A Chinese woman has been arrested at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) after allegedly assaulting a female immigration officer. The incident took place at approximately 7:40 p.m. on August 13 at the airport's departure counter. The woman, who was traveling with a man and two children, was stopped for a routine inspection after officers from the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) discovered that the group had no official records of entry into the country. The officers then referred the matter to a supervisor for further verification.

According to a statement from the AKPS, the woman became agitated and verbally abusive when she was asked to step aside to allow other passengers to pass while the checks were being conducted. Witnesses and reports from the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) allege that the woman then grabbed the female officer's headscarf (tudung) and forcefully pushed her head against a pillar in front of the counter. A brief scuffle ensued, and the woman reportedly refused to calm down despite repeated instructions.

AKPS enforcement officers called in the Aviation Security (AVSEC) team to help manage the situation and the woman was eventually detained and handed over to the police for investigation. The officer suffered minor injuries from the assault, including swelling around her left eye, a headache, and body aches. She was taken to Cyberjaya Hospital for treatment and a medical report.

A police report was filed, and the suspect is now in police custody. She is being investigated under several sections of the Penal Code, including Section 186 for obstructing a public servant, Section 332 for causing hurt to a public servant, and Section 353 for using criminal force to deter a public servant from their duties.

The incident has also been condemned by the Immigration Services Union of Peninsular Malaysia (KPISM), which stated that such acts challenge Malaysian sovereignty and that tourists must respect the laws of the countries they visit. The union is providing welfare and legal assistance to the officer and has called for a comprehensive investigation and prosecution without compromise. The KPISM also urged the government to consider installing CCTV at every immigration counter to enhance monitoring and ensure the safety of both officers and travelers.

Following their meeting in Alaska, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin expressed that they had a productive discussion with broad areas of agreement but provided no specific details.

Positive Tone: Trump gave Putin a red-carpet welcome, a stark contrast to his previous interactions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump praised the meeting as "extremely productive," while Putin also spoke of the need for cooperation and general progress.

Vague Outcomes: Despite the positive tone, neither leader offered specifics on how their meeting would impact the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Trump mentioned that most points were agreed upon, with only a "very few" remaining, but did not elaborate.

Future Plans: Putin smiled and said, "Next time in Moscow," when Trump mentioned a second meeting, indicating a potential future summit in Russia. Trump also stated he would consult with Ukrainian and NATO leaders about his discussions with Putin.

First In-Person Meeting Since 2019: The meeting was the first time the two leaders had met in person since 2019. It was arranged by Trump just a week prior and included a carefully choreographed arrival where both leaders descended from their respective jets.

President Donald Trump stated that homeless individuals must be moved "far" from Washington, D.C., as part of his plan to make the capital safer. He also announced a press conference to detail his plans, which may include federalizing the city's government.

Homelessness and Crime: Trump said that homeless people would be provided with places to stay, but "far from the Capital," and that criminals would be "swiftly imprisoned." He falsely claimed that crime in Washington is rising, despite police statistics showing a 26% decrease in violent crime in the first half of 2025 and the city's 2024 crime rates being at their lowest in three decades.

Federal Control: Trump has long expressed a desire to take federal control of Washington, D.C., which is currently run by a locally elected government under congressional oversight. He has also threatened to deploy the National Guard to crack down on crime, similar to his actions in Los Angeles where he deployed California's military reserve force to quell protests over immigration raids.

Mayor's Response: Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat, confirmed that the city is not experiencing a crime spike and described comparisons to a "war torn country" as "hyperbolic and false."

While matcha is known for its health benefits, it's not suitable for everyone. The article outlines several groups who should be cautious or avoid it due to its high caffeine and vitamin K content.

Who Should Exercise Caution?
Individuals with Heart Conditions: The high caffeine content in matcha can increase heart rate and blood pressure, potentially causing palpitations in people with conditions like high blood pressure, arrhythmia, or coronary artery disease.

Those with Anxiety or Insomnia: Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and can worsen symptoms of anxiety disorders and insomnia.

People Taking Blood Thinners: Matcha is rich in vitamin K, which can interfere with the effectiveness of anticoagulant medications like warfarin, raising the risk of blood clots.

Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women: Excessive caffeine during pregnancy is linked to a higher risk of miscarriage and low birth weight. Additionally, catechins in matcha may reduce the absorption of folic acid, an essential nutrient.

Individuals with Digestive Issues: Caffeine can stimulate stomach acid production, leading to nausea, acid reflux, and stomach pain in people with conditions such as gastritis or irritable bowel syndrome. Drinking matcha on an empty stomach is not recommended.

Children: The developing nervous systems of children are highly sensitive to caffeine. The article states that children under 12 should avoid caffeine, while those over 12 should limit their intake to less than 100 mg per day.

Additional Concerns
The tannins in matcha can also interfere with the absorption of non-heme iron from plant-based foods, which could lead to anemia if consumed frequently without proper dietary management.

For individuals prone to kidney stones, particularly calcium oxalate stones, it's important to be mindful of diet. The article highlights that while oxalate is a key component in stone formation, a person's diet doesn't need to be completely free of high-oxalate foods like spinach, celery, and beets.

Here are the main recommendations:

Hydration is Key: Drink 2 to 2.5 liters of water daily. This helps dilute minerals in the urine, making it harder for stones to form.

Pair Foods Wisely: Consuming high-oxalate vegetables along with calcium-rich foods like milk, cheese, or tofu can help. The calcium binds to the oxalate in the digestive tract, preventing it from being absorbed and forming stones.

Avoid Excesses: Limit your intake of salt and animal protein, and avoid high-dose vitamin C supplements, as too much vitamin C can convert to oxalate.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are recommended for prevention.

Medical Guidance: For those with a history of kidney stones, it's crucial to follow a doctor's treatment plan and get regular check-ups to monitor your nutritional status and make necessary dietary adjustments.

Health experts suggest that apple cider vinegar (ACV) might offer some benefits for metabolic health, which could indirectly support fatty liver health. The article highlights that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition where fat builds up in the liver and is often linked to obesity and metabolic syndrome.


Here's a breakdown of the potential benefits and cautions:

Animal Studies: Research on animals, including rainbow trout and rodents, indicates that ACV may reduce liver fat, improve insulin resistance, and lower cholesterol and glucose levels. A key component, acetic acid, is believed to be responsible for these effects by boosting fat oxidation.


Limited Human Evidence: While animal studies show promise, human research on ACV's direct impact on fatty liver is very limited. Experts caution that ACV should be considered a supplement rather than a cure.

Most Effective Treatment: The most effective way to manage or reverse fatty liver disease is through lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a balanced diet and exercising regularly. Medical guidance is also crucial.

A healthy diet can play a significant role in supporting kidney health. Certain foods, often called "superfoods," are particularly beneficial due to their high content of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Here is a summary of five foods that can help protect your kidneys:

Blueberries: These berries are low in potassium and rich in anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant that fights inflammation and may protect against kidney damage.

Salmon: This fatty fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation and have been shown to help lower excess protein in the urine of people with kidney disease.

Kale: This leafy green is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, and its fiber helps remove toxins. However, because it is high in potassium, people with existing kidney issues should consult a doctor before adding it to their diet.

Red Bell Peppers: Low in potassium and high in vitamins A and C, red bell peppers provide essential antioxidants that support a healthy immune system, which is crucial for kidney health.

Cauliflower: This versatile vegetable is low in potassium and high in fiber, which helps with digestion and toxin removal. It also contains sulfur compounds that may reduce the risk of kidney stones.

New York City is using a multifaceted approach to combat its pervasive rat problem, which has alarmed some residents. The strategy involves both high-tech interventions and public education to reduce the rat population by limiting their food sources.

New Strategies and Public Education
New York City officials are testing a range of new tools and methods in Harlem to fight the rat infestation. Instead of relying solely on traditional methods like gassing burrows, the city is using high-tech mapping tools to identify and track rodent activity. This data is then used to implement targeted abatement tactics. A major part of the strategy is public education to encourage residents and businesses to stop leaving out food waste, which is the primary sustenance for the rats. According to Caroline Bragdon from the Department of Health, reducing their food supply "stresses" the rats, leading to fewer offspring and, over time, a smaller population.

Key Initiatives and Results
Public Awareness: The city's 70 inspectors use a mobile app to report rat activity and educate residents and businesses on how to keep their areas clean. Thousands of residents and building managers have also participated in city-provided training on rat control.

Trash Revolution: In October 2022, the city launched a "trash revolution," which aimed to remove black garbage bags from sidewalks by using sealed containers. This was a direct response to a rat surge during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Data and Progress: Official data shows that complaints about rat activity dropped by 25% in 2024 compared to the previous year. This progress is a sign that the city's efforts are working, though officials acknowledge that only Manhattan's Chinatown has fully brought its rat problem under control so far. A prior effort had cut the rat population by up to 90% in some areas, proving that "it can be done."

Research: The city is also studying the rats' dietary habits by using different food samples to determine the most effective bait. This scientific approach will help inform future abatement strategies.

The New York Times reports that Trump has specifically directed the Pentagon to use military force against cartels that have been designated as terrorist organizations. The Wall Street Journal adds that the president has requested a range of options, including the use of special forces and intelligence support, and that any action would be coordinated with foreign partners.

In a statement, White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly did not directly confirm these reports but emphasized that the president's "top priority is protecting the homeland" and that he took the "bold step" of designating these groups as foreign terrorist organizations. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a separate interview, stated that these designations allow the U.S. to use various elements of American power, including the Department of Defense and intelligence agencies, to target these groups.

Background and International Reaction
The U.S. designated several groups, including Venezuela's Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel from Mexico, as terrorist organizations in February. The list has since been expanded to include Venezuela's Cartel of the Suns, which the U.S. alleges is led by President Nicolas Maduro—an accusation Caracas has denied.

The potential for U.S. military action has prompted a reaction from Mexico. President Claudia Sheinbaum, who has been dubbed the "Trump whisperer" for her ability to negotiate with him, insisted on Friday that there would be "no invasion" of her country. She stated that while Mexico is cooperating with the U.S., any form of invasion is "ruled out."

On Friday, a major wildfire broke out in Keratea, a region southeast of Athens. More than 200 firefighters, supported by aircraft, battled the blaze, which was fueled by powerful wind gusts reaching up to 88 kilometers per hour. In Keratea, firefighters discovered the body of an elderly person inside a burned home. The civil protection ministry has placed several areas, including the Attica region where Athens is located, under the highest alert for wildfires on Saturday.

In a separate incident on the tourist island of Milos, a Vietnamese man and woman from a cruise group were found unconscious in the sea at Sarakiniko beach. The woman reportedly fell into the water, and the man attempted to save her. Both were later confirmed dead.

Travel Disruptions
The strong winds severely impacted ferry services, which are the main way to travel between Greece's islands. Many ferries from Athens' main ports were unable to depart on schedule, causing major delays and cancellations for tens of thousands of summer tourists. The article describes scenes of hundreds of travelers stranded at the port of Piraeus, with long queues and "huge commotion." While services to some nearby islands were unaffected, the disruptions affected popular destinations in the Cyclades and Dodecanese islands. The article notes that strong winds are common in Greece during this time of year, and firefighters have already dealt with several other major blazes this summer.

Police in Da Nang have arrested five individuals and seized over 100 kilograms of drug-laced synthetic cannabis, in what authorities are calling the largest bust of its kind in the city's history. The operation, conducted by the Da Nang Police Drug Crime Investigation Division, followed a period of extensive surveillance.

The investigation began on Wednesday with the arrest of Phan Thai Phien, 51, who was caught transporting 10 kilograms of synthetic cannabis. A search of his home revealed an additional 2 kilograms.

The Investigation Unfolds
Following the arrest of Phien, police expanded their investigation, leading to the apprehension of Nguyen Thi Thuy, 34, who was found with 1 kilogram of synthetic cannabis. Searches of her residences uncovered four more packages of drugs.

Based on information from the initial arrests, officers then apprehended Tran Thi Thanh Tuyen, 36, and Ngo Van Hoang Phuc, 40. A search of properties rented by Tuyen yielded a large quantity of illegal substances, including 70 kilograms of drug-laced synthetic cannabis, 60 kilograms of untreated cannabis, and other processing materials.

The initial investigation revealed that Tuyen purchased drug powder from Le Thanh Ka Ka, 26. Tuyen then allegedly hired Phuc to weigh, package, and distribute the drugs to buyers, including Phien and Thuy.

In total, the police confiscated over 100 kilograms of drug-laced synthetic cannabis, 60 kilograms of dried cannabis, and other evidence. The case is currently under ongoing investigation.

On Thursday, market regulators in Gia Lai Province discovered a truck carrying 220 pigs, some of which were already dead and all infected with African swine fever. A woman named Nguyen Thi Hanh was identified as the buyer and was unable to provide a business license or any documentation for the pigs' origin. She admitted to purchasing the animals from various unverified sources.

Veterinary authorities confirmed the pigs were infected with African swine fever. As a result, all the pigs are slated for culling. The article notes that African swine fever is a highly contagious and often fatal virus for pigs. It can be transmitted through the air, contaminated food, or direct contact with infected animals and can survive in cold temperatures. While the virus does not affect humans, people can still spread it on their clothes or equipment.



The article highlights that this year, African swine fever has been a significant problem across Vietnam, affecting 972 locations in 33 provinces and cities. This has led to the death or culling of more than 100,000 pigs. Despite the number of infected animals decreasing by 34% compared to the same time last year, a government department has warned that the overall incidence of the disease is currently on the rise.

A small medical transport plane crashed and caught fire on the Navajo Nation in northern Arizona, resulting in the deaths of all four people on board. The tribe confirmed the fatalities in a statement.

The aircraft, a Beechcraft King Air 300 operated by CSI Aviation, had two pilots and two healthcare providers. It had departed from Albuquerque, New Mexico, and was attempting to land near the airport in Chinle, Arizona, when the crash occurred. The crew was on its way to pick up a critically ill patient from a federal Indian Health Service hospital and transport them back to Albuquerque.



The cause of the crash is currently unknown and is being investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). CSI Aviation released a statement expressing sorrow for the deaths and confirmed their cooperation with the investigation. Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren expressed his grief, noting that the victims had dedicated their lives to helping others. Air medical transports are common on the Navajo Nation due to the limited advanced care facilities on the reservation. The article also mentions a separate medical transport plane crash that occurred in Philadelphia in January, which killed eight people.

South Korean prosecutors have interrogated former first lady Kim Keon Hee regarding several allegations, including stock manipulation and bribery. This questioning took place while her husband, former president Yoon Suk Yeol, is already in detention for declaring martial law last December.


The article reports that prosecutors plan to seek an arrest warrant for Kim following Wednesday's questioning. If issued, this would be a historical first in South Korea, with both a former president and first lady being arrested. The allegations against Kim include her alleged involvement in a stock price manipulation scheme between 2009 and 2012, as well as accepting luxury gifts, such as a designer handbag, which is a violation of anti-graft laws. She is also accused of illegally interfering with the nomination of lawmakers in Yoon's political party.



Before her questioning, Kim apologized for "causing trouble" and pledged to cooperate with the investigation. The investigation has drawn significant media attention, and supporters of both Kim and Yoon gathered outside the prosecutor's office. The article also notes that while he was president, Yoon vetoed multiple bills aimed at investigating the allegations against his wife. Yoon himself was impeached and removed from office in April due to his martial law declaration, which was ultimately overturned by parliament.

Global temperatures last month marked the third-hottest July on record, ending a streak of recent global temperature records. While the global average was slightly lower than in the past two years, the month was still defined by extreme weather events intensified by climate change.

The Impact of a Warming World
Despite a "misleading dip" in global average temperatures, which were 1.25 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, the effects of a warming planet were apparent worldwide. Extreme weather events, such as devastating floods in Pakistan and northern China, and intense wildfires in Canada, Scotland, and Greece, were common. Several countries in Asia and Scandinavia experienced their hottest July on record. For example, temperatures in parts of the Gulf, Iraq, and Turkey exceeded 50°C. Scientists attribute these events to the burning of fossil fuels, and they warn that such extreme weather will continue to worsen unless greenhouse gas concentrations are stabilized.

Regional Contrasts and Ocean Temperatures
The report showed significant regional differences in temperatures. While many parts of the world, including 11 countries across Asia, experienced their hottest July in at least 50 years, some regions like North and South America, India, and parts of Australia and Africa saw below-normal temperatures.

The oceans also reflected the warming trend, with last month being the third-hottest July on record for sea surface temperatures. Several specific ocean areas, including the Norwegian Sea and parts of the North Atlantic, set new records for the month. Arctic sea ice extent was the second lowest on record for July, and Antarctic sea ice was the third lowest. This is a concern because melting sea ice contributes to a feedback loop where the darker ocean absorbs more heat, further accelerating global warming.

In a diplomatic move, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has formally nominated U.S. President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. This nomination follows Trump's intervention in a recent five-day border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand, which resulted in 43 deaths.

In his letter to the Norwegian Nobel Committee, Manet praised Trump’s "visionary and innovative diplomacy" for brokering a swift and unconditional ceasefire. He stated that Trump's timely action was critical in preventing a more severe conflict and saving lives. This marks another instance of a foreign leader nominating Trump for the prize; he has also been put forward by leaders in Pakistan and Israel.

The Nobel Committee keeps nominee lists confidential for 50 years. However, these nominations are often viewed as a way for foreign leaders to express diplomatic goodwill. The article also highlights that Trump's intervention came as both Cambodia and Thailand were facing the threat of high U.S. tariffs on their exports, which were subsequently reduced.

On Thursday, France successfully contained its largest wildfire in decades, which had burned over 160 square kilometers (62 square miles) in the southern Aude region. The fire, which started on Tuesday, was intensified by hot and dry weather but was eventually slowed by cooler temperatures and calmer winds. The blaze, which authorities have linked to climate change, is considered the worst since 1949 and has devastated a region known for winemaking and tourism.

The fire caused one death and injured at least 13 others, including 11 firefighters. It damaged or destroyed at least 36 homes across 15 communities in the Corbières mountains. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, particularly for the winemaking industry. Officials estimate that 80% of local vineyards were either destroyed or damaged, with the surviving grapes potentially tainted by smoke. This fire has placed immense strain on a winemaking industry already struggling with years of drought.

Although the fire is contained, officials have warned that the situation remains fragile and that it will take time for the fire to be completely extinguished. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire. The article also notes that southern Europe has been hit by multiple large fires this summer, and scientists are warning that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of such extreme weather events.

An outbreak of the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus is underway in China, with over 7,000 cases reported, primarily in the manufacturing hub of Foshan. In response, authorities have implemented a series of strict measures reminiscent of their COVID-19 pandemic response. These include widespread disinfection, the use of mosquito nets, and even deploying drones to locate and eliminate insect breeding grounds.

The Chinese government has also adopted a "hardline" approach with its citizens. Individuals who fail to clear standing water from their property, which is where mosquitoes breed, face fines of up to 10,000 yuan (US$1,400) and can have their electricity cut off. Infected patients in Foshan are being forced to stay in the hospital for at least a week, a policy that has drawn some criticism given that the virus cannot be transmitted between people. The United States has issued a travel advisory for its citizens visiting Guangdong province, where the outbreak is centered.

Chikungunya is spread by mosquitoes and causes symptoms similar to dengue fever, such as fever and joint pain, which can be particularly dangerous for the young, elderly, and those with pre-existing medical conditions. The current outbreak has been exacerbated by heavy rains and high temperatures. In an effort to control the spread, authorities have also reportedly used methods such as releasing fish that eat mosquito larvae and even larger, predatory mosquitoes to combat the virus-carrying insects.

Flash floods and severe mudslides have caused significant devastation in China's northwestern Gansu province. The disaster, which began on August 7, has tragically resulted in at least 13 deaths, with three more bodies recently recovered. At least 30 people are still missing, and a rescue official described the situation as "complex." This is due to a combination of heavy mud, rough roads, and the loss of telephone and electricity lines. In the mountainous Xinglong area, where 4,000 people were initially trapped, hundreds have been rescued, and thousands more have been evacuated.

China's Broader Struggle with Extreme Weather
The article contextualizes this event within a larger pattern of natural disasters across China. Such events are common during the summer months, when some regions face heavy rain and others endure extreme heat. In response to the crisis in Gansu, Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for the "utmost effort" in rescue operations, and Beijing's top economic planner has allocated 100 million yuan for relief efforts.

This year, other parts of the country have also been hit by torrential downpours. In the south, tens of thousands of people were evacuated in Guangdong province. In the north, heavy rain in Beijing in July killed 44 people, with an additional eight deaths from a landslide in nearby Hebei province. In anticipation of more bad weather, authorities have activated a flood response plan and issued a yellow alert for several provinces, including Jiangsu, Anhui, Hubei, and Chongqing.

The Role of Climate Change
The article concludes by linking these severe weather events to global climate change. Scientists are warning that the intensity and frequency of these disasters will likely increase as the planet continues to warm due to fossil fuel emissions. The article notes that while China is the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases, it is also a global leader in renewable energy.

Honey is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and can help with energy, sleep, and wound healing. However, its properties can be harmful to certain individuals.

Groups Who Should Avoid or Limit Honey
Infants under one year old: The World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise against giving honey to infants under 12 months. This is because honey can contain Clostridium botulinum spores, which their underdeveloped digestive systems cannot neutralize. In infants, these spores can lead to a serious and potentially fatal condition called infant botulism.

People with diabetes: Honey is high in sugar, primarily fructose and glucose. For individuals with diabetes, consuming too much honey can cause a spike in blood sugar levels, disrupting control and increasing the risk of complications. It's essential for them to consult a doctor before adding honey to their diet.


Individuals with allergies: People with allergies to pollen, propolis, or bee stings may also have an allergic reaction to honey. This can range from mild symptoms like itching and hives to severe reactions like anaphylactic shock.

People with low blood pressure: Honey is rich in potassium, which can mildly lower blood pressure. For individuals who already have low blood pressure or are taking medication for it, consuming honey regularly could be risky and should be done with caution.

People with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Due to its high fructose content, honey can act as a laxative and may worsen IBS symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort.

Other Considerations for Honey Consumption
Dr. Phuong also notes other groups who should be cautious:

Individuals with liver disease or obesity: Honey's high sugar and calorie content can put a strain on the liver and contribute to weight gain.

Post-surgery patients: Honey may slow blood clotting, so it should be avoided after surgery.

People taking certain medications: Raw honey can interact with some prescription drugs, including blood thinners, making them less effective or increasing side effects.

Even healthy individuals should consume honey in moderation, limiting all added sugars to no more than 10% of their daily caloric intake. The article also advises against mixing honey with boiling water, as high temperatures can destroy its beneficial enzymes and nutrients.