Japan braces for Trump’s tariffs as 90-day pause set to end

A Hong Kong-based social enterprise called Inherited Sports is tackling inequality by helping ethnic minority communities break into the sports industry. They’re training people as certified coaches—11 men and two women so far—while also running culturally sensitive programs, like swimming lessons for Muslim women. It’s not just about sports; it’s about opening doors to careers that might otherwise be hard to access.

Editor’s Note: In a city where ethnic minorities often face barriers to employment, this initiative is more than just feel-good—it’s practical change. By addressing cultural and religious needs (like women-only swim classes), they’re making sports and job opportunities genuinely accessible. It’s a small but meaningful step toward inclusion in a diverse society.

Hong Kong’s feral pigeon numbers have dipped by about 11% in popular hangout spots since the city tightened rules against feeding them. Officials say there were around 12,090 pigeons counted early this year, down from 13,520 just a few months before. They’re also rolling out AI-powered patrol robots to crack down on people still tossing snacks to the birds.

Editor’s Note: Pigeons are a classic city-dweller headache—messy, noisy, and sometimes a health concern. Hong Kong’s feeding ban seems to be making a dent, but it’s not just about shooing birds away. The use of AI enforcement hints at how cities are getting creative (and maybe a little sci-fi) with solving old problems. Whether you love or hate pigeons, it’s a test case for balancing urban life with nature.

Japan is on edge as the 90-day reprieve from harsh U.S. tariffs winds down this week, with little progress in trade talks and mounting frustration over Trump’s unpredictable demands. Officials in Tokyo are racing to strike a deal before the deadline, but the timing couldn’t be worse—many U.S. negotiators are off for the Fourth of July, leaving Japan in a tense waiting game.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about tariffs—it’s about Japan’s economy bracing for a hit and the broader erosion of trust in U.S. trade diplomacy. If talks collapse, businesses on both sides could face higher costs, and Japan might be forced to retaliate, escalating a trade war nobody really wants.

Japan is on alert for potential aftershocks following a 5.5 magnitude earthquake near remote islands, prompting evacuations. Officials are urging calm, pushing back against exaggerated fears of a catastrophic "big one" while prioritizing safety measures.

Editor’s Note: Earthquakes are a constant reality in Japan, but this one’s got people talking—not just because of the tremors, but because of the mixed reactions. Authorities are walking a tightrope: preparing for the worst while trying to shut down panic. It’s a reminder of how fragile life can be in seismically active regions, and how quickly misinformation can spread in tense moments.