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Following President Donald Trump's inauguration and his push for aggressive reforms, the U.S. State Department announced on the 11th that it would undergo a major personnel restructuring. Over 1,300 employees were dismissed that day, including more than 1,100 civil servants and 240 foreign service officers. According to the State Department’s previously submitted reorganization plan, the total number of layoffs and voluntary departures is expected to reach 15% of the workforce, affecting more than 1,800 employees.

In addition to downsizing personnel, the State Department's organizational structure will also be overhauled. Departments with overlapping functions, high redundancy, or those deemed inconsistent with President Trump's foreign policy goals and lacking in effectiveness will be targeted for adjustment. Redundant units and staff will be eliminated. Out of the State Department’s 734 units, over 300 are expected to be streamlined, merged, or eliminated.

According to media reports, the list of dismissed employees indicated that, starting at 5:00 PM Eastern Time on Friday, they would no longer be allowed access to the office buildings or use their official email accounts. Outside the State Department headquarters lobby, many employees were seen wiping away tears and hugging friends and colleagues as they said their goodbyes after being forced to leave. Critics argue that this large-scale layoff will negatively impact the United States’ global standing.

This year, nearly 1,000 people have already suffered from heat-related illnesses—double the number from last year—with seven suspected deaths attributed to heatstroke. In early July, Seoul recorded a temperature of 37.7°C, marking the highest temperature ever recorded during the first ten days of July since meteorological observations began in October 1907.

According to South Korea’s automated weather observation systems, on July 8, temperatures reached 40.1°C in Sin-san-ri, Gwangtan-myeon, Paju City, Gyeonggi Province, and 40.2°C in Cheolsan-dong, Gwangmyeong City. This is the first time temperatures have surpassed 40°C since August 4 of last year. The highest temperature ever recorded in South Korea since modern meteorological records began in 1904 was 41°C in Hongcheon County, central Gangwon Province, on August 1, 2018.

On July 8, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) released updated data showing that 977 people have suffered heat-related illnesses since May 15 this year, compared to only 478 during the same period last year—doubling the previous year’s figure. In response to the extreme summer heat, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy reported that South Korea’s national electricity consumption peaked on July 7 at 93.4 gigawatts, a level typically seen during the height of summer.

This year, nearly 1,000 people have already suffered from heat-related illnesses—double the number from last year—with seven suspected deaths attributed to heatstroke. In early July, Seoul recorded a temperature of 37.7°C, marking the highest temperature ever recorded during the first ten days of July since meteorological observations began in October 1907.

According to South Korea’s automated weather observation systems, on July 8, temperatures reached 40.1°C in Sin-san-ri, Gwangtan-myeon, Paju City, Gyeonggi Province, and 40.2°C in Cheolsan-dong, Gwangmyeong City. This is the first time temperatures have surpassed 40°C since August 4 of last year. The highest temperature ever recorded in South Korea since modern meteorological records began in 1904 was 41°C in Hongcheon County, central Gangwon Province, on August 1, 2018.

On July 8, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) released updated data showing that 977 people have suffered heat-related illnesses since May 15 this year, compared to only 478 during the same period last year—doubling the previous year’s figure. In response to the extreme summer heat, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy reported that South Korea’s national electricity consumption peaked on July 7 at 93.4 gigawatts, a level typically seen during the height of summer.

Unprecedented torrential rains have battered the state of Texas over the past several days, resulting in catastrophic flooding that has left at least 100 people dead and dozens more missing. Thousands have been forced to flee their homes, as emergency officials warn that the danger is far from over despite a temporary lull in the rainfall.

The storms, which began mid-last week, have dumped more than 500 millimeters of rain in some areas, breaking records that have stood for decades. Major cities like Houston and Dallas have seen widespread power outages, road collapses, and neighborhoods submerged under water. Emergency crews are conducting ongoing search and rescue operations, though efforts have been hampered by high water levels and inaccessible infrastructure.

“We’ve never seen rainfall or damage on this scale. This is one of the worst natural disasters Texas has faced in recent years,” Governor Greg Abbott said at a press conference. He has declared a statewide emergency and urged residents to avoid flooded areas and refrain from attempting to drive through standing water.

Meteorologists warn that more storms are expected over the next 48 hours, potentially worsening conditions in already-devastated regions. Meanwhile, concerns are growing over contaminated drinking water, widespread power outages, and emerging public health risks.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has deployed teams and resources to assist local authorities, and temporary shelters are being established across affected counties. The International Red Cross has also launched an emergency appeal to support displaced families.

As Texas residents grapple with the aftermath of the flooding, experts are calling on lawmakers to invest in resilient infrastructure and long-term climate adaptation strategies to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

On July 7, U.S. President Donald Trump publicly called out the BRICS+ nations for “hostility toward the United States” and warned that any country supporting what he described as "anti-U.S. policies" would face an additional 10% punitive tariff. He emphasized that any actions undermining American interests would be met with “zero tolerance,” sparking widespread global political and economic concern.

The controversy stems from a 31-page joint declaration released at the BRICS Summit on July 6, which criticized unilateral economic sanctions and tariff measures. While the statement did not explicitly name the United States, it expressed strong discontent with Trump’s trade policies. The declaration argued that such actions violate World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and risk exacerbating global economic instability and widening inequality, drawing international attention.

Beyond economic issues, BRICS leaders also addressed the recent attacks on Iran and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Although the U.S. was not directly mentioned, many observers interpreted these statements as diplomatic pressure on Washington. Trump swiftly responded by labeling the BRICS bloc a “potential threat to American interests” and threatened steep tariffs on any country aligning with the group. Analysts warn that this could trigger a new wave of trade confrontation between the U.S. and emerging economies.

As geopolitical tensions continue to rise, the conflict between the Trump administration and the BRICS alliance now extends beyond trade, potentially influencing global market dynamics. With the international landscape growing increasingly complex, the world is closely watching the next move from the U.S.

On July 5, American billionaire Elon Musk announced the formation of a new political party independent of both the Republican and Democratic parties—the America Party. He claimed the new party would represent the “80% of centrist voters” in the U.S. and aims to gain seats in both the House and Senate in next year’s midterm elections. Musk also officially severed ties with former President Donald Trump, stating on social media that the U.S. is currently in a state of “de facto one-party rule,” with the two-party system being nothing more than an “illusion.” He called on the public to rethink their political choices.

Through a statement on his platform X (formerly Twitter), Musk outlined the vision of the America Party, describing it as a new political organization driven by technology, free speech, government transparency, and rational reform. He emphasized that the new party is committed to breaking the U.S. political deadlock and attracting voters disillusioned with the current system.

In a rare move, Musk directly criticized Trump and the Republican Party. He admitted to previously supporting Trump but expressed deep disappointment over the former president’s recent rhetoric and political tactics. Musk stated that Trump no longer stands for reform and freedom, but rather for consolidating entrenched power. He also condemned the Democratic Party, saying their behavior is “equally troubling,” arguing that the two major parties “differ little in core policies” and instead manipulate voters through divisive narratives.

“We are effectively living under a one-party dictatorship,” Musk declared. “People are forced to choose between two nearly identical options in a never-ending cycle.”

Analysts believe Musk’s move could reshape the landscape for the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential election. While it remains unclear whether Musk intends to run for office himself, his vast social media influence and financial power could trigger a major political disruption.

However, critics say Musk’s remarks are inflammatory, and whether the new party will materialize in a concrete way remains uncertain. Political scholars in the U.S. note that third parties have historically faced systemic barriers, and their success depends heavily on organizational strength and the appeal of their policies.

In recent years, Musk has become increasingly active in political discourse, shifting from a liberal-leaning stance to strong critiques of political correctness and big government. In multiple interviews, he has described himself as “neither left nor right, but a modernist.” The formation of the America Party marks a new chapter in his evolution—from tech magnate to political influencer.

Japan’s Tokara Islands (Tokara Rettō), particularly Akusekijima in Toshima Village, Kagoshima Prefecture, have experienced a persistent series of earthquakes in recent weeks, with over 1,200 tremors recorded so far. The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued warnings for the possibility of a major earthquake in the near future.

Amid these concerns, renewed attention has turned to the Noto Peninsula after Japan’s Geospatial Information Authority (GSI) released updated maps. Japanese netizens were shocked to discover dramatic changes in areas where the seabed had risen — a result of the powerful earthquake that struck the peninsula on New Year’s Day in 2024.

On January 1, 2024, the Noto Peninsula was hit by a magnitude 7.6 earthquake, which severely damaged Ishikawa Prefecture and surrounding areas. In addition to the tragic loss of life and widespread destruction, recent geological analysis and satellite imagery have revealed that parts of the coastline experienced significant uplift. In some areas, the shoreline has extended outward, effectively adding new land — a change that stunned both scientists and the public.

According to data from the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan, regions near the northern tip of the peninsula — such as Suzu City and Wajima City — experienced crustal uplift of 1 to 4 meters due to fault activity. As a result, large portions of the seabed that were once submerged are now exposed above the water, creating new landforms. Some ports, beaches, and even formerly offshore rock formations — once reachable only by boat — can now be accessed on foot.

Numerous before-and-after images circulating online show stark contrasts: boulders, seaweed, and fishing gear now lie exposed under the sun, and what were once glistening shorelines have become barren expanses of newly risen ground. One netizen described the scene as if “the gods had pushed the land forward,” while another said it looked like “the sea had been shoved aside by the quake,” marveling at the immense power of the earth’s crust.

Experts note that this kind of seismic uplift is not unprecedented. Similar events were observed during the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake near Sumatra, which altered coastlines and even caused slight shifts in Earth’s axis. However, the scale and extent of the uplift in Noto remain unusual and are expected to have lasting impacts on local ecosystems, fisheries, and port operations.

The Ishikawa Prefectural Government has begun assessing how these geographical changes may affect port functionality and post-disaster reconstruction plans. Officials have also urged residents and visitors to stay away from the newly exposed coastal areas, warning that the terrain may be unstable and dangerous.

On July 4, the Japan Meteorological Agency announced that volcanic activity at Mount Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture has intensified, prompting an upgrade of its eruption alert level from Level 1 ("Be aware that this is an active volcano") to Level 2 ("Entry restricted around the crater"). This marks the first time since July 19, 2024, that the alert level for Mount Aso has been raised to Level 2.

The alert level was adjusted due to an increase in volcanic tremor amplitude at the Nakadake crater of Mount Aso. The Meteorological Agency has urged people to stay cautious within a 1-kilometer radius of the first crater of Nakadake, warning of the potential for large volcanic rocks and pyroclastic flows in the event of an eruption. Affected areas include Aso City and Minamiaso Village in Kumamoto Prefecture. Although there are local concerns that this measure could impact tourism, Taiwanese travel agencies have stated that unless there is a major eruption, most travelers from Taiwan are likely to remain unfazed.

Meanwhile, the Shinmoedake volcano, located on the border of Kagoshima and Miyazaki Prefectures, has also been erupting frequently in recent days. On July 3, it emitted an ash plume reaching 5,000 meters into the sky — the highest since 2018 — prompting an elevation of its alert level to 3. The ongoing activity at Shinmoedake has led to the cancellation of multiple flights at Kagoshima Airport, significantly disrupting local life.

In addition to the volcanic activity, a series of earthquakes has been recorded off the coast of the Tokara Islands near Kagoshima. Between June 21 and 11:00 a.m. on July 4, there were 1,180 quakes measuring magnitude 1 or higher. However, these seismic events are believed to be unrelated to the ongoing eruptions at Shinmoedake.

According to media reports, the World Health Organization (WHO), during the United Nations Financing for Development conference held in Seville, Spain, called on countries to increase the prices of sugary beverages, tobacco, and alcohol by 50% through the implementation of health taxes over the next decade. The goal is to reduce the consumption of harmful substances and boost government revenues to address the growing public health crisis.

Jeremy Farrar, WHO Assistant Director-General for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, stated that using health taxes to raise product prices can help lower the incidence of diseases such as diabetes and certain types of cancer. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also noted that the increased revenue could be used to support healthcare systems.

The report further mentioned that the WHO added that between 2012 and 2022, nearly 140 countries had already increased tobacco taxes and prices by 50%. The newly proposed measures are expected to generate up to USD 1 trillion (approximately NTD 32 trillion) in tax revenue for countries by 2035, although resistance from related industries is anticipated.

Before the July 9th tariff grace period, Vietnam successfully reached an agreement with the United States, and Trump also told the media that he would not consider extending the deadline. For several countries that failed to reach an agreement, the US would directly determine the tariff rates. However, Japan, which started negotiations earliest and was originally seen as Trump's model for tariffs, has still not reached a consensus with the US. Trump expressed frustration during an interview, saying, "Japan is being very tough, they’ve been spoiled all this time."

Trump stated, "The US and Japan have a great alliance, but when it comes to trade, it’s very unfair. That era is over." He added, "I also informed Japan that if you can’t meet our demands, the tariffs you’ll pay could be 30% or 35%, or any other figure directly determined by the US." Trump implied that, in case of a deadlock, tariffs might even exceed the originally planned 24%. He complained, "Japan is clearly in need of rice but refuses to accept American rice," and "Japan doesn’t buy American cars but exports millions of cars." He continued, "The trade deficit between the US and Japan is huge, which is very unfair to America."

Japan’s Minister for Economic Revitalization, Akira Amari, was supposed to meet with US officials for seven rounds of talks, but he did not meet with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and returned home immediately. The market generally believes that the two countries will eventually reach an agreement, with Japan possibly being forced to make concessions. Former Japanese Ambassador to the US, Ichiro Fujisaki, commented, "In the end, we may reach a win-win result. But the US’s 'win' is in capital letters, and Japan’s 'win' can only be in lowercase."