Aug 31, 2026 · 5 min listen · Last updated August 31, 2026
From storyflo. This is your daily audio brief. Jessica, August 31st. The morning read — ten stories, balanced sourcing throughout. Let's get into it. First, from Straits Times. Another Ukrainian town lies in ruins as Russians creep closer. DRUZHKIVKA, Ukraine, Aug 31 - Burned out cars.
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Daily News Brief · August 31st
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Another Ukrainian town lies in ruins as Russians creep closer
DRUZHKIVKA, Ukraine, Aug 31 - Burned out cars. Rubble from flattened buildings strewn along deserted streets. The rumble of artillery guns followed by the high-pitched whine of an attack drone. This is today's reality in the eastern Ukrainian town of Druzhkivka, where a handful of civilians eke out a living alongside soldiers fighting the Russians who are now just 15 km (nine miles) away and gradually moving closer. Such scenes of devastation are being repeated all along the 1,200-km (746-mile) front in the east and south of the country.
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G20 countries should consider more trade barriers on China to cut imbalances, Bessent says
Mr. Bessent said in an interview ahead of a G20 finance leaders meeting that the current flood of exports from China was unsustainable, even though the U.S. direct trade position with China was “rapidly improving”
Russian strikes destroy 12 million books ahead of Ukraine's first week back at school
Viktoria Haidai surveys the mangled remains of the printing press, which should have been busy churning out textbooks ready for the new school year. The plant, on the edge of Kyiv, was hit during the night by a Russian missile, just as production was ramping up to deliver 1.3 million books – 10% of Ukraine's schoolbooks. In the ashes there is a charred page from an English language textbook: "My name is William, I'm from the UK. My grandmother lives in Nottingham.
China Coking Coal Heads for Record Monthly Gain on Supply Crunch
China's coking coal market is experiencing a significant surge, heading towards a record monthly gain due to a supply crunch. This situation has been driven by a combination of factors, including production disruptions and increased demand from steel manufacturers. Analysts are noting that the tight supply is largely a result of stricter safety regulations impacting mining operations, which has limited output.
As a result, prices for coking coal have risen sharply, reflecting the growing competition among buyers. Industry experts are keeping a close eye on these developments, as they could have broader implications for global steel production and pricing. The ongoing volatility in the market suggests that this trend might continue in the coming weeks, making it a critical time for stakeholders in the industry.
Aug 31 - A missile attack killed two people and injured 16 in the city of Belgorod close to the Russian border with Ukraine, acting governor Alexander Shuvayev said on the Telegram messaging app. Russian online retailer Ozon said on Telegram that a logistics hub and a sorting facility in Belgorod also came under attack, triggering a fire and injuring people. It was not immediately clear whether Shuvayev and Ozon were referring to the same facilities.
Radiant World’s Senior China Trader Quits as Pressure Builds
A senior trader at Radiant World’s China office has resigned amid growing scrutiny over allegations that the company submitted falsified documents to banks. This news comes from sources close to the situation, highlighting the increasing pressure on the firm as it navigates these serious claims.
The resignation signals potential instability within the company, which has been a significant player in the iron ore market. Concerns about the integrity of its operations could lead to further investigations and impact its relationships with financial institutions.
As the situation develops, it will be interesting to see how Radiant World responds and whether this resignation is just the beginning of larger changes within the company.