From upcoming inflation data and hurricane warnings to ongoing global conflicts and a legal battle over Windows 10, here are the day’s top stories from the United States and around the world.
U.S. Economy: Inflation Data Ahead, Rate Cuts in Play
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics will release July Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures on Tuesday, August 12. Economists expect the report to show annual inflation ticking up to 2.8%, from 2.7% in June, with core inflation rising by 0.3%.
June data showed housing and energy costs as the biggest contributors to price growth. Food prices climbed 0.3%, while energy rose nearly 1%.
Federal Reserve officials are closely watching the numbers. The president of the New York Fed has warned that tariffs introduced under the Trump administration could add as much as 1 percentage point to inflation, potentially pushing it into the 3–3.5% range this year. Weak labor market data has prompted some Fed policymakers to signal that up to three interest rate cuts could be on the table before year’s end.
Severe Weather: Busy Hurricane Season Expected
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is forecasting an above-average Atlantic hurricane season in 2025, predicting 13–19 named storms, 6–10 hurricanes, and 3–5 major hurricanes. The outlook cites unusually warm Atlantic waters and favorable wind conditions.
Forecasters are monitoring Invest 97L, a tropical disturbance with strong potential to develop into a named storm next week. In the Pacific, Tropical Storm Ivo has caused flooding and landslides along Mexico’s coast, dropping 4.67 inches of rain in Mazatlán in just 24 hours.
Ukraine Conflict: Continued Strikes, High-Level Talks Planned
The war in Ukraine continues with both Russian and Ukrainian forces reporting drone and artillery attacks over the weekend. Civilian casualties and infrastructure damage have been reported in multiple regions.
European leaders are pressing Moscow ahead of a planned U.S.–Russia summit in Alaska later this week, where Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are expected to meet for high-level discussions.
Israel–Gaza: Protests and Humanitarian Strain
Israel’s plan to seize control of Gaza City has sparked domestic protests and drawn criticism from the United Nations. Humanitarian organizations report worsening shortages of food and medical supplies in Gaza, alongside restricted access for aid convoys.
A UN Security Council session on the crisis is scheduled for later this week.
Asia-Pacific: Chinese Military Pressure on Taiwan
Regional security analysts report continued Chinese military activity in the Taiwan Strait, part of a sustained pressure campaign aimed at limiting Taiwan’s international engagement. The activity includes naval patrols, air incursions, and political signaling toward Taipei.
Tech and Legal: Lawsuit Targets Windows 10 End-of-Support
In California, a resident has filed a lawsuit against Microsoft to stop the company from ending free support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. The plaintiff argues that discontinuing updates will expose millions of devices to cybersecurity threats and force consumers to purchase new hardware capable of running Windows 11.
Microsoft has not issued a public comment on the case. The company currently offers Extended Security Updates for a fee.
