Champagne growers rush record-early harvest as heat reshapes vintage
Champagne's earliest harvest on record is underway after heat and drought accelerated ripening, forcing growers to adapt.
International Relations
Emails reveal quiet US-Iran coordination on deportation flights
Emails show ICE worked with Iran on deportation flights, with Tehran influencing manifests despite ongoing tensions.
Indonesia Earthquake Death Toll Climbs to 73 as Rescue Efforts Continue
Indonesia's 7.7-magnitude earthquake death toll has risen to 73, with 931 injured, as rescue teams deploy helicopters to remote areas.
Evergrande founder gets life sentence for massive fraud
A Chinese court sentenced Evergrande founder Hui Ka Yan to life in prison for large-scale fraud, capping the collapse of the world's most indebted developer.
Harry and Meghan to Return to UK as Royal Rift Shows Signs of Thawing
Prince Harry and Meghan are returning to the UK, marking a potential end to their years-long rift with the royal family.
Champagne's Earliest Harvest on Record Underway After Extreme Weather
Champagne begins its earliest harvest ever as extreme heat and drought force growers to pick grapes weeks ahead of schedule.
Japan's July Trade Deficit Widens as Energy Costs and Weak Yen Bite
Japan's July trade deficit hit ¥634.5 billion as record imports and exports were driven by high energy costs and a weak yen.
Australia's Jobless Rate Climbs to 4.5% in July, Pressuring RBA
Australian employment fell unexpectedly in July, pushing the jobless rate to a near five-year high of 4.5%.
Colombia Declares Economic Emergency to Fund Earthquake Recovery
Colombia declares economic emergency to fund earthquake recovery after a 7.4-magnitude quake killed 314 people and affected over 262,000.
Japan's July trade hits records as chip demand lifts exports, oil costs inflate imports
Japan's July exports surged 23.2% to a record on chip demand, while imports hit a new high on oil costs, leaving a trade deficit.
Oil prices hold steady as Middle East tensions keep markets on edge
Oil prices were little changed on Thursday as investors weighed Middle East risks against ample US crude stockpiles.
Global bonds steady after US Treasury doubles long-duration buybacks
US Treasury's move to double long-bond buybacks calms markets, pulling yields down and lifting stocks, though debt concerns persist.
China Holds Benchmark Loan Rates Steady for 15th Straight Month
China kept benchmark lending rates unchanged in August for a 15th consecutive month, matching market forecasts.
Hong Kong's Victoria Park: From Vigil Site to Handover Carnival Ground
Hong Kong's Victoria Park, once the site of large Tiananmen vigils, now hosts pro-Beijing handover carnivals on the same date.
Fortescue cuts dividend to eight-year low, flags cost pressures
Fortescue declares lowest final dividend in eight years, flags cost inflation and China trade risks despite record shipments.
Japan's July exports hit record high on resilient global demand
Japan's July exports jumped 23.2% to a record ¥11.5 trillion, beating forecasts, while imports rose 27.8%, leaving a ¥634.5 billion trade deficit.
Rocket Launches and Space-Themed Tourism Take Off Across China
China's space program is fueling a tourism boom, from rocket launch beaches to Mars-like volcano parks and space-themed art.
Brazil’s Top Court Widens Scope of Landmark Women’s Safety Law
Brazil’s Supreme Court unanimously expanded the Maria da Penha law to cover outdoor violence and attackers with no ties to victims.
China's Offshore Trust Tax Push Forces Wealthy to Rethink Structures
China's new 20% tax on offshore trusts is prompting wealthy investors to reassess structures, raise cash, and consider unwinding, with fears of broader enforcement.
Global Briefing: Gaza Probe, Ukraine Shakeup, US Debt Milestone
A roundup of major world news: Israel's Gaza probe, Ukraine's new defense minister, and the US debt crossing $40 trillion.