China's rare earth magnet shipments halve in May due to export curbs

Pavel Durov, the billionaire founder of Telegram, has announced plans to leave his fortune to more than 100 children he claims to have fathered—but there's a catch. The money won’t be accessible to them until they’re at least 30 years old. The tech mogul, known for his secrecy, dropped this bombshell without elaborating on how he’s supporting or acknowledging these kids in the present.

Editor’s Note: Durov’s statement raises eyebrows—not just because of the sheer number of children involved, but also the unusual inheritance conditions. It’s a glimpse into the eccentricities of tech billionaires and how they handle (or complicate) dynastic wealth. Whether this is a genuine act of legacy planning or just another headline-grabbing stunt from a famously private figure, it’s bound to spark debates about responsibility, privilege, and the ethics of ultra-wealthy parenting.

Zichen Wang, a well-known writer on Substack, is packing up and heading back to China after spending time in the U.S. While the article doesn’t dive deep into his reasons, it hints at a significant personal shift—leaving behind an audience that’s grown fond of his work. It’s one of those "end of an era" moments for his readers.

Editor’s Note: Wang’s move isn’t just a personal update—it’s a small but telling moment in the world of independent writing. Substack has become a hub for voices that don’t fit traditional media molds, and when a prominent creator steps away (or relocates), it raises questions about where these platforms are headed. For his followers, it’s also a reminder of how fragile online communities can be when their favorite writers move on.

Zichen Wang, the writer behind the Pekingnology newsletter—which translates and explains key Chinese political content for English-speaking audiences—just wrapped up his master's at Princeton and headed back to China. His time in the U.S. coincided with escalating tensions between the two countries and tighter scrutiny on Chinese students studying abroad. In this podcast exit interview, he reflects on his experience straddling both worlds during a particularly fraught moment in U.S.-China relations.

Editor’s Note: Wang’s perspective is a rare blend of insider knowledge and cross-cultural insight—especially timely given how academic exchanges between the U.S. and China have become politicized. His takeaways might shed light on how rising tensions are affecting the people caught in the middle: students, researchers, and analysts trying to navigate an increasingly tricky landscape.

Supermarkets had a rough month in May, with sales volumes dropping more sharply than any time since last December. The retail sector overall felt the pinch, painting a pretty gloomy picture for the moment.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about empty shopping carts—it’s a sign that consumers might be tightening their belts, whether due to higher prices, economic uncertainty, or just shifting habits. If this keeps up, it could ripple through the broader economy, affecting jobs, prices, and even future store openings. Worth keeping an eye on.

This video update from Horizons Middle East & Africa provides a snapshot of key developments across the region as of June 20, 2025. While the excerpt doesn’t specify details, these briefings typically cover economic trends, geopolitical shifts, or cultural highlights—think everything from trade deals to tech startups or diplomatic moves. It’s a quick way to stay in the loop on a dynamic part of the world.

Editor’s Note: The Middle East and Africa are hubs of rapid change—whether it’s energy transitions, youth-driven innovation, or shifting alliances. A digest like this helps cut through the noise for busy readers who want the highlights without diving into hours of analysis. Even if the tone is neutral, the stories here likely ripple outward, affecting global markets or policies. Worth a glance if you’re tracking emerging opportunities or risks.