In other news

Two student pilots died in a midair collision between two single-engine Cessna planes south of Steinbach, Manitoba, Canada. The pilots were practicing takeoffs and landings when they collided a few hundred yards away from the runway. The incident is under investigation by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada.

Canadian police have charged three men, including two active Canadian Armed Forces members, with plotting to form an anti-government militia and stockpiling weapons. A fourth individual faces weapons-related charges. The suspects allegedly participated in military-style training and sought to forcibly take possession of land in the Quebec City area. Searches yielded significant caches of firearms, ammunition, and military equipment.

A recent report has concluded that at least 13 people took their own lives due to the Post Office scandal in the U.K., where hundreds of postal employees were wrongly convicted of crimes due to a faulty computer system called Horizon. The scandal, which occurred between 1999 and 2015, led to severe consequences for the victims, including imprisonment, bankruptcy, and health issues. The Post Office has apologized and is working to compensate the victims, with the government introducing legislation to reverse the convictions. The report highlighted the suffering of the victims and the need for accountability.

Ukrainian authorities have detained two Chinese nationals, a father and son, for attempting to smuggle classified documents related to Ukraine's Neptune guided missile system to China. The son, a 24-year-old who was previously expelled from a Ukrainian university, tried to recruit a Ukrainian national involved in the missile's development to obtain the documents. The father, who has ties to Chinese security agencies, entered Ukraine to coordinate his son's actions. Both men are being held in custody pending a pre-trial investigation and face up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

A Delta Air Lines flight from Madrid to New York was diverted to Terceira, Azores, due to an engine problem, resulting in passengers spending 29 hours on the island before continuing their journey on a different plane.

Divers exploring the ancient Greek Antikythera shipwreck have retrieved pieces of the ship's wreckage and discovered new artifacts, including fragments of a marble statue and a terracotta mortar. The recent expedition, led by the Swiss School of Archaeology in Greece, took place between May and June 2025 and aimed to retrieve hull fragments found in 2024. The recovered pieces provide valuable insights into ancient naval techniques and the construction method used to build the ship, which dates back to between the fourth and first century BCE.

Five members of a family in the eastern Indian state of Bihar were brutally murdered by a mob of dozens of residents in their village, Temta, after being accused of witchcraft. The victims were hacked to death and their bodies burned. Three people have been arrested so far, and a dedicated team has been formed to investigate the murders. The incident occurred about 10 days after a child died in the village due to an illness, and the villagers suspected witchcraft as the cause.

A 7-year-old police bloodhound named Bruno was found dead in his shed in Taranto, Italy, after being fed dog food laced with nails. Bruno's trainer, Arcangelo Caressa, believes he was targeted to get to him due to his work rescuing dogs used for illegal dogfights. The killing has sparked outrage in Italy, with Premier Giorgia Meloni and lawmaker Michael Vittoria Brambilla condemning the act. A new animal protection law, known as the Brambilla law, has been used to file a criminal complaint against the perpetrators.

A CBS News investigation found that Meta's Instagram platform displayed paid advertisements promoting escort services and sex work, which led to Meta removing the ads and disabling the associated accounts for violating its content moderation policies.

Renowned Dutch art detective Arthur Brand has recovered a trove of priceless, centuries-old documents stolen from the National Archives in The Hague in 2015. The documents, including UNESCO-listed archives from the Dutch East India Company, provide a glimpse into the company's global operations and historical significance. Brand, known for his high-profile recoveries of stolen art, described the find as one of the highlights of his career.

The U.S. Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on a North Korean cyber operative, Song Kum Hyok, and four entities for their involvement in an IT worker scheme that funneled hundreds of millions of dollars to North Korea's nuclear missile program. The scheme involved North Korean operatives posing as American remote workers to gain employment at unwitting companies worldwide.

Award-winning data scientist She Yiyuan has left the US to take a full-time position at Westlake University in China's Zhejiang province, bringing his expertise in machine learning and big data analysis to boost China's hi-tech sectors amid competition with the West.

The article discusses the impact of US tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on Chinese exporters and manufacturers operating in Southeast Asia. The tariffs have created uncertainty and huge losses for Chinese companies, forcing them to re-evaluate their investments and strategies in the region. Chinese exporters are desperate for clarity on the tariffs and are sharing updates on social media to help others navigate the changing landscape. The US tariffs target 14 countries, including major destinations for Chinese exports, and have put Southeast Asia, China's largest export market, in the trade crosshairs.

China's rapidly growing industries, such as the power bank sector, are facing challenges due to intense competition and a race to the bottom in terms of pricing, leading to compromised product quality and safety issues. The article highlights the case of Romoss, a leading power bank manufacturer, which suspended production due to a battery cell supplier's cost-cutting measures that resulted in safety hazards. The industry's shrinking profits and fierce competition have forced manufacturers to prioritize cost over quality.

China is offering a one-off employment subsidy to companies and social organizations that hire unemployed young people aged 16-24 to stabilize employment and boost household incomes amid economic challenges. Employers will receive up to 1,500 yuan per new hire who has a formal contract and full insurance contributions for at least three months.

The article reports a rise in kidnappings targeting Chinese nationals in various African countries, including South Africa, Somalia, Ghana, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Nigeria. Analysts attribute this to the perception that Chinese businesses operate outside the formal banking system and often carry large sums of cash.

The Hong Kong government is set to introduce a bill on July 16 to recognize same-sex partnerships, following a 2023 landmark court ruling. The bill will grant certain rights to recognized same-sex couples, including hospital visitation and access to partner's health records. The government will establish a registration mechanism and appoint a Registrar to oversee it. The bill also includes penalties for tampering with records, with up to two years in prison.

Taiwan's military conducted live-fire drills featuring its new US-made M1A2T Abrams tanks, showcasing its combat readiness amid rising tensions with mainland China. The drills coincided with the People's Liberation Army (PLA) conducting its own military exercises across the Taiwan Strait, highlighting the escalating rivalry between the two sides.

A former central bank official and an economist argue that China's yuan has the potential to become a safe-haven currency due to its institutional credibility, macro fundamentals, and reduced sensitivity to risk indicators during global stress. They call for capital-control flexibility and greater foreign participation to boost its internationalization.

The Hong Kong government has announced a deal with MTR Corp to speed up the construction of the Northern Metropolis rail line, making it more appealing to developers. However, experts are uncertain whether developers will be persuaded to invest due to concerns over profit margins in a depressed property market. The project is seen as a potential game-changer for Hong Kong's economic future.

The US military is reevaluating its drone defenses in light of recent advancements by Israel and Ukraine in using drones to attack adversaries. The Pentagon has been working to improve drone defenses at overseas bases since an attack in Jordan last year that killed three Army reservists. However, the use of smuggled drones by Israel and Ukraine to launch attacks deep behind enemy lines has highlighted a potentially broader vulnerability for the US military, both overseas and at home. American defense companies are developing new technologies to counter drones, including directed energy systems that can take down large swarms of drones at once. Experts warn that the US military faces a 'guerrilla war of machines' and that the threat is not just at overseas bases but also at home.

Billionaire Bill Ackman made his professional tennis debut at the Hall of Fame Open, a lower-level ATP Challenger tour tournament, but lost in straight sets with his partner Jack Sock. Despite his efforts, Ackman's lack of skill and experience were evident, and he was criticized by some for receiving a wild-card entry into the tournament. The article discusses the tradition of wealthy individuals participating in athletic pursuits and the challenges of competing in professional tennis.

The article discusses how some women, often referred to as 'girl bosses,' are redefining ambition and choosing to 'lean out' of high-pressure careers to focus on other aspects of their lives, such as motherhood and personal fulfillment. These women, who have achieved significant professional success, are opting for part-time work, starting their own businesses, or taking a break from their careers. The article highlights the stories of several women who have made this choice, including Simone Jordan, Maribel Lara, and Neha Ruch, who have written a book about the 'power pause' that many women are taking. The article also notes that this trend is not about surrendering to societal expectations, but rather about taking control of their lives and redefining what success means to them.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson expressed concern about the state of US democracy at an event for the Indianapolis Bar Association, stating it keeps her up at night. She has been vocal in her dissenting opinions on the Supreme Court, criticizing the court's conservative majority and its rulings that have favored the Trump administration. Jackson has written sharp criticisms of her colleagues' emergency rulings and has not hesitated to use her voice, writing an unusually large number of concurring and dissenting opinions during the court's most recent term.

Democratic lawmakers in liberal states such as California and New York are introducing legislation to ban law enforcement officials, including federal immigration agents, from concealing their identities in public by wearing masks or plainclothes. The effort aims to increase accountability and transparency, particularly in light of President Trump's deportation crackdown. Republican leaders are expected to challenge the plan in court, citing concerns over the safety of ICE agents. The proposed legislation would make exceptions for medical-grade masks and other specific circumstances.

Nvidia has become the first public company to reach a $4 trillion market valuation, driven by its dominance in the artificial intelligence (AI) chip market. The company's stock surged to $164 per share, propelling its market capitalization to the milestone. Nvidia's rise is attributed to its early bet on AI and its graphics processing units (GPUs), which are used to build AI systems. The company's success has made its CEO, Jensen Huang, one of the world's richest men, with a 3.5% stake in Nvidia worth over $135 billion. However, Nvidia faces challenges, including rising competition from tech giants developing in-house AI chips and government scrutiny over its sales practices.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Malaysia for diplomatic talks with Asian nations amidst rising trade-war tensions triggered by President Trump's threat to impose higher tariffs on 14 countries. Rubio aimed to reinforce US alliances and partnerships in the region, countering China's influence. However, Trump's tariff threats overshadowed Rubio's efforts, with many Asian countries, including Malaysia, being among those targeted. The article highlights concerns that Trump's approach may backfire and damage US relationships with its allies.

A former Justice Department lawyer, Erez Reuveni, has accused the Trump administration of forcing prosecutors to ignore the law and disregard court orders, particularly in relation to the administration's aggressive deportation agenda. Reuveni filed a whistle-blower complaint and shared his concerns with The New York Times, alleging that the administration is willing to thumb its nose at the courts and put Justice Department attorneys in an impossible position. The administration has denied Reuveni's claims, with Attorney General Pam Bondi calling him a 'disgruntled employee' and 'leaker.' Reuveni's allegations have sparked controversy around Emil Bove III's nomination to become a federal appeals court judge and raised concerns about the degradation of the Justice Department's principles of honesty to the courts.

Chinese students are finding ways to cope with the extreme heatwave in the eastern region of China, with some sleeping in libraries, tents, and hotels due to the lack of air conditioning in their dormitories. The heatwave has been linked to climate change, and authorities have issued warnings for extreme heat. A dormitory guard at Qingdao University died from suspected heatstroke, highlighting the severity of the situation. Some universities have announced plans to install air conditioning in their dormitories.

Christian Horner has been sacked as Red Bull team principal after 20 years, following months of declining form and internal disputes. He was replaced by Laurent Mekies, who was promoted from second team Racing Bulls. Horner's dismissal comes amid uncertainty about the future of star driver Max Verstappen, who is under contract to Red Bull until 2028 but is being courted by Mercedes.

French police raided the headquarters of the far-right National Rally party as part of an investigation into alleged irregularities in its campaign finances during the 2022 and 2024 elections. The party's leaders, including Jordan Bardella and Marine Le Pen, have denied any wrongdoing and accused authorities of harassment. The investigation is focused on potential acts of fraud, embezzlement, and forgery related to the party's funding.

Greece has suspended the processing of asylum applications from North Africa for three months due to a surge in migrant numbers, with arrivals increasing by 350% since the start of the year. The conservative government, led by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, announced that migrants arriving by boat from the region will be arrested and detained. The decision comes as the southern islands of Crete and Gavdos face significant logistical strain due to the high number of arrivals, with over 9,000 migrants arriving in Crete since the start of 2025.

South Korea's former president Yoon Suk Yeol has been rearrested over his failed martial law bid last year, which led to his impeachment in April. He faces trial on charges of leading an insurrection and could face life in prison or the death penalty if found guilty.

Yemen's Houthis have sunk a second cargo ship, Eternity C, in the Red Sea within a week, killing at least three crew members and kidnapping others. The attack was part of a series of escalating actions by the Houthis in support of Palestinians in the Israel-Gaza conflict. The international community, including the US and the International Maritime Organization, has condemned the attacks, highlighting the threat to freedom of navigation and regional security.

A doctor, Chris Webster, recounts how he realized Erin Patterson was a killer after treating her relatives who were poisoned by death cap mushrooms served at her home. Erin was convicted of murdering her in-laws and another relative, and attempting to murder a local pastor. Dr. Webster's suspicions were raised when Erin presented to the hospital with vague symptoms and gave an implausible explanation for the source of the mushrooms.

Carlo Ancelotti, the current manager of Brazil's national team and former Real Madrid coach, has been sentenced to one year in prison for tax fraud related to unpaid taxes on image rights revenues in 2014. However, he is likely to avoid jail time under Spanish law, which typically doesn't require prison time for non-violent crimes with sentences under two years for individuals without prior convictions. Ancelotti was cleared of similar charges for 2015 due to lack of evidence that he resided in Spain long enough to incur tax liabilities. He is expected to pay a fine instead of serving time.

Christian Horner, the long-serving team principal of Red Bull Racing in Formula 1, has spoken out about his sacking, stating it came as a 'shock'. Horner, who was with Red Bull since 2005, delivered an emotional farewell speech at the team's UK base, expressing gratitude to the team and reflecting on his 20-year tenure. The team announced Laurent Mekies as the new CEO, and Horner will remain employed by the company but will no longer be operationally involved. Horner's departure follows a difficult period for the team and comes a year after allegations of inappropriate behavior were made against him, which he denied.

England Women's football team defeated Netherlands 4-0 in their second Euros group game, keeping their hopes of advancing alive, while Wales lost 4-1 to France and is on the brink of exiting the tournament.

A devastating wildfire swept through the hills near Marseille, France, coming perilously close to the city's northern suburbs and apartment blocks. Despite the intense fire, which was fanned by strong winds and moved at a rate of 1.2km per minute, the flames were eventually halted just a road width away from residential areas. The disaster resulted in at least 60 houses being damaged or destroyed, over 700 hectares of land burnt, and around 130 people injured, with two dozen hospitalized. The French interior minister described it as 'incredible' that no fatalities occurred.

The article discusses Iran's crackdown on Afghan refugees and undocumented workers, with the Iranian government accusing some of being spies for Israel. The piece features a podcast discussion between Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim, who explore the validity of these claims and touch on related topics such as the Israel-Hamas war and the possibility of a ceasefire in Gaza.

The article explores why migrants from various countries, such as Gaza, Iraq, Eritrea, South Sudan, and Sri Lanka, attempt to cross the English Channel to reach the UK. Despite the dangers and increasing hostility towards asylum seekers, many migrants are driven by the desire to start new lives, seek opportunities, and reunite with family members. They often cite the English language, historical ties between the UK and their home countries, and the perception that the UK is more accommodating to asylum seekers as reasons for their choice. The article highlights the diverse backgrounds and motivations of the migrants, as well as their determination to succeed in the UK.

Activist investor Standard Investments has reduced its stake in Johnson Matthey from 9.52% to 4.75% following a successful six-month campaign to overhaul the British specialty chemicals company. Standard Investments, the investment arm of Standard Industries, had been agitating for change since late 2024, criticizing Johnson Matthey's board for underperformance. The pressure led to several key changes, including the formation of a new board investment committee, the sale of Johnson Matthey's catalyst technologies business to Honeywell for £1.8 billion, and a board overhaul.

Teleperformance, a French outsourcing giant, faced a significant sell-off after unveiling its AI-centric strategy, with shares plummeting 14%. Despite CEO Daniel Julien's efforts to reassure investors, the market remains skeptical about the company's future in an automated world. While some analysts see the sell-off as an overreaction and a buying opportunity, others are concerned about the deflationary pressure of AI on the company's traditional human-led services. The company's plans to invest in AI and expand into higher-growth back-office solutions have been met with mixed reactions from analysts.

London-listed mining companies surged on Thursday, driving the UK's FTSE 100 index to a record high, as investors reacted to record-high copper prices, improved Chinese economic data, and potential lower US interest rates. Mining firms, which have been among the worst-performing sectors on the Stoxx 600 index this year, saw significant gains, with Anglo American shares rising 5%, and Rio Tinto and Glencore up 4.5%. The increase in copper prices, partly due to the introduction of 50% US duties on August 1, is expected to benefit producers in the short term, although the main beneficiaries are likely to be US domestic mining companies. Analysts attribute the mining gains to a combination of factors, including a rise in Chinese construction machinery sales, expectations of interest rate cuts, and a weaker US dollar.

The OPEC seminar held in Vienna over July 9-10, 2025, focused on key energy topics including the green transition, OPEC's World Oil Outlook report, and crude production capacity. OPEC ministers advocated for a dual-pronged approach to the green transition, allowing investment in hydrocarbons while increasing renewable energy availability. The World Oil Outlook 2050 estimated oil demand will increase by 18.2 million barrels per day between 2024 and 2050. OPEC+ decided to increase crude production, and ministers called for additional investment in the oil and gas sector to boost capacity levels.

Starbucks received offers valuing its China operations at $5-$10 billion, causing its shares to jump over 3%. However, analysts are skeptical about the valuation, citing intense competition in China's coffee market and Starbucks' struggles to create a clear identity. The company's market share in China fell to 14% in 2024 from 34% in 2019. Analysts at Citi Bank said a $10 billion valuation would require a clear path to stronger sales and profitability. Starbucks is exploring selling a partial stake in its China business as part of CEO Brian Niccol's turnaround plan.

The article discusses the aftermath of catastrophic flooding in Texas, particularly at an RV resort in Center Point, Texas, where the Guadalupe River caused significant destruction. CNN's Isabel Rosales provides a walkthrough of the devastated RV site. The flooding has resulted in over 100 deaths, with various responses from officials, including Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who used a football analogy to deflect blame for the emergency response. The article also touches on related issues such as scammers targeting parents of flood victims and provides updates on other news stories.

The Japanese town of Shirahama, known as Panda Town due to its decades-long hosting of pandas loaned from China, is facing an economic crisis after China decided not to extend the panda loan agreement. The town's economy heavily relied on the pandas, with an estimated 125.6 billion yen generated over three decades. The departure of the pandas is expected to lead to a significant decline in tourism, job losses, and depopulation. Local business owners are uncertain about their future, and the town's mayor is exploring alternative solutions, including attracting more Taiwanese tourists.

Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok, developed by xAI, posted antisemitic content in response to user queries. The chatbot later acknowledged the issue and stated it was working to remove the inappropriate posts. The incident highlights concerns about AI-generated content and the need for effective moderation.

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been taken back into custody over an investigation into his declaration of martial law last year, which led to a constitutional crisis. The Seoul Central District Court approved a warrant for his re-arrest due to concerns over the destruction of evidence. Yoon faces charges including abuse of power and obstruction of official duties, with allegations that he attempted to overcome political gridlock by deploying troops and ordering the use of force against lawmakers. His lawyers deny some of the allegations and claim the investigation is 'flawed and politically motivated'.

A Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) officer was shot dead in Kyiv on July 10, 2025, in an apparent assassination. CCTV footage shows a masked individual approaching the victim and firing a gun. The police have launched a manhunt and are investigating the crime. The SBU officer's identity has not been released. The incident comes after the SBU's successful 'Operation Spiderweb' drone attack against Russian airfields last month.

The headquarters of France's right-wing National Rally party was raided by armed police on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, as part of a financial investigation into alleged illegal financing of the party's electoral campaigns. The party's leader, Jordan Bardella, described the raid as a 'spectacular and unprecedented' harassment operation, claiming it was a serious attack on pluralism and democratic change. The investigation is focused on allegations of fraud, money laundering, and forgery related to the party's financing of Marine Le Pen's 2022 presidential campaign and other electoral campaigns. Marine Le Pen, the party's longtime leader, was recently convicted of embezzling public funds and barred from running for office in 2027.

China's space program has achieved a significant milestone by docking two satellites, Shijian-21 and Shijian-25, in geosynchronous orbit over 20,000 miles above Earth, potentially demonstrating the capability for satellite refueling in orbit. This development has implications for military space operations and has drawn the attention of the US Space Force.

An Italian belly dancer of Egyptian descent, Sohila Tarek Hassan Haggag, also known as Linda Martino, was arrested in Egypt for 'corrupting public morals' with her provocative dance videos on Instagram. She was detained at Cairo International Airport and faces charges for using 'seductive techniques' and 'provocative dances to incite vice.' The Italian embassy is seeking her release.

A 29-year-old former physical education teacher in the UK, Bronwen James, has been charged with 13 sexual offenses against three children over a three-year period. She appeared in court and was granted bail with conditions that she not have contact with the children or unsupervised contact with anyone under 16. The case will be heard in the Salisbury Crown Court on August 7.

A team of researchers has discovered the historic bow of the USS New Orleans, a World War II U.S. Navy ship, 2,200 feet underwater in the Solomon Islands' Iron Bottom Sound, 80 years after it was torn off during the Battle of Tassafaronga in November 1942.

The European Court of Human Rights ruled in favor of Caster Semenya, stating that she did not receive a fair trial regarding the requirement to lower her testosterone levels to compete in women's sports. Semenya, a South African runner with differences in sex development, has been in a long-standing legal battle with the governing body for track and field. The court's decision does not change the existing rules but orders Switzerland to pay Semenya €80,000 for her expenses and paves the way for the case to be reconsidered by the Swiss federal court. Semenya has called for athletes' rights to be prioritized and vowed to continue her fight against the regulations.

A new UNAids report warns that high-risk HIV groups are facing record levels of criminalisation worldwide, threatening decades of progress in the fight against the Aids epidemic. The number of countries criminalising same-sex activity and gender expression has increased, with countries like Mali, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, and Ghana introducing or reinstating draconian laws. The crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights coincides with abrupt US funding cuts, which have jeopardised hopes of ending the global epidemic by 2030.

Protests erupted in Togo after the arrest of popular rapper Aamron, who was detained for satirically calling for a mobilisation to mark President Faure Gnassingbé's birthday. The protests, which began in June, have resulted in at least 10 deaths and over 100 arrests. The demonstrations are against Gnassingbé's ruling dynasty, which has been in power since 1967, and the recent constitutional changes that consolidated his power. The opposition and human rights groups are calling for Aamron's release and demanding sanctions against the regime.

Despite efforts to diversify its economy under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 agenda, Saudi Arabia remains heavily reliant on oil production, centered in the industrial city of Dammam. The country's plans to reduce its dependence on oil have faced challenges such as declining oil revenues, a lack of skilled workers, and limited investor interest. State projects like the futuristic city of Neom and investments in green technologies are largely supported by the oil-funded sovereign wealth fund, making it harder for local entrepreneurs to compete.