This roundup summarises the most important news stories around the world in the last month (August 2025).

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Domestically, in the United States, Federal Reserve Board Governor Lisa Cook filed a lawsuit to challenge her firing by president Donald Trump, a firing which marked the first termination of a governor in the bank’s history. Geopolitically, Mr. Trump met with Russian president Vladimir Putin over the latter’s invasion of Ukraine, but there were no subsequent specifics on any framework for a deal. The duo also took no questions and did not announce a ceasefire. Economically, Mr. Trump imposed a 50 per cent tariff on nearly all Indian goods, doubling the 25 per cent levy already in place, as punishment for India’s continued purchase of Russian crude oil.

Diplomatic developments

In other diplomatic developments, Australia cut ties with Iran and kicked its diplomats out, blaming the latter for two antisemitic arson attacks last year. Worryingly, Israeli leaders approved a full and gradual military takeover of Gaza, against the recommendations of the country’s military. Later, and furthermore, a report by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classifications, a United Nations-backed body, confirmed that half a million people in Gaza City and the surrounding area were facing starvation, destitution, and death.

In other news

Politically, South Korean lawmakers passed a bill to ban the use of cell phones in all classrooms. In Thailand, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was acquitted of royal defamation. Later, his daughter, the prime minister, was dismissed after the constitutional court found her guilty of ethics and integrity violations. Her whole cabinet was also removed from office.

In Canada, striking flight attendants – who were asking for improved wages and to be paid for their work on the ground – refused a government-backed order for the union to return to work. Days later, the parties reached a tentative agreement. Finally,  France contained its largest wildfire since 1949, after three days.