News Brief Sept. 18-22

International

Tensions rise between China and the United Kingdom after a British Parliamentary researcher was arrested on suspicion of espionage. 

Last weekend, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak raised concerns about Chinese interference with Britain in a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the G20 in the Indian capital New Delhi. London’s Chinese embassy has denied the allegations, labeling them “nothing but malicious slander.” 

The unidentified individual accused of spying has released a statement through his lawyer advocating for his innocence. He is out on bail until October while counter-terrorism investigates his case.

Though the arrest took place in March, lawmakers expressed frustration that they were not told of the allegations until now. Other government officials have said not commenting on open police investigations is common practice. 

Some of Britain’s conservative leaders view China as a greater security risk. Sunak’s spokesperson has indicated no immediate changes in diplomacy, including leaving open the possibility of Chinese attendance at Britain’s artificial intelligence summit in November. 

National

The Michigan-born snack Pringles has begun a limited edition collaboration with The Caviar Co. 

TikTok inspired the combination of caviar and Pringles through a trend showing users eating Pringles like the “Real House Wives of New York.” Videos surrounding the trend have received 10 billion views. 

“The nation is craving Pringles and caviar,” Mauricio Jenkins, Pringles US marketing lead, said.

While the normal Pringle price is about $3 per can, the collaboration price points range from $49, $110 and $140. 

The kit “Smoky Shores” is the cheapest of the three and includes a can of Sour Cream and Onion chips paired with a jar of Smoked Trout Roe and crème fraîche. A serving tray shaped like the Pringle mascot’s bowtie is also included. 

“Salt of the Sea” is the middle grade kit, which includes everything from “Smokey Shores” with the exception of Original flavored chips in place of Sour Cream and Onion. The package also adds a jaw of White Sturgeon Caviar. 

The deluxe pack “Crisps and Caviar” includes both prior caviar varieties and three types of Pringles: Original, Sour Cream and Onion and BBQ.

Petra Higby, co-founder and CEO of The Caviar Co., said she was “so excited” to see caviar newcomers embracing Pringles as a vehicle to try the seafood delicacy for the first time.

Local

In an effort to create more affordable housing in downtown OKC, developers are planning to convert the downtown Holiday Inn hotel into micro-apartments. 

Studio apartments will be about 316 square feet with a bathroom and kitchen included. Rent is to be set at $875 monthly. 

CIty Council has approved the plans to move forward with the creation of 204 micro-apartments. 

“We’re about 20 to 30% cheaper than any other studio apartment that’s new downtown,” Brendon Brown, developer and founder of Infiniti Investment, said. 

“The building, which will be called The Pulse Apartments, will include amidites like an indoor pickleball court, offices, a conference center, a clubhouse, an outdoor barbecue area, a laundry room, a dog park, a pet grooming area, a pool, a gym and much more,” KFOR reported.  

“They’ll have everything they could possibly want to live, work and play downtown,” Brown said.

Brown also said they are hoping to create a restaurant or cafe on the bottom floor of the apartments. Construction will begin next year and will take approximately 12 months to complete. 

The Oklahoma Housing Authority has its doubts on the affordability of The Pulse Apartments.

“The Oklahoma City Housing Authority has not been contacted regarding this proposed project. Therefore, I don’t feel it is appropriate for me to comment on specifics,” Mark Gillett, an OCHA spokesman said. “I do wonder about true affordability. Based on the proposed rent and the proposed unit size, the rent would equal $2.77 per square foot. Similar sized units that exist in downtown OKC (granted not new and not recently renovated) are approximately 1/2 the square foot cost.”