Here’s your freshly updated “Five Things We Learned This Week” feature for July 26 – August 1, 2025 – all events are entirely new, fall within that window, and didn’t appear in previous editions:

⸻

⚖️ 1. Trump Signs Sweeping Tariffs Affecting ~70 Countries

• On July 31, President Trump signed a tariff package that imposes levies on imports from approximately 70 countries – tariffs now range from 15% (EU, Japan) up to 35% (Canada) and 50% (copper), with new duties on India, Vietnam, and others. This move intensifies trade tensions and raises inflation concerns.  

⸻

🛰️ 2. Asteroid 2025 OW Flies Safely Past Earth

• On July 28, near-Earth asteroid 2025 OW, roughly the size of an airplane (~210 ft wide), passed at ~393,000 miles away – one and a half times the distance to the Moon – and was harmless, though scientists emphasize the importance of continued monitoring.  

⸻

🏛️ 3. UN Urges Humanitarian Aid for Gaza Amid Rising Casualties

• Throughout late July, UN officials and NGOs highlighted worsening famine and civilian suffering in Gaza, pressing for expanded aid corridors and increased access as international concern grew.  

⸻

📉 4. Fed Holds Rates Steady, But Dissent Grows Over Future Cuts

• At its July 30 meeting, the U.S. Federal Reserve kept interest rates at 4.25–4.50%, yet two board members dissented – signaling readiness for a rate cut later in 2025 if data worsens, especially amid trade-driven uncertainty.  

⸻

🌍 5. Ukraine Reports Major Russian Advances & High Drone, Missile Attacks

• Between July 26–31, Russia reportedly advanced in eastern towns like Vovchansk and Maliivka; meanwhile Ukraine’s air defenses shot down 309 of 324 drones and 2 of 7 missiles in one night. Recent strikes killed dozens including at a hospital and correctional facility, raising concerns of potential war-crime investigations.  

⸻

These developments cover trade policy, planetary defense, humanitarian crises, central banking, and conflict escalation – all firmly within the current week’s timeframe. Let me know if you’d like full article links or deeper breakdowns on any topic.