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First Thing: Leavitt departs White House press secretary role with Trump’s ratings at historic low
Top story The Guardian •

First Thing: Leavitt departs White House press secretary role with Trump’s ratings at historic low

Youngest White House press secretary in history says she wants more time to ‘be the best mom’. Plus are we losing the battle against AI slop in the music charts?Good morning. A familiar face in Donald Trump’s administration is departing, as the US president announced that Karoline Leavitt was stepping down to spend more time with her family. The president said Leavitt, who became the youngest pers...

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US accuses Chinese exporters of masterminding ‘Great Transshipment Scam’
SCMP •

US accuses Chinese exporters of masterminding ‘Great Transshipment Scam’

The Trump administration on Thursday released a sharply worded report accusing Chinese exporters of orchestrating a system of “illegal transshipment” through more than 40 third countries to dodge US tariffs, branding the practice “The Great Transshipment Scam.” The 25-page document claims Chinese firms have systematically diverted goods through lower-tariff jurisdictions since the US kicked off it...

Why are streamers calling out Twitch after ExtraEmily is named Ambassador despite backlash?
Times of India •

Why are streamers calling out Twitch after ExtraEmily is named Ambassador despite backlash?

Twitch has sparked controversy by appointing ExtraEmily as a new Ambassador despite her history of unsafe driving during streams, leading to multiple suspensions. A particularly alarming incident involved her nearly colliding with another vehicle while live. This choice has prompted critics to question Twitch's commitment to its community guidelines, with many feeling that it sends a troubling mes...

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Romania has declared a 30-day energy alert as Danube river levels fall too low to cool its nuclear reactors

Romania has declared a 30-day energy alert as Danube river levels fall too low to cool its nuclear reactors

Times of India •

In response to alarming low levels of the Danube river, Romania's energy sector is on high alert. Unit one of the Cernavoda nuclear power facility has ceased operations due to water scarcity. To maintain unit two's functionality, emergency measures including river dredging have been implemented. Authorities have also undertaken the blasting of rock formations to facilitate better water flow. Resid...

UK economy shows surprising resilience – but that might not last | Richard Partington

UK economy shows surprising resilience – but that might not last | Richard Partington

The Guardian •

Weaker growth, rising energy costs and persistent inflation mean Britain could face tougher times in the autumnUK economic growth slows downBusiness live – latest updatesIn the spring the International Monetary Fund warned Britain faced the heaviest economic blow from the Iran war among the world’s most advanced nations. Almost six months into the conflict, on the surface, the UK appears to be pro...

Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan Mecca pact ‘far from’ Nato-style defence alliance

Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan Mecca pact ‘far from’ Nato-style defence alliance

SCMP •

The security pact signed on Friday by three of the world’s most powerful Muslim nations with a vow to enhance collective deterrence remains far from what many are calling an Islamic Nato, according to experts. The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement between Saudi Arabia, the Persian Gulf’s top oil exporter, Nato member Turkey and Pakistan, a nuclear-armed South Asian state, will be challenged by divergi...

Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan Mecca pact ‘falls short’ of a Nato-style defence alliance

Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan Mecca pact ‘falls short’ of a Nato-style defence alliance

SCMP •

The security pact signed on Friday by three of the world’s most powerful Muslim nations with a vow to enhance collective deterrence remains far from what many are calling an Islamic Nato, according to experts. The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement between Saudi Arabia, the Persian Gulf’s top oil exporter, Nato member Turkey and Pakistan, a nuclear-armed South Asian state, will be challenged by divergi...

Eclipse: Europe falls into darkness as millions watch

Eclipse: Europe falls into darkness as millions watch

France 24 •

Millions across Europe looked to the skies on Wednesday as the Moon passed in front of the Sun in a rare solar eclipse. The eclipse was total in parts of Iceland and northern Spain, while much of Europe, including France and the UK, saw a spectacular partial eclipse, with more than 90% of the Sun covered in many areas. 

Rising temperatures are transforming Ireland into a rare wine country; the island now has 42 vineyards with upcoming bumper crops

Rising temperatures are transforming Ireland into a rare wine country; the island now has 42 vineyards with upcoming bumper crops

Times of India •

As climate change enhances grape-growing conditions, Irish winemakers foresee a bountiful harvest. Expanding vineyards are drawing considerable attention from international investors. The unique interplay of soil and coastal weather is enabling the production of exquisite wines. To adapt to Ireland's cooler climate, new grape varieties are being introduced, with a focus on high-quality output to e...

Chinese custom sees women throw embroidered balls from balconies to choose husbands

Chinese custom sees women throw embroidered balls from balconies to choose husbands

SCMP •

In some classic Chinese novels and period dramas, women of ancient times would throw an embroidered ball from a balcony to the street to randomly choose whoever caught it as their husband. In the classic novel Journey to the West, published in the 16th century, the father of the main character, Buddhist monk Xuanzang, was chosen by his mother by throwing an embroidered ball. In the 1998 Chinese dr...

‘Lauf’ and ‘minceur’: the words that made a 13-year-old from Melbourne a world Scrabble champion

‘Lauf’ and ‘minceur’: the words that made a 13-year-old from Melbourne a world Scrabble champion

The Guardian •

Dineth Fernando – who moved to Australia with his family in February – says he just needed to ‘find the word and play – that’s all’Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastDineth Fernando’s first language isn’t English and he only arrived in Melbourne six months ago – but already he’s claimed an international Scrabble title with an Australian flag draped around his shoulders.The ...

Why did Lacy cancel his stream with Mark Wahlberg? Here’s what happened

Why did Lacy cancel his stream with Mark Wahlberg? Here’s what happened

Times of India •

Streamer Lacy opted out of a collaboration with actor Mark Wahlberg due to his desire for a more authentic interaction rather than a superficial promotional appearance. Upon discovering Wahlberg's previous engagements with other creators, Lacy felt disheartened. He reiterated the importance of genuine connections, ultimately deciding that the collaboration's scripted nature did not align with his ...