In other news

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is facing turmoil due to its handling of rare-disease treatments, particularly Sarepta Therapeutics' gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The FDA granted accelerated approval for the treatment despite limited clinical data, which led to a significant financial gain for Sarepta. However, three patients have died from acute liver failure after taking the treatment, prompting the FDA to ask Sarepta to suspend distribution. This incident has raised concerns about the FDA's oversight and politicization of rare-disease treatments.

The article discusses how Catholics, particularly lay people and gay Catholics, hold more liberal views than might be expected. A recent poll shows that a majority of Catholics would like the church to change with the times. Despite the new Pope, Leo XIV, signaling a change in tone from his predecessor Francis, on many substantive issues such as blessings for same-sex couples and attitudes to migration, he is following Francis's progressive path.

China's BYD plans to invest $1 billion in an electric vehicle factory in Manisa, Turkey, but a year after the announcement, construction has not begun. The factory is expected to open next year, potentially threatening Turkey's domestic EV maker, TOGG. The delay is surprising given the initial fanfare, including a visit from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The article discusses the invasive Burmese python population in the Everglades, Florida, and the efforts to control it through a gamified conservation approach. The snakes, introduced as exotic pets, have caused a 95% decline in native furry animals and pose a threat to other species, including alligators. With no natural predators, humans are stepping in to catch the pythons. The article highlights Florida's initiative to encourage people to participate in python removal, framing it as a challenge.

The article discusses the complex and unpredictable nature of Donald Trump's tariff policies, particularly in relation to various countries including China, Canada, and the European Union. Trump's recent decision to extend the tariff truce with China for 90 days is seen as a continuation of his unpredictable approach to trade dealmaking. The article highlights how the US has struck deals with several countries while imposing punitive duties on others, resulting in a complicated landscape of tariffs and trade agreements.

The article discusses the differing attitudes towards summer holidays between Europeans and Americans, using this as a lens to examine Europe's concept of 'strategic autonomy'. While Americans view long vacations as a competitive disadvantage, Europeans see them as essential for recovery. The article questions whether Europe must choose between maintaining its strategic autonomy and adhering to its traditional summer break culture.

A recent report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies reveals that Russia's campaign of sabotage and subversion in Europe escalated sharply since 2022, although it may have fallen in recent months. The report comes amid warnings from European officials about increased espionage and hybrid measures. Britain has imposed sanctions on 18 Russian intelligence officers for their role in 'irresponsible, destructive and destabilising hybrid activity'. Martina Rosenberg, head of Germany's military counter-intelligence service, warned of a 'sharp increase in cases of espionage and hybrid measures'. The article discusses the surge in Russian sabotage attacks across Europe in 2024 and the potential for future escalation.

Texas Democrats, led by lawmakers like Christian Manuel, have fled to suburban Illinois to continue their legislative efforts after being unable to pass bills in Texas due to Republican opposition. The group, nearly 40 strong, is using this 'exile' to strategize and potentially lay the groundwork for future political actions. The article draws a parallel between their situation and Virginia Woolf's essay 'A Room of One's Own,' highlighting the need for a conducive environment to think and work. The Democrats' actions in Illinois could be seen as a form of political protest and a way to maintain momentum despite their current lack of success in Texas.

The article discusses the vibrant civic groups that are integral to German society, using the example of a shooting club in Arnsberg, a small town in Germany's Sauerland region. These groups, known as Vereine, are diverse and numerous, encompassing various interests such as shooting, rabbit-keeping, and more. They serve as the backbone of German society, fostering community and social cohesion. The article highlights the activities of one such group, describing their parade, festivities, and social events, which include music, dancing, and communal drinking. The author suggests that these civic groups play a crucial role in holding German society together.

The article discusses how the Republican party, led by Donald Trump, is now rolling back environmental regulations, contrary to their historical stance on environmental protection. The article highlights Richard Nixon's complicated environmentalism, citing a conversation between Nixon, Henry Ford II, and Lee Iacocca where Nixon sympathized with the auto executives' complaints about the costs of complying with environmental regulations. The article suggests that Trump's administration is pushing environmentalists to rethink their approach.

A recent study found that European cities are particularly vulnerable to heatwaves, with a ten-day spell of extreme heat in June killing around 2,300 people in 12 cities. Climate change made the heatwave 1-4°C hotter, explaining two-thirds of the deaths. European cities suffer more than cities in other rich regions, even when peak temperatures are similar. Factors contributing to this vulnerability include a lack of air conditioning, urban planning, and socioeconomic disparities. Cities like Turin, Milan, and Paris are among the riskiest, with high mortality rates during heatwaves. The study suggests that adapting to climate change and mitigating its effects is crucial to reducing heat-related deaths.

The article argues that Donald Trump's decision to take over the DC police is misguided and based on an exaggerated emergency. The author criticizes Trump's grandstanding instincts and suggests that his actions are not justified by the situation in Washington, DC. The article highlights the city's design as a showcase for democracy and contrasts it with the current state of affairs under Trump's leadership.

The article discusses how the Trump administration's policies and appointments, particularly the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as health secretary, are exciting some personal-injury lawyers despite Trump's public disdain for them. Kennedy's background as a personal-injury lawyer and his new role may benefit his former colleagues. The article explores the implications of this development for public health and the potential consequences of the administration's actions.

Australia has launched its largest military exercises with the Philippines, involving over 3,600 troops, supersonic fighter jets, and anti-tank weapons near the disputed South China Sea. The drills, called Alon, aim to showcase Australia's firepower and commitment to regional security. The exercises will feature live-fire drills, battle manoeuvres, and a beach assault, with observers from the US, Canada, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, and Indonesia. Vice-Admiral Justin Jones stated that the exercises reflect Australia's commitment to protecting state sovereignty and international law in the Indo-Pacific region.

China has successfully conducted a critical test of its Long March-10 rocket, a crucial step towards landing astronauts on the moon and establishing a scientific research base at the lunar south pole by 2030. The test, which involved firing the rocket's first stage for 30 seconds, confirmed the engines' ability to run in sync under various conditions. The Long March-10 is a superheavy launcher that will play a key role in China's crewed lunar programme, with plans to launch the crewed Mengzhou spacecraft and the Lanyue lander separately before rendezvousing in lunar orbit.

Chinese researchers are expressing concerns over the growing US national debt and its potential impact on the viability of US dollar assets. As Washington's debt burden sets records, China has been reducing its exposure to US dollar assets, trimming its US Treasury holdings for three consecutive months. Researchers warn that the unsustainable expansion of US Treasuries could lead to a default threshold, and that US economic growth is unlikely to offset rising debt. They suggest that China should gradually adjust its US Treasury holdings and increase reserves of gold and other strategic materials.

The Hong Kong Government Logistics Department has suspended a 36-month drinking water supply contract with mainland Chinese firm Xin Ding Xin Trade Company, citing doubts over the company's ability to fulfill its obligations. The contract, granted two months ago, was one of the first of its kind to be awarded to a mainland firm, beating long-time supplier AS Watsons Group. The department has referred the matter to the police for investigation and has arranged for AS Watson to temporarily supply water to affected government offices starting next week.

The Hong Kong government plans to deploy robotic dogs to combat the chikungunya virus amid rising imported cases. Environment Secretary Tse Chin-wan announced that the robotic dogs will be used to carry and spray mosquito insecticide in areas difficult for control teams to access on foot. The measure is part of the government's enhanced mosquito-control efforts, and a trial is set to begin next month. Tse expressed confidence that the current measures can contain the chikungunya situation, citing similarities with previous dengue fever outbreaks. The initiative aims to reduce the burden on frontline staff during hot weather.

Nvidia's efforts to maintain good relations with both the US and China are becoming increasingly challenging as its H20 chips become a bargaining chip in trade negotiations between the two countries. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang received a warm welcome in Beijing, but shortly after, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) summoned Nvidia executives to question them about the security of its H20 chips. The inquiry was partly due to US lawmakers demanding the installation of tracking features into chips for export. As a result, it has become politically sensitive for Chinese companies to procure Nvidia's products.

Singapore's Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) will review the permanent resident status of property tycoon Ong Beng Seng after he was fined S$30,000 for abetting former transport minister S Iswaran in the obstruction of justice. Ong, 79, was convicted and sentenced on Friday. The ICA stated that Singapore permanent residents who have been convicted of an offence will have their PR status reviewed. Ong's fine was the maximum amount a District Court can impose, and he was spared jail time due to his health condition, multiple myeloma, which makes him more susceptible to severe infections.

Taiwan is changing its residency rules to tighten control over mainland Chinese nationals, sparking condemnation from Beijing. The new rules require applicants to provide proof of relinquishing their mainland Chinese household registration and renouncing their Chinese passport. Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te's administration argues that the changes are necessary to counter Beijing's growing infiltration and influence operations. Critics say the changes target innocent cross-strait relationships and may be unconstitutional.

The BBC has defended its investigation into child sexual exploitation in Kenya after the government described it as a 'hoax'. The documentary, produced by BBC Africa Eye, details cases of underage girls being trafficked for sex in the transit town of Maai Mahiu in Kenya's Rift Valley. The Kenyan government has criticized the documentary, claiming that the victims interviewed were not underage and were posing as children. The BBC has maintained that the documentary was clear that those interviewed were adults recounting experiences of abuse that occurred when they were underage. The broadcaster has also denied allegations that it offered financial incentives to contributors.

Heavy monsoon floods and landslides have killed over 307 people in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, with the majority of deaths occurring in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The disaster has damaged at least 74 homes and a rescue helicopter has crashed, killing its five crew members. The region is expected to continue experiencing heavy rainfall until August 21, with several areas declared disaster zones. The floods have been described as arriving like 'doomsday' by survivors, with widespread destruction and loss of life reported. The monsoon season, which delivers about three-quarters of South Asia's annual rainfall, has been exacerbated by climate change, making weather events more extreme and frequent.

A dispute has emerged between the German states of Bavaria and Thuringia over who invented the Bratwurst sausage. The 'Wurstkuchl' tavern in Regensburg, Bavaria, has long claimed to be the oldest Bratwurst stand in the world, with evidence dating back to 1378. However, historians in Erfurt, Thuringia, have discovered a document from 1269 that mentions a meat-roasting stand, potentially predating the Regensburg stand by over 100 years. The Wurstkuchl remains unfazed by the discovery, with its landlady stating that the quality of their products is what attracts customers, not their claim to being the oldest.

Global talks to develop a treaty to end plastic pollution have collapsed due to deep divisions between countries. About 100 nations, including the UK and EU, wanted to curb plastic production, while oil-producing states like Saudi Arabia and Russia pushed for a focus on recycling. The talks, convened by the UN, were the sixth round in under three years and were meant to address the growing problem of plastic pollution. Despite continued negotiations into the night, no agreement was reached, with countries remaining split on whether to tackle plastics at source or manage the pollution. The collapse means they fall further behind their original deadline to reach a deal by the end of last year.

Far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben Gvir has released a video taunting Marwan Barghouti, a prominent Palestinian prisoner, in his cell. The video has been condemned by the Palestinian Authority, with its Vice-President describing it as 'psychological, moral and physical terrorism.' Barghouti, 66, has been jailed for over 20 years for planning attacks that killed five civilians. The video is the first public sighting of Barghouti in years, and he appears aged and gaunt. Ben Gvir's actions have been criticized by Palestinian prisoner rights organizations, who say Barghouti has been placed in solitary confinement since the Hamas-led attacks on Israel in October 2023.

A train collision with a slurry tanker in southern Denmark resulted in one fatality and 27 injuries. The crash occurred near the German border, involving 106 people, including school pupils. The Danish Prime Minister expressed condolences to those affected. Services on the line have been suspended.

A 10-year-old chess prodigy, Bodhana Sivanandan, has become the youngest female player to defeat a grandmaster in chess, beating 60-year-old grandmaster Peter Wells at the British Chess Championships in Liverpool, England. Sivanandan, from the London area, achieved this feat at 10 years, five months, and three days old, breaking the previous record held by American Carissa Yip. Sivanandan has been awarded the title of 'woman international master,' the second-highest title for female players after 'grandmaster.' She started playing chess during the COVID-19 pandemic at the age of 5. Chess experts, including international chess master Malcolm Pein, praise Sivanandan's talent and predict a bright future for her in the sport.

The United States has deployed two warships to the disputed waters of the South China Sea after a collision between two Chinese ships while chasing a Philippine vessel. The USS Higgins and USS Cincinnati were shadowed by a Chinese navy ship while sailing near Scarborough Shoal, a region claimed by multiple countries including China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. The incident has raised concerns about maritime safety and tensions between the involved nations. The U.S. has condemned China's actions and is discussing the possible deployment of more missile launchers to the Philippines to strengthen deterrence. The Philippines is a treaty ally of the U.S. and Washington has warned that it is obligated to defend the Philippines if Filipino forces come under armed attack.

Hurricane Erin has formed over the Atlantic Ocean, becoming the first hurricane of the 2025 season. The storm is expected to strengthen into a major hurricane, with forecasters warning of heavy rainfall and life-threatening surf conditions in the Caribbean islands. Erin is predicted to pass north of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, with rainfall totals of up to 6 inches possible. The storm is not currently forecast to impact the United States, but meteorologists are closely monitoring its progress. The Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be above-normal this year, with NOAA predicting between 13 and 18 named storms.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has approved the construction of a new settlement in the West Bank, which critics say will effectively cut the West Bank into two separate parts and undermine plans for a future Palestinian state. The announcement has been condemned by rights groups and the Palestinian foreign ministry, who argue it will lead to further bloodshed and is an extension of Israeli annexation. Smotrich praised President Trump and US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee as 'true friends of Israel' and said the move 'finally buries the idea of a Palestinian state'. The plan includes around 3,500 apartments to expand the settlement of Maale Adumim and is expected to receive final approval next week.

The U.S. Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on 13 Mexican companies and four individuals accused of working with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) to scam elderly Americans in a multimillion-dollar timeshare fraud scheme. The scheme, which dates back to 2012, involved elaborate rental and resale schemes that defrauded American citizens of their life savings. The CJNG is a powerful drug trafficking cartel designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. government. The sanctions aim to eradicate the cartels' ability to generate revenue, including through timeshare fraud. The CJNG is also known for producing and smuggling deadly fentanyl into the United States, causing around 70,000 overdose deaths per year.

A French air traffic controller was suspended after saying 'Free Palestine' to Israeli pilots on an El Al flight departing from Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. The incident was condemned by French Transportation Minister Philippe Tabarot and Israeli officials, who viewed it as an antisemitic act. The incident is part of a larger context of tensions between France and Israel, with El Al facing challenges in France, including vandalism of its Paris office and a temporary halt on renewing work visas for its security staff. Israeli officials have criticized French President Emmanuel Macron's recent announcement that France would recognize a Palestinian state, linking it to the rise of antisemitism.

German researchers have discovered 31 shipwrecks in Lake Constance, including a possible steamship destroyed in a World War II air raid, as part of the 'Wrecks and Deep Sea' project. The findings, which include historic and modern vessels, highlight the significance of underwater archaeological research and the importance of preserving historical sites. The project, launched in 2022, has investigated over 186 underwater anomalies, with 31 confirmed as shipwrecks. Notable discoveries include two large metal ship hulls believed to be paddle steamers SD Friedrichshafen II and SD Baden, and a nearly completely preserved cargo sailing ship.

A hiker in his 20s was attacked and killed by a brown bear while hiking on Mount Rausu in Hokkaido, Japan. The incident occurred on Thursday, and the victim's body was found on Friday. The attack was witnessed by the victim's friend, who reported the incident to the police. Following the attack, all three trails leading to Mount Rausu were closed, and over 71 people were airlifted out of the area. Hunters later shot and killed three brown bears near where the victim's body was found. The incident has raised concerns about the increasing frequency of brown bear sightings in the area.

A memorial tree honoring Ilan Halimi, a Jewish man kidnapped and tortured to death in 2006, was vandalized and cut down in France. French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the antisemitic act, stating it was an attempt to 'kill him a second time.' The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with U.S. Ambassador to France Charles Kushner thanking French Prime Minister François Bayrou for his strong stance against the vandalism. However, Israeli Minister of Diaspora and Combating Antisemitism Amichai Chikli criticized Macron, suggesting his recent promise to recognize a Palestinian state contributed to the surge in antisemitism. The vandalism is part of a larger trend of antisemitic incidents in France since the war in Gaza began in 2023.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung announced plans to restore a 2018 military agreement with North Korea to reduce border tensions. The agreement, signed during an inter-Korean summit, ended some military activities at the border, including creating buffer zones and no-fly zones. Lee called on North Korea to respond to Seoul's efforts to rebuild trust and revive dialogue. The move comes as Lee's government has taken steps to ease tensions, including stopping the launch of anti-North Korea leaflets and halting loudspeaker propaganda broadcasts.

The Chinese bubble tea industry has grown into a multi-billion-dollar market, with global market size expected to reach $4.78 billion by 2032. Three Chinese bubble tea chains listed in Hong Kong, raising over $700 million. Mixue Group has emerged as a heavyweight, operating over 46,000 stores worldwide. The industry's rapid growth is fueled by franchising, but this model comes with trade-offs, including maintaining quality and avoiding store cannibalization. Overseas expansion is challenging due to differences in consumer tastes and supply chain control. Market saturation, rising costs, and price wars are testing the industry's resilience. The key to sustaining valuations lies in balancing scale with profitability and proving the industry is more than just a fad.

The New York Mets designated pitcher Paul Blackburn for assignment to make room for Nolan McLean, who is set to make his major league debut. Blackburn had a difficult season, struggling with a high ERA and WHIP after returning from an injury. He was acquired from the Oakland Athletics before the 2024 trade deadline. The move comes after the Mets' loss to the Seattle Mariners on Friday.

Air Canada's 10,000 flight attendants went on strike early Saturday, resulting in the cancellation of over 600 flights this week with more cancellations expected. The strike follows collapsed negotiations over a new labor contract and the airline's request for government intervention through a third-party arbitration, which the attendants oppose.