Trump’s Economic Threat Puts Focus on Iran’s Trading Partners
President Trump appeared to suggest that the United States would impose economic penalties on countries that do business with Iran, though he did not specify what actions he would take.
Nancy Kissinger, Wife of Former Secretary of State, Dies at 92
A foreign policy specialist, she was politically savvy and well versed in global issues, and traveled widely with her husband, Henry A. Kissinger, on his diplomatic missions.
2 Hijackings in 4 Days: Somali Piracy Rises
Experts worry that the conflict in Iran and other regional dynamics are setting the stage for a Somali pirates’ comeback.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s ‘Road Trip’ Highlights America, and Some of Its Sponsors
The transportation secretary’s six-part YouTube series is fueling ethical concerns over family adventures funded in large part by corporate sponsors regulated by his department.
The Message Behind Trump’s Threats of ‘Economic Warfare’ Against Iran
President Trump’s threats of an “economic D-Day” carry a clear signal to Iran that he does not want to go back to war.
First U.S. Deportees to Arrive in Liberia Amid Growing Backlash
The five men were part of the first group of deportees to be sent to the West African nation by the Trump administration. The Liberian government has not clarified their status.
Cameroon’s Aging President Returns From Monthslong Stay Abroad
Paul Biya, 93, had been in Switzerland since early June. The prolonged absence stirred questions about his health and plans for succession.
Japan’s U.S. Ties Could Not Save a Top Judge From Trump’s I.C.C. Sanctions
Japan had tried to dissuade the U.S. from imposing sanctions on Tomoko Akane, president of the International Criminal Court, but the White House pressed ahead.
Walmart shares slide 10% as sales growth slows
Walmart on Thursday reported its slowest quarterly comparable sales growth in six years and warned shoppers were likely being squeezed by high gasoline prices, stoking concerns that pressure on U.S. consumers is mounting.
The retailer raised its annual sales and profit forecasts and said aggressive price cuts would boost demand later this year, but investors were unconvinced.
Shares fell as much as 10% to a nine-month low of $102.85 — its biggest single-day drop since May 2022 — and were on track for a nearly $90 billion loss in market value if losses hold.
The retailer, the world’s biggest by revenue, is known for its low prices on grocery and essentials, which has helped Walmart stay well ahead of competition. But price rollbacks on 11,000 products, announced on Wednesday, will be fueled in part by $2.9 billion in tariff refunds – a one-time boon, and a strategy also being deployed by rivals including Target.
“For the consumer economy, this is like Nvidia posting a slowdown,” said Brian Jacobsen, chief economic strategist at Annex Wealth Management. “Walmart has been winning the trade-down trade, but that tailwind may be fading.”
There are other signs pointing to softening demand. U.S. retail sales fell unexpectedly in July, while gasoline prices have remained elevated for months. President Donald Trump last week warned consumers that fuel prices could remain high as the war in Iran drags on.
Darline Graham’s Debate Misstep Tests South Carolina’s Appetite for a Political Newcomer
Senator Darline Graham has argued that her lack of political experience is a strength as she runs to succeed her brother, Lindsey Graham. But a debate misstep has rattled some of her supporters.
