In Colorado, Jon and Carie Hallford, owners of Return to Nature Funeral Home, face federal charges after allegedly misusing COVID-19 relief funds and mishandling up to 190 bodies, prompting new regulations on funeral homes.

In other news, the world mourns the passing of Fethullah Gülen, a prominent Turkish spiritual leader, who inspired millions and faced political controversy; he died at the age of 80 in Pennsylvania, leaving behind a legacy of blending Sufism with democracy.

Meanwhile, in India, Cyclone Dana has led to flight suspensions and mass evacuations in Odisha and West Bengal, with authorities preparing for its landfall between Thursday night and Friday morning to ensure public safety.

Turning our attention to Saudi Arabia, the kingdom is seeking $10 billion in private investment to revitalize its agriculture sector, aligning with Vision 2030 to achieve greater food security and economic diversification.

Back in the Middle East, Hamas is looking to Russia for mediation in forming a post-war national unity government for Gaza, hoping to involve Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in talks despite tensions with Israel.

Finally, Saudi Arabia's non-oil exports have surged by 7.5% in August 2024, notably in chemical and re-exported goods, countering a decline in oil revenue, demonstrating the kingdom's strategic shift towards economic diversification.