The Chinese and Hong Kong governments condemned the U.S. sanctions imposed on Hong Kong's leader Carrie Lam and other officials, calling them a 'blatant and barbaric' interference in China's internal affairs. The sanctions, which freeze U.S. assets and prohibit business with the named individuals, were criticized as 'clowning actions' by China's Liaison Office. Hong Kong's new security law has been met with international criticism for eroding freedoms, while China and the U.S. relations continue to strain over various issues. The U.S. stands with the people of Hong Kong, according to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. China's ambassador to the U.S. called for both countries to work on repairing relations. President Trump also issued executive orders against Chinese companies ByteDance and Tencent, affecting apps TikTok and WeChat.

A record 259,848 new coronavirus cases were reported globally in a single day, with the United States, Brazil, South Africa, and India seeing the largest increases. The global death toll is nearing 600,000, with 7,360 new deaths recorded on Saturday. Hong Kong is experiencing a third peak of infections, leading to extended social distancing measures. Mainland China reported 16 new cases, with Urumqi entering 'wartime mode.' Catalonia, Spain, is urging residents to stay home, and Iran's president suggested 25 million Iranians may have been infected. Melbourne, Australia, has mandated masks outdoors as cases rise.

Thousands in Hong Kong commemorated the 31st anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown despite an official ban. On the same day, Hong Kong criminalized insulting China's national anthem with penalties of up to three years in prison. The move is seen as further mainland encroachment on Hong Kong's autonomy, especially after Beijing's recent imposition of a security law. The U.S. and Taiwan have criticized China's actions, while China dismisses foreign condemnation. Pro-democracy advocates in Hong Kong vow to continue their vigil, despite personal risks and the pandemic.

Thousands in Hong Kong commemorated the 31st anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown despite an official ban due to COVID-19. Concurrently, Hong Kong passed a law criminalizing insults to China's national anthem, with penalties of up to three years in prison. This move, along with a new security law from Beijing, is seen as further eroding the semi-autonomous region's freedoms. The U.S. has condemned these actions, with the State Department honoring those who died in 1989 and supporting ongoing aspirations for democracy in China. Taiwan called for an apology from China, which dismissed the demand. Despite restrictions, a virtual vigil and in-person gatherings occurred in Hong Kong.

Beijing's introduction of a new national security law threatens to limit protests and reduce Hong Kong's autonomy, eliciting strong reactions from pro-democracy legislators and international condemnation. The law, expected to pass, would allow China to bypass Hong Kong's legislative process to address what it considers subversive activities. Hong Kong's Chief Executive Carrie Lam supports the bill, citing public safety and investor interests. The U.S. condemns the move, urging Beijing to reconsider, and tensions rise as China's military spending increases and its GDP growth target is omitted due to the pandemic.

Carrie Lam, Hong Kong's leader, was prevented from delivering her annual policy speech in the Legislative Council by pro-democracy lawmakers, leading her to release the address via a pre-recorded video. Lawmakers disrupted the session by shouting demands and projecting protest messages, while outside, protests continued with a heavy police presence. Claudia Mo criticized Lam as a puppet of Beijing. The Civil Human Rights Front reported an attack on protest figure Jimmy Sham and called for continued protest. Lam's speech addressed the housing shortage and the protests, emphasizing the importance of social order and rejecting Hong Kong independence. The U.S. House showed support for the protesters with three bills, while Lam announced a public forum to be held on Facebook.

Violent clashes erupted in Hong Kong as police fired tear gas and water cannons at protesters after the government postponed a debate on a controversial extradition bill. The bill would allow extradition to mainland China, raising fears of Beijing's increasing control over the semi-autonomous region. Despite peaceful demonstrations earlier, the situation escalated with protesters and police in confrontation. Businesses closed early, and the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival was canceled. Critics, including Hong Kong's last British governor Chris Patten, argue the bill threatens Hong Kong's autonomy and rule of law. The United States expressed grave concern over the bill's potential impact on human rights and the business environment.

Hanoi's Ta Hien Street, known as 'Beer Corner', is a popular spot for enjoying bia hoi, a light Vietnamese draft beer. Brett MacDouall, co-founder of Hanoi Beer Tour, shares insights into the beer culture in Vietnam, which was influenced by the French in the 1890s. Bia hoi became an affordable beer option for citizens in the late 1950s. Despite the rise of bottled beers and craft beer scenes, such as Furbrew's 'pho' beer, bia hoi remains a cultural staple, offering a refreshing experience with low alcohol content for long drinking sessions.

Prachi and Himadri Garg, known as the GhoomoPhiro sisters, turned their passion for adventure into a business organizing women-only adventures and corporate team-building events in India. They aim to showcase lesser-known sides of India and empower women to travel solo, ensuring safety by incorporating female companionship in their tours. The sisters have faced challenges such as avalanches and getting lost but remain dedicated to promoting travel as a means for personal growth and introspection.

The Maharajas’ Express, India's luxurious train, offers an eight-day 'Heritage of India' route through Rajasthan, stopping at destinations like Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Ranthambore National Park, and the Taj Mahal. The train provides opulent interiors, attentive service, and fine dining, with a 3:4 staff-to-guest ratio. Despite some challenges of train travel, such as getting used to the movement at night, the benefits include seeing multiple locations without repacking and forming relationships with fellow travelers and staff. The Presidential Suite is the most luxurious accommodation, and the train's executive chef, John Stone, prepares a variety of local and international dishes. The train's general manager, Hammond Kumar, acknowledges the logistical challenges of operating on India's vast railway network. The 'Heritage of India' route is popular, featuring stops in Jaipur and desert villages, while the 'Southern Jewels' route offers a different experience through southern India.

The Adonia, a 704-passenger cruise ship from Carnival's Fathom brand, made history by sailing from Miami to Havana, becoming the first U.S. leisure ship to travel to Cuba in over 50 years. Carnival CEO Arnold Donald expressed delight at the milestone. The voyage, part of Carnival's impact travel initiative, was documented with photos showing the ship and the welcoming atmosphere in Havana upon its arrival.

The Grateful Dead, originally known as the Warlocks, marks their 50th anniversary with three sold-out shows in Chicago. The band, influential in American music history, has not performed together since 1995, shortly before co-founder Jerry Garcia's death. The reunion will feature original members and guest musicians. The Grateful Dead has a significant presence in music charts and has set records for live performances, with an estimated 25 million people attending their concerts over the years.

Starwood Hotels' Aloft brand is launching a pilot program featuring A.L.O., a robotic butler, at their Cupertino hotel on August 20. The Botlr, designed by Savioke, is intended to assist with small tasks to free up staff for more face-to-face customer interactions. The pilot could expand to nearly 100 properties if successful. The University of Oxford study suggests 47% of U.S. jobs could be computerized, but Starwood emphasizes that the robots will not replace staff. The American Hotel and Lodging Association praises the innovation, and Savioke sees a broad market for service robots. The robots will be leased with a service fee, and costs are expected to decrease over time.

Scarborough High School in Houston, Texas, has partnered with Wal-Mart to offer a retail immersion class called Etail/Retail, designed by Tracy Davis, director for the Center for Retail Management at the University of Houston—Downtown. The program aims to change perceptions of retail careers, showing students the breadth of opportunities, including marketing and logistics. The class could lead to a four-year program awarding certificates in retail. Wal-Mart's involvement includes a mock store lab and field trips, and other companies like Kroger and Firestone Tire and Rubber are set to sponsor similar initiatives.