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The article discusses the declining fertility rate in the United States, specifically highlighting the trend in Utah, a state known for its high birth rates and strong family values. The author notes that despite Utah's continued religiosity and high percentage of two-parent households, the average number of children per family has decreased. The article suggests that this trend is part of a broader national decline in fertility rates, with even previously high-fertility states like Utah experiencing a drop.

The article 'An economist's guide to big life decisions' uses a metaphor of an annual check-up to advise readers on making significant life choices with the help of economic principles. It suggests that just as a doctor helps maintain physical health, an economist can guide individuals in making informed decisions about their financial and personal lives. The article likely discusses various economic concepts and tools that can be applied to life decisions, although the specific content is not directly provided in the given text.

The European University Institute (EUI), a prestigious graduate school located in Florence, Italy, has a new president, Patrizia Nanz. The EUI was established in 1976 to foster academic advancement in fields relevant to Europe's development. The article discusses the institute's mission, its relatively unknown status despite being one of the world's foremost graduate schools, and Nanz's efforts to make it more relevant. The EUI is housed in villas in Florence, a city that played a significant role in Europe's intellectual rebirth during the Renaissance. The article highlights the institute's departments of economics, history, law, and political and social sciences.

The article is not accessible due to a security verification page. However, based on the title and URL, the article appears to discuss the potential consequences of the United States taking action against India's oil trade, suggesting that China may benefit from such a move. The article likely analyzes the geopolitical dynamics at play and the potential impact on global energy markets. It may explore how the US-India relationship and US-China rivalry influence trade policies and energy security. Without access to the full content, a detailed summary cannot be provided.

The article discusses the current valuation of Palantir, comparing it to Cisco's valuation during the dotcom bubble. It highlights that Cisco was valued at over 200 times its annual profit at its peak and how its subsequent growth was a disappointment to investors. The article suggests that Palantir might be similarly over-valued, cautioning investors about the potential risks.

The article discusses the growing military threat in the Arctic region, particularly in Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago. The region is becoming increasingly important due to climate change, which is melting sea ice and opening up new shipping routes. Russia is expanding its military presence in the Arctic, and Norway is strengthening its sovereignty over Svalbard. The article highlights the geopolitical tensions between Russia and NATO, with Russia accusing NATO of wanting to militarize the Arctic. The Svalbard treaty, which establishes Norwegian sovereignty, forbids military structures on the island, but Norway is increasingly keen to assert its control. The article also mentions incidents of Russian sabotage and harassment in the region, including the cutting of an undersea communications cable and interference with GPS signals.

The article discusses how Germans are increasingly 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 becoming less representative of modern Germany. The article explores this shift in consumer behavior and its implications.

The Chinese government, under the leadership of Xi Jinping, is developing Xiongan, a 'city of the future' 125km south of Beijing. Since 2017, at least 835bn yuan ($116bn) has been spent on the project, which aims to solve China's urban problems by providing residents with short commutes and green spaces. The city is part of a 'one-thousand-year plan' in civilization-building and has been touted as a solution to China's urban maladies. However, it has also been criticized for being a costly vanity project.

The Chinese government has introduced a year-long plan to subsidize interest costs on consumer loans, aiming to boost domestic demand and household spending. The plan, announced by the Ministry of Finance, People's Bank of China, and National Financial Regulatory Administration, will cover part of the interest costs for individuals taking out loans for purchases such as cars and education. The subsidy will be capped at half of the contracted loan interest rate, with the central government covering 90% of the cost and provincial governments responsible for the remaining 10%. The plan is expected to 'unlock household spending power' and 'support domestic consumption to become the primary driving force of our national economy'.

China has imposed sanctions on two European banks, UAB Urbo Bankas and AB Mano Bankas, both from Lithuania, in response to the EU's recent financial sanctions on two Chinese banks. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced that Chinese agencies and individuals are banned from doing business with the two EU banks, effective immediately. The move is seen as a countermeasure against the EU's sanctions, which were imposed on Suifenhe Rural Commercial Bank and Heihe Rural Commercial Bank for allegedly facilitating transactions that 'significantly frustrate' EU sanctions on Russia. The EU's sanctions went into effect on August 9, and China has called on the bloc to 'immediately cease its wrong practice'.

A new study found that foreign firms accounted for about 25% of total carbon emissions from all companies in China over the past 20 years. The study also revealed that more than half of the carbon emissions generated by foreign companies were produced in China's less-developed inland areas, which did not benefit economically as much as the coastal regions. The researchers suggested that inland regions should introduce more favorable policies to attract foreign investment.

The Hong Kong Observatory has issued a No 1 storm warning signal as Severe Typhoon Podul approaches the city. The typhoon is expected to be closest to Hong Kong on Thursday morning. The weather forecaster has warned of extremely hot temperatures and potential showers and thunderstorms in the region. The Airport Authority has cancelled 15 flights as of 10am.

The Hong Kong Legislative Council has approved 117 bills since January 1, 2022, at a rate of three per month, representing a 98% increase from the previous term. However, this efficiency has raised concerns about the scrutiny of legislation. A proposed bill to recognize same-sex partnerships is likely to be rejected, marking a rare public rift between the government and the Legislative Council. This comes after Beijing overhauled the electoral system in 2021 to ensure only 'patriots' held power, effectively wiping out the existing opposition. The article questions whether the legislature is becoming too timid and tame.

Japan and Australia have signed a landmark A$10 billion (US$6.5 billion) deal for the production of next-generation warships, with Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries set to produce 11 Mogami-class stealth frigates for the Royal Australian Navy. The deal is expected to reshape the Indo-Pacific's security order and revive Japan's defence industry. The Mogami-class frigates boast advanced radar and sonar capabilities, and are seen as a significant upgrade to Australia's ageing Anzac-class vessels. The agreement was announced by Australia's Defence Minister Richard Marles on August 5, following a rigorous international tender. Analysts say the deal will create 'long-term coordination' between the two navies amid mutual concerns over China's rise.

The Trump administration's Golden Dome missile defence system is a complex, multi-layered project estimated to cost $175 billion by 2028. The system will include satellite tracking and 11 short-range missile batteries across the US, Alaska, and Hawaii. Despite significant funding, uncertainties remain over the project's basic architecture, including the number of launchers and interceptors needed.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Vietnamese leader To Lam have pledged to nearly double bilateral trade to $150 billion by 2030 and explore closer military ties amid the US-China rivalry. The agreement was made during To Lam's state visit to South Korea, marking a significant step in Lee's new foreign policy direction for Southeast Asia. The two nations aim to deepen economic cooperation, with a focus on developing the semiconductor industry. South Korean companies have invested heavily in Vietnam, with around 10,000 companies operating in the country.

A Chinese man, Wei Qiang Lin, has pleaded guilty to smuggling over 850 protected turtles worth more than $1 million from the United States to Hong Kong. The turtles were wrapped in socks and labeled as 'plastic animal toys' to avoid detection. Lin faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The turtles are protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora due to their high demand in the pet market, particularly in China and Hong Kong.

A 39-year-old man named Andrew Barber survived nine days in the Canadian wilderness after being reported missing in British Columbia's Cariboo region. He used his survival skills to build a shelter, find food and water, and signal for help. Barber was eventually rescued by the Quesnel Search and Rescue team after being spotted by a helicopter. He was severely dehydrated and had a leg injury but was released from the hospital after treatment. The rescue effort involved multiple agencies, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and BC Emergency Health Services.

Spanish police have dismantled a group running a 'spiritual retreat' in Pedreguer, charging clients over $1,160 for multiday stays involving hallucinogenic drugs and frog venom. The group operated without proper medical supervision, generating hundreds of thousands of euros in undeclared income. Three people were arrested and five others were placed under investigation for drug trafficking, money laundering, and criminal association. The substances used, including ayahuasca, San Pedro cactus, and Kambo, can have dangerous and unpredictable effects.

The State Department released its 2024 human rights reports, which have been criticized for scaling back criticism of certain countries, including El Salvador, while being more critical of traditional U.S. allies like the U.K. and Germany. The reports, mandated by Congress, cover human rights practices in about 200 countries. Critics argue that the revisions, which omitted references to LGBTQ discrimination and significantly pared back treatments of gender-based violence and government corruption, are politically motivated and undermine the reports' value. The reports noted 'no credible reports of significant human rights abuses' in El Salvador and Hungary, while criticizing the U.K., Germany, and France for restrictions on free speech. The U.S. has agreements with some of these countries to accept and detain undocumented immigrants or deport third-country nationals.

Tropical Storm Erin, formed in the eastern Atlantic Ocean on Monday, is expected to become the Atlantic's first hurricane of the season. The storm is moving west and is predicted to strengthen into a major hurricane by the end of the week. As of Tuesday at 11 p.m. EDT, Erin's center was located about 1,520 miles east of the northern Leeward Islands with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph. The U.S. National Hurricane Center forecasts Erin to move near or just north of the northern Leeward Islands over the weekend and become a hurricane by late Thursday. The storm's longer-term path is uncertain, but most models show it pivoting to the northwest and north. Erin is the fifth named storm to develop during the Atlantic hurricane season, which started in June and runs through November. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted an above-normal season for the Atlantic basin this year.

American teenager Ethan Guo, an influencer attempting to fly solo to all seven continents, became stranded in Antarctica after landing his Cessna 182Q on King George Island without permission. He was charged with providing false flight plan data and landing without authorization, violating the Chilean Aeronautical Code. Guo was detained at the airport and later stayed at a military base on the island. The charges were dropped after Guo agreed to make a $30,000 donation to a children's cancer foundation, leave Chile as soon as possible, and not reenter Chilean territory for three years. Guo expressed relief at the outcome and hopes to continue his original mission.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has announced that Al Jazeera journalist Anas Al-Sharif, killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza, was the head of a Hamas terrorist cell. The IDF stated that Al-Sharif was responsible for advancing rocket attacks against Israeli civilians and troops. Al Jazeera has condemned the killing, rejecting claims of Al-Sharif's affiliation with Hamas and calling it a 'targeted assassination' of its correspondents. The UN Human Rights Office has also condemned the killings and called for safe access to Gaza for journalists.

Two Canadian YouTube influencers, Stacey Tourout and Matthew Yeomans, who ran the popular social media account @ToyotaWorldRunners, died in an off-road vehicle crash on August 7 near Trout Lake in British Columbia, Canada. The couple, who had hundreds of thousands of followers on YouTube and Instagram, were involved in a rollover crash, and despite a challenging rescue effort, both died from their injuries. The incident has shocked the off-roading community, with fellow creator Colin Stuart expressing his condolences and Stacey's mother, Colleen Tourout, sharing a heartfelt message on social media.

The UN Security Council is considering a French-authored resolution to extend the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) despite criticism that it has failed to disarm Hezbollah. The resolution would renew UNIFIL's mandate for another year without a firm termination date. Critics argue that UNIFIL has not achieved its purpose and has allowed Hezbollah to build up its arsenal. The US may allow the resolution to pass, but some analysts are calling for the US to veto it.

A new survey has found that Germany's populist right-wing party Alternative for Germany (AfD) has surpassed Chancellor Friedrich Merz's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in popularity, garnering 26% support compared to CDU's 24%. The poll also revealed that 67% of Germans are dissatisfied with Merz's job performance after his first 100 days in office. AfD, led by Alice Weidel, has been classified as 'extremist' by Germany's intelligence agency and has taken a hard-right stance on issues like immigration and Islam. The rise of AfD is part of a broader trend of far-right groups gaining popularity across Europe, including Nigel Farage's Reform UK and the National Rally party in France.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced an expanded plan to take over Gaza, including areas beyond Gaza City, with the goal of defeating Hamas and stabilizing the region. The plan has been met with mixed reactions internationally, with some countries announcing plans to recognize a Palestinian state while the US continues to defend Israel against accusations of genocide at the UN.

Four teenagers have been arrested for burglarizing Brad Pitt's home in Los Angeles, along with several other celebrity homes. The suspects, who are street gang members, allegedly targeted homes of actors and professional athletes, including Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban, and Olivier Giroud. Police found stolen property at the suspects' homes and arrested them on burglary charges. The investigation revealed that the group used sophisticated methods such as surveillance cameras and wi-fi jammers to carry out their crimes.

A British Army investigation found that some soldiers at a training base in Kenya continued to use sex workers despite a ban. The report concluded that transactional sex occurred at a 'low or moderate' level and recommended additional training and easier dismissal of soldiers who break the rules. The controversy surrounding the base has been ongoing since 2012, with allegations of misconduct and abuse by British soldiers.

Nepal is making 97 of its Himalayan mountains free to climb for the next two years to boost tourism in remote areas. This move comes as the permit fees to summit Mount Everest will increase to $15,000 during peak season. The waived fees are for peaks located in Nepal's Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces, which are among the country's poorest and least developed regions. The initiative aims to highlight Nepal's 'unexplored tourism products and destinations' and create jobs, generate income, and strengthen the local economy. However, it is unclear if authorities have plans to improve infrastructure and connectivity to these remote areas.

The article reports on the performance of Asia-Pacific markets, which opened higher on Wednesday, driven by gains on Wall Street and expectations of a potential interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve. The Hang Seng Tech Index led the rally, with Tencent Music Entertainment surging over 14%. Chinese and Hong Kong stocks also rose, with the Hang Seng Index and CSI 300 advancing 1% and 0.33%, respectively. Japan's Nikkei 225 hit a fresh record high, with top movers including Yokohama Rubber and Renesas Electronics. Other markets, such as South Korea's Kospi and Australia's S&P/ASX 200, also saw gains.

The 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' has received mixed reactions from Wall Street, with some investors viewing it as a new phase in U.S. economic policy. The bill includes extensive tax reforms and selective incentives, and is expected to increase the federal deficit. Strategists believe the bill is more than just another stimulus package, and investors are making sectoral bets. Some are optimistic about industrials, technology, and energy infrastructure, while others are cautious about clean technology and hospitals. The bill's focus on national security, AI, defense, logistics, and electrification is seen as a restructuring of industrial policy.

CNBC's Jim Cramer prefers Expedia over Airbnb due to its laser-focus on value and robust guidance. Expedia's stock soared after meeting earnings estimates, while Airbnb's stock saw losses despite also meeting estimates. Cramer attributes Expedia's success to its business-to-business division and focus on core business, whereas Airbnb is making big bets on new opportunities that may not pay off. Airbnb is exploring a services division targeting wealthier consumers, but Cramer sees this as a risk. Expedia's guidance for the current quarter was 'unambiguously robust,' and it raised its full-year forecast for gross bookings and revenue growth.

Italian orienteering athlete Mattia Debertolis, 29, died after collapsing during the World Games in China. Debertolis was found unconscious during the men's middle-distance competition and was taken to a leading medical institution in China, where he passed away. The cause of death is not specified. The International World Games Association, the local organizing committee, and the International Orienteering Federation expressed their condolences to Debertolis' family and the orienteering community. Debertolis was a skilled athlete who had competed in several world championships and was also a civil engineer with ongoing PhD studies. The World Games, held in Chengdu, China, features fringe sports not contested at the Olympics.

Madonna has urged Pope Leo XIV to visit Gaza, calling on him to 'bring your light' to the children affected by the crisis. The pop star shared her plea on social media, 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 post was prompted by her son Rocco's birthday and her desire to help save innocent children caught in the conflict. Pope Leo XIV has been vocal about the crisis in Gaza since his inauguration, condemning the 'barbarity of war' and calling for the international community to respect humanitarian law. The World Health Organisation director general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, thanked Madonna for her compassion and solidarity.

Thousands have been evacuated as deadly wildfires sweep across southern Europe, fueled by a record-breaking heatwave. The affected areas include Spain, Portugal, Turkey, and Greece. The wildfires have resulted in fatalities, injuries, and significant disruptions, including airport closures and evacuations. The heatwave is linked to global warming, with Europe warming at twice the global average since the 1980s.

The head of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Terry Cole, has stated that federal agents from across the country are offering to help with law enforcement in Washington, D.C. as part of the Trump administration's effort to reduce violent crime. Cole outlined the administration's 'unified effort' after meeting with the police chief, highlighting cooperation, intel sharing, and increased patrol activity. The National Guard has been deployed to the streets of D.C., and federal agencies will work 'hand in hand' with the Metropolitan Police Department. Cole cited statistics on recent arrests and firearm seizures, and expressed frustration with the current state of law enforcement in D.C., where repeat offenders are released without consequence. Despite critics citing a 30-year low in violent crime, Cole insisted that people and police officers do not feel safe or empowered.

The National Guard has begun deploying to the streets of Washington, D.C. in support of President Trump's crime crackdown efforts. The deployment comes one day after Trump signed an executive order aimed at addressing crime concerns in the nation's capital. Approximately 800 National Guard members are expected to participate in the mission, with a small fraction mobilized as of Tuesday afternoon. The Guard will be deployed on federal properties, including parks, monuments, and federal buildings, and will not be involved in law enforcement functions unless they witness a crime in progress and police are not present. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has clarified that the Guard will be able to 'temporarily detain' individuals in such situations. The move is part of a broader effort to drive down crime in the district, which also includes the federalization of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department's 3,400-officer force and the deployment of 850 federal agents to patrol the streets.

Travis Kelce, tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, revealed that he emotionally begged the Cleveland Browns to draft him during the 2013 NFL Draft. Despite his passionate plea, the Browns chose not to draft him, and he was instead picked by the Chiefs in the third round. Kelce has gone on to have a successful career with the Chiefs, earning 10 Pro Bowl and four All-Pro nods, as well as winning three Super Bowls. The Browns, on the other hand, drafted linebacker Barkevious Mingo and cornerback Leon McFadden, neither of whom achieved the same level of success as Kelce.

A Mexican immigration activist and lawyer, Luis García Villagrán, was arrested for alleged human trafficking but released by a judge. The case highlights conflicting views among Mexican officials on protecting migrants. The Attorney General's Office plans to appeal the release.

The former prime minister of Mali, Choguel Kokalla Maiga, has been taken into custody amid a corruption probe by the country's military junta. Maiga's lawyer stated that he was questioned by the National Economic and Financial Unit earlier this month as part of an investigation into allegations of misuse of public property. The arrest is part of a recent series of detentions of top politicians in Mali.

The article by Ishaan Tharoor discusses the dire humanitarian situation in Sudan, exacerbated by over two years of civil war and state collapse, leading to the world's worst hunger crisis, largest displacement crisis, and biggest education crisis for children. The United Nations projects severe malnutrition among children under 5. The author links Sudan's crisis to a broader global context, suggesting it reflects the end of the liberal world order.

The article discusses the reaction of mayors across the US to President Donald Trump's warnings of federal intervention in cities with high crime rates. Trump had placed the Washington, DC police department under federal control and deployed the National Guard to the city. Mayors and governors from various cities, including Baltimore and Texas, responded to Trump's actions and criticism. The article also touches on other news related to the Trump administration, including Trump's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and the influence of a Christian nationalist pastor in the administration.

The article analyzes President Donald Trump's militarized crime crackdown in Washington, DC, and how it has exposed the Democrats' struggles to combat Trump's hardline law-and-order rhetoric. The Democrats are criticized for their inability to effectively respond to Trump's actions and for lacking a powerful figurehead to counter Trump's messaging. The article also highlights the nuances of the fight against crime and the need for Democrats to come up with a convincing message on crime and justice.

The State Department released its annual human rights report, but under the Trump administration, it has been significantly altered. The report omits language criticizing human rights abuses in countries considered close allies, such as Israel, El Salvador, and Saudi Arabia. The Trump administration has shifted away from criticizing human rights offenses, and the report is much shorter and less detailed than previous years. Critics argue that the report has been politicized and that the administration is more focused on defending right-wing political figures and allies. The report also echoes some of Trump's campaign rhetoric, such as granting refugee status to white South African farmers. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has dismantled offices overseeing human rights issues and has not written a preface to the report, unlike his predecessor.

Six former Guatemalan public officials were convicted on Tuesday in connection with a 2017 fire that killed 41 girls at a government-run group home. The officials, including the former head of the home and the former head of the government's social welfare office, were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 6 to 25 years. The fire was sparked by the girls themselves, who had been locked in a classroom after attempting to flee the home due to reported abuses. The convictions mark a significant step in holding accountable those responsible for the tragedy, although the sentences may be appealed.

The UK government is reassessing its domestic abuse risk assessment tool, Dash, following criticism that it is flawed and fails to identify high-risk victims. The tool has been used by police and social workers for over 15 years, but academic studies and women's charities have highlighted its shortcomings. The charity SafeLives, which co-developed Dash, has been tasked with examining how to improve the tool. Critics argue that the problem lies not with the tool itself, but with police officers' values and behaviors, as well as institutional racism that can lead to mistrust among certain communities. Alternative risk assessment tools using new technology are being explored.

A Czech man, Jakub Vagner, caught a 2.68m catfish at Vranov Reservoir, breaking his own national record. The catch was made on August 2 after a 50-minute battle. Vagner, host of National Geographic Channel's Fish Warrior, spotted the fish early in the morning and used a custom-made rod to land it. The fish was released back into the water after being photographed.