‘Several held’ as China ramps up crackdown on strategic mineral smugglers

A struggling industrial city in China’s northeast, Hegang, is betting big on a new airport and closer ties with Russia to turn its fortunes around. Known for its dirt-cheap housing (we’re talking homes for less than $3,000), the city has been hammered by economic stagnation, factory closures, and a shrinking population. This airport project is a Hail Mary pass to revive the local economy—but it’s unclear if it’ll pay off.

Editor’s Note: Rust-belt cities like Hegang are the underdogs of China’s economic boom—left behind as industries moved south or automated. This story matters because it shows how far some cities will go to stay relevant, even if the plan feels risky. If it works, it could be a blueprint for other struggling regions. If it flops, it’s another cautionary tale about betting big on infrastructure without a clear demand. Plus, with Russia in the mix, there’s a geopolitical angle too.

Ellen DeGeneres has officially confirmed that she and her wife, Portia de Rossi, relocated to the UK due to Donald Trump’s presidency, bluntly stating, “Everything here is just better.” The couple has been living abroad since Trump’s re-election and is even considering renewing their marriage vows in the UK over fears the US could roll back same-sex marriage rights. DeGeneres made the remarks during her first public appearance since leaving the US, sparking fresh debate about political dissatisfaction among celebrities.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another celebrity moving abroad—it’s a high-profile figure openly tying her departure to political discontent. DeGeneres’ comments highlight broader anxieties about LGBTQ+ rights under Trump and the cultural divide in the US. It’s a reminder of how deeply politics can influence personal decisions, even for the ultra-wealthy, and adds fuel to the ongoing conversation about America’s direction post-2020.

Russia unleashed a wave of drone and missile strikes on Kyiv overnight, killing at least one person and sparking fires across the Ukrainian capital. The attacks damaged a subway station, shops, homes, a kindergarten, and commercial buildings, with emergency crews scrambling to respond in multiple districts.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just another headline—it's a stark reminder that Russia's war on Ukraine is still hitting civilians hard, even in the heart of Kyiv. Strikes on everyday places like subways and kindergartens show how the conflict keeps disrupting normal life, with real human costs. For readers, it underscores that the war isn't slowing down, no matter how much global attention drifts elsewhere.

Japan's Prime Minister is digging in his heels after his party took a hit in recent elections, insisting he won’t step down. But the political shake-up comes at a tricky time—just as Japan is navigating high-stakes trade talks with the U.S.

Editor’s Note: Leadership instability in Japan could throw a wrench into critical negotiations with the U.S., affecting everything from auto tariffs to tech trade. Weak political footing might leave the PM with less leverage—bad timing when dealing with a tough negotiator like Washington.

The Pentagon is pushing to ramp up its use of small drones across the U.S. military, aiming for what it calls "drone dominance." Defense chief Pete Hegseth has directed forces to speed up the rollout of these unmanned systems, signaling a major shift toward more automated warfare.

Editor’s Note: Drones are already changing modern combat, but this move suggests the U.S. wants to stay ahead—or catch up—in the global arms race for unmanned systems. It’s not just about big, flashy tech; small, agile drones could reshape everything from surveillance to battlefield tactics. Whether that’s reassuring or unsettling depends on who you ask.