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1. US inflation rises modestly in July
According to the U.S. Federal Reserve's consumer price index released Wednesday, consumer prices increased 0.1% in July, putting the annual rate at 3.4%, CNBC reports. The moderate increase is in line with expectations and takes the pressure off of the Federal Open Market Committee to increase rates next month.
“In-line inflation will keep the ‘no need to hike rates’ narrative that took hold after last week’s jobs report intact,” said Ellen Zentner, chief economic strategist for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. “There will be another round of inflation data before the September FOMC meeting, so the storyline could still change. But unless those numbers tell a much different story, the Fed will likely still be in a position to leave rates unchanged next month.”
Stock market futures rose following the release of the report.
2. Midwest storms lead to flooding, power outages
Persistent storms in the Midwest have brought powerful winds, flooding and power outages to the area, CNN reports. One death has been reported and power was out for 1 million homes and businesses across Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia and Virginia Tuesday evening.
Central Ohio is among the areas experiencing the worst of the storms, and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine declared a state of emergency for both Perry and Muskingum counties. As of Tuesday morning, 200 Perry County residents were forced out of their homes amid floodwater rising.
“We are in a very dangerous weather situation that really involves all of Ohio. It is unusual to see this, but danger can be anywhere in the state,” DeWine warned.
3. Hotel data expert suggests stability in the forecast
For hoteliers, 2026 represents a recovery year after narrowly avoiding a downturn last year. Kelsey Fenerty, manager of analytics at STR, CoStar's hospitality data analytics firm, said the hotel industry can expect a bit more stability in 2027, but, Fenerty warned, that could change factoring in volatility caused by the current administration.
"A forecast is really only as good as the external world around it is stable. Our world remains very uncertain these days," she said at this year's Hotel Data Conference. "Right now, 'normal' is living in a world where really big changes happen semi-frequently with basically no lead-up or notice, and our long-term trends just change very abruptly as a result."
4. Indian tourists allowed free entry into Abu Dhabi
Travelers from India can score a free United Arab Emirates visa when they book a vacation to Abu Dhabi through Oct. 31, The National reports. The new offering will save 20,000 people the cost of the visa, which is 285 Emirati dirhams ($77) per person.
Eligible travelers must have a return flight to India booked, stay three nights in an Abu Dhabi hotel and book through participating travel partners.
“India continues to be one of our most important international markets, and we remain committed to working closely with our travel partners to make Abu Dhabi even more accessible for Indian travelers,” said Abdulla Yousuf, director of international operations at DCT Abu Dhabi.
5. Historic Hotels names finalists in annual awards program
Historic Hotels Worldwide named its nominee finalists for its annual Historic Hotels Annual Awards of Excellence. The honorees span 46 countries and are all deemed historic inns, hotels and resorts by the organization. The winners will be revealed Oct. 15 at the annual ceremony, hosted this year by the Williamsburg Lodge, Autograph Collection (1939) in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Categories for the awards include new member of the year, best social media, sustainability champion, best city center historic hotel, best historic resort, historic hotelier of the year and region-specific recognitions for Asia, Europe and Americas.
“The Nominee Finalists exemplify the finest historic hotels and hoteliers in the world. ... These historic hotels represent small towns and large cities, as well as national historic districts," said Lawrence Horwitz, executive vice president of Historic Hotels Worldwide and Historic Hotels of America. "They make staying or celebrating special occasions at these historic hotels memorable experiences for guests.”