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British Columbia receives federal assistance when wildfires force evacuations
The Canadian federal Government said that it would assist British Columbia in the wake of a raging wildfire forcing thousands to flee. It will provide shelter and accommodation for residents who are displaced around Summerland, Peachland. Bald Range Wildfire has spread over 10,300 hectares as firefighters continue to fight the fire. Eleanor Olszewski is Canada's Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience. She said in a post on social media that she approved British Columbia's request for federal assistance to provide accommodation for those who were forced to flee their homes because of wildfires. The minister stated that he had asked federal officials to work with the provincial government to make sure the support reached those in need. Wildfire Service of British Columbia said that the hot, dry weather in southern British Columbia has continued to cause fires to spread. It said that poor visibility and "increasing" fires created new challenges for aviation and ground crew response. The turbulence, thick smoke and large fires hampered the operation of ten helicopters, including a night vision helicopter. It said that the province has 34 firefighters from Australia, five from New Zealand and 214 from Mexico who support 'hundreds' of provincial firefighter. Additional international resources are expected to arrive in the next few days. Reporting by Nivedita Balu, Toronto; Editing and proofreading by Alison Williams
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After 18 months of negotiations, Syria and Russia have reached an agreement on the future of Tartous & Hmeimim Bases
After?18 months? of intensive negotiating, Syria and Russia have reached an agreement to settle the future of Russian base?at Tartous?and Hmeimim?, according the Syrian Foreign Ministry. The ministry announced that the Syrian state will take over the management of civil facilities, such as Hmeimim Airport and the commercial berth at Tartous Port, allowing for their gradual integration into the civilian administration. The military sites would be converted into joint training and qualification centres, under new arrangements that preserve the interests of both parties. This transition was to be completed in three months. The Russian naval base at Hmeimim and?Tartous air?base has long been Moscow's main military footholds throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean. Since former President Bashar Al-Assad's ouster in December 2024, their future has been a subject of negotiation with Syria’s new leadership. In a separate statement, Syria's General Authority for Ports and Customs announced that Syria would assume control of the commercial sites operated by Russia in Tartous Port, including Pier No. In a separate?statement, Syria's General Authority for Ports and Customs said that the country would take over the commercial sites previously operated?by Russia at Tartous port, including Pier No. Last month, it was reported that Russia wanted to create a 'commercial logistics hub' at Tartous Port using the pier No. The restricted zone 4 is located outside the naval base. Both sides agreed that the hub would remain under Syrian control and all operations would be subject to approval from Syria's General Authority for Ports and Customs. Reporting by Tala Ramadan, Kinda Makieh, and Feras Dalatey; editing by Alison Williams
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Aramco Jazan facility fire extinguished, Saudi Arabia reports
The Saudi Energy Ministry reported that firefighters extinguished the fire at Saudi Aramco Jazan refinery, which broke out early Sunday morning. The fire was brought under control by Aramco's Industrial Security Teams and the authorities are completing the procedures to handle the incident. This is what the Saudi Energy Ministry said on X. The ministry did not say what started the fire. Jazan lies on the Red Sea, near the border of Yemen. Aramco closed its 400,000 barrels-per-day Jazan'refinery' on July 27, following an attack from Yemen's Houthi militants, which damaged the plant’s Integrated 'Gasification Combined Cycle' (IGCC) and tank farm 'area. The Houthis claimed to have struck Aramco facilities in Jazan and Yanbu at the time. The attacks raised concerns that the U.S./Israeli war on Iran, and Iranian attacks against shipping around the Strait of Hormuz could cause global disruptions. Amin Nasser, Aramco's chief executive officer, said that recent attacks on Aramco facilities caused production interruptions. However, he is confident that operations can be quickly restored. He claimed that the attacks had no financial or operational impact. Houthis have declared a blockade on Saudi Arabia at the Red Sea in response to what they claim is a Saudi siege against Yemen. Riyadh has denied this allegation. Reporting by Hatem Mahar; Editing and proofreading by William Mallard & Lincoln Feast.
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Wildfires are causing wildfires to spread in British Columbia’s wine region.
On Saturday, a wildfire that was rapidly spreading in the western part of Canada forced thousands of residents to leave their homes. Bald Range was out of control, and had grown to approximately 9,500 hectares (23,500 acres). This prompted evacuation orders for Summerland, Peachland, and other districts located west of Okanagan Lake. This region produces the majority of B.C. The?region produces most of B.C. Summerland declared a state-of-emergency and has a population of 12,000 people according to the census of 2021. Peachland has a population of 6,500. "A?lot of farms were affected. We do not know how many buildings have been destroyed. Summerland Mayor Doug Holmes told a reporter that firefighters were still fighting the fire. "We must prepare for the worst." Terry Fries, of Summerland?was watching a game of football on Friday night. A neighbor told him to prepare a bag as the fire was growing. He said that at the time the fire was further back and could be seen behind the hills. B.C. When B.C. Summerland District, located about 45km (28miles) away from Kelowna lost power due to a wildfire on Saturday. Residents were issued a boil-water notice. The municipality stated that untreated water entered the system because it bypassed a water treatment plant due to the wildfire. This year, wildfires have raged in several Canadian provinces including Ontario and Quebec due to hot, dry weather. Firefighters from Mexico and Australia have been helping to fight the fires. About 1,500 firefighters are on the ground in B.C. where dry and hot conditions increase the danger of fires spreading. The province has issued 39 alerts and 38 orders of evacuation in relation to more than 100 fires. According to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, fires have consumed 4 million hectares (9.9 millions acres) of land in Canada so far this year. Paige Taylor White reported from Penticton in British Columbia, and Nivedita Bali in Toronto. Susan Fenton and Rod Nickel edited the story.
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Fijian Rugby player dies in Japan after suspected heatstroke
The Fijian side said that Saimoni 'Vunilagi', a professional rugby player, died on Saturday after suffering from a'suspected case of heatstroke? while training with his team in southern Japan. After training with his Fukuoka-based team,?Kyushu Electric Power Kyuden Voltex - also known as Kyushu KV, the back rower was admitted to hospital with symptoms of severe heatstroke on Monday. The club confirmed that he died on Friday morning. In recent weeks, Japan has experienced a heatwave with temperatures in some cities exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). The government has now designated this as a "brutally warm day." The club in Japan's second division said that "Saimoni has only just joined Kyushu KV but his generous spirit and powerful playing style have raised high expectations for his contribution in the coming season." The club said: "We extend our sincere condolences and pray for his soul's repose." Japan's national team?suffered a narrow defeat to Australia in an evening match on Saturday, played in humid conditions?in Osaka. Due to the extreme heat, both teams took mandatory water breaks in between each half. (Reporting and editing by Pritha Sakar in Osaka)
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British Columbia district issues evacuation orders amid wildfires
The district of Summerland in British Columbia declared a state of emergency early Saturday morning as a rapidly-moving fire swept across western Canada forcing thousands of residents to evacuate. As of early Saturday morning, the 'Bald Range' wildfire had spread to approximately 5,000 hectares and prompted evacuation orders for other districts in this region. According to BC Wildfire Service, the fire began about 15 kilometers (9 miles) west of Summerland. Summerland district, which is located about 45 km from Kelowna said that it lost power due to wildfires on Saturday. It also issued a boil-water notice to residents, saying that untreated water entered the system when the water treatment plant had been bypassed because of the threat of wildfire. According to the census of 2021, Summerland's population is approximately 12,000 people. This year, wildfires have raged in several regions of Canada including Ontario and Quebec due to hot, dry conditions. Mexico, Australia France and New Zealand have all offered assistance to Canada in the fight against these fires. Around 1,500 firefighters are on the ground in British Columbia where hot, dry conditions can increase the likelihood of new fires. Lightning could also spark old fires. The province has also issued 49 alerts and 39 orders of evacuation. Premier David Eby stated earlier this week that he was prepared with additional international?and national firefighters and aircraft. According to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, fires have consumed 3.9 million hectares of land in Canada so far this year. (Reporting and editing by Susan Fenton in Toronto, Nivedita Balu from Toronto)
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UAE: Iran fired missiles at ADNOC vessel in Strait of Hormuz
The United Arab Emirates condemned on Saturday what they said was an Iranian attack against a carrier connected to its state oil company, as it passed through 'the Strait of Hormuz. They accused Tehran of committing "acts?of piracy". Initial reports from the state news agency WAM stated that ADNOC had said one of their vessels was targeted by a rocket early Saturday morning and that everything was under control. Later, the UAE Foreign Ministry condemned what it termed "the hostile Iranian attacks" on an ADNOC ship. No details were given about the tanker, its cargo, or any possible damage. There were no injuries reported. Before the conflict, a fifth (or more) of the world's oil and gas liquefied was transported through the narrow waterway that connects Oman to Iran. Shipping has been disrupted repeatedly since the U.S. and Israeli war against Iran began on February 28. This has led to higher freight rates and security concerns. The ministry stated that the attack was in violation of a 'U.N. The Security Council's resolution on freedom of navigation accused the Iranian Revolutionary Guards (IRG) of "piracy", accusing them of targeting commercial ships and using waterways as a means of economic pressure. The statement called on Iran stop the attacks and open the Strait unconditionally and fully. Iran's Guards had previously threatened to take action against vessels that transited the Strait of Hormuz?if they were linked to Tehran's enemies, or if failed to follow Iranian directives. ADNOC stated on Friday that they had been "significantly affected" by unprovoked attacks against their personnel and assets while continuing to meet the needs of customers in an "exceptionally difficult environment". The company reported that 15 of their vessels were 'attacked' by drones and missiles while they transited the strait, including three in the last week. One crew member was killed and 20 others injured. ADNOC's statement of Friday did not identify those responsible for the attacks. ADNOC is the state oil company of Abu Dhabi and one of the largest energy producers in the world. It exports crude oil and natural gas to customers around the globe.
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Zelenskiy: Russian drones killed a 3-year-old child and his grandparents near Kyiv
Volodymyr Zelenskiy, the president of Ukraine, said that Russian drones had killed a 3-year-old child and his grandparents, in a village?in the Kyiv Region, and another person was killed by a ballistic attack?overnight?on the capital. In recent months, Russia has intensified its attacks on Kyiv. Ukraine has also targeted Russian oil infrastructure and logistical infrastructure in an effort to reduce Moscow's war-fighting capability. Both Russia and Ukraine deny that they deliberately target civilians during their attacks. The Ukrainian air force reported that Russia had launched six ballistic rockets and 151 unmanned aerial vehicles at Ukraine over night. Ukrainian General Staff also stated on Saturday that its military attacked Russia's Ilsky?oil refineries and Syzran oil refineries overnight, causing both fires. Local authorities have also confirmed that five people were injured in the Krasnodar Region in southern Russia after a Ukrainian drone strike. UKRAINE'S SHORTAGE of Air Defence Missiles Zelenskiy said on Telegram that "Europe, America and Ukraine have wanted to stop the Russian war for a long time," "Only the Russian President Vladimir Putin does not want to do that, and he desperately clings to his ballistic missiles and robots to keep the war going. "More pressure is required." Zelenskiy, who is visiting Serbia for the first time, is seeking to join the European Union. The President has been pressing for additional help, as the country is chronically lacking air defence missiles to support U.S. Patriot Systems. Defence ministry reported that only 29 of 195 missiles were intercepted during July. The Ukrainian air defenses were able to shoot down 135 drones but not ballistic missiles. This was announced by the Ukrainian air force on Saturday. Tymur Tkachenko is the head of Kyiv's regional administration. He said that three places in the Brovarskyi District, near the capital, had been hit by Russian missiles. In the region, 10 private homes, commercial and production sites were damaged. After Russian drones killed a child and his grandparents, a private house in Puhivka village, located about 30 kilometres from?Kyiv was set blaze. Zelenskiy reported that his parents, 15-year old brother and neighbour were also injured. Officials reported that fires had been reported in Kyiv's three districts. Damage was caused to commercial?premises, warehouses, and other buildings. Witnesses heard "several powerful blasts" that rocked the city centre. The Russian Defence Ministry announced on Saturday that Russian forces had taken over the settlement of Ivanivka, in Ukraine's Kharkiv Region. The report could not be independently confirmed. Ukraine has not yet commented. Reporting by Dan Flynn, Olena Hartmash and Barbara Lewis.
As Trump turns 80, his setbacks are fueling talk of a lame duck presidency.
U.S. president Donald 'Trump' is trying to project strength in his 80th year, but setbacks both at home and abroad expose the limits of his power and push him towards the lame-duck situation he told aides that he was determined to avoid.
His approval ratings are declining and the courts are pushing him back. He is 17 months into his second tenure. His fellow Republicans are also defying his leadership, though his core supporters remain loyal.
Trump still has considerable clout. He has helped to oust Republican incumbents from primaries and has pursued aggressive trade policies. Trump has pursued high-profile building projects in Washington, in what is one of the most ambitious construction drives undertaken by a U.S. President in recent years.
The dynamic is playing out just months before the midterm elections in November, as Trump's Republican Party struggles to maintain control over Congress. Losing one or both chambers of Congress to the opposition Democrats could accelerate his slide into lame duck phase. This is when presidents, if they are barred from running for office again, see their influence diminish and domestic priorities stymied.
According to a presidential advisor who spoke under condition of anonymity in order to discuss sensitive matters, the White House has tried to prevent this narrative from taking root prematurely. It has also been forceful to let Republican lawmakers know that Trump can still?make or break' them.
The adviser said that Trump's authority was bound to diminish as Republicans began to show greater willingness to oppose him.
The adviser stated that "he'll start to lose his leverage naturally, especially after midterms."
Trump told his staffers privately that he was thinking about a third term despite the fact that it is prohibited by the Constitution. This is done to avoid the public perception that Trump might become "lame duck" and lose relevance, according to an anonymous former senior aide.
Olivia Wales, White House spokesperson, said: "President Trump is unambiguous leader of the Republican Party and is committed to maintaining Republicans majority in Congress."
SECURITY OF HEALTH
Trump's political status is being scrutinized as his personal stamina increases.
A February /Ipsos survey found that 61 percent of Americans believed Trump's behavior had become more erratic as he aged. A second survey conducted in April revealed a majority was concerned about Trump's temperament and mental sharpness.
Trump, the oldest president to be sworn in, will celebrate his 80th birthday by hosting an UFC cagefight on the White House's lawn on Sunday.
Since launching the Iran war in February, Trump has mostly stayed in the White House and his Mar-a-Lago Resort in Florida. Since then, he has only made a few domestic trips.
He spends most of his "executive" time and has many meetings behind closed doors. He is more visible through his Truth Social platform where he posts all day long and into the evening.
Trump said he is in excellent health following a routine medical checkup. He was spotted at public events last month with swollen feet, which his doctors described as a "slight issue", and bruises on his hands.
An anonymous senior White House official said that Trump was eager to avoid comparisons with Joe Biden, the Democratic predecessor, who faced questions regarding his suitability for the job and left office at age 82.
Trump was caught on camera on occasion appearing to doze at events. This included at the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden, on Monday. Trump's aides responded on social media to the viral clips that showed him with his closed eyes, saying he was either blinking or paying attention.
Davis Ingle, a White House spokesperson, described Trump as the "sharpest and most accessible President in American History."
Weakening Hand
Analysts agree that, even if Trump’s political influence fades, he can still use executive orders to help shape policy, and he has more freedom to act on the international stage where presidents are given greater latitude to take unilateral action.
There are signs that Trump is losing his grip.
Although a full-scale Republican rebellion is unlikely, some incumbents who are still in office until January have begun to oppose parts of his agenda. They have also indicated their opposition against his cabinet nominees.
The Senate and the House of Representatives, both Republican-controlled, have united with Democrats in recent weeks to condemn him for the Iran War, to reject funding related to his ballroom, and to force a withdrawal from his $1.8 billion fund that was intended to pay his political allies who claimed they had been victims of "weaponized prosecution".
Trump's construction projects have become increasingly important as he struggles to achieve his policy goals. He has been promoting not only an ornate ballroom that is 'under construction, but also the refurbishment of Reflecting Pool at the National Mall as well as a proposed victory arch.
Trump will likely continue to exercise his power in 2028 by selecting the Republican presidential nominee. This is seen as a competition between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JDVance.
Douglas Brinkley is a Rice University presidential historian. He said that the world can expect Trump to be unpredictable for the remainder of his term.
He said that "His helter skelter leadership style, will not go anywhere, regardless of whether Democrats win Congress or not." (Reporting and writing by Matt Spetalnick, Nandita BOSE; Additional reporting and writing by Steve Holland, Andy Sullivan and Matt Spetalnick. Editing and proofreading by Ross Colvin and Alistair Bell.
(source: Reuters)