‘Cannibalised by Aukus’: is Australia risking its defence for future submarines?

Hong Kong's retail sector is in a rough patch, with sales declining for over a year as more locals opt to shop and vacation in mainland China instead. Chief Executive John Lee acknowledges the slump but argues it shouldn’t define the entire economy. He’s urging businesses to step up their game—adapting to shifting consumer habits and finding ways to stay competitive.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about fewer people shopping locally—it’s a sign of deeper shifts in Hong Kong’s economy and consumer behavior. If businesses don’t pivot, the city’s retail landscape could keep shrinking. But Lee’s push for adaptation hints at a bigger question: Can Hong Kong reinvent its appeal, or will cross-border spending keep draining its vitality?

A surprising new study reveals that microplastics from polylactic acid (PLA)—a common "biodegradable" material—can sneak into gut bacteria and cells, messing with metabolism and weakening the gut barrier in mice. Researchers from China and the U.S. warn this could play a role in triggering diseases like diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease. Turns out, even "eco-friendly" plastics might not be so harmless after all.

Editor’s Note: We’ve been told biodegradable plastics are the greener choice, but this study throws cold water on that idea. If these microplastics can disrupt gut health in mice, it raises big questions about their long-term effects on humans—especially since PLA is everywhere, from food packaging to tea bags. It’s a wake-up call that "biodegradable" doesn’t always mean safe.

A 55-year-old Chinese food delivery driver, Wang Jibing, has been appointed vice director of a public reading promotion group in Xuzhou—despite having only basic formal education. Known as the "food courier poet," he’s written thousands of poems and published multiple books, proving passion and talent can defy traditional expectations.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a feel-good story about an underdog—it challenges stereotypes about who gets to lead cultural movements. In a society often fixated on academic credentials, Wang’s rise highlights how grassroots creativity can earn recognition. It’s a win for everyday artists and a reminder that literature (and leadership) isn’t confined to elites.

Hong Kong is gearing up to open its fifth counseling center for problem gamblers as part of a broader move to legalize basketball betting. The government plans to slap a 50% tax on the operator’s profits—likely the Hong Kong Jockey Club—and require them to chip in with donations and community support.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about adding another betting option—it’s a balancing act. Legalizing basketball betting could bring in revenue, but the push for counseling centers and heavy taxes shows the government’s wary of gambling’s social costs. If done right, it could fund public services; if not, it might fuel addiction. Either way, it’s a big shift in how Hong Kong handles gambling.

Protests in Los Angeles turned tense for a second straight day, with clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement in the Paramount neighborhood. Police deployed tear gas as tensions flared, reflecting growing unrest in the city.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just another protest—it's a sign of deepening frustration in LA. When tear gas starts flying, it usually means authorities and demonstrators are at a breaking point. These scenes could signal more upheaval ahead, whether over policing, economic struggles, or other simmering issues. People are watching to see if this escalates or cools down.