Secular News

Global oil prices jumped to a four-year high of more than US$122 a barrel on Thursday, on concerns that the US-Iran war could worsen and lead to a protracted Middle East oil supply disruption that could hurt global economic growth. The market moved higher after Axios, citing unidentified sources, reported late on Wednesday that US President Donald Trump was slated to receive a briefing on Thursday on plans for a series of military strikes on Iran in hopes it would return ‌to negotiations on its...

Gabriella and Kurtiss Smith feared their home would be repossessed when PM Property Law collapsed.

The first direct commercial flight between US and Venezuela is scheduled to land in Caracas

The Trump administration’s strategic interest in rare earths is pushing the US towards more pragmatic diplomacy as it seeks to rebuild critical mineral supply chains without China, according to observers. As a result, there had been cooperation with other countries on resource projects even when broader political ties were strained, they said, adding that Beijing’s dominance in the resources appeared too strong to break soon. One example is the Phalaborwa Rare Earths Project in South Africa,...

A 107-year-old woman, dubbed the “age-defying granny,” has trended on mainland social media for her sound health and sharpness of mind. Centenarian Ding Guijuan lives in Cixi, a small city in the eastern province of Zhejiang. The local media outlet, Love Cixi, which is operated by the municipal propaganda authority, reported her story. In the coverage in mid-April Ding shared her longevity tips and sent good wishes to her fans. According to Ding’s daughter, Chen Xingchao, 84, physical...

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood says the issue is being treated as an "absolute priority" but does not agree it constitutes a national emergency.

The Hong Kong government has planned for legislation allowing terminally ill patients to refuse life-sustaining treatment to start on July 31. In a paper submitted to the Legislative Council, authorities said that the Advance Decision on Life-sustaining Treatment Ordinance, passed in November 2024, would provide legal status to patients’ advance care planning while offering protection to healthcare and rescue personnel. The two instruments covered under advance care planning – advance medical...

The historic piece of nostalgia will be preserved in Northampton County.

Ah, to be a princess in that time...View Entire Post ›

Hong Kong police have intercepted a man over an alleged attempted armed bank robbery in Causeway Bay on Thursday afternoon. The suspect allegedly attempted to steal HK$100,000 (US$12,760) from a Hang Seng Bank branch on Yee Wo Street shortly before 5pm, reportedly armed with a knife. He approached a counter and handed over a note demanding the money, claiming he was carrying a knife. A staff member immediately triggered the alarm, prompting the suspect to flee in an unknown direction. Police...

Iran’s ‘mosquito fleet’ reduces the need for their traditional navy in controlling the vital waterway

Ukraine has hit an oil facility and industrial site in Russia's Perm region, roughly 1,500 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, according to Russian officials, as US President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin discussed a potential temporary cease-fire aimed at pausing the four-year war in Ukraine.