August 12, 2025

MIDDLE EAST | Update from regional conflicts:

• The managers of Norway's sovereign wealth fund said yesterday that they have sold its shares in 11 Israeli companies amidst the "serious humanitarian crisis in Gaza. [more]

UKRAINE | Today is day 1,265 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Here are your updates:

• Ahead of Friday's meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, European and Ukrainian leaders are seeking talks with Trump to discuss their security interests and prepare for possible peace negotiations regarding Ukraine. [more]
• U.S. President Donald Trump said yesterday that it is likely both sides will have to cede territory as part of any peace deal to end the war in Ukraine. [more]

WASHINGTON, DC | President Donald Trump announced the federal takeover of Washington, DC’s Metropolitan Police Department yesterday and ordered as many as 800 National Guard troops deployed to patrol the city as parts of wide-ranging efforts to address what he characterizes as rampant crime in the capital city. [more]

U.S. GUN VIOLENCE | Three people – two adults and one child – were killed yesterday when a gunman opened fire in the parking lot of a Target store in Austin, Texas. Authorities describe the suspect, who was captured shortly after the shooting, as a man in his 30s with a history of mental health issues, and say the motive behind the shooting is still under investigation. [more]

PENNSYLVANIA | Two people were killed, and 10 others were injured, yesterday in an explosion at a steel plant in Clairton, Pennsylvania. Authorities say the cause of the blast remains under investigation and that an air quality alert issued in the area has been lifted. [more]

CALIFORNIA | A three-day trial began yesterday in San Francisco in which California is seeking the return of state National Guard troops federalized and deployed to Los Angeles to state control and prevent such military deployments in the future to "execute or assist in the execution of federal law or any civilian law enforcement functions by any federal agent or officer." [more]

U.S. ECONOMY | According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data released today, consumer prices rose 2.7% in July, compared to the year-ago period – the same level measured in June. [more]

U.S. AND CHINA | Hours before significant new U.S. tariffs were to be imposed, President Donald Trump announced yesterday that he would delay the new trade duties on Chinese goods for another 90 days. Analysts say the extension gives the countries time to negotiate a trade agreement and provides companies time to make medium- and long-term plans. [more]

U.S., CHINA, AND PANAMA | The U.S. suggested before the U.N. Security Council yesterday that Chinese management and influence over the Panama Canal could threaten global trade and security. China characterized the U.S. accusations as a pretext to take control of the canal. [more]

SUDAN | Local officials say at least 40 people were killed, and at least 19 others were wounded, yesterday when Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces attacked the Abu Shouk displacement camp in the country's North Darfur province. [more]

TAIWAN | Hundreds of people have been evacuated today from Taiwan's southeastern coast ahead of the anticipated arrival of Typhoon Podul, which is expected to make landfall tomorrow near the city of Taitung. [more]

GREECE | Greek authorities say migrants with rejected asylum claims will be required to wear ankle monitors as part of planned measures aimed at speeding deportations. Migration Minister Thanos Plevris says the measure, along with other related regulations, is expected to take effect later this year. [more]

MYANMAR | United Nations investigators say they have "significant evidence, including eyewitness testimony," of systematic torture by government agents of inmates in Myanmar detention facilities. Investigators say they have identified, but not released the names of, several perpetrators. [more]

PAKISTAN  | The U.S. State Department has formally designated the Balochistan Liberation Army a 'foreign terrorist organization' – a move welcomed by the Pakistani government, which says the separatist group is responsible for numerous terrorist attacks in the country's Balochistan province. [more]

COLLEGE FOOTBALL | Texas tops the pre-season AP college football rankings released yesterday, followed by Penn State, Ohio State, Clemson, and Georgia. [full rankings] [more]

BASEBALL | With a win over the Pittsburgh Pirates last night, the Milwaukee Brewers became the first Major League Baseball team since 2019 with multiple winning streaks of 10 or more games. [more]

TODAY IN HISTORY | On this date in 1981, IBM introduced its first personal computer, the model 5150, at a press conference in New York.  [more history]