Texas factory gives Chinese copper firm an edge in tariff war
Chinese copper wire manufacturer Wellascent will start production later this year at its Texas plant, producing 3,000 metric tons annually by 2028 for clients including automaker Stellantis. The facility shields US customers from a 50 percent tariff on imported copper wire, while refined copper remains exempt, Reuters reported.
Hazel Zhu, a Wellascent board member, said US factory has turned tariffs into a “golden opportunity,” with the plant expected to generate over half of the company’s overseas revenue within three years.
According to Reuters, Wellascent’s investment is a rare example of a Chinese firm benefiting from US trade measures. A temporary 145 percent equipment tariff earlier this year almost halted plans, but a trade truce allowed construction to continue. Experts say the case may guide other Chinese firms eyeing US investment.
‘KPop Demon Hunters’ gives Netflix its first box-office win
Netflix appears to have its first No. 1 box-office title in the streaming company’s 18-year history thanks to the sensation of “KPop Demon Hunters.”
Rival studios on Sunday estimated “KPop Demon Hunters” led all films over the weekend with $16-18 million in ticket sales. Distribution executives from three studios shared their estimates for the Netflix phenomenon on condition of anonymity because the streaming company has a policy of not reporting ticket sales, Associated Press reported.
Following a dominating few weeks as one of the most popular Netflix releases ever, the streamer put the film into 1,750 theaters for sing-along screenings Saturday and Sunday. Studios are able to accurately estimate ticket sales for all releases on Sunday morning, though the uncommon nature of the “KPop Demon Hunters” releases means a wider variance. Some estimates were as high as $20 million.
Doctors in Gaza say patients’ protruding ribs and bony limbs offer evidence of malnutrition
Not long after Texas surgeon Mohammed Adeel Khaleel arrived at a Gaza City hospital in early August, a 17-year-old was brought in with gunshot wounds to both legs and one hand, sustained when he went to collect food at an aid site. Associated Press reported.
In the emergency room, Khaleel said he noted the ribs protruding from the teen’s emaciated torso, an indication of severe malnutrition. When doctors at Al-Ahli Hospital stabilized the patient, he raised his heavily bandaged hand and pointed to his empty mouth, Khaleel said.
“The level of hunger is really what’s heartbreaking. You know, we saw malnutrition before, back in November, already starting to happen. But now the level is just, it’s beyond imagination,” Khaleel, a spinal surgeon on his third volunteer stint in Gaza, said in an interview.
On Friday, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, or IPC, the leading authority on global hunger crises, said for the first time that parts of Gaza are in famine and warned that it is spreading. For months, U.N. agencies, aid groups and experts had warned that Israel’s blockade and ongoing offensive were pushing the territory to the brink, according to Associated Press.
SpaceX postpones Starship test flight over ground system issue
Elon Musks' SpaceX postponed Sunday’s tenth Starship launch from Texas about 30 minutes before liftoff due to a ground system problem. The 232-foot Super Heavy booster and 171-foot Starship were fully stacked and fueled at Starbase, according to Reuters.
The delay slows progress on the next-generation rocket, which has faced multiple test failures this year. Starship’s upgraded design includes stronger heat shields, improved flaps, and increased thrust, crucial for reentry and rapid reuse. A new launch date has not been announced.
