Hong Kong plans to build Northern Metropolis logistics hub for smart, green growth
Hong Kong is building a logistics hub for high-value goods, e-commerce and low-altitude economy in the Northern Metropolis mega development project, with authorities set to gauge industry interest in the first site of the cluster this year. The Transport and Logistics Bureau said on Friday that authorities aimed to attract leading logistics firms with tailored incentives, such as land grant arrangements and premium concessions, to a planned industrial cluster covering more than 30 hectares in... [Continue Reading]
Church dioceses failed on safeguarding allegations, says regulator
Two dioceses are given warnings by the Charity Commission over their handling of complaints against a former bishop. [Continue Reading]
Machado gave her Nobel Peace Prize to Trump. Can it be regifted?
President Trump described the move as a “wonderful gesture of mutual respect.” The Nobel Committee said the medal can change hands, but “the title of a Nobel Peace Prize laureate cannot.” [Continue Reading]
In the face of Trump’s tariffs, Canada and China grow closer
Canada has been seeking a thaw as part of an effort to diversify trade amid Trump’s tariffs and threats to use “economic force” to make it the 51st state. [Continue Reading]
Female nurses win employment case over NHS changing-room use by trans colleague
Judge finds Durham trust violated nurses’ dignity and created intimidating environment by allowing use of single-sex spaceA group of nurses who complained about a trans colleague using single-sex changing rooms at work suffered harassment, an employment tribunal judge has ruled.The judge found the nurses’ dignity was violated and they encountered “a hostile, intimidating, humiliating and degrading environment” at work. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Coronation Street actress confirms final exit as she pays tribute to ‘incredible’ co-stars
It's a wrap on a Street villain... [Continue Reading]
Trump Wants to Halt Almost All Coal Plant Shutdowns. It Could Get Messy.
Even as administration officials vowed this week to head off scheduled retirements, some aging plants are now breaking, and costs could run to the billions. [Continue Reading]
Machado gives her Nobel Peace Prize to Trump
The White House has released a photograph of Venezuela's Machado presenting Trump with the Nobel Peace Prize. [Continue Reading]
‘An attempt to break people’: Bucha holds out amid Russia’s weaponisation of winter
Russian attacks on Ukraine’s power plants as severe frost set in have been described as ‘crimes against humanity’Outside the main pumping station for Bucha, three engineers, bundled up in parkas, are working on the emergency generator keeping the Ukrainian city supplied with water.One holds a heat gun to the generator’s filter in an effort to unfreeze it, his face reddened by blowing snow and a daytime temperature of -12C (10.4F). Watching attentively is the city’s mayor, Anatolii Fedoruk. The generator in his office is also frozen when the Guardian visits and he apologises for the lack of coffee. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Hong Kong’s latest office landmark nearly full as segment upturn simmers
The newest landmark office tower in Hong Kong’s main business zone is nearing full occupancy a year and a half after it welcomed its first tenants, suggesting improving fortunes in the city’s office property segment. The Henderson – the prime commercial development and namesake tower for one of Hong Kong’s largest developers – reached 90 per cent occupancy recently, Henderson Land said on Friday. The 36-storey building in Central counts among its tenants auction house Christie’s, alternative... [Continue Reading]
As families shrink, our primary relationship is increasingly with ourselves
More than 2,300 years ago, Aristotle mused in Politics that to live alone, a man must be a god or a beast, or words to that effect. I wonder what he would have thought of the popularity of China’s “Are You Dead?” app. For Aristotle, we are social animals, thriving in the “polis” in the company of family, friends and fellow citizens. The average mother had at least five children. Many homes housed three, even four, generations. Family life was noisy and crowded, full of companionship, contest and... [Continue Reading]
Venezuela’s Machado gives Trump her Nobel Peace Prize: Is it his now?
Machado and Trump met at the White House amid uncertainty over the future of Venezuela. [Continue Reading]
Man pleads guilty to murder of man in Dublin in 2018
A man has pleaded guilty to conspiring to murder a father-of-two who was shot in the head and body at the front door of his home in Dublin in 2018. [Continue Reading]
‘I saw 12 people collapsed in a pool of blood’: Eyewitness describes Iran’s deadly crackdown
A Tehran resident who took part in the protests that have roiled Iran before fleeing the country has described a deadly crackdown – with security forces firing indiscriminately at protesters with machine guns and assault rifles – in an exclusive interview with FRANCE 24. [Continue Reading]
Residents of Tunisian town of Gabes demand end to pollution
In the southern Tunisian town of Gabes, anger has been simmering in recent months as locals demand the dismantlement of the Tunisian Chemical Group. This state-owned enterprise turns phosphate into fertiliser, often emitting toxic gases. So far, however, protesters have not achieved their goals. Our correspondents report. [Continue Reading]
Major Developments in Hong Kong's Cultural and Economic Landscape
The Jockey Club's enthusiastic sponsorship of a grand fireworks show will play a pivotal role in a year-long celebration linked to the equine zodiac. Titled "Prosperity gallops across Hong Kong," this extensive event will take place on February 18, and forms part of a strategic campaign to mark the Year of the Horse. Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, the chief executive of the Jockey Club, announced that this celebratory project is designed to resonate throughout the community via a series of events, including races and museum exhibitions. Valued at HK$19 million (approximately US$2.4 million), the extravagant fireworks show will last for 23 minutes... [Continue Reading]
Trump buys Netflix, Boeing, GM bonds in US$51 million spree linked to his own policy agenda
US President Donald Trump’s investments in municipal and corporate debt through December included bonds of some companies affected by his administration’s policies. In all, the issues cost at least US$51 million. The new White House disclosure posted on Thursday shows Trump’s buys included bonds from Netflix, CoreWeave, General Motors, Boeing, Occidental Petroleum and United Rentals. He also bought municipal bonds from American cities and local school districts, utilities and hospitals. The... [Continue Reading]
Venezuela's interim president proposes oil reform
Delcy Rodríguez gave her first state of the union address to the country after the US seized Nicolás Maduro. [Continue Reading]
Tensions remain high in Minnesota as ACLU files lawsuit and Trump threatens Insurrection Act – US politics live
Minnesota governor Tim Walz urges president to ‘stop this campaign of retribution’ as he threatens to deploy militaryHere are some images coming in overnight on the wires from Minneapolis:Hello and thank you for joining us on the US politics live blog.A group of US parliamentarians is visiting Copenhagen today for talks with senior Danish and Greenlandic officials. The Danish and Greenlandic foreign ministers announced on Wednesday that they were forming a working group with the US to discuss their “fundamental” disagreements over Greenland – but on Thursday, Karoline Leavitt, Trump’s press secretary, maintained that the purpose of this working group... [Continue Reading]
Dance shows could 'fall apart' as Flatley sued in court
Forthcoming Lord of the Dance shows could "fall apart" because of an injunction to prevent creator Michael Flatley from participating in the production, the High Court in Belfast has heard. [Continue Reading]
Egypt’s AFCON pain to spur World Cup bid as Nigeria bronze medal game looms
Record-winners Egypt were one of favourites to add AFCON 2025 to their seven titles but focus turns to FIFA World Cup. [Continue Reading]
A cultural stroll through Paris with singer Pascal Obispo and actress Julie Depardieu
This week, Valérie Fayolle meets Pascal Obispo. His melodies have left their mark on the French musical landscape and he's well known as an author, composer and performer. Now we meet his alter-ego, the painter! Pascal takes us to the Ange Basso gallery in Paris's 6th arrondissement, where his artwork is on currently on show. We also discover Julie Depardieu's one-woman show, "La Misérable" at the Marigny studio. Depardieu plays Juliette Drouet, the woman who was Victor Hugo's mistress for almost 50 years. [Continue Reading]
Geopolitical Tensions Rise Amidst Celebrity Controversies and Inquests
The world of entertainment and international politics has collided recently, highlighting the diverse landscapes that shape contemporary discourse. Celebrity Pamela Anderson has expressed feelings of discomfort relating to actor Seth Rogen's portrayal of her life in the series Pam & Tommy. This drama, which delves into her past relationships, particularly with Tommy Lee, has led Anderson to voice her displeasure that Rogen, who played the role of Rand Gauthier, did not consult her before the show was made. The actress shared her sentiments during an interview with Andy Cohen on SiriusXM, trading her awards spotlight for a discussion on personal... [Continue Reading]
Key Developments in Irish Inquest and Hong Kong Sports Park Leadership
The inquest into the death of George Nkencho, who was fatally shot by armed gardaí, has revealed a chilling eyewitness account captured on video. Alan O'Reilly, a passerby, recorded the tense moments outside Nkencho's family home in west Dublin in December 2020. O'Reilly described hearing officers shouting commands as he witnessed a standoff, with an unsettling escalation leading to gunfire. O'Reilly detailed his experience, stating that while he presumed a police operation was underway, the reality proved to be tragically different. The video played during the inquest captured five gunshots, marking a pivotal moment in the proceedings. O'Reilly noted the... [Continue Reading]
Nigel Farage tricked into paying tribute to Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins
Reform leader calls the child sexual abuse offender ‘a good man, a really good guy’ in 27-second Cameo video clipNigel Farage has fallen victim to another prank on the paid video service Cameo, this time paying tribute to the child sexual abuse offender Ian Watkins.Cameo allows fans to pay celebrities to make personalised video messages, with the Reform party leader offering his services from £78.45. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Drones and influence: Exclusive investigation into Turkey's power play in Africa
Over the past two decades, Turkey has become a major player in Africa. Although more discreet than China or Russia, Ankara has managed to successfully expand its influence on the continent. From drones to scholarship programmes, from construction deals to Islamic humanitarian NGOs, FRANCE 24's Karina Chabour reports on how Turkey is reshuffling the balance of power in Africa. [Continue Reading]
Putin Offers Mediation Amid Rising Geopolitical Tensions in the Middle East
Russian President Vladimir Putin has engaged in dialogues with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, proposing mediation strategies to address instability in the Middle East. The discussions follow heightened tensions in Iran due to nationwide protests that have faced suppression, leading to warnings from US officials about potential interventions. Putin's outreach reflects Russia's growing influence in the region, particularly following the strategic partnership pact signed last year between Moscow and Tehran, which is part of a broader geopolitical narrative involving conflicts and shifting alliances. The Kremlin's willingness to mediate signals a strategic pivot, as Russia seeks... [Continue Reading]
Japan: Traditional rice pounding ceremony held in snowy Aomori village
In Aomori, Japan, women in kimonos performed the Taue Mochitsuki rice pounding ceremony amid snowfall, aiming for a good harvest and family protection. [Continue Reading]
'I was hit in the face by pellets': Iranians on border describe violence and more protests
The BBC speaks to Iranians at the border with Iraq, as authorities continue to block the flow of information with an internet blackout. [Continue Reading]
Wimbledon tennis back in UK court with campaigners blocking expansion plans
Wimbledon plans to treble the size of the existing site in London, adding 39 courts, but campaigners seek to block move. [Continue Reading]
Toone has Champions League 'chance' as new forward signs
Manchester United boss Marc Skinner gives fitness update on Ella Toone as Sweden striker Ellen Wangerheim becomes the club's latest January signing. [Continue Reading]
Sharon Stone classily slams ‘rude kids’ who accused her of stealing awards show seat
The actress revealed her tablemates didn't know who she was. [Continue Reading]
Bank of England governor hits out at populism as Trump interferes in US Fed
Andrew Bailey says he and heads of other institutions have duty to ‘challenge back’ populist narrativesBusiness live – latest updatesThe governor of the Bank of England has urge the world’s leading global institutions to fight back against the rise of populism, warning that it represents one of the biggest threats to improvements in living standards.In a thinly veiled response to Donald Trump’s attempts to interfere with the independence of the US Federal Reserve, Andrew Bailey said that he and the heads of other institutions had a duty to “challenge back” populist narratives. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
11 of the best running shoes to buy now – whether you’re a beginner or chasing a PB
Whether you're a gentle jogger or 10k sprinter, then are the best running shoes to shop [Continue Reading]
Family of man killed by off-duty ICE agent in LA demands charges: ‘The ache will never go away’
After Renee Good’s killing in Minneapolis, calls grow for accountability in the shooting of Keith Porter Jr on New Year’s EveFamily and friends of a Los Angeles man who was killed by an off-duty US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer over the holidays are urging local officials to arrest and prosecute the federal agent.Keith Porter Jr, a 43-year-old father of two, was fatally shot by an ICE officer on New Year’s Eve outside his apartment complex, according to LA and federal officials. An LA police department (LAPD) spokesperson said after the incident that Porter had fired gunshots into the... [Continue Reading]
Why ‘monumental’ China duty-free trade deal has Kenya wanting more
Kenya has reached a preliminary trade deal with China for duty-free exports of key products including coffee, tea and cut flowers – a major step towards narrowing the East African nation’s long-standing trade gap with Beijing. The “early harvest” framework grants duty-free access to the Chinese market for 98.2 per cent of Kenyan exports, as announced by the Kenyan Ministry of Trade on Thursday – less than a month after negotiations closed on December 19. While the deal provides an immediate... [Continue Reading]
Cold and Snow Forecast Across the East Coast This Weekend
Abnormally blustery temperatures this weekend could usher in snowy weather across the East. Exactly where remains uncertain, but even the Deep South is on alert. [Continue Reading]
Bulgaria set for another snap election after protests oust government
President Radev expected to appoint caretaker cabinet, set a date for vote. [Continue Reading]
X allowing users to post sexualised images of men with easy workaround
'By the time action is taken, the damage has often already been done.' [Continue Reading]
Venezuela's opposition leader Machado presents Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize
Less than two weeks after the US operation that led to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's capture, the country's opposition leader Maria Corina Machado presented Donald Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize. The move comes as the US president has repeatedly said he does not think she is fit to lead Venezuela. #venezuela #trump #nobel [Continue Reading]
Hundreds of children placed at risk in unregistered homes for months, MPs warn
A government report says 800 children were placed in illegal settings for an average of six months last year. [Continue Reading]
Can a Nobel Prize be gifted or sold? Some have done it in the past
Although Machado's gesture marks a rare instance of a living laureate parting with their medal shortly after receiving it, it is not unprecedented, and rules state that Machado could give away her actual medal but not the honour itself. [Continue Reading]
Hong Kong’s CineArt Cinema to open branch at site of Ma On Shan’s only theatre
Hong Kong’s Ma On Shan residents will get a new cinema at the recently vacated site of its sole movie theatre, bucking the trend of closures that began during the pandemic. CineArt Cinema said on Friday it would open a new branch at MOSTown, a shopping centre in Ma On Shan, before Lunar New Year. While the chain did not specify an exact date, the first day of Lunar New Year falls on February 17. It said the venue had up to four screens and could accommodate as many as 435 patrons. It also said... [Continue Reading]
£16,000 private jet to extradite HSTikkyTokky ‘not necessary’, judge tells Surrey police
Force paid to fly TikTok influencer back to UK after he avoided police custody for almost 12 monthsUsing a £16,000 private flight to extradite a TikTok influencer wanted on dangerous driving charges back to the UK was “not necessary or proportionate”, a judge has told Surrey police.Harrison Sullivan, 24, known as HSTikkyTokky, had to be repatriated to the UK last summer after he avoided police custody for almost 12 months after a car crash in Virginia Water, Surrey, in March 2024. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Galloping horses theme of Hong Kong’s Lunar New Year fireworks display
The coming Lunar New Year fireworks display in Hong Kong will feature the theme of galloping horses to welcome the Year of the Horse, with the Jockey Club sponsoring the event for the first time. Jockey Club chief executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges said on Friday that the fireworks show, titled “Prosperity gallops across Hong Kong”, would be a part of a year-long campaign by the betting giant to celebrate the equine zodiac with a series of events from races to museum exhibitions. “For the... [Continue Reading]
Putin offers Moscow as mediator in Iran crisis amid tensions with Israel, Trump threat
Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the situation in Iran in separate calls on Friday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and said that Moscow was willing to mediate in the region, the Kremlin said. Tehran has cracked down hard on nationwide protests that broke out late last month, prompting US President Donald Trump to warn he might intervene. Last year, Israel and the United States both bombed Iranian nuclear sites, and Iran fought... [Continue Reading]
Pamela Anderson ‘felt yucky’ sitting near Seth Rogen at Golden Globes
'I'm not chopped liver over here' [Continue Reading]