Norway’s Wealth Fund Sells Israeli Assets; Trump-Putin Meeting in Alaska Set for Historic Talks – 8/12/2025, 8:29:35 AM

Here are the most notable world developments as of August 12, 2025:

• Norway’s $1.9 trillion sovereign wealth fund is selling off certain Israeli assets, according to Bloomberg reporting carried by NDTV[2].
• The White House says Donald Trump will meet Vladimir Putin in Alaska this week; if it proceeds, Putin would be the first Russian president to visit the state since its 1867 sale to the U.S.[2].
• The Trump administration has escalated a trade war with China with new tariffs aimed at narrowing the U.S. trade deficit, boosting manufacturing, and targeting fentanyl supply chains[2].
• Brazil’s Lula and China’s Xi discussed BRICS and G20 roles in defending multilateralism during a phone call, per statements from both sides[2].
• A viral incident in Canada shows youths harassing an Indian couple in Peterborough, Ontario; police and community responses are drawing attention to anti-immigrant abuse[2].
• Multiple outlets summarize wider conflict news: reports of an Israeli strike in Gaza that killed five Al Jazeera journalists, including Anas Al-Sharif, have been featured in major U.S. network newscasts[5] and Indian news roundups[3].
• Roundups also note that Australia is moving toward recognizing Palestine, following steps by the UK and France, amid shifting diplomatic positions in Western capitals[3].
• U.S. domestic security steps with global implications: coverage highlights the administration placing D.C. police under federal control and activating National Guard units in Washington ahead of high-tension events[5].

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