China’s new drone export controls add stricter reviews for shipments to the United States. Manufacturers are now required to obtain approval for each shipment of these items, as opposed to relying on simplified licensing procedures. The authorities will evaluate the products, their end-users, and their intended applications based on existing export control policies. The scope of the measures includes unmanned aerial vehicles, critical parts, and technologies meeting China’s controlled-item thresholds. China already regulates certain drone engines, communication equipment, sensors, and anti-drone systems. It also prohibits the export of civilian drones for military use. The latest move intensifies scrutiny specifically on controlled items destined for the United States. Beijing also issued bans on Chinese entities and individuals from engaging in transactions or cooperative activities with six US-based organizations. The list includes Applied DNA Sciences, Stratum Reservoir, Altana Technologies, the Responsible Business Alliance, Verité Group, and Human Rights in China. Chinese officials accused these organizations of supporting US restrictions related to alleged forced labor in Xinjiang. Additionally, a separate ban was placed on Compliance Testing LLC, which the Chinese government claims supported Federal Communications Commission measures impacting Chinese tech companies. Expansion of Export Controls Beyond Drones China has also initiated a national security investigation into imported office equipment equipped with foreign-developed system software. The probe targets imported printers, copiers, and multifunction devices that utilize foreign drivers or embedded software. Chinese officials stated that the review will analyze import volumes, domestic demand, supply chain reliance, and potential impacts on national security.

Guatemala’s CONRED has coordinated evacuations and relief efforts alongside local authorities. The agency has urged residents to steer clear of ravines, adhere to official guidance, and keep emergency supplies ready. It also recommended covering stored water and food to prevent ash contamination. Residents were advised to wear masks or damp cloths to safeguard their noses and mouths. Emergency response teams remain deployed across the three departments classified under red alert. INSIVUMEH, the national institute responsible for volcano and weather monitoring, reported that the most intense phase saw repeated pyroclastic flows in the Seca, Taniluyá, Ceniza, Las Lajas, and Honda ravines. Continuous emissions of gas, lava, and ash kept seismic activity high. The institute’s scientists used field observers, seismic and infrasound sensors, cameras, and satellite imagery to track the eruption. Ash dispersal reached areas including Sololá, Quetzaltenango, Suchitepéquez, Retalhuleu, and San Marcos, extending beyond the three departments under red alert. Road closures and ash fall impact local communities As part of the emergency response, National Route 14, a key roadway near the volcano, was shut down.

Spokane wildfires force mass evacuations as crews defend homes and public infrastructure. The wildfires spread from open land into populated areas on Spokane’s northern perimeter, fueled by strong winds and dry vegetation. The Old Trails Fire crossed the Spokane River and reached northwest neighborhoods within hours of ignition. Flames have destroyed homes, businesses, vehicles, and utility infrastructure across several communities. Infrared imagery indicates potential damage to hundreds of additional structures, though officials have not yet confirmed these figures. Smoke from the fires has blanketed Spokane, reducing visibility near active burn zones.

Austria recorded its highest temperature for July on July 31, with Wieselburg in Lower Austria reaching 40.3 degrees Celsius. This reading surpassed the previous national July record of 39.7 degrees, set in Dellach im Drautal on July 27, 1983. Researchers from the University of Graz’s Wegener Center estimate that the heatwaves in June and late July caused approximately €1.4 billion in socioeconomic damages.