In response to extreme drought conditions in Tuvalu, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) provided a $4 million emergency grant to address water shortages and disease. The ADB's Asian Development Fund (ADF) is highlighted for its role in supporting Pacific islands against the impacts of climate change and extreme weather. The text emphasizes the significant economic losses due to natural disasters in the region and the need for increased resources for climate action. The ADB is seeking donor support for ADF replenishment to enhance its climate finance commitments in the Pacific. The article also notes the progress in Samoa on climate-resilient infrastructure and the disproportionate effects of climate change on Pacific Islands, urging advanced economies to maintain focus on the issue.

The author discusses the importance of maintaining or finding new routines during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite disruptions to daily life. They emphasize the role of routines in preventing unhealthy patterns and suggest that small, meaningful daily activities can enrich life. The author also advises against obsessing over new COVID-19 cases and mentions their own experience of overindulging in cookies.

China's dual role as a major creditor and a significant borrower from development agencies like the World Bank and Asian Development Bank has created tension with Western countries, particularly the United States. As the World Bank seeks a capital increase, the U.S. questions the rationale for China's borrowing, given its large foreign exchange reserves and favorable borrowing terms. However, China's borrowing is defended on the grounds of improving local operations, incentivizing climate mitigation investments, and accessing expertise. The article argues that China's borrowing benefits the World Bank's balance sheet and provides a market signal of the bank's assistance quality. It suggests that wealthier borrowers should pay more for the bank's assistance but warns against a policy that would end lending to China and similarly situated countries.

Steve Bearman, founder of the Interchange Counseling Institute, is accused by several former students of sexual assault, manipulation, and exploitation of their past traumas for his sexual benefit. Six women have filed a lawsuit against Bearman for sexual assault, sexual battery, sexual harassment, and false imprisonment, joined by 12 other individuals alleging labor violations and fraud. The Oakland Police Department has opened a criminal investigation into Bearman. The allegations include Bearman pressuring students into taking high doses of psychedelic drugs and then assaulting them while they were incapacitated. Bearman's former business partner, Margo Brockman, is also accused of labor violations and fraud. Bearman was forced to close Interchange after being confronted by his leadership team. Despite issuing an apology on Facebook, Bearman's accusers found it inadequate and self-serving. The article details the stories of several accusers, Bearman's background, and the rise and fall of Interchange Counseling Institute.

Thomas Michael Henderson, a businessman in Oakland, is accused of defrauding foreign investors through the EB-5 visa program, which grants U.S. residency in exchange for significant investment in American businesses that create jobs. Henderson raised $115 million from primarily Chinese investors, promising to revitalize Oakland with new jobs and businesses. However, the SEC and former business partners allege that he misappropriated funds for personal gain and failed to deliver on his promises, leading to lawsuits and SEC action. Henderson's ventures included real estate purchases like the Tribune Tower and various business proposals, but many did not materialize, and few jobs were created. His assets have been placed under court control, and the future of his businesses and the investors' immigration status are uncertain.

The World Bank's tepid response to the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, where the Rohingya Muslim minority faces ethnic cleansing, has been criticized for lacking direction and failing to adhere to its own policies on protecting minorities. Despite having provided over $2 billion in assistance to Myanmar since Aung San Suu Kyi's release in 2010, the Bank has not taken a firm stance against the abuses. The article suggests that the World Bank should reallocate aid to support humanitarian responses and calls for member countries to demand action.