Dollar rebounds as fears of renewed U.S.-China trade feud abate

On Tuesday, the U.S. dollar remained stable, reflecting optimism over easing U.S.-China trade tensions after President Trump softened his tariff stance. Plans for a meeting with President Xi Jinping boosted confidence, while the euro stayed below $1.16. The yen weakened amid political uncertainties, and cryptocurrencies saw further declines driven by volatility.

Coffee and ‘chili crab’ ice cream: How luxury fashion brands are capturing Asian consumers

Luxury fashion brands like Ralph Lauren and Coach are shifting strategies, focusing on lifestyle experiences, particularly cafés, to connect with younger consumers. This experiential retail approach caters to Gen Z’s desire for self-expression and community, driving sales and social media engagement while redefining luxury beyond just products.

SpaceX completes 11th Starship test before debuting upgraded prototype

SpaceX successfully launched its 11th Starship on Monday, marking significant progress toward future lunar and Mars missions. Following a splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico, the flight demonstrated improved systems, including mock Starlink satellite deployment. The next prototype aims for in-orbit refueling and a 2027 lunar landing mission, competing with global space initiatives.

Carmakers face key trial in UK lawsuits, decade after ‘dieselgate’ scandal

A landmark legal battle in London pits major automakers against 1.6 million diesel car owners accusing them of cheating emissions tests using illegal defeat devices. The case follows Volkswagen’s scandal and could result in £6 billion in damages. The trial may reshape accountability in the automotive industry and influence pending global investigations.

European markets head for mostly higher open, brushing off new U.S.-China trade spat

European markets are poised for a positive start amid trade tension between the U.S. and China. Despite President Trump’s mixed signals, Asian markets fell, while U.S. futures showed recovery. Investors await third-quarter earnings from major companies and guidance from the IMF and World Bank amid ongoing global economic concerns.

Kids are offloading their critical thinking to AI chatbots—here’s how to protect them, experts say

Artificial intelligence, particularly chatbots like ChatGPT, is increasingly used by U.S. teens for homework, raising concerns among parents and educators about its impact on learning and cognition. Experts caution that early exposure to AI may foster cognitive debt and hinder critical thinking skills. Parental monitoring and responsible usage are vital for safeguarding children.

Trump administration lays off dozens of CDC officials, NYT reports

The Trump administration has laid off numerous CDC employees, including key scientists and the entire Washington office, amid ongoing government shutdowns. Employees received layoff notices indicating their roles were considered unnecessary or redundant. The number of affected workers remains unconfirmed, and both the White House and CDC have not commented.