In other news

A pregnant woman, Sagobai, is worried about the intense heatwave in her region, which has caused her to feel dizzy and dehydrated. Research suggests that high temperatures can have adverse effects on pregnant women, particularly in regions with inadequate healthcare infrastructure. The article highlights the need for awareness about the risks associated with extreme heat during pregnancy.

The article discusses America's new plan to fight a war with China, using the historical context of Tinian island in the Pacific Ocean, which was a major air base during World War II. The island is being excavated to reveal its history, including the runways where atomic bombs were loaded onto B-29s. The article suggests that the US is preparing for a potential conflict with China, drawing parallels between the historical significance of Tinian and its potential strategic importance in a future war.

The Chinese government claims to support women in balancing career and family, but in reality, working mothers face significant challenges. Ms Wang, an employee at a Chinese internet giant, was fired after taking maternity leave, despite her efforts to prove herself as a dedicated employee. The article highlights the difficulties faced by working mothers in China, including discriminatory practices and inadequate support.

Twenty years after Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans continues to face significant challenges, including sinking land and rising water levels. The article questions whether it makes sense for America to continue subsidizing the city, given its precarious situation. The city's unique relationship with water and the impact of storms are discussed, highlighting the dilemma faced by its residents and the nation.

The article reports that Donald Trump has removed a senior CIA analyst on Russia from her position. The analyst had worked in American intelligence for over 20 years and was involved in producing a 2016 report detailing Russian interference in the US presidential election, which favoured Trump. The move is expected to have a chilling effect on the CIA and other American spy agencies.

The article discusses the prevalence of superstition in Hong Kong, highlighting the influence of prophetic artists and feng-shui masters. It focuses on Tatsuki Ryo, a Japanese manga artist whose prophetic dreams have been eerily accurate in the past, including predicting the 2011 Japanese earthquake and tsunami. Ryo's recent prediction of a mega-tsunami striking Japan on July 5th, 2025, has caused alarm. The article explores why Hong Kongers are particularly receptive to such prophecies and superstitions.

The article discusses the current state of the laws of war and how they are being ignored. It references Gustavus Adolphus, a historical military commander, and highlights the challenges faced by global courts in enforcing these laws. The post-1945 international order is crumbling, and the article suggests that history may offer alternative solutions.

The article discusses Marjorie Taylor Greene's opposition to cloud-seeding, a technique used to enhance rainfall by depositing substances like silver iodide into clouds. A startup called Rainmaker, backed by Peter Thiel, is using drones to seed clouds more cheaply. The article explores the controversy surrounding cloud-seeding and its potential connection to geoengineering, a broader field of manipulating the Earth's climate.

Shanxi province in China is facing challenges in diversifying its economy away from coal despite the country's efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources. The province is rich in coal reserves, with 650 billion tonnes, and the industry has been a mainstay of the local economy. However, the transition to a more diversified economy is proving to be slow. The article highlights the contrast between the province's enthusiasm for coal and China's overall commitment to a green transition.

The article discusses China's rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) six months after DeepSeek's breakthrough in developing an open-source AI model at a significantly lower cost than Western counterparts. Liangzhu, a suburb of Hangzhou, has become a hub for AI startups, attracting investors and developers. China's AI ecosystem is gaining momentum, with the potential to rival America's. The article highlights the area's focus on real-world applications and the role of Zhejiang University in fostering innovation.

The article discusses the Democratic Party's need for a new vision after Donald Trump's victory, and how the concept of 'abundance liberalism' is gaining traction among party elites. This ideology, popularized by journalists Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson, advocates for building clean energy, infrastructure, and affordable housing. However, the article notes that this approach may face resistance in affluent suburbs like those in Maryland outside Washington, where NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) sentiments are strong. The politics of abundance are complex and have deep roots, making it a challenging but potentially transformative direction for the Democratic Party.

The article discusses the Pacific War during World War II and recommends seven books on the subject. It is part of a newsletter that provides recommendations on historical events and their impact.

The article discusses how the US military is using TikTok to recruit soldiers, despite Congress considering it a national security risk. It 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 enough recruits and that TikTok is helping to address this issue.

The article reports on the departure of Dr. Shan Liang, a renowned HIV researcher, from the US to join the Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation (SMART) in China. Dr. Liang has been appointed as the head of the Institute of Human Immunology at SMART, where he will continue his research on HIV and its mechanisms. The article highlights Dr. Liang's achievements and the significance of his work in understanding and combating HIV.

Chinese defence researchers have developed a new data link system that enables real-time coordination between hypersonic platforms and various military assets, potentially giving China a significant military advantage over Nato. The system achieves time synchronisation accuracy within five nanoseconds, far surpassing Nato's Link 16 system. Experts say this innovation could mark a strategic shift in military power dynamics, allowing China to conduct coordinated hypersonic attacks with precision.

Nepal is using drones to protect endangered wildlife in its national parks. The drones are used to monitor animals, track illegal activities, and minimize human-wildlife conflicts. Conservationists are deploying drones in protected areas, primarily in Chitwan and Bardia national parks, which are home to tigers, rhinos, and elephants. The drones provide greater aerial coverage, save time, and help combat poaching. Nepal first tested conservation drones in 2012 and has recently acquired more sophisticated drones with advanced features such as thermal cameras and high-resolution cameras.

The article discusses the growing trend of women-only communities in China, where women can socialize, find support, and feel safe without the presence of men. These communities, often in the form of co-living spaces, bars, or other women-centric establishments, provide a refuge for women to share experiences and support one another.

Malaysia has imposed a ban on exports of unprocessed rare earth metals, signaling its emergence as a potential alternative source for the mineral-hungry United States amid strained trade ties with China. The ban aims to keep supplies onshore for investment in downstream industries, with the processed rare earth metals potentially being exported. Analysts believe Malaysia's existing processing capacity and willingness to exercise its geoeconomic agency make it an attractive destination for foreign investment in the rare earth sector.

The US is uneasy as China's 5-strong icebreaker fleet, led by the Xue Long 2, arrives in the Arctic, prompting concerns and a response from the US coastguard. The fleet has been conducting scientific expeditions and has been monitored by the US since it passed through the Bering Strait. The US coastguard accused some of the vessels of straying too close to the Alaskan coast, a claim rebutted by a Beijing-based think tank.

A bridge under construction in China collapsed, killing at least 12 people who were working on it. The bridge is part of a railway project crossing the Yellow River. Rescue efforts are underway, with multiple agencies and personnel involved in the operation.

Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada announced that 13 people have been arrested in connection with the May 20 killings of her two staff members, Ximena Guzmán and José Muñoz. The arrests were made after a thorough investigation that revealed the killings were meticulously planned. The suspects allegedly used multiple vehicles to surveil and flee the scene. The investigation is ongoing, with various lines of inquiry being pursued, but authorities have not disclosed a possible motive.

A 28-year-old trainee surgeon, Ryan Cho, has been accused of secretly recording intimate videos of hundreds of female colleagues in hospital restrooms across three Melbourne hospitals in Australia since 2021. Cho was released on bail with conditions after being charged with numerous offenses related to the alleged recordings. The case has raised concerns about privacy and misconduct in medical settings.

The U.S. and EU have reached a trade agreement that will reduce tariffs on various goods, including agricultural products and industrial goods. The agreement also includes provisions to address non-tariff barriers and to increase cooperation on regulatory issues. The U.S. will reduce its tariffs on EU goods, and the EU will increase its purchases of U.S. goods and services. The agreement is expected to boost trade between the two regions and promote economic growth.

The United States is deploying three Aegis guided-missile destroyers to the waters off Venezuela as part of President Trump's effort to combat threats from Latin American drug cartels. The deployment comes as Trump pushes for using the U.S. military to thwart cartels he blames for the flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into American communities. Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro has dismissed the Trump administration's drug-trafficking accusations, calling them a lack of credibility and a failure of U.S. policies in the region. The U.S. has also increased its pressure on Maduro, doubling to $50 million a reward for his arrest on narco-trafficking charges. Maduro has responded by temporarily banning the purchase, sale, and operation of drones in Venezuela's airspace and announcing the planned deployment of more than 4.5 million militia members around the country.

Egyptian archaeologists have recovered ancient artifacts from a sunken city off the coast of Alexandria. The relics, including a sphinx statue and Roman coins, date back to the Ptolemaic and Roman eras. The discovery was made in Abu Qir Bay, which may have been an extension of the ancient city of Canopus. The artifacts show signs of damage from a natural disaster, such as a tsunami or earthquake, which likely caused the city to be submerged. The find provides insight into the history of Alexandria, which is slowly sinking due to rising sea levels and is expected to become uninhabitable in parts by 2050.

A 32-year-old British skydiver, Jade Damarell, intentionally took her own life during a jump in County Durham, England, just a day after her relationship with her partner, Ben Goodfellow, ended. The coroner, Leslie Hamilton, ruled the death a suicide after an inquest. Damarell, who had over 500 successful jumps, deliberately failed to deploy her parachute and disabled her automatic activation device. Her family accepted the ruling and praised the skydiving community's support, remembering Damarell as "brilliant, beautiful, brave and truly extraordinary."

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has acknowledged for the first time that the troops he sent to fight in Ukraine on behalf of Russian President Vladimir Putin have suffered significant casualties. In a ceremony honoring 100 North Korean soldiers, Kim appeared tearful and hugged children of the deceased. The ceremony marked the first time Kim acknowledged mass casualties among the North Korean troops deployed to Russia's Kursk region. South Korea's intelligence reported that out of 15,000 North Korean troops sent to fight in Russia, there were approximately 4,700 casualties. Kim's acknowledgment comes as North Korea's involvement in Russia's war against Ukraine may be coming to a close, with Kim hailing the 'victorious conclusion of overseas military operations.'

A fire broke out on the USS New Orleans warship off the coast of Okinawa, Japan, on Wednesday, injuring two sailors with minor injuries. The fire burned for around 12 hours before being extinguished early Thursday morning. The U.S. Navy's 7th Fleet reported that the blaze was fought by sailors on the warship, assisted by the crew of the USS San Diego and the Japanese coast guard and military. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. This incident occurs five years after a similar fire on the USS Bonhomme Richard in San Diego, which resulted in extensive damage and was later scrapped.

The article discusses a recent development in the Gaza Strip where a Palestinian man set fire to a check-in desk, causing damage and injuring people. The incident has sparked controversy and raised concerns about the safety of passengers and staff.

The article discusses a protest in which a man set fire to himself in a public square, sparking a police investigation. The man, who was not identified, was taken to a hospital for treatment. The protest was held in a public square, and it is unclear what sparked the man's actions. The police are investigating the incident.

The article discusses the Miss Universe pageant and the participation of Nadeen Jobair, a contestant from Iraq, who was crowned Miss Universe Iraq 2023. The article highlights Jobair's journey and her experience at the pageant, where she was subjected to scrutiny and criticism online. The article also touches on the issue of body shaming and the impact of social media on individuals, particularly women. It emphasizes the need for greater acceptance and understanding towards people with different body types and appearances. The article is a reflection on the societal pressure to conform to certain beauty standards and the importance of self-acceptance. The tone is informative, with a touch of criticism towards the societal norms that perpetuate body shaming.

Nigeria has deported 102 foreign nationals, including 50 Chinese citizens, as part of a major crackdown on a 'foreign-led' cybercrime syndicate. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested 192 foreigners during a sting operation in Lagos, with 148 being Chinese. The operation, dubbed 'Eagle Flush', was prompted by actionable intelligence and is part of a larger effort to combat cybercrime in Nigeria. The EFCC has linked the rise in cybercrime to factors such as unemployment, the quest for quick wealth, and weak regulatory frameworks. This is the second major operation targeting foreigners suspected of cybercrime in the past year, with nearly 800 suspects arrested in December.

California and Texas are engaged in a political battle over congressional redistricting, with Texas passing a measure to create five new Republican-leaning seats and California responding by redrawing its own maps to boost Democratic representation. The battle is set to have a significant impact on the balance of power in Washington DC ahead of next year's midterm elections. Other states, including Illinois, New York, and Florida, are also considering similar measures, with Democrats and Republicans vying for advantage. The process of gerrymandering, or redrawing electoral boundaries to favour a political party, is at the centre of the controversy.

The article discusses how former President Barack Obama and California Governor Gavin Newsom are using gerrymandering to their advantage, with Obama criticizing Newsom's actions in California. The author argues that both parties are engaging in gerrymandering and that it's not just a one-way street. The article also touches on the issue of partisan gerrymandering and how it's becoming increasingly common in the US.

The family of Kaura Taylor, a 21-year-old Texas woman, is concerned about her well-being after discovering she has been living with a group known as the Kingdom of Kubala in the Scottish Highlands. Taylor, who now goes by the name Asnat, left Texas in May on a six-month tourist visa and has been living with the group's leaders, King Atehene and Queen Nandi, who claim to be part of a lost Hebrew tribe. Taylor's family is worried that she has been manipulated by the couple and is concerned about her safety, particularly after discovering that she has been serving as Queen Nandi's handmaiden and that the group's leader has multiple wives.

Taiwan is holding a vote to decide whether to recall seven opposition lawmakers and restart nuclear power, which was phased out by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party. The recall attempt is seen as unlikely to succeed, while the nuclear power referendum is supported by the Nationalist Party and Taiwan People’s Party, who argue it will reduce electricity bills and meet growing energy demands from artificial intelligence applications. Nvidia founder Jensen Huang has backed nuclear power, citing the need for energy to support AI development.

President Donald Trump has nominated Sergio Gor, his head of presidential personnel, to be the U.S. ambassador to India. This move comes as relations between New Delhi and Washington are at a decades-low due to issues such as tariffs and India's purchase of Russian oil. Gor is a close adviser to Trump and his nomination is seen as a significant appointment.

Lucy Guo, a 30-year-old billionaire and founder of Passes, achieved her wealth through her first business, Scale AI, which was valued at $25 billion in a deal with Meta. Guo is known for her intense work ethic and daily routine, which includes waking up at 5:30 a.m. and working long hours. She believes in optimizing her day to be productive and attributes her work-life balance to cutting out time-wasting activities. Guo has faced controversy surrounding her latest startup, Passes, which was sued for allegedly distributing child sexual abuse material. Guo and Passes have rejected the allegations as 'baseless.'

A 49-year-old Ukrainian man, Serhii K., has been arrested in Italy for his suspected role in the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline attacks. German prosecutors issued a European arrest warrant, alleging that Serhii was part of a group that planted explosive devices on the pipelines. Serhii, who has served in Ukraine's Secret Service and special forces, denied the charges and claimed he was in Ukraine at the time of the sabotage. He was arrested while on holiday with his family in northern Italy. The Bologna appeal court will decide on September 3 whether to extradite him to Germany, where he faces charges related to the explosions that damaged the pipelines and worsened Europe's energy supply crisis.

A U.S. District Judge has blocked the Trump administration from denying funding to cities and counties with 'sanctuary' policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration efforts. The ruling extends a preliminary injunction to protect 30 cities and counties, including Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles, from having their federal funds cut or conditioned. The judge deemed the administration's actions an unconstitutional 'coercive threat.' The Trump administration has appealed the initial order and has been ratcheting up pressure on sanctuary communities.

The Texas Legislature has approved a new congressional map that is expected to favor Republicans in the state's congressional delegation. The map was drawn with the help of national Republican operatives and is seen as a key part of the GOP's strategy to win back the House of Representatives in the 2024 elections. Democrats have criticized the map, saying it is an attempt to gerrymander the state's congressional districts for partisan gain.

The article discusses the scam hub in Shwe Kokko, a town on the Myanmar-Thailand border, which has been a major center for transnational criminal networks involved in online scamming. Despite a crackdown in February that removed over 9,000 workers, the scam operations appear to be continuing, with the use of alternative power sources and internet connectivity. The article highlights the scale of the scam industry in South-east Asia, with an estimated 350,000 people involved and generating between $50 billion and $75 billion annually. Experts say that corruption in some South-east Asian governments and local militia has contributed to the growth of the fraud industry.