EconomyAs the Iran war threatened a global economic collapse, China cut its crude oil imports by 40% between February and June. The sharp pullback acted as a major shock absorber, helping stabilize oil prices when chaos was widely expected.
SocietyEvery dry season, 15-year-old Rudiansyah has watched wildfires approach his home on the outskirts of Palangkaraya, Indonesia. This year, as El Niño intensified the blazes, he fought back in a Superman costume.
Reuters
SocietyFormer DOJ prosecutor Jim Trusty and panelists on “Outnumbered” criticized comments from Luigi Mangione’s defense after he pleaded guilty to federal stalking charges connected to the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Fox News
SocietyU.S. Park Police are investigating vandalism at Washington’s World War II Memorial, where graffiti was found and soap was put in the fountain, WJLA reports.
The Associated Press
WorldTwo oil slicks have emerged in Iranian waters, according to satellite imagery and video verified by Reuters. The development comes amid tit-for-tat Iranian and U.S. attacks on oil tankers and other vessels, raising concerns about environmental damage in the Gulf.
Reuters
WorldDays of heavy rain have brought record-breaking flooding to parts of the Midwest, leaving neighborhoods underwater, prompting boat rescues and causing devastating damage across communities.
SocietyLuigi Mangione pleaded guilty to federal stalking charges in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. In court, he said he shot Thompson, that Thompson died, and that he knew his actions were illegal.
CNN
SocietyLawyers and officials speak outside a New York City courthouse after Luigi Mangione admitted in court to fatally shooting a health insurance executive and pleaded guilty to two federal stalking charges involving intent to kill him.
Reuters
WorldVideos filmed by Palestinian residents under siege show Jewish settlers approaching Palestinian homes in Qusra village in the occupied West Bank after Israeli soldiers left the area.
Reuters
WorldUkraine faced near-daily Russian attacks, with 11 locations including Sumy, Zaporizhzhia, Odesa and Kramatorsk hit overnight on Thursday. Several people were killed and more than two dozen, including children, were wounded. Ukraine said more than 100 drones were launched, while its grain ports continue to face repeated attacks.
SocietyLuigi Mangione pleaded guilty in New York federal court to federal stalking charges linked to the fatal shooting of UnitedHealth Group executive Brian Thompson. He faces a possible maximum sentence of life in prison and also has charges pending in New York state court.
Bloomberg Television
WorldA Friday drone strike on the Ust-Luga port in Russia’s Leningrad region triggered a fire at the critical energy hub. It was at least the sixth attack there this year. Ukraine says such strikes are reducing the export revenues Moscow uses to fund its war economy.
WorldFox News’ Harris Faulkner reports on an emergency court hearing in which Luigi Mangione is expected to plead guilty to federal stalking charges connected to the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Fox News
TechFlock Safety CEO and founder Garrett Langley says the company is introducing new guardrails to strengthen privacy protections and curb abuse. Some police officers have been accused of misusing its license plate readers, and Langley says unauthorized use of the cameras and technology will be addressed while balancing privacy rights with safety.
Bloomberg Television
WorldLuigi Mangione told a judge during an emergency Manhattan court hearing that he will plead guilty to federal stalking charges connected to the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Fox News
CultureCrowds in Ivory Coast celebrated the return of the sacred Djidji Ayokwe “talking drum,” which French colonial troops stole in 1916 and took to France. New legislation has prompted France to begin returning looted artefacts to their countries of origin, helping reconnect nations with important parts of their heritage.
EconomyVenezuela has some of the world’s largest proven oil reserves, but much of its oil industry is in disrepair. After Nicolas Maduro’s removal, Washington eased some energy restrictions and the interim government sought more foreign investment, yet no major US reconstruction projects have come online.
WorldWidespread flooding in Japan’s Chiba prefecture has killed eight people and left thousands stranded, while submerged roads, power outages and transport disruptions affect the region. In China, authorities are racing to contain a Henan levee breach linked to heavy rain from Typhoon Dolphin. Taiwan has concluded its 10-day Han Kuang Exercise.
World0:59A wind-driven wildfire swept into the Croatian tourist town of Omis overnight, engulfing houses, forcing about 1,000 people to evacuate and injuring dozens, according to fire brigade and health officials.
Reuters
WorldIsraeli and foreign activists trying to bring food and supplies to Palestinian families under siege by Jewish settlers in Qusra village in the occupied West Bank were stopped by the Israeli military.
Reuters
WorldA fast-moving wildfire in France’s southwestern Landes region has burned more than 1,000 hectares since Thursday, prompting the evacuation of about 520 residents. Major reinforcements have been deployed, while authorities say the fire’s path remains unpredictable.
PoliticsNigel Farage has held on to his parliamentary seat in the Clacton-on-Sea by-election. A parliamentary standards investigation into his finances, suspended after he triggered the vote, has been reactivated following his victory.
WorldThe Abu Dhabi National Oil Company said two of its vessels came under attack while passing through the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday evening. No injuries were reported and the situation was under control. Only 13 vessels crossed the waterway that day, according to Kpler, up from nine on Wednesday.
CNN
PoliticsFrance’s Constitutional Council has blocked a bill that would have barred under-15s from accessing social media, ruling that it violated freedom of expression. The decision is a setback for President Emmanuel Macron, who backed the measure and has asked his prime minister to rewrite it. Macron remains determined to implement the reform before next year’s presidential election.