Is this the end of summer US study trips for Chinese children?

If you're one of the Hong Kong students feeling let down by your DSE exam results, don't panic—there are still paths forward. This article talks to educators and a mental health professional about practical next steps for those who missed their target scores or fell short of university requirements, including options for students scoring under 20 points.

Editor’s Note: Exam results can feel like a make-or-break moment, but this story reassures students that setbacks aren’t dead ends. It’s a timely guide for families navigating the stress of results day, offering both practical advice and emotional support during a high-pressure time.

A high-profile engineer with two decades at Shell has packed his bags for China, where he’ll head a university team developing cleaner oil tech. Jing Xudong, who also taught at Imperial College London, has a stacked resume—think awards, industry cred, and even a Royal Academy fellowship. Now, he’s shifting gears to work on low-carbon solutions with China’s petroleum sector.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another job switch—it’s a sign of where the energy world’s momentum is shifting. China’s pushing hard on green(er) fossil fuel tech, and snagging top talent like Jing shows they’re serious. For Western energy hubs, it raises questions: Are they losing ground in the race to decarbonize oil, or is this just the globalized nature of modern research? Either way, it’s a reminder that the future of energy isn’t just about renewables—it’s also about who’s cleaning up the old game.

Former President Donald Trump made a curious claim in a recent interview, saying FIFA gifted him the "real" Club World Cup trophy to keep "forever" in his Oval Office. According to him, officials told him they’d just make a new one. But there’s no word from FIFA confirming this, and Chelsea’s social media showed the trophy being handled normally by their team. So, is there a second trophy floating around, or is this another Trump tall tale?

Editor’s Note: If true, this would be a bizarre breach of sports protocol—major trophies aren’t usually handed out as souvenirs. But given Trump’s history of eyebrow-raising statements and FIFA’s silence, it’s hard to take at face value. Either way, it’s a weird footnote in the overlap of sports, politics, and showmanship.

Right-wing allies of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro are caught off guard by Donald Trump’s latest tariff announcement, worrying it could backfire rather than help their political cause. Sources close to Bolsonaro say the move has left them scrambling, unsure how to reconcile their admiration for Trump with policies that might hurt Brazil’s economy.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about tariffs—it’s about political loyalty clashing with economic reality. Bolsonaro’s camp has long aligned itself with Trump’s brand of right-wing populism, but if these tariffs damage Brazilian exports, it could weaken their standing at home. For Brazil’s right, it’s a wake-up call that blind allegiance to Trump might come with real costs.

Authorities in Sydney are probing a brazen ram raid where an SUV was driven into a high-end CBD store, reportedly targeting luxury handbags. Meanwhile, disturbing revelations continue in the case of accused paedophile Joshua Dale Brown, with another childcare centre added to his employment history—raising serious questions about oversight in the sector.

Editor’s Note: The ram raid highlights ongoing challenges with organized retail crime in urban areas, while the childcare centre link underscores systemic vulnerabilities in safeguarding kids. Both stories tap into broader anxieties about safety—whether it's high-street security or institutional trust. These aren't just isolated incidents; they reflect cracks that need addressing.