In other news

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is facing turmoil in its oversight of rare-disease treatments, particularly after granting accelerated approval for Sarepta Therapeutics' gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The treatment, priced at $3.2m per patient, was approved despite limited clinical data, and has since been linked to three patient deaths from acute liver failure, prompting the FDA to suspend distribution. The incident has raised concerns about the FDA's decision-making process and its ability to balance the need for innovative treatments with ensuring patient safety.

The article discusses the likely outcome of the redistricting war in the United States, with the author arguing that Democrats are likely to lose. The article highlights the partisan nature of the redistricting process and notes that Republicans face fewer obstacles. The author also touches on other related topics, including the divisions within both parties over issues like Israel and the actions of Donald Trump.

The article discusses a recent peace deal brokered by Donald Trump between Armenia and Azerbaijan, two countries in the Caucasus region that have been in conflict. The deal, signed at the White House, includes agreements on trade and security, as well as the establishment of a transport route across Armenia, linking Azerbaijan to its exclave, Nakhchivan. The route, dubbed the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), is seen as a significant development in the region. The article suggests that this American-backed deal could weaken Russia's influence in the region.

The European University Institute (EUI), a prestigious graduate school located in Florence, Italy, has a new leader, Patrizia Nanz, who is tasked with making the institution relevant in today's Europe. The EUI was established in 1976 to foster academic advancement in fields crucial to Europe's development. It is known for its departments of economics, history, law, and political and social sciences. The article reflects on the EUI's mission and its significance in shaping Europe's future.

The article discusses how AI technology is enabling entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses on their own, potentially creating the first 'one-person unicorn'. It highlights the story of Sarah Gwilliam, who used AI to create a startup that helps people handle grief and sort out their late loved ones' affairs. The article suggests that AI is democratizing entrepreneurship, allowing individuals to launch and scale businesses without needing extensive technical expertise. This trend is exemplified by Gwilliam's experience, as she was able to turn her idea into a startup despite not being a software engineer or 'speaking AI'. The article implies that this could lead to more innovative and personalized businesses emerging.

The article discusses the growing disenchantment among MAGA Republicans with Israel, a traditionally strong ally. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson's recent visit to Israel and the occupied West Bank has highlighted the cracks within the Republican party on this issue. Johnson's statements and actions, including visiting Jewish settlements and using biblical terms to refer to the occupied territories, have been seen as controversial. The article suggests that this shift in stance is part of a broader trend among some Republicans who are reevaluating their support for Israel.

The article discusses McDonald's success factors and challenges. The company's success is attributed to its simple foundations: a decent menu, reasonable prices, and effective marketing. However, when these pillars crumble, the company faces difficulties. The article references McDonald's near-collapse in the early 2000s due to rapid expansion and a price war with Burger King. The current state of the company is not explicitly discussed, but the article implies that McDonald's must continue to adhere to its original blueprint to remain successful.

The article discusses how South America, particularly Brazil, is becoming a significant oil-producing region due to recent discoveries. BP's announcement of a large oil find off the coast of Rio de Janeiro is highlighted as a major development. This discovery, named Bumerangue, is BP's largest find in 25 years and adds to the growing importance of South America in the global oil market. The article also mentions BP's quarterly profit, which exceeded analyst expectations.

The article discusses Elon Musk's pay package and its link to Tesla's performance. In 2018, Tesla's shareholders approved a plan to tie Musk's pay to the company's value. By 2024, Tesla's value had increased significantly, making Musk's stock options worth $50bn. However, Delaware's chancery court ruled that the pay package was illegal due to a lack of transparency. Tesla's shareholders reapproved the package after reincorporating in Texas, but the court again rejected it. The article examines the implications of this 'Elon Musk theory of pay', where the worse Tesla performs, the less Musk earns.

The article discusses how Germans are losing their taste for beer, a drink that was once a defining characteristic of their culture. The traditional image of Germans enjoying beer in biergartens and during Oktoberfest is no longer entirely accurate. The article explores this shift in German culture and its implications.

A prominent Chinese economist, Wang Yiming, has called for government guidance to curb excessive competition in China's instant retail market, known as 'quick commerce', rather than stifling competition altogether. Wang, a central bank adviser, believes that 'quick commerce' has the potential to boost domestic demand and drive long-term growth, but excessive competition is leading to 'neijuan' or cutthroat competition that drives prices down and suppresses domestic demand. He advocates for targeted policy measures to guide the sector's high-quality development, promoting innovation, quality upgrades, and a better industrial ecosystem. E-commerce giants such as JD.com, Alibaba, and Meituan are at the centre of the controversy, engaging in aggressive subsidies to lure customers. Wang's comments come as Beijing increasingly warns about 'neijuan' and its impact on the economy.

China has made a significant move in promoting the global use of its currency, the yuan, with Australian metals giant Fortescue agreeing to a record 14.2 billion yuan syndicated loan arranged by the Bank of China. This deal is the largest offshore yuan syndicated loan to a non-Chinese company and marks another milestone in China's efforts to internationalize the yuan. The loan will be used by Fortescue to purchase clean energy technology and machinery from China, and it will be repaid using the yuan income earned from selling iron ore to China, creating a 'cross-border closed-loop yuan financing solution.' This move is part of China's strategy to hedge against potential US financial sanctions and capitalize on the faltering investor confidence in the US dollar.

The article discusses China's Wing Loong-2 (WL-2) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a multi-role drone that has been successfully exported to various countries and used in multiple conflict zones. The WL-2 has been deployed by countries such as Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Libya, and has also been used by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) for reconnaissance and combat operations. The drone was developed by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation and has been in service with the PLA since 2018. The article compares the WL-2 to the US General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper drone, highlighting similarities and differences in design and capabilities. The WL-2 is seen as a cost-effective and modular platform that has established itself as one of China's most commercially successful military drone exports.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva held a phone call to discuss strengthening bilateral ties and responding to the US trade measures. The call came after the US imposed a 50% tariff on Brazilian exports, while extending a pause on similar duties for Chinese goods. Xi and Lula emphasized the importance of solidarity and self-reliance for the Global South. The conversation highlighted the differing treatment of Brazil and China by the US, with Brazil facing stricter trade measures.

Italian orienteering athlete Mattia Debertolis, 29, died after collapsing during the men's middle distance orienteering competition at the World Games in Chengdu, China. Despite receiving immediate medical care at a leading Chinese medical institution, Debertolis passed away on Tuesday. The organizing bodies, including the International World Games Association, the local organizing committee, and the International Orienteering Federation, issued a statement confirming his death with great sadness.

Cathay Pacific Airways, Hong Kong's flag carrier, has offered voluntary three-month unpaid leave to its cabin crew for two consecutive quarters, starting from July to September and again from October to December 2025. The measure aims to provide cabin crew with greater flexibility to meet their personal needs, especially during the year-end festive season. This move comes amid modest profit growth forecasts.

Indonesia's plan to provide medical care to wounded Palestinians from Gaza on Galang Island has raised concerns that it may inadvertently support Israel's controversial plans for the region. Critics fear that moving thousands of Gazans to Indonesia could aid Israel's vision for the strip's future. The plan, announced by President Prabowo Subianto, involves relocating up to 2,000 Gazans and their families to Galang Island, which has previously hosted Vietnamese refugees between 1979 and 1996. The island has a hospital and supporting facilities to treat the patients. While the humanitarian mission has drawn praise, it has also sparked suspicion over Indonesia's intentions.

Malaysia and Bangladesh have resumed talks on labour migration amid concerns over job scams. Malaysia had imposed a freeze on hiring Bangladeshi workers last year after thousands were exploited by recruitment scams. The two countries are working to resume hiring, with a focus on helping those stranded in Malaysia. Bangladesh is a key partner for Malaysia, with hundreds of thousands of workers having been sent to Malaysia between 2021 and 2023.

The Shaolin Temple in China is embroiled in a scandal surrounding its long-time abbot, Shi Yongxin, who is being investigated for alleged financial offences and sexual misconduct. Despite the turmoil, the temple appears to be operating as usual, with tourists and disciples continuing to visit. However, there are subtle changes, including the removal of Shi's presence within the temple complex and a reduction in aggressive commercialism. The investigation and subsequent appointment of a new head monk have sparked speculation about potential reforms in how temples are run in China.

US President Donald Trump has nominated E.J. Antoni, a right-wing economist from the Heritage Foundation, to head the Bureau of Labour Statistics. This move comes after Trump fired the previous commissioner who had reported lower job growth figures than expected. Antoni, as the chief economist at the Heritage Foundation's centre for the federal budget, has previously praised Trump's policies and criticized those of his predecessor, Joe Biden. Trump expressed confidence in Antoni's ability to ensure 'honest and accurate' numbers from the Bureau.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan, have announced a new multi-year deal with Netflix for films and TV shows. The deal, described as a 'first look' arrangement, gives Netflix the first option on proposals from their Archewell production company. The terms of the deal, including its duration and financial details, have not been disclosed. The announcement comes ahead of the second series of Meghan's cookery show, 'With Love, Meghan', which is due to be screened later this month. The first series had 5.3 million views, significantly less than Netflix's most-watched shows. The couple's previous Netflix documentary, 'Harry & Meghan', had a larger audience with 23.4 million views. Archewell has also announced a special Christmas edition of 'With Love, Meghan' and another show, 'Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within', about an orphanage in Uganda.

Italian orienteer Mattia Debertolis, 29, died after collapsing during the World Games in Chengdu, China. He was found unconscious during the men's middle-distance event and died four days later despite receiving medical care. The cause of death is unknown. Debertolis was part of the Italian national team and had finished 5th in the 2022 World Cup final. The World Games organisers expressed their support for Debertolis' family and the orienteering community.

Nepal is making 97 of its Himalayan mountains free to climb for the next two years to boost tourism in remote areas, as it increases permit fees for Mount Everest. The move aims to highlight the country's 'unexplored tourism products and destinations' and generate revenue in the far-western regions of Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces. Climbing fees brought in $5.9m last year, with Everest accounting for more than three quarters of that. The peaks for which fees will be waived are between 5,970m and 7,132m high and are located in some of Nepal's poorest and least developed provinces. However, it is unclear if authorities have plans to improve infrastructure and connectivity to these remote areas.

An explosion occurred at the US Steel Clairton steel plant in Pennsylvania on Monday, resulting in two deaths and 10 injuries. The blast destroyed part of the plant and triggered air pollution fears, prompting residents within a one-mile radius to keep their windows and doors closed. The cause of the explosion is under investigation. The plant, which is the largest coking operation in North America, has a history of pollution concerns and has been fined millions of dollars in recent years. Governor Josh Shapiro and US Senator John Fetterman responded to the incident, with Fetterman witnessing an active search and rescue operation at the scene.

Victor Martinez-Hernandez, an illegal immigrant from El Salvador, has been sentenced to life without parole for the rape and murder of Rachel Morin, a 37-year-old mother of five, on a hiking trail in Maryland in August 2023. The case has been invoked by President Donald Trump to support his border security crackdown. Martinez-Hernandez was found guilty this year and received additional sentences for related charges. The victim's family, including her mother Patty Morin and brother Michael Morin, have spoken out about the brutality of the crime and have supported Trump's campaign for border security. The case has highlighted the issue of undocumented immigrants and crime, although most studies indicate that undocumented immigrants are not more likely to engage in criminality than American citizens.

Indian police have arrested six men for running a fake "International Police and Crime Investigation Bureau" in Noida, a suburb of New Delhi. The men posed as police officials, forged documents, and extorted money from victims by claiming to have affiliations with Interpol and other international crime units. The operation was run from a rented office decorated with police-like colors and logos, and the suspects were found with mobile phones, checkbooks, stamp seals, and identity cards. The arrests were made after the suspects had been operating for over two weeks, and the police are investigating the extent of their fraudulent activities. This incident comes shortly after another case of a fake embassy was busted in the same region.

Colombian senator and presidential hopeful Miguel Uribe Turbay died on Monday, more than two months after being shot during a campaign rally in western Bogota. Uribe Turbay, 39, was critically wounded on June 7 and remained hospitalized in intensive care until his death. A teenage suspect was arrested at the scene, and authorities have since detained several others, including the alleged mastermind of the attack, Elder José Arteaga Hernández. The incident has raised concerns about political violence in Colombia, a country with a dark past of politicians being murdered and kidnapped by drug cartels and insurgent groups. Uribe Turbay was a vocal critic of President Gustavo Petro and had announced his intention to run in Colombia's 2026 presidential election. The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, condemned the attempted assassination, blaming 'violent leftist rhetoric' from the Colombian government for the shooting.

An Islamic Shariah court in Indonesia's Aceh province sentenced two men to 80 lashes each for gay sex. The men, aged 20 and 21, were caught by Sharia police in a bathroom at a city park. Aceh is the only province in Indonesia that observes Islamic Shariah law, and this is the fifth time they have sentenced people to public caning for homosexuality since 2015. Indonesia's national criminal code does not regulate homosexuality, and the central government cannot strike down Shariah law in Aceh.

A 24-year-old Algerian man clung to the outside of a high-speed train in Austria on Saturday after it left the station in Sankt Poelten while he was having a cigarette break. The man grabbed onto the train and was later taken on board when it performed an emergency stop. He was led away by police after the train arrived in Vienna's Meidling station. The incident resulted in a 7-minute delay for the railjet train, which was traveling from Zurich, Switzerland, to Vienna.

A shooting at a nightclub in Ecuador's coastal province of Guayas killed eight people and injured three others, marking the latest violent incident in a country experiencing a surge in crime linked to organized crime groups and drug cartels. The attack occurred as Ecuador faces a state of emergency in several provinces due to rising violence, with over 4,600 homicides recorded so far this year.

Asia-Pacific markets mostly rose on Tuesday as investors assessed the U.S.-China trade truce extension, with Japan's Nikkei 225 hitting a record high. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 also reached a fresh record high ahead of the Reserve Bank of Australia's rate decision, which resulted in a 25 basis point rate cut. The extension of the trade truce has allowed for more room to negotiate a deal, and investors are hoping that improving trade relations between the U.S. and China would spur economic activity. Other key developments include Singapore's trade ministry upgrading its 2025 growth forecast and mixed trading among Asian tech stocks.

The article provides an overview of European markets on August 12, 2025, discussing various financial news and updates. It mentions that U.S. tourists spent less in Britain last year compared to 2019, likely due to the end of tax-free shopping for international visitors. Norway's sovereign wealth fund reported a 5.7% return in the first half of the year, driven by strong returns in financial stocks. European markets are expected to open positively, with futures data suggesting gains in major indexes. Investors are focused on the U.S.-China trade landscape and upcoming U.S. inflation data.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) cut its benchmark interest rates by 25 basis points to 3.6%, the lowest since April 2023, citing a drop in inflation to 2.1% in the second quarter. The RBA also downgraded its economic growth forecast for 2025 to 1.7% from 2.1%. The rate cut was in line with expectations, and analysts predict further cuts in November and early 2026. The decision comes amid a changing trade environment, including the implementation of U.S. tariffs. The RBA noted that while the risk of a damaging trade war has diminished, it cannot be ruled out.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is standing up to US President Donald Trump on defense and foreign policy issues, resisting pressure to commit to NATO's 5% defense spending target and seeking closer economic ties with China. Spain has renounced US aircraft purchases and is instead opting for European military aircraft. Analysts say Spain is a rare example of a European country willing to draw Trump's ire, and that Sanchez is using foreign policy to distract from domestic woes. Despite Trump's threats, Spain has not faced material consequences, likely due to its EU membership and Trump's relative lack of awareness of Spain.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has claimed that Al Jazeera journalist Anas Al-Sharif, killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza, was the head of a Hamas terrorist cell. Al-Sharif and four other Al Jazeera staff members were killed in the strike on a tent housing journalists in Gaza City. The IDF stated that Al-Sharif was responsible for advancing rocket attacks against Israeli civilians and troops, and that documents found in Gaza confirmed his affiliation with Hamas. Al Jazeera has condemned the attack as a 'targeted assassination' and rejected claims of Al-Sharif's Hamas affiliation, calling for press freedom. The United Nations Human Rights Office also condemned the killings and called for safe access to Gaza for journalists.

A thrilling amusement ride called Apollo 13 malfunctioned at the Boardmasters music festival in Cornwall, England, leaving several riders stranded upside down in the air for about 20 minutes. The ride, which simulates the experience of NASA's ill-fated 1970 Apollo 13 space mission, features a rotating arm that swings riders as high as 180 feet. Despite the alarming situation, festival organizers assured that safety protocols worked as intended, and all guests were safely assisted off the ride within 20 minutes. The ride underwent a full safety check and resumed normal operation shortly after.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned of a global effort to break the bond between Christians and Jews, citing a campaign to portray Israel as a threat to Christians. Netanyahu spoke at an event in Jerusalem attended by Pastor Paula White-Cain, spiritual advisor to President Donald Trump. He highlighted Israel's thriving Christian community and contrasted it with the decline of Christian populations in areas under Palestinian control. Netanyahu and other speakers, including Pastor John Hagee and Dr. Mike Evans, attributed the efforts to undermine the Christian-Jewish alliance to anti-Semitic and anti-Israel narratives. They emphasized the importance of Christian Zionism in supporting Israel and combating anti-Semitism.

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. The incident left eight injured and 13 clinging for their lives, but no fatalities were reported. Emergency responders attributed the cause to decades of wear and tear on the cables, which were installed in 1968. A large-scale rescue operation was launched, and a criminal investigation was opened to determine if any laws or regulations were violated.

Colombian presidential hopeful Miguel Uribe Turbay died on August 11, 2025, after being shot during a campaign rally in Bogota on June 7. Uribe Turbay, a member of the opposition right-wing Democratic Centre Party, was shot in the head and leg and underwent multiple surgeries before succumbing to his injuries. The shooting has renewed concerns about political violence in Colombia, with the country last experiencing such violence during the 1990s when Pablo Escobar declared war on the state. Uribe Turbay's mother, Diana Turbay, was a victim of this period and died in 1991. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of politicians in Colombia.

A massive swarm of jellyfish has shut down four reactors at France's largest nuclear power plant, Gravelines, in northern France. The jellyfish entered the filter drums of the pumping stations, causing units 2, 3, 4, and 6 to automatically shut down. The plant, which can produce 5.4 gigawatts of power and supply around 5 million homes, has temporarily stopped production while teams try to clear the blockage. The shutdowns had no impact on the safety of the facility, personnel, or the environment. A boom in jellyfish numbers has been reported in the sea around Calais, likely due to rising water temperatures and increases in plankton. This is not the first time jellyfish have caused problems at coastal power stations, with similar incidents occurring at the Torness nuclear plant in Scotland and causing a massive blackout in the Philippines in 1999.

Madonna has urged Pope Leo to visit Gaza and bring attention to the crisis there. She made the plea on her social media channels, stating that the Pope is 'the only one of us who cannot be denied entry' and that 'there is no more time' for action. Madonna's call to action comes as the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with UNICEF reporting that every child under the age of five is now at risk of acute malnutrition. Pope Leo has been vocal about the need for an end to the 'barbarity of war' in Gaza, and World Health Organisation director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has thanked Madonna for her support.

A Disney World park visitor was criticized on social media for using multiple smartphones and cameras to capture a performance, blocking the view of others. The incident sparked a discussion on Reddit about the obnoxious behavior of some Disney visitors, including influencers and bloggers who constantly film and live stream. Many commenters agreed that such behavior is rude and takes away from the magic of the Disney experience. Some Disney cast members also shared their frustration about being exploited for content without permission.

The article discusses the progress made by Mayor Eric Adams and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch in improving NYC subway safety. While crime rates have decreased, with a 16.7% drop in robberies and a 9.3% fall in felony assaults, the subways still see violent incidents. The author argues that to truly make the transit system safe, the city needs to help the seriously mentally ill and that progressives' priorities, such as converting subway retail spaces into homeless-outreach centers, may hinder this effort. If Adams is ousted in November, the gains made so far may be lost, and transit crime could increase again.

Veteran stock car driver Robbie Brewer, 54, died after suffering a medical emergency during a race at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Brewer's car struck the wall head-on, and he was extracted from the vehicle after the track crew peeled off the roof. The cause of the medical emergency was not disclosed. Brewer's daughter, Courtney Marquette, confirmed his death on social media, describing the loss felt by many who knew him. The incident was believed to be the first driver fatality at the track since 2002. Track officials praised Brewer as a talented and passionate racer, and a respected competitor. The atmosphere among spectators was somber, with some praying for the driver.

Farmers in the Taita hills of southern Kenya are using innovative methods to deter marauding elephants from raiding their crops. Richard Shika, a 68-year-old farmer, shares his close encounters with elephants and the measures being taken to prevent such conflicts. The article highlights the use of bees and sesame to keep elephants away, providing a potential solution to the human-wildlife conflict in the region.

The United States has designated the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its fighting wing, the Majeed Brigade, as a foreign terrorist organization. The designation was made by the State Department and has been welcomed by Pakistani officials. The BLA has been blamed for deadly attacks in Balochistan province, Pakistan. The move coincides with a visit to the US by Pakistan's army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir.

American teenager Ethan Guo, a social media influencer, has been stranded in Chilean Antarctica since June after landing his small plane without permission. The incident has sparked an investigation by Chilean authorities, who claim Guo provided false flight plan information. Guo's mission was initially intended to raise funds for cancer research.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that Australia will recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September, joining other countries like the UK, France, and Canada. This move isolates the US further in its support for Israel's military campaign in Gaza. The article discusses the implications of this decision, the ongoing conflict in Gaza, and related global reactions.

A 14-year-old boy in Gaza was killed by a falling aid package dropped from the air on Saturday. The incident has highlighted the dangers and ineffectiveness of airdrops in heavily populated areas, as warned by the UN. The article also touches on other global news, including an explosion at a US Steel plant, Trump's deployment of National Guard troops to DC, and wildfires raging across Europe.

A Chinese warship collided with a Chinese coast guard vessel while chasing a Philippine patrol boat in the South China Sea, resulting in significant damage to the coast guard vessel. The incident is the latest in a series of confrontations between China and the Philippines in the disputed waterway. The Philippine Coast Guard had been escorting vessels distributing aid to fishers in the area near the contested Scarborough Shoal. The Chinese coast guard spokesperson confirmed a confrontation took place, but did not mention the collision. The Philippine president vowed to continue defending its territory in the area.