Bloomberg L.P.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 2,325 people have died from Ebola, surpassing the previous record of 2,299. The UN has allocated an additional $30.5 million to combat the epidemic.
The price of Brent crude rose by 0. 5% amid new Israeli strikes on Lebanon and the possible tightening of US sanctions against Iran. Traders are assessing the risks ahead of the end of the ceasefire between the US and Iran.
The US is considering new measures to economically isolate Iran, including pressure on China and the shadow fleet. This could exacerbate relations with Beijing and cause oil prices to rise.
Iran and Oman have moved closer to an agreement on regulating shipping in the Strait of Hormuz following a series of attacks on vessels. Negotiations are ongoing; the next stage will address transit fees and security measures.
Hungarian authorities are sinking barges near the Paks nuclear power plant to raise the water level in the Danube for cooling the reactors. Due to the low water level, the plant has already reduced production, and there is a risk of a complete shutdown.
The Constitutional Council declared the ban unconstitutional, as it violates young people's freedom of speech. The Macron administration will continue to pursue the reform until the end of his term.
In July, Russia's federal budget deficit amounted to 724 billion rubles, and over seven months it reached 6. 5 trillion rubles. War spending is rising despite the economic slowdown.
U. S. intelligence warned European allies about a possible Russian hybrid attack on the Baltic states and Poland. The attacks could include infrastructure sabotage or false-flag provocations.
Putin visited the Kuril Island of Iturup for the first time; the island is the subject of a territorial dispute with Japan. He inspected a fish-processing plant, demonstrating Moscow's position regarding control over the islands.
The US and Japan are considering a project to mine rare earth elements from the seabed near Minamitorishima Island at a depth of 6 km. This is intended to reduce dependence on China, which dominates the market.
Oil prices are rising for the fifth consecutive day amid a lack of progress on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and an expected crude supply shortage. The IEA forecasts a deficit of 1.8 million barrels per day in the third quarter of 2026.
The U. S. federal budget deficit reached a record $432 billion in July due to increased spending, particularly on Medicare. In the first 10 months of fiscal year 2026, the deficit totaled $1.8 trillion, while debt payments rose by 15%.
The Pentagon plans to reach an agreement with the FAA and the Department of Homeland Security to use lasers against drones at airports. This follows incidents in which military lasers shot down unmanned aircraft without coordination with aviation authorities.
The earthquake disrupted operations at the port of Buenaventura and blocked key roads, suspending coffee exports. The head of Asoexport reported that operations had been halted and that there was uncertainty about the timeline for their resumption.
On the night of August 12, Russia launched missiles and 138 drones at Ukraine. Air defense forces shot down or suppressed 112 UAVs; hits were recorded at 16 locations.
The first shipment of Indian gasoline arrived in the Russian Federation on August 5 from Nayara Energy. Due to a fuel shortage, Moscow banned the export of gasoline and diesel fuel.
The Colombian government plans to declare an economic state of emergency to help those affected by the magnitude 7. 4 earthquake that occurred on August 10. More than 250 people were killed; the decree will grant the president temporary powers.
The United States accused China of providing insufficient warning about the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile on July 6. China rejected the accusation, stating that safety measures were in place and that notification had been given in advance.
According to the EIA, disruptions in oil supplies caused by the war involving Iran and restrictions on operations in the Strait of Hormuz could continue until early 2027. This will lead to higher fuel prices and inflation worldwide.
The Trump administration lifted the ban on TikTok on federal devices. The decision was made after control of the app’s business was transferred to American investors.
Ukraine has stopped reporting the number of Russian missiles due to security measures. Kyiv needs more interceptors from allies, especially Patriots.
In the first half of 2026, Chinese companies controlled more than 97% of global humanoid robot shipments. Agibot emerged as the leader with a 44% share, ahead of Unitree and U.S. competitors.
Trump said FIFA would make a terrible mistake if it replaced Infantino. UEFA is considering boycotting the World Cup if he remains president.
U. S. President Donald Trump has resumed pressure on the Fed, demanding lower interest rates and attempting to remove Federal Reserve Board Governor Lisa Cook. He is also calling the Fed’s new chair, Kevin Warsh, prompting debate about the central bank’s independence.
Google co-founder Sergey Brin increased his contributions to $102 million to fight Proposition 40, which provides for a 5% tax on billionaires. His organization, Building a Better California, is funding initiatives to repeal the tax.
In July, the average temperature in the United States was 24. 9°C, which is 1.7°C above the 20th-century average. This surpassed the previous record set in 1936.
The Chinese Long March-7A launch vehicle exploded one and a half minutes after liftoff from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site, losing the Zhongxing-4B communications satellite. The causes of the accident are being determined; this is the second failure of the rocket family this year.
U. S. President Donald Trump extended for 90 days authorization for foreign vessels to transport oil and other goods between U.S. ports in circumvention of the Jones Act. The order narrows the scope of the exemption; now each voyage will be considered individually, and the Pentagon will consult with the Maritime Administration.
Turkey has resumed the passage of vessels to the Black Sea after several days of delays. Earlier, the authorities had not issued transit permits for voyages to Russian and Ukrainian ports without explanation.
Canadian authorities have ordered the evacuation of the city of Summerland in British Columbia due to the out-of-control Bald Range wildfire, which has covered more than 5,000 hectares. The fire was caused by hot, dry weather and strong winds.