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Seattle police chief Shon Barnes resigned Thursday after facing pressure from Mayor Katie Wilson over the slow response to a fatal festival shooting. Three people died during the event last weekend. Barnes said, “I hope this transition gives the city and this department the opportunity to return full focus.”
Australian wine exports dropped to their lowest level in 22 years as global alcohol consumption fell. Exports fell below 600 million litres, hitting major markets like China and the United States. Paul Turale from Wine Australia said, "everybody in the supply chain across Australia was feeling the pinch" as sales slowed.
America spent $37.5 billion on the Iran conflict as missile costs soared. The US used over 100 Standard Missile 3 interceptors, each costing $40 million, to defend against ballistic attacks. Mark Cancian said, "The thing that probably surprises me most was just how big a chunk was in munitions."
US stocks rallied on Thursday as Microsoft jumped 15.5% after forecasting strong cloud growth. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.2% to 52,209.57, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 2.8%. Jed Ellerbroek said, "Microsoft is going to be able to move itself from the 'battleground' camp to a 'trusted AI winner' stock."
Spanish military units are being deployed to reinforce police in Ceuta after migrants from Morocco broke through border fences. "It was very tough," said migrant Jadid Zacaria. The government sent 200 police and 60 troops to the city. Nine people died, adding to many who fell during recent crossing attempts.
The Batavia shipwreck cargo reveals complex global trade routes from nearly 400 years ago. Researcher Anthony Clarke found that sandstone blocks on the 1629 wreck came from many German quarries. He said, "It seems they were not picky in where their blocks were from," showing a sophisticated, early supply chain.
President Trump created the Board of Peace to resolve the war in Gaza. On Thursday, Mr. Trump said the group reached an agreement for Hamas to begin disarming. While many nations joined, others like France and Spain refused. Mr. Trump remains the chairman and could lead even after leaving office.
Dr. Anthony S. Fauci invoked his Fifth Amendment right at a Senate hearing on Wednesday. Republicans spent hours questioning him about Covid research and school closures. Because he stayed silent, many people got confused. Dr. Fauci took this approach because, as his lawyer said, he could face prosecution for lying.
Former President Barack Obama will hold a fund-raiser in late August for the National Democratic Redistricting Committee. The event on Martha’s Vineyard aims to help Democrats redraw congressional maps before the 2028 election. John Bisognano said, "The 2028 redistricting fight is already underway," as the party seeks more funding.
Democratic Party officials approved a new 2028 primary calendar starting in South Carolina on Jan. 22. This map moves away from Iowa and New Hampshire to include more diverse states. Rob Flaherty said, "I follow things pretty closely, and I have no idea how it's going to bounce." It changes everything.
The Portland Trail Blazers and the city of Portland met Thursday to discuss $573 million in public funding for arena improvements. City council president Jamie Dunphy said, "I think the distance between the Blazers and the city is pretty significant." The council will vote on the term sheet August 12.
The National Theatre is staging Electra and Persona together in a new production. Director Benedict Andrews paired the two dramas, which were written 23 centuries apart. “Persona is a pinnacle of modernist cinema and Bergman is a north star for me,” said Andrews. Actors swap roles night by night.