An Optimistically Cautious Policy Address, TikTok Deal On The Horizon, And Cancelling Jimmy Kimmel

A detailed recount mixed with meme comedy to mark our times at Week 37 of 2025 featuring source material from Knights Of Guinevere, Star Trek Lower Decks, and Hailey’s On It!

Sep 21, 2025

Local News - Sunny Signs For Hong Kong?

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu announced his latest policy address on Wednesday, amid growing positive signs for the city after years of stagnation politically and economically. Lee decided in June to deliver the address in September instead of the usual month of October, citing the upcoming Legislative Council (LegCo, Hong Kong’s legislature) in December. Last week, Lee boasted that the city has shot up in the global talent ranking to fourth place, the highest spot yet. More broadly, Hong Kong has been on a hot streak since the last policy address. Hong Kong’s financial industry has bounced back thanks to a boom from new Chinese companies and startups listing their IPOs in the city’s stock market. New listings at the Hong Kong Exchange (HKEX) have outpaced many of its peers in the US, India, and even those in mainland China, with some calling Hong Kong “China’s world city” instead of “Asia’s world city.” The city has also put forward ambitious schemes like the Northern Metropolis megaproject, which aims to shake up the city’s more rural areas into a tech hub in connection with the mainland. Higher education has seen a boom in the city, partly thanks to Donald Trump’s crackdown on its universities within the US, as well as a rise in global rankings for many local institutions. The University of Hong Kong (The city’s oldest university, and where yours truly is currently studying) reaps the biggest reward with rising student applications and an increase in academic staff. Regarding tourism, a major revenue sector for the city, visitor arrivals have seen a rise compared to previous years, thanks to mainland holidays and large-scale events that target regional tourists.

However, challenges still linger. Even though the city’s economy is growing, some sectors are still feeling the pain, especially in retail, which has suffered tremendously due to the lackluster influx of money-spending tourists and Hong Kongers travelling up north for cheaper deals. For investors, Trump’s erratic and uncertain tariff policy affects their willingness to invest in the city. The unemployment rate in the city has risen steadily amid harder job prospects, with recent figures showing the figure is at 3.7% between May and July this year, a 0.7% year-on-year increase. With a growing number of mega-events designed to attract tourists to the city, fiascoes like the city’s supposedly first hot-air balloon festival (Long story short, licensing issues and a local mother’s righteous fury rant put the festival into the headlines, and not in a good way) show the limits and perils of failed large-scale events. Hong Kong’s talent scheme is another part where the city’s potential strengths and challenges are interconnected with mainland China, with applicants reconsidering whether to stay on due to issues like expensive rent, harder job applications, and challenging education prospects for their children. Mental health has become a more relevant issue for many, as the disturbing rise of suicides has affected both the elderly and struggling young Hong Kongers. Even though many Hong Kongers are less interested or attentive to politics, the recent water procurement scandal (Or as yours truly dubbed it, “water-gate”) has affected the government’s standing. Despite victories in the courts, LGBT rights in the city have faced a major setback after LegCo vetoed a bill that would have granted limited rights for same-sex couples. Regarding the environment, with the impacts of heatwaves and typhoons being felt more prominently in the city, environmental groups have urged the government to set a more progressive carbon emission reduction target in accordance with the 2015 Paris Agreement.

All of this comfortably brings us to the lead-up and policy previews leaked to the press. On education, Lee aims to boost the non-local student quota at universities to a maximum of 50%, while not affecting the 15,000 local places for Hong Kong students. Following the “water-gate” scandal, SCMP reported Lee would introduce a mechanism aimed at holding senior civil servants accountable, but political observers argue it could cause a backlash from within the government. Additionally, Lee plans to exhaust all means to speed up the Northern Metropolis megaproject, including through political, legal, and private sector means. Now TV News reports the government would further promote eco-tourism and yacht tourism, including asking the tourism industry to study "island hopping" tours. On the Sunday before the address, Lee announces he and his team will wear specially designed ties that symbolize the city’s connection to the mainland and the world. In a social media post, the CE said the ties were designed by instructors and students of three fashion courses, and were inspired by three major bridges in the city. In a hint of artificial intelligence becoming a main focus of Lee’s address, the first 8 seconds of the promotional advert were made with AI technology. On Monday, local media reports that the government will change a decades-old rule in order to allow pet dogs at restaurants. Amid continued low birth rates, authorities plan to entice potential parents with a doubling in tax allowances for newborn children and extend it from the first year to the first two years. During a press briefing on Tuesday, Lee said his address will focus on deepening reforms and prioritizing public welfare, aiming to improve people’s livelihoods. Lee added the government would explore administrative means to protect LGBT rights, praising last week’s legislative exercise and veto as “in full fulfilment of the rule of law.” Among the final leaks before the Wednesday address, the CE aims to push forward with AI-powered governance in response to last month’s AI policy blueprint by Beijing, while proposals to help small and medium businesses would also be included.

Entering into Wednesday for the big policy address, most of us have some idea about its direction on accelerating the development of new industries while providing support for other sectors through deepening reforms. Hours ahead of the address, there were no protests outside the Legco building, while the Hang Seng Index rose in anticipation of the speech. All female ministers wore green silk scarves around their necks, while male ministers donned green ties in theme with the cover of the policy address. Opening his address, Lee said this year’s policy blueprint will serve as a strategic roadmap to a more vibrant economy and advance the city’s prosperity and stability, talking aboutHong Kong’s economy and its connection with livelihoods. Hong Kong’s leader predicts the city’s economy will grow by 2% to 3%. The CE said Hong Kong will be “going out” after years of attracting investments into the city, vowing the government “will leverage Hong Kong’s strength as a platform for going global to reinforce the role of Hong Kong as an international center.” A committee will lead the development of the Northern Metropolis, with Lee as its leader. This committee will undertake tasks such as studying the operational model for various development areas and eventually introducing dedicated legislation to expedite its development. The working group will also work on plans for a University Town, while the government will adopt mainland methods to streamline administrative procedures and reduce costs. The government plans to roll out parcels of land for the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone. The San Tin Technopole will see sped-up development as it becomes a “strategic base” for innovation, and Lee vowed a speed-up of cross-border railway infrastructure to cooperate with the wider schemes. Regarding harsher civil servants' accountability, Lee announces the creation of a new mechanism to hold government bureau leaders, while boosting existing measures to hold civil servants accountable. Under a two-tier system on wrongdoing, serious probes will be subject to an investigation under an independent panel that guarantees impartiality. Lee also introduced a Heads of Department Accountability System to work towards effective governance.

In a move to attract more industries, Lee cited an agreement that the Hong Kong government inked with a French company regarding aircraft technology, while plans are being made to develop clinical trials expertise with the Greater Bay Area and beyond. On boosting energy development, Hong Kong would work with mainland authorities to enable a local enterprise to develop green tech. In medicine, the government pushes a sped-up system for approving drugs and medical devices, while giving priority approval for recommended innovative drugs. The CE supports measures to expedite the city as a gold trade hub, including issuing gold funds and developing new gold investment products. A planning study on developing Hung Shui Kiu as a logistics center will be released soon, and the government will draw up tender conditions for any interested industry players in 2026. New I&T infrastructure and the space economy are also mentioned in the address, including $100 million HKD funds given to six university projects working on R&D relating to aerospace technology. Continuing the government’s push for the low-altitude economy, the CE said authorities will improve the legislation and regulation framework relating to civil aviation. In other measures, the CE adds that the government will boost intellectual property trading, there will be market-based measures for leisure facilities, and measures will be introduced to attract premium art trading and establish such institutions to have a presence in the city.

New strategies are developed to encourage mainland companies to expand their operations overseas by using Hong Kong as a stepping stone, including using the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) to encourage mainland banks to set regional headquarters in the city. Moreover, the city will establish a task force for mainland enterprises as they pursue overseas expansion. For the first time, Lee considers using the Chinese Yuan to settle government expenditures in Hong Kong, which has its own currency. The city plans to integrate its financial services, like government disbursements, into the Greater Bay Area. In some extra notes on integration with the Greater Bay Area, Lee said mainland packages can be directly sent to the city airport for transshipment after security checks in Dongguan. Vowing to ramp up international exchanges, Lee said the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank will set up an office in the city, while the HKEX will deepen cooperation with Southeast Asian exchanges. As outreach efforts expand, Lee hopes connectivity and secondary listings can keep the already vibrant stock market getting better. Enhancing the New Capital Investment Entrance Scheme, Lee introduced refining measures for how much and where investors can put their money. Hong Kong will open new Economic and Trade Offices (ETOs) in places like Kuala Lumpur, while increasing trade agreements in places like Latin America and the Middle East. Expanding the city's role as a maritime trade hub, a more digitalized port system will be pushed to link trade flows.

Speaking of international exchanges, the city aims to diversify its tourism offerings, which include a red tourism route themed as “Chinese Cultural Celebrities Rescue.” Some village houses could be converted to holiday camps or lodgings with government approval. In support of Muslim tourism, the city’s tourism board prepares to launch a funding scheme that will give some subsidies for restaurants with halal certification. Continuing the government’s obsession with mega-events, the Lee administration agreed on a multi-year deal with LIV Golf from Saudi Arabia, while the Kai Tak Sports Park will continue its role in developing the sports industry. Boosting the yacht economy, the government will relax requirements for visiting yachts to anchor at designated waters without reservation, while yacht travel between the city and the mainland is promoted.

Pushing forward with AI governance, the CE announced the establishment of an AI Efficacy Enhancement Team and introduced measures to coordinate and apply the technology in government work. More broadly, Lee talked about pushing AI as a core industry for Hong Kong’s future development. Arguing the city is now well-positioned to become a global hub thanks to its strengths, Lee said $1 billion HKD has been designated for the Hong Kong AI Research and Development Institute, pending establishment in 2026. Carers will get AI assistance as the tech gets applied in the medical field, and AI use in government systems is being explored to make life easier for the public and civil servants. In schools, Lee said the Education Bureau has allocated $2 billion HKD to support digital education in primary and secondary schools, with a blueprint ready to be released next year. The blueprint includes provisions to establish AI literacy learning and integrate the technology into school subjects. Two vacant sites in the Northern Metropolis have been allocated for international schools, pledging to remove barriers in order for them to have increased quotas.

Hong Kong will “transform into a global education centre,” said Lee. Hong Kong plans to double down efforts on patriotic education, including cooperating with nearby Shenzhen to promote a new red educational route to promote understanding of the history of the War of Resistance in Hong Kong, centered around the theme of “Chinese Cultural Celebrity Rescue” history. Moreover, the government will conduct restoration and protection work on historic sites. As previously reported, Lee expands the non-local student ratio to a maximum of 50% in the 2026-2027 school year. The government plans to earmark new sites to build new student hostels in accordance with the inflow, including some potential commercial sites. Lee said his administration will push forward with efforts to recognize the city’s university entrance exam, the Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE), in both the mainland and around the world. A crackdown on the unauthorized provision of DSE programs and operations of “shell schools” is promised. Lee touted two of the city’s universities as having been given the title of “university of applied sciences.” In a bid to broaden student horizons, the government pushed a Young Talent Training Program to attend international conferences and get internships at international organizations. Regarding medicine, a task group has finished its overall assessment on developing the city’s third medical school. A Chinese medicine blueprint will be released later this year, as the government plans an internationalization of the profession. A three-tier emergency mechanism will be established for secondary schools to help students who are at risk of suicide, as part of broader measures to tackle mental health. On national security, Lee said the city has moved away from chaos and disorder to governance and prosperity, and vows to improve the law and its enforcement mechanism. The government will devote “all efforts” to prepare for December’s LegCo elections, specifically under the “patriots administering Hong Kong” principle. The city’s DOJ plans to construct the Hong Kong International Legal Service Building, right next to the headquarters of the International Organization for Mediation, to promote the city’s potential status as a mediation hub. Regarding the media, Lee said the government would help local media expand their network beyond the city, aiming to tell “good stories about Hong Kong”.

Lee said the policy address will heavily focus on improving the livelihoods of residents, saying it is the “most extensive chapter” of the address. On healthcare, there will be quicker applications for medical fee waivers, while a bill will be introduced next year to empower citywide standards for primary healthcare. The government will enhance cancer research and service, including optimizing screening and applying AI to such efforts. A two-year scheme will be introduced that grants full subsidies for amputees using high-tech prostheses, and the government will also provide funding for those making the prostheses. On housing, Lee had promised to increase the supply of subsidised housing, hoping to offer more homebuying options for different social classes. Measures include adjusting quotas for public rental housing tenants and eligible families from the original 40:60 ratio to 50:50, and aiming the supply target for private housing to 126,000 flats. To reduce construction costs, the government will simplify approval procedures and speed up approvals through improved department cooperation. There will be a sufficient amount of land reserved for long-term development needs, said Lee, as he compared land reserves to bank savings. In a boost to urban renewal, the transfer of plot ratios will be relaxed and increased for private development projects in seven areas related to the Northern Metropolis. For foreigners, the city allows cheaper home purchases for people applying with an investor visa. Concerning the environment, Lee said the disposal rate of municipal solid waste has been decreasing, with recycling facilities set to see an improvement in part with the government’s vision. The city will become a “demonstration base for green technology,” adopting measures like supporting battery development. As for the local economy, the government aims to inject billions into the BUD fund, which dedicates its efforts to branding, upgrading, and domestic sales to small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). Public works will get an extra $30 billion in spending, as part of an effort to drive economic growth. To curb abuse in the imported labor scheme, rules are tightened that include measures targeting imported waiters and junior cooks. For SMEs, the government released a raft of new measures that include cutting water and sewage charges and extending a financial scheme that supports SMEs for two years. A new platform is also designed to boost overseas business opportunities for SMEs. Pushing forward with the pet economy, Lee says a licensing arrangement can be made that allows restaurants to open their doors to let dogs enter the premises. A new hotline is established for residents to report on potential illegal workers, while vowing to safeguard employment opportunities for local workers. Speaking of the local workforce, there will be a strengthening in skills training. For the food industry, Lee proposes introducing a tourist element to the mix, including a strengthening of the “Food from Hong Kong” reputation. In other policy developments, Lee said there will be a new tender exercise for the operation of the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal. Targeting social welfare, Lee pushed forward numerous poverty alleviation schemes, including community living rooms and time-limited cash incentives. On an aging population, Lee said a working group will be set up and will submit a report later this year, while there will be enhanced measures to facilitate the elderly living at home through a capacity increase for financial aid. A pilot scheme will be launched by the end of the year, which will subsidize 1000 elderly residents who choose to live in designated care homes in the Greater Bay Area. On the city’s low birth rate, aside from the additional child allowance for newborns already reported before, new care centers will be established over the next three years. There is also greater disability support, including more care services for the vulnerable.

Wrapping up the second-longest policy address in Hong Kong history, Lee said the city is moving through an “irreversible economic transition,” urging citizens not to be complacent or underestimate the city’s abilities. By the end, Lee spoke shy of three full hours, but still half an hour longer than last year’s address. At the policy address press conference, Lee touted his administration’s successes in housing and healthcare. The CE points out $1 billion HKD is spent on welfare, public health, and education daily, while boasting that other economies are “really jealous” of Hong Kong. Regarding government accountability, Lee said he wants the “heads of department looking after their own staff would be best. If you use military terms, it would be like a general looking after their own soldiers.” Responding to a question about government support for local media, the CE touts the good quality and worthiness of the media sector, adding that its connections with foreign media can help tell the city’s story well. On the “water-gate” scandal, Lee said the issue will be handled under the existing system. Days later, the head of the government’s Logistics Department, Carlson Chan, who was embroiled in the “water-gate” scandal, began his early retirement leave.

The Trump Show: Series 2 - Silencing Kimmel

The week continued with the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, with reports emerging that the shooter, Tyler Robinson, had confessed to his friends on a Discord chat that he did it. During JD Vance’s guest-hosting gig on Charlie Kirk’s podcast, the Vice President brought in a parade of Trump officials and vowed a crackdown on liberal groups, claiming they contribute to political violence. It comes as the Pentagon has already fired some people over their comments on Kirk’s assassination, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has proposed revoking visas of those celebrating Kirk’s death, while the Washington Post columnist Karen Attiah said she was also fired for “speaking out against political violence” and “racial double standards” following the shooting. US forces struck a second alleged Venezuelan drug boat in international waters, killing three people, before adding Colombia to a list of nations failing to cooperate in the drug war for the first time in nearly three decades. Trump threatened to declare a national emergency in Washington, DC, following Mayor Muriel Bowser's announcement that the city’s police would not cooperate with ICE officials. As the South Korean government plans to review possible human rights violations during a raid on Hyundai workers in Georgia two weeks ago, Trump suddenly claimed foreign workers are “welcome” in the country, and he does not want to disincentivize workers from coming to the US. Maurene Comey filed a lawsuit against the DOJ and AG Pam Bondi for the sudden July dismissal from her job as a prosecutor in the Southern District of New York (SDNY), citing the longstanding feud between Trump and his father and former FBI Director James Comey. Jolting up Zohran Mamdani’s campaign from the establishment side, New York Governor Kathy Hochul endorsed the Democratic nominee in an op-ed in the NYT. Trump axed nearly two dozen environmental and health projects in black communities, while multiple national parks were ordered to remove information on slavery, including the famous photo “The Scourged Back” that depicts the scarred back of an escaped slave. In an alarming poll released by the Washington Post, 1 in 6 US parents are skipping or delaying vaccines for their children.

Tyler Robinson appears in court for the first time, charged with aggravated murder, as Utah prosecutors seek the death penalty for the Kirk shooter. Prosecutors outlined evidence of Robinson’s intention to kill Kirk, including a text message confession and a note left under a keyboard, saying he had the opportunity to kill Kirk, “and I’m going to take it.” In texts to his roommate, which officials say is “a biological male who was involved in a romantic relationship” and is transitioning to a female, Robinson explained his actions by texting: “I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out.” Based on the text chains, it seems like Robinson committed the heinous crime out of personal reasons instead of anything political. As FBI Director Kash Patel faced more scrutiny over the handling of the Kirk shooting case in Congress, Democratic Senator Cory Booker said, “I think you’re not going to be around long. I think this might be your last oversight hearing. Because as much as you supplicate yourself to the will of Donald Trump, this may be the last time I have a hearing with you because I don’t think you’re long for this job.” Trump announced he was filing a $15 billion defamation and libel lawsuit against the NYT and book publisher Penguin Random House over coverage of his finances by two reporters, while also accusing the paper of serving as a “mouthpiece” for the Democrats. In a win for Trump’s previous lawsuits, the Georgia Supreme Court discarded Fulton County AG Fani Willis’ final bid to prosecute Trump. In Congress, House Republicans roll out a stopgap funding bill to prevent a government shutdown, as Democrats are warming to enabling a government shutdown. A Trump trip to Beijing is in its final stages, with the SCMP reporting the visit may hinge on soybean and Boeing deals. On the Epstein case, the House Oversight Committee released new documents from the disgraced financier’s estate and a transcript featuring testimony from former AG Bill Barr. Before Trump flew out to the UK, he had a testy exchange with Australia’s ABC Four Corners reporter John Lyons, who asked him about his business deals in office. Trump said the reporter was "hurting Australia" before excluding ABC’s access to Trump’s UK press conference. In other headlines, former Georgia Republican Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan announced he is running for governor as a Democrat, Tim Walz announced he is seeking re-election for the Minnesota governor role, Democrat Xp Lee was elected to fill in the seat of slain former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman, and the Washington Post reported ICE’s own inspectors said its giant Texas facility violates dozens of immigrant detention standards.

The US president flew to the UK for a historic second state visit, hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle in a special bid to strengthen US-UK ties. It also comes at a precarious political situation for UK PM Keir Starmer, aside from the failures coming from his government and party, the far-right has seen a rise to prominence in recent years. Just last weekend, tens of thousands marched in London in anti-immigration protests organized by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, featuring an inflammatory speech from Elon Musk. At the same time, the leader of Reform UK, Nigel Farage, is a prominent friend of Trump’s, and the spectre of Jeffrey Epstein would continue to be in everyone’s minds days after Starmer fired now-former US ambassador Peter Mandelson over his ties with the disgraced financier. Ahead of Trump’s arrival Tuesday night, four protestors were arrested after they projected images of the president and Jeffrey Epstein onto the Royal Windsor Castle. Trump was greeted with pomp and opulence in Windsor Castle, while massive anti-Trump protests showed many Britons’ displeasure at the president’s second state visit. Back in the US, there were dueling testimonies in Congress. Kash Patel was in the hot seat again, this time having a shouting match with Democratic congressmen, as the FBI Director became evasive when discussing Trump’s proximity to the Epstein files. Meanwhile, fired CDC Director Susan Monarez told senators that RFK Jr had pressured her to change the childhood vaccine schedule, while claiming she was fired for “holding the line on scientific integrity.” During a podcast interview, FCC Chair Brendan Carr threatened to “take action” against Disney and ABC, over comments made by comedian Jimmy Kimmel for suggesting the Kirk shooter might have been a pro-Trump Republican. Soon after, ABC pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live off air “indefinitely” following a pull-out announcement by Nexstar, as well as a capitulation to the Trump regime. Following the news, Trump expressed his glee on Truth Social, calling on both Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers to be pulled off the air. The conservative media conglomerate Sinclair Broadcasting Group said it would only restore Kimmel’s show if he apologized and made a personal donation to Turning Point USA, the group Kirk founded, while some channels aired a tribute to Charlie Kirk in place of Kimmel’s show. According to Rolling Stone, emergency meetings were convened to figure out how to minimize the damage, and even though multiple executives did not feel Kimmel said anything over the line, the threat of retaliation prompted such action. On social media, Trump announced he is designating the anti-fascist ANTIFA movement as a terrorist organization, describing it as a “SICK, DANGEROUS, RADICAL LEFT DISASTER.” An immigration judge ordered Mahmoud Khalil to be deported to Algeria or Syria, claiming he had omitted information from his green card application. In Georgia, Republican Brad Raffensperger said Wednesday he is running for governor in 2026. The Secretary of State was well known after he defied Trump’s request to overturn the state’s 2020 election results. The DOJ quietly removed a study showing far-right extremists were responsible for most ideology-driven deaths, as the Trump regime tries to place blame on the “radical left” for Kirk’s death. In a shock vote in the House, some Republicans joined Democrats in sinking the measure to censure Ilhan Omar. Based on new revelations from the new Harris book, the former VP wanted to choose Pete Buttigieg as her VP pick, but recognized it would be “too big a risk” for a Black woman to run with a gay man for president.

With Trump meeting Starmer on the second day of the state visit, the US leader took time during a joint press conference to comment on the UK’s immigration crisis, warning, “It destroys countries from within,” and suggesting sending the military to stop incoming small boats. AG Pam Bondi’s comments that the DOJ would target hate speech have drawn ire from both the left and the right, especially since hate speech is protected by the First Amendment. The sudden suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s show continued to spark controversy, with the FCC’s sole Democratic commissioner criticizing the regime for "weaponizing" the agency's authority, Barack Obama denounced the White House’s act in influencing ABC’s decision, and some Republicans in Congress have expressed concern over the late-night show’s sudden suppression. Among the show of solidarity by late-night comics past and present, the Emmy-winning Late Show host Stephen Colbert called out Trump as an autocrat in response to Kimmel’s suspension, while former Late Show host David Letterman said, “I feel bad about this because we all see where this is going, correct?” The president said Kimmel “was fired for lack of talent” during the press conference, and again suggested punishing negative TV coverage with a revocation of their licenses. On immigration, a federal judge blocked the Trump regime from immediately deporting Guatemalan migrant children living in government shelters under foster care, as ICE arrested 11 Democratic officials in New York after they demanded access to cells used to detain suspected illegal immigrants. Regarding public health, the RFK Jr.-appointed vaccine panel said they were revisiting immunizations given in pregnancy, while CDC advisers voted to recommend against using the combined measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccine for young children. In the Senate, the Republicans confirmed 48 Trump nominees at once after changing the rules to clear up a backlog caused by the Democrats.

It was a busy Friday in Congress as the threat of a government shutdown loomed closer. After the House passed its stopgap funding bill that would keep the government running until November 20, the measure and a Democratic alternative both failed to pass in the Senate. Senate Majority Leader John Thune warned that the only thing Democrats can do is to support the GOP spending bill, while Trump said a government shutdown looks more likely. In a new move to curb legal immigration, Trump imposed an annual $100,000 fee on H-1B visas, a program for high-skilled workers widely used in Silicon Valley, while also rolling out his signature $1,000,000 gold-card visas. Speaking to the press in the Oval Office, Trump suggested critical media coverage of him is “illegal” and is “no longer free speech.” ABC News first reported that Trump was poised to fire the US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia for resisting efforts to charge New York AG Letitia James over alleged mortgage fraud. But before Trump could do that, the attorney planned to resign. RFK Jr’s vaccine panel voted to maintain current guidance on the hepatitis B vaccine, hours before nixing positive recommendations for COVID shots for all Americans and removing the blanket recommendation that older Americans get the COVID vaccine. Marking a small win for the press, a judge rejected Trump’s NYT lawsuit, saying it was ”decidedly improper and impermissible.” At the same time, Trump asked the Supreme Court to halt an order that allows transgender people to choose passport sex markers. In other headlines, AOC is eyeing a run for president, if not for Senate; the House passed a bipartisan vote that honors Charlie Kirk; the Washington Post reported the DEA had faced pushback in the White House over advocating strikes on Mexico; and the President of Texas A&M resigned following a backlash concerning a dispute during a gender identity lesson.

Over the weekend, we learned from EPA political appointees who told scientists working at least in one of its offices to stop publishing research pending a review, while the administration cancelled the government’s annual hunger survey. In the Department of War, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth requires journalists to sign a new pledge, as well as agree to report only approved and officially released information. After panic from H-1B visa holders following Trump’s $100K fee announcement, the White House clarified the policy would only affect new applicants. The Trump DOJ closed an investigation into now-border czar Tom Homan after he was recorded accepting a bag with $50,000 in cash last year during an undercover FBI operation. On Sunday, Trump spoke during Charlie Kirk’s funeral in Phoenix, Arizona, praising Kirk as the “greatest evangelist for American liberty” and a “martyr for American freedom.” In an emotional speech, Erika Kirk detailed the moment when she learned of her husband’s death, and announced she “forgives” the shooter who killed Charlie.

Trade Off - TikTok Deal Finally?

As US and Chinese officials continue their trade talks on their second day in Spain, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the two countries are “very close” to resolving the disputed TikTok issue that faces a September 17 deadline, while hinting the Chinese side made an “aggressive ask” during the conversations. The summit was also billed as the talks that could bring Trump to Beijing, a potential key win for Chinese diplomats. But adding more tensions to an already strained bilateral relationship, China found Nvidia had violated antitrust laws following an initial probe, citing a deal in 2020 to acquire the networking gear maker Mellanox Technologies. Just hours earlier in Beijing, the country’s National Bureau of Statistics announced retail sales rose by 3.7% and industrial output slowed to 5.2% in August, both key indicators had missed expectations and contributed to an overall slowing economy. On a Truth Social post on Monday, Trump seemed to announce a TikTok deal had been reached, hinting that a “framework deal was made between two private parties.” Not only did the US leader say talks went “VERY WELL,” he said a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping would happen on Friday. In Madrid, Bessent confirmed that both countries had struck a “framework for a TikTok deal,” which involves transferring TikTok to US-controlled ownership. Meanwhile, in another rant from the president, Trump proposed to end quarterly earnings reports for public companies, aligning US companies with European and Chinese counterparts. As Trump chose Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers Stephen Miran to head the Federal Reserve Board while keeping his White House job, a federal appeals court ruled that Trump cannot fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook, meaning she could attend the central bank’s policy committee vote on whether to lower interest rates.

Based on initial reports from CBS News, the tech company Oracle is among a consortium of firms that will play a major role in the TikTok deal. As Trump announced another extension to the TikTok ban until December 16, CNBC reported the new framework deal will include investors on top of existing investors in the platform’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, including letting Oracle keep its cloud deal with the platform. In Beijing, the deputy head of China’s powerful cybersecurity regulator said the US spin-off of TikTok will use ByteDance’s Chinese algorithm, adding the company would entrust the operation of US user data and content security without elaboration.

In another potential conflict point, China has told its tech companies not to use Nvidia’s RTX Pro 6000D AI chip. US House Speaker Mike Johnson responded to the news by saying Beijing is straining ties with Washington. Then on Thursday, Chinese tech firm Huawei announced it had developed the “world’s most powerful” supernode computing cluster using local chipmaking technology, delivering world-class computing power without using advanced chips from Nvidia and bypassing sanctions from the US. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 0.25 points, marking the first cut of the year after months of angry demands by the US President.

Amid China-US trade talks, Beijing dropped its Google antitrust probe, a few months after authorities opened their investigation in February. In the US, Nvidia announced it is investing $5 billion in Intel, with plans to co-design chips for PCs and data centers. Continuing the Lisa Cook saga, the Trump administration has requested the Supreme Court to allow the firing of the Fed Governor. On Friday, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV confirmed Chinese President Xi Jinping and his American counterpart Donald Trump had spoken by phone, which both sides later described as constructive. We learned that Xi asked Trump to avoid taking restrictive trade measures during the call, urging the US leader not to undermine progress in recent trade talks. Paving the way for an in-person meeting for the first time since 2019, Trump said the two leaders will meet during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea this October, a precursor to a possible Trump visit to China next year. Regarding TikTok, Trump claimed on Truth Social that his Chinese counterpart has “accepted” the preliminary deal. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said TikTok’s US operations and algorithm will be under US control, adding the deal would give 6 out of 7 board seats for the app to Americans. On Sunday, Trump added that Rupert Murdoch and Daniel Bell will play roles in the TikTok buyers group.

War Watch - UN Says Israel Commits Genocide

During a joint press conference with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Netanyahu did not rule out further strikes against Hamas leaders following last week’s strikes in Doha, Qatar. The Israeli leader said every country had the right "to defend itself beyond its borders," adding Hamas leaders would not have immunity "wherever they are." Rubio affirmed that Israel has the full support of the US in destroying Hamas, without mentioning a ceasefire or criticism of last week’s strikes. In a separate speech talking about Israel’s need to invest more in influence operations, Netanyahu admitted Israel is facing international isolation, partly due to media groups like Qatar’s Al Jazeera. Contrary to reports last week, Axios quoted several Trump administration sources, who said that Netanyahu spoke to the US leader about the Doha strikes before they took place. At the same time, we learned the IDF chief had yelled at cabinet ministers, urging them to agree to a ceasefire deal. Days after pro-Palestine demonstrators disrupted the Vuelta a España cycle race and had violent clashes with police, Spain’s leader, Pedro Sanchez, urged Israel to be barred from international sports competitions and not let such events “whitewash” its “barbarism.” First reported by CNN on Tuesday, Israel launched its ground offensive in Gaza City, with one official saying the ground incursion was going to be “phased and gradual” at the beginning. As Palestinians on the ground report heavy strikes, Israel’s defense minister said, “Gaza is burning.” Right as the horrors of Gaza City unfolded, an independent UN commission said Israel is committing genocide in the Gaza Strip. For the first time, the allegation was made publicly by a UN body, the report noted, "it is clear that there is an intent to destroy the Palestinians in Gaza," adding that Israel’s actions have met the criteria for defining a genocide. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the European Commission was proposing to reimpose duties on Israeli goods over the situation in both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, a day before the bloc unveiled its plan to downgrade Israeli trade ties and sanction top officials. Meanwhile, Spain became one of the most prominent Eurovision countries, threatening to boycott the event if Israel is allowed to participate in next year’s competition. In Gaza City, the IDF opened a “temporary” new route to allow Palestinians to flee, but it would only last 48 hours. It was rumored that the UK would recognize a Palestinian state after the Trump state visit, and during the Thursday press conference, Keir Starmer said the two countries “absolutely agree on the need for peace and a roadmap because the situation in Gaza is intolerable.” It comes as UN data showed more than 250,000 Palestinians were displaced from Gaza City last month due to Israel’s offensive, while Bernie Sanders became the first US senator to call the ongoing war a genocide. According to a report by the Committee to Protect Journalists, last week’s Israeli strike on a Yemeni newspaper complex killed 31 journalists and media workers, the deadliest attack on journalists since the Maguindanao massacre in the Philippines in 2009 and the second deadliest attack ever recorded by the press freedom group. By Sunday, the UK, Canada, and Australia officially announced they would recognize Palestine’s statehood in a coordinated move, which piles pressure on Israel ahead of next week’s UN General Assembly, with France planning to recognize Palestinian statehood next week. Portugal also announced it will recognize Palestine’s statehood. In response to the news, Israel’s far-right ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezazel Smotrich urged the government to declare Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank.

In an interview with Sky News, Ukraine’s leader, Volodymyr Zelensky, demanded a “clear position” from Trump on a sanction package for Russia and security guarantees for the war-torn nation after the war ends. Yulia Navalnaya said on Wednesday that two independent lab tests showed the former opposition leader and her husband, Alexei Navalny, were poisoned in prison before his death in February 2024. During the press conference with Keir Starmer, Trump complained about the difficulties in getting a Ukraine ceasefire, stating Putin “has really let me down.” On Friday, Reuters first reported that Russian fighter jets violated Estonian airspace near Tallinn in an “unprecedentedly brazen” act. Estonia has sought NATO consultation over the aggressive act, while Trump suggested the reported incursion “could be big trouble.” By Saturday, Zelensky announced he would meet Trump on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly to persuade the US to join a European-backed security guarantees framework.

Voterama 2025 - Malawi’s Boomer Choices

On Tuesday, Malawians headed to the polls to vote in their presidential and parliamentary elections following five years of economic turbulence. It marks the first elections in Malawi since the nullification of the 2019 vote due to widespread irregularities, and was redone in 2020. As one of the poorest countries in the world, the cost of living hits hard in Malawi. There were frustrating queues at petrol stations caused by a fuel shortage, skyrocketing food prices pushed many into poverty, power outages have become more frequent, the currency was forced to devalue, while economists say the country’s inflation problem is mainly caused by a shortage of foreign currencies in banks. Not to mention the recent natural disasters that have struck the nation, pushing the country into political and economic turmoil. Speaking of politics, despite initial promises by the incumbent government, Malawi’s director of public prosecutions dropped corruption charges against the vice president and other high-profile politicians, while the seat for the director of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) is empty after the last one left more than a year ago.

With more than a dozen candidates on the ballot, many see the two frontrunners as current President Lazarus Chakwera of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and former President Peter Mutharika of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Chakwera emerged as a former theology lecturer and preacher with no political experience, but delivered a surprising victory in 2020 by defeating Mutharika. During his term in office, the president oversaw infrastructure improvements but was dogged by links to economic crises and allegations of corruption. Meanwhile, Mutharika was a former lawyer and law lecturer who led the country from 2014 to 2020. Although Mutharika’s presidency faced the same challenges and criticism that plagued his successor’s administration, another key issue facing the former leader is his old age, given that he is 85 years old. Political commentator Chris Nhlane told AFP the accusations of cronyism, economic hardship, and corruption scandals have left voters a choice between “two disappointments.” After two days of vote counting, the head of Malawi's electoral commission warned on Thursday that political parties should not prematurely declare victory, after Chakwera and Mutharika both claimed they had won Tuesday's election. Over the weekend, as the vote continued to be tallied, local police arrested eight people for alleged electoral fraud.

Odd News Out - A Healing Hole

It’s rare when there’s good news concerning the environment, which makes it more crucial for us to highlight the small victories and take them to the next step. This week, the UN's World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released a report saying that the Earth's ozone layer is healing due to international action. Crediting the Montreal Protocol that aimed to phase out ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbon substances, the WMO said the ozone hole in the South Pole is smaller in 2024 than in previous years, meaning the protective layer is on track to be fully healed by the middle of the 21st century.