Starting in 2026, the United States will introduce a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee on most non-immigrant visas, significantly raising costs for applicants from Bangladesh and other countries. This fee applies to tourist, student, and work visas, increasing total expenses to nearly $472 for a B-1/B-2 visa. Refunds are possible under strict conditions, such as timely departure or legal status changes. The fee aims to encourage lawful behavior and is part of broader immigration reforms, including a new tax on remittances.

OpenAI is set to introduce a new AI-powered web browser within the coming months, aiming to compete with the widely used Google Chrome. According to sources, this browser will incorporate an AI agent named ‘Operator’ to enhance browsing by keeping some user interactions within ChatGPT. The move reflects OpenAI’s strategy to offer a browsing experience less dependent on Google’s control, similar to other AI browsers like Perplexity’s Comet. The launch is planned for 2024, marking a significant step in AI-driven web technology.

More than 2,000 senior officials at NASA are resigning amid proposed budget cuts, risking a major loss of expertise crucial for upcoming space missions. The departures, including scientists, engineers, and mission planners, may disrupt plans for sending humans to the Moon and Mars. Layoffs are ongoing across NASA’s centers, with Goddard, Johnson, and Kennedy centers most affected. Experts warn this could weaken U.S. leadership in space exploration, especially as complex missions approach. The workforce may shrink to its smallest since the 1960s.

Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist recently freed from a Louisiana immigration detention center, has filed a $20 million lawsuit against the Trump administration. He alleges wrongful imprisonment, biased treatment, and defamation as an anti-Semite due to his role in pro-Palestinian campus protests. After 104 days in detention, a federal judge ruled his deportation unconstitutional. Khalil demands compensation, a formal apology, and policy changes. He plans to share any damages with others affected by the administration’s crackdown on Palestinian activists.

US President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will supply weapons to Ukraine, with NATO covering the full cost. Trump revealed this in an interview with NBC News and mentioned he will make a significant announcement regarding Russia next Monday. Expressing frustration over the ongoing conflict following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Trump explained that while the US provides the arms, NATO will bear the financial responsibility before transferring them to Ukraine.

President Trump’s recent policies, including strict immigration enforcement, tariff threats, and government instability, have already weakened the U.S. economy and global confidence in the dollar. Federal budget cuts to scientific research threaten America’s innovation leadership. Proposed legislation could increase national debt by trillions, deepen inequality, and reduce social support programs. Despite public opposition, these measures risk long-term economic slowdown, higher borrowing costs, and reduced labor supply, undermining both short-term recovery and future growth prospects for the U.S.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a 35% tariff on Canadian goods, set to take effect from August 1. This follows earlier tariffs of 25% imposed on select Canadian imports. In a letter to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Trump stated that U.S.-based manufacturing would be exempt from the tariffs. He cited Canada's protectionist dairy policies, trade imbalance with the U.S., and failure to prevent fentanyl trafficking as key reasons behind the move. The new tariff is expected to have a significant impact on the Canadian economy.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping 50% tariff on all imports from Brazil, effective August 1. The decision follows escalating tensions with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who recently criticized Trump, calling him an “emperor.” The move is also seen as a response to Brazil’s stance on the prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro and alleged suppression of free speech.

Brazil has threatened to retaliate with its own tariffs. The decision has already impacted Brazil’s currency and stock market, and analysts warn it may drive up food prices in the U.S.

The United States has imposed sanctions on Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, citing her documentation and criticism of Israeli actions in Gaza. U.S. Secretary of State accused Albanese of waging a “political and economic war” against the U.S. and Israel.

Albanese condemned the move as “mafia-style intimidation,” reiterating her commitment to preventing genocide and ensuring accountability. She had earlier criticized European nations for allowing Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to use their airspace despite an active ICC arrest warrant.

During a meeting with African leaders at the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed surprise and admiration when Liberian President Joseph Boakai spoke fluent English. Despite English being Liberia's official language, Trump reportedly asked where Boakai learned to speak it so well. Boakai simply replied, "In Liberia, sir."

Liberia was established in 1822 as a colony for freed African Americans, and while English is the official language, several indigenous languages are also spoken across the country.

UN Special Envoy Francesca Albanese has sharply condemned Italy, France, and Greece for permitting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to travel safely to the United States despite an outstanding arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Albanese stated that as member states of the Rome Statute, these countries had a legal obligation to arrest Netanyahu if he entered their airspace. Instead, they chose political considerations over the rule of law, undermining international legal norms and jeopardizing global security. She also called for divestment from companies involved in war crimes.

In a leaked audio recording from a 2024 campaign fundraiser, former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed he threatened Russian President Vladimir Putin with bombing Moscow if he invaded Ukraine. Similarly, he allegedly warned Chinese President Xi Jinping of bombing Beijing over tensions involving Taiwan.

Trump asserted that had he remained president, he could have prevented both the Ukraine and Gaza wars. He also spoke of plans to deport foreign protester students from U.S. universities.

The United States has rejected India's assertion that the recent India-Pakistan ceasefire was a purely bilateral decision. At a press briefing in Washington, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that the U.S. played a direct role in de-escalating tensions. She credited President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Vice President J.D. Vance for their active involvement. This contradicts Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Mishra’s claim that no foreign parties were involved. Bruce also referenced American efforts in resolving conflicts in Gaza and between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

A 60-day ceasefire in Gaza may be reached by the end of this week, according to U.S. Special Envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff. Under the proposed agreement, Hamas is expected to release 10 living hostages and return the bodies of nine more. Former President Trump, who was present during recent negotiations, said he would consult with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, emphasizing that all parties want to move past the war. Meanwhile, Netanyahu told Congress that Israel's mission in Gaza is not yet complete, as they continue efforts to dismantle Hamas’s military infrastructure and rescue hostages.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the ongoing war in Ukraine, condemning the loss of lives caused by the conflict. Trump said he is considering imposing new sanctions on Moscow. On the same day, French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed Europe’s unwavering support for Ukraine, stating that both France and the UK will continue to stand by Kyiv. Trump also announced plans to resume the supply of defensive weapons to Ukraine, which had been temporarily paused. Meanwhile, the Kremlin said it is awaiting a proposed date for the next round of peace talks.