Australia won’t commit in advance to joining hypothetical US-China conflict, Pat Conroy says

A 29-year-old Beijing live-streamer, nicknamed "Little Grass Drifting North," has gone viral for his ultra-frugal lifestyle—spending less than $1 per meal to save a staggering $180,000 in six years. His goal? Buying an apartment and car for his parents. While his exact income isn’t public, his extreme budgeting (like capping monthly food costs at 500 yuan) has sparked both admiration and debate online.

Editor’s Note: This story taps into broader conversations about sacrifice, generational responsibility, and the extremes people will go to for financial security in China’s high-pressure economy. It’s relatable (who hasn’t pinched pennies?) but also raises questions about work-life balance and societal expectations. Whether you see him as inspiring or concerning probably depends on how much you value that morning latte.

A team of Chinese scientists has cracked a way to turn methanol—a substance that can be made from captured CO₂—into plain old sugar. Instead of relying on traditional sugar crops like cane or beets (which guzzle land and water), their enzyme-powered method could one day turn industrial waste or excess CO₂ into edible sucrose. It’s still early days, but the implications are pretty sweet.

Editor’s Note: Imagine turning pollution into dessert—this research hints at a future where sugar production doesn’t compete with farmland or worsen resource scarcity. While it’s not hitting grocery shelves tomorrow, the idea of repurposing CO₂ into food could reshape how we think about sustainability, industry, and even climate solutions. Plus, it’s a clever two-for-one: tackling emissions and food security.

The UK government is weighing additional online safety measures for kids, with cabinet minister Heidi Alexander hinting that age verification tools are just the start—not the final solution. Officials seem to acknowledge that protecting young users requires ongoing adjustments as tech evolves.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about slapping age gates on websites—it’s a sign regulators are finally treating child safety online as a moving target. With social media and AI changing how kids interact digitally, half-baked fixes won’t cut it. The real takeaway? Expect more debates (and likely more rules) ahead.

Stage nine of the Tour de France 2025 is underway, taking riders 166km from Chinon to Châteauroux in France’s scenic Centre-Val de Loire region. The live updates highlight a concerning moment for Jonas Rutsch (Intermarché-Wanty), who’s getting medical care after a shoulder injury from a crash the previous day. Fans can follow along for real-time developments or check the stage-by-stage guide for the bigger picture.

Editor’s Note: The Tour de France is one of the most grueling and unpredictable races in sports—every stage brings drama, whether it’s crashes, breakaways, or surprise victories. Rutsch’s situation is a reminder of how physically demanding the race is, even for elite cyclists. For fans, it’s another day of edge-of-the-seat action, where a single moment can change a rider’s entire race.

The fourth day of the England vs. India Test match at Lord’s is heating up, with Jasprit Bumrah delivering fiery spells and England’s openers trying to hold their ground. The live updates capture the tension—like Bumrah’s sharp delivery rattling Crawley—and the electric atmosphere at the iconic venue. Fans are hooked as the battle between bat and ball unfolds.

Editor’s Note: Test cricket thrives on these moments—raw intensity, skill clashes, and the unpredictability of a five-day duel. For fans, it’s pure drama; for casual observers, a glimpse into why this format still captivates. Plus, Lord’s as the backdrop? That’s cricket history in the making.