Zero's Briefs

Health — EMA recommends updating Covid vaccines to target the XFG variant — The Emergency Task Force of the European Medicines Agency has recommended updating Covid-19 vaccines to target the XFG variant for the 2026/2027 campaign. XFG belongs to the Omicron JN.1 family of sub-variants, and its circulation has increased globally since June 2025, peaking at 74% of sequenced infections in October 2025. NB.1.81, related to JN.1, and BA.3.2, genetically distinct and on the rise in some countries, are also circulating in Europe. According to the agency, vaccines based on the LP.8.1 strain can still be considered for 2026 campaigns. The recommendation was developed in consultation with the WHO, international partners and marketing authorization holders. The news currently comes from a single source (the EMA statement); no independent confirmation available.

Film & Entertainment — Four Honorary Hearts in Sarajevo: Watson, Farhadi, Luna, Harrelson — In addition to chairing the feature film competition jury, Emily Watson is receiving the Honorary Heart of Sarajevo. The same recognition goes to Iranian director Asghar Farhadi, accompanied by a retrospective in the “Tribute to” programme; to Mexican actor Diego Luna, whose 2026 film “Ashes” is being screened at the festival and who will hold a masterclass; and to Woody Harrelson, who will attend the screening of Michael Winterbottom’s “Welcome to Sarajevo,” shot in 1996. The jury also includes Matthijs Wouter Knol, Athina Rachel Tsangari, Igor Bezinović and Sara Klimoska (The Hollywood Reporter, Variety).

Culture — A medieval caravanserai resurfaces in northern Sinai — Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has announced the discovery of the remains of a medieval-era caravanserai in North Sinai, along ancient caravan routes. The announcement was reported on August 13 in Archaeology Magazine’s daily roundup. The news currently comes from a single source (the Egyptian ministry’s announcement); no independent confirmation available.

World — West Bank: US ambassador calls some settlers “terrorists” — In Qusra, in the northern West Bank, three Palestinian families were unable to leave their homes for nearly a week after being surrounded by Israeli settlers, starting on Sunday with the erection of tents and the cutting off of access to water and electricity. The Israeli military condemned the actions as illegal and reprehensible, and on Thursday troops clashed with the settlers, dismantling their outposts. Activists marched carrying food and water to the families. US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee called them “terrorists” (translated from English), in a rare act of public censure (WORLD Radio, Dayton Daily News).

World — USS George Washington to replace USS Abraham Lincoln — The United States is sending the aircraft carrier USS George Washington to the Middle East to relieve the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been on an extended deployment due to the war against Iran: the ship has been at sea for over 250 days and has not made a port call in 200. Concerns are growing over crew morale and living conditions on board. The news currently comes from a single source (the Wall Street Journal investigation reported by Just Security); no independent confirmation available.

Italy — 17-cent diesel cut extended to August 24 — The Council of Ministers, meeting on August 4 at Palazzo Chigi, approved a decree-law with urgent provisions on oil prices: the 17-cent-per-liter reduction on diesel for road transport — 14 cents in excise duty and 3 in VAT — has been extended from August 7 to August 24, 2026. The measure also extends the tax credit for road haulage into August and was proposed by the Prime Minister together with Ministers Giorgetti, Pichetto Fratin and Salvini. The news currently comes from a single, institutional source (the Prime Minister’s Office press release no. 185); no independent confirmation available.

Economy and Markets — Fitch on the UK, Brussels on the trade balance — The August 14 calendar includes Fitch’s review of the UK’s sovereign credit rating and the release of European Union trade balance data. The Bank of Italy is publishing statistics on official reserves and foreign currency liquidity, public administration borrowing requirements and debt, and the financial market (Teleborsa, ANSA).

Sport — National Bank Open finals in Montreal — During the Italian night, the Canadian tournament awards its two titles: the women’s final pits Iga Swiatek against Elena Rybakina, while the men’s final sees Ben Shelton face Brandon Nakashima. The same day, Cincinnati hosts the men’s and women’s singles round of 64. The news currently comes from a single source (the #AccadeOggi agenda from ANSA on the ATP/WTA calendar); no independent confirmation available.