The article reflects on the papacy of Pope Francis, beginning with his unexpected and humble debut in 2013 as the first non-European pope in nearly 1,300 years. Eschewing traditional papal luxuries, he chose simplicity, living modestly, wearing ordinary clothes, and prioritising personal contact with people over grand ceremony. Motivated by a deep desire to be among the people rather than to appear humble, he focused his efforts on outreach to the poor, environmental care, and reforming the Church from within.
Francis challenged entrenched norms, offering a more compassionate and inclusive approach while maintaining conservative views on certain doctrines. His efforts at reform, particularly regarding Vatican finances and responses to clerical abuse, met resistance and had mixed results. Despite opposition, especially from conservative factions, he appointed cardinals aligned with his vision of a more open and merciful Church.
Ultimately, the article portrays Francis as a complex figure driven by a belief in mercy and human dignity. His legacy may be one of transformation, but it remains uncertain whether the Church will continue on the path he set.

The article explores venture capitalist Peter Thiel’s renewed push for a modern "atomic age" in the United States, focusing on hardware and energy innovation over software. Thiel, a long-time critic of America’s tech stagnation, is now backing General Matter, a secretive startup aiming to produce high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) for advanced nuclear reactors. The firm, supported by Thiel's Founders Fund, reflects a wave of patriotic, MAGA-aligned tech ventures gaining traction amid rising concerns over US reliance on Russian nuclear fuel and competition with China in AI.
General Matter has drawn significant attention despite its low profile, securing a spot in a major Department of Energy initiative and competing for billion-dollar federal contracts. Though its plans are ambitious—and currently vague—it benefits from political connections and a legacy of Thiel-backed ventures like Palantir and Anduril, which have reshaped US national security tech.
Critics question its rapid ascent and readiness, especially given the stringent nuclear regulatory process and formidable competition from established players. Nonetheless, Thiel's vision signals a shift in Silicon Valley: a return to state-aligned, hard-tech innovation reminiscent of the Cold War era—albeit now driven by private capital and political ideology.

The article charts the meteoric rise of Nvidia, whose market value soared from $330bn to $3.3trn in just 19 months, making it the world’s most valuable company at several points in the past year. Central to this success is co-founder and CEO Jensen Huang, a complex and driven figure who transformed Nvidia from a niche graphics chipmaker into a powerhouse at the core of the AI revolution.
A new book, The Thinking Machine by Stephen Witt, explores Huang’s journey and Nvidia’s evolution, highlighting both serendipitous breakthroughs—like the convergence of parallel processing and neural networks—and intentional cultural strategies, such as rapid iteration and a flat corporate hierarchy. Huang is portrayed as both exacting and compassionate, with a relentless work ethic and a deep influence on Nvidia’s innovation-driven culture.
Despite his strategic brilliance, Huang remains dismissive of AI’s risks, in contrast to more cautious industry peers. Yet, as Witt notes, whether AI proves humanity’s salvation or downfall, it will likely do so running on Nvidia’s chips.

The article reports growing controversy surrounding U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, who is under scrutiny for sharing sensitive military information in private Signal chats—including one involving his wife and personal lawyer. This revelation comes amid broader concerns about dysfunction and inexperience within the Pentagon under his leadership.
Hegseth, a political novice, had already faced criticism for sharing operational details ahead of U.S. strikes in Yemen with individuals who had no operational need to know. The creation of a separate Signal group chat, including family and close aides, has deepened concerns. Former Pentagon spokesman John Ullyot, who recently resigned, accused Hegseth of mismanagement and of spreading falsehoods about departing staff. He warned that the Pentagon is in “chaos” and urged President Trump to replace him.
Despite criticism from political opponents and internal unrest—including staff dismissals and a newly launched inspector general investigation—Hegseth retains support from Trump and some Republicans. His tenure so far has been marked by controversial decisions, including hosting non-government individuals in classified meetings, altering DEI-related content on Pentagon websites, and erratic leadership changes. While the Pentagon denies any classified leaks, concerns continue to mount about the implications of his leadership style and judgement.

The article explores how wealthy American investors are responding to recent market turmoil sparked by President Trump's volatile tariff policies and an intensifying trade war with China. The turbulence has led to major stock market swings—wiping out $7.7 trillion before partial recovery—and a sharp sell-off in long-term government bonds, traditionally seen as safe assets.
Some high-net-worth individuals are reacting with caution. Chris Ciunci, a Rhode Island entrepreneur, sold part of his portfolio, citing concerns about inflation and America’s global standing. Others, like Doug Johnson near Denver, remain calm, crediting portfolio diversification. Meanwhile, Ken Wagnon in Kansas saw the market dip as a buying opportunity, encouraged by Trump’s expansive tariff strategy.
Financial advisers report increased anxiety among clients, many of whom are questioning the future of American economic dominance. Some are looking to increase exposure to foreign markets or shift toward more stable assets like fixed income. While opinions differ—shaped by political leanings, risk tolerance, and cash reserves—the consensus is that global uncertainty is reshaping investment strategies among the wealthy.

The article provides updates on key developments in the Asian transport and shipbuilding sectors:
Chinese Shipbuilding: Consolidation among Chinese shipbuilders is expected, with orders increasingly concentrated among top firms like Yangzijiang Shipbuilding. Weaker, tier-two Chinese yards may struggle as some international demand shifts to Korean and Japanese shipbuilders amid growing geopolitical concerns. Despite this, Yangzijiang remains well-positioned due to its strong financials and global competitiveness.
Airlines: Morningstar has raised the uncertainty ratings for Singapore Airlines (SIA) and ANA from low to medium, citing growing risks to earnings from declining travel demand and potential supply chain disruptions due to tariffs. Rising maintenance costs may be partly offset by falling jet fuel prices.
Singapore Airlines Outlook: UOB Kay Hian forecasts improved earnings for SIA in FY 2026 and FY 2027, driven by an 8% drop in jet fuel prices. The brokerage raised its earnings estimates and increased the target price from S$6.09 to S$6.22, maintaining a “hold” rating. SIA shares rose slightly to S$6.39.

A Tunisian court has sentenced dozens of opposition figures, businessmen, and lawyers to lengthy prison terms ranging from 13 to 66 years in what critics call a politically motivated trial orchestrated by President Kais Saied. Businessman Kamel Ltaif received the harshest sentence of 66 years, while opposition politician Khayam Turki was sentenced to 48 years. Other prominent opposition leaders, including Ghazi Chaouachi and Issam Chebbi, were each given 18-year terms.
The mass trial, involving 40 defendants, has been condemned by rights groups and legal experts as a sham aimed at silencing dissent. Over 20 of the accused have fled the country. President Saied, who won a second term in 2024 with over 90% of the vote, has increasingly tightened his grip on power since dissolving parliament in 2021 and taking control of the judiciary.
Opposition groups accuse Saied of staging a coup and using the judiciary to eliminate rivals, with most party leaders now imprisoned. The case has drawn strong criticism from both family members of the accused and human rights advocates, who view it as a sign of Tunisia’s democratic decline.

A mass displacement crisis caused by the ongoing conflict in Cameroon’s anglophone regions continues to affect thousands, including Solange Ndonga Tibesa, who fled to Nigeria after being abducted by separatists in 2019. The war between Cameroon’s government and English-speaking separatists—who declared the independent state of Ambazonia—has displaced over 700,000 people and killed more than 4,000. Many, like Tibesa, now live in refugee settlements in Nigeria, attempting to rebuild their lives while longing to return home.
The root of the conflict lies in longstanding grievances by Cameroon’s English-speaking minority over political and cultural marginalisation in a predominantly Francophone country. Efforts at resolving the crisis, including a 2019 national dialogue, have failed, with the government refusing to engage separatist leaders. Humanitarian support is strained, and upcoming presidential elections in October—where 92-year-old Paul Biya seeks an eighth term—are unlikely to bring significant change unless international pressure forces inclusive dialogue and decentralisation.
For displaced people like Tibesa, the hope of returning home is tempered by the persistent violence and uncertainty over the future of Cameroon’s political landscape.

An American pastor, Joshua Sullivan, has been rescued by South African police after being kidnapped during a sermon in Motherwell, near Gqeberha. The 34-year-old missionary from Tennessee was taken by four armed men last Thursday while preaching at the Fellowship Baptist Church, where he has served since 2018. He was later found unharmed following a police shootout that left three suspects dead.
South Africa’s Hawks, a police unit specialising in serious crimes, said Sullivan was discovered in a vehicle following a high-speed chase and gunfire. Kidnappings in South Africa have surged in recent years, with over 17,000 cases recorded in the year to March 2024. Though many abductions are linked to vehicle hijackings or robberies, the motive behind Sullivan’s kidnapping remains unclear.
Sullivan, who is fluent in Xhosa and has four children with his wife Meagan, was praised by his family for his dedication and kindness. His mother celebrated the rescue on social media, calling him a "gentle giant" and thanking supporters for their prayers.