🔥 Hot Topics · Jul 15, 2026
Spain 2-0 France reach final, Mbappe takes blame, Yamal beats him 9th time; NWU revokes Jia Qianqian's master's degree and associate professor title; China H1 GDP grows 4.7%; triple warnings for rain, heat, storms as dog days begin; Mingzhu 7 cruise ship capsizes; man pays $230K for 'Qianlong vase' worth only $35; Cape Verde's stock rises; China rebuts US twice at UN; exchange of fire at Strait of Hormuz; World Cup final halftime extended to 30 minutes.
1. Spain 2-0 France Reach Final, Mbappe Takes Blame
Spain beats France 2-0 in WC semi. Mbappe takes full responsibility, loses composure with elbow on goalkeeper. Yamal beats Mbappe 9th time in 11 meetings. Macron reacts.
2. NWU Revokes Jia Qianqian's Degree and Title for Plagiarism
NWU confirms Jia Qianqian's academic misconduct. Revokes master's degree, associate professor title and teaching position. Accepts resignation.
3. China H1 GDP Grows 4.7%
China's GDP grows 4.7% year-on-year in first half of 2026. Economy maintains stable performance.
4. Triple Warnings as Dog Days Begin
China issues yellow alerts for rain, heat, and severe convection. Dog days begin Jul 15, lasting 40 days. Temperatures up to 40°C in some areas.
5. Mingzhu 7 Cruise Ship Capsizes
The Mingzhu 7 cruise ship capsizes at Wenzhou dock on the evening of Jul 14. Valued at over 100M yuan, no casualties reported.
6. Man Paid $230K for Vase Worth Only $35
A Qingdao man reveals auction house used shills to sell a vase worth only $35 for $230K. Two main perpetrators sentenced to 14.5 and 12 years for fraud.
7. Cape Verde's Stock Rises After Spain's Win
After Spain crushes France 2-0, Henry notes only Cape Verde managed a draw against Spain in the group stage. A testament to their quality.
8. China Rebuts US Twice at UN Security Council
China's UN representative rebuts US accusations twice at Security Council. Foreign Ministry also responds on South China Sea and Japan issues.
9. Exchange of Fire at Strait of Hormuz
Local Iranian authorities report exchange of fire at Strait of Hormuz. Follows Iran's claimed attack on US 5th Fleet HQ and Trump's war notification.
10. World Cup Final Halftime Extended to 30 Minutes
FIFA extends World Cup final halftime to ~30 minutes for a star-studded halftime show, exceeding the regulation 15-minute limit.
Sources and verification
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