We are talking about the passage of a major industrial policy bill by the US Senate and Japan’s difficulties in dealing with its monkey population.
US Senate passes $280 billion bill to fight China
In rare bipartisan fashion, US Senate passes $280 billion expansion bill aimed at building up America’s technological and manufacturing advantages against China.
The act would provide billions of dollars in subsidies to domestic semiconductor manufacturers and fund scientific research in artificial intelligence, robotics and quantum computing – areas where the US is concerned. Fear of falling behind China. It passed the chamber in a 64 to 33 vote and is expected to pass in the House with some Republican support.
The bill’s approval margin illustrates how commercial and military competition with Beijing – and the promise of thousands of new American jobs – has drastically altered party orthodoxy, created consensus among Republicans to avoid market intervention and Democrats against large, federally profitable companies. .
Text definition: The share of modern manufacturing capacity in the US has plummeted to 12%, making the country dependent on foreign countries as chip shortages have sent shock waves through global supply chains.
Mr. Xi proved very important to Hong Kong leaders
Top Hong Kong officials are rushing to embrace Xi Jinping, China’s leader, a display of devotion that is a jarring change to Hong Kong’s longstanding political culture.
On his first day in power, Hong Kong’s new leader, John Lee, shared a photo of himself along with a printout of what he described as a keynote speech by Mr. Xi. City lawmakers held a six-hour session this month to celebrate Mr. Xi’s recent visit to Hong Kong. And hundreds of top officials attended the group sessions, including one titled “The Spirit of the President’s Keynote Speech.”
Such expressions of devotion – common in mainland China – represent a major change in the former British colony, which was given a high degree of autonomy when it was returned to Chinese control. 25 years ago. Hong Kong has long been subject to Beijing’s decisions on major issues, but the bureaucracy’s embrace of Xi has crystallized the country’s new identity as a territory within reach. Beijing’s hand.
Text definition: Xi’s embrace is also a sign of the weakness of local government. Lee, who has spent almost his entire career in the police and security services, lacks the kind of broad network his predecessors brought to the job through his long experience in the service. civil service or in business.
Japan’s Monkey Invasion
Officials in the western Japanese city of Yamaguchi this week killed a monkey they believe is responsible for a series of attacks on humans.
About 25,000 monkeys are killed each year in Japan, mostly by municipalities. Clash between humans and monkeys – aka snow monkeys – is becoming more frequent. In Yamaguchi alone, 56 victims have been attacked by monkeys this month, including a girl injured in her home and a 4-year-old girl mauled at a kindergarten.
Japan’s macaque population is thriving, in large part because conservation efforts have been so successful. Hiroto Enari, a primate expert, wrote in a recent study that population resurgence has “triggered and increased” conflict between humans and monkeys to the point that people living near these animals are now These animals face serious risk of encroaching on their own habitats, a primate expert, wrote in a recent study.
The most serious concern, Enari said, is that animals can spread hepatitis B or other diseases to people.
Elsewhere in Asia: Conflict between humans and monkeys is not new in the region. In Thailand, the city of Lopburi has been under siege for years from aggressive crab-eating monkeys. In Singapore, officials recently had to secure an apartment complex from monkeys.
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Asia Pacific
The economic devastation is evident across the Caribbean, which is facing a future of climate crisis and mounting debt. In Barbados, Mia Mottley, the first woman to lead the country, worked to restructure the country’s multibillion-dollar debt in a way that would free up money to invest in her economy and protection against climate catastrophe.
ARTS AND IDEAS
Barbie’s Year
The color of the season is pink. Inspiration: Barbie.
It starts with haute couture world. During Paris Fashion Week, Valentino debuted a pink collection, and in Rome this month, Anne Hathaway attended her show in a hot pink sequined gown. Lizzo, Lil Nas X, Kim Kardashian and other celebrities have also been spotted in pink.
The trend, known as “Barbiecore,” is also popular among Millennials and Gen Z. Like the website Who What Wear put it: “Yes, the dolls you played with as a child are leading the charge right now. Talk about a real nostalgic revival. “
Then there’s the live-action Barbie movie coming out next year, directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken. Pictures of roller skaters in very bright outfit Vanessa Friedman, fashion director and chief fashion critic for The Times, said on social media: “the summer’s social media fever dopamine”.
PLAY, WATCH, EAT
What to cook?
That’s it for today’s briefing. See you again in the next times. – Matthew
PS The Times has won three awards from the Educational Writers Association.
The latest episode of “The Daily“It’s about NFL quarterback Deshaun Watson.
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