Global Express | August 5, 2026 Russian Ballistic Missiles Kill 14 in Kyiv Region

1. Russian Ballistic Missile Strike Kills 14 in Kyiv Region

Russia launched a ballistic missile attack on areas surrounding Ukraine's capital Kyiv early Wednesday, killing at least 14 people and injuring 27 others. Kyiv's military administration reported that seven sites came under fire during the assault, with air raid alerts remaining in place for more than an hour.

Mayor Vitali Klitschko said one warehouse near the city center was completely destroyed, with rescue teams pulling two survivors from the rubble. Search and rescue operations continue as more people may remain trapped. The strike follows a series of deadly exchanges that killed at least 27 people across both Ukraine and Russia earlier this week.

2. Trump Says Strait of Hormuz Deal Could Come as Early as Wednesday

President Donald Trump has indicated that an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be reached as early as Wednesday or Thursday, marking a potential breakthrough in efforts to end the months-long war with Iran. The critical waterway carries roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments, and military conflict has severely disrupted international shipping for months.

Meanwhile, a commercial vessel was struck by a projectile in the strait, underscoring the fragility of regional security. Analysts note that threats to oil tankers in the Middle East are at their highest since the war began, with shipping traffic reduced to a trickle. Trump's comments represent the most positive signal yet for a diplomatic resolution.

3. U.S. Nearly Depleted Long-Range Missile Stockpile in Iran War

The United States has nearly exhausted its reserves of long-range precision strike missiles, including ATACMS systems, after months of conflict in the Middle East, according to sources familiar with the matter. CBS News has repeatedly reported that dwindling stockpiles of defensive interceptors and offensive missiles have become a pressure point within the administration.

Officials warn that the U.S. cannot sustain its current rate of munitions expenditure, severely weakening Washington's leverage over Tehran in ongoing negotiations. The alarming report has drawn a forceful response from the Trump administration, with the military now "scouring bases" worldwide for available long-range missiles to replenish depleted stocks.

4. Progressive Leads Tight Michigan Senate Primary, But Race Too Close to Call

Michigan's marquee Democratic Senate primary remained too close to call Tuesday night, with progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed holding a narrow lead over centrist Haley Stevens. The race has become a key battleground in the fight over the Democratic Party's ideological direction, drawing national attention.

In a related contest, a progressive activist won the Democratic primary for Michigan's 7th Congressional District, defeating establishment-backed candidates. In Missouri, incumbent Representative Wesley Bell successfully fended off a challenge from former Representative Cori Bush in their Democratic primary rematch, dealing a setback to the progressive anti-AIPAC movement.

5. SpaceX Shares Sink After First Earnings Report Reveals Massive AI Spending

SpaceX's first-ever quarterly earnings report since its June IPO sent shares tumbling nearly 9% in after-hours trading, as investors balked at the company's staggering AI infrastructure spending. While quarterly revenue nearly doubled to $7.8 billion year-over-year, total spending ballooned to $18.3 billion — more than six times the prior year's figure.

Elon Musk told investors they appeared to be "underestimating" SpaceX. He projected that Starlink, the company's sole profitable unit with $1.6 billion in quarterly revenue, would see exponential growth, and forecast SpaceX could reach $1 trillion in revenue by 2030 — a year earlier than his estimate from just six weeks ago. Analysts note the company increasingly resembles "an AI infrastructure company with an extraordinary space business attached."

6. Extreme Drought Wreaks Havoc on Europe's Rivers and Economy

Severe drought across Europe is causing devastating disruption to freight transport and energy production as the Rhine and Danube rivers fall to historic lows. Germany has resorted to blasting sections of riverbeds to deepen shipping channels, while low water levels are exposing World War II shipwrecks along the Danube.

Dutch dikes face heightened risk from prolonged dry and hot conditions. Cruise itineraries have been thrown into chaos, with ships stranded and passengers left scrambling. Experts warn that supply chain disruptions and reduced hydroelectric output are dragging on European economic growth, as extreme weather events become increasingly frequent.

7. Celebrity Blogger Perez Hilton Hospitalized After Livestreamed Self-Harm

Celebrity blogger and podcaster Perez Hilton was taken to a Miami-area hospital Tuesday night after police responded to reports that he had engaged in self-harm during a livestreamed video. The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office confirmed that Hilton was safely transported from his home and is receiving medical attention.

The incident has drawn widespread concern from fans and fellow content creators. Hilton has previously spoken publicly about mental health struggles. His family has asked for privacy, and no further details about his condition have been released.

8. Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo Kills Over 1,700 as Cases Near 4,000

The World Health Organization has confirmed that the rapidly expanding Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has claimed more than 1,700 lives, with 3,802 cases recorded as of Tuesday. Caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain, this has become the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak in history.

WHO Director-General has arrived in Congo to support the emergency response. Moderna has launched a Phase 1 clinical trial of an mRNA vaccine targeting this specific strain, and Health Canada has authorized related trials. Multiple experimental treatments are being accelerated, but the outbreak's spread continues to outpace containment efforts.

9. Google Pixel 11 Series Leak Reveals Thinner Camera Bar and 30-Hour Battery

Fresh marketing materials obtained by Android Authority reveal key specifications for Google's upcoming Pixel 11 series. The base Pixel 11 features a noticeably thinner camera bar design and promises 30-hour battery life. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold will reportedly follow a similar design language.

The leak also reveals a new feature called "HiLight," believed to be an enhanced photography mode. Google is expected to officially unveil the new devices at its upcoming Made By Google event, though a specific date has not yet been announced.

10. Xi Jinping's Economic Thought Guides China's High-Quality Development

As China embarks on its 15th Five-Year Plan in 2026, the world's second-largest economy has demonstrated resilience in the first half of the year, maintaining steady growth despite an increasingly complex domestic and international environment. Xi Jinping's economic thought has provided fundamental guidance for China's high-quality development.

Facing heightened external pressures and domestic economic transition challenges, China has continued to advance structural reforms, making significant progress in new energy, the digital economy, and high-end manufacturing. Analysts note that China's economic resilience and potential will continue to serve as a stabilizing force for global economic growth.