The U.S. economy grew at a 1.5% annual rate in the second quarter, below forecasts, as the Iran war, higher energy prices and rising imports weighed on output. Inflation eased in June but remained above the Federal Reserve’s target, while consumer spending stayed solid.
News Mash
St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her is under investigation after Police Chief Axel Henry filed a sexual harassment complaint alleging inappropriate messages to city employees. Her said she is cooperating and acknowledged that some attempts at humor fell short of her standards.
The U.S. military said it struck dozens of Iranian Revolutionary Guard targets after Iran attacked a base housing U.S. forces in Jordan. Iran, Jordan and Kuwait reported new attacks as the fighting spread across multiple fronts.
Russia fired more than 70 missiles and 280 drones across Ukraine, killing civilians and wounding dozens, officials said. Zelenskyy renewed calls for allies to send more anti-ballistic missiles, saying delays cost lives.
Japan’s prime minister said 30 people have died after a powerful earthquake struck Kumamoto prefecture, where rescuers are searching collapsed buildings. Thousands of evacuees are sheltering amid heat warnings, power outages and continuing aftershocks.
Russian missile and drone attacks killed at least eight people in Ukraine, including two children, local officials said. The strikes came after Zelenskyy urged allies to provide more air defence missiles following talks with President Donald Trump.
The US military says it has launched “powerful” strikes on Iran after an attempted attack on American forces in Jordan and ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The escalation follows joint US-Saudi strikes in Iraq that Iraqi officials condemned as a violation of sovereignty.
Hadi Matar was convicted in federal court of terrorism offenses in the 2022 stabbing of Salman Rushdie. The verdict could bring a life sentence on top of the 25-year state prison term he is already serving.