Editor's Note: Some linked articles may be behind subscription paywalls.
1. Deadly flood sweeps through Nepal
The New York Times reports that at least eight people were killed by flood waters initiated by an ice avalanche in Nepal. As many as 384 tourists had been reported missing, the Nepal Tourism Board said in a statement. This number includes visitors from India, U.K. and the U.S.
“There was no rain in Nepal, so we were not expecting anything like this,” said Narendra Priyar, the chief district officer of Rasuwa, one of the areas affected by the floods.
The Nepali Army is carrying out rescue operations. It has mobilized 12 helicopters and set up a temporary hospital in the flood zone.
2. US inflation remains steady in July
U.S. consumer prices were up 3.7% year over year in July, the same rate as in June, the New York Times reports. This remains well over the Federal Reserve's target goal of annual inflation of 2%.
Fed policymakers will have a tough decision in their next meeting when they consider raising interest rates, the newspaper reports.
On one hand, inflation has steadied since jumping up at the onset of the U.S.-Iran war in the spring, leading some officials to believe they can stand pat. Others argue that the rising cost of computer chips and the renewed trade war with Canada will only raise inflation more.
3. Saudi Arabia outlines new hotel staffing requirements
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Tourism has outlined new staffing requirements at hotels in the country as it approaches the titular year of Vision 2030, CoStar News Hotels' Terence Baker reports. For example, luxury hotels and resorts will need three employees per one room; five-star hotels will need four workers for every five rooms; and four-star hotels will need three staff for every five rooms.
If enacted, the changes will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2027. Hotel staffing requirements used to be a lot simpler everywhere, said Philip Wooller, area director for the Middle East and Africa at STR, CoStar Group's hospitality analytics division.
“Now, they are a lot more complex. Some hotels in the United Arab Emirates have multiple restaurants, some outsourced, some managed. The Atlantis has over 40 restaurants,” Wooller said of the 1,544-room hotel in Dubai. “With all those factors to consider, how do you draw a conclusion?”
4. Canada enacts retaliatory tariffs on US
Canada has rolled out retaliatory tariffs on the U.S. on about $20 billion worth of American goods that will go into effect on Sept. 8, the Associated Press reports. This comes in response to the U.S. enacting tariffs of up to 50% on certain Canadian goods last Friday.
The new tariffs will include items such as seafood, cheese, clothing, cosmetics and toilet paper, the AP reports.
“We did not choose this conflict, but when our economic integration is used as a weapon rather than the foundation for a win-win partnership, we need to stand up,” Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne said in French, calling the situation “an unprecedented challenge imposed on Canada.”
5. AAA releases Labor Day travel projections
Seattle tops AAA's list of domestic Labor Day weekend destinations this year, according to AAA booking data. Orlando, Florida; Boston; Denver; and New York City round out the domestic top five while Rome, Vancouver, London, Dublin and Paris are the top five international destinations.
Among the travel trends this year are travelers exploring the great outdoors and learning about U.S. history.
“Travelers are seeking memorable experiences, and these top Labor Day destinations reflect that desire,” said Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel. “AAA members are embarking on Alaska cruises and river cruises, touring National Parks, and sightseeing in Europe. Many of our members are also looking ahead to 2027 and booking cruises and tours now before they sell out.”