In other news

The article discusses the concept of 'brainrot,' referring to the tendency of people to mindlessly scroll through short-form videos on social media platforms. It highlights the ambivalence of viewers towards such content, which can be both a way to relax and a means to waste time. The article touches upon the economics of attention and how algorithms curate content to keep users engaged. It also briefly mentions the potential negative effects of excessive screen time and the monetization of user attention.

The article discusses the experiences of Chinese migrants who risked their lives to reach America, only to find that their expectations of freedom and opportunity were not met. The story of Ah Gan, a partially blind Chinese man, is highlighted, who crossed the US-Mexico border with his family in 2024. Despite escaping China's political censorship, Ah Gan now fears speaking ill of the Trump administration and worries about his wife's safety due to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The article suggests that fewer Chinese migrants are attempting to cross the southern border, and those who do often face significant challenges and disillusionment.

The article discusses the growing tourism in Dali, China, a laid-back south-western city nicknamed 'Dalifornia'. The city's tourist areas were busier than ever this summer, with visitors staying for months on a shoestring budget. However, some locals complain that many visitors are freeloaders. The article is part of a larger section on China in The Economist.

The article discusses the rise of Chinese comedian Fang, also known as Director Fang, who has become a popular stand-up star in China. Fang, a 50-year-old woman from a village in Linyi, Shandong province, gained acclaim after appearing on a top comedy show. She riffs on women's issues, particularly her difficult marriage, and has gained a large following, with her shows selling out in seconds. The article highlights Fang's unique style and her message of mocking prejudice and earning money while doing so.

The article discusses how America's Democratic Party is trying to regain power by shifting its focus from social issues like pronouns to economic concerns like prices. The party is facing criticism from its own voters and bigwigs, who feel that it has lost its way. The article highlights the need for the party to reconnect with its voters and address their concerns.

The article discusses the trial of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and its potential to help Brazil move beyond political polarization and stagnation. Moderates on both sides see an opportunity to address deep-seated problems and start fixing the country. The trial is viewed as a chance to draw a line under past conflicts and work towards a more stable future. The article highlights the role of Brazil's chief justice, Luís Roberto Barroso, and the controversy surrounding Bolsonaro's alleged persecution by the Federal Supreme Court. The trial is seen as a test of the country's institutions and its ability to hold leaders accountable.

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The article discusses the emerging trend of 'life hacks' among China's youth, drawing parallels with the concept of 'xiexiu' (heretical way) from Chinese martial-arts novels, where individuals seek shortcuts to success, often involving moral compromise. The article explores how this phenomenon reflects the changing values and attitudes of China's younger generation, who are increasingly looking for unconventional ways to navigate the challenges of modern life.

A British couple, Peter and Barbie Reynolds, aged 80 and 76 respectively, are being held in an Afghan prison by the Taliban. They were arrested in February along with an American woman, Faye Hall, who has since been released. Hall has told the BBC that the couple's health is deteriorating rapidly and they are 'literally dying' in prison. The couple, who have Afghan citizenship and have lived in Afghanistan for 18 years, were running a charity programme approved by the Taliban. The reason for their arrest remains unclear despite four court appearances. The UN has warned that the couple could perish if they do not receive medical care. Hall is calling on the US and UK governments to do more to secure their release.

Colombia's Constitutional Court has ruled that Meta violated the right to freedom of expression of porn star Esperanza Gómez by deleting her Instagram account without clear justification. The court found that Meta applied its policies inconsistently and failed to provide transparent moderation decisions. Meta has been ordered to review and adjust its terms of use and privacy policy to clearly inform users about content moderation mechanisms and define rules on implicit sexual content.

Malawi is approaching a general election where incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera faces a rematch against former President Peter Mutharika. The election is set against a backdrop of economic hardship, including petrol shortages, power cuts, rising living costs, hunger, poverty, and youth unemployment. The candidates are competing in an environment of cynicism about potential change. Chakwera has tried to address the fuel shortage issue directly, blaming corrupt officials for sabotaging the oil market. Young people, who make up half of the registered voters, are particularly affected by the economic troubles and are concerned about the poverty crisis and unemployment. The leading candidates, Chakwera (70) and Mutharika (85), are significantly older than the majority of voters. Other candidates, including former president Joyce Banda, are also running on promises to fight corruption, transform the economy, and improve infrastructure. The election outcome is hoped to bring about change to one of the world's poorest countries.

The first-ever Tram Driver World Championship was held in Vienna, Austria, where drivers from around the world competed in various tram-based challenges. The event, which attracted thousands of spectators, was organized to mark 160 years since trams were introduced to Vienna. An Austrian tram driver, Florijan Isaku, was crowned the winner, beating teams from Hong Kong, Rio de Janeiro, and San Diego. The challenges included braking and accelerating smoothly, tram bowling, and tram curling. The event was seen as a celebration of tram driving skills and a showcase for the city's public transport system.

A large fire broke out in two buildings in the Tondo district of Manila, Philippines, on Saturday night, affecting around 700 families. The fire was brought under control, but three people were injured. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The article discusses the upcoming Emmy Awards ceremony, including the nominees, hosts, and how to watch. The ceremony will take place on Sunday evening at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, with US comedian Nate Bargatze hosting. The nominees include popular TV shows such as 'The White Lotus', 'Andor', 'Severance', and 'The Last of Us'. The article also highlights the controversy surrounding the cancellation of 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' and how it may affect the show's chances of winning an Emmy.

A South African court has rejected an attempt by Thabo Bester, known as the 'Facebook Rapist,' and his partner Nandipha Magudumana to block the release of a Netflix documentary about their crimes. Bester, who was convicted of rape and murder, escaped from prison by faking his own death. The documentary, titled 'Beauty and the Bester,' was set to be released after the court's decision. The judge ruled that the pair had not proven their claim was urgent and that the matter was already in the public domain, but they could still sue for defamation after the documentary airs.

A zookeeper was mauled to death by lions at Safari World in Thailand, leading to increased scrutiny of the park's animal treatment. The incident has sparked calls for more stringent controls on wildlife ownership in Thailand, with animal welfare groups criticizing the zoo's practices. The park has temporarily closed its predator zone and is under investigation.

At least 193 people have died in two separate boat accidents in northwestern Congo this week. The accidents occurred on Wednesday and Thursday in the Equateur province, with one boat catching fire and capsizing on the Congo River, killing over 100 people. The incidents have raised concerns about the safety of maritime travel in the region, where boats are often overloaded and lack proper safety measures.

Prince Harry made a surprise visit to Ukraine to support troops wounded in Russia's ongoing war. He met with veterans, visited the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War, and met with Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. The visit coincided with a trip to Ukraine by British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, who announced new U.K. sanctions targeting Russia's oil revenues and military supplies. Harry's foundation, Archewell, donated $500,000 to projects supporting injured children from Gaza and Ukraine. The visit is seen as a show of solidarity with Ukrainians facing intensified assault from Russia.

The Taliban announced that they have reached an agreement with U.S. envoys on a prisoner swap as part of efforts to normalize relations between the United States and Afghanistan. The meeting in Kabul involved Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and U.S. envoys Adam Boehler and Zalmay Khalilzad. While details of the detainee swap were not disclosed, the Taliban statement confirmed that both sides agreed to undertake an exchange. The talks also covered bilateral relations, issues related to citizens, and investment opportunities in Afghanistan. The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, acknowledged ongoing conversations with the Taliban but did not confirm the agreement details.

Venezuela has accused the United States of seizing a fishing boat in the Caribbean, escalating tensions between the two countries. The Venezuelan foreign ministry claims that the USS Jason Dunham, a U.S. destroyer, detained a Venezuelan fishing vessel carrying nine fishermen for eight hours in its exclusive economic zone. The U.S. military has been patrolling the Caribbean to target drug cartels, and the incident comes after a recent U.S. operation that killed 11 people on an alleged drug boat linked to Venezuelan President Maduro. Venezuela sees the seizure as a 'direct provocation' and a pretext for escalating war in the region to achieve 'regime change.' The U.S. accuses Maduro of heading a cocaine trafficking cartel and has doubled its bounty for his capture to $50 million. The incident has heightened tensions between the two nations, with Venezuela calling on the U.S. to cease its actions and the American people to reject the use of their soldiers for 'regime change.'

Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama has appointed an artificial intelligence-generated 'minister' named Diella to tackle corruption and promote innovation in his new cabinet. Diella is a virtual entity that uses the latest AI models to ensure accuracy in carrying out its responsibilities. Developed in partnership with Microsoft, Diella was initially created as a virtual assistant on the e-Albania public service platform. The AI minister is expected to help ensure that public tenders are free of corruption and assist the government in operating more efficiently and transparently. Rama's Socialist Party won a fourth straight term in the parliamentary elections in May, and the new government faces key challenges, including tackling organized crime and corruption, as Albania aims to secure EU membership within five years.

At least 32 people, including 12 children, have been killed in Gaza City due to intensified Israeli airstrikes. The strikes are part of Israel's ongoing offensive against Hamas in Gaza City, which it considers the militant group's last stronghold. Hundreds of thousands of people remain in the city, facing famine-like conditions. The conflict has resulted in significant humanitarian concerns, with aid workers reporting increased displacement and malnutrition-related deaths. The current conflict is a retaliation for Hamas's attack on Israel in October 2023, which killed 1,200 people and took 250 hostages. Israel's offensive has killed at least 64,803 Palestinians so far.

China has condemned the UK and US after their warships, HMS Richmond and USS Higgins, sailed through the Taiwan Strait, calling it a 'provocation'. The UK and US described the mission as a routine transit, exercising their freedom of navigation rights. China views Taiwan as its own territory and claims the strait is part of its territorial waters, while the UK and US consider it international waters. The incident has heightened tensions in the region, with China increasing its military pressure on Taiwan.

The article discusses the life of an undocumented Mexican immigrant, 'Luz', living in the United States under the Trump administration. Luz shares her fears of being detained and deported by ICE agents, and the impact of Trump's immigration policies on her community. The article highlights the contrast between Luz's experience and the rhetoric surrounding undocumented immigrants, revealing that many are contributing members of society who have been enabled by America's relatively lenient policies. The article also features an interview with Tom Homan, Trump's border tsar, who defends the administration's immigration policies.

Nepal has appointed its first female prime minister, Sushila Karki, following a week of deadly protests against government corruption. The protests, which began after the government banned social media platforms, turned violent, resulting in at least 51 deaths and widespread destruction. The previous prime minister, Khadga Prasad Oli, resigned and fled his official residence. Nepal's army took control of the capital, restoring order and initiating negotiations over the interim government. Karki, a former Supreme Court chief justice, was sworn in as interim prime minister by President Ramchandra Paudel.

China has stated that TikTok's continued operation in the US is a prerequisite for progress in trade talks between the two countries. Ahead of the latest round of negotiations in Madrid, Beijing has urged Washington to provide 'open, fair, non-discriminatory conditions' for Chinese businesses. The talks, which will involve US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng, are expected to focus on key issues such as unilateral tariffs, export controls, and the future of Chinese technology companies like TikTok. China has warned that it will take 'necessary measures to firmly safeguard national interests and the legal rights of enterprises' if the US harms the interests of Chinese companies.

Two employment agencies in Hong Kong, Shihua and Eurasau, are allegedly helping mainland Chinese talent secure visa renewals under the government's Top Talent Pass Scheme by providing sham jobs and fake employment records for a fee of up to 500,000 yuan. The agencies offer employment contracts and payslips without requiring actual work and fabricate evidence of meetings to help mainlanders extend their stay in Hong Kong. The Immigration Department cracked down on a similar syndicate in July, leading to 18 arrests. Visa expirations under the talent admission schemes hit a peak in the second quarter of this year, with 13,678 due to expire by the end of August.

US scientists have identified significant gaps in Nasa's development of space life support systems, hindering the US's ability to compete with China in long-term manned space exploration. The gaps are attributed to past research and policy decisions, including funding cuts to bioregenerative technologies. The team of scientists, including Nasa researchers, emphasizes the need for Nasa to develop critical capabilities to build and operate a lunar outpost.

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, a $5 billion project on the Nile River, has sparked a diplomatic dispute between Ethiopia and Egypt. Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inaugurated the dam, calling it a 'symbol of Ethiopian unity and national achievement.' Egypt and Sudan have raised concerns about the dam's impact on their water supply and safety. China, which backed the dam, is in a position to mediate due to its strong ties with the involved nations, but is unlikely to intervene.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has fired the UK's ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson, due to revelations of Mandelson's close ties to convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Emails released by The Sun newspaper showed Mandelson expressing sympathy and support for Epstein in 2008 as he battled his first conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. Mandelson, a longtime Labor Party politician and strategist, told Epstein to 'fight for early release' in legal appeals before Epstein was sentenced to 18 months in prison. The decision to fire Mandelson came after the publication of these emails, which showed that the depth and extent of Mandelson's relationship with Epstein was materially different from what was known at the time of his appointment.

Three American veterans, Jason Murray, Scott Weimer, and Brandon Zielinski, are volunteering with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) to deliver aid to Palestinians in Gaza despite facing challenges and threats from Hamas operatives. The veterans, who have military experience, are working to ensure that Palestinians receive the food they need. They have seen desperation among the Palestinian population and have had to deal with bad actors trying to interfere with their mission. The GHF has delivered over 160 million meals to Palestinians since it began operating in May 2025. The veterans emphasize the importance of doing research to understand the reality on the ground in Gaza, as media depictions can be misleading.

The article discusses the last generation of people who experienced the India-Pakistan Partition in 1947 and their memories of their homeland. It highlights the stories of two individuals, Vikram Kalra and Reena Varma, who were forced to flee their homes in Lahore and Rawalpindi, respectively, and have been unable to return. The article also provides historical context about the Partition, including the violent migration of over 15 million people and the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. The author notes that as the last generation of Partition survivors passes away, their memories and experiences are at risk of being lost.

Malaysia is experiencing a resurgence in train travel, with improved rail services and infrastructure drawing commuters, adventurers, and nostalgia seekers. The Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) train operator has upgraded its services, including the Electric Train Service (ETS) and the Komuter Utara (Northern Shuttle) service, making rail travel more reliable and efficient. The article highlights the benefits of train travel, including the scenic routes, cultural experiences, and connectivity to rural areas. The KTM's network stretches from Singapore to the Thai border, and plans are underway to extend the ETS to Johor Bahru by 2025. The article also notes that ridership for intercity rail services has more than doubled in the past decade, while urban commuter ridership has declined due to maintenance and upgrading work.

A federal judge ruled that the Trump administration's mass firing of probationary federal employees was illegal. The judge, William H. Alsup, found that the terminations were directed by the Office of Personnel Management rather than the agencies where the employees worked, which is against the law. Although the ruling did not order the reinstatement of the fired employees, it was seen as a significant victory by labor unions and nonprofit groups that had sued the government. The judge also criticized the administration's conduct during the case, calling their evidence 'sham' and 'fabricated.'

The UN secretary-general has condemned a reported massacre by armed gangs in the Haitian fishing village of Labodrie, where at least 40 people were killed. The attack occurred after the killing of a gang leader named Vladimir, who was part of the Viv Ansanm alliance, a US-designated terrorist organization. The violence is part of an escalating trend of gang violence spreading outside Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince. The UN urged Haitian authorities to bring perpetrators to justice, while a national police spokesperson declined to comment on the alleged killings.