World news, briefly.
Updated daily at 7 AM Japan time
Japan recorded a 2.81 trillion yen ($17.8 billion) trade deficit in the first half of its fiscal year as oil import costs surged amid conflict in the Middle East. Imports rose 20.4% from a year earlier, outpacing an 18.4% increase in exports.
apnews.com (English) ↗＋ SaveGellert Global Group filed a lawsuit challenging the administration’s authority to impose a 50% tariff on $20 billion of Canadian goods under a Depression-era law. The case adds to legal uncertainty surrounding the expanding tariff program.
apnews.com (English) ↗＋ SaveA Kremlin official said Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to resume trilateral negotiations with Washington and Kyiv on ending the war in Ukraine. The talks are expected to address a future security system for Russia and Ukraine after the conflict.
apnews.com (English) ↗＋ SaveAfrican health ministers were invited to an emergency virtual meeting after Nigeria reported its first Ebola case in more than a decade. The outbreak began in Congo and has spread to several other African countries.
apnews.com (English) ↗＋ SaveA drone attack on a market in Abyei, a region disputed by Sudan and South Sudan, killed at least 153 people, according to a local official. The official blamed Sudan’s military, while the death toll was expected to rise.
apnews.com (English) ↗＋ SaveGoldman Sachs identified power availability as a major risk to the expected expansion of AI infrastructure and spending. Its report said energy and physical infrastructure are developing more slowly than AI capabilities.
axios.com (English) ↗＋ SaveResearch from cybersecurity company Frenos found that top-tier frontier AI models are increasingly capable of mapping attacks against critical infrastructure. The findings suggest freely available models could eventually make attacks on power and water systems easier to execute.
axios.com (English) ↗＋ SaveDonald Trump’s approval rating fell to 36% in a New York Times/Siena College poll of about 3,494 likely voters. Fifty-nine percent disapproved of his job performance, while 52% said they planned to vote for the Democratic candidate.
theguardian.com (English) ↗＋ SaveRelatives and an immigration advocacy group say authorities are preparing to deport gravely ill detainees from two Florida facilities to unknown African countries where they have no ties. Flights could be scheduled as early as Wednesday, they said.
theguardian.com (English) ↗＋ SaveEighteen-year-old Rio Ngumoha produced a standout performance in Liverpool’s 4-3 Champions League win over Villarreal. His runs and shooting impressed coach Andoni Iraola, while captain Virgil van Dijk praised his development.
theguardian.com (English) ↗＋ SaveMark Allen said he spent 10 weeks in a mental health clinic before returning to competition at the Northern Ireland Open. The former world No. 1 said he was continuing his recovery after acknowledging that he had not been well.
theguardian.com (English) ↗＋ SaveThe Guardian reported that Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister, has gained public support and won an election since taking office. It said she may need more allies within her party to remain in power through her second year.
theguardian.com (English) ↗＋ Save