Ukraine Grain Exports Plunge to 6% of Last Year's August Pace
Ukraine's wheat and barley exports in early August fell to just 6% of last year's total, as Russian strikes shut Black Sea ports.
Economy
Zuckerberg Warns US AI Lead at Risk Without Faster Infrastructure
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg warns US AI leadership is at risk, urging faster infrastructure buildout to counter China's rapid progress.
Brazil's Central Bank Sees Cooling Economy but Keeps Rates Restrictive
Brazil's central bank minutes show inflation remains demand-driven, but rate hikes are cooling activity, warranting a restrictive stance.
Houthi strike on Red Sea cargo ship kills three crew members (2026-08-11)
A Houthi attack on a cargo ship in the Bab el-Mandeb strait killed three crew members, marking the first fatalities in such strikes since February.
Qatar Says Oman-Iran Talks on Hormuz Shipping Reach Advanced Stage
Qatar reports that Oman and Iran's discussions on Strait of Hormuz shipping are now at an advanced stage.
Europe's Power Grids Prepare for Solar Eclipse with Backup Measures
Europe's grid operators have backup plans for a solar eclipse expected to cut solar generation by up to 9.7 GW, with Spain and Portugal hit hardest.
Po River at Critical Lows, Endangering Italy's Fruit and Vegetable Heartland
Italy's Po River is critically dry due to drought, threatening fruit and vegetable production in the country's key agricultural region.
Uniper Warns Gas Prices to Stay High Until Hormuz Reopens
Uniper's CEO says gas prices will remain elevated at €50–60 per MWh until the Strait of Hormuz reopens, urging a solution.
Jellyfish Swarm Forces Shutdown of Three Reactors at French Nuclear Plant
A large jellyfish swarm forced the shutdown of three reactors at France's Gravelines nuclear plant, with cleanup underway for a quick restart.
US small-business optimism hits 11-month high as hiring plans surge
US small-business sentiment rose to an 11-month high in July, driven by a jump in hiring plans, though labor shortages persist as the top concern.
US fuel exports to Cuban businesses fuel black market, widen inequality
US fuel exports to Cuba's private sector have created a black market, with prices far beyond average incomes, sharpening inequality on the island.
Bolivia's Paz faces coalition test as reform push, IMF deal head to Congress
Bolivia's President Paz sends an investment law to Congress, testing a fragile coalition as he seeks IMF-backed reforms.
Firefighters Battle Zawiya Refinery Blaze After Drone Attacks
Libyan firefighters battle a blaze at Zawiya refinery after a third drone attack, with NOC warning of a complete halt to operations.
Houthi Strike on Red Sea Cargo Ship Kills Three Crew Members
A Houthi attack on a cargo ship in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait killed three crew members, sources said.
Malaysian groups urge rejection of GMO rice field trial
Malaysian farmers and environmental groups have formally objected to a proposed GMO rice field trial, citing contamination risks and glyphosate concerns.
Houthi Strikes on Yemen Ports Raise Fears of Renewed Civil War and Shipping Threats
Houthi rebels attack Yemeni government areas, threatening shipping lanes and a return to civil war, while Iran ties Hormuz reopening to US actions.
Drone attack ignites massive blaze at Libya's Zawiya refinery
A drone strike sparked a massive fire at Libya's Zawiya refinery, while a car bomb killed a senior military intelligence officer in Benghazi.
Russia's August Wheat Exports Set for Eight-Year Low
Russian wheat exports in August may hit their lowest since 2016/17, pressured by harvest delays, weak prices, and Black Sea security risks.
Iran to restore 95 mcm/day gas output by September end
Iran will restore 95 mcm/day of gas production by end-September after repairing war-damaged processing plants, the oil ministry said.
Rhine at Record Low: Key Stretch Effectively Closed to Cargo
Record-low Rhine water levels at Kaub have halted most commercial shipping, threatening supply chains and German economic recovery.