The Presidential Daily Brief

ISIS Leader in Pakistan and Afghanistan Reported Killed By Drone Strike

He was a primary target. Hafiz Saeed Khan, the regional ISIS leader for Pakistan and Afghanistan, was reportedly killed by a U.S. drone strike last month. The Afghan ambassador to Pakistan today made the news public, announcing that Khan’s thought to have died in the eastern province of Nangarhar on July 26th. The strike allegedly killed up to 30 people, many of them thought to be senior militants: ISIS, however, denies that Khan was one of them. Though the US military has yet to confirm Khan’s death, it would be a heavy blow to ISIS’ hold on the region.

Resort Towns Across Thailand Hit by Fatal Bomb Blasts

They’re calling it a coordinated attack. Thailand is on high alert after bomb blasts rocked tourist towns across the country. Nine mobile-detonated bombs went off in five places, including the popular vacation spot Hua Hin. Many of the 35 wounded are foreign tourists. Thai authorities have confirmed four dead and say they’ve made arrests, though no one’s claimed responsibility. The carnage comes a week after Thai voters approved a military-backed constitution, prompting speculation about insurgent involvement. As investigators look for answers, foreign embassies have urged holidaymakers to remain vigilant.

Russia and Ukraine Face Off Over Crimea … Again

It’s a scary stalemate. Russian troops have built up in Crimea following a week of Russia flexing rhetorical and military muscle against Ukraine. On Wednesday, Moscow accused Ukraine of plotting terror attacks in Crimea. But Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko responded bluntly, accusing Putin of creating “a pretext for more military threats.” Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine two years ago, making the region a hotspot for international tensions — and the front lines for Russian expansion. With Putin talking self-defense, many fear this escalation is looking all too familiar.

Clinton Repeats Vow to Oppose TPP, Blasts ’Trumpian Ideas’

They agree on something. Days after Donald Trump outlined his economic plan, Hillary Clinton presented her own contrasting vision, which she says will better boost the middle class. But she, like Trump, rejected the pending Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, despite hints from allies that she might accept an amended version. Trump continued escalating his rhetorical bombast — against the wishes of his own party — while musing that if his tactics don’t work, he’s “going to have a very, very nice long vacation” after the election.

Investors Turn to US, Feeding Record Highs

It’s a red-letter day, written in black ink. Yesterday, the Dow Jones, Nasdaq and S&P 500 all saw record highs on the same day, which hasn’t happened in 17 years. With bond yields dropping as central banks in Europe and Asia try to boost economies through stimulus efforts, sovereign bonds are less attractive — and moneymakers are turning to U.S. equities instead. Some analysts say this is likely to be just the beginning of a streak for U.S. stocks as investors come back from summer vacations and jump onto the wave.

Olympics Reporting Goes Wrong, ‘Star Wars’ Mania Strikes Back and Our Weekly Quiz

Know This: The Daily Beast has apologized for a journalistic foray on Grindr that outed gay Olympians. Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan’s been “randomly selected” at a U.S. airport … again. And Venezuela and Colombia are set to reopen their border after a year’s closure. 

Watch This: The Force is strong with this one. The hotly anticipated Rogue One trailer features a tantalizing glimpse of a Star Wars favorite.

Try This: Feeling presidential after a week of briefings? Prove it with the PDB quiz.