The article covers three distinct stories. The first is about a devastating explosion in Beirut, which resulted in over 150 deaths and 5,000 injuries, with significant damage to the city's port and commercial district. The cause is linked to a warehouse fire that ignited a large stockpile of ammonium nitrate. The second story features Henrik Fisker, a car designer who is launching a new electric vehicle called the Ocean through his company Fisker Inc., using lessons learned from his previous company's failure. The third story discusses the plight of U.S. farmers like Lynn Hicks, who are facing bankruptcy despite federal payments, as they struggle with the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic and a prolonged downturn in the agricultural economy.

The article reports on the Janai Purnima Festival, also known as the Sacred Thread Festival, which took place at the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, on August 3, 2020. During this festival, Hindu men, particularly from the Brahman and Chettri communities, participate in the annual tradition of changing their sacred thread, known as Janai. The Janai is either worn across the chest or tied around the wrist. This ritual signifies the renewal of their spiritual and physical vows.