In US-China tug of war, Australia puts itself first

A nostalgic walking tour took place at Hong Kong's Wah Fu Estate, a soon-to-be-demolished public housing complex once celebrated as "luxury for ordinary people." Led by a former district councillor, the tour featured a vintage double-decker bus and aimed to preserve memories of the estate before it vanishes, marking the end of an era for this slice of the city's history.

Editor’s Note: Wah Fu Estate isn’t just another housing project—it’s a symbol of post-war Hong Kong’s social history. As redevelopment sweeps through the city, stories like these remind us what’s lost when old neighborhoods fade. For locals, it’s a bittersweet farewell; for outsiders, a glimpse into the city’s layered identity.

Analysts warn that the shaky partnership between Silicon Valley's big players and Trump's MAGA movement might actually hurt the U.S. in its tech race with China. By alienating global talent and markets, this alliance could weaken America's edge. Meanwhile, the growing overlap between tech and defense—like top execs joining the Army Reserve—could escalate tensions with China, turning "tech hawks" into geopolitical agitators.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about politics—it’s about whether the U.S. can stay ahead in tech. If Silicon Valley and MAGA’s marriage of convenience starts shutting doors to talent or trade, China could gain ground. Plus, mixing tech and military agendas might fuel a more aggressive Cold War-style standoff, which nobody wins.

The latest twist in the Epstein documents saga has conservative circles in an uproar. After months of hype—especially from figures like Pam Bondi, who teased explosive revelations—the July memo fell flat, offering little new info and mostly rehashing old leaks. Now, key players like Kash Patel are reportedly considering stepping back, while infighting erupts between Bondi and commentator Dan Bongino over who mishandled expectations. It’s a mess of dashed hopes and finger-pointing.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just gossip—it’s a window into how high-profile scandals get weaponized in media and politics. The Epstein case has long been a lightning rod for conspiracy theories and partisan battles, and this fallout shows what happens when the promised "bombshells" fizzle. For conservatives who hoped the documents would expose powerful elites, the letdown is fueling frustration and internal squabbles. It’s also a reminder of how easily hype can outpace reality in today’s news cycle.

Russia’s top diplomat, Sergey Lavrov, has landed in North Korea for an official visit, signaling another step in the growing ties between Moscow and Pyongyang. The trip comes amid heightened global tensions, with both countries facing Western sanctions and seeking to strengthen their partnership.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another diplomatic handshake—it’s a strategic move. With Russia and North Korea both isolated by Western powers, Lavrov’s visit hints at deeper cooperation, possibly on military or economic fronts. For the rest of the world, it’s a reminder that geopolitical alliances are shifting in ways that could have real consequences down the line.

A scorching heatwave that's been baking parts of the UK is now pushing into Scotland and Northern Ireland, with temperatures likely to top 30°C in many areas. What started as an English summer swelter is becoming a nationwide bake-off.

Editor’s Note: Heatwaves aren't just uncomfortable—they can be dangerous, especially in regions like Scotland that aren't used to such high temperatures. This story matters because it signals how extreme weather is becoming more widespread, straining infrastructure and health services in places unprepared for these conditions. Stay cool out there.