While You Were Sleeping: 5 stories you might have missed, July 25, 2025
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US President Donald Trump (left) and Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell discussing the cost of renovating the Federal Reserve Board building in Washington, on July 24.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Trump, Fed chief Powell bicker during tense visit
Donald Trump and US Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell appeared together for a tense meeting July 24 as the president toured the central bank after ramping up his attacks on its management of the economy.
Mr Trump – who wants to oust Mr Powell for refusing to lower interest rates but likely lacks the legal authority – has threatened to fire the Fed chief over cost overruns for a renovation of its Washington headquarters.
During a brief but painfully awkward exchange in front of the news media during a tour of the building, the pair bickered over the price tag for the makeover, which Mr Trump said was US$3.1 billion (S$3.9 billion).
The actual cost of the facelift has been put at US$2.5 billion and Mr Powell was quick to correct the president, telling him: “I haven’t heard that from anybody.”
Israel, US recall teams from Gaza truce talks
PHOTO: REUTERS
Israel and the United States recalled their delegations from Gaza ceasefire talks for consultations on July 24, with US envoy Steve Witkoff accusing the Palestinian militant group Hamas of failing to act in good faith in the talks.
It marked the latest setback in efforts to secure a deal that would bring a ceasefire to Gaza, secure the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, and bring respite to Palestinians suffering a sharply worsening humanitarian crisis.
Mr Witkoff said mediators had made a great effort but “Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith”.
Thai-Cambodian dispute: Asean’s relevance on the line
PHOTO: REUTERS
The deadly border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia is once again testing Asean’s longstanding principle of non-interference, say analysts.
Clashes between its two member states on July 24 left at least 12 dead, following two months of brewing border hostilities.
The sharp escalation underscores Asean’s limitations in handling intra-regional disputes, experts told The Straits Times, and raises fresh questions about its relevance in managing crises among its own members.
Naked man on Google Street View wins compensation
PHOTO: REUTERS
An Argentine captured naked in his yard by a Google Street View camera has been awarded compensation by a court after his bare behind was splashed over the internet for all to see.
The policeman had sought payment from the internet giant for harm to his dignity, arguing he was behind a 2m-high wall when a Google camera captured him in the buff, from behind, in a small-town in Argentina in 2017.
His house number and street name were also laid bare, broadcast on Argentine TV covering the story, and shared widely on social media.
Wrestling star Hulk Hogan dies at 71
PHOTOS: AFP
Hulk Hogan, the American sports and entertainment star who made professional wrestling a global phenomenon and loudly supported Donald Trump for president, has died at the age of 71, World Wrestling Entertainment said on July 24.
“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s,” WWE said on X.
Police in Clearwater, Florida, said authorities had responded to a medical call for a cardiac arrest at Hogan’s residence on the morning of July 24. Hogan was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, they said.
