Japan is seeing strong tourism growth as visitors from Asia, the US, Europe and South Korea help make up for shifts in travel patterns. The surge highlights Japan’s continued appeal as a major global tourism destination and provides a boost to its travel and hospitality sectors.

Japan tourism: 1.3% rise in visitor spend | Outbound tourism on decline 

American actress Hayden Panettiere, best known for her roles in Heroes and Nashville, has died at the age of 36. Her father confirmed the tragic news; the cause of death has not been disclosed.

'Heroes' star Hayden Panettiere dies at 36

Indonesia’s earthquake-hit Flores region was struck by a magnitude 5.9 quake on Monday. The tremor comes days after a deadly 7.7 earthquake killed at least 53 people and triggered hundreds of aftershocks.

Indonesia earthquake: Rescue operations intensify in Flores 

Peru's economic growth has slowed unexpectedly, with weakness in key sectors such as fishing and agriculture weighing on overall activity. The latest figures highlight how El Niño conditions are increasingly affecting one of South America's major economies, disrupting weather patterns and putting pressure on production. Fishing communities and farmers are among those facing the economic fallout, while weaker output could add to broader concerns over growth and inflation. As El Niño continues to reshape rainfall, temperatures and ocean conditions across the region, Peru's experience offers an early warning of how climate shocks can translate into wider economic consequences.

Peru growth slows as El Nino hits key sectors

War's impact is being felt far beyond battlefields and military targets in Iran, where months of conflict with the United States have deepened economic pressures on ordinary families. Rising prices, disrupted supply chains and growing uncertainty are forcing households to rethink everyday spending, from food and essentials to other basic purchases. As the economic fallout intensifies, Iranian consumers are facing a difficult new reality at the dinner table, with inflation and financial strain becoming part of daily life. This report looks at how the Iran-US conflict is hitting households, reshaping consumer behaviour and adding to the wider economic cost of war.

War is making food unaffordable in Iran

 The rapid depletion of the S.S. Strategic petroleum reserve during the Iran war has triggered fresh concerns about the long term health of the underground caverns that store the country's emergency crude supplies.

U.S. Strategic oil reserve nears danger zone

Japan makes up for lost tourism from Asia, US, Europe & Korea

Jared Kushner is reportedly set to engage with Gaza officials as discussions continue around US President Donald Trump's proposed Board of Peace initiative The development comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts surrounding Gaza, with regional actors closely watching Washington's plans for the territory's future governance, reconstruction and security. Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and a key figure in previous Middle East diplomacy, has remained involved in discussions surrounding the administration's regional strategy.
The reported talks come as negotiations involving Gaza, Israel, Hamas, Egypt and the United States continue to shape the wider diplomatic landscape.

Report: Kushner to Speak to Gaza Officials with Board of Peace  | WATCH 

Jared Kushner is reportedly set to engage with Gaza officials as discussions continue around US President Donald Trump's proposed Board of Peace initiative.

The development comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts surrounding Gaza, with regional actors closely watching Washington's plans for the territory's future governance, reconstruction and security.

Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and a key figure in previous Middle East diplomacy, has remained involved in discussions surrounding the administration's regional strategy.

The reported talks come as negotiations involving Gaza, Israel, Hamas, Egypt and the United States continue to shape the wider diplomatic landscape.

Report: Kushner to Speak to Gaza Officials with Board of Peace

A fresh political controversy has erupted in Telangana after Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy accused the opposition of allegedly using occult practices and black magic to discredit his government.

Speaking at a public gathering, the chief minister made the sensational allegation without naming BRS leader T. Harish Rao, while questioning his reported visits to temples in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Revanth Reddy alleged that opposition leaders were involved in “Aghora pujas” and black magic, claiming that such practices had allegedly been carried out for years in neighbouring states.

The remarks triggered a sharp response from the BRS, with party leader K. Sanjay accusing the chief minister of attempting to divert attention from what he described as unfulfilled promises involving jobs, farmer relief and development projects.

Telangana CM's 'Black Magic' Charge Sparks Political War | BRS Hits Back Over Allegations

Saudi Arabia's Red Sea oil shipments are increasingly disappearing from tracking systems as tanker operators reportedly switch off their Automatic Identification Systems amid growing fears of Houthi attacks.

The development comes as the Houthis intensify threats against Saudi-linked shipping and oil infrastructure, putting a key route for global energy supplies under mounting pressure.

Recent Houthi attacks have targeted commercial shipping in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, while the group has also claimed attacks involving Saudi oil infrastructure, including the Yanbu oil hub and Aramco facilities in Jazan.

The disruption is making it harder for traders and energy agencies to determine how much Saudi crude is actually being shipped. Estimates of recent Yanbu loadings have reportedly varied significantly between shipping-data providers.

At the same time, Saudi Arabia appears to be moving more crude north through the Red Sea, while risks around the Suez Canal, Bab al-Mandab and Strait of Hormuz continue to complicate global energy flows.

Saudi Oil Tankers Go Dark Amid Houthi Attacks | Houthi Attacks Shake Red Sea Energy Route

A secret security operation involving U.S. President Donald Trump has sparked questions over the safety and transparency of journalists travelling with the president.

According to a Washington Post report, journalists accompanying Trump from Turkey to Britain were allegedly kept unaware when the president was quietly moved from Air Force One to another aircraft.

Trump was reportedly transported using a catering truck, with the operation linked to a perceived security threat from Iran. The secret plane switch was first reported by The Washington Post and later confirmed by Trump.

Journalists travelling with the president said they noticed unusual activity around Air Force One, including a catering truck positioned unusually close to the aircraft. They also said they were instructed to keep their window blinds closed after takeoff without receiving a clear explanation.

Around a dozen journalists were reportedly travelling with Trump, with several expressing disappointment over not being informed about the security operation. Some questioned whether the White House adequately considered the safety of members of the presidential press pool.

Trump Secretly Switched Planes In Ankara | Journalists Question White House Safety Measures

Iran's so-called “Axis of Resistance” has suffered major setbacks across the Middle East, but Tehran appears to be adapting rather than abandoning its regional strategy.

The fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria disrupted an important part of Iran's regional network, while Hezbollah in Lebanon has also been significantly weakened. Iran's land corridor through Syria has faced major disruption.

However, Iraqi Shiite militias and Yemen's Houthis are emerging as important pillars of Iran's reconfigured regional network.

The report examines how Iran may be moving toward a more decentralized and coordinated model, with allied groups strengthening military and political ties while maintaining their own interests.

The geography is also significant. The Strait of Hormuz remains a crucial global energy chokepoint, while the Bab al-Mandab Strait and Red Sea provide another potential pressure point through Houthi activity.

Iraq has also emerged as a key location for attacks targeting U.S. positions and interests across the region, while the Houthis have demonstrated the ability to threaten Israeli, Saudi and other regional interests.

Iran's Axis of Resistance Evolves | Iraq Militias & Yemen Houthis Become Key Pillars

Telugu actress Faria Abdullah has addressed the online trolling she faced after participating in Bonalu celebrations in Hyderabad.

The actress spoke about the backlash surrounding her appearance at the traditional Telangana festival and responded to comments questioning her participation. Faria has spoken about the importance of respecting different cultures, traditions and beliefs.

Her remarks have sparked discussion online, with fans and viewers reacting to her response to the trolling.

Telugu Actress Faria Abdullah Addresses Bonalu Trolling

Tensions between Iran and the United States have taken another sharp turn after U.S. President Donald Trump made remarks about the Strait of Hormuz.

Senior Iranian parliament member Ibrahim Azizi mocked Trump over his comments, warning the U.S. president to focus on his own security and referring to Trump's reported secret plane switch in Ankara as he travelled after the NATO summit.

Trump had confirmed that he switched aircraft in Ankara in July after the U.S. Secret Service and military advised him to do so because of what officials described as an imminent threat from Iran.

The controversy intensified after Trump said he would soon declare the Strait of Hormuz part of the United States. Iran strongly rejected the claim, with its foreign ministry insisting that the strategic waterway is Iranian and will remain under Iranian control.

Iran also said that decisions over the opening or closure of the Strait of Hormuz would remain under Tehran's authority.

Trump's Strait of Hormuz Claim Sparks Iran Fury | Iranian Lawmaker Mocks Trump Over Secret Plane Switch

A devastating road accident in eastern Hungary has claimed the lives of 12 people and left dozens injured after a Polish-registered tourist bus overturned near the town of Mezőtér? on the M3 motorway.

The bus was carrying 57 passengers and two drivers, with all the passengers reportedly Polish tourists returning from a pilgrimage in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The vehicle was travelling toward the northeastern part of Hungary when it reportedly veered off the motorway, crashed into a ditch and overturned.

Some passengers were trapped beneath the approximately 24-tonne bus, prompting firefighters and rescue teams to use cranes to lift the vehicle and free those trapped inside.

Hungarian police said the surviving driver was taken into custody and that investigators are examining whether fatigue or the driver falling asleep may have contributed to the crash. The exact cause remains under investigation.

The injured passengers were transported to hospitals for treatment. Authorities from both Hungary and Poland have expressed condolences to the victims' families and support for those injured.

Hungary Bus Crash: 12 Polish Tourists Killed After Bus Overturns on M3 Motorway | Dozens Injured

A heartbreaking story has emerged from Colombia following the devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck the western part of the country on August 10.

Colombian lawyer Lenny Ruiz died after shielding her 12-year-old blind dog, Salomón, with her body when the building collapsed in Cali. Rescuers later found Salomón alive beneath the rubble, protected by Lenny's final act of love.

Salomón, who suffers from epilepsy that left him blind, was later reunited with Lenny's family. In an especially emotional moment, the dog was brought to Lenny's coffin to say goodbye, with footage of Salomón sitting on top of the coffin spreading across social media.

Colombia Earthquake: Woman Dies Protecting Her Blind Dog Under Rubble | Heartbreaking Final Goodbye

A major wildfire crisis is unfolding across Europe as Belgium, France, Germany and Croatia battle fast-spreading blazes amid difficult conditions.

Belgium is confronting what authorities describe as its largest wildfire on record, with fires burning in the High Fens nature reserve in the country's east. The European Union has deployed three helicopters and two water bombers, while Germany and Luxembourg have also provided assistance. Several villages and a children's summer camp were evacuated as shifting winds and heavy smoke increased the danger.

In western Germany, authorities managed to contain a large wildfire near the Belgian border, although more than 2,000 people were evacuated from their homes.

Meanwhile, a major wildfire in southwestern France has scorched more than 1,500 hectares, forcing around 650 people to evacuate. Australia has sent a Chinook firefighting helicopter, along with another helicopter and around 30 New South Wales Rural Fire Service personnel, to assist French firefighters.

Croatia is also battling severe wildfires. Authorities said one person was killed and 40 injured, while around 2,000 people have been evacuated.

The widespread fires are putting communities, homes and critical infrastructure under pressure as firefighters race to contain the flames.

Europe Battles Massive Wildfires: Belgium, France, Germany & Croatia Evacuate Thousands

President Donald Trump’s administration has filed an emergency request with the U.S. Supreme Court seeking to lift a lower court-ordered halt and greenlight construction on a massive White House ballroom project. Estimated to cost between $400 million and $600 million, the controversial project involves demolishing the former East Wing.

Trump seeks green light for white house ballroom

Participants at Berlin's "Rave the Planet" techno event held a moment of silence to honor the victims of the July 25, 2026, terrorist attack, where a van rammed into a crowd and a man attacked people during the Christopher Street Day Pride celebrations.

Berlin: ravers honour Christopher Street day attack victims

Hurricane Lala has strengthened into a Category 1 storm as it approaches Hawaii's Big Island, bringing powerful winds, heavy rain and dangerous waves. Officials urged residents to shelter in place as rainfall rates reached 2 inches an hour, with higher elevations potentially receiving up to 25 inches and facing the threat of life-threatening mudslides and flooding.

Hawaii Storm: Hurricane Lala brings 75-mph winds, heavy rain to Hawaii

Student protests in Jharkhand are escalating, with protesters announcing plans to burn effigies of Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Rahul Gandhi on Sunday. The students have also announced an August 20 protest outside the Chief Minister's residence, intensifying pressure on the state government.


Jharkhand Student Protest: Hemant Soren, Rahul Gandhi effigies to be burnt on Sunday 

Europe’s record-breaking summer heat is no longer just a weather story; it is becoming an economic one. A latest analysis by Triodos bank estimates extreme heat and wildfires could cost the European Union around 208 billion dollars this year, roughly one percent of the bloc’s GDP. And that is significant because it is almost exactly the amount of economic growth the EU was expecting in 2026.

Europe’s heatwave comes with a big cost

A severe wave of wildfires is spreading across Europe, fueled by an intense summer heatwave, extreme drought and strong winds. Blazes have forced mass evacuations, destroyed homes and stretched emergency services, with the European Commission's Joint Research Centre warning of very extreme fire danger across parts of Central and Eastern Europe.

Europe Wildfires: Belgium, France, Croatia & Germany scorched by wildfires 

Ceuta is facing a fresh migrant surge after Moroccan forces arrested 111 people, mostly sub-Saharan migrants, near Fnideq on August 15. Authorities reportedly used tear gas to disperse a crowd of around 300 people who were preparing to attempt a mass crossing into the Spanish enclave.

Spain border crisis: Morocco arrests 111 after fresh attempt to reach Ceuta

Indonesia is reeling from a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Flores early Saturday, killing at least 47 people and injuring several others. Hundreds of buildings have reportedly been damaged, while aftershocks continue to rattle the region. Search and rescue operations are underway as authorities assess the scale of the devastation.

Indonesia Quake: Flores earthquake leaves at least 47 dead, rescue efforts underway 

Iran has demanded that Qatar release three Iranian SU-24 pilots whom Tehran claims were captured alive after their aircraft crashed during military strikes six months ago. Qatar denies holding the pilots, calling the claims “misleading statements” and rejecting Tehran’s allegations.

Iran: 3 pilots captured by Qatari forces after their SU-24 jets crashed

Russia and North Korea are further strengthening their strategic partnership, with Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reaffirming deepening ties.

The growing relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang has drawn international attention amid heightened geopolitical tensions and Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. Both sides have increasingly emphasized closer cooperation and strategic coordination.

Watch this report for the latest developments in Russia-North Korea relations and what the deepening partnership could mean for regional and global geopolitics.

Russia & North Korea Boost Ties | Putin & Kim Reaffirm Deepening Strategic Partnership

Police in Italy and Brazil have recovered stolen artworks worth millions in a major international operation targeting art theft and trafficking.

The recovery marks a significant breakthrough in efforts to trace and retrieve valuable artworks that had been reported stolen. Authorities are continuing their investigations into the origin, movement and suspected networks connected to the recovered pieces.

Watch this report for the latest details on the recovered artworks and the international investigation.


Police in Italy and Brazil Recover Stolen Artworks Worth Millions

The fragile truce between Israel and Lebanon is facing renewed pressure as Israeli strikes intensify across southern Lebanon. The latest escalation has raised fresh concerns about the durability of the ceasefire and the possibility of further clashes in the region.

The developments come amid continued tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, with diplomatic efforts facing major challenges. Watch this report for the latest updates, ground developments and what the renewed strikes could mean for the fragile truce in southern Lebanon.

Truce Fails as Israeli Strikes Intensify Across Southern Lebanon

Hawaii is bracing for Tropical Storm Lala as the storm approaches the Big Island, raising concerns over strong winds, heavy rainfall, flooding and dangerous coastal conditions. Authorities and residents are closely monitoring the storm’s path as preparations intensify across affected areas.

Stay tuned to WION for the latest updates, weather alerts, storm developments and live coverage from Hawaii.

Hawaii Braces as Tropical Storm Lala Approaches Big Island

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