In other news

Ali Akbar, France's last newspaper hawker, is to be awarded the Order of Merit by President Emmanuel Macron for his 50-year contribution to French culture. Akbar, 72, has been selling newspapers on Paris's Left Bank since 1973 and is a familiar figure in the neighbourhood. Despite the decline of the newspaper industry due to digitalization, Akbar continues to sell papers, albeit in much smaller numbers, and is recognized for his independence and joy in the job.

A gunman, identified as 30-year-old Patrick Joseph White, opened fire on the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters in Atlanta, killing a 33-year-old police officer, David Rose. The motive behind the attack is believed to be related to White's opposition to Covid vaccinations, with neighbours reporting that he distrusted Covid-19 vaccines and believed they made him sick. White was killed during the incident, and the CDC is cooperating with the investigation.

Jen Pawol has become the first female umpire to referee a Major League Baseball game during the regular season, making US sporting history. She oversaw first base during the game between the Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves, receiving a standing ovation and cheers from the crowd. Pawol has worked as an umpire in the minor leagues for over 30 years and has overseen more than 1,200 games. She is set to return to the field on Saturday night and will be responsible for calling balls and strikes behind home plate on Sunday.

Jim Lovell, the astronaut who guided the Apollo 13 mission safely back to Earth in 1970, has died at the age of 97. Lovell was a key figure in NASA's space program, having also been part of the Apollo 8 mission, and was the first person to travel to the Moon twice without landing. He was remembered for his 'unshakeable optimism' and his role in turning a potential tragedy into a success during the Apollo 13 mission.

A rare Martian meteorite discovered in Niger was auctioned off in New York for $4.3m, sparking anger and an investigation by the Nigerien government into its export and sale. The meteorite, named NWA 16788, is the largest Martian meteorite found on Earth and its sale has raised concerns about the trade in meteorites and the looting of cultural and natural heritage in African countries.

The mayor of Nagasaki, Shiro Suzuki, has warned of the dangers of nuclear war on the 80th anniversary of the US atomic bombing of the city, which killed an estimated 74,000 people. Suzuki appealed for an end to the wars raging in the world, citing the intensifying conflicts and the risk of a nuclear war. The ceremony in Nagasaki included a moment of silence, the ringing of the city's twin cathedral bells, and a symbolic water offering to honor the victims. The event comes amid ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, and the international community's efforts to ban nuclear weapons.

Elon Musk's AI video generator, Grok Imagine, has been accused of creating explicit deepfakes of Taylor Swift without prompting, sparking concerns about misogynistic bias in AI technology. Experts argue that the platform's lack of proper age verification and safeguards enabled the creation of such content, highlighting the need for stricter regulations.

A 17-year-old suspect has been arrested after three people were shot in New York City's Times Square in the early hours of Saturday. The shooting occurred during a fight outside a Raising Cane's chicken restaurant, stemming from a dispute. The victims, a 19-year-old man, a 65-year-old man, and an 18-year-old woman, were all admitted to hospital in stable condition. The incident comes three months before the election for New York mayor and amid a backdrop of discussions on crime rates in US cities, including a recent gun attack in Midtown Manhattan and President Donald Trump's efforts to curb crime in Washington DC.

US President Donald Trump has nominated Tammy Bruce, a former Fox News host and current State Department spokeswoman, as the US deputy representative to the United Nations. Trump announced the nomination on Truth Social, praising Bruce's work as a spokeswoman and predicting she will represent the US "brilliantly" at the UN. Bruce has been a vocal defender of Trump's policies, including his immigration crackdown and aid distribution in Gaza. The nomination is subject to Senate confirmation.

NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Connor Zilisch broke his collarbone after falling in victory lane at Watkins Glen International following his sixth victory of the season. Zilisch, 19, slipped while climbing onto his car's roof and was taken to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with a broken collarbone and no head injury. The incident has put his participation in the upcoming Go Bowling at The Glen Cup Series race in doubt.

The article reveals that multiple financial institutions, beyond just JPMorgan and Bank of America, closed their services to Donald Trump following pressure from the Biden administration due to his role in the January 6 Capitol Hill incident. The scale of this 'debanking' effort is highlighted as a concerning example of cancel culture and the politicization of banking.

Hip hop legend Jeezy took a 10-hour Uber ride from South Carolina to Baltimore after his flights were canceled, ensuring he arrived at his concert on time. The Uber driver, Tanner, drove Jeezy to the venue despite a car breakdown, and Jeezy later brought Tanner on stage to thank him.

The husband of TikTok influencer Emilie Kiser, Brady Kiser, allegedly placed a $25 bet on a New York Knicks playoff game before his 3-year-old son Trigg drowned in their backyard pool. The police investigation found that Brady was distracted by the game and didn't supervise Trigg, who was outside for over 9 minutes. Brady didn't discover Trigg unresponsive in the pool until 7 minutes after he fell in. The police recommended charging Brady with Class 4 felony child abuse, but officials determined there was insufficient evidence.

A 12-year-old girl, Sarah Niyimbona, died by suicide at Providence Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital in Spokane, Washington, after slipping out of her room and jumping from a parking garage. An investigation revealed that the hospital had removed safety measures despite her history of self-harm. Fifteen nurses were fired and one disciplined, allegedly for improperly accessing her medical records, though the nurses' union claims it was retaliation for speaking to the media. The hospital has implemented new protocols, and a state Department of Health investigation is ongoing.

A 44-year-old man was pushed onto the train tracks at a Midtown NYC subway station on Saturday night by a stranger. The victim suffered facial and leg injuries but managed to get back onto the platform before a train arrived. He was taken to a hospital in stable condition. The NYPD is searching for the suspect.

A 2-year-old Oklahoma girl, London Kerr, was allegedly abused by her parents, Ashley Ceejay Rowland and Joshua Denton, who physically tortured her and eventually sold her to a meth dealer. The child has been missing since 2022, and authorities are renewing their search for her.

Radio icon Howard Stern is reportedly re-energized by speculation surrounding the end of his SiriusXM show and is considering a shift to video streaming platforms like Netflix or HBO Max. Stern's contract is set to expire in a few months, and insiders claim he is preparing for a potential exit from SiriusXM by having a backup plan in place. Despite his show's declining audience, Stern is said to be 'pumped up' by the uncertainty and is exploring options to continue his career.

Hong Kong students from four mainland Chinese schools achieved a 90% pass rate in the Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) exams, far exceeding the overall average of 38%. The four schools, approved by the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority, are located in the Greater Bay Area and serve as designated examination centres. The results indicate that more than 90% of the graduates met the basic university entrance requirements for institutions in Hong Kong, Macau, mainland China, and Taiwan.

Alibaba's Tongyi Lab, a leading AI research division, is facing talent drain as several senior experts, including Yan Zhijie and Bo Liefeng, have left to join rival tech companies such as JD.com and Tencent Holdings.

The article discusses the improving relations between China and Japan and how a Taiwanese official's attendance at commemorations in Japan for the US atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki may test this trend. Lee Yi-yang, head of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan, attended the events, marking a significant departure from the past. This move is part of Taiwan's effort to strengthen its unofficial bonds with Tokyo and raise its international profile, but observers believe Beijing will take a dim view of the participation.

Beijing has experienced deadly floods again, raising questions about whether this is unusual. The city's northern areas were severely affected by heavy rainfall in late July, resulting in dozens of deaths, including 31 in a Miyun nursing home. This is the fifth such disaster in northern China since 2012. The flooding pattern this year differs from previous instances in 2016 and 2023, which primarily affected the southern parts of Beijing.

Hong Kong health authorities have warned of a heightened risk of chikungunya fever transmissions in the city due to rising cases in popular Asian travel destinations. The Director of Health, Dr. Ronald Lam, highlighted the challenges of preventing the disease from spreading, citing its shorter incubation period in mosquitoes. Five confirmed cases have been recorded in Hong Kong, with four of them linked to travel to Foshan in Guangdong province and Bangladesh.

The US has implemented a new tariff regime under Donald Trump's presidency, affecting Southeast Asian nations differently based on their diplomatic engagements and concessions. Most Southeast Asian countries face tariffs between 19-20%, considered a 'baseline' for future trade negotiations. However, Laos and Myanmar were hit with a 40% tariff, while Cambodia and Thailand saw their initial high tariffs reduced to 19% after diplomatic efforts and a ceasefire agreement.

The article discusses the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, focusing on the experiences of South Korean survivors who were largely marginalized and ostracized upon their return to Korea. These survivors and their families gathered at a shrine in Hapcheon county, South Korea, to remember the victims, mourn, and raise awareness about their plight. The article highlights the struggles faced by the survivors, including social stigma and the desire to be heard in a world that has often ignored them.

A new documentary titled 'Zuo Zongtang Recovers Xinjiang' has been aired in China, aiming to counter Western narratives and strengthen Chinese national identity in ethnic minority border areas. The documentary tells the story of Qing dynasty general Zuo Zongtang, who led an army to recover Xinjiang from foreign forces in the 19th century. The move is part of Beijing's efforts to cement its narrative on the history and governance of China's borderlands, with the goal of 'forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation'.

An American trophy hunter, identified as 52-year-old Asher Watkins from Dallas, Texas, was killed by a Cape buffalo during a safari in South Africa's Limpopo province. The buffalo, considered one of Africa's 'Big Five' trophy animals, attacked Watkins while he was being guided by professional hunters and trackers from Coenraad Vermaak Safaris. The incident highlights the risks associated with trophy hunting, a practice that generates significant revenue for South Africa, with foreign hunters spending an average of $32,663 per visit.

A former U.S. Embassy security officer, Jairo Eliezer Arias Caceres, has been indicted for smuggling cocaine into the United States from the Dominican Republic by hiding it in Marlboro cartons and Choco Pie boxes. The Department of Justice alleges that Arias Caceres built a transnational conspiracy between April and December 2023, recruiting couriers to travel between the two countries to deliver the cocaine. Arias Caceres previously worked as a security officer at the airport in Santo Domingo for seven years before joining the U.S. Embassy.

British police arrested 365 people in central London on Saturday as supporters of the banned pro-Palestinian group Palestine Action protested against the law banning the organization. The protesters intentionally defied the law, arguing it restricts freedom of expression. The ban was imposed after activists vandalized a Royal Air Force base and planes to protest Britain's support for Israel's actions in Gaza. Supporters are challenging the ban in court, claiming the government has overstepped by declaring Palestine Action a terrorist organization.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that there will be 'no invasion of Mexico' after reports emerged that US President Donald Trump had ordered the US military to target Latin American drug cartels. The New York Times reported that Trump signed a directive allowing for military operations against cartels deemed terrorist organizations. The White House did not confirm the reports but emphasized Trump's priority on protecting the homeland. Sheinbaum maintained that Mexico would not tolerate an invasion and emphasized collaboration over interventionism.

The article reports on new evidence revealed in the case of Erin Patterson, an Australian woman convicted of murdering three people with a meal laced with deadly mushrooms. Her estranged husband, Simon Patterson, testified that he suspected she had been poisoning him over a year before the fatal meal. The court lifted a gag order on pre-trial evidence, allowing the public to access this new information. Erin Patterson was convicted of murdering her parents-in-law and her sister-in-law, and attempting to murder her sister-in-law's husband. She faces a potential life sentence for each murder and 25 years for attempted murder.

The Perseids meteor shower is set to peak on August 12-13, 2025, but a bright moon that is 84% full is expected to negatively impact visibility, reducing the number of visible meteors by at least 75%. Viewers can expect to see 10-20 Perseids per hour, compared to 50 under darker conditions. Experts suggest watching the meteor shower from a dark location, and NASA recommends viewing it early in the morning before sunrise.

A KLM Royal Dutch Airlines flight from São Paulo to Amsterdam experienced smoke filling the cabin midflight due to a portable phone charger catching fire. The crew extinguished the device, and the flight landed safely without injuries. The incident highlights the risk of lithium-ion batteries on planes, with Emirates announcing a ban on using power banks on flights starting October 1, 2025. Recent incidents and data from the Federal Aviation Administration show a rise in lithium battery-related fires on planes.

Wildfires have swept across southern Europe, affecting Greece, Turkey, and France, resulting in at least two deaths and widespread destruction. In Greece, fast-moving flames approached residential areas near Athens, while in Turkey, the Dardanelles Strait was temporarily closed due to heavy smoke. In France, a large wildfire in the Aude wine region burned over 62 square miles, forcing hundreds to evacuate and causing significant damage.

Actor Chris Hemsworth revealed that discovering he is 8-10 times more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease due to carrying two copies of the APOE4 gene was a 'gear shift' in his life motivations. He made this discovery during the filming of National Geographic's Limitless: Live Better Now, a show focused on improving brain and body health. Hemsworth's newfound awareness led to a change in his mindset, making him more invested in the show's second season and more focused on living better and spending time with loved ones. He also took on the challenge of learning to play the drums and even performed with Ed Sheeran on stage.

Liverpool forward Mo Salah criticised UEFA for not revealing the circumstances of Suleiman al Obeid's death in a tribute to the footballer known as 'Palestinian Pele'. Al Obeid was reportedly killed by an 'Israeli airstrike targeting civilians' in Gaza. Salah questioned UEFA's post, asking how, where, and why al Obeid died.

The article recounts the author's experience interviewing Nicholas Rossi, a fugitive in Scotland accused of rape in Utah. Rossi, also known as 'Arthur Knight', was discovered after catching COVID-19 and exposing his tattoos in a hospital. The author details Rossi's evasive and deceitful behavior during interviews, including his false claims of being an Irish orphan and inconsistencies in his story. Rossi's past includes a history of violence and a previous conviction for sexual assault. His wife, Miranda, is also implicated in his deceit, having potentially helped him fake his own death in 2020.

On the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, survivors and relatives gathered in Nagasaki's Peace Park to remember the victims and pledge to make it the last atomic bomb site. Around 2,600 people attended the ceremony, including Mayor Shiro Suzuki and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. The event featured a minute's silence, wreath-laying, and the release of doves. Survivors, including Koichi Kawano and Fui Takeshita, expressed their desire for a world without nuclear weapons and war. With only 99 survivors remaining, Teruko Yokoyama emphasized the importance of educating new generations about the impact of the bomb.

Nagasaki Mayor Shiro Suzuki warned of a potential nuclear war on the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing, calling for global action against nuclear weapons. The memorial event at Nagasaki Peace Park was attended by 2,600 people, including representatives from 90 countries. Suzuki emphasized the need for a specific course of action to achieve the abolition of nuclear weapons, citing the upcoming 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons as a crucial moment.

US Vice President JD Vance visited London and met with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy to discuss the Gaza conflict and other global issues. Vance stated that the US and UK may disagree on strategy but share the goal of peace in Gaza. The US has no plans to recognize a Palestinian state, citing the lack of a functional government. Meanwhile, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved a plan to occupy Gaza City, despite international criticism.

A chairlift at a remote mountain resort in Russia's Caucasus Mountains suddenly collapsed, sending several passengers plummeting into a lake and others tumbling to the ground. Eight people were injured, and 13 were left clinging to their lives amid the rugged terrain. The incident is believed to be caused by decades of wear and tear on the cables, which were originally installed in 1968. Emergency responders launched a large-scale rescue operation, and authorities opened a criminal investigation into the incident.

The article is a love letter to Singapore, highlighting 60 tastes, traits, and things that make Singapore home. It showcases the country's diverse culture, food, and traditions, from iconic desserts like ice-cream rainbow bread to hawker culture and Singlish. The article also touches on Singaporean mentality, such as the 'kiasu' culture and 'chope' culture, and highlights the country's multicultural identity.

The scam hub in Shwe Kokko, Myanmar, continues to operate despite a crackdown in February that removed over 9,000 workers. The town's infrastructure, including electricity and internet, has been maintained through alternative means such as Starlink and solar panels. Scam compounds remain operational, and human trafficking continues, with crime syndicates replenishing their workforce. The global scam industry, predominantly driven by Chinese networks, generates an estimated $50-75 billion annually and is concentrated in South-east Asia.

A Ukrainian drone attack on the Saratov region in south Russia resulted in one death, several injuries, and damage to an industrial facility and apartments. Russia's air defence units claimed to have destroyed 121 Ukrainian drones overnight, including eight over Saratov. Ukrainian media reported that an oil refinery in Saratov city was on fire, although this was not verified by Reuters.

Chinese state media outlet Yuyuan Tantian, affiliated with CCTV, has raised security concerns over Nvidia's H20 artificial intelligence chips, stating they are not safe, technologically advanced, or environmentally friendly for China's market. The criticism comes after China's cyberspace watchdog summoned Nvidia to explain potential backdoor security risks in the H20 chips, developed for the Chinese market following U.S. export restrictions on advanced AI chips.

The luxury fashion industry is shifting from 'quiet luxury' to 'loud luxury' as brands like Gucci, Burberry, and Chanel appoint new creative directors to revitalize their designs and appeal to consumers. This change is driven by the industry's struggles with trade tariffs, soft consumer sentiment, and declining sales. Analysts believe that statement styles, large logos, and bold branding will dominate the market, with brands like Burberry and Gucci embracing their heritage and pushing boundaries. However, this shift may widen the divide between ultra-luxe brands and more affordable labels, with moderate pricing strategies potentially benefiting the latter.

China plans to build a 'super-embassy' in London's Royal Mint Court, sparking concerns among locals about safety, espionage, and the potential for Beijing to exercise its powers as landlord. The plans have been met with opposition from residents and rights groups, who fear the embassy could facilitate espionage and Beijing's 'long-arm' law enforcement. The UK government is set to make a final decision on the plans by September 9.

China's military is experiencing internal turmoil due to scandals and corruption, with several high-ranking officials disappearing or being investigated. President Xi Jinping is tightening his grip on the military, issuing new rules to reinforce ideological control and urging absolute loyalty. The purges may affect the military's readiness and ability to invade Taiwan, but Xi's resolve to act in a crisis remains strong.