In other news

A 400-year-old Chinese cough syrup, Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa, is gaining popularity globally, particularly among young shoppers in the West. Despite its unchanged recipe since the 1600s, the syrup has seen a significant surge in sales, rising by almost a third between 2019 and 2024 to reach $88m in 2024. The article highlights the syrup's enduring appeal and its growing acceptance beyond China.

The article discusses the growing trend of clean energy innovation, particularly in the context of the US and California. It highlights the work of companies like Mainspring, a startup that has developed a more efficient linear generator, and Maersk, a logistics firm that is investing in clean energy solutions. The article also touches on the topic of cybersecurity and the need for companies to be cautious when it comes to online reviews.

The Economist's analysis of Donald Trump's presidency

The article discusses how AI-enhanced hackers are stealing billions and the growing threat of AI-powered malware. It highlights a story where a researcher, Vitaly Simonovich, collaborated with ChatGPT to create working malware within six hours, demonstrating the effectiveness of bypassing AI safeguards. The article suggests that this is a boom time for cybersecurity firms as they need to address the growing threat of AI-enhanced hacking.

Italian business leaders are urging Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to accelerate her reform efforts as the country's economy continues to stagnate. Despite a construction boom in Milan and an influx of wealthy foreigners drawn to Italy's flat tax on worldwide income, the national economy has barely grown over the past decade. The national statistics bureau recently downgraded its growth forecast for the year from 0.8% to 0.6%. Business leaders are concerned that Meloni is not moving quickly enough to implement reforms that could stimulate economic growth.

The article discusses the reliability of online customer reviews, particularly on platforms like Airbnb, Tripadvisor, and Amazon. It highlights the importance of reviews in making informed decisions during travel or when purchasing products. The article questions whether these reviews can be trusted and implies the need for a critical approach when using them.

Texas Democrats, led by lawmakers like Christian Manuel, fled to suburban Illinois to escape Republican dominance in their home state. The article discusses how these Democrats are preparing for a potential long-term absence from power in Texas, drawing parallels with Virginia Woolf's essay 'A Room of One's Own,' which emphasizes the need for physical and mental space for creative and political work. The lawmakers are using this time in exile to regroup and strategize, potentially laying the groundwork for future political engagement.

The article discusses the colorful civic groups in Germany, specifically the shooting clubs and their role in German society. It highlights the strong sense of community and tradition among these groups, which are often associated with historical and cultural events. The article also touches on the relationship between these groups and the government, as well as the impact of external factors such as politics and social changes.

The article discusses how the US military is using TikTok to recruit soldiers, despite Congress considering the app a national-security risk. The author highlights the changing attitudes towards women in the military, citing Pete Hegseth, a former defence secretary nominee, who initially expressed reservations about women in certain roles but later moderated his views. The article notes that the military is struggling to find recruits in a tight labour market, and TikTok is helping to attract new soldiers.

The article discusses the redevelopment of the Swampoodle area in Washington, DC, which was renamed NoMa (north of Massachusetts Avenue) to make it more appealing to yuppies. The area has undergone significant transformation since the 1990s and is now considered one of the most YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard) neighborhoods in America. The article highlights the lessons that can be learned from this transformation and how it can be applied to other areas. The redevelopment of NoMa is seen as a success story, with the area now being a desirable place to live. The article also touches on the broader issue of housing supply and the need for more building in areas that are resistant to new development due to NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) sentiments.

The article discusses how the Trump administration is exciting some personal-injury lawyers, despite Donald Trump's disdain for them. Robert F. Kennedy junior, a former personal-injury lawyer, is now America's health secretary and is expected to make his old cohort happy. The article highlights the potential consequences for public health and the administration's efforts to erase climate-change regulation.

Australia and the Philippines have launched their largest-ever joint military drills, Exercise Alon, off the shores of Palawan, involving over 3,600 troops. The drills include live-fire exercises, amphibious landings, and air support operations, and are seen as a demonstration of their deepening defence partnership in the face of China's aggression in the South China Sea. Observers from several countries, including the US, Canada, and Japan, are attending the drills.

China is set to showcase its military capabilities during the upcoming Victory Day military parade in Beijing on September 3. The parade will feature 'combat-oriented joint formations' made up of various military groups, including land combat, maritime combat, air defence, and missile defence. The event will also display 'star' weaponry, some of which will be seen in public for the first time. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) has undergone significant reforms since 2015, initiated by President Xi Jinping, aimed at streamlining its command structure and modernizing its capabilities. The parade is expected to last 70 minutes.

Elon Musk has put his plans to start a new political party, the America Party, on hold to focus on his companies, including Tesla. Musk had unveiled the party in July after a public dispute with US President Donald Trump, but has since decided to maintain ties with Vice-President J.D. Vance instead. Musk is considering using his financial resources to back Vance if he decides to run for president in 2028. Musk spent nearly $300 million in 2024 to help Trump and other Republicans get elected.

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has released an updated guide for foreign workers and travelers, detailing the necessary procedures for living and working in China. The guide covers topics such as applying for residence permits, paying income tax, and handling social insurance. The article summarizes the key points from the 22-page document, providing insights into the requirements and regulations for expatriates in China.

Guangdong province in southern China has announced plans to join the country's commercial space sector, promising financial and policy support for companies building low-orbit satellite constellations. The province aims to promote the application of satellite constellations in industries such as space mining and space tourism, and plans to use government procurement to support key innovative products. Guangdong's ambitions rival those of Elon Musk's Starlink, and are part of China's efforts to build satellite constellation systems. The province plans to provide a fast track for approving satellite constellation projects and specially designated government funding to help with rocket and satellite development.

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) reported a record HK$8.52 billion profit for the first half of 2025, driven by a surge in initial public offerings (IPOs) and high stock market turnover. The company's second-quarter net profit also set a new record at HK$4.44 billion, a 41% increase from the same period last year. HKEX's CEO, Bonnie Chan Yiting, attributed the success to the exchange's strong position and new initiatives to enhance competitiveness. The company's shares rose 0.1% to HK$434.4 before the results announcement and have gained 47% this year, outperforming the Hang Seng Index's 25% advance.

The Hong Kong Standards and Testing Centre has taken legal action against Xin Ding Xin Trade, a company suspected of procurement fraud for falsely claiming that the centre had issued safety certificates for 1.88 million bottles of water supplied to government offices. The controversy came to light when the Government Logistics Department partially terminated a HK$52.9 million contract with Xin Ding Xin Trade to supply bottled water to civil servant offices. The company's director, Lui Tsz-chung, and his wife, Chan Pik-lam, were arrested, with Lui being charged with one count of fraud.

The Philippines influenced China's Chang'e-6 mission to the moon's far side by prompting Chinese space engineers to make adjustments to avoid political friction in the South China Sea. The Chang'e-6 spacecraft was launched in May 2024 and returned to Earth with the world's first lunar samples from the moon's hidden side. Chinese engineers delayed the release of the Long March-5 rocket's nose cone, shifting the debris drop zone further into the Philippine Sea to avoid waters considered by Manila to be under its jurisdiction. This adjustment was made in response to 'evolving claims' over foreign territorial waters.

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is likely to showcase the FH-97, a new advanced stealth attack drone, during the upcoming Victory Day parade in Beijing. Leaked photos from the parade rehearsals suggest that the drone has entered active service, making China potentially the first country to have a combat-ready 'loyal wingman' drone. The FH-97 is described as a single-engine, ground-attack uncrewed aircraft capable of coordinated aerial warfare alongside crewed jets. The drone was developed by a subsidiary of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (AVIC). The official debut of the FH-97 would mark a significant milestone in China's military modernization.

The Malaysian government plans to reduce the proportion of foreign workers in the workforce from 15% to 10% by 2026, aiming to raise citizens' wages and productivity. However, employers warn that this move may lead to higher business costs. Foreign workers from countries like Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Nepal have been crucial to Malaysia's industrialization since the 1980s, but their presence has also been linked to resentment among Malaysians and a black market for illegal work. The government believes that reducing the number of foreign workers will encourage investment in new technologies and improve productivity.

Air Canada's flight attendants, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), ended their strike after reaching a tentative agreement with the airline. The strike, which began on Saturday, affected around 130,000 travelers daily and resulted in the cancellation of thousands of flights. The union had refused to enter government-directed arbitration, but eventually agreed to talks with Air Canada, facilitated by a mediator. The agreement guarantees pay for work performed while planes are on the ground, a key issue driving the strike. Air Canada expects to gradually resume operations, with some flights canceled until the schedule is stabilized. The airline's CEO, Michael Rousseau, warned that full restoration may take seven to ten days.

A bus carrying Afghan migrants recently deported from Iran collided with other vehicles in western Afghanistan, killing 76 people, including 17 children. The accident occurred in the Guzara district outside Herat city, where the bus collided with a motorcycle and a fuel truck, sparking a fire. The migrants were being transported to the Afghan capital, Kabul, after being deported by Tehran. This incident is one of the deadliest in recent years in Afghanistan, a country plagued by poor roads, dangerous driving, and lack of regulation, resulting in frequent traffic accidents. Over 1.5 million people have returned to Afghanistan from Iran and Pakistan this year, following efforts by both countries to force migrants out after decades of hosting them.

The Cambridge Dictionary has added 6,212 new words to its lexicon over the last 12 months, driven by internet culture, social media, and celebrity influence. New entries include 'skibidi,' 'delulu,' 'tradwife,' and 'broligarchy,' among others. These words reflect contemporary trends and phenomena, such as Gen Z slang, traditional gender roles, and the influence of tech moguls on politics.

A fire at the Elastik industrial plant in Russia's Ryazan region has resulted in 24 deaths and over 150 injuries. The fire broke out on Friday and emergency crews are still searching through debris. The cause of the fire is being investigated, with reports suggesting a gunpowder workshop caught fire and triggered an explosion. The incident has been attributed to violating industrial safety rules, and a criminal case has been opened. This is not the first incident at the plant, as a deadly blast occurred in 2021, resulting in prison sentences for some of the management. The region has declared a day of mourning.

A Condor Airlines flight from Corfu, Greece to Dusseldorf, Germany made an emergency landing in Brindisi, Italy on Saturday after a 'reaction near the engine' was observed. Passengers reported seeing flames near the engine around 8:30 p.m. local time. The airline confirmed a fault message indicating a disturbance in the air flow supply to the engine, which was shut down in a controlled manner. The plane landed safely in Brindisi with 273 passengers and 8 crew members on board. No injuries were reported, but some passengers spent an uncomfortable night in Brindisi due to insufficient hotel capacity. The airline arranged vouchers and blankets for those who slept at the airport and reimbursed passengers who stayed at hotels. Another aircraft was dispatched on Sunday to complete the route, and all passengers arrived in Dusseldorf that day. The airline prioritized the safety of its passengers and employees, apologizing for any inconvenience caused.

Dubai police have arrested three thieves from an unspecified Asian country within eight hours of stealing a rare pink diamond worth $25 million. The thieves lured a diamond trader to a villa under the pretense of a viewing by a wealthy client, where they stole the gem. The police used artificial intelligence technologies to track down the culprits. The heist occurred in Dubai, a major hub for diamond trading known for its security and stability. The incident came shortly after a daylight robbery in Seattle where thieves stole $2 million worth of merchandise from a jewelry store.

Beloved Newsmax hair and makeup artist Travis Renee Baldwin was fatally shot by her 27-year-old son Logan Chrisinger at her Arlington, Virginia apartment on Sunday morning. Baldwin, 57, was rushed to a hospital where she later died. Chrisinger was arrested at the scene and is being held without bond at Arlington County Detention Facility, charged with first-degree murder, aggravated malicious wounding, and using a firearm in the commission of a felony. Baldwin was a longtime television professional who worked with anchors like Greta Van Susteren at Newsmax and other outlets. Colleagues and friends mourned her tragic loss, remembering her as a 'quiet warrior' with a giving heart and a gypsy spirit.

Chicago Alderwoman Stephanie Coleman faces backlash for attending Nashville event while constituents flood

Hurricane Erin is threatening the East Coast, with waves expected to be massive and dangerous. The storm is expected to bring life-threatening rip currents and storm surge, with waves reaching up to 20 feet high in some areas. The National Hurricane Center has issued warnings for the Outer Banks and other areas along the coast. Residents are advised to evacuate and take necessary precautions as the storm approaches.

The article discusses Curtis Sliwa's mayoral campaign and his views on various issues, including his criticism of Andrew Cuomo and his support for law and order policies. It also touches on his past as a Guardian Angel and his current role as a candidate for mayor. The article highlights Sliwa's unapologetic stance on various issues and his commitment to his values.

John Wall, a former NBA star, has joined the NBA on Prime studio crew after announcing his retirement from professional basketball. Wall will be working alongside other NBA legends such as Blake Griffin, Dirk Nowitzki, Dwyane Wade, Steve Nash, and Candace Parker. Despite having limited broadcast experience, Wall is excited to share his knowledge and passion for the game with fans through broadcasting. He retired after 11 seasons in the NBA, averaging 18.7 points and 8.9 assists per game.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem announced that the southern border wall will be painted black to deter illegal crossings and make it difficult to climb.

The article discusses a Chinese national, Shenghua Wen, who was involved in smuggling military equipment to North Korea, violating United Nations sanctions. Wen was detained by Chinese authorities and later released, but the equipment was not confiscated.

Finnish politician Eemeli Peltonen, a 30-year-old first-term Member of Parliament for the Social Democratic Party, has died in the country's parliament building in Helsinki. Peltonen was found dead on Tuesday morning, and it is believed that he took his own life. The news has shocked Finland, with politicians across the political spectrum expressing their sadness and condolences. Peltonen was known for his rapid rise in politics, having been elected as a city councillor at 18 and chairman of the city board at 22. He had been on summer sick leave due to a kidney problem and infection.

Six severed heads were discovered on a road in central Mexico, linking the states of Puebla and Tlaxcala. The motive behind the killings is unknown, but a message left at the scene, signed by a group called 'La Barredora', warned rival gangs. The area is not typically associated with cartel violence, but the region is affected by fuel smuggling and drug-trafficking. The incident occurs amid a government crackdown on fentanyl trafficking under President Claudia Sheinbaum's administration. This event is part of a larger surge in cartel violence across Mexico, resulting in hundreds of thousands of deaths and tens of thousands missing since 2006.

Heavy rainfall has caused widespread disruptions in Mumbai, with parts of the city submerged under water. The city's infrastructure has been severely impacted, with many areas experiencing flooding and power outages. The authorities are working to restore normalcy, but the situation remains dire.

Walmart has issued a recall for certain shrimp products sold in 13 US states due to potential radioactive contamination. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) detected Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope, in a shipment of frozen shrimp from an Indonesian supplier. Although the contaminated sample did not enter the US market, consumers are advised to discard recently purchased Walmart shrimp matching the description. Walmart has removed the product from affected stores and is working with the supplier to investigate. Customers who bought the recalled products can return them to any Walmart location for a full refund.

Australia and Israel are engaged in a diplomatic dispute over Palestine recognition and visa cancellations. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that Australia will recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September, prompting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to accuse him of betraying Israel and abandoning Australia's Jews. In response, Australia canceled the visa of Israeli lawmaker Simcha Rothman, who was to visit Australia on a 'solidarity tour.' Israel retaliated by revoking visas for Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority and scrutinizing Australian visa applications. The dispute comes amid a surge in antisemitism in Australia, with a reported 2,062 anti-Jewish incidents in the past year, a 316% increase from the previous year.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet announced that they killed Jihad Kamal Salem Najjar, a terrorist involved in the abduction of Yarden Bibas during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. Bibas was kidnapped during the invasion of Kibbutz Nir Oz and spent 480 days in captivity before being released in January. His wife and two young children were killed while in Hamas captivity. The IDF and Shin Bet confirmed that Najjar was killed in an airstrike on August 10 in Gaza. Yarden Bibas expressed gratitude towards the IDF and Shin Bet for eliminating one of the terrorists who kidnapped him, but emphasized that he is still waiting for the return of the remaining hostages.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for a rapid expansion of the country's nuclear arsenal in response to joint military drills between the US and South Korea. The drills, dubbed Ulchi Freedom Shield, are seen as a demonstration of the US and South Korea's intent to provoke war, according to Kim. The tensions come after South Korean President Lee Jae Myung announced plans to reduce military activities along the border with North Korea and restore a 2018 military agreement. Kim's statement is seen as a refusal to accept denuclearization and a demonstration of North Korea's will to upgrade its nuclear weapons.

The US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has launched a new aid program to provide food and other essential supplies to the people of Gaza. The program, which is being implemented in partnership with the Palestinian Authority, aims to address the growing humanitarian crisis in the region. The foundation has distributed over 125 million meals since its inception, and has helped to stabilize the food situation in Gaza. The US has provided significant financial and technical assistance to the effort, with the goal of preventing Hamas from exploiting the aid. The foundation is working to improve the lives of Gazans by providing food, shelter, and other essential services.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's sister, Kim Yo Jong, has stated that North Korea will never accept South Korea as a diplomatic partner. The statement was made in response to ongoing joint military drills between South Korea and the US. Kim Yo Jong's remarks reflect a hardening of North Korea's stance towards South Korea.

The M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda, has killed many civilians in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. This act undermines a recent US effort, supported by Trump, to resolve the longstanding conflict in the region. Survivors reported the massacre, highlighting the complexity and difficulty of achieving peace in the area.

A tourist-focused Maya Train derailed in Izamal, Mexico, while pulling into a station, but fortunately, there were no injuries reported. The train was traveling from Cancun to Merida, the capital of Yucatan. The incident occurred on a Tuesday, and the train line released a statement about the derailment.

A new malaria drug for babies, Coartem Baby, has been approved by Swiss medical regulators, offering hope to health workers in Uganda and other African countries where malaria is a major killer of children. The drug is a lower dose version of an existing antimalarial medication and is designed for infants weighing between 2 and 5 kilograms. Ugandan health workers say the new drug will be rolled out as soon as possible and will save the lives of many infants. Malaria is a significant problem in Uganda, with 12.6 million cases and nearly 16,000 deaths in 2023, many of them children under 5 and pregnant women.

The article discusses the performance of Asia-Pacific markets on Wednesday, which fell due to declines in Japan's trade data and China's loan prime rate decision. Japan's exports dropped 2.6% year over year in July, exceeding expectations, while China's key lending rates remained steady for the third consecutive month. The decline in Japan's exports led to a drop in the Nikkei 225 and Topix indices. Technology stocks in Asia also declined, with SoftBank Group's shares plummeting 9.17%. In contrast, Chinese toymaker Pop Mart's shares rose after the company reported a significant surge in net profit. The article also mentions the performance of other Asian markets, including South Korea's Kospi and Australia's S&P/ASX 200. The overnight decline in US technology stocks, led by Nvidia, also contributed to the negative sentiment in Asian markets.

The article discusses the recent trend of mergers and acquisitions in the UK's Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) sector, driven by private equity firms and trade buyers seeking to capitalize on undervalued companies. KKR's failed bid for Assura, a healthcare property company, was outdone by Primary Health Properties (PHP), which is now facing scrutiny from the Competition and Markets Authority. The article highlights the attractiveness of REITs with predictable cash flows and growth potential, particularly in niche areas like healthcare and student housing. It also notes the consolidation trend among smaller REITs, with companies like LondonMetric Property and NewRiver REIT making significant acquisitions. The article concludes that investors are rewarding scale and focus in REITs, which may lead to further consolidation in the sector.

A graduation ceremony was held in Khan Younis, Gaza, for children who lost their parents due to the ongoing conflict. The ceremony was emotional as tearful children participated, many of whom have been left orphaned. According to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, over 39,000 Palestinian children in Gaza have lost parents since October 2023, with 17,000 having lost both parents. The event highlighted the devastating impact of the conflict on families and children in Gaza.

The article discusses the phenomenon of cloudbursts, sudden and intense bursts of extreme rainfall that have caused devastation in mountainous parts of South Asia, particularly in Pakistan and India. The region has experienced severe flooding and landslides, resulting in significant loss of life and property damage. Scientists warn that the climate crisis is likely to increase the frequency and ferocity of such events, as warmer air can hold more moisture, leading to more extreme rainfall. The article highlights the vulnerability of the region due to its steep slopes, fragile geology, and lack of infrastructure, as well as the challenges in forecasting and communicating these events to local communities.

A 50-year-old Saudi doctor, referred to as Taleb A, has been charged with murder and 338 counts of attempted murder for ramming a car into a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, killing six people and wounding many more. Prosecutors claim the attack was premeditated and motivated by dissatisfaction with a civil law dispute. The suspect, who arrived in Germany in 2006, does not fit the typical profile of an extremist but had expressed support for the far-right on social media. The case will go to trial, where the suspect faces a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted of murder.

The Kiruna Church in Kiruna, Sweden's northernmost city, is being relocated three miles to a new city center to prevent it from being damaged by the world's largest underground iron-ore mine. The relocation is part of a larger effort to move the entire city, which has been affected by the mine's expansion. The church's move is a highly choreographed event, with thousands of visitors expected to watch. The relocation is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

The US Commerce Department has expanded steel and aluminium tariffs to cover over 400 new product categories, including wind turbines, heavy equipment, railcars, and electric vehicle parts. The move aims to support the US steel and aluminium industries by closing loopholes and preventing circumvention. The new tariffs, effective immediately, will impact imports worth over $200 billion and raise the overall effective tariff rate by around 1 percentage point. Some foreign automakers, including Tesla, had lobbied against the inclusion of certain parts, citing lack of domestic capacity to meet demand.

Chongqing, a municipality in southwest China, has become a megacity due to its unique urban planning that adapts to its mountainous terrain. The city's landscape is characterized by multi-layered buildings and complexes that seem like a maze, with different entrances and exits at various levels. Chongqing's development is rooted in its history as China's wartime capital during World War II and its subsequent designation as one of the four municipalities. The city's GDP has grown significantly, and it has become an industrial powerhouse and a social media sensation. However, its rapid development also poses challenges, including heavy infrastructure investment and rising local government debt.

The article reports on the deportation of Julio César Chávez Jr., son of famous boxer Julio César Chávez, to Mexico after being arrested in the US. Chávez Jr. was detained by US authorities and later deported to Mexico, where he faces charges related to arms dealing and cartel ties. The boxer's lawyer claims the allegations are false and that Chávez Jr. is not a threat to the community.