So… is TikTok finally off Washington’s chopping block? It certainly looks that way. TikTok’s CEO Shou Zi Chew told staff this week that ByteDance has signed binding agreements with US and global investors. The agreements are to reshape ownership of TikTok’s American business. The deal, expected to close on 22 January, could finally end years
What happens when Washington turns up the volume in one of Asia’s most sensitive flashpoints? Beijing notices — loudly. The Trump administration has unveiled an arms package for Taiwan worth roughly $11bn. It is packed with heavy hitters: HIMARS rocket systems, self-propelled howitzers, and a range of missiles. Congress still needs to sign off, but
A quiet Massachusetts neighbourhood. A sudden burst of gunfire. And a brilliant scientific career cut short. How did it come to this? MIT has confirmed that Professor Nuno F. Gomes Loureiro, a 47-year-old nuclear science and engineering expert, died on Tuesday. He was shot multiple times at his home in Brookline. Police were called around
What does press freedom look like in Hong Kong now? Many critics say Monday’s verdict offered a grim answer. Jimmy Lai — the outspoken media tycoon and pro-democracy figure — was found guilty on all three counts in his national security trial. A ruling rights groups say all but seals the fate of independent journalism
How do you process news this shocking? Hollywood woke up in disbelief after legendary filmmaker and actor Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, were found dead. They were discovered in their Los Angeles home. Authorities are now treating the case as a suspected homicide. Police and firefighters were called to the couple’s Brentwood residence on
What was meant to be a routine exam day at Brown University turned into a nightmare — and one that’s still unfolding. A manhunt is under way after a gunman opened fire inside a classroom at the Ivy League campus in Providence, Rhode Island. Two students were killed and nine others were injured. The shooting
What’s still hiding inside Jeffrey Epstein’s world? That question is back in the spotlight after Democratic lawmakers released nearly 100 new photos from the disgraced financier’s estate. The images offer fresh — and unsettling — glimpses into his life and social circle. The images, published by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee, show Epstein alongside
Millions of Americans could soon see their healthcare costs skyrocket. This comes after the Senate failed to pass both Democratic and Republican plans to extend ACA subsidies. With neither side reaching the 60-vote threshold, the extra financial assistance—introduced during the pandemic—is set to expire on 1 January. This could potentially double insurance premiums for more
Residents across the Pacific Northwest are gearing up for what could be some of the worst flooding the region has ever seen. And the culprit? An atmospheric river — a massive airborne conveyor belt of moisture. It’s been dumping relentless rain on already swollen rivers. Sounds dramatic? It is. In Oregon and Washington, the US
Cocaine in Northern Ireland’s lakes and rivers? It sounds dramatic, but that’s exactly what a new study has uncovered. And the findings are raising eyebrows far beyond the scientific community. Researchers analysed nearly 140 samples from major waterways including the River Lagan, Lough Neagh and Lough Erne. The result? Cocaine — and its chemical by-product
A powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake jolted north-eastern Japan on Monday night — and for thousands of families, everything changed in seconds. At least 30 people were injured, and nearly 90,000 residents were ordered to evacuate. The quake struck just after 11pm local time, about 80km off Aomori’s coast. Tsunami warnings briefly sparked panic before being lifted,
Russia is surprisingly pleased with President Donald Trump’s new National Security Strategy — a 33-page document. Some European officials say it reads uncomfortably like Kremlin talking points. So what’s in it that has Moscow smiling? For starters, the strategy avoids labeling Russia as a threat and instead warns that Europe is on the brink of
