Manchester Airport brawl followed Starbucks assault, jury hears

Hong Kong is looking beyond its government-approved "tourism hotspots" to lure visitors back, with industry insiders pitching the city’s unbeatable food scene, Cantopop nostalgia, and Bruce Lee’s legacy as key draws. This isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about reminding the world why Hong Kong’s cultural vibrancy makes it unforgettable.

Editor’s Note: Hong Kong’s tourism slump isn’t just a numbers game—it’s about rediscovering what makes the city unique. While official campaigns focus on designated attractions, this piece argues that the real magic lies in the city’s organic charm: dim sum cravings, throwback Cantopop beats, and martial arts history. It’s a nudge to market Hong Kong’s soul, not just its skyline.

Malaysia's new "luxury" taxes, aimed at high-income earners, are unexpectedly squeezing the middle class. Take Christy Yoong—his small retirement indulgences, like imported wine and cheese, are now getting pricier. The government pitched these taxes as a way to make the wealthy pay their fair share, but for many regular folks, it’s turning everyday treats into unaffordable luxuries.

Editor’s Note: Taxes on "luxuries" sound fair in theory, but when they hit middle-class staples, it’s a sign the policy might be missing its mark. This isn’t just about wine and cheese—it’s about whether the government’s approach to fixing budget gaps is accidentally making life harder for people who aren’t rich. And when that happens, it’s bound to stir up frustration.

In July 1950, Kyoto’s iconic Kinkakuji—the dazzling "Golden Pavilion"—was deliberately set on fire and reduced to ashes. The arson sent shockwaves through Japan, not just because of the loss of a cultural treasure, but because of the bizarre motives behind it. The tragedy later inspired Yukio Mishima’s famous novel, adding a layer of literary legacy to the event.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a story about an old building burning down—it’s about how destruction can ripple through history in unexpected ways. The loss of Kinkakuji was a national trauma, but its afterlife in Mishima’s work turned it into something more: a symbol of beauty, obsession, and impermanence. Even today, it reminds us how deeply art and tragedy can intertwine.

Thousands of protesters flooded the streets of Yerevan, Armenia, on Friday, calling for the release of Samvel Karapetyan, a Russian-Armenian businessman currently in jail. The demonstration highlights growing tensions over his detention, with supporters rallying behind him in a show of solidarity.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about one businessman—it’s a flashpoint for broader frustrations. Karapetyan’s case has clearly struck a nerve, drawing a massive crowd. Whether it’s about justice, politics, or economic influence, the protest signals unrest that could ripple beyond Armenia’s borders, especially given his ties to Russia. Keep an eye on how authorities respond—it could escalate quickly.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan slammed the perpetrators as "cowards" after a man allegedly poured flammable liquid on the front door of a Melbourne synagogue while 20 people were inside. Police are treating the incident as a suspicious fire, sparking outrage and concern over targeted attacks on places of worship.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just another arson case—it's a frightening escalation of hostility toward a religious community. With people inside at the time, it could have turned deadly, raising urgent questions about safety and rising antisemitism. When a place of worship is targeted, it shakes the whole idea of peaceful coexistence.