Trump Targets Mail-In Voting; Congo, M23 Miss Peace Deadline; Kim Accelerates Nuclear Weapon Development

Good Morning,

Political tensions escalate across multiple fronts as President Trump announces plans to "lead a movement" to eliminate mail-in voting ahead of the 2026 midterms, while in Gaza, Hamas says it has accepted a new ceasefire proposal presented by Qatar and Egypt, though Israeli response remains uncertain. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts in Africa face setbacks as Congo and M23 rebels miss their deadline for a Doha peace agreement. Security concerns mount globally with North Korea's Kim Jong Un calling for accelerated nuclear weapons development, while Spain battles intensifying wildfires by deploying hundreds of additional troops. On the economic front, trade tensions simmer as Brazil's finance minister reports the country remains deadlocked with the US over proposed 50% tariffs, highlighting growing international trade disputes.

Top Stories

• Trump Wants to End Mail-In Voting Ahead of Next Year’s Midterms - New York Times

• Congo and M23 rebels miss deadline to reach Doha peace deal - Reuters

• Middle East: Hamas accepts new Gaza truce proposal - DW

• North Korea's Kim calls for rapid nuclear buildup - Reuters

• Spain deploys hundreds of extra troops as it steps up efforts to bring wildfires under control - Euro News

• Brazil deadlocked with US over 50% tariffs, finance minister says - FT

United States

• Carney voices support for Trump’s peace efforts — and encourages US security guarantees - Politico

• US revokes 6,000 student visas, State Department says - BBC

• US would help assure Ukraine's security in a peace deal, Trump tells Zelenskiy - Reuters

• Trump Wants to End Mail-In Voting Ahead of Next Year’s Midterms - New York Times

• Hurricane Erin forces evacuations on North Carolina’s Outer Banks but expected to stay offshore - Associated Press

Africa

• Ethiopian migrants face kidnappings and death, leaving behind heartbroken families - Associated Press

• Congo and M23 rebels miss deadline to reach Doha peace deal - Reuters

• Tanzania court bans broadcasting of opposition leader trial - Africa News

• JICA to designate four Japanese cities as 'hometowns' for African nations - Japan Times

• Qatar shares peace draft with DR Congo, M23 rebels - France24

Middle East

• Qatar shares peace draft with DR Congo, M23 rebels - France24

• Huge crowds gather in Israel calling for hostage deal and end to Gaza war - BBC

• Middle East: Hamas accepts new Gaza truce proposal - DW

• Historic drought, wheat shortage to test Syria's new leadership - Reuters

• US does not oppose Israeli development of West Bank settlements, Huckabee says - Middle East Eye

Indo-Pacific

• China reaffirms sovereignty over Taiwan, says complete reunification ‘unstoppable’ - Asia News Network

• JICA to designate four Japanese cities as 'hometowns' for African nations - Japan Times 

• Myanmar’s junta announces elections in a country in ‘desperate’ conditions - Asia News

• North Korea's Kim calls for rapid nuclear buildup - Reuters

• North Korean leader slams South Korea-US military drills while inspecting his most powerful warship - ABC

Europe

• Carney voices support for Trump’s peace efforts — and encourages US security guarantees - Politico 

• Money Managers Say Rally in Europe’s Small Stocks Has Just Begun - Bloomberg

• With Rush to Washington and Use of Flattery, E.U. Leaders Help Keep Talks On Track - New York Times

• Three things Europe wants as leaders prepare to meet Trump - CNBC

• Spain deploys hundreds of extra troops as it steps up efforts to bring wildfires under control - Euro News

Latin America

• Brazil regulator suspends soy moratorium, orders probe of exporters - Reuters

• Brazil deadlocked with US over 50% tariffs, finance minister says - FT

• Peru’s president affirms sovereignty of Amazon River island as tensions with Colombia escalate - Associated Press

• Glencore Seeks Incentives for $13 Billion Argentina Copper Mining Projects - Bloomberg

• Steelmaker ArcelorMittal Reports Explosion at Mexico Plant, None Injured - US News & World Report

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