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New York City lawmakers plan to present 17 proposals on Tuesday to improve e-bike safety after fatal crashes. The City Council will consider bills to regulate speed, require commercial licenses, and increase penalties. Council speaker Julie Menin said, "We must also examine what additional legislative solutions are needed to keep New Yorkers safe."
Ronald S. Lauder has not given a single dollar this year to Republicans in his home state, and his super PAC has gone idle. The billionaire cosmetics heir recently told associates that his adult children stepped in to reduce his spending after his stake in Estée Lauder lost significant value.
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee has become a major spender in American elections, with costs rising from $29.3 million to $67.2 million. The group now focuses on congressional races, often using ads about the economy or abortion to support candidates. Today, they face a big test in Michigan.
Voters in Kansas, Missouri, Virginia, Michigan, and Washington headed to the polls Tuesday for key midterm primaries. These contests help shape the battle for control of the US Congress. Many races also test Donald Trump’s influence over the Republican Party as voters choose candidates to compete in the November elections.
Hungary came within millimetres of shutting down its Paks Power Plant overnight as Danube water levels fell. Prime Minister Péter Magyar said, “Around 1:30 a.m. we were a few millimetres away from completely shutting down the Paks Power Plant.” The plant now operates at reduced capacity to stay safe.
Spokane County authorities arrested 37-year-old Aaron Farinacci on Monday for suspected arson. Officials said he started the Old Trails fire, one of three blazes that forced 65,000 people to evacuate. A witness saw him kneeling near the ignition site. He got caught carrying matches and a lighter, police said.
Japan outlined its military build-up plan, citing threats from China, Russia and North Korea. The government said arms production can support economic growth and help people’s lives. Officials used an anime-style cover for the white paper to show a futuristic image as they increased defence spending to 2% of GDP.
Next week marks the fifth anniversary of the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan. Since then, women and girls have faced severe repression, including bans on education and work. In June, troops fired on protesters, killing two people. UN observers now describe the situation as gender apartheid, leaving many girls in danger.
Shipping traffic at the Bab el-Mandeb and Strait of Hormuz remained steady on August 4 as U.S.-Iran talks stayed uncertain. Twenty vessels passed through Bab el-Mandeb on Monday, while six used the Hormuz route. Iran’s spokesman Esmail Baghaei said, "No negotiations with the U.S. were taking place and no meetings were scheduled."
The Democratic Action Party will decide on August 16 if its leaders should stay in the Malaysian government. DAP chief Anthony Loke said, "The vote will decide our participation in the government." The party faces pressure after recent election losses and concerns about the government’s handling of key national issues.
Captain Ibrahim Traore, who seized power in a 2022 coup, faces a reality test as Burkina Faso struggles with insecurity. In April, Traore told Burkinabe people to "forget about democracy" while extending military rule. Many supporters praise his push for sovereignty, but critics worry about the lack of civilian governance.
Iran and Oman are closing in on an agreement to reopen shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. While the deal could help President Trump, it might give Iran control over the waterway. A U.S. official said on Monday that the Iranian account of the deal was not accurate.