In other news

The COVID-19 pandemic and high interest rates had a devastating impact on the commercial property sector in the United States, particularly on office spaces. However, according to a recent analysis, America is now escaping its office crisis. The shift to remote work triggered a slump in office demand, which was further exacerbated by aggressive interest rate hikes starting in 2022. This led to a deterioration in credit quality, affecting banks that financed these properties, especially smaller ones. Despite these challenges, there are signs that the crisis is easing.

The article discusses the growing trend of banning smartphones in classrooms across the United States and globally. As of the new school year, 35 states in the US have laws or rules prohibiting phones in classrooms, with 17 states implementing new bans. This bipartisan policy aims to help students focus, but researchers note that scientific evidence supporting the benefits is limited, with most studies being small-scale and yielding mixed results. The article highlights the need for more comprehensive research to validate the effectiveness of phone bans in improving student outcomes.

The article discusses the changing nature of crime in Chicago. While gun violence is a concern, it is down this year, with robberies falling by a third and the city on track for its lowest murder rate in over a decade. However, visitors are still at risk of becoming victims of crime, particularly street theft, which is becoming increasingly sophisticated.

The article discusses China's growing interest in cryptocurrency, particularly stablecoins, despite its previous strict regulations. Eric Trump, son of the American president, recently spoke at Bitcoin Asia in Hong Kong, highlighting the country's crypto-curious attitude. The article questions whether China's leaders would truly want stablecoins to succeed, given their potential impact on the country's financial system.

The article from The Economist's Finance & Economics section discusses various topics related to finance and economics, including the potential risks and consequences of the AI stock market, the impact of artificial intelligence on the economy, and the economic plans of the hard right in Europe. It also touches on issues such as bond vigilantes, supply shocks, cryptocurrency, office crises, deflation, and the potential damage of Trump's policies on the Federal Reserve. The articles suggest that while some economic indicators are improving, such as America's office crisis appearing to be over, others are concerning, like the threat of deflation in Asia and the blurring of lines between gambling and investing in America.

The article profiles J.B. Pritzker, the governor of Illinois, who is positioning himself as a leader in the Democratic Party. Pritzker, a billionaire and member of the Hyatt Hotels family, has been involved in various high-profile activities, including hosting the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Recently, however, he lost his status as America's richest politician to Donald Trump due to Trump's gains in cryptocurrency. The article explores Pritzker's ambitions and his potential role in the Democratic Party, highlighting his wealth, influence, and readiness for a political fight.

The article discusses the recent military strike ordered by US President Donald Trump on a boat allegedly carrying drugs and 'narco-terrorists' from a Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua. Trump celebrated the strike, warning potential drug traffickers to 'BEWARE.' The article questions the legality of killing drug suspects at sea and highlights Trump's tough stance on drug trafficking.

The article discusses the divisions within the Republican Party despite their unified support for Donald Trump. It identifies five Republican factions and analyzes their differences, particularly on issues like tax cuts, welfare, and tariffs. The article suggests that Trump's success in binding these factions together may be difficult for his successor to replicate.

The article discusses the threat to democracy in the United States under Donald Trump's presidency, drawing parallels with the warnings issued by the US War Department in 1945 about the dangers of fascism. It highlights how fascist ideologies can exploit economic stress and social divisions, and how Trump's government has shown tendencies that could be seen as undermining democratic norms. The article emphasizes the importance of recognizing the vulnerabilities within American society and the need for vigilance against the erosion of democratic values.

The article discusses Donald Trump's approach to security and how he presents himself as America's protector. It highlights the controversy surrounding a migrant detention center in Florida and Trump's ability to maintain support from various Republican factions. The article also touches on other topics such as the rules for defending democracy under Trump and the legality of certain actions taken by his government. The overall tone is critical and disapproving of Trump's methods.

The article discusses the varying opinions on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on society, ranging from utopian views of immense benefits to dystopian views of catastrophic consequences. A recent paper by Arvind Narayanan and Sayash Kapoor of Princeton University approaches AI as a 'normal technology', sparking debate among AI researchers and economists. The article suggests that AI's rise might follow the path of previous technological revolutions.

The article discusses the potential risks associated with the current AI-driven stock market boom, highlighting that the value of America's stock market has risen by $21 trillion since the release of ChatGPT in 2022, with a significant portion of this growth attributed to just ten firms, including Amazon, Broadcom, Meta, and Nvidia. The article raises concerns about the potential consequences of a market correction, citing the IT investment boom and the large share of venture capital dollars going to AI firms.

The article discusses how commodity markets can be deceptively simple, with prices seemingly driven by supply and demand. However, the example of lithium's 'fake rally' illustrates how supply shocks can be a trap for commodity investors. The article suggests that commodity markets are more complex than they appear, and investors should be cautious when making decisions based on supply and demand imbalances.

An Australian woman, Erin Patterson, has been sentenced to life in prison for killing three relatives with toxic mushrooms during a lunch at her home. Patterson was convicted of triple murder and attempting to murder a fourth guest. The judge criticized Patterson for harming her own children by depriving them of their grandparents. Patterson will be eligible for parole after 33 years.

A boat carrying 14 people capsized on the Sassandra River in southwestern Ivory Coast after being attacked by a hippopotamus, leaving 11 people missing, including children and a baby. Three people survived the incident. The country's minister for national cohesion and solidarity, Myss Belmonde Dogo, reported that a search operation is ongoing. Ivory Coast has an estimated 500 hippos, and boat accidents are common in the country. The incident is part of a larger pattern of hippo attacks in Africa, with hundreds of people killed each year. Recent incidents include a woman from New Jersey being killed in Zambia in June 2024, and seven people being killed in Malawi in 2023.

Hundreds of LGBTQ+ Catholics and their families participated in a Holy Year pilgrimage to Rome, celebrating a new level of acceptance in the Catholic Church. The pilgrimage, organized by Italian LGBTQ+ advocacy organization 'Jonathan's Tent,' was listed in the Vatican's official calendar of events. Speakers at the event credited Pope Francis with changing the Church's tone towards LGBTQ+ individuals, and many felt a sense of welcome and acceptance. The event's organizers and participants hope that Pope Leo will continue Francis' legacy of inclusivity.

The Trump administration's decision to end a tariff exemption for low-cost imports has resulted in an 80% decline in postal traffic to the United States. The Universal Postal Union has reported that 88 postal operators have suspended services to the U.S. due to the changes, which require the collection of duties on parcels valued at $800 or less. The UPU is working on new measures to help postal operators calculate and collect duties. The change has caused significant disruptions to the global postal network, with traffic from 192 member countries falling by 81%. The de minimis exemption was introduced to facilitate trade by eliminating the administrative burden of collecting modest import duties on low-cost goods.

The article reports that South Sudan repatriated a Mexican man, Jesus Munoz-Gutierrez, who was deported from the United States in July. Munoz-Gutierrez was among a group of eight men deported to South Sudan, despite none of them being citizens of the country. The group had been convicted of serious crimes in the U.S., including murder, homicide, and sexual assault. The repatriation was carried out by South Sudan's foreign ministry in collaboration with the Mexican Embassy in Ethiopia. Rights groups have criticized the Trump administration's practice of deporting migrants to third countries, arguing it violates international law and migrants' rights. The U.S. Supreme Court allowed the government to restart swift removals of migrants to countries other than their homelands in June.

The Israel Premier Tech cycling team has changed its uniforms at the Spanish Vuelta due to repeated pro-Palestinian protests targeting the team. The new uniforms feature a large 'P' and a star, aligning with the team's branding on vehicles and casual clothing. The decision prioritizes rider safety amid dangerous protests. The team's participation has been met with protests throughout the race, with Spanish authorities detaining 12 people who invaded the course. The protests are linked to Spain's sympathy for the Palestinian cause and criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza.

White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett was interviewed on 'Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan' on September 7, 2025. The discussion covered the recent Russian attack on Ukraine, the U.S. economy, job creation, and the Federal Reserve. Hassett stated that the National Economic Council is responsible for enforcing sanctions on Russia and those who aid them. He also expressed concerns about the accuracy of job numbers, citing discrepancies between payroll and household surveys. Hassett mentioned that the private sector employment is up by about half a million this year, while government employment is down by about 100,000.

Sen. Mark Warner, Democrat of Virginia and top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, was interviewed on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Sept. 7, 2025. He discussed various topics including the economy, artificial intelligence, chip manufacturing, and national security. Warner expressed concerns about the impact of AI on job dislocation, criticized President Trump's mixed message on chip manufacturing, and raised questions about the influence of Laura Loomer, a right-wing blogger, on the Trump administration. He also discussed the recent Venezuelan boat strike and the need for congressional oversight on intelligence matters.

Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) appeared on 'Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan' on Sept. 7, 2025, to discuss the CDC and vaccine policies. Marshall, a former OB-GYN, defended the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as a 'disrupter' to the CDC, stating that Kennedy is making the CDC more transparent and trustworthy. Marshall expressed concerns that not every person needs every vaccine and advocated for empowering parents and doctors to make decisions about vaccinations. The conversation touched on the COVID-19 pandemic, Operation Warp Speed, and the availability of vaccines. Marshall's views were contrasted with those of his Republican colleagues, Senators John Barrasso and Bill Cassidy, who expressed concerns about the impact of Kennedy's changes on vaccine availability.

Sen. Tammy Duckworth criticized President Trump's threat to send immigration agents and troops to Chicago, calling it 'declaring war' on a major US city. She stated that there were no concrete indications of troop deployment and that the Navy's Great Lakes base had only been asked to provide office space for ICE. Duckworth expressed concern over the potential diversion of military resources and the administration's lack of transparency. She also discussed the recent meeting between US adversaries, including Putin, Xi, and Kim Jong Un, and criticized Trump's response as a distraction from the country's real issues. Duckworth condemned the Trump administration's military action against a suspected drug boat off Venezuela's coast, calling it 'illegal'.

Alibaba Group Holding has released its largest AI model to date, Qwen-3-Max-Preview, which boasts over 1 trillion parameters and is designed to rival models from OpenAI and Google DeepMind. The model is part of the company's Qwen3 series and has outperformed its previous best model in internal tests. Alibaba's release is part of a larger trend in the tech industry, with major players developing large language models with increasingly complex parameters. While the exact capabilities and limitations of Qwen-3-Max-Preview are not fully disclosed, Alibaba claims it has surpassed several other models in various benchmarks.

China has imposed sanctions on Japanese lawmaker Seki Hei, accusing him of spreading falsehoods on issues involving Taiwan, Xinjiang, and Hong Kong, thereby undermining Chinese sovereignty. Seki Hei, a 63-year-old China-born political commentator elected to the House of Councillors on the Japan Innovation Party's ticket, has been sanctioned by the Chinese foreign ministry. The sanctions include freezing his assets in China, prohibiting Chinese organizations and individuals from engaging with him, and denying visas to him and his immediate family members, including for entry to Hong Kong and Macau. The move is seen as a rare and significant step by China to counter what it perceives as interference in its internal affairs.

China's export growth slowed in August due to trade war uncertainty, with exports rising 4.4% year-on-year to $321.8 billion, missing estimates. Imports rose 1.3% to $219.5 billion, indicating weak domestic demand. The trade surplus expanded to $102.3 billion. Analysts attribute the slowdown to the waning effect of front-loading shipments before higher tariffs took effect, but other factors continue to support export performance. The near-term outlook remains uncertain as global markets await a potential trade deal between China and the world's largest economy.

The article summarizes five news stories from the previous weekend, including Harvard professor Liu Jun's return to China, the potential implications of the US Pentagon's shift in focus, and US President Donald Trump's comments on India-China relations. Liu Jun, a renowned statistician, has taken up a prestigious chair at Tsinghua University, sparking interest in the reasons behind his move from Harvard. Meanwhile, Trump suggested that India is moving closer to China, which he described as being in the 'deepest, darkest' orbit. The article provides a roundup of these and other news stories from the region.

The Hong Kong government is planning a mega infrastructure project, the Northern Metropolis, which could potentially boost innovation and transform the city's economy. However, experts say that reducing the city's reliance on the finance sector and building a university town to support a planned innovation hub are key to its success. The project involves transforming 30,000 hectares of land near the city's border with mainland China and building a 300-hectare international innovation and technology hub, dubbed the San Tin Technopole. Analysts believe that the hub has the potential to be a new economic engine for the city, but the government needs to set clear targets and prioritize its development. The project is expected to be a highlight of Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu's fourth policy address.

A China-US study has found evidence of a solid inner core inside Mars, challenging prevailing theories about the planet's formation and cooling. The discovery was made by analyzing seismic waves from marsquakes recorded by Nasa's InSight lander. The solid core is about 600km in radius, or roughly 18% of Mars' radius, similar to Earth's inner core. This finding fills a major gap in understanding Mars' deep interior and may revive the idea that Earth was not the only planet to have once developed plate tectonics. The study's results suggest that Mars has cooled faster than expected, forming a solid inner core.

Ian Goldin, a professor of globalisation and development at the University of Oxford, discusses the current state and future of globalisation in an interview with the South China Morning Post. Goldin argues that globalisation is not dead, but rather 'alive and well' in Asia, where it has driven economic growth and poverty reduction. He notes that globalisation is becoming more regional and 'more Asian' due to the US's decreasing involvement. Goldin emphasizes the importance of continued integration of Africa and Latin America into the global economy and highlights the changing nature of globalisation, with a shift towards services, digital technologies, and increased risks. He also stresses that globalisation brings both benefits and risks, citing the Covid-19 pandemic as an example of the latter.

The article profiles Chinese actress Xin Zhilei, who recently won the Best Actress award at the Venice Film Festival for her role in 'The Sun Rises on Us All'. It discusses her acting journey, her historic win, and her experience working with renowned director Wong Kar-wai. The article highlights Xin's rise to prominence in the Chinese film industry and her notable performances.

Protests have erupted in the Philippines over allegations of corruption in the handling of funds for flood control projects. Demonstrators, angered by the misuse of billions of pesos, targeted the properties of contractors accused of siphoning off funds and government agencies responsible for overseeing the projects. The protests were sparked by July's floods, which caused widespread damage despite significant spending on flood control since 2022. An investigation revealed numerous incomplete, substandard, or nonexistent projects, with a small group of contractors receiving a disproportionate amount of contracts. Protesters called for a larger movement, drawing comparisons to recent unrest in Indonesia.

The article discusses the murder of Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, on a light rail train in Charlotte, NC, and argues that the incident is evidence of a serious crime problem in America. The author criticizes the city's response to the crime, particularly the mayor's statement that 'we will never arrest our way out' of the problem, and suggests that a tougher approach to law enforcement, such as that taken during Trump's DC crackdown, is needed.

The New York Giants' Malik Nabers and head coach Brian Daboll had an animated exchange on the sideline during a game against the Washington Commanders, but both downplayed the interaction. The Giants' offense struggled in the red zone, and LB Micah McFadden suffered an injury. The article also discusses the performances of other Giants players, including Abdul Carter, who blocked a punt on special teams in his NFL debut.

The New York Jets lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers 34-32 in their season opener on Sunday, dampening the enthusiasm surrounding new coach Aaron Glenn's debut. Despite some positive moments, the harsh reality of the Jets' performance overshadowed the positives of Glenn's first game as coach.

The article discusses the controversy surrounding Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s appointment as Secretary of Health and Human Services by Donald Trump. Kennedy is facing opposition from Democrats and some Republicans due to his views on vaccines and dietary guidelines. The article argues that Kennedy's Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda is a threat to powerful interests in the food industry and that his efforts to revise dietary guidelines are being sabotaged by industry capture and woke ideology. The author, Miranda Devine, defends Kennedy's stance and criticizes the Biden administration's last-minute dietary guidelines, which she claims were influenced by industry interests and leftist ideology.

A rural Texas gas station, Bigs Gas Station in Fredericksburg, sold one of two winning tickets for the $1.8 billion Powerball jackpot. The gas station's manager, Melanie Carter, was shocked upon learning the news. The winning ticket was sold along with another in Missouri, and the winners will split the jackpot, choosing between an annuitized prize or a lump sum. The identity of the Texas winner remains unknown due to the high volume of customers at the gas station.

A 51-year-old man was arrested in the Czech Republic after evading authorities for nearly six years while driving a Dallara GP2/08 race car, often mistaken for a Ferrari Formula 1 car. The 'Phantom Ferrari driver' was known for speeding on Czech motorways and evading traffic authorities. Police tracked him down to a property in the village of Bulk, where he was arrested and later taken to a police station for questioning. The man refused to comment on the situation and faces a fine and driving ban.

Chinese humanoid robot startup X Square Robot has secured $100 million in funding led by Alibaba Cloud, with participation from other investors including HongShan and Meituan. The startup, founded in December 2023, has been generating revenue from sales to schools, hotels, and retirement homes. X Square Robot has also released an open-source foundation model for embodied AI and launched its Quanta X2 robot, which features advanced capabilities such as 360-degree cleaning and human-like hands. The company plans to start preparing for an initial public offering next year and expects to grow its revenue in the coming years.

The article provides live updates on the stock market, noting that stock futures were little changed on Sunday as investors prepare for a data-heavy week. Two critical inflation reports are due this week, which will provide insight into the health of the economy. The producer price index report is due on Wednesday, followed by the consumer price index on Thursday. Investors are hoping to gauge whether stocks can continue to trade at record highs. The S&P 500 is just 0.8% off its most recent record. The article also mentions that the lackluster August jobs report has fueled investor hope that the Federal Reserve will lower benchmark interest rates at its policy meeting later this month.

Volkswagen is pushing to strengthen its dominance in the European electric vehicle (EV) market with a new lineup of compact and affordable EVs. The company unveiled the ID. Cross Concept car, its fourth new electric model launch, which is expected to roll out in the first half of next year. Volkswagen's CEO, Oliver Blume, stated that the new family of EVs will be competitive and help increase the company's market share in Europe, where it currently leads with a 28% market share. The announcement comes ahead of the IAA Mobility car show in Munich, where European carmakers will face competition from Chinese newcomers. Despite U.S. tariff pressures on the European auto industry, Volkswagen's shares are up 12.2% this year.

A 57-year-old man died after being attacked by a 'large shark' while surfing at Long Reef Beach in Sydney, Australia. The victim, an experienced surfer and father, lost multiple limbs in the attack. Witnesses reported hearing screams and seeing a dorsal fin. The beach was closed, and authorities are investigating the species of shark involved. This was the first fatal shark attack in Sydney since 2022 and the city's first since 1963.

The daughter of a fugitive Nazi officer, Patricia Kadgien, has been charged with attempting to hide an 18th-century Italian painting looted during World War II. The painting, 'Portrait of a Lady' by Giuseppe Ghislandi, was discovered in Kadgien's home in Argentina after it appeared in a real estate listing. The painting's original owner was Dutch-Jewish art collector Jacques Goudstikke, who died in a shipwreck while fleeing Amsterdam during the war. Goudstikke's heirs have filed a legal claim to reclaim the artwork. Kadgien and her husband were placed under house arrest but later released with restrictions.

Pope Leo XIV has canonized Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old computer genius who died of leukemia in 2006, as the Catholic Church's first millennial saint. Acutis was known for creating a multilingual website documenting eucharistic miracles and was nicknamed "God's Influencer". The Pope also canonized Pier Giorgio Frassati, an Italian student who died of polio in 1925. Both saints were praised for dedicating their lives to God and serving others. The canonization ceremony was held in St. Peter's Square, with an estimated 80,000 people in attendance. Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of living a life dedicated to God and not wasting one's life outside of God's plan.

A total lunar eclipse, also known as a 'blood moon,' was visible across the globe on Sunday night and early Monday. The eclipse occurred when the Earth passed between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow on the lunar surface and giving the moon a deep red hue. The phenomenon was visible in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, with the UK experiencing its first total lunar eclipse since 2022. The eclipse was safe to view with the naked eye and was caused by the Earth's atmosphere refracting light, scattering shorter blue wavelengths and allowing longer red wavelengths to reach the moon. The next partial lunar eclipse is not expected until August next year.

The US Open men's final between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz was delayed due to increased security checks following the arrival of Donald Trump, who was met with a mix of cheers and boos from fans. The match eventually started with Alcaraz winning three sets to one. Trump's presence drew significant attention, with other celebrities like Pep Guardiola, Anna Wintour, and Ben Stiller in attendance.

Internet access in parts of Asia and the Middle East has been disrupted due to undersea cable cuts in the Red Sea. Microsoft reported increased latency in the region, while NetBlocks confirmed multiple subsea cable outages affecting countries including India and Pakistan. The cause of the disruption is unclear, but there are concerns about Houthi rebels targeting Red Sea cables. The disruption highlights the vulnerability of undersea cables, which are a critical part of the internet's infrastructure.

Czech police have arrested a 51-year-old man for driving a Formula 1-type racing car on the motorway multiple times since 2019. The car, a Dallara GP2/08, was seen driving on the D4 motorway and was followed to the man's property in the village of Buk. The driver was arrested after refusing to cooperate with police and is now facing a fine and potential suspension of his driving license.

A woman named Hakyung Lee is on trial in New Zealand for allegedly murdering her two children and hiding their remains in suitcases. Lee, a New Zealand national born in South Korea, was extradited from South Korea to New Zealand in November 2022 and has pleaded not guilty to two charges of murder. The remains of the children were discovered in suitcases by a family who purchased the contents of an abandoned storage unit at an auction in Auckland. The trial is expected to last up to four weeks and will determine whether Lee was sane at the time of the alleged murders. Lee will represent herself in court with two court-appointed lawyers acting as stand-by counsel.

CNN's Andy Scholes interviews Carlos Alcaraz after his second US Open title win at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing, New York. The article discusses Alcaraz's victory and includes a video of the interview.

Erin Patterson, known as the 'mushroom murderer,' was sentenced to three life sentences with a non-parole period of 33 years for killing three lunch guests with toxic mushrooms. The case has garnered significant attention in Australia and internationally, with multiple podcasts and documentaries covering the story. Patterson was convicted of poisoning her guests with the world's most toxic mushrooms.

US President Donald Trump responded to a recent immigration raid at a Hyundai Motor manufacturing facility in Georgia, stating that foreign companies investing in the US should respect immigration laws and hire and train American workers. The raid resulted in the detention of about 475 workers, mostly South Koreans. Trump suggested that he would consider allowing foreign manufacturing experts into the US to help train American workers. The South Korean government expressed regret over the arrests and the release of footage showing the operation.