We welcome scrutiny, Reform UK says after major election gains
The party's Zia Yusuf says it won't take voters for granted, following its sweeping election gains.
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Hong Kong home market maintains upwards momentum as eager buyers snap up new flats
Hong Kong homebuyers snapped up new flats on offer on Saturday, fuelling optimism that the bull run in the city’s property market will continue. All 154 units at Sun Hung Kai Properties’ Lime Spark project sold out as of 4.30pm, while 147 homes, or 93 per cent of the 158 flats available at Henderson Land’s Highwood Phase 2 project, found buyers, according to real property agents. “Home prices…
Heroism and grief: 6 residents’ stories from Wang Fuk Court fire hearings
Stories filled with tragic bravery, outrage at heedless officials and horror as loved ones perished were among those shared by 24 residents of the fire-ravaged Wang Fuk Court estate, as they testified at a public hearing investigating Hong Kong’s deadliest blaze in decades. Over multiple sessions that began on March 19, some told the presiding committee how their repeated efforts to raise…
Plaid Cymru's Rhun ap Iorwerth: From party disarray to brink of power
A profile of the broadcaster-turned-politician poised to be Plaid Cymru's first first minister.
Wanted ‘Hong Kong Parliament’ member may be deported from Thailand
A wanted member of the overseas group “Hong Kong Parliament” has been arrested in Thailand for overstaying her visa and is reportedly set to be deported to mainland China. The organisation said on Friday that Zhang Xinyan, who took part in what it called a parliamentary election and was sworn in as a member last year, was recently arrested in Thailand for overstaying her visa. It was not…
Canada and the European Union Are in Love. Where Can It Lead?
A rapid trip with the prime minister to Armenia highlighted the new era of amity between Canada and the European Union. We examine what that can and can’t do for Canadians.
Hong Kong Golf & Tennis Academy members reject Central service takeover by Carlyle & Co
An exclusive Hong Kong sports club will press ahead with an imminent change of operator for its Central clubhouse despite objections by some of its members about unfair access and incompatibility of their client profiles, the South China Morning Post has learned. The controversy began about a fortnight ago after private members’ club Carlyle & Co announced it would take over the operation of the…
Hongkongers pack major supermarkets amid ‘price war’ on eve of Mother’s Day
Hongkongers packed the aisles of supermarkets with carts full of daily necessities as the city’s major grocery chains engaged in what some called a “price war” ahead of Mother’s Day. CK Hutchison Holdings-backed ParknShop and Jardine Matheson’s Wellcome each offered 12 per cent off everything in their stores for those who spent a certain amount on Saturday. HKTVmall, the city’s popular online…
How China May Have Sought to Recruit a House Aide to Spy on the U.S.
A staff member on the House China Committee was promised $10,000 for U.S. policy insights, on issues like Venezuela and rare-earth minerals.
Long Overlooked, Caspian Sea Provides Strategic Trade Route for Iran
The landlocked body of water has taken on new significance, with Russia shipping military and commercial goods to bolster Tehran’s ability to withstand the U.S. assault.
Budding Mother’s Day competition as Hong Kong florists prune prices
Competition among Hong Kong florists heated up on the day before Mother’s Day as stores slashed bouquet prices and offered more innovative products, with some vendors reporting weaker business and lower profit margins compared with last year. Despite the wet weather on Saturday, vendors at the Mong Kok Flower Market touted colourful bouquets of carnations, roses and other fresh flowers. The price…
Hong Kong’s MTR Corp to host exhibition with retired trains, driving simulator
Hong Kong’s MTR Corporation will launch a large-scale railway exhibition at Hung Hom station on May 16, featuring four retired trains and a new immersive driving simulator. The rail giant said on Saturday that “Station Rail Voyage: Explorer” would feature an expanded layout with a refreshed look. “The exhibition retains four iconic retired trains on display while introducing a new immersive train…
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Japan’s households cut spending even as wages kept growing
Transportation and communications made up the biggest drag on spending in March, while food, utilities and clothing also weighed on the figure.
The Japan Times -
Polanski apologises over houseboat council tax
The Green Party admits that its leader has, until recently, been living on a houseboat in London and may have failed to pay council tax.
BBC Politics -
Why Republicans Are Still Drawing House Maps, While Democrats Are Stuck
The G.O.P. has seized an edge on redistricting thanks to two court rulings, and it has more room to maneuver for extra seats before the midterms.
The New York Times US -
Catholic diocese fights U.S. bid to seize land for border wall
The court action marks the latest escalation of controversy over the site, and comes amid recent tensions between Trump and members of his administration and Pope Leo XIV.
The Japan Times -
Federal budget 2026 live updates: treasurer Jim Chalmers to present budget speech tonight – latest news
Treasurer says housing market ‘isn’t working’ and tax system around it is ‘out of whack’. Follow the latest updates Federal budget 2026: what we know so far See all our Australia budget 2026 covera…
The Guardian World -
Why brain implants are more than a sci-fi fantasy
Researchers have been working for decades on brain-computer interfaces to help those suffering from paralysis, blindness and hearing loss.
The Japan Times -
Virginia Democrats ask conservative-majority US supreme court to restore congressional map approved by voters – live
Map designed to boost Democrats’ US House seats was thrown out by Virginia’s supreme court last week Sign up for the Breaking News US email Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump reiterate…
The Guardian World -
Japan faces U.K. rival in race to build warships for New Zealand
A deal with New Zealand would build on an agreement Tokyo recently signed with Canberra to build the first three of 11 Mogami-class ships planned for Australia.
The Japan Times -
Mayor of California city resigns over charges of being a foreign agent of China
Eileen Wang, 58, mayor of Arcadia, agreed to plead guilty over the felony count brought by the justice department Eileen Wang, the mayor of a southern California city, resigned suddenly on Monday a…
The Guardian World -
10 injured in truck-bus crash outside Hong Kong shopping centre
Ten people have been injured in a crash involving a truck and a bus outside a shopping centre in Hong Kong’s Kwun Tong. Police said they received a report of the crash in Sau Mau Ping at about 6.20…
South China Morning Post -
Dua Lipa sues Samsung for $15m over use of her image on TV boxes
The pop star's legal team alleges a photograph of her face was used on Samsung television boxes without permission.
BBC World -
Trump says Vance, Rubio could be 2028 ‘dream team’ ticket
President Trump on Monday floated Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as a “dream team” ahead of the 2028 presidential election, polling attendees of a White House event on who …
The Hill -
U.S. Coast Guard now has boat of husband of woman who disappeared in Bahamas
The U.S. Coast Guard has taken possession of the sailboat owned by the American man whose wife disappeared in the Bahamas last month, an official said.
NBC News -
Kari Lake, Who Led Effort to Shutter Voice of America, Is Named Ambassador to Jamaica
Ms. Lake tried and failed to fire hundreds of Voice of America journalists and to cut funding for other federally funded news groups like Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
The New York Times US -
Long-Term Energy Crisis Looms as Trump Says Truce Is on ‘Life Support’
Iran defended its demands for a peace deal and President Trump called them “garbage.” Mr. Trump said he wanted to suspend the federal gasoline tax, which would require congressional approval.
The New York Times World -
Trump taps former FEMA director to lead the disaster agency again
Cameron Hamilton led FEMA briefly in 2025. He was removed by the Trump administration after telling Congress that the agency should continue to exist. Now, he's been nominated to lead it once again.
NPR News -
Trump says Iran ceasefire is on 'massive life support'
The US president criticises an Iranian counteroffer to end the war, and says the month-long ceasefire is "unbelievably weak".
BBC World -
Zelenskyy's ex-chief of staff named as suspect in major corruption probe
The case is part of a broader probe into high-level graft first unveiled last November.
The Japan Times -
Conflict created more internal displacement than disasters last year: monitors
With new wars underway this year adding to numerous entrenched conflicts around the world, more displacement driven by violence can be expected.
The Japan Times -
ICE hands members of Congress new memo blocking detention center visits — while they’re trying to get in
Lawmakers turned away from speaking with detainees during oversight visit of Otay Mesa detention center despite court rulings
The Independent World -
Mass starvation looms if fertilisers can’t pass key waterway, UN warns – as it happened
This blog is now closed Trump calls Iran’s response to peace plan ‘totally unacceptable’ as ceasefire frays Turkey’s foreign minister, Hakan Fidan, will visit Qatar later today for talks on the war…
The Guardian World -
Trump officials cancel rule that made conservation a ‘use’ of public lands
Move comes as administration seeks to boost drilling, logging, mining and grazing on taxpayer-owned land The interior department is canceling a rule that put conservation on equal footing with deve…
The Guardian World -
Ousmane Dembélé named player of the year in France for second straight year
The forward is only the fifth player to win the trophy in consecutive years, despite a difficult season.
France 24 English -
Researchers trigger 'controlled' quakes under Swiss Alps
Tests are conducted at the BedrettoLab, a unique underground facility in southern Switzerland used to create and study earthquakes.
The Japan Times -
Almost 200 sanctioned Russia-linked ships have entered UK waters despite warning
BBC Verify analysis of ship-tracking data suggests "shadow fleet" vessels sailed into UK water despite the government threatening to board them.
BBC News (Front page) -
Arcadia Mayor Eileen Wang Will Plead Guilty to Working as Chinese Agent
Eileen Wang, who resigned Monday as the mayor of Arcadia, Calif., published propaganda on a purported news site under direction from Chinese officials, prosecutors said.
The New York Times US -
U.K.'s Starmer under renewed pressure as lawmakers urge him to quit
Labour lawmakers have gone public to express their dissatisfaction over one of the worst defeats for the party in local elections.
The Japan Times -
Soldier dies during parachute training incident at Jervis Bay – the second such death in two years
Defence department says another ADF soldier was injured on Monday evening, but didn’t require hospitalisation Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , fr…
The Guardian World -
Comey says he’s not going to stop criticizing Trump ahead of criminal trial
Former FBI Director James Comey said Monday that he won’t stop criticizing President Trump ahead of a criminal trial against him over charges of threatening the president. “I’m not going to be quie…
The Hill -
California mayor admits to being a China agent in federal probe
Eileen Wang admitted to posting pro-China propaganda at the direction of Chinese government officials, according to court documents unsealed Monday.
The Japan Times -
Supreme Court Clears Path for Alabama to Use New Voting Map
A majority of the justices sided with Alabama in a move that could speed up efforts to put in place a congressional district map that would eliminate a majority-Black district.
The New York Times US -
Chris Mason: PM confronts his most difficult day as party revolts
A dam appears to have broken, with Labour MPs posting their public loss of confidence in the PM, our political editor writes.
BBC Politics -
How many ride-hailing permits should Hong Kong allow? That depends on who you ask
Hong Kong taxi trade leaders and Uber have both expressed concerns over a looming quota for ride-hailing vehicles, despite transport authorities vowing to consult stakeholders before setting the fi…
South China Morning Post -
Mayor of Southern California city to plead guilty to acting as agent of China, feds say
LOS ANGELES — The mayor of the Los Angeles-area city of Arcadia will plead guilty to illegally acting as an agent of China and has resigned from her municipal position, officials said Monday
NBC News -
Iran-US war latest: Trump says ceasefire on ‘massive life support’ after Tehran hit back at president’s outburst
A ceasefire was set up for peace talks between Iran and the US - but with Trump rejecting Iran's response on Sunday there are fears fighting could resume
The Independent World -
Former Hostage Calls on All of Israel’s Government to Resign
Rom Braslavski, who said he had endured starvation, torture and sexual abuse during two-year captivity, demanded that members “take responsibility and get out of our lives.”
The New York Times World -
Students at risk if universities go bust, say MPs
An Education Select Committee report finds the government needs to make urgent plans for universities facing insolvency.
BBC News (Front page) -
Want to attend the White House’s UFC fight? Better have $1 million lying around
It’s nearly impossible to get a ticket, but a $1 million sponsorship package might ease the odds for fans trying to get a glimpse of the historic bout — or an in with the president
The Independent World -
Calls for 'urgent action' on baby-sleep industry after BBC investigation
The BBC investigation revealed how some self-described sleep experts have been giving new parents advice that goes against NHS guidelines.
BBC News (Front page) -
Senate advances Warsh, Trump’s pick to chair Federal Reserve
The Senate voted on Monday to advance the nomination of Kevin Warsh to the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, putting him on track to be confirmed later this week to replace Jerome Powell as chair…
The Hill -
Nonprofit sues the federal government over plans to paint Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool blue
The Cultural Landscape Foundation, a nonprofit advocacy organization, is asking a federal judge to halt President Trump's plans to resurface the reflecting pool on the National Mall.
NPR News -
‘Difficult’ mission to repatriate Australian hantavirus cruise passengers en route to long Perth quarantine
Health minister Mark Butler says six people from MC Hondius plus flight crew from charter plane to be isolated for weeks Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news…
The Guardian World -
After Capturing Maduro, Trump Celebrated Victory. Did It Bring Venezuelans Home?
Dire conditions in Venezuela prompted an exodus. In the wake of the attack that ousted its top leader, the question is whether things have changed enough to make a return appealing.
The New York Times World -
China should stop hoarding food and fertiliser, says former World Bank chief
David Malpass' comments come as US President Donald Trump and China's Xi Jinping are due to meet in Beijing.
BBC World -
Inside the Hantavirus Quarantine Unit in Nebraska Where 15 Americans Wait
The National Quarantine Unit in Nebraska is now the temporary home for many of the Americans who had been passengers on the MV Hondius.
The New York Times US -
Trump and Xi dialed down the trade war, but challenges lurk at their China summit
President Donald Trump claims America is profiting from trade with China despite tensions over rare earth minerals, tariffs and emerging technologies like AI
The Independent World -
Paul: $1 billion for White House ballroom likely coming out of budget reconciliation bill
Senate Homeland Security Committee Chairman Rand Paul (R-Ky.), whose committee will mark up a portion of the Senate budget reconciliation bill to fund immigration enforcement operations, says there…
The Hill -
Virginia Officials Ask Supreme Court to Restore Voting Map Drawn by Democrats
State officials asked the justices to overturn a Virginia Supreme Court decision that struck down a congressional map, a major defeat for Democrats.
The New York Times US -
US in closely-guarded talks to open new bases in Greenland
It is seeking to open three bases in the south of the Arctic territory, according to multiple officials familiar with the talks.
BBC World -
‘This is not Covid’: CDC boss reassures concerned public over hantavirus outbreak as US cruise passengers taken to Nebraska quarantine facility
CDC Director says hantavirus is ‘not like Covid’ amid concerns about outbreak
The Independent World