Iran’s Supreme Leader attends ceremony in first public appearance since Iran-Israel war started

Vietnam's economy got a much-needed boost when the US and Vietnam finalized a trade deal, sparking a rally in the stock market to its highest point in over a year. But while the agreement eases immediate trade tensions, it’s far from even—Vietnamese exporters now face steep 20% tariffs on goods sent to the US, while American products flow into Vietnam tariff-free.

Editor’s Note: This deal gives Vietnam some breathing room by locking in trade terms with a major partner, but the lopsided terms could squeeze local businesses in the long run. It’s a classic "good news, bad news" scenario—markets are cheering now, but the real test will be whether Vietnam can adapt to the tougher export conditions.

Hong Kong's beloved fast-food giants Cafe de Coral and Fairwood—once considered recession-proof—are feeling the pinch this time around. Their profits plunged by nearly 30% last year, caught between an aging customer base and cutthroat competition from food delivery apps. These chains weathered past crises like SARS and the 2008 financial crash, but the current slump hits different.

Editor’s Note: These chains are local institutions, so their struggle reflects bigger shifts—how tech disrupts even the most entrenched industries, and how economic downturns now play out differently than before. If your go-to comfort food spots can’t adapt, it’s a sign of just how tough things are for traditional businesses right now.

A recent Fudan MBA grad, Dong Wenxin, spotted a clever way to reunite his scattered classmates—by organizing group cruises from Shanghai. With China’s young professionals craving connection and convenience, cruise trips are becoming the hot new way to mix travel, networking, and nostalgia.

Editor’s Note: Forget stuffy reunions—this taps into how Gen Z and millennials are reshaping leisure. Cruises aren’t just for retirees anymore; they’re now floating social hubs for busy urbanites who want to multitask fun and bonding. It’s also a sign of China’s post-pandemic demand for hassle-free, shareable experiences.

US Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene is pushing for a new bill to outlaw geoengineering, which she labels a "deadly practice." The proposal targets large-scale weather modification efforts, though details on what exactly would be banned—or whether such programs even exist at a significant level—remain unclear.

Editor’s Note: Greene’s bill taps into long-running conspiracy theories about governments manipulating the weather, a topic that’s gained traction in some circles. While actual geoengineering (like cloud seeding) is limited and heavily debated, this move could fuel broader skepticism about climate science and tech-based solutions. Whether it gains traction or not, it’s another sign of how polarized environmental policy has become.

Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, announced plans to launch a new political party called the "America Party." While details are scarce, the move signals his growing involvement in politics—something he’s hinted at for years with his outspoken views on everything from free speech to government regulation.

Editor’s Note: Musk has been a polarizing figure in politics, often weighing in on hot-button issues but never formally aligning with a party. If this move goes beyond talk, it could shake up the political landscape, especially given his massive influence and resources. But whether it’s a serious effort or just another headline-grabbing statement remains to be seen. Either way, it’s a sign that tech billionaires aren’t content just running companies—they want to shape policy too.