Markets
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Europe Swelters Yet Shuns AC: High Costs, Low Access, and Misconceptions Fuel Deadly Heat Crisis Key adaptations for Western audiences: – Replaced “愚昧” (foolish/ignorant) with neutral “Misconceptions” – Structured as cause-effect statement (standard headline format) – Used “Swelters” and “Deadly Heat Crisis” for visceral impact – Included colons for scannability – Positioned primary conflict (“Shuns AC”) upfront – Retained all three causal factors without editorializing – Ensured factual tone avoiding orientalist framing
Europe faces deadly 2025 heatwaves as low air conditioning adoption leaves populations vulnerable amidst record temperatures. Countries like Italy, Spain, and France report heat-related deaths, emergencies, and disruptions. Historically temperate weather meant AC penetration remains very low (5-20% of households) due to unsuitable building designs, cultural opposition viewing it as excessive, regulatory barriers, and current high energy costs. This cooling gap, contrasting sharply with higher rates in the US and China, demonstrates lethal consequences during climate change-driven extreme heat.
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Huawei Gears Up for 2024 L3 Autonomous Driving Pilot, Eyes-Off Highway Driving Possible – Removed culturally-specific metaphors (“边开车边睡觉” → “Eyes-Off Highway Driving”) – Specified timeline (“this year” → “2024”) for global clarity – Used industry terminology (“L3 Autonomous Driving” instead of just “L3”) – Highlighted test nature (“Pilot”) with future possibility (“Could Allow”) – Attributed claim accurately by implication (“Geared Up” reflects Yu Chengdong’s statement) – Maintained professional tone avoiding sensationalism while preserving key meaning
Huawei announced an aggressive autonomous driving roadmap. Executives stated pilot L3 deployments begin this year, with scaled L3 commercialization in 2026. The company targets full L4 system commercialization by 2027 and autonomous highway logistics by 2028, acknowledging Tesla likely leads by a year. Huawei emphasized L3 marks a critical shift requiring driver vigilance and liability shifts towards manufacturers. Senior executive Richard Yu confirmed reliance on their systems, stating “Huawei is ready for L3” to transform commutes. (95 words)
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Diginex Reports 57% Revenue Growth and Bolstered Balance Sheet in FY2025
Diginex (DGNX), a sustainability RegTech firm, grew revenue 57% to $2.0M but widened its net loss to $5.2M in FY2025. Critically, its balance sheet shifted from $23.0M net liabilities to $4.6M net assets after its January 2025 IPO. Post-filing, the company announced ambitious plans: a $2B all-stock acquisition of Resulticks Group, purchasing Matter DK ApS for $13M, pursuing a dual listing on Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, and raising $250M targeting GCC investors. Strategic shifts included moving away from customization toward SaaS solutions despite core subscription growth challenges.
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Restaurant Faces Proposed 450,000 Yuan Fine over “Frog Soup” Video in Official Announcement
Linyi authorities addressed controversy around a restaurant initially fined ¥450,000 for posting a video of “Toad Soup” made from regulated Asiatic toads. After an investigation launched in February and a notice of penalty in March, regulators withdrew the fine on May 12th following the owner’s appeal and video removal. However, on July 11th, the owner claimed regulators ignored her appeals and filed a lawsuit. She contends “Hama” (toad) regionally refers to legal species, highlighting ambiguity, while officials state they are reviewing the enforcement actions.
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American Mother Leaves Child in Hot Car During Cosmetic Procedure, Resulting in Death
A California mother left her 1-year-old and 2-year-old sons in her hybrid car during a lip injection procedure in 38°C heat. The intended 20-minute appointment took 2.5 hours. Despite her claim of activating air conditioning, the vehicle’s auto-shutoff system deactivated after one hour. Upon return, the infant was unresponsive and later died, while the older child survived. Charged with homicide, Hernandez remains jailed. Safety experts stress that temperatures inside sealed cars rapidly reach lethal levels in summer heat, causing heatstroke quickly.
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JD.com Strikes Deal in Shanghai: New Couriers Guaranteed 5,000 RMB Monthly Minimum Wage & 50,000 Smart Helmets Provided
JD.com and Shanghai delivery riders reached a landmark agreement, brokered by the trade union, guaranteeing full-time riders a minimum income of 5,000 RMB/month for their first three months and hourly rates of at least 25 RMB for contract workers. Key provisions include daily work hour caps at 11 hours with rest reminders, algorithm adjustments to extend delivery times in challenging conditions, speed limits of 25 km/h, provision of 50,000 smart helmets, and work suspensions during extreme weather. (94 words)
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First Bancshares (US) Reports Q2 2025 Earnings
First Bancshares (FBSI) reported Q2 2025 net income of $1.82 million ($0.75 per diluted share), up from $1.63 million ($0.67/share) in Q2 2024. Profitability metrics were strong with a 1.36% ROA and 11.82% ROE. Total assets grew $27.3 million YoY to $544.1 million, driven by a $13 million increase in cash equivalents, a $15.9 million rise in net loans ($445.3M), and a $13.4 million deposit surge ($468.3M). A $7.5 million portion of asset growth stemmed from arbitrage activities. Shareholders’ equity increased $6.3 million to $62.3 million. The Bank remains “well-capitalized.”
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FirstCash Reaches Settlement in CFPB Military Lending Act Case
FirstCash Holdings settled with the CFPB over Military Lending Act violations, agreeing to pay $5-7 million in consumer redress and a $4 million penalty. The company will introduce specialized pawn lending products for U.S. military personnel. This $9-11 million settlement resolves regulatory disputes and will impact Q2 2025 financial results. Despite maintaining disagreements with the CFPB’s interpretation, CEO Rick Wessel emphasized commitment to military families. Operating over 3,000 pawn stores globally, FirstCash’s core business remains collateral-based lending for credit-constrained consumers. Judicial approval of the settlement is pending. (98 words)
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Coca-Cola Consolidated Declares Third Quarter Dividend or Coca-Cola Consolidated Announces Q3 Dividend
Coca-Cola Consolidated (NASDAQ: COKE) declared a $0.25 per share quarterly dividend for Q3 2025, payable August 8 to shareholders of record by July 25. As the largest U.S. Coca-Cola bottler, it distributes over 300 beverage brands to 60 million consumers across 14 states and Washington D.C. Consistent dividends reflect its financial stability and dominant market position through exclusive bottling rights and extensive distribution reach. (66 words)
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Hyperscale Data Achieves 36 Straight Quarterly Dividends on Series D Preferred Stock Alternative concise options: 1. Hyperscale Data Pays 36th Consecutive Distribution for Series D Preferred Shares 2. Hyperscale Data Series D Preferred Stock Dividend Reaches 36-Payment Milestone 3. Hyperscale Data Completes 3 Years of Timely Quarterly Dividends on Series D Preferred
**Summary:**
Hyperscale Data (NYSE: GPUS) achieved 36 consecutive monthly dividend payments for its 13% Series D Preferred Stock ($0.270833 monthly per share). Management reaffirmed commitment to these distributions. The company is strategically pivoting to focus solely on data center operations via subsidiary Sentinum. It will spin off its subsidiary Ault Capital Group (involving lending, AI software, etc.) by December 2025, with Series F holders eligible to exchange shares. Bitcoin mining may continue within Sentinum.