While You Were Sleeping: 5 stories you might have missed, July 8, 2025
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US President Donald Trump announcing steeper levies on trading partners at the White House on April 2.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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Trump announces 25% tariffs on goods from Japan, South Korea in letters to leaders
President Donald Trump on July 7 began telling trade partners - from powerhouse suppliers like Japan and South Korea to minor players - that sharply higher US tariffs will start August 1, marking a new phase in the trade war he launched in earlier 2025.
The 14 countries sent letters so far, which included smaller US exporters like Serbia, Thailand and Tunisia, hinted at opportunities for additional negotiations while at the same time warning that any reprisal steps would be met with a like-for-like response.
“If for any reason you decide to raise your Tariffs, then, whatever the number you choose to raise them by, will be added onto the 25 per cent that we charge,” Mr Trump said in letters, released on his Truth Social platform, to Japan and South Korea.
The higher tariffs take effect Aug 1, and notably will not combine with previously announced sector tariffs such as those on automobiles and steel and aluminium.
Youth camp confirms 27 dead as more than 90 people killed in Texas flood
PHOTO: AFP
Rescuers in Texas searched on July 7 for bodies swept away by flash floods that killed more than 90 people, including 27 girls and counselors at a summer camp destroyed by torrents of water.
The United States was shocked at the disaster over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, and forecasters warned of more flooding as rain falls on saturated ground.
“Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy,” Camp Mystic said in a statement confirming the 27 deaths at the all-girls camp, located next to a river.
Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide, US Justice Dept memo says
PHOTO: AFP
Jeffrey Epstein was not murdered, did not blackmail prominent figures and did not keep a “client list,” the FBI and Justice Department said July 7, debunking notable conspiracy theories about the disgraced US financier.
The conclusions came after an “exhaustive review” of the evidence amassed against Epstein, who died by suicide in a New York prison in 2019 after being charged with sex trafficking, the agencies said in a joint memorandum.
Six years later, questions continue to swirl around Epstein’s life and death and the multi-millionaire hedge fund manager’s connections to wealthy and powerful individuals.
Houthis claim first ship sinking this year in Red Sea attack
PHOTO: REUTERS
Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis said on July 7 that a cargo ship they struck with gunfire, rockets and explosive-laden remote-controlled boats had sunk in the Red Sea, after their first known attack on the high seas in 2025.
The ship’s Greek operator Stem Shipping told Reuters it had no independent verification. Reuters could also not immediately verify whether the ship had sunk.
The Houthis claimed responsibility for July 6's assault and said they had allowed the 19 crew members to disembark from the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier, the Magic Seas.
Sinner into Wimbledon quarters after injured Dimitrov retires
PHOTO: REUTERS
Jannik Sinner reached the Wimbledon quarter-finals in bizarre fashion as Grigor Dimitrov was forced to retire despite holding a two-set lead against the world number one on July 7.
Sinner had been battling an injury to his right elbow and was trailing 3-6, 5-7, 2-2 on Centre Court when Dimitrov injured himself serving an ace.
The Bulgarian collapsed onto the court holding his pectoral muscle and shouted out in pain as Sinner rushed to his aid.
