Tobias

The United States has announced its withdrawal from UNESCO, effective December 31, 2026. This is the third time the U.S. has exited the organization. The U.S. State Department cited concerns over UNESCO’s “divisive” agendas, overemphasis on UN goals, and misalignment with U.S. foreign policy priorities. UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed regret. Previous U.S. withdrawals occurred in 1984 and 2018, with a rejoining in 2003 and again in 2023 before this latest decision.

A recent incident in China highlights safety concerns surrounding low-speed electric vehicles (LSEVs). A parked EV, not recently charged, spontaneously combusted inside a home, resulting in its complete destruction. Online commentators identified the vehicle as a potentially substandard “Old Man’s Joy,” a type of LSEV known for lacking proper manufacturing standards and safety features. The incident underscores the need for stricter regulations in China’s rapidly expanding EV market to protect consumers from unsafe products.

Daredevil skydiver Felix Baumgartner, 56, known for his record-breaking supersonic jump from the stratosphere, died on July 17th in a paragliding accident in Italy. Baumgartner lost control near Porto Sant’Elpidio, crashing into a hotel swimming pool area. Initial reports suggest he felt unwell before the flight, and a cardiac arrest is being investigated as a possible cause. Baumgartner’s legacy includes being the first to wingsuit fly across the English Channel and his groundbreaking 2012 Stratos project where he broke the sound barrier in freefall.

BGI Group CEO Yin Ye highlights the overwork of Chinese healthcare professionals, attributing China’s comparable national health to the US, despite significantly lower healthcare spending (6% vs 19% of GDP), to this dedication. He points out the pressure leading to perceived poor bedside manner caused by high patient volumes. Yin also discusses longevity, predicting centenarian lifespans for those born in the 2000s, while raising ethical concerns surrounding immortality and resource allocation.

Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid, a Saudi royal, died at 36 after a 20-year coma resulting from a car accident. Dubbed the “Sleeping Prince,” his case highlights the limits of wealth in the face of severe trauma. Despite millions spent on care and brief moments of responsiveness, he never fully recovered. His death contrasts with the case of Munira Abdulla, who awoke after 27 years in a coma. The Prince’s passing raises ethical questions about long-term life support and the difficult decisions families face.

Global YouTube star MrBeast, boasting approximately 800 million followers across platforms, will debut on Chinese platform Kuaishou with a livestream on July 26th. Ranked #1 on Forbes’ Top Creators list, MrBeast is known for his visually spectacular, challenge-based content featuring cash giveaways and philanthropy. He is reportedly planning a large-scale program in China later this year, highlighting the growing trend of Western influencers expanding into the Chinese market. His content style involves time-intensive extreme challenges and lucrative cash prizes.

Coca-Cola reported a 1% increase in net revenue for Q2 2025, reaching $12.54 billion, with a significant 63% jump in operating income. Net profit attributable to shareholders was $3.81 billion. The company addressed rumors of a formula change, announcing the launch of a cane sugar-sweetened Coca-Cola product in the U.S. this fall. This cane sugar option will complement, not replace, existing products, offering consumers greater choice. The announcement follows reports of discussions with Donald Trump regarding the formula.

Guo Ying, known online as “Cat Grandma,” has passed away at 92. Her granddaughter, Meiyao, shared the news, highlighting Guo Ying’s impact on her life and the online community. Meiyao had been documenting her grandmother’s life since 2018, showcasing her English skills, makeup experiments, and family photos. Guo Ying was remembered for her optimism, resilience, and generosity. Meiyao expressed gratitude for the support and will keep her grandmother’s videos online as a tribute.

JD.com launched its “Wan Dian Plan,” investing over 10 billion yuan ($1.4 billion USD) in the food delivery sector. This ambitious initiative signifies JD.com’

Guangdong province is facing a surge in mosquito populations exacerbated by extreme weather conditions. This has led to a Chikungunya outbreak and a rapid increase in Dengue fever cases, raising public health concerns. The rising incidence of these mosquito-borne diseases poses a significant challenge for the region.