Author: WWC NEWSDESK

Philippines

Kanlaon Spews 200-Meter Ash Plume as 4 Volcanic Quakes Strike—But PHIVOLCS Warns of What Could Come Next

MANILA, Philippines — Mount Kanlaon showed renewed signs of unrest Thursday morning after the volcano released a grayish ash plume that rose about 200 meters above its summit crater, while state volcanologists recorded four volcanic earthquakes during the latest 24-hour monitoring period. According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the ash emission occurred at around 5:24 a.m. on August 20, based on observations from the Nature’s View Observation Station in S

August 20, 2026

Philippines

Peso Nears ₱62 Per Dollar as Record Low Raises Fresh Economic Concerns

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine peso has fallen to another record low against the US dollar, coming within a fraction of a centavo of the psychologically important ₱62-per-dollar level as renewed Middle East tensions, rising oil prices and uncertainty over US interest rates continue to pressure Asian currencies. The peso weakened to an intraday record low of ₱61.995 against the US dollar on Wednesday, August 19, before recovering slightly to close at ₱61.815. That was still 3 centavos weak

August 20, 2026

Philippines

“If You Want Transparency, Start With Yourself”: Kapunan Puts Sara Duterte on the Spot Over Confidential Funds

MANILA — A call for greater government transparency has triggered a sharper confrontation in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, with House prosecution counsel Lorna Kapunan telling the vice president to “start with yourself.” Kapunan made the pointed remark on Wednesday, August 19, after Duterte challenged Malacañang to disclose government travel authorities and the public funds used for official trips. “If you want transparency, start with yourself,” Kapunan said, urging Duterte

August 20, 2026

Lifestyle

America’s Debt Has Hit a Historic $40 Trillion — But the Next Number Could Be Even More Alarming

WASHINGTON — The United States has crossed a financial milestone that was once almost unimaginable: the nation’s gross federal debt has surpassed $40 trillion for the first time. U.S. Treasury data showed total outstanding federal debt reaching approximately $40.047 trillion on Wednesday, August 19, marking another record for the world’s largest economy. The figure includes both debt held by the public and debt held by government accounts. Reuters reported that roughly $32.27 trillion was held

August 20, 2026

Sport

Tommy Paul Was One Point From Defeat Against Zverev — Then Everything Changed in Cincinnati

Tommy Paul, Alexander Zverev, Cincinnati Open 2026, Cincinnati Open quarterfinals, Tommy Paul Zverev, ATP Cincinnati, tennis news, Masters 1000, Cincinnati tennis MASON, Ohio — Tommy Paul produced one of the biggest upsets of the Cincinnati Open, rallying past top seed Alexander Zverev 4-6, 7-6(6), 6-4 on Wednesday to book his place in the quarterfinals. But this was far from a routine victory. Paul had to survive a match point, overcome a rain interruption of nearly 90 minutes and recover fr

August 20, 2026

Asia

Nearly 1 in 4 U.S. Students Are Chronically Absent—But Schools May Be Missing the Real Reason Kids Stay Home

Millions of American students are still missing enough school to put their education at risk—and researchers say the problem may involve much more than transportation, illness or family circumstances. About 23% of U.S. K-12 students were chronically absent in the 2024-25 school year, according to recent national data covering 39 states and Washington, D.C. Chronic absenteeism generally means missing at least 10% of the school year, or roughly 18 days, for any reason. That means nearly one in e

August 20, 2026

Business

More Than 600 Young Singaporeans Want In, But There Are Just 100+ Rooms — Is Singapore’s Housing Model About to Change?

Singapore’s new co-living initiative for young adults is attracting far more interest than the number of rooms available, highlighting a growing demand among younger Singaporeans for greater independence — even as homeownership remains at the heart of the country’s housing policy. The pilot, introduced under the SG Youth Plan, offers more than 100 co-living rooms to Singapore citizens aged 21 to 35 at discounted rental rates. As of Aug. 12, more than 600 people had expressed interest, according

August 20, 2026

Politics

Trump Cuts South Korea Military Drills as Iran and $350 Billion Investment Dispute Explodes—What Happens Next Could Test the Alliance

U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to scale back joint military exercises with South Korea is emerging as more than a military-policy shift. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said Wednesday that Trump’s move appears to be part of broader pressure on Seoul over several unresolved issues—including South Korea’s reluctance to support U.S. efforts in the Iran war and its still-unresolved $350 billion investment commitment in the United States. Speaking at a parliamentary hearing in Seoul

August 20, 2026

Business

Hong Kong Designer Kinyan Lam Is Turning Ancient Craft Into the Future of Fashion — And the Reason Is More Powerful Than You Think

Hong Kong designer Kinyan Lam is proving that fashion does not always have to move faster to move forward. At just 31, the Guangzhou-born, Hong Kong-based designer has built a growing international reputation around something increasingly rare in the fashion industry: slowing down. Lam was named one of 20 semi-finalists for the 2026 LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers, selected from more than 2,400 applicants worldwide. His inclusion placed him among a new generation of designers being watc

August 20, 2026

Entertainment

Harry and Meghan Are Returning to Britain With Their Children — And the Reason Has Royal Family Watching Closely

Prince Harry Meghan Markle UK move, Harry Meghan return to UK, Archie Lilibet UK school, King Charles Harry Meghan, Sussexes Britain 2026 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are preparing for a major new chapter in their family life: the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are reportedly moving back to Britain with their two children for an extended period, six years after stepping away from royal duties and relocating to the United States. According to reports from PEOPLE, Reuters, The Associated Press and

August 20, 2026