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The startup ecosystem in Central Eurasia is having its moment. What started as 485 applications from across 27 countries — including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Estonia, Georgia, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Pakistan, Qatar, Romania, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, UAE, the U.K., Ukraine, the U.S., Uzbekistan, and Vietnam — has culminated in the largest startup pitch competition in Central Eurasia’s history. The “Road to Battlefield” is putting the region’s most promising entrepreneurs on a direct path to San Francisco’s most prestigious startup stage at TechCrunch’s Startup Battlefield 200. The Road to Battlefield competition, organized by Silkroad Innovation…

If you spend any time gardening, you probably understand what I mean when I say it feels good — despite the lifting, sweating and straining involved. Yes, exercise is good for our bodies, but there’s something about digging in the dirt while listening to a bird soundtrack that lifts my spirits. Even the scent of the soil and mulch makes me happy.As it turns out, there are scientific reasons for this.In fact, there’s an entire field called horticultural therapy that’s dedicated to using “plant-based and garden-based activities to support people who have identified treatment needs,” according to Karen Haney, a…

LOS ANGELES (AP) — V of K-pop sensation BTS threw the ceremonial first pitch at a Los Angeles Dodgers game on Monday night after meeting two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani.After taking the mound, the singer bowed slightly in the direction of Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who then caught a strike from the left-hander. BTS fans screamed throughout V’s time on the field.V then gave the traditional call of “It’s time for Dodger baseball!” in English before individually greeting the kids who run on the field to get player autographs before the game.The singer, whose given name is Kim Taehyung, and Ohtani…

by Lacey Pfalz Last updated: 11:10 AM ET, Mon August 25, 2025 AmaWaterways has partnered with James Beard Award-winning Chef, restaurateur, author and Grammy Award-winning opera singer Alexander Smalls to curate a Signature Juneteenth Dinner on every Soulful Experience journey with the cruise line, beginning in 2025. The multi-course dinner menu will celebrate and honor African and Black diaspora culinary traditions, drawing on Smalls’ Gullah Geechee heritage and Creole cuisine. Dishes may include hush puppies, corn-based soups, sweet pickled shrimp and more.  “Our Soulful Experience river cruises celebrate the beauty and contributions of the African and Black diaspora, inviting travelers to…

Andreessen Horowitz’s plan to push its agenda in Washington shows no sign of slowing down, with the firm reporting $1.49 million in federal lobbying so far this year, according to lobbying records filed with Congress. a16z is even narrowly outspending its own industry trade group, the National Venture Capital Association. The pace of lobbying appears to be accelerating from last year, according to a TechCrunch review of lobbying disclosures. a16z spent $1.8 million on lobbying in all of 2024 and $950,000 in 2023.  a16z’s lobbying strategy stands out among major VC firms, most of which still report little to no…

Facebook Tweet Email Link Seoul, South Korea  —  The island of Jeju, often referred to as the “Hawaii of South Korea,” has issued a multi-language guide warning international visitors to behave following a string of viral tourist incidents and cases of disorderly conduct. Last year, more than 13 million people were lured to the island, famed for its sparkling blue waters, green tea fields and snow-covered shield volcano, Halla-san. In fact, Seoul to Jeju is now the world’s busiest flight path, with more than 13 million passengers making the 1 hour and 15 minute trip between the island and South…

by Sarah Kuta Last updated: 11:30 AM ET, Mon August 25, 2025 PONANT EXPLORATIONS is launching a new promotion for Iceland itineraries.Called “Enticing Iceland,” the offer includes free airfare or a post-cruise experience on select summer 2026 voyages booked by September 30. Travelers who choose free airfare will receive roundtrip flights to and from Reykjavík, valued at up to $1,000. Those who select the post-cruise experience, meanwhile, can enjoy a one-night stay at a hotel, plus meals, beverages, transfers, guided experiences and entrance fees.Applicable sailings will take place on board L’Austral, Le Bellot and Le Lapérouse. Here are more details…

Months before a jury awarded a $242.5 million verdict against Tesla over its culpability in a 2019 fatal crash, the automaker had a chance to settle for $60 million. Instead, Tesla rejected that offer, according to new legal filings that were first reported by Reuters. The settlement proposal, which was made in May, was disclosed in a filing that requested Tesla cover legal fees for the plaintiffs in the case. Earlier this month, a jury in federal court in Miami found Tesla partly to blame for a fatal 2019 crash that involved the use of the company’s Autopilot driver assistance…

Facebook Tweet Email Link Phnom Penh, Cambodia AP  —  Cambodian lawmakers on Monday approved a bill giving the government power to revoke the citizenship of anyone found guilty of conspiring with foreign nations to harm the national interest. The amendment to the Nationality Law, which was approved by all 120 members of the National Assembly who were present, is viewed by critics as a way to suppress internal dissent and control political opponents of Prime Minister Hun Manet and the ruling Cambodian People’s Party. Ahead of the vote on Sunday, 50 Cambodian non-governmental organizations issued a statement saying they were…

by Lacey Pfalz Last updated: 8:55 AM ET, Mon August 25, 2025 Hertz logo (Photo Credit: Hertz)Car rental company Hertz is bringing its “Gold Squad” of trained golden retriever dogs in select airports nationwide for the busy Labor Day travel weekend. As travel can be a stressful event, Hertz’s team of trained golden retrievers will allow some travelers to relax and destress.  The Gold Squad began their journey at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in Dallas, Texas, this past week, and are expected to head to Chicago, San Diego and Atlanta.Travelers can meet and greet them at the airports or follow…