In other news

Air Canada is preparing for a potential strike by its 10,000 flight attendants, represented by their union, by cancelling flights starting Thursday. The union issued a 72-hour strike notice on Wednesday, with a strike potentially beginning on Saturday, August 16. The airline and union are at an impasse over contract talks, with the union demanding better wages and pay for time spent on the ground, while Air Canada has offered a 38% increase in total pay over four years. Air Canada has begun cancelling flights and has made arrangements with other carriers to provide alternative travel options for affected customers.

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. Lin, of Brooklyn, was accused of exporting the turtles, which were wrapped in socks and labeled as 'plastic animal toys,' in over 220 parcels. The turtles were intercepted by law enforcement at a border inspection. Lin faces up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The eastern box turtles and three-toed box 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, Andrew Barber, survived nine days in the Canadian wilderness after being reported missing in British Columbia's Cariboo region. He used his wilderness skills to build a shelter, find food and water, and signal for help by carving 'HELP' on a rock and drawing an 'SOS' in mud. Barber was eventually rescued by the Quesnel Search & Rescue team after being spotted by a helicopter, taken to a hospital for treatment, and released. The rescue effort involved multiple agencies, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and BC Emergency Health Services.

McDonald's Japan has canceled its Happy Meal campaign featuring Pokemon cards due to resellers buying the meals in bulk, discarding the food, and selling the cards online for profit. The company apologized for not anticipating the issue and vowed to prevent similar situations in the future by limiting purchases and potentially denying service to customers who abuse the system. The campaign was intended for children, but adults, who are also avid Pokemon card collectors, flocked to McDonald's stores, causing long lines and waste. Some customers complained on social media about the chaos caused by the resellers, with some calling it the 'Unhappy Meals' campaign.

Australian scientists have discovered a new species of ancient whale, named Janjucetus dullardi, that lived 26 million years ago. The species was described as 'deceptively cute' but a fearsome predator, with razor-toothed jaws and a size comparable to a dolphin. The discovery was made from a well-preserved skull fossil found on Victoria's Surf Coast in 2019. The species is the fourth of its kind to be discovered and provides insights into the evolution of ancient whales. The discovery is significant as it sheds light on how whales adapted to life in the sea and how they evolved over time.

A collision occurred between a Chinese navy ship and a Chinese coast guard vessel while the latter was chasing a Philippine patrol boat in the disputed South China Sea near the Scarborough Shoal. The incident was captured on video by the Philippine coast guard, which showed the Chinese coast guard vessel slamming into the navy ship's port side. The Philippine coast guard blamed the Chinese coast guard for performing a 'risky maneuver,' while the Chinese coast guard accused Philippine vessels of intruding and disregarding warnings. The incident has escalated tensions between the Philippines and China, with both sides calling for adherence to international maritime rules and safety protocols.

Spanish police have dismantled a group running a 'spiritual retreat' in Pedreguer, charging clients over $1,160 for multiday stays that included consumption of hallucinogenic drugs and dangerous frog venom. The group operated from a villa, advertising itself online as an internationally renowned spiritual retreat organization. Police arrested three suspects and seized substances including ayahuasca, San Pedro cactus, and Kambo frog venom. The substances can have unpredictable and dangerous effects, and the group generated hundreds of thousands of euros in undeclared income.

A 45-year-old Wisconsin woman, Aimee Betro, has been found guilty in a UK court for her role in a 2019 murder-for-hire plot. Betro was extradited from Armenia to face trial in Birmingham, where she was accused of attempting to shoot Sikander Ali at point-blank range. The plot was part of a violent feud between families, with Betro allegedly working with co-conspirators Mohammed Aslam and his son Mohammed Nabil Nazir. Betro denied the charges, claiming she was not the shooter and that it was a 'terrible coincidence' she was near the scene. The court found her guilty, and she will be sentenced on August 21.

The article 'Aux barricades, boomers!' from The Economist discusses a protest outside the Houses of Parliament in Britain where a significant number of older individuals, including those in their 70s and 80s, were arrested. The protest was related to Palestine Action, a banned terrorist organization. The article highlights the unexpected demographic of the protesters, with a substantial proportion being retirees and older adults. It touches on the broader context of aging activism and the involvement of older generations in political protests. The article also briefly mentions other Britain-related news stories, such as declining cervical cancer vaccinations and Britain's influence on the global video-games industry.

The article discusses the Conservative party's shift in stance on Britain's gig economy. According to Matthew Holehouse, the British political correspondent, the Tories have changed their view on the labour market. The article is part of the Blighty newsletter, a section of The Economist that focuses on British news and politics. The shift in the Conservative party's stance on the gig economy is the main topic of discussion.

The article discusses the continued interest in becoming a London cabbie despite the challenging 'Knowledge of London' test. Many individuals are still willing to undergo the rigorous training required to drive one of London's iconic black taxis. The article describes a classroom scene where aspiring cabbies are being tested on their knowledge of London's streets and landmarks.

The HPV vaccination programme in Britain, which protects against cervical cancer, is facing a significant decline in vaccination rates. The programme, once considered a success, is now floundering due to declining confidence, lack of convenience, and rising complacency. HPV causes approximately 3,500 cases of cervical cancer and 900 deaths annually in Britain. The decline in vaccinations is attributed to various factors, including decreased public confidence and accessibility issues.

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 article discusses how China's restriction on rare-earth element exports has caused panic globally, with 90% of the world's supply coming from China. The West, particularly the US, Europe, India, and Japan, are affected, with industries like car manufacturing halting production. The author argues that while China's dominance in rare earths is a concern, the West can break this grip. The article also criticizes Donald Trump's trade policies and the current easing of chip-export controls to China, suggesting it is a mistake.

Three Colombian soldiers were killed in a drone attack in south-west Colombia, near the city of Buenaventura. The attack was blamed on a dissident rebel group, specifically a faction led by Iván Mordisco, which has been involved in criminal activities such as cocaine trafficking and extortion. The attack is part of a larger trend of increasing drone attacks in Colombia, with 115 recorded in 2024. The government has announced plans to improve its anti-drone technology to prevent such attacks.

Residents in Juneau, Alaska are evacuating their homes due to the risk of record-breaking flooding caused by the melting of the Mendenhall Glacier. The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning as meltwater escapes the ice dam, flowing into the Mendenhall River. The glacier, located 12 miles from Juneau, has seen water levels rise significantly, with predictions of a new record crest. Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy has declared a state disaster due to the imminent threat of catastrophic flooding. The flooding is a result of a glacial lake outburst, a phenomenon that occurs when a lake of melting snow and ice drains rapidly. This event is linked to climate change, which is causing mountain glaciers to shrink and glacial lakes to form, increasing the risk of outburst floods.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's sister, Kim Yo Jong, has denied that Pyongyang removed propaganda loudspeakers along the border with South Korea. The denial comes after South Korea's military claimed that North Korea had removed some of its loudspeakers. Kim Yo Jong stated that North Korea has 'never removed' the speakers and 'are not willing to remove them.' The propaganda loudspeakers have been a point of contention between the two countries, with South Korea resuming its broadcasts in June 2024 after a six-year pause. The relationship between the two neighbors remains uneasy, with North Korea warning of 'resolute counteraction' to provocations ahead of joint military drills between South Korea and the US.

Peru's President Dina Boluarte has signed a law granting amnesty to soldiers, police, and civilian militias accused of atrocities during the country's two-decade armed conflict against Maoist rebels. The law, passed by Congress in July, will benefit hundreds of members of the armed forces accused of crimes committed between 1980 and 2000, and mandate the release of those over 70 serving sentences for such offenses. Human rights organizations have condemned the law, calling it a 'betrayal of Peruvian victims' and stating that it undermines decades of efforts to ensure accountability for atrocities. The law has been criticized by the United Nations and Amnesty International, who argue that it violates Peru's duty to investigate and prosecute grave abuses. The amnesty could halt or overturn more than 600 pending trials and 156 convictions. The decision has been seen as a continuation of Peru's trend of shielding those responsible for human rights abuses, following the adoption of a statute of limitations for crimes against humanity committed before 2002.

The UK, France, and Germany (E3) have warned Iran that they are ready to reimpose sanctions over its nuclear programme if it fails to resume talks by the end of August. The E3 foreign ministers have offered an extension for negotiations until the end of August, but Iran has not responded. The warning comes after initial talks between the E3 delegations and Iranian diplomats took place in Istanbul last month. Iran's parliament has threatened to withdraw from a nuclear deal if new sanctions are imposed. The E3 are committed to using 'all diplomatic tools' to ensure Iran does not develop a nuclear weapon. The nuclear deal, signed in 2015, is due to expire in October, and the US withdrew from it in 2018. Iran has since breached the restrictions, and the UN nuclear watchdog reported that it had enriched uranium to 60% purity.

The remains of British Antarctic Survey meteorologist Dennis 'Tink' Bell have been discovered 66 years after his disappearance in Antarctica. Bell, who was 25 at the time of his death, fell into a crevasse while on an expedition with colleagues in 1959. Despite efforts to rescue him, he died, and his body was lost for decades. The discovery was made possible through DNA analysis, with samples provided by Bell's siblings. The British Antarctic Survey has hailed the finding as a moment of closure for Bell's family and a reminder of the human stories behind Antarctic research.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney faced criticism for his delayed response to the assault of a Jewish man in Montreal, which has sparked concerns about rising antisemitism in Canada. Israeli officials and Canadian Jewish leaders condemned the attack and criticized the Canadian government's response, citing a broader climate of antisemitism and strained Canada-Israel relations.

Two Canadian YouTube influencers, Stacey Tourout and Matthew Yeomans, who showcased their off-roading adventures under the handle @ToyotaWorldRunners, died in a rollover 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 an off-road motor vehicle crash at around 6:30 p.m. A rescue team found a male occupant dead at the scene, and a woman, later identified as Stacey Tourout, was found disoriented and seriously injured away from the crash site. She was flown to a hospital, where she died later that day. The cause of the crash is currently unknown. Fellow off-roading creator Colin Stuart, who was with the couple at the time of the crash, expressed his condolences and stated that he did everything in his power to save them. The incident has been met with shock and sadness from the off-roading community and the couple's fans.

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 is expected to decide whether to veto the resolution or seek revisions.

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 AfD is now the leading opposition party in Germany's Bundestag. The party has taken a hard-right stance on issues like immigration and Islam, and its rise is part of a broader trend of right-wing groups gaining popularity across Europe.

China's Xiluodu Dam, one of the world's largest hydropower stations, has replaced Western-made industrial control chips with domestically developed ones due to national security and supply chain resilience concerns. The dam has transitioned away from programmable logic controllers (PLCs) from Siemens and Schneider Electric to a system powered by Loongson 3C6000 processors. This move follows growing concerns over vulnerabilities in industrial control systems, highlighted by historic cyberattacks like the Stuxnet virus.

The US has strengthened its counterterrorism efforts with Pakistan by adding the Balochistan Liberation Army to its list of foreign terrorist organisations. Experts believe this move could lead to increased Sino-US cooperation in the region, easing Beijing's concerns over terrorist attacks targeting Chinese citizens. The US Department of State's action demonstrates the Trump administration's commitment to countering terrorism. The development comes after Washington issued a joint statement with Islamabad on counterterrorism, highlighting militant groups that pose a threat to Chinese investment in Pakistan. Analysts see this as an opportunity for China and the US to cooperate on counterterrorism through Pakistan.

Hong Kong tourism representatives are concerned that the lack of block bookings and limited ticket purchases for the National Games will hinder their ability to create travel packages, negatively impacting the tourism sector. The designated offline ticket seller, China Travel Service, and the Hong Kong Tourism Association have expressed difficulties in coordinating tourism products due to the ticketing system.

The article highlights seven Lifestyle and Culture stories from the South China Morning Post over the past seven days. The stories include Singaporean firms gamifying health and ageing well through insurance companies' health programmes, the popularity of a Hong Kong chilli sauce on Réunion Island, and rising Korean women filmmakers. Other stories cover various topics such as a film featuring Jackie Chan's best action and the uses of dried tangerine peel.

The article discusses how the US curbs on China's shipbuilding industry have led South Korean shipbuilders to invest in Southeast Asia, particularly in Vietnam and the Philippines. South Korean companies, such as HD Hyundai, are expanding their overseas footprint by investing in shipyards in these countries to take advantage of lower labor costs and ease domestic constraints. Analysts believe that while this move may strengthen South Korean shipbuilders' competitiveness, it is unlikely to challenge China's dominance in the industry.

Three sheriff's deputies in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, were injured during a gunfire exchange while executing warrants, but are expected to be okay. The incident involved an hours-long standoff that ended peacefully with the suspected shooter in custody. The deputies were serving warrants for brandishing a firearm and trespassing, as well as a protective order. The Virginia State Police have been asked to investigate the shooting.

China is bracing for heavy rains as Tropical Storm Podul makes landfall in several southern maritime provinces. The provinces of Fujian, Guangdong, and Guangxi are the focus of preparation efforts. Thousands of people have been evacuated from seaside areas in southern China, with around 15,000 evacuated as of Wednesday. The storm had passed over Taiwan on Wednesday, losing strength, which resulted in relatively low-level alarms. The official Xinhua News Agency reported on the evacuations.

A project in Cyprus is working to restore cemeteries on both sides of the ethnically divided island, where the fallout of war has left graves in disrepair. Greek Cypriot cemeteries in the north are overgrown and have shattered granite crosses, while Muslim headstones in Turkish Cypriot cemeteries in the south are concealed by overgrowth. Until 2003, a United Nations-controlled buffer zone prevented people from visiting their loved ones' graves.

Japan and China are commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II on different dates. Japan is holding a solemn ceremony on August 15, the day Emperor Hirohito announced Japan's surrender, while China is showcasing its military strength with a parade on September 3, the day after the formal surrender on an American battleship in Tokyo Bay. The different approaches reflect the complex and sensitive nature of their historical relationship.

The South Korean Supreme Court has dismissed a $21,600 damage claim by an American composer who alleged that a South Korean kids' content company plagiarized his version of the popular children's song 'Baby Shark.' The court ruling ends a six-year legal battle over the tune's copyright. The composer had claimed that the company's version was too similar to his own, but the court ultimately rejected his claim.

Foxconn, the world's largest contract electronics maker and Apple's largest iPhone manufacturer, reported a 27% year-over-year increase in its second-quarter operating profit, driven by its growing artificial intelligence (AI) server business. The company's net profit for the quarter was NT$44.36 billion, exceeding LSEG's SmartEstimates of NT$38.81 billion. Foxconn's revenue grew 16% year over year to NT$1.79 trillion, in line with expectations. The company's AI server business is expected to continue driving growth, with revenue projected to increase by over 170% year over year in the current quarter. Foxconn has been diversifying its business, including manufacturing server racks for AI workloads and partnering with Nvidia. However, the company faces challenges from global political and economic conditions, including U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs.

Asia-Pacific stock markets were mixed on Thursday as investors awaited a potential rate cut by the U.S. Federal Reserve next month. Bitcoin rose to a record high following a rally in U.S. equities overnight. Japan's Nikkei 225 index closed 1.45% lower, while Australia's S&P/ASX 200 ended 0.53% higher. Indian stocks were little changed near midday. China's Tencent shares rose over 2% after the company reported a 15% year-on-year jump in second-quarter revenue. Australia's unemployment rate eased to 4.2% in July, in line with economists' estimates. U.S. stock futures were little changed on Wednesday evening, and Warren Buffett dropped out of the top 10 richest people in the world according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is meeting US President Donald Trump in Alaska to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine. Analysts believe Putin is skilled and seasoned, and will try to outmaneuver Trump, who is less experienced. Putin has little to lose and much to gain from the meeting, and is likely to seek concessions and benefits for Russia. Ukraine and its European allies are skeptical that Putin is serious about ending the conflict. The meeting comes as Russia's economy struggles under international sanctions, labor shortages, and inflation.

The UK economy grew by 0.3% in the second quarter, exceeding expectations of 0.1%. The growth was driven by services, with computer programming, health, and vehicle leasing gaining momentum. Although the economy was weak in April and May, it rebounded strongly in June. Economists are cautious about the prospects for continued growth, citing a weak global economy, capacity constraints, and potential tax rises. The Bank of England recently cut interest rates from 4.25% to 4%, weighing inflation against a cooling jobs market and lackluster growth.

The article discusses the case of Jimmy Lai, a Hong Kong media mogul who has been imprisoned for over 1,600 days and faces life imprisonment under the 2020 national security law. Donald Trump has vowed to free Lai if he wins his second presidential term, and US officials have reportedly brought up Lai's case during trade talks with China. The Hong Kong government has urged external forces to stop interfering in the city's internal affairs and judicial process. Experts are uncertain whether Trump can deliver on his pledge, but Lai's family and supporters remain hopeful. The case has garnered broad support in Washington, with various senators and the Catholic community reaching out to the White House.

The article analyzes the Kennedy Center honorees selected by President Donald Trump, including Sly Stallone, Gloria Gaynor, and KISS, and how they reflect Trump's personality and politics. Trump chose honorees that are more populist than 'high' culture, which aligns with his 'Make America Great Again' movement. Critics see this as a form of cultural warfare, while Trump's supporters view it as a victory against liberal elites. The article argues that Trump's takeover of the Kennedy Center is part of a larger effort to dominate American culture and institutions.

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 DC police under direct federal control and deployed the National Guard to crack down on crime. Democratic mayors and governors, including Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, responded to Trump's actions, expressing concerns about the potential deployment of federal troops in their cities. The article also touches on other news related to the Trump administration, including Trump's relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin and his seizure of control over the Kennedy Center.

Taylor Swift appeared on the 'New Heights' podcast with her boyfriend Travis Kelce and his brother Jason Kelce, discussing her new album 'The Life of a Showgirl', her Eras Tour, and personal life. She revealed the album's release date, theme, and collaborations. The conversation also touched on how she and Travis Kelce met, her parents' health struggles, and her acquisition of her master recordings. Swift shared her hobbies, including baking and painting, and discussed the intense recovery process after her Eras Tour performances.

The family of Martha Nolan-O'Slatarra, a 33-year-old NYC designer found dead on a boat in Montauk, is seeking more details into her death. The police are conducting a 'deep dive' investigation, and the family's attorney has pushed back against speculation that Nolan-O'Slatarra died of an overdose, stating that the family did not know her to be someone who used drugs. The attorney revealed that the family is working with law enforcement and retired law enforcement members to ensure a proper investigation.

The article discusses recently declassified documents revealing that Obama administration officials, including James Clapper and John Brennan, conspired to create a false narrative that Russia interfered in the 2016 US presidential election to help Donald Trump win. The officials, under Obama's direction, rushed to complete an intelligence assessment that supported this narrative, despite concerns from some officials about the lack of evidence and time to review the intelligence. The article argues that this smear campaign, known as Russiagate, was a 'years-long coup' that undermined Trump's presidency and had significant consequences for US-Russia relations. The article also suggests that those involved in Russiagate, including Obama, may face legal jeopardy and potential charges such as espionage, conspiracy, and conspiracy against rights.

A 35-year-old filmmaker from Atlanta shared his experience of being rejected on a dating app after disclosing his height. He messaged a woman he matched with, stating he was 5'6" and asked if she cared if she was taller. She unmatched after he offered her a polite exit. The incident sparked a divided reaction on TikTok, with some criticizing Ian's approach and others praising his confidence. Ian's story highlights society's fixation on height in dating, but also notes that short men have found love with taller partners by being confident and charming.

The Yankees' Paul Goldschmidt may be placed on the injured list due to a low-grade sprain in his right knee. He suffered the injury while fielding a pop-up in foul territory on August 12, 2025. Manager Aaron Boone stated that a stint on the injured list is possible, but Goldschmidt hopes the inflammation will subside in a few days. The injury has impacted the Yankees' lineup, with Jasson Domínguez becoming the odd man out in the outfield due to Giancarlo Stanton's consecutive starts in right field. Meanwhile, Aaron Judge continues to rehab his outfield skills, with Boone stating that Judge has been throwing up to 120 feet, but no timeline has been set for his return.

A South Korean court has ruled that the popular children's song 'Baby Shark' was not plagiarized from a US composer's work. The Supreme Court of South Korea upheld lower court decisions that there was insufficient evidence of copyright infringement. The song, created by South Korean education startup SmartStudy (now known as The Pinkfong Company), has been viewed over 16 billion times on YouTube, making it the most viewed video on the platform. US composer Johnny Only (Jonathan Wright) had claimed that the song's bass line and rhythm were copied from his 2011 song, but the court rejected his claim, stating that the song was based on a traditional singalong chant that is in the public domain.

The article discusses the prevalence and dangers of skin-lightening creams, particularly among women of color. Despite the 'black is beautiful' movement's efforts to challenge racist beauty standards, the use of these creams remains widespread, driven by colorism and colonial legacy. The creams, often containing toxic ingredients like hydroquinone and steroids, can cause irreversible skin damage, cancers, and other health issues. Prof. Ncoza Dlova, a dermatologist, shares her experiences with patients who have suffered from the use of these products, highlighting the need for awareness and regulation.

The article discusses Jimmy Lai, a Hong Kong media tycoon and democracy advocate who has been imprisoned for over 1,600 days. Lai was arrested in 2020 for his role in pro-democracy protests and has been charged with collusion with foreign forces and sedition. His trial has faced lengthy delays but is set to resume. The article provides background on Lai's life, his role in the 2019 protests, and his imprisonment conditions. It also discusses the British government's involvement in his case, with officials expressing concern over his imprisonment and calling for his release.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has approved plans for a settlement that would split East Jerusalem from the occupied West Bank, a move that is likely to draw international criticism. The plan, known as the E1 scheme, was frozen in 2012 due to objections from the US and other world powers. Smotrich's office stated that the plan would 'bury the idea of a Palestinian state.' The settlement would involve building 3,401 houses for Israeli settlers between an existing settlement in the West Bank and Jerusalem. It is unclear whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supports the plan.