Jeronimo Gonzalez

An Ebola outbreak in Central Africa is driving a global vaccine race as scientists work to contain the Bundibugyo strain. The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations is funding trials for an experimental vaccine, while Oxford University is in the human trial phase. Health workers face challenges including lack of equipment, misinformation, and no existing vaccine.

Wildfires near Madrid and Bordeaux remain uncontrolled as Europe faces extreme heat, displacing hundreds of thousands. An EU official warned the region is unprepared for climate change impacts, with similar crises reported in Tokyo, the US, and Scotland.

Soaring egg prices in China highlight the contrast between its slowing economy and rising consumer costs. Beijing reported 4.3% GDP growth in the three months to June, but experts question the accuracy, while energy price increases from the Iran war have driven egg prices up 40%.

China closed over 30,000 preschools and primary schools in 2025 due to a demographic crisis, with kindergarten enrollment dropping by a quarter between 2020 and 2024. Fertility rates remain critically low at 1.0 live births per woman, and experts note China is aging rapidly without achieving economic wealth.

China’s planned restrictions on rare earth exports could risk $6.5 trillion in downstream production, according to the International Energy Agency. The move, in response to U.S. tariffs, has been postponed, but the U.S. and Western countries aim to reduce reliance on China’s rare earths, a process experts say could take years.

China's Q2 growth slowed to 4.3% year-on-year, the lowest since late 2022, due to the Iran war, weak domestic demand, and a real estate slump. Despite strong exports, declining industrial and real estate investments raise concerns, with analysts warning of an unsustainable economic situation.

China's exports reached a record $412 billion last month, driven by AI, green technology, and electric vehicles (EVs). Green tech exports surged by a third in the first half of the year due to rising fuel prices linked to the Iran war, while EV shipments exceeded one million units for the first time. However, weakening domestic consumption continues to hinder growth.

The death toll from twin earthquakes in Venezuela has approached 5,000, with thousands missing. The Pan American Health Organization warns of a critical health emergency due to poor sanitation and an overburdened health system. Economists estimate the disaster could cost Venezuela 6% of its GDP, which has declined nearly 75% since 2013 under years of Chavista rule.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum plans to resume oil exports to Cuba, risking a clash with US President Donald Trump's ban on crude shipments to the island. Sheinbaum has avoided a confrontation to protect Mexico's economy, while other leaders, including Italy's prime minister, are adopting more assertive stances as Trump's policies impact their economies.

Countries are adjusting to the aftermath of the US-Iran deal, with Brazil planning to scrap fuel subsidies if oil prices stabilize, Chile revising economic forecasts, France expecting sluggish growth, and Thailand reporting a 25% drop in Middle Eastern tourists. Global energy markets remain unstable, and experts warn of increased economic jitteriness.

China's gig economy, which employs over 200 million people, faces growing concerns as AI threatens job stability. Cooling growth in the sector has led to declines in ride-hailing drivers, truck drivers, and livestreamers, with experts warning of high youth unemployment amid slowing economic growth.

US President Donald Trump stated he is 'not looking to renew' the USMCA trade deal with Canada and Mexico, a move that could impact North American economies. Analysts note that while delaying renewal gives the US leverage, it risks deterring regional investment, despite increased trilateral trade in recent years.

China's reduced oil purchases have lowered global prices by about 5% since the start of the Iran war. Analysts question how long Beijing will maintain this pace and warn of severe economic risks if purchases resume while the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.

Global wholesale inflation accelerated due to higher energy costs and trade disruptions from the Iran war. China's factory gate prices rose at the fastest pace since 2022, Japan's producer prices increased sharply, and the U.S. CPI is expected to hit a multi-year high. Central banks, including the Bank of Japan and the Federal Reserve, are now seen likely to raise rates this year amid concerns over prolonged inflation and economic growth.

China’s industrial profits surged at the fastest rate in over two years, driven by strong exports and advancements in modularity. Experts highlighted China’s mastery of modular production as a key factor in its global industrial dominance, despite weak domestic consumption.

The World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledges delays in responding to the Ebola outbreak in central Africa, with 10 countries at high risk. Travel bans from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have been imposed, while the U.S. established a quarantine facility in Kenya. Misinformation is hindering efforts, as up to a third of people in the outbreak's epicenter doubt the virus's existence.

China’s EV exports surged 40% year-on-year in April, with Europe becoming the second-largest buyer despite EU concerns. Data revealed China’s EV exports surpassed fossil fuel-powered car exports for the first time this year, while new analysis questioned the accuracy of China’s CO2 emissions reporting.

The US deported nine individuals to Sierra Leone, marking the country's participation in receiving third-country migrants. The move was widely condemned by rights groups despite the immigration crackdown being popular with Republican voters and achieving the lowest undocumented border crossings in years. However, experts warn the policy could result in nearly $500 billion in lost tax revenue over the next decade.

Western businesses and officials remain skeptical of China's security practices despite efforts to attract foreign investment and tourism. Major firms like Morgan Stanley are implementing special security measures for operations in mainland China, and US officials were required to discard all devices and gifts received during Trump's visit due to data compliance concerns.