Axios

New data show that the number of migrants attempting to cross the dangerous Darién Gap from Colombia into Panama has dropped to almost zero.

Why it matters: The decline suggests fewer migrants are attempting the 2,600-mile trek to the U.S., amid President Trump's immigration crackdown and Panama President José Raúl Mulino's vow to close the dangerous route.

Brown University and the Trump administration reached a deal to restore federal funding on Wednesday, the Providence, Rhode Island, school announced.

Why it matters: The administration announced in April it would pull some $510 million in funding from the Ivy League college amid an investigation into alleged antisemitic harassment and discrimination.

Canada intends to recognize the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September subject to a set of commitments by the Palestinian Authority, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Wednesday.

Why it matters: Canada is the third close U.S. ally that has announced in recent days its intention to recognize Palestine in September, further isolating the Trump administration and the Israeli government internationally.

The Trump administration is flipping language about inclusion and diversity on its head to the advantage of white Americans as a requirement to receive federal grants.

Why it matters: The move follows the administration's dramatic change to the government's interpretation of Civil Rights-era laws to focus on "anti-white racism" rather than discrimination against people of color.

President Trump on Wednesday took another sweeping series of tariff actions, formally imposing new levies on copper and Brazil and revoking a global exemption on tariffs for packages worth less than $800.

Why it matters: Ending the so-called de minimis exemption will make low-price goods from around the world more expensive for American consumers.

Children are starving in Gaza today as a direct result of the Israeli government's decision four months ago to suspend all aid into the enclave.

• While that decision has been partially reversed over the last two months, it's had devastating and ongoing implications for vulnerable Palestinian civilians in Gaza, aid groups report.

The big picture: At least 16 children under five have died of starvation-related illnesses since July 17 and half a million people are currently experiencing "an extreme lack of food," according to a UN-affiliated report out Tuesday.

The Treasury Department on Wednesday imposed sanctions on the Brazilian judge leading the investigation into former President Jair Bolsonaro.

Why it matters: The sanctions are a marked escalation of the increasingly tense dispute between the U.S. and Brazil over Trump ally Bolsonaro, with major tariffs looming as soon as Friday as well.

The U.S. economy grew at an annualized 3% rate in the second quarter, the Commerce Department said on Wednesday.

Why it matters: America's economy is growing again, as the import surge that depressed GDP in early 2025 reverses.

White House envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to travel to Israel on Wednesday to discuss the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, two U.S. officials with direct knowledge tell Axios.

Why it matters: This is Witkoff's first trip to Israel in almost three months and it comes amid a stalemate in the Gaza ceasefire and hostage talks and the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

An estimated 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck off Russia's far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula Wednesday, triggering widespread tsunami warnings and evacuation orders along coastal areas in Japan and Hawai'i.

The big picture: Following one of the biggest quakes ever recorded, tsunami waves topping 5 feet were detected at Kaua'i Island, Hawai'i, and waves exceeding well over a foot were reported in several parts of California, where a tsunami warning remained in effect for the northern coast on Wednesday morning.

The euro slid, and Japanese and European stocks fell following new trade deals — cross-asset moves that may signal cracks in the "Sell America" trade.

Why it matters: Investors rushed into non-U.S. markets earlier this year amid policy uncertainty, driving the MSCI ex-USA index up nearly 20% year to date. But if tariff deals restore confidence in the U.S., that trade could start to unwind.

China-specific national-security concerns were a big reason the Justice Department decided last month to allow Hewlett Packard Enterprise to take over rival Juniper Networks, Trump administration officials tell Axios.

Why it matters: Axios has learned that the U.S. intelligence community intervened to persuade the Justice Department that allowing the merger to proceed was essential to helping U.S. business compete with China's Huawei Technologies, among other national-security issues.