"Friday's Essential 7: August 18 Edition"

U.S. intelligence suggests that Ukraine's offensive to retake the city of Melitopol will fall short due to minefields, raising questions about the effectiveness of Western support. A wildfire in Yellowknife, Canada, has prompted the evacuation of nearly 20,000 residents, adding to the extensive wildfires that have plagued the country this season. Mortgage rates have reached their highest point since 2002, with the average 30-year fixed loan hitting 7.09%, impacting monthly payments. President Biden is hosting Japan's and South Korea's leaders to discuss increased cooperation on security amid rising threats from China and North Korea. The fall season is expected to bring chaos to vaccination efforts.