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Fort Stewart Shooting, India, & Tick Bites
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Good Morning! Today’s edition is 913 words, a 4-minute read.
What’s on tap:
Hidden health toll of wildfire
Missing American journalist found
America’s most dangerous beaches
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Big Stories
Trump Hits India with Higher Tariffs
President Trump signed an executive order Wednesday imposing a 25% tariff on Indian imports, doubling the existing rate to 50% as punishment for India’s continued purchases of Russian oil. The hike, effective August 27, targets key export sectors like textiles, auto parts, and seafood, potentially affecting millions of Indian jobs and raising US import prices.
India, calling the tariffs “unfair and unreasonable,” argued the US had earlier encouraged Russian oil imports to stabilize energy markets. The White House rejected that claim, saying India's actions undermine US efforts to pressure Russia and threaten national security.
The tariff hike came hours after Trump’s envoy met with Vladimir Putin in Moscow to talk about Ukraine. The two presidents may meet as early as next week. With a ceasefire deadline looming Friday, the US is reviewing oil trade data and may impose up to 100% tariffs on other Russian oil buyers—including allies like China and Turkey.
Fort Stewart Shooting
Sgt. Quornelius Radford, 28, opened fire Wednesday morning at Fort Stewart, one of the largest Army bases in the US, injuring five soldiers before being taken into custody. A brief lockdown followed, but officials later confirmed there was no ongoing threat.
The shooting occurred near the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team complex around 11 a.m. and ended with an arrest by 11:35 a.m. Victims were treated at Winn Army Community Hospital, and some were transferred to Savannah’s top trauma center. All victims are in stable condition and expected to recover. Radford’s motive remains unknown.
Fort Stewart is located southwest of Savannah and hosts thousands of service members and families. This is the second shooting at the brigade’s facility in less than three years, following the 2022 killing of Sgt. Nathan Hillman by another soldier in the same unit.
Hidden Wildfire Health Toll
Three new studies found wildfires in Maui and Los Angeles caused significant hidden health damage lasting months after flames died out. The research reveals health consequences beyond direct deaths, including respiratory damage, mental health crises, and healthcare system disruptions.
The Maui fire left 1 in 5 survivors with lung damage and nearly half with depression, while suicide and overdose deaths increased 97% during the fire month. The LA fires may have caused over 400 additional deaths beyond 30 directly attributed to flames due to healthcare interruptions.
Wildfire smoke is more toxic than standard air pollution because it burns buildings, vehicles, gasoline stations, and homes containing asbestos.
This type of comprehensive health impact research is relatively new, helping officials plan for mental health services and healthcare capacity during disasters. Friday marks the two-year anniversary of the Maui fire.
Quick Stories
US News
Florida Republican Rep. Cory Mills was accused of threatening to release intimate videos of a beauty pageant titleholder after their relationship ended, which he denies. (More)
President Trump said he's considering a federal takeover of Washington D.C.'s police force and deploying the National Guard to address crime in the capital. (More)
The Trump administration ended 22 mRNA vaccine contracts worth $500 million, with RFK Jr. claiming the technology poses more risks than benefits. (More)
World
Italy approved the world's largest suspension bridge linking Sicily to the mainland, a $15.5 billion project expected to create 120,000 jobs annually and finish by 2033. (More)
American journalist Alec Luhn was found alive after going missing for six days during a solo glacier hike in Norway's Folgefonna National Park. (More)
Japan commemorated the 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima atomic bombing on Wednesday, which instantly killed 70,000, with dwindling survivors warning against nuclear weapons. (More)
Business & Economy
US stock markets closed higher on Wednesday (S&P +0.73%, Nasdaq +1.21%, Dow +0.18%). Apple’s domestic investment and a continued strong earnings season drove the major indexes higher. (More)
Claire’s filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time, citing high debt and shifting teen habits. Stores will stay open as it explores options to solve for declining mall traffic and online competition. (More)
McDonald's beat expectations with 5% revenue growth to $6.8 billion in Q2, fueled by a Minecraft-themed meal that quickly sold out. (More)
Sports & Entertainment
A former Miami Heat security officer was charged with stealing over 400 game-worn items worth millions, including a $3.7 million LeBron James jersey. (More)
The US Open raised prize money to a record $85 million total with $5 million for singles champions, the largest payouts in tennis history. (More)
Jen Pawol will become the first woman to umpire a Major League Baseball game this weekend, working Miami-Atlanta games at Truist Park. (More)
Science, Health, & Tech
Instagram is launching a Snap Map-style feature called Instagram Map, along with reposts and a global “Friends” tab in Reels. Users can explore or share location-based content and activity. (More)
Mars partnered with biotech company Pairwise to use CRISPR gene editing technology to develop more resilient cocoa plants that can withstand climate stresses threatening the chocolate supply. (More)
An American Heart Association study linked increased screen time and less sleep in kids to higher risks of heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. (More)
Extra Credit
Red meat allergy from tick bites is spreading.
You don’t need money on Greece’s bartering Island.
Ranking America’s most dangerous beaches.
Watch orca moms teaching their babies how to drown prey.
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