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Daily Briefing

"Not guilty," Trump said, emphasizing the first word. The former US president appeared in court to face charges he plotted to overturn the 2020 election. Elsewhere, Russia accused Ukraine of a naval drone attack, and Niger's junta revoked military deals with France.

Plus, we bring you our top photos of the week.

By Edson Caldas

Today's Top News

Trump takes an oath during his plea hearing on charges that he plotted to overturn his election loss, August 3, 2023, in a courtroom sketch. REUTERS/Jane Rosenberg

US NEWS

Donald Trump pleaded not guilty to charges he orchestrated a plot to try to overturn his 2020 election loss in what US prosecutors call an unprecedented effort by the then-president to undermine the pillars of American democracy. Reuters' Sarah Lynch talks about what could happen next.
The judge in Trump's upcoming trial over his handling of classified documents made two key errors in a June trial, one of which violated a fundamental constitutional right of the defendant and could have invalidated the proceedings, according to legal experts and a court transcript.
Two US Navy sailors have been arrested on charges of handing over sensitive national security material to China, US officials said. Assistant Attorney General Matt Olsen told reporters that, because of the men's actions, "sensitive military info ended up in the hands of the People's Republic of China."

UKRAINE WAR

A Russian warship was seriously damaged in an overnight Ukrainian naval drone attack on Russia's Black Sea navy base at Novorossiysk, two sources said, after Russia said it had fended off the attack. The civilian port temporarily halted all ship movement before resuming normal operations.
Russia has doubled its 2023 defense spending target to more than $100 billion - a third of all public expenditure - a government document reviewed by Reuters showed. The figures shed light on Russia's spending on the conflict at a time when sector-specific budget expenditure data is no longer published.

ELSEWHERE

Niger's junta revoked a raft of military cooperation agreements with France - a decision that could reshape a fight against Islamist insurgents in the region after the ouster of President Mohamed Bazoum. Meanwhile, West African defense chiefs were set to wrap up discussions about a possible intervention in Niger.
The Supreme Court of India suspended opposition Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi's conviction in a defamation case, an order that will allow him to return to parliament. Gandhi was convicted in March over comments deemed insulting to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other people surnamed Modi.

Business & Markets

US electric vehicle startups are expected to show the impact of Tesla's price war when they report quarterly results over the next few days, with investors awaiting details on how the companies are managing cash amid a funding drought. Even market leader Tesla has warned of "turbulent times."
Oil prices were on track for a sixth week of gains after Saudi Arabia and Russia pledged to cut output through September. Saudi Arabia extended a voluntary oil production cut of 1 million barrels per day to the end of September, while Russia has also elected to reduce its oil exports by 300,000 bpd next month.
Apple forecast that a sales slump would continue into the current quarter, sending shares down despite beating Wall Street sales and profit targets in the fiscal third quarter. Executives said iPhone sales would improve in the fourth quarter, but did not say by how much.
TikTok told Reuters it is in early-stage talks with regulators to obtain a payments license in Indonesia, a move that would further its e-commerce ambitions in a major market at a time when it is under intensifying scrutiny in the United States and elsewhere.

The Week Ahead

Inflation data from the US and UK growth numbers will show how some of biggest economies are bearing up, while markets are trying to interpret China's stimulus efforts and a series of emerging market central bank meetings are due.
Brazil will host a summit of Amazon nations as new president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva aims to take the lead in regional climate politics and rein in rampant deforestation.
In the US, Ohio voters will decide whether to raise the threshold for ballot initiatives in a special election on Tuesday that has major implications for the future of abortion rights in the state.
On Thursday, a judge will hear arguments on Donald Trump's bid to block an investigation into whether the former president illegally attempted to overturn Georgia's 2020 election results.

Our top photos of the week

Women walk up a mountain with the full moon known as the "Sturgeon Moon" in the background, in the island of Gran Canaria, Spain, August 1. REUTERS/Borja Suarez

From the Women's World Cup in Australia to anti-government protests in Peru, here are some of the most impressive photos from the past week.

And Finally...

Freddie Mercury's signature crown and cape are displayed during Sotheby's 'Freddie Mercury: A World of His Own' press preview in London, August 3, 2023. REUTERS/Susannah Ireland

Fans of Freddie Mercury might wonder if this is the real life, or just fantasy, when they walk into a near-replica of his London home. Rare items belonging to the late Queen frontman will go on public display for the first time in a month-long exhibition at Sotheby's, which will then auction many of the items in September, with prices ranging from as low as 40 pounds to millions of pounds.

Read more here: 'Bohemian Rhapsody' piano, other Freddie Mercury belongings to be auctioned

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