Indonesia Earthquake: 20 Dead After 7.7 Quake

JAKARTA, Indonesia — At least 20 people were killed after a magnitude-7.7 earthquake struck off eastern Indonesia early Saturday, with strong shaking reported across several provinces and rescue teams facing landslides, damaged communications and collapsed structures.

Record Rain Floods Japan as 7,000 Travellers Stranded at Narita

TOKYO, Japan — Record rainfall in Japan’s Chiba prefecture caused severe flooding, disrupted roads and rail services, knocked out power and left around 7,000 travellers stranded at Tokyo’s Narita airport on Friday, August 14, 2026. Authorities said at least four people had died, while soldiers were deployed to support relief operations.

Trump Targets Drone Imports With Tariffs Up to 100%

WASHINGTON, U.S. — The Trump administration will impose new tariffs on imported drones and drone components, with the White House saying the measures are intended to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign suppliers and address national security concerns. The tariffs, announced on August 13, 2026, will cover products from several major U.S. allies and are scheduled to begin taking effect within 21 days.

Trump Sex-Trafficking Crackdown Faces DOJ Setback

WASHINGTON, U.S. — The Trump administration has repeatedly described the fight against sex trafficking as a major Justice Department priority, but federal prosecutions have fallen sharply during the first half of 2026, according to a Reuters review of federal court records and interviews with current and former officials, prosecutors and victims’ advocates.

New Shipping Attacks as Iran War Talks Reach Fresh Impasse

DUBAI, Aug. 12, 2026 — Fresh attacks on commercial shipping in the Gulf of Oman and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait have deepened concerns over global trade and energy supplies as diplomatic efforts to end the Iran war face a new impasse. Four crew members were killed in a suspected Houthi attack on the cargo vessel Tihamah, while U.S. forces separately struck a Panama-flagged ship near Pakistan.