Markets

Social media influencer “Jiakang Ge” livestreamed what appeared to be his arrest for speeding in Florida, prompting immediate skepticism. Viewers questioned the authenticity, citing inconsistencies in police procedure and suggesting it was a publicity stunt for increased engagement. This wouldn’t be the first time “Jiakang Ge” has staged events for attention, raising concerns about credibility and highlighting the blurred lines between genuine content and manufactured narratives in the pursuit of online fame. The incident underscores the ethical challenges of content creation in the digital age.

Tigo Energy’s EI Residential solution achieved national compliance certification in Slovakia for solar inverter operation. This validates its integration with the Slovakian grid, providing reliable solar, backup power, and energy management. The system passed rigorous tests, demonstrating controlled shutdown during voltage dips and compliance with Slovakian standards. The EI Residential system optimizes energy consumption, maximizes backup potential, and enhances energy visibility. The solution includes inverters, battery, and smart home integration, showcasing its flexibility and user-friendly design.

Alvina Chan, a former rhythmic gymnast and doctoral student, won the 2025 Miss Hong Kong Pageant. Carman Shi, a derivatives trader, was the first runner-up, followed by Yvonne Yuen, an assistant manager from Shanghai. The pageant, themed “Do You Wanna Be…”, highlights the contestants’ diverse talents and aspirations, providing a platform for their future careers. The competition emphasizes ambition and adaptability.

FTI Consulting (NYSE:FCN) has appointed Hitesh Tak as Senior Managing Director in its Corporate Finance & Restructuring segment in Singapore. Tak brings over 25 years of experience in strategy, operations, and performance improvement across Southeast Asia, with expertise spanning various industries including industrials, automotive, and private equity. He will focus on improving operational resilience and value creation, enhancing FTI Consulting’s capabilities in performance improvement and business transformation services in the region.

Apollo (NYSE: APO) has appointed Yasuo Kashiwagi as Head of Japan to bolster its presence in the Japanese market. Kashiwagi, with over 30 years of financial leadership experience, will oversee Apollo’s integrated strategy and local partnerships. This move underscores Apollo’s commitment to the region, where it currently manages approximately $20 billion in assets. The firm aims to capitalize on growing demand for private capital and retirement solutions in Japan, leveraging its expertise and Kashiwagi’s deep local connections.

Upstream Bio (UPB) will announce Phase 2 VIBRANT trial top-line data for verekitug in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP) on September 2, 2025. The global, placebo-controlled study evaluated verekitug, a monoclonal antibody targeting TSLP, administering 100 mg subcutaneously every 12 weeks. The primary endpoint is the change in endoscopic nasal polyp score (NPS) at Week 24. A conference call and webcast will be held at 8:00 a.m. ET to discuss the results. Verekitug is unique for targeting TSLP, a key driver of inflammatory responses.

Birmingham City fans are facing a surge in car vandalism, particularly “car stripping,” near St. Andrew’s stadium. A fan returning to his Peugeot 208 EV after a match found the entire front end stolen. This incident reflects a broader trend: vehicle crime doubles on home match days. Experts believe organized thieves target fan vehicles, quickly dismantling them for parts that are sold through illegal networks. The lack of deterrence and impunity felt by perpetrators are causing increasing frustration among fans.

TotalEnergies SE announced the purchase of its own shares (FR0000120271) between August 25 and August 29, 2025, in accordance with shareholder authorizations. The company repurchased a total of 2,695,961 shares at a weighted average price of EUR 53.427807 per share, for a total amount of EUR 144,039,282.96. Transactions occurred on the AQEU, CEUX, XPAR, and TQEX markets. TotalEnergies aims to provide affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy.

On September 1, 2025, Shell plc repurchased 497,559 shares on LSE, Chi-X, and BATS, ranging from £27.0950 to £27.3050, and 500,000 shares on XAMS and CBOE DXE, priced between €31.4550 and €31.6500. This is part of their buyback program, announced July 31, 2025, continuing until October 24, 2025. HSBC Bank plc independently manages trading within pre-set risk and regulatory parameters, covering both on-market and off-market purchases.

Hemogenyx Pharmaceuticals secured £620,000 through convertible loan notes (CLNs) to fund the clinical trial of HG-CT-1, a CAR-T cell therapy. Issued at £5.30 per share, the non-interest bearing CLNs will automatically convert into 116,982 Ordinary Shares around November 15, 2025, following eased headroom restrictions under FCA Prospectus Rules. The funding supports the ongoing Phase I trial for relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia. The new shares will be admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange.