial crude inventories, which rose by 7.7 million barrels to 426.7 million barrels in the week ending July 25. Analysts had expected a drawdown of about 2.3 million barrels. The EIA also reported:
- Strategic Petroleum Reserves rose by 200,000 barrels to 402.7 million barrels.
- Gasoline inventories declined by 2.7 million barrels to228.4 million barrels.
- U.S. crude oil production increased by 41,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 13.31 million bpd.
- Crude imports rose by 159,000 bpd to 6.14 million bpd.
- Exports dropped by 1.16 million bpd to 2.7 million bpd.
According to the EIA’s latest Short-Term Energy Outlook, U.S. crude oil output is projected to average 13.37 million bpd in 2025.The combination of geopolitical risk and shifting fundamentals in the U.S. oil market is likely to keep prices volatile in the near term, analysts said.
Oil Dips on Inflation, Geopolitical Jitters -- Oil fell as broader markets weakened on worse-than-expected US inflation data and crude traders cashed out after prices reached a six-week high. While West Texas Intermediate slipped 1.1% on Thursday to settle below $70 a barrel, snapping a three day rally, prices are largely still range-bound as traders await clearer signals on balances for supply and demand. “Investors are just being cautious not to overextend the rally until we have more clarity on: one OPEC, two Russia — through the weekend,” as well as the looming Aug. 1 US tariff deadline, said Frank Monkam, head of macro trading at Buffalo Bayou Commodities. US President Donald Trump said he would impose a tariff on India’s exports and a penalty for its energy purchases from Russia from Aug. 1, the latest in a series of comments in which he expressed his anger at the lack of ceasefire in Ukraine. While the market impact of disrupting Indian purchases could be significant, as Moscow would have to find new buyers if it loses one of its largest customers, the relatively muted price movements offer a sign that there’s little expectation Trump will follow through for now. It’s the latest sign of an oil market that increasingly only reacts when there is a meaningful disruption to supply. While Trump has repeatedly threatened steps that might hurt output in producer nations from Venezuela to Iran and Russia since taking office, there’s so far not been a substantial hit to global supply, even when the US bombed Iran’s nuclear facilities. India’s refiners are seeking clarity from the government in New Delhi. A senior executive at a major processor said his company would try and source more crude from the Middle East and Africa, while also looking to the government for guidance on how it should proceed. “Finding a replacement of Russian crude on the global market would be difficult,” Goldman Sachs analysts including Yulia Zhestkova Grigsby wrote in a report. “Although the exact details of potential economic penalties remain unclear, investors focus on the risks from a potential 100% tariff on countries that import Russian oil.” Trump’s threat came hours before the US issued its most sweeping Iran-related sanctions in seven years, targeting an international shipping network controlled by prominent oil trader Hossein Shamkhani, whose father is a senior adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. While those designations marked the biggest escalation in measures since Trump returned to office, US officials said they don’t expect the restrictions to lead to any sustained disruption to global oil markets, noting that much of the oil sold by the network goes to China. Collectively, the measures are a reminder of the type of headline-driven volatility oil traders are currently having to grapple with. Trump has also imposed an Aug. 1 deadline for nations to settle on trade deals with the US — with South Korea and the European Union recently reaching agreements. Those risks have made it harder for some of the world’s top physical traders to make money. Shell Plc’s Chief Executive Officer Wael Sawan said on Thursday that his company had adopted a risk-off approach in crude in the previous quarter as a result of the larger swings, echoing comments from the bosses of other oil majors in recent weeks. Oil Prices WTI for September delivery fell 1.1% to settle at $69.26 a barrel. Brent for October dipped 1.1% to settle at $71.70 a barrel.
Oil prices ease as market weighs US, Mexico trade deal extension - Oil prices fell on Thursday as investors weighed the extension of an existing trade deal between the U.S. and Mexico, while a surprise build in U.S. crude stocks on Wednesday also dragged on prices. Brent crude futures declined by 71 cents, or 0.97%, to close at $72.53 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude for September fell 74 cents, or 1.06%, to settle at $69.26. Both benchmarks had recorded 1% gains on Wednesday. U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday he and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum had agreed to extend an existing trade deal between their two countries for 90 days and to continue talks over that period with the goal of signing a new deal. "Mexico will continue to pay a 25% Fentanyl Tariff, 25% Tariff on Cars, and 50% Tariff on Steel, Aluminum, and Copper. Additionally, Mexico has agreed to immediately terminate its Non Tariff Trade Barriers, of which there were many," Trump said in a Truth Social post. News of the extension weighed on crude futures, said John Kilduff, partner at Again Capital in New York. "Overall the tariffs are negative for oil demand going forward, and this situation with Mexico kicks the can down the road," Kilduff said. U.S. crude oil inventories rose by 7.7 million barrels to 426.7 million barrels in the week ending July 25, driven by lower exports, the Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday. Analysts had expected a draw of 1.3 million barrels. Gasoline stocks fell by 2.7 million barrels to 228.4 million barrels, far exceeding forecasts for a draw of 600,000 barrels. "U.S. inventory data showed a surprise build in crude stocks, but a bigger-than-expected gasoline draw supported the view of strong driving season demand, resulting in neutral impact on the oil market," said Fujitomi Securities analyst Toshitaka Tazawa. The threat of U.S. sanctions on Russia has helped support oil prices this week. On Monday, Trump said he would start imposing measures on Russia, including 100% secondary tariffs on its trading partners, if it did not make progress on ending the war in Ukraine within 10-12 days, moving up an earlier 50-day deadline. The U.S. has also warned China, the largest buyer of Russian oil, that it could face huge tariffs if it continued its purchases. India's state refiners have not sought Russian crude in the past week or so, four sources familiar with the refiners' purchase plans told Reuters, as Trump has warned countries not to purchase oil from Moscow. On Wednesday, the U.S. Treasury Department announced fresh sanctions on more than 115 Iran-linked individuals, entities and vessels, stepping up the Trump administration's maximum pressure campaign after bombing Iranian nuclear sites in June.
Oil ticks up amid tariff fallout, Russian supply risks --Oil prices nudged higher in Friday’s Asian session, as traders weighed the economic impact of fresh United States tariffs against heightened geopolitical risks to global crude supplies. By 3:15 pm AEST (5:15 am GMT), Brent crude futures were up 20 cents, or 0.3%, at $71.90 per barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained 18 cents, or 0.3%, to trade at $69.44. The modest rebound followed a decline of around 1% on Thursday as markets absorbed the potential demand implications of sweeping new U.S. tariffs. Despite the day’s muted move, Brent is on track for a weekly gain of 4.9%, while WTI is set to rise 6.4%. The gains follow U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat earlier in the week to impose tariffs on countries purchasing Russian crude - particularly targeting major importers China and India - in a bid to pressure Moscow over its ongoing war in Ukraine. However, by Friday, investor focus had shifted to Trump’s executive order introducing a wide range of new tariffs, ranging from 10% to 41%, on imports from dozens of countries, including Canada, India, and Taiwan. The measures are set to take effect from 1 August after those trading partners failed to reach new agreements with Washington. In a client note, ANZ analysts said: “The market is cautious heading into the weekend’s OPEC meeting. Ever since OPEC announced it would aggressively unwind voluntary production cuts, expectations of a slump in prices have been building. "Instead, OPEC’s move has been timed perfectly to match with a seasonal bounce in demand.” There are also signs that the existing U.S. tariffs are beginning to affect inflationary pressures. Data released Thursday showed that U.S. personal consumption expenditures price rose slightly in June compared to the previous month, with tariffs driving up prices on imported items such as household furniture and recreational products. The inflationary uptick has reinforced views that the Federal Reserve may now delay interest rate cuts until at least October. Persistently high interest rates could weigh on oil demand by slowing economic growth and raising borrowing costs. Nonetheless, concerns over potential supply disruptions remain a counterweight. The Trump administration’s renewed threat of imposing 100% secondary tariffs on buyers of Russian crude has added support to oil prices, amid fears it could reduce flows and tighten global supply.
Oil Futures Dip on Tariff War and Unemployment Data- Oil futures dropped Friday morning following punitive tariffs imposed by the United States on nations that had not reached an agreement with the Trump administration by the deadline set for today. The bearish sentiment was also supported by a slight increase in unemployment in July. The front-month NYMEX WTI futures contract dropped by $0.79 to $68.47 bbl, while the September ICE Brent futures contract decreased by $0.88 to $70.82 bbl. The August RBOB futures contract fell by $0.0400 to $2.1339 gallon, while the ULSD futures contract for August delivery dropped by $0.0518 to $2.3441 gallon. The U.S. dollar rose by 1.048 points to 98.695 against a basket of foreign currencies. After a 90-day pause announced in April, the United States has imposed additional tariffs ranging from 30% to 50% on several nations -- including India, Brazil and Canada, among others. Deals with Mexico and China remain pending. The escalation of a trade war is expected to affect global economic growth and add inflationary pressure to the U.S. economy. This morning, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that nonfarm employment growth in the United States in July rose by 73,000, below market expectations for job gains around 150,000, and reflecting ongoing softness in labor demand since April. The U.S. unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.2% in July, holding in a 4.0% to 4.2% range since May 2024. The labor force participation rate at 62.2% and the employment-population ratio at 59.6% were both little changed last month. Separately, starting today, OPEC+ countries -- including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Russia, the UAE, Algeria, Oman and Kazakhstan -- are expected to increase their crude output by 548,000 bpd starting today, in addition to their 411,000-bpd output increase set in July. These actions are expected to put additional downward pressure on oil future price.
Oil falls $2 a barrel on worries about OPEC+ supply, US jobs data (Reuters) - Oil prices fell $2 a barrel on Friday because of jitters about a possible increase in production by OPEC and its allies, while a weaker-than-expected U.S. jobs report fed worries about demand. Brent crude futures settled at $69.67 a barrel, down $2.03, or 2.83%. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude finished at $67.33 a barrel, down $1.93, or 2.79%. Brent finished the week with a gain near 6%, while WTI rose 6.29%. Three people familiar with discussions among OPEC members and allied producers said the group may reach an agreement as early as Sunday to boost production by 548,000 barrels per day in September. A fourth source familiar with OPEC+ talks said discussions on volume were ongoing and the hike could be smaller. The U.S. Labor Department said the country added 73,000 jobs in July, lower than economists had forecast, raising the national unemployment rate to 4.2% from 4.1%. "We can blame U.S. President Donald Trump with the tariffs or we can blame the Federal Reserve for not raising interest rates," s "It looks like the Fed misjudged their decision on Wednesday." On Wednesday, the Fed voted to keep interest rates unchanged, drawing criticism from Trump and a chorus of Republican legislators. Oil traders have focused for much of the week on the potential impact of U.S. tariffs, with tariff rates on U.S. trading partners largely set to take effect from next Friday. Trump signed an executive order on Thursday imposing tariffs ranging from 10% to 41% on U.S. imports from dozens of countries and foreign territories that failed to reach trade deals by his Aug. 1 deadline, including Canada, India and Taiwan. Partners that managed to secure trade agreements include the European Union, South Korea, Japan and Great Britain. "We think the resolution of trade deals to the satisfaction of the market – more or less, barring a few exceptions – has been the key driver for oil price bullishness in recent days," . Prices were also supported this week by Trump's threats to impose 100% secondary tariffs on Russian crude buyers as he seeks to pressure Russia into halting its war in Ukraine. This has stoked concern over potential disruption to oil trade flows and the removal of some oil from the market. On Thursday, JP Morgan analysts said Trump's threatened penalties on China and India over their purchases of Russian oil potentially put 2.75 million barrels per day (bpd) of Russian seaborne oil exports at risk. China and India are the world's second and third-largest crude consumers respectively.
Iran Deporting Millions Of Afghan Migrants After Capturing Alleged Israeli Spies -It would seem that mass deportations in the name of national security is not an issue limited to western countries. Over the past few weeks Iran has drawn the attention of the UN and a number of humanitarian NGOs after initiated a nationwide program to remove all Afghan migrants without proper legal documentation from their borders, relocating them back to Afghanistan. Nearly 1 million migrants have been deported in the past month alone according to estimates by Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni. That's around half of the 2 million Afghans currently residing in the country. Iran’s government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani stated at the beginning of the relocation effort:“We’ve always striven to be good hosts, but national security is a priority.” The deportations are a response to detrimental intelligence leaks and acts of sabotage within Iran during recent conflict with Israel. Iranian authorities report the capture of a number of Afghan refugees involved in the transportation and piloting of drones, the gathering of sensitive intelligence and the planting of bombs. They assert that migrants are easier for the Israelis to bribe.In a well-publicized case, Iranian authorities in the city of Rey arrested an Afghan university student accusing him of links to the Mossad and alleging he was caught in possession of sensitive material on bomb-making, drone mechanics and surveillance operations.State television aired reports of arrested Afghan citizens “confessing” to being Israeli agents. In one such report, broadcast on June 26, showed the questioning of several suspects, mostly Afghans, being accused of plotting to bomb a power station in southeast Tehran.It is possible that the mass deportations represent nothing more than an effort to divert blame for Iranian intelligence failures onto a convenient scapegoat. However, migrant groups have historically been easy targets for manipulation and conversion by foreign enemies and Iran's caution is a logical response. Open borders have long been used by intelligence agencies as a means to plant "sleeper agents" within nations they plan to go to war with.For example, several Iranians have been recently apprehended trying to sneak across the US border, some of them with national security ties. The Taliban government has urged Iran to stop the exodus, calling for a gradual process instead. Taliban officials say the dignity of the migrants must be respected, though, it is likely that the Afghan economy could be crippled by a surge of a million or more refugees in such a short span of time and the Taliban have limited means of humanitarian support.
Israeli Forces Kill 103 Palestinians in Gaza Over 24 Hours - Gaza’s Health Ministry said on Wednesday that Israeli forces killed 103 Palestinians and wounded 399 over the previous 24 hours as relentless US-backed Israeli attacks continue across the Strip.The Health Ministry said that another body of a Palestinian killed in a previous Israeli attack was recovered from the rubble. “A number of victims are still under the rubble and in the streets, as ambulance and civil defense crews are unable to reach them until now,” the ministry wrote on Telegram.The ministry said that the majority of the dead were killed while attempting to reach food aid. It said that it recorded the death of 60, and another 195 were wounded. Since the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) began operating in May, the ministry has recorded the deaths of 1,239 aid seekers and the injuries of 8,152.Palestinians were killed on Wednesday while trying to reach UN aid trucks and distribution sites run by the GHF. According to The Associated Press, the al-Shifa Hospital said it received the bodies of 12 people who were killed when Israeli forces fired on a crowd awaiting aid trucks coming from the Zikim crossing in northern Gaza.
Israel kills 106 Palestinians in a day of attacks on Gaza as people starve
- Al Jazeera correspondent has described a “bloody Friday in Gaza” where Israeli attacks killed 106 people across the war-torn enclave.
- The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said 12 people were killed and 90 wounded when Israeli forces targeted civilians who had gathered to wait for aid trucks southwest of Gaza City.
Twenty More Palestinians Starve to Death in Gaza in Three Days Due to Israeli Blockade - At least 20 Palestinians have starved to death in Gaza over the past three days due to the US-backed Israeli blockade, according to daily press releases from Gaza’s Health Ministry.In its latest release on Sunday, the Health Ministry said it recorded six malnutrition deaths over the past 24 hours, including two children. The ministry said that the total number of starvation deaths has reached 133, including 37 children.Medics and experts told The Washington Post that the number of starvation deaths listed by the Health Ministry is likely a significant undercount since malnutrition is rarely listed as the primary cause of death, and that once mass hunger sets in, fatalities may rise exponentially.The starvation deaths in Gaza have led to an increase in international pressure on Israel to ease its blockade and restrictions on aid deliveries. For days, Israel, with help from the US, was claiming that it was the UN’s fault that more aid wasn’t being delivered. But on Sunday, Israel announced that it would take steps to facilitate more aid deliveries, making it clear that Israeli restrictions were the impediment.
Global Hunger Monitor Says 'Worst Case Scenario of Famine Playing Out in Gaza' -- The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a global hunger monitor, said in an alert on Tuesday that the “worst-case scenario of famine is currently playing out in the Gaza Strip” due to the US-backed Israeli siege on the Palestinian territory.The alert comes as Gaza’s Health Ministry has reported dozens of starvation deaths over the past week, and photos of emaciated children have increased international pressure on Israel to ease the blockade.“Mounting evidence shows that widespread starvation, malnutrition, and disease are driving a rise in hunger-related deaths. Latest data indicates that Famine thresholds have been reached for food consumption in most of the Gaza Strip and for acute malnutrition in Gaza City,” the IPC said.The IPC said that the unrestricted flow of humanitarian aid and a ceasefire were needed to prevent further catastrophe. “Immediate action must be taken to alleviate the catastrophic suffering of people in Gaza. This includes scaling up the flow of goods, restoring basic services, and ensuring safe, unimpeded access to sufficient life-saving assistance. None of this is possible unless there is a ceasefire,” the monitor said.The IPC also criticized the US and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which established four aid distribution sites in Gaza that have turned into death traps for hungry Palestinians and have done nothing to feed people in northern Gaza.“Reaching these distribution points requires long, high-risk journeys, with unequal access across governorates. Operating on a first-come, first-served basis, the most vulnerable groups are largely unable to access this food,” the IPC said.The IPC’s alert stops short of a formal famine declaration since the group lacks access to make that determination, but independent experts say it’s clear famine is already taking place. “Just as a family physician can often diagnose a patient she’s familiar with based on visible symptoms without having to send samples to the lab and wait for results, so too we can interpret Gaza’s symptoms. This is famine,” Alex de Waal, author of “Mass Starvation: The History and Future of Famine,” told The Associated Press.
Two Israeli Human Rights Groups Say Israel Is Committing Genocide in Gaza - Two leading Israeli human rights organizations — B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights-Israel (PHRI) — issued reports on Monday that conclude Israel is committing the crime of genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza.The reports mark the first time Israeli rights groups have stated that Israel is conducting genocide, a conclusion that’s been reached by many other international rights organizations and genocide scholars.“An examination of Israel’s policy in the Gaza Strip and its horrific outcomes, together with statements by senior Israeli politicians and military commanders about the goals of the attack, leads to the unequivocal conclusion that Israel is taking coordinated action to intentionally destroy Palestinian society in the Gaza Strip. In other words: Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip,” B’Tselemsaid in its report titled “Our Genocide.”The PHRI report said the evidence shows “a deliberate and systematic dismantling of Gaza’s health and life-sustaining systems through targeted attacks on hospitals, obstruction of medical aid and evacuations, and the killing and detention of healthcare personnel.”PHRI said Israel’s action fit the criteria for genocide under international law. It said Israel is committing three “core acts” that are defined in the Genocide Convention, including “killing members of the group, causing them serious bodily or mental harm, and deliberately inflicting on them conditions of life calculated to bring about the group’s destruction in whole or in part.”B’Tselem strongly condemned Hamas’s October 7 attack on southern Israel but said it didn’t justify Israel’s genocidal assault in Gaza. “Our analysis shows how the Israeli government has cynically exploited the trauma experienced by many Israelis and used it to carry out genocide and ethnic cleansing in the Gaza Strip,” the group said. “One crime does not justify another – certainly not the mass killing of civilians or an attempt to erase and destroy an entire group.”Yuli Novak, the executive director of B’Tselem, warned that the genocide could be spread to the Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. “The lives of all Palestinians, from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea, are being treated as worthless. They can be starved, killed, displaced – and the situation keeps getting worse,” she said.
Israeli Settlers March to Gaza Border, Say the Palestinian Territory Will Be 'Ours Forever' - Hundreds of Israeli settlers marched to the Gaza border on Wednesday, calling for Jewish settlement in the Palestinian territory, a demonstration that comes amid reports that the Netanyahu government is considering annexation.According to AFP, demonstrators marching toward the border chanted “Gaza, ours forever” and declared that the “way to defeat Hamas is to take back our land.” Daniella Weiss, leader of the radical settler Nachala movement, said she had families ready to move in.“As a movement, 1,000 families — you see them today marching — we are ready to move now, as things stand, and to live in tents,” Weiss said. “We are ready with our children to move into the Gaza area right away, because we believe this is the way to bring quiet, peace, to put an end to Hamas.”Weiss was interviewed in a recently released documentary by Louis Theroux titled “The Settlers,” where she bragged about her work over the years in establishing and expanding illegal Jewish settlements in the West Bank. Weiss has been explicit that her hopes for Gaza entail the ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian population.“In less than a year, each one of you can call me and ask me if I succeeded in fulfilling my dream,” Weiss said at a “resettle Gaza” conference in October 2024. “Actually, you don’t even have to call me. You will witness how Jews go to Gaza and Arabs disappear from Gaza.”
Putin says Russia’s hypersonic missile has entered service and will be deployed in Belarus (AP) — President Vladimir Putin said Friday that Russia has started production of its newest hypersonic missiles and reaffirmed its plans to deploy them to ally Belarus later this year. Sitting alongside Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko on Valaam Island near St. Petersburg, Putin said the military already has selected deployment sites in Belarus for the Oreshnik intermediate range ballistic missile. “Preparatory work is ongoing, and most likely we will be done with it before the year’s end,” Putin said, adding that the first series of Oreshniks and their systems have been produced and entered military service. Russia first used the Oreshnik, which is Russian for “hazelnut tree,” against Ukraine in November, when it fired the experimental weapon at a factory in Dnipro that built missiles when Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union. Putin has praised the Oreshnik’s capabilities, saying its multiple warheads that plunge to a target at speeds up to Mach 10 are immune to being intercepted and are so powerful that the use of several of them in one conventional strike could be as devastating as a nuclear attack. He warned the West that Moscow could use it against Ukraine’s NATO allies who allowed Kyiv to use their longer-range missiles to strike inside Russia. Russia’s missile forces chief has declared that Oreshnik, which can carry conventional or nuclear warheads, has a range allowing it to reach all of Europe.
Powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim rejects outreach by South’s new president (AP) — The influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un rebuffed overtures by South Korea’s new liberal government, saying Monday that North Korea has no interests in talks with South Korea no matter what proposal its rival offers. Kim Yo Jong’s comments suggest again that North Korea, now preoccupied with its expanding cooperation with Russia, has no intentions of returning to diplomacy with South Korea and the U.S. anytime soon. But experts said North Korea could change its course if it thinks it cannot maintain the same booming ties with Russia when the Russia-Ukraine war nears an end. “We clarify once again the official stand that no matter what policy is adopted and whatever proposal is made in Seoul, we have no interest in it and there is neither a reason to meet nor an issue to be discussed with” South Korea, Kim Yo Jong said in a statement carried by state media. It’s North Korea’s first official statement on the government of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, which took office in early June. In an effort to improve badly frayed ties with North Korea, Lee’s government has halted anti-Pyongyang frontline loudspeaker broadcasts, taken steps to ban activists from flying balloons with propaganda leaflets across the border and repatriated North Koreans who were drifted south in wooden boats months earlier. Kim Yo Jong called such steps “sincere efforts” by Lee’s government to develop ties. But she said the Lee government won’t be much different from its predecessors, citing what it calls “their blind trust” to the military alliance with the U.S. and attempt to “stand in confrontation” with North Korea. She mentioned the upcoming summertime South Korea-U.S. military drills, which North Korea views as an invasion rehearsal.
Global Hunger Fell Overall in 2024, but Rose in Africa and Western Asia as Climate and Conflict Threaten Progress: UN Report - World hunger fell overall last year, but continued to rise in most of Africa and western Asia, according to a new report — The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) — published by five specialized UN agencies and released Monday by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).Roughly 8.2 percent of the world’s population — about 673 million people — suffered from hunger in 2024, a press release from FAO said. The number was down from 8.7 percent in 2022 and 8.5 percent in 2023.The report indicates that from 638 to 720 million people faced hunger last year, representing a decrease of approximately 15 million from 2023 and 22 million from 2022. The number of those who were undernourished in Asia fell to 6.7 percent, down from 7.9 percent two years earlier. The Caribbean and Latin America also saw improvements, with undernourishment decreasing to 5.1 percent of the population — 34 million people — in 2024, following a 2020 peak of 6.1 percent. “Unfortunately, this positive trend contrasts sharply with the steady rise in hunger across Africa and western Asia, including in many countries affected by prolonged food crises. The proportion of the population facing hunger in Africa surpassed 20 percent in 2024, affecting 307 million people, while in western Asia an estimated 12.7 percent of the population, or more than 39 million people, may have faced hunger in 2024,” FAO said. At the same time, those experiencing constraints on adequate food access for part of the year — “moderate or severe food insecurity” — decreased to 28 percent in 2024, or 2.3 billion people, down from 28.4 percent in 2023.It is estimated that 512 million people could experience chronic undernourishment by 2030, nearly 60 percent of whom will be in Africa. FAO, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the UN World Food Programme (WFP), the United Nations agency for children (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) said this highlights the enormous challenge of reaching the Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger.The report examined the consequences and causes of the food price surge of 2021 to 2023 and its effect on global food security and nutrition. Food price inflation — caused by a combination of the world’s policy response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the impacts of Russia’s war on Ukraine and extreme weather across the globe — has hindered recovery in nutrition and food security since 2020.Low-income nations have been especially impacted by rising food prices.“While median global food price inflation increased from 2.3 percent in December 2020 to 13.6 percent in early 2023, it climbed even higher in low-income countries, peaking at 30 percent in May 2023,” FAO said.But even with rising food prices around the world, the number of those not able to afford to eat a healthy diet fell to 2.6 billion last year, down from 2.76 billion in 2019.However, in low-income countries, the number of those who couldn’t afford a healthy diet rose to 545 last year, up from 464 million five years earlier. In lower-middle-income nations other than India, the number increased to 869 million from 791 million during the same period.
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