Thursday, August 13, 2026, 17:57 EDT
MARKETS
| S&P 500 CLOSE | 7,798.99 | +0.65% | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DOW CLOSE | 53,839.99 | +0.13% | |
| NASDAQ CLOSE | 26,803.03 | +0.81% | |
| CRWD | 225.53 | +1.69% | |
| AMZN | 265.13 | -0.80% | |
| SPCX | 141.29 | -3.33% |
Kennedy Center board votes to restore Trump inscription amid legal challenge
The Kennedy Center board voted to close its main building for a planned two-year, $250 million renovation while keeping The REACH open for limited programming, NPR reported. The New York Times emphasized the board’s separate vote to add the inscription “Restored and Renovated by President Donald J. Trump,” testing a judge’s order that Trump’s name be removed. Both decisions will be reviewed by the federal judge who previously blocked the closure plan over concerns about the board’s analysis.
U.S.// 4 STORIES
Judge dismisses Trump administration’s antisemitism case against Harvard
A federal judge dismissed the Trump administration’s lawsuit accusing Harvard of failing to protect Jewish and Israeli students from antisemitism, ruling that the cited incidents were too isolated and episodic to show ongoing institutional violations of Title VI. The New York Times emphasized the decision’s narrow legal basis and the possibility of an appeal, while Bloomberg reported that the Justice Department is assessing next steps. The ruling limits one avenue of the administration’s effort to pressure Harvard over campus policies, though related litigation continues.
Extended USS Abraham Lincoln deployment raises crew welfare and readiness concerns
The USS Abraham Lincoln has been at sea for more than eight and a half months, prompting lawmakers to question reported shortages, maintenance problems and declining crew morale. The New York Times reports that the Navy plans to send the USS George Washington to the Middle East as relief, though the timing remains unclear. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth disputed reports of poor conditions, while retired Vice Adm. Mike Franken warned that prolonged deployments could damage equipment, maintenance schedules and future readiness.
Mangione may plead guilty in federal stalking case before murder trial
NPR reports that federal prosecutors and Luigi Mangione’s defense team scheduled a surprise Friday hearing, fueling speculation that he may plead guilty to interstate stalking resulting in death. A federal plea could bring a life sentence and potentially complicate or derail New York’s separate murder prosecution, which is scheduled to begin Sept. 8.
Trump vaccine order deepens backlash over childhood immunization policy
Donald Trump’s executive order would separate the measles, mumps and rubella shots, reduce vaccines recommended for all children and encourage separate visits, according to The Economist. Doctors’ groups called the changes dangerous, while the article noted there is no evidence vaccines cause autism or that delaying shots is beneficial. The order may have limited immediate effect because states generally set school vaccination rules, but declining measles vaccination coverage is increasing concern among public-health officials.
WORLD// 5 STORIES
Settler siege in West Bank draws rare US criticism
Israeli settlers besieged three Palestinian homes in Qusra, cutting off water and electricity, while Israeli forces declared the area a closed military zone and evacuated residents from more than a dozen houses, the BBC and AP reported. Israel’s military said it dismantled two illegal outposts and detained one Israeli, while denying it intended to disrupt residents’ daily lives. US Ambassador Mike Huckabee called the settlers’ actions “a horrific act of terror,” a rare rebuke that AP said could strain ties between the Trump administration and Israel’s government.
Putin’s Kuril Islands visit prompts strong Japanese protest
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Iturup, one of the southern Kuril Islands claimed by Japan, touring local facilities and meeting residents. Japan called the trip unacceptable, summoned Russia’s ambassador and reaffirmed its territorial claim, while Moscow dismissed the protest and said the islands are Russian territory. The dispute, rooted in World War II and unresolved peace-treaty negotiations, further strains already damaged bilateral ties.
Ukraine strikes Russian grain terminals and refinery in widening drone campaign
The Economist reports that a Ukrainian drone and missile barrage damaged two grain export terminals and struck naval infrastructure at Russia’s Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, killing three people and injuring 24. AP’s wire report highlights a separate Ukrainian drone strike that set a major refinery deep inside Russia ablaze. The attacks have disrupted cargo flows and prompted Russia to consider redirecting grain shipments through alternative ports and land routes.
Kushner plans Israel visit for Gaza talks as Trump seeks regional breakthrough
Axios reported that Kushner plans to visit Israel next week for talks on Gaza. Separate wire reporting said President Trump is seeking to declare progress in Iran and Gaza but is struggling to impose his will, highlighting the instability surrounding the administration’s effort to claim a Middle East resolution.
DR Congo Ebola outbreak could surpass deadliest on record, WHO warns
The 2026 Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has reached at least 4,300 cases and more than 2,000 deaths, putting it on course to exceed the 2014-2016 outbreak that killed at least 11,000 people. The WHO hopes to bring transmission under control within three months, but regional instability means health workers are reaching only about 30% of cases. The outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo species, for which no approved vaccine or treatment exists, though vaccine and antiviral trials are planned.
BUSINESS// 2 STORIES
Software is being priced as both an AI opportunity and a disruption risk: Silver Lake’s reported pursuit of Workday sent shares higher, while Databricks raised $5 billion at a $190 billion valuation to fund its expensive expansion.
Silver Lake explores acquisition of enterprise software provider Workday
Silver Lake has been in talks for several months to acquire Workday, according to a Reuters report cited by CNBC and Bloomberg, though no deal is guaranteed. Workday shares surged roughly 18% to 19% after the report, valuing the company at nearly $51 billion, while both firms declined to comment. Bloomberg emphasized investor concerns that AI could disrupt software vendors, while CNBC noted Workday’s recent leadership change and renewed interest in the sector.
Databricks raises $5 billion at $190 billion valuation
Databricks raised $5 billion in a funding round led by Coatue, lifting its valuation to $190 billion. TechCrunch reports that the company initially sought $1 billion but received about $15 billion in investor interest, prompting it to expand the round. CEO Ali Ghodsi said the capital will support costly AI research, cloud commitments and acquisitions as the company reports $7 billion in annualized revenue and positive cash flow.
TECH// 4 STORIES
Trump authorizes vetted private firms to disrupt foreign cybercrime groups
The Trump administration will allow vetted cybersecurity companies to conduct government-authorized surveillance and disruptive cyber operations against foreign cyber-enabled criminal organizations targeting US interests. Ars Technica highlighted the unprecedented authorization for private firms to potentially attack or destroy overseas criminal infrastructure, while The Register emphasized legal uncertainty under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. Companies must follow procedures to be developed within 60 days, avoid operations causing death, serious injury or an armed attack, and post at least $1 million in escrow.
Google releases Gemini 3.7 Flash as flagship model faces delays
Google released Gemini 3.7 Flash with improved coding, app-building and agent capabilities, lower token costs and stronger safeguards against dangerous misuse. Bloomberg highlighted that the launch comes as Google’s more powerful Gemini 3.5 Pro remains delayed, underscoring competitive pressure from OpenAI and Anthropic. Google said its Gemini Spark productivity agent will begin using the new model.
Zuckerberg's Meta AI manifesto seeks influence as competition intensifies
Mark Zuckerberg’s 6,500-word essay outlines Meta’s case for broadly accessible AI, arguing that concentrating powerful models among a few institutions could be dangerous. AP News reports the manifesto as a sketch of Meta’s ambitions for world-changing AI technology, while Wired emphasizes its role in positioning Meta against rivals such as OpenAI and Anthropic. Wired also notes that the essay gives limited attention to AI’s potential risks and arrives amid scrutiny of Meta’s record and shifting AI strategy.
OpenAI revenue chief Denise Dresser leaves amid executive turnover
OpenAI Chief Revenue Officer Denise Dresser is leaving after eight months and will be replaced by Dali Rajic, CNBC reports. Her departure follows longtime executive Brad Lightcap’s exit days earlier and Fidji Simo’s departure last month. The leadership changes come as OpenAI prepares for a potential IPO and works to expand its enterprise business, raising questions about continuity during a critical period.