🚢 Iran pushes new security bill for Strait of Hormuz

Iran is considering a 'Strait of Hormuz Security' bill to give its Armed Forces greater oversight of the strategic waterway. This proposed legislation would specifically bar Israeli vessels involved in espionage or hostile activities from using the strait. The bill also grants Iran the power to increase tariffs or seize assets of hostile governments if Iranian interests are harmed globally. Furthermore, the bill would allow tolls and service charges to be collected in Iranian rials from crossing vessels. This development comes as global oil prices rise amid ongoing regional tensions. ⛽

🔥 US-Iran Tensions Flare Over Hormuz Strait

Oil prices jumped for the fourth straight day as the US and Iran remain stuck in a conflict stalemate. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi criticized the US for claiming the Strait of Hormuz as US territory. Tehran insists the US must meet 14-point memorandum commitments, including lifting sanctions, before reopening the strait. Meanwhile, the US President stated there are no scheduled talks with Iran regarding a ceasefire extension. This ongoing tension continues to affect global energy markets. ⛽

🧠 Quitting booze changes brain in surprising ways, mice show

A mouse study revealed that abstaining from alcohol triggers changes in the BNST, a brain region linked to stress and addiction. These changes appeared in mice before they started compulsively drinking even bitter alcohol. The research suggests this neural marker could help identify people vulnerable to relapse in alcohol use disorder. Currently, predicting relapse is hard, and U.S. alcohol use disorder cases have effectively doubled since 1999. Further testing using the BNST as a screening method in clinical trials is the next step. 🧠

🎬 Dream To You series finale wraps up

ENA's rom-com drama, "Dream to You," has concluded its run on August 18. The series featured Girl's Day's Hyeri and Hwang In Youp, airing on ENA. Nielsen Korea reported that the final episode achieved an average nationwide rating of 2.3 percent. This finale followed another show, "My Bias, My Boss," which ended its first half with a 3.626 percent rating. Viewers can now catch up on both shows on Viki.

🚨 Ex-minister, DJB CEO among 6 arrested in scam

Satyendar Jain and five others were arrested by the Anti-Corruption Branch in connection with an alleged Delhi Jal Board (DJB) scam. The arrests include former minister Satyendar Jain and former DJB CEO Udit Prakash Rai in New Delhi. The investigation stems from a vigilance complaint detailing tender manipulation for sewage treatment plant upgrades. ACB alleges Rai received bribes worth Rs 1.5 crore routed through AN Enterprises from Euroteck Environment. Further probing into the wider money trail and nexus is currently ongoing. 🚨

🤝 Trump pushing for Kim Jong Un meeting this fall

US President Donald Trump is reportedly pushing his aides for a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un this autumn. The discussion could take place during Trump's next Asia trip, possibly in November. This trip is potentially linked to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation in Shenzhen, China. Trump has been privately discussing setting up this in-person conversation with Kim Jong Un. The Wall Street Journal reported this on Tuesday, citing unnamed US officials. 🤝

🤝 Trump-Kim meeting possible in November report

A potential meeting between Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un has been suggested by a recent report. The possibility of this high-profile summit involves both political figures. The timeline mentioned for this potential gathering is November of this year. This meeting could signal a significant shift in geopolitical dynamics between the US and North Korea. Further details regarding the venue and agenda are expected soon. 🤝

🎬 Suriya's film drops collections vs Jana Nayagan

'Vishwanath and Sons' earned Rs 6.35 Cr in India net on Day 5, showing an 18.6% drop from the previous day. The Suriya and Mamitha Baiju starrer continued its run across theaters in India. So far, 'Vishwanath and Sons' has collected Rs 72.30 Cr net in India, reaching a worldwide gross of Rs 128.60 Cr. Meanwhile, Thalapathy Vijay's 'Jana Nayagan' leads with a worldwide gross of Rs 323.01 Cr. The film's Tamil version is scheduled to stream on August 21. 🎬

💀 Harvard settles $53M over morgue body part scandal

Harvard agreed to pay $53 million to settle lawsuits from families regarding the misuse of donated bodies. The issue involved former morgue manager Cedric Lodge, who stole and sold human remains from 2018 to 2021 at Harvard Medical School in Boston. These settlements follow Lodge's guilty plea and sentencing in 2025 for black market sales. Plaintiffs had brought civil suits alleging the university ignored the misconduct for years before the indictment. Moving forward, the school will establish an annual financial-aid scholarship starting in the 2027-2028 academic year. 💀

💰 Emraan Hashmi hits 100 Cr solo with Awarapan 2

Emraan Hashmi's 'Awarapan 2' has crossed the ₹100 crore mark in its fifth day of release. The film, starring Emraan Hashmi, is performing well in India after its August 14 release. Collections hit ₹100.75 crore net in India, with a gross total of ₹120 crore. Despite previous success in antagonist roles, this is his first solo lead film to reach this milestone. With a ₹45 crore budget, the movie shows an impressive 122 percent return on investment.

🏈 Travis Kelce launches new NIL consulting venture

Travis Kelce has launched Tekta, a new consulting service focused on NIL partnerships for college athletes. This venture is a collaboration between Kelce, Publicis Group, and 3 Arts Entertainment. Tekta aims to bridge the gap between brands and athletes by offering education on branding and finance. The service helps athletes build sustainable public profiles beyond their playing careers. This move shows Kelce is strategically planning his future, even as the Chiefs approach the 2026 season. 🏈