Hong Kong’s CK Hutchison ports sale on thin ice amid US-China tensions: analysts

Kim Keon-hee, South Korea's former first lady, has been hospitalized in Seoul for severe depression. This comes amid intense scrutiny from a special counsel investigation into multiple scandals tied to her alleged wrongdoing—including stock manipulation, bribery, and election meddling—during her husband Yoon Suk-yeol's presidency. Sources say she was admitted Monday and is now under psychiatric care.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just about a high-profile figure's health—it reflects the immense pressure and fallout from South Korea's political scandals. Kim's hospitalization underscores how legal and public scrutiny can take a heavy personal toll, especially when allegations involve power abuses at the highest levels. It also keeps the spotlight on her husband's controversial presidency, which ended in impeachment. For South Koreans, it's another chapter in the ongoing reckoning over elite misconduct.

It's Game 2 of the 2025 State of Origin series, with Queensland Maroons taking on NSW Blues at Perth's Optus Stadium—a venue where the Blues have dominated in recent clashes. The article offers live updates and a peek into Queensland captain Cameron Munster's emotional connection to the rivalry, calling it "everything" for a kid dreaming of playing for his state.

Editor’s Note: State of Origin isn’t just another rugby league match—it’s a cultural showdown between Queensland and New South Wales, packed with history, pride, and fierce competition. Even though the Blues have had the upper hand at Optus Stadium, Munster’s leadership and Queensland’s desperation to flip the script could make this a turning point in the series. For fans, it’s must-watch drama.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei is doubling down on defiance, warning that any U.S. involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict would cause "irreparable damage." He’s outright rejected Trump’s call for surrender, framing it as unacceptable and vowing to push back against threats. Meanwhile, the human toll is mounting—linked stories highlight how ordinary Iranians and Israelis are coping with the fallout.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just saber-rattling—it’s a high-stakes escalation that could drag the U.S. deeper into a volatile regional showdown. Khamenei’s refusal to back down signals hardened positions on both sides, with civilians caught in the middle. For readers, it’s a stark reminder that diplomatic off-ramps are narrowing, and the risks of wider war are growing.

During today's Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs), Deputy PM Angela Rayner made it clear that the UK government isn’t planning to join any potential US military action against Iran, emphasizing diplomacy instead. Meanwhile, the absence of a formal deputy for Tory leader Kemi Badenoch adds an interesting dynamic, as she’s handling PMQs substitutions on an ad-hoc basis.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just routine political sparring—it’s a signal of where the UK stands on a high-stakes international issue. With tensions simmering in the Middle East, Rayner’s comments suggest the UK is trying to avoid being dragged into another conflict. The lack of a clear Tory deputy also hints at internal party dynamics that could shape how opposition challenges play out in the coming months.

Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, a member of the Irish rap group Kneecap (who goes by the stage name Mo Chara), has been released on bail after being charged with a terrorism-related offense. The accusation stems from allegedly displaying a flag linked to Hezbollah, a group banned under UK terrorism laws.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about a flag—it’s a high-stakes legal and political issue. Kneecap’s music often tackles controversial themes, but being tied to a banned organization could have serious consequences, both for Ó hAnnaidh personally and for the band’s future. It also raises questions about where artistic expression crosses into legal jeopardy, especially with tensions around proscribed groups running high.