🤡 'Cocaine' Crisis... Wait, was it Grain? German FM Mistakes Ukraine's Export Industry for 'Presidential Powder'

Annalena Baerbock appeared to slip (who knows) during a press conference in Romania. Instead of saying, "Ukrainian grain" - she opted for "Cocaine grain".

Watch out for white bread next year.

@RiseGS

Chip Wars: 🇨🇳 Investment Fund to Drive Semi-Conductor Race

China has set a goal of raising $40 billion for the country to challenge US & other key rivals in the chip industry. (Reuters)

Similar funds were created in 2014 and 2019 but didn't raise as much as the 300bn yuan being touted this time. A key area for investment is manufacturing equipment.

China hopes to become totally self-sufficient in semi-conductors, after Washington continues to sanction it fearing it will use chips to bolster its military.

@RiseGS

🔠 Growing Number of Ukrainians May Never Return - New Study

Around 8% of the country's population - 3.3mn people - will probably stay abroad, and it could hit Ukraine's GDP by 6.9% in the future. (Center for Economic Strategy)

The estimate is up more than half-a-million people since last year, with the increase put down to the war dragging on, blackouts and adaption to life abroad - a Kiev-based think tank says.

It poses a serious threat to rebuild plans. Currently it's claimed the country is some 4.5 million people short of its pre-war population. Goodbye to taxes.

Estimates, however, put 6.2mn abroad (more than half in Germany and Poland) as they take advantage of EU benefits. It's now got Ukraine making more demands from the EU - calling for the bloc to open its labor market to bring in a new workforce.

@RiseGS

❗️🇪🇸 NEW: Bridge Collapses, 3 Dead In Central Spain

Torrential rain led to severe flooding which has killed at least 3 people. Drone footage shows a partially collapse bridge in Aldea del Fresno, just outside of Madrid.

@ResistorNewswireEUR

☄️ UK Outlaws 'Laughing Gas' with Nitrous Oxide to be Categorized as Class C Drug

Try not to chuckle.

@RiseGS

🧐Daughter of Ukrainian Regional Draft Board in Chernhiv Posts Video on Vacation in LA & Miami

Pushing pens & desk jobs must really pay well in Ukraine.

@RiseGS