Soft soil caused Malaysia’s huge gas pipeline fire: authorities

Hong Kong has rolled out its 2025 Honours List, celebrating a diverse mix of local heroes—from a former Hospital Authority chairman and a gold-medal Olympian fencer to everyday citizens who risked their lives in a deadly fire rescue. The list of 427 honorees highlights contributions across medicine, sports, business, and public service, with even a rescue team deployed overseas getting a nod.

Editor’s Note: Awards like these aren’t just about shiny medals—they’re a snapshot of what a society values. Hong Kong’s list this year underscores how everyday acts (like pulling people from a fire) sit alongside high-profile achievements (Olympic wins, healthcare leadership). It’s a reminder that impact comes in many forms, and public recognition can amplify both inspiration and civic pride.

Azerbaijani authorities have detained the top editors of Sputnik Azerbaijan, a Russian state-backed news agency, in Baku. The move raises eyebrows given the political tensions between Azerbaijan and Russia, despite their generally cooperative relationship. While details are still emerging, the arrests suggest a crackdown on foreign media operations—or possibly a targeted message to Moscow.

Editor’s Note: Journalists getting arrested is never a good sign, especially when it involves a major player like Russia. This could strain Azerbaijan’s delicate balancing act between Russia and the West, or it might reflect internal media suppression. Either way, it’s a worrying development for free press advocates and geopolitical watchers alike.

Even with rising tensions between the U.S. and China, some Chinese retailers—like the wildly popular toy brand Pop Mart—are still finding success in American markets. A tiny Manhattan store selling collectible "blind box" figurines was so packed on a recent weekend that employees kept apologizing for being sold out. It’s a reminder that, politics aside, U.S. consumers still crave unique products from China, whether they’re trendy toys or niche goods like tea.

Editor’s Note: Global trade isn’t just about iPhones and tariffs—it’s also small businesses crossing borders in unexpected ways. Pop Mart’s hype shows that cultural products can cut through geopolitical noise, proving there’s still money to be made when brands tap into what shoppers actually want. For China’s consumer-facing companies, the U.S. remains a land of opportunity, even if the road’s gotten bumpier.

Day one at Wimbledon 2025 delivered plenty of drama: defending champ Carlos Alcaraz cruised through his match, Aryna Sabalenka powered to a win, but Daniil Medvedev suffered an early exit. Meanwhile, British fans had reason to cheer as Sonay Kartal, Henry Tarvet, and Arthur Fery all advanced—keeping local hopes alive. Emma Raducanu’s upcoming match against Mimi Xu is already generating buzz.

Editor’s Note: Wimbledon’s opening day set the tone for the tournament—big names delivered, underdogs shined, and surprises (like Medvedev’s loss) kept things unpredictable. For British tennis fans, the home players’ strong start is a welcome boost, especially with Raducanu’s return to the spotlight. If day one’s any indication, this year’s Championships will be anything but dull.

Donald Trump Jr., one of the former president's sons, has dropped hints about a potential future White House bid, while defending his family against claims of profiting from politics. The remarks—vague but attention-grabbing—add fuel to speculation about the Trump dynasty's long-term political ambitions.

Editor’s Note: Whether or not this amounts to more than just chatter, it keeps the Trump name in the political conversation. The idea of another Trump running for office—especially one with his father's combative style—could reshape the GOP's future and deepen the family's influence in American politics. For now, it's a reminder that the Trump era isn’t fading quietly.