BUDAPEST BRACES FOR 42-DEGREE HEATWAVE PEAK AS DANUBE HITS RECORD LOWS AND PAKS NUCLEAR PLANT RUNS AT FRACTION OF CAPACITY

Budapest is bracing for the peak of a severe heatwave on Thursday, with temperatures expected to reach 42 degrees Celsius, while the Danube remains at record lows and Hungary's Paks nuclear plant operates at roughly a tenth of its usual output.

The energy emergency now stretches across the region — Romania's military used explosives to blast through rock near the Danube to redirect water toward the Cernavoda nuclear plant, while Serbia's key hydroelectric facility is running at just a fifth of its capacity.

Hungary's state water management agency is planning to sink two rock-filled barges in a branch of the river to build a temporary dike and channel more water to Paks.

Pablo Gutierrez has more from Budapest.

IN: “The impact now...”
OUT: “...Danube water levels.”
DUR: 24 seconds
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(ALT)

Pablo Gutierrez in Budapest says there is some hope that rainfall in Austria could eventually raise water levels downstream — but any relief would take time.

IN: “There is some...”
OUT: “...a major recovery.”
DUR: 21 seconds
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UKRAINE WARNS ALLIED AIR DEFENCE MISSILE SUPPLIES DOWN BY A THIRD AS ZELENSKY URGES URGENT ACTION AHEAD OF WINTER

Ukraine has warned that deliveries of air defence missiles from its allies fell by a third in the first half of this year compared with the same period in 2025.

The warning comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Russia is ramping up missile production ahead of a likely winter campaign targeting the country's energy infrastructure.

The European Commission last week released nearly three and a half billion euros (approximately $3.8 billion) earmarked for drones, missiles, air defence and fighter jets.

William Denselow reports from Brussels.

IN: “The country's president...”
OUT: “...to last year.”
DUR: 35 seconds
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(ALT)

William Denselow, our reporter in Brussels, says Ukraine's most pressing need is for Patriot air defence systems, but global demand is putting those supplies under strain.

IN: “In particular, Ukraine...”
OUT: “...conflict with Iran.”
DUR: 22 seconds
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(ALT)

William Denselow in Brussels says US President Donald Trump appeared to suggest Ukraine could eventually produce its own Patriot missiles, but has since indicated no final decision has been taken.

IN: “The United States...”
OUT: “...protect its skies.”
DUR: 38 seconds
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BANGLADESH 'OUTRAGED' AS INDIA PERMITS EXILED SHEIKH HASINA'S VIRTUAL PRESS CONFERENCE IN NEW DELHI

Bangladesh's Foreign Ministry says it is outraged that India permitted deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to hold a virtual press conference in New Delhi on Wednesday — the second anniversary of her ouster.

Dhaka says the event on Indian soil is an affront to Bangladesh's sovereignty, and says it had warned New Delhi in advance that allowing the former leader's political activities could damage bilateral relations.

India says the event was organised by a private media body and that the views expressed were not endorsed by the government.

Ishan Garg reports from New Delhi.

IN: “The Indian government...”
OUT: “...an audio link.”
DUR: 29 seconds
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(ALT)

Ishan Garg in New Delhi says the Indian government is trying to walk a diplomatic tightrope — balancing its relationship with Dhaka against the question of Sheikh Hasina's continued stay in the country.

IN: “From New Delhi's...”
OUT: “...for India-Bangladesh tie.”
DUR: 36 seconds
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(ALT)

Ishan Garg in New Delhi says the death sentence Sheikh Hasina faces in Bangladesh may be a factor in India's handling of the extradition request.

IN: “Analysts that we...”
OUT: “...the extradition request.”
DUR: 30 seconds
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DRAFT DEAL TO REOPEN STRAIT OF HORMUZ AWAITS IRAN'S SUPREME LEADER APPROVAL AS GULF OFFICIAL GIVES 50-50 ODDS OF AGREEMENT BY FRIDAY

Iranian and Omani negotiators have finalised a draft deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with a Gulf official telling the Associated Press there is a 50-50 chance of an agreement by Friday.

Reports suggest the deal could see Tehran take control of inbound shipping traffic through the waterway, and that Iran is seeking fees of up to seven per cent of cargo values from vessels using the strait.

The White House has previously said it will not accept tolls being levied on commercial shipping.

Mitch Mccann reports from New York.

IN: “On the surface...”
OUT: “...be no tolls.”
DUR: 32 seconds
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(ALT)

Mitch Mccann in New York says Tehran's demand that Washington lift its naval blockade is among several conditions likely to prove unacceptable to the White House.

IN: “For any agreement...”
OUT: “...in the reports.”
DUR: 35 seconds
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(ALT)

Reporter Mitch Mccann in New York says the political pressure on US President Donald Trump, with midterm elections just three months away, may be giving Tehran leverage in the negotiations.

IN: “There are three...”
OUT: “...and the Republicans.”
DUR: 33 seconds
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WHO CHIEF ARRIVES IN KINSHASA AS DRC EBOLA DEATH TOLL PASSES 1,700 WITH CONFLICT HAMPERING RESPONSE

The head of the World Health Organization has arrived in the Democratic Republic of Congo as the Ebola outbreak in the country's east becomes the fastest-growing on record, with more than 1,700 deaths and nearly 3,800 confirmed cases.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is expected to travel later in the week to Ituri province, near the epicentre of the outbreak, where armed groups have made it extremely difficult for health workers to reach affected communities.

The outbreak, declared in mid-May, involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment.

From Kinshasa, Chris Ocamringa reports.

IN: “According to the...”
OUT: “...of the problems.”
DUR: 30 seconds
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(ALT)

Chris Ocamringa, reporting from Kinshasa, says community mistrust is compounding the crisis, with some residents in the affected area refusing to believe the disease is real.

IN: “Health workers are...”
OUT: “...the response effort.”
DUR: 29 seconds
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(ALT)

Chris Ocamringa in Kinshasa says the United States government has significantly increased its financial support for the Ebola response in the DRC.

IN: “The U.S. government...”
OUT: “...to an end.”
DUR: 24 seconds
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UK FOREIGN SECRETARY MILIBAND MEETS RUBIO IN WASHINGTON, DODGING QUESTIONS OVER PAST TRUMP CRITICISM

Ed Miliband, Britain's Foreign Secretary, has held his first State Department meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The two men discussed the crisis in Iran, the economic dislocation being caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the war in Ukraine and the situation in Gaza.

From Washington, Nick Harper reports.

IN: “Miliband had to...”
OUT: “...to their meeting.”
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HOUTHIS CLAIM ATTACK ON SAUDI OIL TANKER OFF YANBU AS CONFUSION PERSISTS OVER US-IRAN HORMUZ TALKS

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels say they attacked a Saudi oil tanker off the port of Yanbu in the Red Sea on Wednesday, stepping up their declared maritime blockade of the kingdom.

The attack comes as the United States Treasury Secretary has signalled a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could come as early as Wednesday — but Tehran denies it is in direct talks with Washington, saying it is negotiating only through Oman.

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that significant progress had been made, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged there was still no final agreement.

Nick Harper reports from Washington.

IN: “There still seems...”
OUT: “...with the US.”
DUR: 29 seconds
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(ALT)

Nick Harper, our reporter in Washington, says the uncertainty over the state of diplomacy is directly linked to whether the United States will resume military action against Iran.

IN: “Progress on talks...”
OUT: “...currently on pause.”
DUR: 35 seconds
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(ALT)

Nick Harper in Washington says the possibility of easing American sanctions on Iran could serve as an incentive to move the wider negotiations forward.

IN: “That possibility of...”
OUT: “...a nuclear programme.”
DUR: 31 seconds
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PROGRESSIVE ABDUL EL-SAYED WINS MICHIGAN DEMOCRATIC SENATE PRIMARY, DEFEATING CONGRESSWOMAN HALEY STEVENS

The Associated Press has called the Democratic Senate primary in Michigan for progressive public health advocate Abdul El-Sayed, who defeated Congresswoman Haley Stevens after an overnight vote count.

El-Sayed overcame more than sixty million dollars in outside spending — much of it from pro-Israel groups — to secure the nomination in one of the most closely watched races of the midterm cycle.

He now faces Republican Mike Rogers in November in a contest that could determine which party controls the United States Senate.

Nick Harper reports from Washington.

IN: “The Democratic primary...”
OUT: “...leading the charge.”
DUR: 32 seconds
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(ALT)

Reporter Nick Harper in Washington says El-Sayed's victory over a more centrist rival carries wider significance for the direction of the Democratic Party.

IN: “His win showed...”
OUT: “...Agency or ICE.”
DUR: 35 seconds
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(ALT)

Nick Harper, reporting from Washington, says the Michigan Senate seat is pivotal to Democratic hopes of winning back control of the chamber from the Republicans.

IN: “Remember, Michigan is...”
OUT: “...very slim majority.”
DUR: 31 seconds
http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0805-1434harper-democraticprimariesmidterms3.mp3

EU INTERIOR MINISTERS BACK SPAIN, DEMAND TOUGHER ACTION ON SMUGGLING AFTER CEUTA BORDER CRISIS

European Union interior ministers have backed a five-point plan from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to prevent a repeat of the Ceuta border crisis, after some seventy-two thousand migrants crossed into Spain's North African enclave last week.

The emergency meeting on Tuesday came amid deep divisions within the bloc — with twenty-two of the twenty-seven member states accusing Madrid's migrant regularisation programme of acting as a pull factor for irregular migration.

Spain's government has pledged that none of the migrants will be allowed to travel to the mainland, and says around seventy thousand have already returned to Morocco.

William Denselow reports from Brussels.

IN: “This comes as...”
OUT: “...as reinforcing returns.”
DUR: 33 seconds
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(ALT)

William Denselow, our reporter in Brussels, says Spain's regularisation programme — which attracted more than a million applicants — has drawn sharp criticism from across the European Union.

IN: “There has been...”
OUT: “...signal for Europe.”
DUR: 38 seconds
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(ALT)

William Denselow in Brussels says the European Commission's migration commissioner, Magnus Brunner, has criticised Spain's regularisation programme, describing it as a poor signal for the rest of Europe.

IN: “There has been...”
OUT: “...signal for Europe.”
DUR: 38 seconds
http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0805-1018denselow-ceutamorocco3.mp3

EU INTERIOR MINISTERS BACK SPAIN'S HANDLING OF CEUTA BORDER CRISIS AS DEATH TOLL RISES TO 75

European Union interior ministers have backed Spain's response to the mass border crossing in Ceuta, with the bloc's migration commissioner declaring full solidarity with Madrid.

The confirmed death toll from the incident has risen to seventy-five, though Spanish authorities say roughly seventy thousand of the seventy-two thousand people who crossed into the North African enclave have now returned to Morocco.

William Denselow in Brussels says the bloc's executive arm has drawn up a plan to prevent a repeat of the crisis.

IN: “This comes as...”
OUT: “...as reinforcing returns.”
DUR: 33 seconds
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(ALT)

William Denselow in Brussels says Spain's regularisation campaign for undocumented migrants has drawn sharp criticism from other EU member states, with some calling it a pull factor for irregular migration.

IN: “There has been...”
OUT: “...a regular migration.”
DUR: 27 seconds
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DRC'S LARGEST EBOLA TREATMENT CENTRE SET TO OPEN IN BUNIA AS DEATH TOLL PASSES 1,700

The World Health Organization's Director-General has arrived in the Democratic Republic of Congo as the country prepares to open its largest Ebola treatment centre in the eastern city of Bunia.

More than seventeen hundred people have now died in the outbreak, which the head of Africa's Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has warned has not yet reached its peak.

Nearly eighty per cent of new infections are being driven by community spread rather than known contacts, overwhelming existing response efforts.

Chris Ocamringa reports from Kinshasa.

IN: “The new Ebola...”
OUT: “...the fast-spreading outbreak.”
DUR: 23 seconds
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(ALT)

Chris Ocamringa in Kinshasa says the outbreak is now the second largest Ebola epidemic ever recorded, with scientists in Britain and Canada racing to develop a vaccine through the first human clinical trials.

IN: “The World Health...”
OUT: “...show promising results.”
DUR: 34 seconds
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SHEIKH HASINA SET TO MAKE FIRST PUBLIC APPEARANCE SINCE OUSTER WITH VIRTUAL ADDRESS IN NEW DELHI

Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is set to make her first public appearance since she was ousted two years ago, with a virtual address scheduled for Wednesday evening at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of South Asia in New Delhi.

India has denied any involvement in the event, saying it is being organised by a private media entity and that it does not endorse any views expressed at the forum — after Bangladesh warned that allowing political activities by a fugitive could damage improving bilateral relations.

Hasina, who was sentenced to death last year over her crackdown on protesters, says she plans to return to Bangladesh in December.

Neha Poonia reports from New Delhi.

IN: “New Delhi has...”
OUT: “...as a fugitive.”
DUR: 26 seconds
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(ALT)

Reporter Neha Poonia in New Delhi says Hasina has promised to use the address to counter what she calls misinformation and to outline her plans to go back to Bangladesh.

IN: “Bangladesh describes her...”
OUT: “...return to Bangladesh.”
DUR: 15 seconds
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(ALT)

Neha Poonia in New Delhi says the fallout from Hasina's ouster two years ago triggered a wave of anti-Indian sentiment in Bangladesh that has complicated relations between the two neighbours.

IN: “You know, after...”
OUT: “...an important neighbor.”
DUR: 32 seconds
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RUBIO SAYS PROGRESS 'BUT NOT FINALITY' ON STRAIT OF HORMUZ DEAL AS QATAR CIRCULATES DRAFT AGREEMENTS

Qatar says drafts of a potential agreement to end the US-Iran war are being circulated, though the two sides are not talking directly.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has acknowledged there has been movement towards reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has suggested a deal could come within hours.

But shipping analysts say fewer than ten vessels a day are currently transiting the blockaded waterway.

Nick Harper reports from Washington.

IN: “We heard from...”
OUT: “...of a deal.”
DUR: 27 seconds
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(ALT)

Reporter Nick Harper in Washington says the pattern of optimistic talk from the White House followed by no concrete agreement has become a familiar one in the conflict.

IN: “Really, the question...”
OUT: “...his words, decapitation.”
DUR: 37 seconds
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SPACEX RELEASES FIRST EARNINGS REPORT AS PUBLIC COMPANY AS WALL STREET CLOSES AT RECORD HIGHS

SpaceX has released its first-ever quarterly earnings report as a publicly traded company, after a session on Wall Street that saw all three major indices close sharply higher — the S&P 500 reaching a new record and the Dow Jones finishing above 54,000 for the first time.

Strong corporate earnings helped drive the gains, with data analytics firm Palantir Technologies and heavy machinery maker Caterpillar both raising their annual revenue forecasts — Caterpillar citing booming demand linked to the construction of artificial intelligence data centres.

Falling oil prices, after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said a deal with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz could be imminent, added further momentum.

Mitch Mccann has more from New York.

IN: “The biggest blowout...”
OUT: “...boosted its numbers.”
DUR: 36 seconds
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TRUMP'S REBUILT TARIFF WALL NEARS ORIGINAL LEVELS AS STATES MOUNT FRESH LEGAL CHALLENGE

An analysis by the Council on Foreign Relations says US President Donald Trump's rebuilt tariff regime now approaches the levels of the original duties that the Supreme Court struck down earlier this year, though whether the trade barriers are achieving the administration's goals remains an open question.

The administration has turned to Section 301 of the Trade Act — which covers unfair trade practices — as its latest legal basis for imposing duties, after two previous attempts were blocked by the courts.

A group of US states is now challenging the new tariffs, accusing the White House of using forced labour allegations as a pretext for what they call an illegal scheme.

James Gooderson reports from Washington.

IN: “This is the...”
OUT: “...by other courts.”
DUR: 38 seconds
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(ALT)

James Gooderson, our reporter in Washington, says the case marks the third time courts have been asked to rule on the legality of the administration's trade penalties.

IN: “The White House...”
OUT: “...in the courts.”
DUR: 33 seconds
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S&P 500 AND DOW HIT ALL-TIME RECORD HIGHS AS US-IRAN STRAIT OF HORMUZ DEAL HOPES AND BLOCKBUSTER EARNINGS FUEL RALLY

The S&P 500 and Dow Jones have hit fresh all-time intraday record highs on Tuesday, fuelled by hopes of an imminent deal between the United States and Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said there was a chance an agreement could come within hours, sending oil prices sharply lower, with Brent crude falling from around eighty-four dollars a barrel to roughly seventy dollars.

Strong quarterly earnings from Caterpillar and Palantir Technologies have also boosted sentiment on Wall Street.

Mitch Mccann reports from New York.

IN: “Scott Bessent, the...”
OUT: “...$84 a barrel.”
DUR: 27 seconds
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(ALT)

Mitch Mccann in New York says Caterpillar's share price jumped around seven per cent on Tuesday after the heavy equipment maker posted record quarterly sales driven by AI data-centre demand.

IN: “Caterpillar, I checked...”
OUT: “...there for Palantir.”
DUR: 22 seconds
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UKRAINE LAUNCHES MASS DRONE STRIKES ON RUSSIAN OIL AND LOGISTICS INFRASTRUCTURE OVERNIGHT

Ukraine launched a mass drone attack on Russian oil and logistics infrastructure overnight on Tuesday, targeting sites across multiple regions.

Russia responded with a barrage of more than 130 drones and missiles aimed at Ukrainian cities, killing civilians including two young girls in the north-eastern Sumy region.

Guillaume Ptak has more from Kyiv.

IN: “In the Sumy...”
OUT: “...may still rise.”
DUR: 31 seconds
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FRANCE ENDURES FOURTH HEATWAVE OF 2026 AS PARIS REMAINS UNDER EXTREME HEAT WARNING

Paris remains under an extreme heat warning on Tuesday, as France endures its fourth heatwave of the summer — a heat dome that has driven temperatures past 40 degrees Celsius across large parts of the country.

France has already recorded its hottest day in history, back in June, and authorities in the southwestern Gironde region have banned all sporting and cultural events until the end of the week.

The prolonged heat has devastated crops across the country, with farmers facing the worst conditions at the most critical point of the growing season.

Ross Cullen reports from Paris.

IN: “No surprise that...”
OUT: “...on agricultural output.”
DUR: 25 seconds
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NO NEW CROSSING ATTEMPTS AT CEUTA BORDER AS DEATH TOLL RISES TO AT LEAST 72

There have been no new attempts to cross the border into the Spanish territory of Ceuta, with voluntary returns to Morocco continuing, though the confirmed death toll from the crisis has risen to at least seventy-two, with local officials putting the figure as high as eighty-six.

The crisis erupted last week when an estimated sixty thousand people surged across the border from Morocco, prompting diplomatic tensions across Europe.

Italy temporarily suspended its passport-free Schengen travel agreement with Spain in response, with Denmark and Finland backing Rome's position.

Ross Cullen reports from Paris.

IN: “This is a...”
OUT: “...has with Spain.”
DUR: 23 seconds
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(ALT)

Reporter Ross Cullen in Paris says the EU interior ministers issued a joint statement after the meeting outlining their shared priorities.

IN: “I'll just bring...”
OUT: “...with third countries.”
DUR: 18 seconds
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EU INTERIOR MINISTERS HOLD EMERGENCY TALKS ON CEUTA MIGRANT CRISIS AS SPAIN DEMANDS SOLIDARITY

European Union interior ministers are meeting on Tuesday to discuss the fallout from the mass influx of migrants into the Spanish territory of Ceuta, with at least 88 people confirmed dead.

Twenty-two EU governments have signed a joint letter criticising Madrid's migration policies, while Spain has accused its partners of exploiting the crisis for political ends.

Ross Cullen reports from Paris.

IN: “EU interior ministers...”
OUT: “...many European leaders.”
DUR: 22 seconds
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(ALT)

Reporter Ross Cullen in Paris says while Spain says most migrants have been returned, several thousand remain in Ceuta hoping to find legal work.

IN: “Spain says almost...”
OUT: “...Madrid's migration policies.”
DUR: 21 seconds
http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0804-0813cullen-ceutamigrantcrisis2.mp3