Caves near China's ‘Avatar Mountains' found packed with decade-old trash
Caves near China's 'Avatar Mountains' found packed with decade-old trash
A hidden environmental crisis is unfolding in ancient caves near China's Zhangjiajie Forest Park, famed for its massive quartz-sandstone pillar formations, which are said to have inspired the floating scenery that appears in the 2009 Hollywood blockbuster 'Avatar.' Viral social media videos showing piles of trash in the area, some reportedly dumped over a decade ago, are prompting a mass cleanup of the karst caves.
00:59 - Source: CNN
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Caves near China's 'Avatar Mountains' found packed with decade-old trash
A hidden environmental crisis is unfolding in ancient caves near China's Zhangjiajie Forest Park, famed for its massive quartz-sandstone pillar formations, which are said to have inspired the floating scenery that appears in the 2009 Hollywood blockbuster 'Avatar.' Viral social media videos showing piles of trash in the area, some reportedly dumped over a decade ago, are prompting a mass cleanup of the karst caves.
00:59 - Source: CNN
50 years of 'Jaws' and shark attacks
As Steven Spielberg's summer blockbuster 'Jaws' turns 50, CNN's Harry Enten figures out how likely it is to be attacked by a shark and whether we should fear the waters.
01:57 - Source: CNN
Erupting volcano puts Indonesians on high alert
Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki, one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes, erupted Tuesday, sending an ash cloud high into the air. The country's volcanology agency has raised the alert level to the highest.
00:59 - Source: CNN
The NHL Stanley Cup's perfect imperfections
The Stanley Cup is one of the most iconic trophies in all of sports, but one of the reasons the NHL's championship trophy is so lionized is its perfect imperfections. CNN's Coy Wire spoke to The Keeper of the Cup Howie Borrow for a tour of some of the trophy's character-building bloopers.
01:02 - Source: CNN
Storm chaser captures 'unprecedented' view of monster hailstones falling from sky
Storm chaser and research scientist Sean Waugh has documented softball sized (or greater) hailstones in freefall with an ultra-high-tech camera mounted on a retrofitted research vehicle. The goal – to study and better understand what makes gigantic hail form, and how to better detect it and ultimately improve severe weather warnings. Sean speaks with CNN Meteorologist Derek Van Dam while on the road, capturing imagery of this very impactful and expensive natural phenomenon. (edited)
01:47 - Source: CNN
Flash flood destroys apartment building
An apartment building in West Virginia partially collapsed as flash floods hit the area. The governor's office said at least five people are dead and four people remain missing following the floods.
00:31 - Source: CNN
After talking to hundreds of dads, this podcaster shares his two biggest lessons
Dr. John Delony speaks to millions of listeners on his popular podcast about mental health, family and relationships. As a therapist, he's used to offering advice to struggling fathers, but we asked him about the biggest lessons he's learned as a dad.
01:32 - Source: CNN
Rare deep-sea squid filmed alive for first time
Scientists have captured the first-ever footage of the elusive Gonatus antarcticus squid alive in its deep-sea habitat. CNN's Jeremy Roth describes the rare encounter. For more on this story, visit natgeo.com.
01:12 - Source: CNN
Trump draws boos and cheers at Kennedy Center
President Donald Trump drew charged reactions of both admiration and ire at the Kennedy Center's opening night of "Les Misérables."
00:29 - Source: CNN
The many adventures of the Stanley Cup
Winner's of the NHL's Stanley Cup each get to take the cup for a day and do whatever they want with it. CNN's Coy Wire recounts some of the Cup's wildest days out.
00:43 - Source: CNN
BTS members discharged from South Korean military
One of the world's biggest boybands could soon be making a comeback with six out of seven members of K-Pop supergroup BTS now discharged from South Korea's mandatory military service. The band plans to reunite at some point later this year.
00:47 - Source: CNN
Combs requests mistrial for a second time
CNN's Elizabeth Wagmeister explains that Sean "Diddy" Combs' defense team requested a mistrial for a second time, which was denied. Combs' team accused the prosecution of presenting false testimony from Bryana Bongolan, a friend of Cassie Ventura's, who testified that Combs dangled her over a balcony.
01:26 - Source: CNN
Tennessee sheriff's office airlifts escaped zebra to safety
DEK: A zebra, that escaped from its owner in Christiana, Tennessee was captured on Sunday and airlifted to safety by the local sheriff's office. The animal, named Ed, had been reported missing just a day after he was acquired by its owners in Rutherford County. They have since been reunited.
00:35 - Source: CNN
Jamie Foxx breaks down during BET Awards acceptance speech
Jamie Foxx was overcome with emotion while accepting the Ultimate Icon Award at the BET Awards. He reflected on his 2023 health scare.
00:45 - Source: CNN
See what's coming to your iPhone and other Apple devices
Apple announced major software updates at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference. Most of the new features won't reach users' devices for a few months when OS 26 releases this fall.
01:49 - Source: CNN
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Beijing turns to influencers in fresh Chinese propaganda push
IShowSpeed When American YouTuber IShowSpeed – real name Darren Watkins Jr – came across a dancing car in China's technology hub of Shenzhen, he reacted in typically breathless fashion. 'You see what I'm talking about?' he shouts at the camera. 'This is where they be making this stuff at – it's Shenzhen!' It was one of many effusive outbursts during a livestream stretching almost six hours, in which the social media star ordered a KFC by drone, rode in a flying car and bought a Huawei triple-folding phone. The video by IShowSpeed, who has more than 40m subscribers on YouTube, was perhaps the clearest example yet of Western influencers promoting China's technological capabilities and culture. It marks a new frontier in Chinese propaganda efforts, as the country seeks to control the narrative overseas and not just at home. Russia and China are already believed to be spending as much as £8bn a year to bolster their media presence globally, primarily in developing countries in the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. It is a trend that has raised particular concerns in Britain amid crippling cuts to the BBC World Service. However, China's latest initiative to attract influencers, described as the 'ultimate cultural exchange', demonstrates a more concerted effort to win hearts and minds. The Communist Youth League of China is inviting influencers under the age of 35 with more than 300,000 social media followers to apply to take part in a 10-day trip that will include visits to Suzhou, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Handan and Beijing. Successful applicants can apply to have their travel expenses reimbursed. For government officials, the motive is clear. By harnessing the 'authentic' voices of influencers, Beijing wants to target a more subtle way of spreading soft power. 'It's becoming more sophisticated,' says Neil O'Brien, of the China Research Group of Tory MPs. 'Less crass stuff and more new media. Lord knows how much they are spending.' Helena Ivanov, at the Henry Jackson Society think tank, adds: 'I think many people are, to a certain degree, underestimating the extent to which China is investing in disinformation because China doesn't necessarily do it in an in-your-face style like, for example, Russia does. 'But the fact that it's under the radar doesn't mean that it's not out there and I think China has been very good at capturing the ways through which it can disseminate its disinformation.' What's more, publishing content on online platforms such as YouTube allows China to present its message to younger audiences. Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, TikTok and X were the top five news sources used by 16 to 24-year-olds last year, according to Ofcom. A recent survey by Ipsos found that almost half of young people trust influencers, while 55pc get news from them every day. This is particularly concerning given some of their content. It doesn't take long on social media to find British vloggers posting fluffy videos from the Xinjiang province that play down concerns about alleged human rights abuses against Uyghur Muslims. Others post videos vowing to give their subscribers the 'truth' about China and expose Western media 'lies'. Such claims have fuelled concerns that Beijing is using sites such as TikTok, owned by Beijing-headquartered ByteDance, to spread its propaganda. The latest initiative also suggests Beijing is formalising a strategy already deployed by some of its companies. In 2023, Chinese fast fashion brand Shein, which has been accused of using forced labour and other human rights abuses, invited influencers on an all-expenses-paid trip to its manufacturing facilities in Guangzhou. The result was unsurprising. In one now-deleted video, influencer Destene Sudduth, who has 4m followers on TikTok, claimed to have seen clean factories and happy workers. Shein has said it has a zero-tolerance policy on forced labour and is committed to respecting human rights. For Beijing, though, the influencer push hints at a more understated method. Rather than ramming its political points home via state media, the regime is seeking alternative means to burnish China's credentials as a technological and cultural hub. With TikTok dominating the social media sphere and as more Westerners turn to Chinese-made phones and electric cars, authorities are hoping to transform the country into a desirable – even fashionable – brand. In turn, China hopes young people in the West will be willing to overlook the country's questionable track record on democracy and human rights. Meanwhile, China's efforts to open its doors to social media stars are particularly striking given Donald Trump's apparent determination to do the opposite. Khaby Lame, often considered the world's biggest TikTok personality, has left the US after being targeted in Trump's immigration crackdown. Others also point to the fact that the US president is still considering a potential ban or forced sale of TikTok, though this week he gave the company a third reprieve by granting it an extra 90 days to find a buyer. Yet efforts to silence influencers are not only undemocratic; they are also unlikely to work. Enterprising streamers will simply decamp to a different platform, experts say, as many TikTokers have already demonstrated by setting up on rival YouTube Shorts. Ivanov says China's increasing use of influencers is 'extremely concerning'. 'You can't stop it any more. Pandora's box has opened,' she adds. As a result, she suggests that the West cannot ignore China's sophisticated new soft power strategy. No longer is Beijing simply pumping out crude propaganda on state-run channels. It is now looking to weaponise YouTube and social media to help control the global narrative. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
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Busan Film Fest's Asian Cinema Fund Selects 14 Projects From Record-Breaking Submissions
The Asian Cinema Fund (ACF), the flagship funding arm of the Busan International Film Festival, has unveiled its 14 official selections for 2025 following a record-breaking submission period that saw applications surge 23% to 850 projects. The fund, which operates under the Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM), provides financial and institutional support to filmmakers from Korea and across Asia throughout script development, post-production and documentary phases. ACF-backed projects have consistently gained traction at major international film festivals, cementing the initiative's role in amplifying Asian independent cinema globally. More from Variety Busan Film Festival Confirms Pivot to Competitive Format for Landmark 30th Edition Busan International Film Festival Names Jung Hanseok as New Director Korea Box Office: 'Executioner' Claims Fifth Weekend Win as Market Slumps to Lowest Point This Year Following an extensive review process evaluating creative potential and project maturity, the fund awarded three projects to its Script Development Fund, four to the Post-Production Fund, and seven to the Asian Network of Documentary (AND) Fund. The selections showcase what organizers describe as 'bold visions and critical perspectives that showcase the evolving voice of contemporary Asian cinema.' The Script Development Fund, drawing from 478 submissions in its most competitive round to date, selected three projects that examine protagonists confronting and resisting their realities. Christine Haroutounian's 'Black Star Angel' (Armenia) follows a woman's struggle to escape a life defined by war, violence and trauma. Eve Baswel's 'Heaven Help Us!' (Philippines) revisits the tragic Manila Film Center collapse of the 1980s, focusing on individual narratives rather than treating victims as statistics. Li Yingtong's 'New Life' (China) offers an intimate portrait of a mother and daughter supporting each other after the death of their husband and father. Each project receives a KRW10 million ($7,300) grant plus an invitation to the Asian Project Market (APM) 2025, providing access to industry stakeholders through business meetings and networking opportunities. Li Yingtong is a graduate of the 2024 Chanel X BIFF Asia Film Academy. From 75 submissions, the Post-Production Fund selected four feature films scheduled for world premieres at the 30th Busan International Film Festival in September. Korean selections include Jeong Seung-o's 'Coming of Age,' which captures diverse perspectives across generations and social classes, and Lim Junghwan's 'The Observer's Journal,' blending tension and humor in surreal circumstances. International picks feature Sanju Surendran's 'If on a Winter's Night' (India), offering layered views of Indian society through multiple couples' interwoven stories, and Chen Jianhang's 'The River that Holds Our Hands' (Hong Kong/China/Vietnam), following a man's journey reflecting on Chinese ethnic minority diaspora. The AND Fund selected seven feature-length documentaries recognized for inventive form and compelling approaches. Four Korean projects explore society, space and memory through unique lenses: Cho Hanna's 'Our Complex' reflects on Yeosu's transformation through Expo, industrial and tourism developments; Yim Jeunghae's 'Sea, Star, Woman' (Korea/France) presents a personal investigation into a mother's disappearance; Yang Dayeon's 'Sprouted Potato Lives on' revisits a demolished Seoul hillside neighborhood; and Kwon Sunhyeon's 'Weathering Architect' examines memory and temporality in Seoul's changing landscape through veteran architect Joh Sung-yong's philosophy. Asian selections include Neary Adeline Hay's 'Kampuchea' (Cambodia/France), examining intergenerational trauma from violence; Armin Septiexan's 'Oma' (Indonesia/Philippines/France/Netherlands), presenting a survivor confronting the past; and Min Min Hein's untitled Myanmar project. These documentaries will be featured in AND Talk & Share sessions at the Asian Contents & Film Market. The 30th Busan International Film Festival runs Sept. 17-26 around Busan Cinema Center, with the 20th Asian Contents & Film Market taking place Sept. 20-23 at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? 25 Hollywood Legends Who Deserve an Honorary Oscar
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Singapore Airlines cancels Dubai flights amid rising Middle East conflict; Singaporeans risk losing SkillsFuture $500 credit by year-end: Singapore live news
Singapore Airlines (SIA) has suspended flights to and from Dubai after US strikes on Iran triggered fresh security concerns. The cancellations come after a security assessment of escalating regional risks. More SIA flights could be impacted as the situation evolves. FlightRadar24 shows airlines steering clear of airspace over Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Israel, taking longer – and more expensive – routes around the conflict zone. The move mirrors similar decisions by British Airways, Air France, and U.S. carriers, which are bracing for fuel hikes and volatile conditions. With oil prices rising and tensions unresolved, airlines worldwide are entering turbulence – both literally and financially. More on the flight chaos that hit SIA and other airlines here. With just over six months to go, more than 70 per cent of eligible Singaporeans have yet to tap into the $500 one-off SkillsFuture credit top-up issued in 2020. The top-up – meant to support pandemic-era reskilling – expires on 31 December 2025. Training in AI, digital marketing, and cyber security is trending, but most users haven't taken the leap. SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) actively encouraging citizens to use its digital tools and advisory services before it's too late. If you're eligible, this may be your last chance to upgrade your skills at no cost. Read more on the expiring $500 SkillsFuture credit here. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates. With just over six months to go, more than 70 per cent of Singaporeans eligible for the one-off $500 SkillsFuture credit top-up still haven't used it. Issued in 2020 to encourage upskilling during the pandemic, the credit expires on 31 December 2025 – with no plans for extension. Despite rising demand for courses in AI, cybersecurity, and digital marketing, only 28 per cent have tapped into the credit. That leaves roughly 1.8 million Singaporeans at risk of missing out on free career development funds. SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) is now intensifying its outreach – rolling out reminder emails, promoting its Careers and Skills Passport, and offering free advisory services. But with the deadline fast approaching, the agency says the onus is on individuals to act. Notably, Singaporeans aged 40 and above now receive an additional $4,000 mid-career credit, but this is separate from the $500 top-up at risk of expiry. To qualify, courses must begin and be claimed by the end of 2025. Read on the expiring SkillsFuture credit here. Singapore Airlines (SIA) has suspended multiple flights to and from Dubai following a security reassessment tied to rising conflict in the Middle East. This move comes after US military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites prompted carriers globally to steer clear of Iranian, Iraqi, and Syrian airspace. As war risk zones expand, major airlines – including British Airways, Air France, and United Airlines – are also cancelling Gulf-bound flights or diverting around the region, despite increased costs and extended flight times. Flight tracking data shows large portions of regional airspace remain eerily empty. For Singapore Airlines, the route disruption is significant. Since the closure of Russian skies, Middle East corridors became vital to link Asia with Europe. Now, that lifeline is under threat again. SIA warns that further cancellations are possible as the geopolitical situation remains fluid. Global air safety groups have flagged heightened risks for US and allied carriers, citing potential retaliatory action from Iran or its proxies. Even as Israel reopens its skies temporarily for rescue operations, the outlook for commercial aviation remains uncertain. Passengers are urged to check their flight statuses. With airspace tightening and oil prices ticking up, the skies over the Middle East just got a lot more turbulent – for airlines and travellers alike. Read on how the Middle East chaos grounded key global flights here. With just over six months to go, more than 70 per cent of Singaporeans eligible for the one-off $500 SkillsFuture credit top-up still haven't used it. Issued in 2020 to encourage upskilling during the pandemic, the credit expires on 31 December 2025 – with no plans for extension. Despite rising demand for courses in AI, cybersecurity, and digital marketing, only 28 per cent have tapped into the credit. That leaves roughly 1.8 million Singaporeans at risk of missing out on free career development funds. SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) is now intensifying its outreach – rolling out reminder emails, promoting its Careers and Skills Passport, and offering free advisory services. But with the deadline fast approaching, the agency says the onus is on individuals to act. Notably, Singaporeans aged 40 and above now receive an additional $4,000 mid-career credit, but this is separate from the $500 top-up at risk of expiry. To qualify, courses must begin and be claimed by the end of 2025. Read on the expiring SkillsFuture credit here. Singapore Airlines (SIA) has suspended multiple flights to and from Dubai following a security reassessment tied to rising conflict in the Middle East. This move comes after US military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites prompted carriers globally to steer clear of Iranian, Iraqi, and Syrian airspace. As war risk zones expand, major airlines – including British Airways, Air France, and United Airlines – are also cancelling Gulf-bound flights or diverting around the region, despite increased costs and extended flight times. Flight tracking data shows large portions of regional airspace remain eerily empty. For Singapore Airlines, the route disruption is significant. Since the closure of Russian skies, Middle East corridors became vital to link Asia with Europe. Now, that lifeline is under threat again. SIA warns that further cancellations are possible as the geopolitical situation remains fluid. Global air safety groups have flagged heightened risks for US and allied carriers, citing potential retaliatory action from Iran or its proxies. Even as Israel reopens its skies temporarily for rescue operations, the outlook for commercial aviation remains uncertain. Passengers are urged to check their flight statuses. With airspace tightening and oil prices ticking up, the skies over the Middle East just got a lot more turbulent – for airlines and travellers alike. Read on how the Middle East chaos grounded key global flights here.
