WorldFlights at Sicily’s Catania airport remain suspended as Mount Etna continues its volcanic activity. Spectacular lava flows are drawing tourists to safe viewing points, while companies offering guided night hikes report a surge of inquiries from visitors eager to see the eruption up close.
WorldSudan’s North Kordofan capital, El Obeid, remains under severe pressure as the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces renew their assault. After recently losing ground in the war against the Sudanese Army, the RSF has also intensified drone attacks across the country this week. The conflict, which began in April 2023, has produced what the UN calls the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.
WorldFox News senior strategic analyst Gen. Jack Keane examines tensions in the Strait of Hormuz after Iran claimed full control of the waterway, challenging President Donald Trump’s assertion that he controls it.
Fox News
WorldIsraeli authorities have failed to stop illegal Israeli settlers from harassing Palestinian families in Qusra. Although the Israeli army removed them on Thursday, the settlers returned. Human rights advocate Ayed Abu Eqtaish explains the situation.
World2:35:51A heatmap depicts wildfires across England and Europe as fires in Britain reach record levels. London temperatures hit 100 degrees Fahrenheit on August 13, making it the United Kingdom’s fifth-hottest day on record, according to the Met Office.
Reuters
Economy4:14US retail sales fell 0.6% in July, the sharpest decline in more than a year, as consumers cut back at online stores and auto dealers. Economists had expected a 0.1% increase.
Bloomberg Television
OtherAlex Murdaugh is facing a retrial on murder charges in the killings of his wife and son.
The Associated Press
EconomyKalshi and other prediction markets are facing growing pressure from states and regulators. New York City and New York State are investigating the exchange. Kalshi enforcement chief Robert DeNault says the company follows strict CFTC rules and monitors its platform around the clock for insider trading and suspicious activity.
Bloomberg Television
WorldTaiwan has completed its biggest military exercise of the year as pressure from China grows. The 42nd Han Kuang Exercise incorporated lessons from recent conflicts worldwide and highlighted changes in how the island prepares for a possible attack.
EconomyUS equity futures fluctuate after stocks reached a new record, with retail sales and consumer sentiment data ahead. Oil rises as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says the US will announce unprecedented measures for Iran’s “economic isolation” next week. The Trump administration also imposes tariffs of up to 100% on imported drones and components, deepening the supply-chain split with China. OpenAI is reportedly on track for annualized revenue above $40 billion.
Bloomberg Television
PoliticsPresident Prabowo Subianto outlined Indonesia’s priorities for the coming year in his State of the Nation address and highlighted his government’s record. He forecast 6% GDP growth this year and said his administration had implemented 121 strategic policies in 21 months. FGS Global associate director Dedi Dinarto discussed the priorities.
SocietyDog meat was once a popular summer dish in South Korea. As a nationwide ban is due to take effect in 2027, vendors and longtime customers are preparing for what could be the final season in which the meat is sold on the market.
Reuters
EconomyOil prices rose after the United States threatened additional economic measures against Iran to press for the Strait of Hormuz to reopen. Commodity expert Andrew Woods says that even if a deal is reached, oil flows cannot quickly return to normal.
Reuters
EconomyMalaysia’s economy grew 6% in the second quarter, accelerating from 5.4% in the first quarter. The central bank expects full-year growth of about 5%. Household spending stayed steady, investment continued and exports gained momentum, led by electrical and electronics products. AI-related demand supported the semiconductor industry, while expanding data centres also lifted activity.
PoliticsReform UK leader Nigel Farage defeated a slate of fringe candidates in an election boycotted by the major parties, returning him to the House of Commons. He had abruptly quit his seat in July amid an investigation into whether he failed to declare a £5 million gift from an overseas crypto billionaire. The parliamentary watchdog inquiry resumed hours after the result was announced.
The Associated Press
WorldA sailor went overboard near the USS Abraham Lincoln earlier this month and was rescued within an hour before receiving a medical evaluation, according to three US officials. The previously unreported incident came amid reports of worsening crew mental health during the ship’s extended deployment for the Iran war, adding to concerns about conditions aboard.
CNN
WorldVessel traffic in the Strait of Hormuz is being watched after the United States threatened to keep a naval blockade of Iran in place indefinitely. With ceasefire talks stalled, oil supplies falling and tensions rising, traffic appeared close to a standstill after two more ships were attacked in the strait.
Reuters
SocietyAs students return to school across the country, some schools, educators and parents are reconsidering how much technology and screen time should be used in classrooms.
SocietyFlock CEO Garrett Langley apologized in an interview with CBS News amid claims that some police officers misused data from the surveillance company’s license plate readers. He also discussed recently announced safety measures.
WorldThe US says it will impose another round of economic sanctions to push Iran back to negotiations after months of war. Yet Iran has endured waves of sanctions for decades, leaving the impact of a new period of “economic fury” uncertain.
Bloomberg Television
EconomyUBS chief European equity strategist and derivatives head Gerry Fowler says markets are in an “unprecedented growth era.” He believes the recent de-risking phase appears over and expects investors returning from vacation to move back toward technology trades.
Bloomberg Television
PoliticsTreasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the US will soon unveil what it describes as unprecedented economic measures against Iran. The move intensifies the Trump administration’s campaign to force Tehran’s capitulation through financial pressure, with Bloomberg’s Stuart Livingstone-Wallace examining the plans.
Bloomberg Television
CulturePakistan is marking its 79th year of independence with midnight fireworks, flag-raising ceremonies, wreath-laying and other tributes to the country’s founders. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also inaugurated the Monument of Victory, commemorating last year’s four-day conflict with India in which 26 people were killed in Kashmir.
PoliticsNigel Farage won a comfortable by-election in the constituency centered on the English resort town of Clacton-on-Sea, taking 62.8% to return to Parliament and retain his House of Commons seat. Count Binface, the satirical candidate dressed as a trash can, won 26.7%. The result is unlikely to end questions about the Reform UK leader’s personal finances.
Bloomberg Television