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This is The World in Brief from the Economist.

Our top stories. The Kremlin said a Russian investigation into the plane crash that

killed Yevgeny Progozhyn, the boss of the Wagner group, a mercenary outfit, and nine others

last week, would consider the possibility that it was downed deliberately. It is the first time

the Kremlin has referred to assassination as a potential cause. This spokesperson said there

would be no question of an international investigation. Meanwhile, Russia accused Ukraine of launching

strikes on targets in six Russian regions, in what appears to be the biggest aerial assault on

Russian territory since the war began. Country Garden, one of the world's largest homebuilders,

posted a record loss of $51.5 billion yuan, or $7 billion in the first six months of 2023,

warning that it could default on its debt. The beleaguered Chinese developer missed $22.5 million

in coupon payments on August 6. China's property sector is in crisis. Sales among the 100

biggest developers fell by 33% in July, compared with a year earlier.

Hurricane Italia made landfall, slamming into Florida and moving on to southeast Georgia.

Those two states, plus North Carolina and South Carolina, have declared states of emergency.

Ron DeSantis, Florida's governor, deployed the National Guard and asked residents in low-lying

areas to evacuate. A 100-year-old oak tree fell on Mr. DeSantis' own house, the governor's mention.

Switzerland unveiled proposals to tighten its money-laundering laws as it seeks to shake off

international criticism for its alleged role in facilitating sanctions evasion and other financial

...