Hong Kong’s South Lantau ecotourism plan may harm environment: green groups

Veteran editor Cheong Yip Seng's new memoir sheds light on how Singapore's founding leader Lee Kuan Yew built a lasting diplomatic bridge with China. The book reveals Lee's instinctive grasp of Beijing's need for equal footing in global affairs—something he demonstrated during his pivotal 1976 visit and throughout his career. Rather than bulldozing through negotiations, Lee approached China with strategic respect, which ultimately cemented mutual trust between the two nations.

Editor’s Note: In today's era of geopolitical tensions, Lee's nuanced approach offers a masterclass in how smaller nations can navigate relationships with superpowers. His legacy reminds us that diplomacy isn't about size—it's about reading the room and treating counterparts with genuine consideration. That lesson feels especially relevant as countries jostle for influence in an increasingly multipolar world.

Thailand is reversing its landmark decision to legalize cannabis, citing concerns over social problems like increased drug abuse. But the sudden policy shift has thrown the booming legal weed industry into chaos, with growers and sellers now fighting to stay afloat—or warning they’ll be forced underground.

Editor’s Note: Just two years ago, Thailand made history as the first Asian country to decriminalize cannabis, sparking a gold rush of legal weed businesses. Now, the government’s U-turn leaves thousands in limbo—showing how quickly political winds can shift, even for a growing global industry. For other countries watching, it’s a cautionary tale about the messy reality of drug policy reform.

The head of the CIA has claimed that the Obama administration's investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. election—often dubbed "Russiagate"—was actually a political maneuver designed to undermine Donald Trump. The explosive allegation suggests the probe was less about national security and more about partisan sabotage.

Editor’s Note: If true, this accusation throws fuel on the fire of partisan distrust in U.S. intelligence and political institutions. It’s a big deal because it challenges the official narrative of Russiagate, which has shaped years of political discourse and legal battles. For Trump supporters, it’s vindication; for critics, it’s another layer of conspiracy. Either way, it’s bound to deepen divisions.

Khaled Sabsabi, an artist previously removed from the Venice Biennale in February, has been reinstated—but not without controversy. Politician Julian Leeser is demanding answers from Creative Australia and Arts Minister Tony Burke, arguing they need to justify their decision. Meanwhile, in unrelated news, power is slowly coming back for around 5,800 customers in NSW after outages.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just bureaucratic squabbling—it’s about accountability in how public arts funding and representation are handled. Sabsabi’s reinstatement raises questions: Was the initial removal fair? Why the reversal? And why are critics so fired up? For the arts community, it’s a flashpoint in the larger debate over who gets to decide what Australian art looks like on the world stage. (Oh, and NSW folks still waiting for their lights to come back on—hang in there.)

The Pentagon claims recent U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities have delayed Iran's nuclear program by one to two years, citing internal intelligence assessments. Sean Parnell, echoing Trump-era rhetoric, asserts that critical sites were successfully targeted. Meanwhile, the Pentagon is also reviewing arms exports to allies amid reports of dwindling munition stockpiles.

Editor’s Note: This story matters because it highlights the ongoing tension between the U.S. and Iran over nuclear capabilities—a geopolitical flashpoint with global security implications. While the Pentagon frames the strikes as a setback for Iran, skeptics may question the long-term effectiveness of such actions, especially as the U.S. juggles military commitments elsewhere. The mention of strained munition stockpiles adds another layer, suggesting broader challenges in sustaining defense strategies.