Magnitude-7.7 quake hits off coast of Indonesia, killing at least 20

• Luigi Mangione has pleaded guilty to federal stalking charges related to the killing of the UnitedHealthcare CEO. • Trump’s solicitor general petitioned the Supreme Court on Friday to suspend a recent ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

• Indonesian officials have lifted a tsunami warning following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck off the coast of Flores island in eastern Indonesia. • The warning was initially issued because the earthquake was shallow, increasing the risk of displaced water causing coastal surges.

• Investors are monitoring a series of critical Asian economic indicators, including Bank Indonesia's (BI) upcoming interest rate decision and China's July economic data. • Key reports are expected from Japan regarding GDP and inflation, while Taiwan is scheduled to release export order data this Thursday.

• During a recent episode of "Amanpour and Company," host Michel Martin interviewed former Wisconsin Democratic Party Chairman Ben Wikler for nearly 18 minutes. • The segment focused on Wikler's book tour, which argues that Democratic victories are essential to saving American democracy.

• The United Arab Emirates has accused Iran of launching "unprovoked attacks" against two UAE tankers traveling through the Strait of Hormuz. • President Trump responded to the escalation by dismissing Iran as "all talk and no action," claiming the nation is no longer the "bully of the Middle East."

• The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) maintains a policy of releasing body camera footage only when it is deemed to be in the "best interests of the agency." • Legal experts and attorneys specializing in police conduct argue that this lack of transparency prevents victims of federal rights violations from seeking relief in court.

• A recent Pew Research Center study reveals that only 55% of Americans believe the 2026 midterm elections will be conducted accurately and fairly. • This represents a decline from the 61% confidence level recorded ahead of the 2024 elections and is the lowest level of trust in any national referendum since Pew began tracking the metric.

• The Senate voted on Saturday to confirm Todd Blanche as the new attorney general under President Donald Trump. • Blanche brings a dual background as both a prosecutor and a defense lawyer, which supporters believe will provide necessary balance to the Justice Department.

• Former President Donald Trump criticized the nine-month deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East, stating the duration was "not nearly long enough." • The warship is currently scheduled for replacement as it nears the end of its tour of duty in the region.

• A widely circulated report falsely claimed that a new Pope, Leo XIV (formerly Robert Francis Prevost), took a political stance against Republican hostility in the U.S. Congress. • The misinformation suggested that the Chicago-born figure attempted to counter political tensions by extending a warm personal welcome to the United States.

• Comic candidate Count Binface, known for wearing a bin on his head, has claimed a "moral victory" following the UK's Clacton by-election on August 14, 2026. • The satirical campaign served as a direct challenge to political figure Nigel Farage during the local electoral contest.