Top US envoy in Hong Kong may be headed for senior role in Beijing embassy

Day two of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia is underway at Lord’s, and it’s already heating up. South Africa, struggling at 55-4, just got a much-needed boundary from Bavuma after a cautious start. The match is finely poised, and every run feels crucial in this high-stakes showdown.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just any cricket match—it’s the pinnacle of Test cricket, where the world’s best battle for supremacy. For fans, it’s edge-of-the-seat stuff, with momentum swinging fast. Even if you’re not a die-hard follower, the tension and skill on display make it worth keeping an eye on.

The first round of the 2025 US Open at Oakmont is underway, and the course is living up to its reputation as a beast. Rory McIlroy, fresh off completing the career Grand Slam, is navigating the challenges—starting with a solid iron off the tee after some recent driver struggles. The live leaderboard is tracking the action as players battle one of golf’s toughest tests.

Editor’s Note: Oakmont is infamous for punishing even the best golfers, so this opening round is a real litmus test for the field. McIlroy’s performance—especially how he adapts to his driver issues—could set the tone for his tournament. For fans, it’s a chance to see who can handle the pressure early on in a major championship.

China's military newspaper, PLA Daily, has sharply criticized the US's proposed "Golden Dome" space missile defense system, calling it a dangerous step toward militarizing outer space. The article warns that this move—alongside the rapid growth of the US Space Force—could destabilize global security, spark an arms race beyond Earth, and undermine existing arms control agreements.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another diplomatic spat—it’s a sign of how tensions between major powers are creeping into orbit. With both the US and China pouring resources into space defense, the risk of an expensive, high-stakes competition (or worse) is growing. For everyday folks, it raises questions: Will space become the next battlefield? And who gets to set the rules up there?

A writer shares how The Green Roasting Tin, a popular vegetarian cookbook by Rukmini Iyer, became an unexpected but beloved staple in queer women's kitchens—not because it was written for LGBTQ+ audiences, but because it resonated deeply with their lives. The author recounts cooking from it with their girlfriend (now wife) and notes its widespread presence in queer and ally households alike.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a story about a cookbook—it’s about how everyday objects can take on special meaning in marginalized communities. The piece highlights how something as simple as a well-used recipe collection can become a subtle but powerful symbol of shared identity and joy, even when it wasn’t designed to be. It’s a warm reminder of how culture and connection often bloom in unexpected places.

Lebanon’s wine scene is getting some well-deserved hype—turns out, their winemaking roots go way back to the Phoenicians, and today’s bottles are seriously impressive. Jesuit monks kicked off modern production in the 1800s, and now the Bekaa Valley is a hotspot for quality vino. Time to give Lebanese wines a pour.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about wine—it’s a nod to Lebanon’s rich cultural history and a thriving industry that’s often overlooked. For wine lovers, it’s a heads-up to explore something both ancient and exciting. For Lebanon, it’s a chance to shine beyond the usual headlines. Cheers to that.