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Investment scam cases in Hong Kong drop 15%, but losses remain high at HK$1.65b

Hong Kong recorded a 15 per cent drop in the number of investment scam cases in the first half of this year, but losses remained high at HK$1.65 billion (US$210 million), with police warning of fraudsters posing as representatives of legitimate overseas firms to swindle local investors. Senior Superintendent Fanny Kung Hing-fun said on Friday that some of these firms of purported overseas origins ...

American missionary kidnapped in Niger in October freed, his organization says

An American missionary who was kidnapped in Niger in October has been released, his organization says, adding that Kevin Rideout "is in good health in the care of U.S. officials."

‘Extensive’ devastation caused by major fire in England as 150 million in Europe to experience temperatures above 35C – Europe live

Four people taken to hospital in Stourbridge, West Midlands as extreme heat continues to grip Europe todayFour taken to hospital and homes damaged in West Midlands firesHarriet RichardsAssistant environment editorOn Thursday UK foreign secretary Ed Miliband posted a stark message on Instagram warning that climate breakdown is a national security threat to British people.“I feel this so deeply. We ...

France and England battle multiple wildfires as record heat grips Europe

Firefighters in France and central England are battling multiple fires amid record-breaking heat

What is a ‘ceasefire’ supposed to achieve?

Gaza, Lebanon, Iran, Ukraine: four ceasefires, none that held. AJLabs on why truces keep collapsing.

This 16th-century Renaissance palace in Spain was just converted into a five-star hotel

A 16th-century Spanish Renaissance palace has been transformed into a luxury stay, blending historic grandeur, thermal wellness experiences and even a menu for four-legged guests.

Hong Kong raises growth forecast after best half-yearly showing in nearly 5 years

Hong Kong has raised its full-year economic growth forecast for 2026 to a range of 3.5 to 4.5 per cent following a 4.3 per cent expansion in the second quarter, supported by buoyant external trade and resilient domestic demand. Releasing its half-yearly economic report on Friday, the government revised its 2026 growth forecast from the previous range of 2.5 to 3.5 per cent, citing a stronger-than-...

Hong Kong raises economic forecast after best half-yearly performance in 5 years

Hong Kong has raised its full-year economic growth forecast for 2026 to a range of 3.5 to 4.5 per cent after expansion of 4.3 per cent in the second quarter, supported by buoyant external trade and resilient domestic demand. Releasing its half-yearly economic report on Friday, the government revised its 2026 growth forecast from the previous range of 2.5 to 3.5 per cent, citing a stronger-than-exp...

Israel sends troops to West Bank homes besieged by settlers

Israeli settlers are conducting a campaign of violence and intimidation against the Palestinian village of Qusra in the occupied West Bank. Families have had their electricity and water supplies cut off in what residents say is an attempt to force them from their homes. The IDF has nominally intervened and condemned the violence, but has failed to deter the settlers, who Palestinians say have long...

Israel sends troops to West Bank homes besied by settles

Israeli settlers are conducting a campaign of violence and intimidation against the Palestinian village of Qusra in the occupied West Bank. Families have had their electricity and water supplies cut off, in what residents say is an attempt to force them from their homes. The IDF has nominally intervened and condemned the violence, but has failed to deter the settlers, who Palestinians say have lon...

UN atrocity report adds friction to Myanmar junta’s diplomatic push for legitimacy

A UN investigative report accusing Myanmar’s military of carrying out a “sustained campaign of deliberate attacks on civilians” has muddied Min Aung Hlaing’s push for regional acceptance – but analysts say it is unlikely to derail his efforts to win recognition for his post-election government. The report by the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM), a body appointed by the UN Hum...

Uber and China’s Pony AI to launch over 2,000 robotaxis across Europe

The expanded partnership with blend a mobility platform, fleet management capacity and autonomous driving technology.

Little rain on the horizon as England and Wales experience driest July on record

England received only 10% of its average July rainfall and some areas may just get the odd shower for rest of AugustEngland has experienced its driest July since records began in 1836, receiving only 6.5mm of rainfall – 10% of the country’s long-term meteorological average for the month. Wales also experienced its driest-ever July, while Northern Ireland recorded it was its eighth driest. Scotland...

Assumption Day: Greece prepares to celebrate its summer 'Easter' this weekend

The 15th of August is one of the most important religious festivals in the Orthodox church and a day when traditions revive and endure across Greece.

Assumption Day: Greece prepares to celebrate the summer "Easter" this weekend

The 15th of August is one of the most important religious festivals in the Orthodox church and a day when traditions revive and endure across Greece.

Wyoming fossils reveal ancient forests collapsed after extreme global warming

Ryanair window smashed by engine debris in Thessaloniki incident: report

Serbian national Ljubisa Karović was nearly sucked head-first through the broken window but was saved as other passengers, including his wife, held onto him.

Engine debris smashed Ryanair window in Thessaloniki incident: report

Serbian national Ljubisa Karović was nearly sucked head-first through the broken window but was saved as other passengers, including his wife, held onto him.

BP returns to Venezuela with Gulf partners as post-Maduro energy opening speeds up

Venezuela has awarded BP a licence to develop the offshore Loran gas field alongside state-backed partners from the UAE and Qatar, marking the British company's return to a country whose energy sector has been reopening to foreign investors since US forces captured Nicolás Maduro.

Three firefighters and a child hospitalised in England as 150 million in Europe to experience temperatures above 35C – Europe live

Four people taken to hospital in Stourbridge, West Midlands as extreme heat continues to grip EuropeFour taken to hospital and homes damaged in West Midlands firesWhile the temperatures might be slightly dropping in the UK today, it’s not really the case elsewhere as still some 150 million people in Europe are going to experience temperatures of 35C or above today, an AFP analysis showed.Temperatu...

US missionary kidnapped in Niger is released after 9 months in captivity

An American missionary who was kidnapped in Niger in October has been released

Tanzid makes history as Bangladesh dominate first Australia Test

Tanzid Hasan hits first Bangladesh ton in Australia as tourists close Day Two of first Test on 351-6, leading by 153.

"Increased caution": Why is the US warning against travel to Germany?

Unlike for Switzerland, Austria, Norway and Poland, the US is maintaining its travel warning for Germany; France and Italy remain at level 2.

US accuses dozens of countries of helping China avoid Trump’s tariffs

White House report claims tens of billions of dollars in annual revenue lost to transshipments.

South Korea players want K League season change due to ‘worsening climate’

South Korea football players push for a K League season shift as 'punishing heat' hitting summer matches.