News
More than 3,000 federal lawsuits alleging social media addiction have been permitted to move forward by a U.S. appeals court, marking a significant step in ongoing litigation. On Aug. 10, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed appeals filed by Meta Platforms and TikTok, which challenged previous court orders that allowed the cases to continue. The court deemed their appeal attempts premature, stating they sought review too early.
Business
Diesel prices remain elevated as tight US and European fuel supplies pressure markets. Refinery interruptions have cut diesel output, with disruptions in Russia and Saudi Arabia impacting global supply. Russia has extended restrictions on diesel exports, while reduced vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and China’s decreased refining activity have further tightened the market. Despite high refining activity, domestic fuel inventories in the US remain low.
Travel
South Korea experienced a $596.6 million tourism surplus in June 2026, marking its strongest monthly result since the COVID-19 pandemic began. This figure reflects an increase of $1.44 billion from June 2025, when the balance showed an $846.8 million deficit. Data from the Korea Tourism Organization indicate that June’s surplus was the second-highest ever recorded, with only October 2008 surpassing it at $661.5 million.
Sports
Spain sent Portugal out of the FIFA World Cup with a late 1-0 win, ending Ronaldo’s sixth tournament and long pursuit of the title.
Norway reached the FIFA World Cup last eight after a 2-1 win over Brazil, with Haaland scoring twice and Neymar netting late.
Australia exited the FIFA World Cup 2026 after Egypt won 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 Round of 32 draw in Arlington at Dallas Stadium.
Spain kept a clean sheet and advanced from the World Cup Round of 32 after goals by Oyarzabal and Porro ended Austria’s run in Los Angeles.
Mexico reached the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 with a 2-0 victory over Ecuador, keeping its unbeaten run and clean-sheet record intact.
Brazil booked a Round of 16 place at World Cup 2026 after Casemiro and Martinelli erased Japan’s first-half lead in Houston from the Round of 32.
Portugal moved to four points in Group K after a 5-0 win over Uzbekistan, whose first World Cup campaign remained difficult.
Norway’s 3-2 victory over Senegal put Haaland on four World Cup 2026 goals and sent the team into the Round of 32 from Group I after two wins.
Health
As of August 7, the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has resulted in 1,916 fatalities and 4,209 confirmed cases, according to official reports. This number indicates an increase of 29 deaths compared to the 1,887 figure reported previously. Health officials also noted that 595 patients are currently in isolation for treatment, while another 828 have recovered from the Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak.
Technology
UN child safety push targets AI, disinformation and harmful online platform practices. Ahead of International Youth Day on Aug. 12, the Department of Global Communications published the report, noting that over 82% of individuals aged 15 to 24 are internet users globally. This access facilitates learning, civic engagement, and economic participation. Nevertheless, harmful online environments pose risks to the cognitive, emotional, and social growth of younger users, and the report underscores that children and adolescents are still developing the skills needed to critically evaluate online information.