Trump's tariffs are looming large over the UK’s last surviving steel towns

Hong Kong is expanding access to nature for people with disabilities by adding three new wheelchair-friendly trails in country parks next year. The routes—at Lions Nature Education Centre, Plover Cove Country Park, and Tai Mei Tuk—promise scenic views and manageable distances. While this is a step forward, advocates argue the city still needs to do more to improve accessibility for everyone.

Editor’s Note: Hong Kong’s move to make nature more inclusive is a win, but it also highlights the ongoing challenges people with disabilities face in accessing outdoor spaces. This story matters because it’s not just about trails—it’s about who gets to enjoy them and how cities can (or should) prioritize accessibility for all.

Hong Kong is doubling down on digital assets like stablecoins and tokenized financial products as a way to address economic challenges, according to Chris Hui, the strategy's architect. The city has already licensed 11 crypto exchanges—a major shift from just three years ago—thanks to new regulations aimed at creating a secure and thriving digital-asset market.

Editor’s Note: Hong Kong’s push into digital assets isn’t just about keeping up with fintech trends—it’s a deliberate play to revive its economy by positioning itself as a trusted hub for crypto innovation. With clear regulations and licensed exchanges, the city is betting that structured growth in this space could help solve real-world financial struggles. For investors and businesses, this signals both opportunity and stability in a market that’s often seen as volatile.

China is building a massive dam on Tibet’s Yarlung Tsangpo River, which could generate three times more power than the Three Gorges Dam. But downstream in India, officials worry it might trigger extreme floods during monsoons or worsen droughts by restricting water flow. While concerns have been swirling since China greenlit the project last December, hard evidence has been scarce—until now. A new study by Hohai University and China’s water ministry might finally shed light on what’s really at stake.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about energy—it’s a high-stakes tug-of-war over water, a resource that’s becoming as strategic as oil. For India, the dam could mean life-or-death for communities downstream, depending on how China manages the flow. The study might clarify risks, but it’s also a reminder of how fragile water-sharing can be between rival nations. If tensions rise, this dam could become the next flashpoint in Asia.

The LNP is framing a proposed inquiry into the CFMEU as a potential turning point for Queensland Labor, comparing it to the historic Fitzgerald inquiry that exposed systemic corruption in the 1980s. Meanwhile, the article also touches on China’s military expansion, with calls for greater transparency.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another political spat—it’s a high-stakes claim that could reshape Queensland’s political landscape if the CFMEU inquiry uncovers serious misconduct. The China angle adds another layer, highlighting growing tensions over military secrecy. Both threads reflect deeper concerns about accountability, whether in unions or global power plays.

Australia’s defense minister, Pat Conroy, has made it clear that the country won’t automatically side with the U.S. in a potential conflict with China, despite reports that Washington is pushing for pre-commitments from allies. The remarks highlight Canberra’s cautious approach to navigating tensions in the Indo-Pacific, balancing its alliance with the U.S. against its economic ties with China.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just diplomatic hedging—it’s a sign of how tricky the U.S.-China rivalry has become for middle powers like Australia. While Canberra values its security partnership with Washington, it’s also wary of being dragged into a conflict that could destabilize the region and hurt its economy. The story matters because it shows how alliances are being tested as global tensions rise.