Lowe's

Italy's parliament has approved a law paving the way for the country's return to nuclear energy, decades after Italians voted to abandon it following the Chernobyl disaster. The move would allow new nuclear plants as part of Italy's energy strategy, and it has revived debate over safety, costs, and the country's energy future.

A former Bank of Japan official says an interest rate hike at the central bank's October meeting is a genuine possibility, keeping alive expectations that Japan's era of ultra-low rates is ending. The comments feed into ongoing speculation about when the BOJ will raise borrowing costs again, a topic closely watched by currency and bond markets worldwide.

CNN's senior data reporter Harry Enten is breaking down new polling figures showing President Trump reaching his lowest approval ratings yet, describing the numbers as 'stunning'. The analysis highlights how far Trump's support has fallen, drawing wide attention as commentators debate the political implications heading into the next election cycle.

The Indian rupee is trading just short of 96 against the US dollar, with the Reserve Bank of India intervening to limit the slide. Pressure on the currency is being driven largely by India's oil import costs, which have weighed on the balance of payments. The central bank's actions are keeping the rupee range-bound near record-low levels, and markets are watching how long the RBI can hold the line.

Minutes from the Bank of Japan's July policy meeting show some board members called for raising interest rates faster than planned, citing persistent inflation pressure. The discussion signals growing debate within the central bank over the pace of its exit from ultra-loose monetary policy, even as it holds rates near historic lows.

The Bank of Japan could raise its benchmark interest rate for a second consecutive month at its October board meeting, moving earlier than many economists expect, according to a former executive director who oversaw monetary policy at the central bank. The assessment adds to speculation about the pace of Japan's shift away from ultra-low rates and is drawing attention from markets watching for further tightening.

Ukraine's foreign intelligence service (SZRU) reports that Russia's arms exports have fallen to a historic low, despite Moscow's continued claims to be the world's second-largest arms exporter. The assessment suggests sanctions, battlefield losses and domestic demand for weapons in the war against Ukraine are undermining Russia's position in the global arms market.

Swiss National Bank chairman Martin Schlegel said Switzerland is in a comfortable position on inflation, in remarks picked up by market commentators. The comments suggest the central bank sees price pressures well under control, reinforcing expectations that Swiss interest rates can stay on hold, with traders watching for any signal on the franc and future policy direction.

More Americans are losing access to SNAP benefits, the federal food assistance program better known as food stamps, as Congress weighs the program's future. Lawmakers are debating changes to eligibility and funding, raising concerns among recipients and advocates about how proposed cuts or new requirements could affect low-income households relying on the benefits.

The Reserve Bank of India is keeping markets focused on the 96-per-dollar level for the rupee, with attention on whether the central bank will defend that line against further depreciation. Traders and analysts are watching for signs of intervention as the currency presses close to record lows against a strong dollar.

Arizona defense contractors are reporting a business boost as low-cost drone technology plays a growing role in the conflict involving Iran. The demand for cheaper, expendable drones is reshaping military procurement, and manufacturers in Arizona are positioning to benefit. Observers note the shift could change how defense spending is directed toward drone production.

People are taking smaller-than-prescribed doses of Ozempic, known as microdosing, hoping to lose weight while avoiding side effects. An obesity medicine doctor says the practice carries risks, is not well studied, and that low doses only make sense in specific cases under medical supervision, warning against self-adjusting doses of the drug.

A New York Times report describes a scientific breakthrough made in an $80 motel room, with findings said to shed light on how life on Earth may have first emerged. The story has drawn wide attention online, with readers discussing the unlikely setting for work normally associated with expensive laboratories and the implications for research into life's beginnings.

Singapore's national water agency PUB has urged the public to avoid several areas across the city-state because of flash flood risks. The advisory comes amid heavy rainfall, and residents are being told to stay clear of affected low-lying spots until conditions improve. The warning is drawing wide attention as floods can develop quickly during intense downpours in Singapore.

An astronomer is tracking how Starlink satellites gradually sink in their orbits and using that data as a 'planetary barometer' to measure conditions in Earth's upper atmosphere. The idea is that changes in satellite orbital decay reveal atmospheric density, offering a novel scientific use for the thousands of SpaceX satellites in low Earth orbit.

A New York Times report describes a scientific discovery made in an $80 motel room that researchers say could shed light on the origins of life. The story is being widely shared and debated on science and technology forums, with commenters discussing the findings and the unusual, low-budget setting in which the work apparently took place.

The Swiss Franc has fallen to its weakest level since May 2025, trading near 0.8300 against the US dollar. The decline is attributed to policy divergence between the US Federal Reserve and the Swiss National Bank, with traders positioning for differing interest rate paths. Currency watchers are monitoring whether the franc extends its slide as expectations for monetary policy in the US and Switzerland continue to widen.

King tides are inundating streets across South Florida, with water pooling in low-lying neighborhoods in and around Miami. Forecasters and officials warn that the seasonal flooding is expected to continue and possibly worsen in the coming days as tides peak. Residents are being advised to prepare for standing water and street closures during this year's highest tides.

Mortgage lending to buyers with small deposits has risen sharply, increasing 40% to £24.7 billion. The figure points to renewed availability of high loan-to-value mortgages, giving first-time buyers and other low-deposit borrowers more access to the housing market. Commentators are weighing what the jump means for affordability and house prices.

Commentary is revisiting the so-called 'Gen Z stare', the blank expression younger service workers are accused of giving customers, framing it as a question about work conditions rather than attitude. Writers argue the phenomenon reflects how today's economy shapes entry-level service jobs: low pay, high pressure and constant emotional labor. The debate has renewed discussion about generational stereotypes and what courtesy on the shop floor actually costs.

A nor'easter is bearing down on the New Jersey Shore and Long Island, with forecasters warning of coastal flooding as the storm moves through the region. ABC7 New York reports the storm poses a flood risk to shoreline communities. Residents in low-lying coastal areas are being warned to prepare for possible inundation as conditions deteriorate.