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United States & Canada

At least 16 files gone from Epstein release site, including 1 with Trump photo

The missing documents were originally available but no longer accessible a day later, with no reason given.

The releases so far have been heavy on images of Jeffrey Epstein’s homes in New York and the US Virgin Islands, with some photos of celebrities and politicians. Photo: AFP

Military

Pentagon’s Taiwan war games reflect US anxiety over PLA power: defence experts

Leaked report projects heavy US losses in potential cross-strait conflict and highlights Beijing’s ability to destroy warships and planes.

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The PLA’s YJ-17 hypersonic anti-ship missile is displayed during a military parade in Beijing on September 3. A recently leaked Pentagon report says Beijing has amassed an arsenal of around 600 hypersonic weapons. Photo: Eugene Lee

Celebrities

Meet Robbie G.K., the scene-stealer in ice hockey series Heated Rivalry

In the show’s third episode, the Canadian actor’s appearance as Kip sent fans into a frenzy – but he could’ve had a different role.

Robbie G.K. stole the show as Kip on Heated Rivalry. Photo: @robsgk/Instagram

Jewellery

4 jewellery drops to know about this Christmas, from Cartier to Giorgio Armani

Vacheron Constantin has a transformable necklace-watch, while Gohar World and Petrossian combine food and jewellery in their Caviar necklace.

Vacheron Constantin’s The Grand Lady Kalla Ruby transforms from a necklace to a watch. Photo: Handout

China Opinion

Opinion | China’s property market isn’t so much collapsing as being reconfigured

Viewing China’s real estate crisis solely through the lens of market indicators misses the deeper, structural shifts at play.

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Residential buildings by Chinese real estate developer Vanke under construction in Hangzhou, in eastern China’s Zhejiang province, on March 15, 2024. Photo: AFP
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United States & Canada

Epstein victims angry over gaps and censorship in long-awaited file release

Survivors wonder if the redactions and blackouts are there to protect them or the ‘elite men’ who associated with the sex offender.

Epstein accuser Marina Lacerda speaks during a news conference at the US Capitol in September. Photo: AP

Russia & Central Asia

Zelensky says only US can persuade Russia to end Ukraine war

The president says Washington proposed first face-to-face talks between Kyiv and Moscow, but he expressed scepticism that this would help.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during a press conference in Kyiv on Saturday. Photo: EPA

Americas

US seizes another vessel off Venezuelan coast

Trump has ordered a blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers in and out of the country, amid a huge US military build-up in the region.

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A US Navy patrol ship is seen from Maracaibo, Venezuela, on Wednesday. Photo: ePOA

United States & Canada

German engineer becomes first wheelchair user to blast into space

Michaela Benthaus had thought her dreams of being an astronaut were over after she was badly injured in a mountain bike accident.

Michaela Benthaus is seen on Blue Origin New Shepard NS-37 in Van Horn, Texas, on Saturday. Photo: Blue Origin via AFP

Law and Crime

Passenger flung from car as 3 arrested after high-speed chase in Hong Kong

Driver and two passengers arrested for various offences after parked car and truck hit during wild ride in New Territories.

A passenger falls out of the car as police vans chase the suspects. Photo: Facebook/Lau Kai Chung
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Politics

Are Trump loyalists struggling in US rural heartland ready to say ‘enough’?

Hammered by crippling costs and precious revenue lost to China, Midwest farmers’ loyalty to the US president will be tested in 2026 midterms.

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

Society

Worried residents demand halt to renovation plan after deadly Hong Kong fire

Residents of Fu Shin Estate, near fire-ravaged Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, check renovation documents and find name of man arrested earlier.

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A deadly inferno swept through seven of Wang Fuk Court’s eight blocks in November. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Opinion

My Take | The Christmas spirit of generosity, peace and goodwill could not be needed more

From the Tai Po fire tragedy to the Bondi Beach terror attack, the festive season brings a welcome ray of light and a sense of hope for the future.

Tourists admire the giant Christmas tree at the “Christmas Town” in Hong Kong’s Statue Square. Photo: Eugene Lee

Southeast Asia

31 Malaysians repatriated from Myanmar job scam syndicate

The job scam victims rescued from a Myawaddy job syndicate return home safely after intensive diplomatic negotiations and a 26-hour land journey.

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People from China, Vietnam, and Ethiopia – believed trafficked and forced to work in scam centers – sit masked in detention after their February release in Myawaddy, eastern Myanmar. Photo: AP

Military

Taiwan’s missile shield plan has ‘critical flaws’, mainland Chinese report says

Military magazine claims the island’s proposed air defence system would be unreliable against an attack by the PLA.

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Taiwan’s proposed air defence system is expected to be centred around US-made Patriot missile systems, among others. Photo: AFP
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Health & Environment

Hong Kong teaching hospital investigates staff over viral ‘water fight’ video

Queen Mary Hospital vows disciplinary action after staff caught on video using syringes as ‘water pistols’ inside a ward.

Queen Mary Hospital has pledged to take disciplinary measures. Photo: Winson Wong

Military

Is China’s Fujian gearing up for a dual aircraft carrier exercise?

Satellite images indicate the vessel has docked with the Liaoning at a naval base in the country’s east.

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Satellite images indicate the Fujian and the Liaoning have docked in Qingdao, Shandong province. Photo: X/CHINAPLA1

East Asia

Will Japan’s young embrace 50-year loans amid rising housing prices?

Opting for 50-year loans lowers monthly costs, but the long-term risks are mounting.

People cross a road in Tokyo earlier this month. Fifty-year mortgages are transforming home ownership for young buyers in Japan. Photo: AFP

Racing

Invincible Ibis stamps Classic Mile claims as Newnham celebrates 100th HK win

Leading four-year-old series contender romps home to deliver Australian handler a milestone success.

Invincible Ibis saunters to success at Sha Tin. Photos: Kenneth Chan

Transport

Hong Kong’s MTR Corp gets green light to plan 7.5km South Island line extension

Transport chief Mable Chan describes the new project as the ‘future power line’ of Southern district.

The existing HKU station will be part of the line. Photo: Edmond So
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Politics

China warns India: ‘don’t even think about stealing our 6th Dalai Lama’

A symposium in Tawang prompts allegations of appropriation and attempts to legitimise territorial claims.

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In Lhasa in August, worshippers stand before a huge Thangka painting at the Drepung Monastery for the Shoton Festival. An international symposium on the 6th Dalai Lama organised by India has sparked ire in China. Photo: China News Service/VCG via Getty Images

Racing

Fownes bags another feature as Sky Trust runs riot at Sha Tin

The win helps the four-time champion trainer keep pace with Mark Newnham in this season’s title race.

Sky Trust and Maxime Guyon run riot at Sha Tin. Photos: Kenneth Chan

Southeast Asia

‘One of the biggest ever’: Malaysia busts US$375 million drug ring

Six arrested in raids on a syndicate that could have supplied drugs to 68.5 million users according to narcotics officials.

Royal Malaysia Police display seized drugs and manufacturing equipment at a Saturday press conference in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: AFP

Europe

Starmer pressured to intercept Andrew Tate in Dubai over UK rape charges

The self-described misogynist will appear at a Dubai boxing match this weekend, while facing civil action in the UK from four women alleging assault and rape.

Andrew Tate leaves the Bucharest Tribunal in Romania in February 2024. Photo: AP

Science

Targeted jamming incident blinds GPS and BeiDou in east China’s Nanjing

Food delivery, drone control and ride-hailing apps paralysed during satellite navigation blackout in city of nearly 10 million.

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A disruption to satellite navigation systems affected daily life and the local economy of Nanjing, capital of east China’s Jiangsu province, on Wednesday. Photo: NurPhoto via Getty Images
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Video | Knife-wielding attacker kills 3 in Taipei

Attacker let off smoke bombs at main train station, then attacked people before jumping off a building and dying.

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Basketball

NBA tweaks its injury reporting rules, still wants changes to prop betting

Move comes about two months after arrests of Miami guard Terry Rozier and Portland coach Chauncey Billups on separate gambling-related charges.

Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups was among those arrested on gambling-related charges. Photo: Reuters

Society

Hong Kong minister urges landlords to avoid cashing in on Tai Po fire rent aid

Home affairs minister Alice Mak says some landlords appear to have been raising rents to take advantage of subsidies for displaced residents.

Hong Kong will provide an annual subsidy of HK$150,000 to each flat owner affected the Tai Po blaze, to help them rent homes in the private market. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Australasia

Bondi shooter visited Philippine gun shop before attack: police

Police retrace Sydney shooters’ steps in Davao City as CCTV shows Sajid Akram at a gun shop, but officials deny ample time for extremist training.

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People add to a floral tribute outside Bondi Pavilion at Bondi Beach in Sydney on Thursday. Photo: AP

China Economy

China’s ‘black flying’ drone dilemma: when tech clashes with aviation safety

Videos posted online have shown drones climbing above 8,000 metres, dangerously close to passenger aircraft.

A drone flies over the Khumbu Icefall on the Nepali side of Mount Everest in April last year. Photo: Xinhua