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Typhoon signal 8 to be issued at 6.20pm | A typhoon signal No 8 will be issued at 6.20pm on Thursday as Super Typhoon Yagi gets closer to Hong Kong, the observatory said. The storm is forecast to bring strong winds and heavy downpours to the territory. "Local winds will strengthen progressively and weather will deteriorate. The intense rainbands associated with Yagi will affect the territory gradually later today," the observatory said. "The observatory will issue the Gale or Storm Signal, No 8 at 6.20pm this afternoon." The No 3 storm signal was issued at 6.40pm on Wednesday. The observatory said that according to the present forecast, Yagi will remain at super typhoon intensity and skirt around 300 kilometres to the southwest of Hong Kong on Friday morning. It added that Yagi is a mature storm, and under the influence of its outer circulation, strong winds will affect many places in the territory, with occasional gale force winds on high ground. | 2024-09-05T12:09:00 |
Transport firms in typhoon mode, some flights hit | Transport companies on Thursday geared up for the arrival of Super Typhoon Yagi, with services ramped up before an eventual winding-down, while some airlines cancelled a number of flights. The observatory is expected to issue a No 8 typhoon signal at 6.20pm. The MTR said extra trains and buses were being laid on from 3pm. However, once the signal 8 in force, only a limited rail service will be provided and buses will stop running three hours after the warning is issued. "Passengers are advised to return home as soon as possible or stay indoors in a safe place," the company said. It added that further disruption to services is possible if weather conditions worsen, and any issuance of a signal 9 or 10 would prevent trains from running on overground sections of the network. Citybus said it was strengthening its services in the afternoon to help people get home from work. "We will maintain our daytime services for around 2 to 3 hours when the signal No 8 is in effect," it said in a statement. Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB) and its sister company Long Win Bus (LWB) said they would provide a normal service on all routes until at least two hours after the signal 8 storm warning takes effect. "During the period when the number 8 gale or storm signal is hoisted, KMB and LWB will provide limited services.... routes may be altered due to weather or actual road conditions," a statement read. Ferry services will likely be halted in the evening in light of the approaching typhoon, with a number of smaller routes already suspended from Thursday morning. Star Ferry said its last services would depart at 7.30pm. HK Express said it had cancelled six flights to and from Hong Kong on Thursday and at least 16 others on Friday. Hong Kong Airlines cancelled at least four flights set for Friday. Cathay Pacific said it had made no cancellations because of the super typhoon, but passengers should check the status of their flights before heading to the airport. "We are also waiving ticket change fees, so customers can rearrange their plans easily," the airline said. Chapman Fong, the Airport Authority's deputy director of airport operations, said about 38 flights have been cancelled. "We will start the flight rescheduling system to help airlines to reschedule their flights and resume their flights orderly. We expect the flight disruption or the arrangement to last for the whole day [Friday]," Fong said. Only two airport bus routes – S1 and S64 to and from Tung Chung – will remain in service when the signal 8 warning is up. An electronic queueing system for taxis is being brought in for passengers to leave the airport, with authorities liaising with operators to deploy more cabs to meet the rising demand. The system was introduced after people had to queue for hours during a typhoon last year. _____________________________
Last updated: 2024-09-05 HKT 16:13 | 2024-09-05T12:33:00 |
China pledges US$50bn financing for Africa | China pledged more than US$50 billion in financing for Africa over the next three years and promised to help create at least a million jobs on the continent, President Xi Jinping said in a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing on Thursday. He also proposed that bilateral relations between China and all African countries having diplomatic ties with Beijing be elevated to the level of strategic relations. "Over the next three years, the Chinese government is willing to provide financial support amounting to 360 billion yuan (US$50.7 billion)," Xi told African leaders in the Great Hall of the People. The sum would comprise 210 billion yuan in credit facilities and 80 billion yuan in various types of assistance, while also promoting Chinese firms to invest at least 70 billion yuan, the president said. The speech also included a pledge that China would "provide 1 billion yuan (US$140.9 million) in emergency food aid... implement 500 public welfare projects, (and) encourage Chinese and African companies to invest and start businesses in both directions". Xi added that China stands ready to work with Africa to implement 10 partnership action plans in the next three years to jointly advance modernisation. The plans will cover areas such as industrial chain cooperation, health, green development, and common security. "Thanks to nearly 70 years of tireless efforts from both sides, the China-Africa relationship is now at its best in history," Xi said. "With its future growth in mind, I propose that bilateral relations between China and all African countries having diplomatic ties with China be elevated to the level of strategic relations, and that the overall characterisation of China-Africa relations be elevated to an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era. “We have always understood and supported each other, setting an example for a new type of international relations." United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who also attended the summit, said African countries' inadequate access to debt relief and scarce resources is a recipe for social unrest. He proposed "deep reforms to the outdated, ineffective and unfair international financial architecture" and further stimulus "to provide developing countries with the liquidity they need while seeking medium- and long-term solutions." (Agencies) | 2024-09-05T12:37:00 |
Golfer Campbell aims to defend HK Open title | New Zealand golfer Ben Campbell said on Thursday that he can't wait to return to the SAR in late November to defend his Hong Kong Open title. Campbell's victory last year was his first on an international tour, and he added a second in Morocco two months ago in a playoff. The 33-year-old said he very much enjoys playing on the Fanling course. "I love those courses where you've sort of got to think, 'OK, where's the flag?' It's not just a bomber's golf course, and I like it. There's a lot of early opportunities out there, but you don't have to be that far off and it's easy to make a bogey," he told reporters in an online conference. "The course is always in amazing condition. Every time I've played it, it's been incredible. Yeah, I'm definitely a big fan of the course and can't wait to get back there." After his win in Hong Kong, Campbell revealed that he almost retired months before, because of various injuries. He said he's been healthy since, and he knew before winning the Open that it was just a matter of time for him to put it all together while playing under pressure. "I'd played some amazing golf early on in the season, New Zealand Open, came second and things like that. But I just hadn't been able to put all four days together," Campbell said. "It was just, you know, when you get under the pump that those bad habits would come in and it did. Because I stuffed up the finishes before, I know. And that helped me definitely get across the line in Hong Kong." The SAR's Taichi Kho will be among those competing against Campbell in November, while legend Gary Player will also make an appearance as a tournament ambassador. | 2024-09-05T13:45:00 |
HK's driving test queue still too long, says Ombudsman | Would-be motorists in Hong Kong can spend around 200 days in the queue for a test, the ombudsman said on Thursday, as he called for transport officials to do more to bring down waiting times. Ombudsman Jack Chan said the wait was even longer a couple of years ago, when an increasing demand for tests and pandemic disruption meant those hoping to get behind the wheel of a car or light goods vehicle could face a delay of 340 days for an assessment. Despite the improvement in waiting times, Chan said an investigation by his office has identified ways for the Transport Department (TD) to speed things up. He called for new test centres to be established and for manpower resources to be redeployed, as well as an end to the practice of making driving examiners (DE) go to the department's Ho Man Tin headquarters before finding out which test centre they would be working from that day. Chan said more assessments could be carried out if the examiners reported for duty at the test centre itself. "We are pleased to learn that in response to our investigation, the TD has since mid-June this year implemented the direct reporting arrangement on a trial basis at four driving test centres. We recommend that the TD review the arrangement. If the trial is positively received, the department should proactively study the feasibility of extending the arrangement to other driving test centres," he said. "It is estimated that if the direct reporting arrangement is implemented, about 5,500 additional road tests for non-commercial vehicles can be conducted each year, meaning that an additional 5,500 candidates can be benefited." In addition, the ombudsman said the department should reinstate the maximum waiting time target of 82 days for a non-commercial vehicle driving test which was abolished in 2016. The watchdog also said there has been an increase in appeals against test results, and it would be a good idea to consider the use of video recording during assessments. "The Transport Department must seriously review the existing arrangement of prohibiting video recording for road tests. If it is considered that video recording of road tests is feasible, the need to protect personal privacy should be taken into account," he said. In response, the Transport Department said it will adopt the ombudsman's recommendations. "We will continue to review and enhance the work arrangements and staff guidelines, and take appropriate measures to ensure that the driving test centres operate in an orderly manner," a spokesperson said. "We will review and consider formulating a performance pledge for road tests for non-commercial vehicles." The department also pledged to explore the feasibility of introducing new technology to assist with driving assessments, but said it has to carefully consider the implementation due to “the unique nature of driving tests in Hong Kong”. | 2024-09-05T14:33:00 |
'Focus on mediation won't diminish investigative role' | The new head of the government's watchdog has vowed to focus his office on mediation to resolve disputes and complaints. Ombudsman Jack Chan on Thursday said mediation is the best way to deal with minor grievances and that it would not diminish the watchdog's investigative role. "This is not going to lessen our role in investigations. The ordinance is there, the law is there and we, under the law, are required to conduct mediation," Chan told reporters. "And the difference is, for investigation, it's a lengthy process. The result may not be acceptable to the complainant. On the other hand, mediation focuses on mutual agreement. The case is completed with both parties' consent and they have to sign on a written form." Chan, a former under secretary for home affairs, began his five-year tenure on April 1, succeeding Winnie Chiu as the Ombudsman. He stressed his office values quality over quantity when it comes to launching direct probes, when asked why he only released the first report after being in office for five months. "I'm quite confident that in the coming year, we'll be able to conduct more or less the same number of direct investigations. I already have many such cases, such operations in hand. It's double digits," Chan said. "For mediation, my target is as many as possible." Chan noted his office had resolved 153 complaints through mediation in the first five months of this term, compared to 187 in the entire 2023-24 period. Responding to claims by jailed activist Owen Chow about inmates having trouble filing complaints to the watchdog, Chan said there's "absolutely no problem" for prisoners to raise their views. "We handle such cases regularly and frequently. There's no question of inmates in our correctional institutions having any problem in seeking our assistance," he said. | 2024-09-05T17:07:00 |
Schools suspended on Friday due to Yagi | The Education Bureau announced that classes at all day schools would be suspended on Friday due to Super Typhoon Yagi. "Considering the latest development and the HKO's forecast of the tropical cyclone, the Education Bureau announces that classes of all day schools, including secondary schools, primary schools, special schools, kindergartens, and kindergartens and child care centres, will remain suspended tomorrow in order to ensure students' safety," the bureau said in a statement. It said classes of all day schools were suspended on Thursday when the Observatory issued its Pre-No. 8 Special Announcement in the afternoon and classes of night schools would be suspended in the evening. The bureau said it would make an announcement later on whether classes of evening schools would remain suspended on Friday, depending on the development of the storm. | 2024-09-05T15:00:00 |
Ugandan Olympian dies from severe burns | Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei has died in Kenya four days after being set on fire by her boyfriend, Ugandan athletics officials said on Thursday. "We have learnt of the sad passing on of our Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei following a vicious attack by her boyfriend," the president of the Uganda Olympic Committee Donald Rukare said in a post on X. "This was a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will continue to endure," he added. According to police, a man identified as Cheptegei's partner, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, allegedly doused her with petrol and set her alight on Sunday at her home in Endebess in the western county of Trans-Nzoia. The incident took place just weeks after Cheptegei, 33, had taken part in the marathon at the Paris Olympics, where she placed 44th. Cheptegei suffered burns to 80 percent of her body and had been fighting for her life at a Kenyan hospital since, the acting head of the facility told reporters on Tuesday. Kenyan media had reported that one of Cheptegei's daughters witnessed the assault at her mother's home. "He kicked me while I tried to run to the rescue of my mother," Kenya's The Standard reported her as saying. "I immediately cried out for help, attracting a neighbour who tried to extinguish the flames with water, but it was not possible," said the girl, who has not been named. The Uganda Athletics Federation also reported Cheptegei's death in a statement on X. "We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence," it said. "As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest in peace." (AFP) | 2024-09-05T16:17:00 |
Hong Kong stocks close lower | Hong Kong's stock market ended lower on Thursday with the benchmark Hang Seng Index down 0.1 percent at 17,444. The Shanghai Composite Index finished up 0.1 percent at 2,788. (Agencies) | 2024-09-05T17:14:00 |
Police shoot dead suspected gunman in Munich | German police on Thursday said they shot dead a suspected gunman near the Israeli consulate in Munich. According to a police spokesperson, officers noticed a person carrying a “long gun” in the Karolinenplatz area, near downtown Munich, at around 9am. There was then an exchange of shots, but there no was no indication that anyone else was hurt, according to police. Thursday marked the 52nd anniversary of the attack by Palestinian militants on the Israeli delegation at the 1972 Munich Olympics, which ended with the death of 11 Israeli team members, a West German police officer and five of the assailants. It was unclear whether the incident was in any way related to the anniversary. Police said there was no evidence of any more suspects connected to the incident. They increased their presence in the city, Germany's third-biggest, but said they had no indication of incidents at any other locations or of any other suspects. Israel’s Foreign Ministry said the consulate in Munich was closed when the shooting occurred and that no consulate staff had been hurt. The nearby museum also said all of its employees were unharmed. (Agencies) | 2024-09-05T17:34:00 |
Observatory issues first No. 8 signal of the year | The Hong Kong Observatory issued the first typhoon signal Number 8 of the year at 6.20pm on Thursday as Super Typhoon Yagi moved closer to Hong Kong. The weather forecaster said the Number 8 northeast gale or storm signal is expected to be in place until at least noon on Friday. "Yagi is a mature storm. Under the influence of its outer circulation, strong winds will affect many places of the territory with occasional gale winds offshore and on high ground," the observatory said. It added that local winds would strengthen progressively and the weather would deteriorate on Thursday evening. According to the present forecast, Yagi will remain at super typhoon intensity and skirt around 300 kilometres to the southwest of the SAR on Friday morning. The storm warning upgrade came almost 24 hours after the forecaster issued the No 3 signal. | 2024-09-05T18:22:00 |
Residents rush home ahead of Yagi's arrival | Though Super Typhoon Yagi is not forecast to directly hit Hong Kong, residents on Thursday were still rushing home and snapping up supplies ahead of the storm's arrival. Yagi is forecast to bring strong winds and heavy downpours to the territory, with the typhoon signal No 8 expected to remain in force until at least noon on Friday. Some employers had released their staff early to ensure they were safely home before the signal came into effect. Quality control worker Mo Khalifa, who was making his way home from his office in Pacific Place, said he was able to leave two hours earlier than usual, but that he still needed to rush home to complete some work. "Basically we have been instructed to leave the office at 4pm. Quite good of course, but a typhoon doesn't mean that we don't do our work from home. We still do it, but from our computer at home." Meanwhile, Mr Yeung was among many shoppers who were gathering supplies at a supermarket in the mall. "Because my wife hasn't been released yet, so I need to help her [with the] shopping here. I had to work today but I went out to a meeting and then after the meeting finished, I didn't go back to the office so that's why I came here...to see if there's anything I can grab." And since the Education Bureau had announced that full-day schools will be closed on Friday, some students said they were happy about their impromptu day off. But international school pupils Olivia and Sophie said they were a bit sad they will be missing their favourite sports class scheduled for Friday. | 2024-09-05T18:44:00 |
Former Brexit negotiator named new French PM | French President Emmanuel Macron appointed Michel Barnier, the European Union's former Brexit negotiator, as prime minister on Thursday and tasked him with forming a new government, hoping to end weeks of political deadlock after he called a snap election that delivered an unwieldy hung parliament. Barnier will have the daunting challenge of trying to push reforms, and the 2025 budget, through a hung parliament, at a time when France is under pressure from the European Commission and bond markets to reduce its deficit. Macron's gamble to call the snap parliamentary election in June backfired, with his centrist coalition losing dozens of seats and no party winning an absolute majority. The left's New Popular Front alliance came first but Macron ruled out asking them to form a government after other parties said they would immediately vote it down. (Reuters) | 2024-09-05T19:34:00 |
UK prosecutors drop charges against Harvey Weinstein | British prosecutors on Thursday said they had discontinued indecent assault charges against former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein. "Following a review of the evidence in this case, the CPS has decided to discontinue criminal proceedings against Harvey Weinstein," said Frank Ferguson, Head of the Crown Prosecution Service's (CPS) Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division. "The CPS has a duty to keep all cases under continuous review and we have decided that there is no longer a realistic prospect of conviction." When it authorised charges two years ago, the CPS said the alleged assault had taken place in August 1996 in London, with police saying the accusation involved a woman, now in her 50s. Weinstein, 72, has denied having any non-consensual sexual encounters with anyone. Jurors in Manhattan found him guilty on rape charges in February 2020, but the New York Court of Appeals threw out the conviction in April, finding Weinstein did not get a fair trial because a judge improperly allowed testimony by accusers he was not formally charged with assaulting. A court in Los Angeles in 2022 convicted him of raping an actress in the city. (Reuters) | 2024-09-05T19:52:00 |
China lose 7-0 to Japan in World Cup qualifying | Premier League stars Kaoru Mitoma and Wataru Endo both scored as Japan beat China 7-0 on Thursday to start the third round of Asian World Cup qualifiers with a statement win. Brighton winger Mitoma, who has missed a chunk of this year with injury, was making his first appearance for Japan since the Asian Cup in January. He announced his return in emphatic style in front of more than 50,000 fans in Saitama, scoring with a first-half header after Liverpool's Endo had given Japan the lead. Takumi Minamino added two more goals after the break to put Japan on cruise control against a China side looking to qualify for their first World Cup since 2002. Junya Ito, who was also playing for Japan for the first time since the Asian Cup, scored another before late goals from Daizen Maeda and Takefusa Kubo capped a dominant performance from team Japan. The national team had squeezed into the third qualifying round thanks to a superior head-to-head record over Thailand. (AFP) | 2024-09-05T21:44:00 |
Yagi triggers amber rain warning as it nears HK | The Observatory issued the Amber Rainstorm Signal at 9.30pm on Thursday, a little over three hours after it put up the typhoon signal No 8. It said the Gale or Storm Signal No. 8 will remain in force and stay in effect until at least noon on Friday. Tong Yu-fai, Senior Scientific Officer at the observatory, said that Super Typhoon Yagi will be closest to the SAR on Friday morning. "At 10pm, Yagi was centred about 330 kilometres south of Hong Kong and is forecast to move west-northwest at about 15 kilometres per hour across the northern part of the South China Sea, moving in the general direction of the vicinity of Leizhou Peninsula to Hainan Island," he said. Train operator MTR said its rail services are now operating at limited frequencies with trains running at 10 to 20 minute intervals, while MTR bus services have been suspended. It added the last Airport Express train from Airport Station to Hong Kong Station will be extended to about 1.15am to pick up arriving passengers. Meanwhile, most daytime KMB and LWB routes have also been suspended, but KMB Routes B1 and B9, and LWB Routes S1 and S64 will maintain limited service. The Labour Department also reminded employers to adopt necessary work arrangements and ensure safety measures for its employees when carrying out electrical work. | 2024-09-05T22:14:00 |
People stock up on dry food and tape up windows for T8 | Hongkongers were well prepared on Thursday for the approach of Super Typhoon Yagi, which triggered the city’s first typhoon signal eight this year. The observatory put up the T8 signal at 6.20pm, and after about three hours, issued the Amber Rainstorm Warning Signal, which was taken down two hours later. Residents in the Heng Fa Chuen area said they were ready for the storm, given their neighbourhood is prone to flooding and high winds during typhoons, but some still took an evening stroll at the waterfront there. "We bought dry foods, and have taken safety precautions like taping our windows. We always take a walk after dinner no matter the condition, but we will go home soon," said a man surnamed Lo. A Primary 6 student surnamed Chan said he stayed up late to witness the higher tides, after the Education Bureau announced that all day schools would be suspended on Friday. "I'm so happy. It is so exhilarating because this is the first time I get to see it. I usually see it on TV," he said. "You can really only see it in Heng Fa Chuen. I won't be scared as long as I stand at a safe distance." Civil Aid Service officers were seen patrolling the Heng Fa Chuen promenade earlier, advising people near the water to return to safety. Meanwhile, some tourists were still taking in the night views at Victoria Harbour, even as winds strengthened. A man surnamed Li said he had walked to the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront from Ho Man Tin. "I wasn't in a good mood so I wanted to come to the promenade for the nice atmosphere. I've seen typhoons like this in the past so I'm not too worried," he said. Earlier, the government reminded residents to stay away from the shoreline during inclement weather. It added people should not take part in water sports on beaches to avoid causing danger to themselves and rescue personnel. The Hospital Authority said that three people were injured during the storm as 2am, and have gone to hospital for treatment. Separately, the Drainage Services Department said that the Emergency Control Centre dispatched more than 60 emergency response teams at about 10pm to inspect areas prone to flooding. | 2024-09-06T00:48:00 |
UK to probe Ticketmaster over Oasis ticket prices | The UK's competition watchdog said on Thursday it has launched an investigation into Ticketmaster over how it handled ticket sales for next year's sold-out Oasis reunion tour. The scramble on Saturday for prized tickets for 17 announced concerts in July and August, 2025, saw sudden big price hikes – known as dynamic pricing – which infuriated fans. The band has since scheduled two more dates, in September next year. "We are working at pace to establish the precise factual background to the sale of Oasis tickets on 31 August, and we are keeping open all potential options for action," the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) told the government in a letter. "This includes potential enforcement action where we see evidence of possible breaches of consumer protection law," it added. Dynamic pricing, where a business adjusts its prices according to changing market conditions, is not in itself unlawful, the CMA noted. But "where businesses use dynamic pricing or other complex pricing systems, they must not mislead customers about their prices, and must be transparent about how prices are set," it said. The practice is used across a range of sectors and has been facilitated by the development of AI and other digital tools. "In certain contexts, it can affect consumers' trust in markets, and their ability to get good deals," the watchdog added. "Reflecting this, we are exploring any broader competition and consumer issues raised by dynamic pricing, and we look forward to engaging with your officials as our thinking in this area develops." Oasis are now set to play six concerts at London's Wembley Stadium next year, as well as 13 other dates in Cardiff, Edinburgh, Manchester and the Irish capital Dublin. The band released a statement on Wednesday evening denying they were behind the dynamic pricing. "It needs to be made clear that Oasis leave decisions on ticketing and pricing entirely to their promoters and management, and at no time had any awareness that dynamic pricing was going to be used," said the statement. It said that "meetings between promoters, Ticketmaster and the band's management" had resulted in an agreement to use dynamic pricing "to help keep general ticket prices down as well as reduce touting." However, "the execution of the plan failed to meet expectations." The price surges prompted the UK government to pledge a probe into what Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy branded the "depressing" practice. She vowed it would be reviewed as part of the government's upcoming consultation on consumer protections in ticket sales and resales. The row followed the announcement early last week that brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher had ended their 15-year feud and were reuniting the 1990s-founded band for a worldwide tour. Oasis, whose hits include "Wonderwall", "Don't Look Back In Anger" and "Stand By Me," last played together in 2009. (AFP) | 2024-09-06T00:19:00 |
US women's star Morgan to retire after final match | US soccer icon Alex Morgan, who inspired the Americans to two Women's World Cup football crowns, announced on Thursday that she will retire after a final club match on Sunday. The 35-year-old striker, who led the USA to 2012 London Olympic gold, also revealed she is pregnant with her second child. Morgan announced on social media that she will play her last match on Sunday when her San Diego Wave play host to the North Carolina Courage in a National Women's Soccer League match. Morgan was one of the world's best-known women's players. She starred in the 2015 and 2019 US Women's World Cup title runs, and is known for her work off the field in making a cultural impact as she pushed for equality in women's and men's sports. Morgan's 14-year international career saw her score 123 goals, fifth on the US women's national team all-time list, with 53 assists. "I grew up on this team. It was so much more than soccer," Morgan said. "It was the friendships and the unwavering respect and support among each other, the relentless push for global investment in women's sports, and the pivotal moments of success both on and off the field. "I am so incredibly honoured to have borrowed the crest for more than 15 years... "My desire for success may have always driven me, but what I got in return was more than I could have ever asked and hoped for." Since scoring her first international goal in 2010 against China, Morgan found the net against 32 nations, scoring the most against Japan with 12. Her final game in a US shirt came on June 4 against South Korea. Her last goal for the Americans came against Argentina last February in the Women's Gold Cup. Morgan played in 22 Women's World Cup matches and scored nine goals while netting six goals in 16 Olympic matches. Morgan gave birth to her first child, daughter Charlie, in 2020 and became the 14th mom to play for the Americans. Her club history includes winning a league title with Portland in 2013, and stints with Lyon in 2017 – when she helped the club win the French league, French Cup and UEFA Champions League – and Tottenham in 2020. (AFP) | 2024-09-06T01:45:00 |
SAR misses out on bronze in women's foil fencing | The Hong Kong, China's women's foil team missed out on a medal on Friday, after being beaten by Italy in the wheelchair fencing bronze medal match. The SAR team consisting of Alison Yu, Fan Pui-shan, Tong Nga-ting and Irene Chung lost 33-45 to Italy. The Italians led the first two rounds, before Yu emerged victorious in the third round with 12 touches for Hong Kong to take a 15-12 lead. The SAR team started falling behind in the following two rounds by a few points, but the gap began to widen further by the seventh to 25-35. Yu returned for an intense eighth round, where she was able to earn six touches to bring the score to 31-39. In the final round, Chung, who came on as a substitute, lost to her opponent 2-6. Despite missing out on a medal, Chung said everyone had done a lot of preparation for the team event. "This is my first time being the final fencer in the relay so I know how nerve-wracking it can be, but I did what I would usually do in training back home," she said. Meanwhile, Yu said the team tried their best and was satisfied with their overall performance. "It is already incredible to be able to participate at the Paralympics. I know some of them are participating for the first time, some have been to a few, and for me, many times," she said. "Everyone will have different pressures and expectations." Yu added that the team will now rest and redirect their focus to the individual and team épée fencing events. | 2024-09-06T02:12:00 |
Trump says would tap Musk to lead US govt audit panel | Donald Trump announced on Thursday that if elected president he would appoint billionaire Elon Musk to lead an audit of government spending and implement "drastic" reform. Trump said that at Musk's suggestion, he would "create a government efficiency commission tasked with conducting a complete financial and performance audit of the entire federal government," with the Tesla CEO as its chief. Trump, who is known for hyperbole, told the Economic Club of New York the effort could save "trillions and trillions of dollars." "This commission will develop an action plan to totally eliminate fraud and improper payments within six months," Trump said. Musk – who has said he previously voted for Democratic candidates – has thrown his weight and considerable wealth behind Trump since a gunman tried to assassinate the former president at a rally in July. Musk has a history of sparring with regulators, as when the Securities and Exchange Commission required vetting of his Twitter posts following 2018 tweets that the agency characterised as "false and misleading." Other Musk initiatives, such as his pursuit of autonomous driving technology, also face oversight by government agencies. (AFP) | 2024-09-06T03:30:00 |
Heavy rain hits Tai Po and Sai Kung Districts | The Observatory on Friday morning said that people should take the necessary precautions against flooding with heavy rain continuing to fall, especially those living in Tai Po and Sai Kung Districts. The weather forecaster issued the Amber Rainstorm Warning Signal again at 2.35am, after cancelling it less than two hours later. The forecaster said rain was particularly heavy in Tai Po and Sai Kung Districts, with more than 70 millimetres of hourly rainfall fallen or expected to fall, which could cause serious flooding. The Observatory said people should stay away from shorelines and not engage in water sports. The forecaster said the Gale or Storm Signal No. 8 is expected to remain in force until at least noon, as Super Typhoon Yagi skirts to the southwest of Hong Kong. | 2024-09-06T04:11:00 |
Boccia stars win the SAR's third Paris Paralympic gold | Boccia stars Ho Yuen-kei and Tse Tak-wah secured the third gold for Team Hong Kong, China at the Paris Paralympics on Friday, as they took the top prize in BC3 mixed pairs. The duo beat South Korea's Jeong Ho-won and Kang Sun-hee 5-3. The bowlers from Hong Kong started off strong by scoring a 3-0 lead in the first period, before the South Koreans tied the score in the second. But the Koreans made a mistake in their final bowl in the third period that allowed the SAR to gain an important point, before the Hong Kong pair finished it off in the fourth frame for the final margin. Ho, a three-time Paralympian, finished her trip to France with two golds, having also won her individual event. Both players said not medalling in Tokyo three years ago fueled them to work even harder. "After waiting for so many years, striving for so long, finally we did it. It turns out that as long as you believe, nothing is impossible," Ho told RTHK. "The regret of not winning a medal in Tokyo has fuelled us to work harder to continue storming to our goal. I believe besides training and competitions, we've had very little time with our families and friends. Basically we can say we no longer have friends." Tse also said he's excited to bring home the gold, having fallen just short in Tokyo and not securing a medal. Also on the green, Annie Cheung and Leung Yuk-wing won silver in the BC4 gold medal match, after suffering a 1-6 defeat to sibling duo Leidy and Edilson Chica Chica of Colombia. The Colombian mixed pair led the score the entire way, with the third frame being their best round with four points. Veteran bowler Leung, who is in his sixth Paralympics, told RTHK that he hoped to guide Cheung through this journey, as it is her very first Paralympics. "I was quite satisfied with my overall [Paralympics] performance, but there were some bowls that I didn't handle too well. It wasn't until the mixed pairs where I was partnered with Cheung that I hoped to play better because I had a leadership role," he said. "I did relax a lot more in the mixed pairs and really enjoyed the competition. I was very happy with every bowl. I am also overjoyed to have made it into the final with Cheung." Cheung said that she did get nervous, but hopes to use this experience to take on Los Angeles in 2028. "I think I did okay in general, but nerves did rise in some critical moments, especially when you go the final, semi-finals and knockout stages. Sometimes it is hard to deal with these situations when you are anxious," she said. "I hope that I can adjust better to that in the next four years and we can do it again in the next one." With the medals, Team Hong Kong, China topped the boccia medal table with three golds and two silvers, followed by the national team's two golds and South Korea, who had a gold, three silvers and a bronze. Overall, the SAR has so far taken three golds, four silvers and a bronze at this year's Paralympics. The Chief Executive, John Lee, and sports minister Kevin Yeung both congratulated the bowlers for their success. | 2024-09-06T04:54:00 |
US stocks end mostly down as market awaits jobs data | Wall Street stocks were under pressure for a third straight session on Thursday after digesting mixed economic data while it looks ahead to a key labour market report. Stocks "struggled to get traction ahead of a very important jobs report tomorrow," said Angelo Kourkafas of Edward Jones. "Investors are cautious of taking on more risk given the market's sensitivity of what we might learn tomorrow." Friday's Department of Labour data comes as other data suggest a US economy that is slowing but not necessarily heading into a recession; a weak jobs report could challenge that view. Analysts have estimated that Friday's jobs data will show the US economy added 165,000 jobs while unemployment will dip slightly to 4.2 percent. The Dow Jones finished Thursday down 0.5 percent at 40,755. The S&P 500 declined 0.3 percent to 5,503, while the Nasdaq gained 0.3 percent to 17,127. Data released on Thursday from payroll firm ADP showed private sector employment rose by 99,000 in August, well below the 150,000 estimated by analysts. Meanwhile the Institute for Supply Management's services index crept up to 51.5 percent last month from 51.4 percent in July, slightly topping estimates. Among individual companies, Frontier Communications Parent fell 9.5 percent on Thursday after agreeing to be acquired by Verizon for US$20 billion. Verizon, which said Frontier's fibre internet assets will enhance its broadband capacity, dipped 0.4 percent. Tesla jumped 4.9 percent after announcing plans to launch its "full self-driving" technology in Europe and China early next year, pending regulatory approval. JetBlue advanced 7.2 percent as it lifted its third-quarter revenue target, citing strong bookings, particularly in the Latin America region, and a boost due to rebookings from a rival carrier that experienced technology outages. (AFP) | 2024-09-06T05:21:00 |
Hong Kong escapes major damage from Super Typhoon Yagi | Hong Kong hunkered down on Friday morning as Super Typhoon Yagi slowly skirted past the territory, bringing gale-force winds and heavy rain but little apparent damage in the first T8 signal of the year. Day schools and businesses are closed for the morning, with the observatory saying the T8 signal – which was issued at 6.20pm on Thursday evening – will remain in force until noon on Friday at the earliest, and it would assess when to downgrade the warning to T3 in the afternoon. The storm maintained a distance of at least 330 kilometres from the territory as it headed towards Hainan Island, bringing storm winds offshore and on high ground. Gusts of almost 150 kilometres per hour were recorded in Ngong Ping during the storm’s passage, while there were sustained winds of up to 116 kph at one point. The observatory twice issued the Amber Rainstorm Warning, authorities did not receive any reports of landslides or flooding. As of 6am, authorities received more than 40 reports of fallen trees; three people sought help at Accident and Emergency Departments of public hospitals; and 260 people sought refuge at 30 temporary shelters opened by the Home Affairs Department. The observatory warned that the intense rainbands associated with Yagi will continue to bring heavy squally showers to the territory and urged people to remain alert. It said seas will be very rough with swells, and members of the public should stay away from the shoreline and not engage in water sports. MTR and Light Rail trains are running at limited intervals, while its bus services remain suspended. It also said air passengers hoping to use in-town check-in services on the Airport Express should get there a full two-hours before their flight’s scheduled departure time, up from 90 minutes. | 2024-09-06T05:57:00 |
Portugal defeat Croatia as Spain held to a draw | Spain were held by Serbia in the UEFA Nations League in their first game since winning Euro 2024, while Cristiano Ronaldo reached another milestone by scoring his 900th career goal as Portugal beat Croatia. Eight of Spain's starting line-up in their Euro 2024 final victory over England almost two months ago were on the field at kick-off against Serbia in Belgrade. Among them was Lamine Yamal, with the Barcelona prodigy just one of the Spain players to be denied by home goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic. Luis de la Fuente's team are also the reigning Nations League champions having won the most recent edition of the tournament last year. They will now hope to register their first victory in League A, Group 4 when they travel to face Switzerland in Geneva on Sunday. The Swiss lost 2-0 to Denmark, with Patrick Dorgu and captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg scoring late goals for the home side in Copenhagen. Switzerland finished the match with nine men as both Nico Elvedi and Granit Xhaka were sent off in the second half. In Lisbon, Ronaldo's 900th career goal proved to be the winner as 2019 Nations League champions Portugal edged Croatia 2-1 in Group A1. Ronaldo, 39, put behind him a disappointing Euro 2024 in which he failed to score as he turned in a Nuno Mendes cross in the 34th minute at the Estadio da Luz to reach the landmark. He appeared emotional as he celebrated the goal, his 131st in a Portugal shirt. Half of his goals were scored for Real Madrid, with the remainder spread across his spells at Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United and current club Al-Nassr. Diogo Dalot's goal had put Portugal in front early on before Ronaldo netted, with a Dalot own-goal reducing the deficit before the break. Portugal next host Scotland, who lost 3-2 to Poland at Hampden Park, with the visitors grabbing the victory thanks to a 97th-minute Nicola Zalewski penalty. Elsewhere, there were wins for Slovakia and Northern Ireland in League C, while Sweden -- now being coached by Jon Dahl Tomasson -- beat Azerbaijan 3-1 away in Baku with Newcastle United's Alexander Isak netting twice. History was made in League D as San Marino, the world's worst team according to the FIFA rankings, beat Liechtenstein 1-0 to claim their first ever competitive win. The tiny country of barely 30,000 people, surrounded by Italy, came into the match at their San Marino Stadium looking for a first win of any sort since beating Liechtenstein in a friendly in 2004. Liechtenstein had a goal disallowed for a tight offside in the first half before San Marino pounced on a defensive error to grab the winner in the 53rd minute through Nicko Sensoli. (AFP) | 2024-09-06T07:44:00 |
Observatory to downgrade Yagi to No 3 at 12.40 | Super Typhoon Yagi is set to be downgraded to a No 3 signal at 12.40pm on Friday as the storm moves away from Hong Kong. "In the past few hours, Yagi continued to take a more westerly track and departed gradually from Hong Kong. General winds over Hong Kong are expected to weaken gradually," the observatory said in an update. "The observatory will issue the strong wind signal, No 3 at 12.40pm." But forecasters warned the storm will continue to bring squally showers and winds to Hong Kong. The news means workers will have to head back to the office for a typhoon-shortened workday, and evening schools will hold classes as scheduled. But the lowering of the T8 signal will come too late to salvage the trading day, with Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing announcing that all trading sessions on Friday have been suspended. A new policy allowing markets to continue trading during typhoons is set to take effect later this month. Hong Kong escaped major damage from the super typhoon, with around 50 reports of fallen trees, one case of flooding and no landslides. Overnight, three people sought medical treatment at Accident and Emergency Departments of public hospitals during the passage of the storm. Air traffic also escaped major disruption, with the Airport Authority reporting that most flights were unaffected by Yagi. Steven Yiu, the authority’s executive director of operations, said operations were at about 80 percent of the normal level "If you use [Thursday's] number, among the 900 flights or so, actually there were just 50 cancellations. The other flights were on time for the most part," he said. "Most importantly, flight departures [on Thursday evening] and [Friday morning's] arrivals for long haul flights were all on time. Some long hauls even arrived at the Hong Kong airport early. So the delays weren't serious." He added that many passengers spent the night at the airport because of disruption to ground transport, filling up the rest area. More than 1,000 staff stayed on to offer help to those affected. _____________________________
Last updated: 2024-09-06 HKT 10:05 | 2024-09-06T09:37:00 |
Boccia gold at last for HK's Ho and Tse on Day 8 | Bowlers Ho Yuen-kei and Tse Tak-wah have secured Team Hong Kong, China's third gold medal at the Paris Paralympics, after edging the defending champions from South Korea. But the SAR came up short in the other boccia final and went home with a silver, while the city's wheelchair fencers continue their search for a medal. Hong Kong have three golds, four silvers and a bronze so far after day eight of the action in the French capital.
New boccia powerhouse is born
The bowlers from Hong Kong extended their dominance in boccia, after Ho and Tse defeated the South Korean pair of Jeong Ho-won and Kang Sun-hee 5-3 in the BC3 gold medal match. Ho and Tse started off strong, taking a 3-0 lead in the first end, before the reigning champions levelled the score in the second. But a costly mistake by the South Koreans in their final bowl in the third end allowed the SAR to gain a pivotal point, before the Hong Kong pair finished it off in the fourth frame to secure gold. Ho, a three-time Paralympian, will come home with two golds.
Both she and Tse said the disappointment in Tokyo fuelled them to work even harder. That meant sacrificing time time with family and friends, Ho conceded. "After waiting for so many years, striving for so long, finally we did it. It turns out that as long as you believe, nothing is impossible," she told reporters.
Also on the green, Annie Cheung and Leung Yuk-wing won silver in the BC4 final, after suffering a 1-6 defeat to Colombia's Leidy and Edilson Chica. The siblings clinched the country's first-ever boccia gold with the wire-to-wire victory. Veteran Leung, a six-time Paralympian, told RTHK he hoped to guide Cheung throughout the Paris campaign as it was her maiden Games. "I was quite satisfied with my overall performance, but there were some bowls that I didn't handle too well," he said. "I hoped to play better because I had a leadership role." Cheung said she hoped the experience will help her improve at Los Angeles 2028.
In a historic feat, Hong Kong topped the boccia medal table at a single Games, as the action drew to a close in Paris. With three golds and two silvers, the SAR finished ahead of the national team and South Korea.
Fencers still eyeing first podium
Hong Kong's wheelchair fencers, however, were defeated by Italy in the women's team foil bronze medal match. Alison Yu, Fan Pui-shan, Tong Nga-ting and Irene Chung led by 15-12 at one point, but eventually fell 33-45 to the silver medallists from Tokyo.
Despite the setback, Yu said the team tried their best and she was happy with their overall performance.
China bags 31 more medals
Meanwhile, Team China bagged 12 golds, nine silvers and 10 bronzes on day eight of the Games. Runner Jin Hua broke his own Paralympic record in the T54 800 metres to win gold, as did F33 shot putter Wu Ching.
The national team also won top prizes in wheelchair fencing, boccia, table tennis and swimming. | 2024-09-06T09:35:00 |
'Yagi's distance spared Hong Kong from severe effects' | Hong Kong emerged relatively unscathed from Super Typhoon Yagi only because the storm stayed relatively far away from the territory, a weather expert said on Friday. Former observatory assistant director Leung Wing-mo, now a spokesman for the Meterological Society, said things could have been much worse had Yagi came closer. Yagi remained around 330 kilometres away from Hong Kong at its closest point. "It's a very, very strong storm, but as far as the impact to Hong Kong is concerned, basically because it is quite far away from Hong Kong, wind conditions are not really severe," he told RTHK's Hong Kong Today programme. Packing maximum sustained winds of 245 km per hour near its eye, Yagi was the world's second-most powerful tropical cyclone in 2024 so far, after the Category 5 Atlantic hurricane Beryl. "During typhoons, we worry about storm surges, flooding of seawater. This time, again, the storm is rather distant from Hong Kong, we do have some storm surges, but not too severe. There's an additional rise of half a metre to 70 centimetres of rising sea level." Leung also urged people to respect the power of typhoons, and avoid doing “very dangerous” things like taking toddlers to the waterfront to get an up-close look at the storm. He said surfers who want to take advantage of the high waves during typhoons should be mindful of the high risk involved and avoid putting rescue workers at risk. | 2024-09-06T10:21:00 |
Police double down on recruitment as applications jump | Police received nearly 12,000 job applications in the 2023/24 financial year, representing a 46 percent jump from the previous 12 months, while 975 of those candidates went on to be appointed as officers. Officers in charge of recruitment attributed the upward trend to their aggressive campaign to attract talent, including recurrent roadshows at local and mainland universities. In a first for a government agency, the force now accepts applications through smartphones and tablets, sparing job seekers the need to sit down in front of a desktop computer. Called "HKPF Recruit", the app can be downloaded on Apple and Huawei devices, as well as those running the Android operating system. Users can also check the progress of their application, receive reminders for job interviews, reschedule appointments and sign up for upcoming training workshops. Superintendent Walter Chan said the idea is to increase transparency for the lengthy process. He revealed more than 700 candidates are now going through the selection process, and explained why they should make use of the app. "They can find out how far they have progressed. If they know they have passed a few hurdles, I hope it gives them the motivation and confidence to carry on," Chan said. In a bid to fill around 6,000 vacancies, recruitment procedures will be streamlined from next Monday. Candidates who stand out in the group interview may be invited to a final interview on the same day. They will then attend the physical fitness and the psychometric tests later. Chief Inspector Abby Chow said with the tweak, the four steps will be condensed to just three weeks, down from 45 days in the past. But Chan insisted they are not merely looking to boost application numbers. "The candidates must be of high calibre and suitable to serve the public. We are not simply trying to fill the headcount," he said. He added the Police College in Wong Chuk Hang can admit a maximum of 1,590 cadets every year, while there were already 5,898 applications between April and August. | 2024-09-06T10:22:00 |
More transport services to come as Yagi leaves | Transport companies will gradually resuming services when the Hong Kong Observatory downgrades Super Typhoon Yagi to a No 3 signal at 12.40pm on Friday, with people expected to head back to the office for a typhoon-shortened workday. The MTR said it was ramping up rail services, which have been running at a limited capacity, while its bus services will resume after the No 3 warning is issued. The cut-off time for in-town check-in services at Airport Express stations will be 120 minutes before flight departure until further notice, the railway firm said, adding that the Hong Kong section of the high-speed railway would continue to operate as normal. Most franchised bus routes are set to resume as the typhoon moves away from the territory. Citybus said it would again operate most of its bus routes and airport buses. "Some routes will need to be suspended due to road conditions," it said. "Citybus will continue to deploy our frontline colleagues to assess the road conditions of main routes." Operators Kowloon Motor Bus and Long Win Bus also announced the resumption of a majority of its routes from 12.40pm onwards. Ferry routes to and from outlying islands will begin to resume around an hour after the storm signal downgrade. Hong Kong and Kowloon Ferry said the first rides between Central and Yung Shue Wan on Lamma, as well as between Central and Peng Chau, will depart at 1.45pm. Services from Sok Kwu Wan on eastern Lamma to Central will also begin at 1.45pm. Sun Ferry said its Central-Cheung Chau service will resume from 1.45pm, and it first ferry from Mui Wo to Central will depart at 2.10pm. "Currently, the sea condition is still unstable and the vessel will jolt badly over the rough sea. Passengers please note that the journey time will be longer than usual and there will be delays," Sun Ferry said. Star Ferry announced services between Tsim Sha Tsui, and Central and Wan Chai will resume at 2pm._____________________________
Last updated: 2024-09-06 HKT 12:15 | 2024-09-06T10:50:00 |
Physical Fitness closes down all branches 'for now' | A long-standing local gym chain, Physical Fitness, said on Friday it is closing down all of its branches for now, pending a restructuring. The company cited high rents in some locations for the decision. In an announcement, the company said it is bringing in new investors and is in talks with landlords regarding changes to leases. It said certain branches will reopen when agreements are reached. "Physical has been with everyone for 38 years, and we witnessed the ups and downs of the Hong Kong economy together," the chain said. "Unfortunately we cannot accompany everyone until the end, this was indeed a very painful decision." A member of the Kornill branch, Adela, told RTHK that she joined the gym a few months ago and thought paying HK$9,800 for a 10-year membership was a good deal. "Right now I cannot go to do exercise and my stuff is still in the locker, and no one and nowhere can I contact them to get my stuff back," she said. Another gymgoer said she had been told by staff at the Lok Fu branch that it would be closing by the end of this month because of lease expiry. "They are so bad! They were still calling me a few days ago to try and get my money! They were offering me HK$3,000 for three more years or HK$5,000 for nine years," she said. According to the company's website, it has 23 gyms across Hong Kong serving half a million members. | 2024-09-06T12:20:00 |
Super Typhoon Yagi downgraded to signal three | The observatory downgraded Super Typhoon Yagi to a Strong Wind Signal No 3 at 12.40pm on Friday, but warned that rain would continue to affect Hong Kong. "Strong winds are still blowing. Please do not relax taking precautions. It is not yet safe for small vessels to leave typhoon shelters," the observatory said. The weather forecaster said the No 3 signal would remain in force for some time. "When the threat posed by Yagi is further reduced, the observatory will issue the Standby Signal No 1 or the Strong Monsoon Signal," it said. The No 3 signal came into effect around 18 hours after the forecaster issued the first No 8 signal of the year. By 12.30pm on Friday, the authorities had received more than 100 reports of fallen trees, as well as one landslide and a confirmed case of flooding. Nine people sought A&E treatment at public hospitals after being injured. _____________________________
Last updated: 2024-09-06 HKT 13:14 | 2024-09-06T12:45:00 |
Kai Tak Sports Park to ignite HK as an events hub: FS | Financial Secretary Paul Chan on Friday said the new Kai Tak Sports Park, which is slated to open in the first half of next year, would become an international spotlight that connects people, cultures and possibilities. "Let us regard the Kai Tak Sports Park not just a collection of facilities but as a vibrant theatre that connects people, places, cultures and possibilities," Chan said at a summit on Hong Kong sports development and tourism. "We envision this new landmark to become an international spotlight and a popular destination for events, offering unparalleled experiences," he added. The finance chief said it was essential to ensure future events and programmes at the sports park would cater to the needs and interests of both local residents and international visitors. The venue, Chan said, represents the most significant investment of the Hong Kong government in recent decades and the administration would actively invest in top-notch sports infrastructure. The government would also continue to support hosting high-quality international major sports events given their significant contribution to the economy and social benefits to the community. "When people flock to events, businesses will naturally follow," the secretary said. Citing the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, Chan said those events demonstrated the power of sports in uniting people, a city and a country, to help generate positive energy in the community. For Hong Kong, he said the SAR can do more to better enhance the opportunities presented by sports events, by increasing synergies with major international conferences and exhibitions, large-scale festivals and other tourism elements. | 2024-09-06T14:40:00 |
Hainan Island braces for Yagi | Mainland authorities ordered the evacuation of more than 419,000 residents from their homes as Super Typhoon Yagi approached Hainan Island on Friday. Yagi, the 11th typhoon of the year, was packing winds of up to 245 kilometres per hour and was expected to make landfall at the city of Wenchang on Friday afternoon, according to the provincial meteorological bureau. Yagi was forecast to move north to the provincial capital of Haikou before moving to the Beibu Gulf, said the bureau. The bureau added that sea levels would surge by 150 to 230 centimetres along the northern coastal area of Hainan Island from Friday noon to Saturday noon, while Haikou was expected to suffer from severe flooding due to the storm surge and heavy rainfall. Operations at multiple tourist attractions have been suspended and traffic control measures have been implemented in the province. (Xinhua/AFP) | 2024-09-06T15:39:00 |
Residents return to work after T8 is lowered | Many people were already on their way to work before the city's first gale or storm signal No. 8 of the year was lowered. This included a driver who had to arrive in Admiralty by 1pm. He said he had no way to get to Tai Po Market Station and had to walk as all public transport, except the MTR, was suspended. "Even though train services were available, it's not the case for connecting buses. KMB and Citybus had not resumed services yet, and there's no taxi," he said. "As there is only MTR, unless you live above the station, how can you get there?" Since the pandemic, some companies have rolled out work from home arrangements, allowing employees to work as usual during a typhoon. A man with the last name Ng was among those who could work remotely, but the arrangement only lasted for the morning. He hoped to continue working from home even after the No. 8 signal was lowered. "This could help alleviate the traffic pressure as everyone is flocking to their workplaces," he added. A hospital staff member told RTHK that she got off work at 5pm, but didn't mind heading back to the office for just a few hours. "As I have to get things done, I am just going back to the office to continue working, so I am fine with that," she said. A university staff member decided to leave his home in Kennedy Town as late as possible to go to work in Hung Hom. "Because I am worried that there will be many people taking public transport," he explained. Another person said his MTR journey was smoother than expected. "It was fine. It was smooth. Not much waiting... I expected a much longer wait, but everything went well." | 2024-09-06T17:12:00 |
At least 17 killed in Kenyan school fire | At least 17 children died after a fire ripped through their primary school dormitory overnight in central Kenya, police said Friday. The blaze in Nyeri County's Hillside Endarasha Academy broke out at around midnight, police said, engulfing rooms where the children were sleeping. The primary school caters to some 800 pupils, aged between roughly five and 12. "There are 17 fatalities from this incident and there are also others who were taken to hospital with serious injuries," national police spokesperson Resila Onyango told reporters. "The bodies recovered at the scene were burnt beyond recognition," she said. Police said the average age of the victims was around nine years old. Several others were injured, Onyango said, 16 of them seriously, and had been rushed to a nearby hospital. "More bodies are likely to be recovered once [the] scene is fully processed," she said. The cause of the fire remains unknown, she said, but an investigation had been launched. Kenyan President William Ruto expressed his condolences. "Our thoughts are with the families of the children who have lost their lives in the fire tragedy," he said in a post on X. "This is devastating news." He said he had instructed officials to "thoroughly investigate this horrific incident", and promised that those responsible will be "held to account". The school is located around 170 kilometres north of the capital Nairobi. (AFP) | 2024-09-06T18:46:00 |
Staff, consumers complain about gym closure | The Consumer Council has received dozens of complaints relating to the closure of Physical Fitness and called on the gym chain to get in touch with affected customers. The watchdog said it had received 34 complaints as of 4.30pm on Friday, involving around HK$1.9 million. The council said it's highly concerned about the case. Customs officers, meanwhile, said they'd received four complaints. In an announcement, the fitness chain said it is bringing in new investors and is in talks with landlords regarding changes to leases, adding that certain branches will reopen when agreements are reached. But the Consumer Council described the follow-up arrangements as "unclear" for consumers. A group of Physical Fitness staff was at a Labour Department office in Tai Koo to report their cases. A senior personal trainer, surnamed Fung, said he was not surprised by the sudden closure. “The company started delaying salary payments around eight months ago, so we [trainers] are mentally prepared for such situations,” he said. “I just did not expect the closure to happen right after the typhoon.” Federation of Trade Unions lawmaker Aron Kwok, who was there assisting the affected workers, said they only learnt about the closure through a notice circulating online on Friday morning. “It is for sure that the staff will not be able to receive their salary for August. They will also have to chase down their payment in lieu of notice, mandatory provident fund (MPF), annual leave, statutory holidays and severance payments,” Kwok said. The Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority said the company has not paid the MPF contributions and surcharges for about 740 employees for June and July, involving around HK$3 million. The chairman of the Hong Kong Recreation and Sports Professionals General Union, Lee Yuet-man, said more than 700 instructors were affected by the closure of Physical Fitness. Lee also said the fitness industry has faced significant challenges, such as staff exodus and high rents. "During the pandemic, we all know that this shut down all the fitness centres. We estimate that we have about 30 percent of the employees change their jobs to another industry, especially going to the delivery [industry]," he told RTHK. Lee also pointed out that many gyms moved from Hong Kong to the mainland in recent years. As for staff, "they are trying to look for the same job in small-scale fitness centres, or maybe move to the Greater Bay Area," he added. | 2024-09-06T21:34:00 |
Flood warning after super typhoon makes landfall | The Ministry of Water Resources on Friday warned that some rivers in Hainan and Guangdong provinces could see floods exceeding alert levels due to Super Typhoon Yagi. From Friday to Saturday, the Nandu River and Changhua River in Hainan, and Jianjiang River and Moyang River in Guangdong could swell as heavy rainfalls brought by the typhoon are expected to lash parts of south China, according to the ministry. The ministry said it will closely monitor the typhoon and floods, providing guidance to the local authorities on preventive efforts. Yagi, the 11th typhoon of the year, made landfall in Wenchang City in Hainan on Friday afternoon, packing winds exceeding 234km per hour. It brought heavy rain across most of the island. More than 400,000 people were evacuated in Hainan province ahead of the storm's landfall, while in Guangdong, more than 570,000 residents were relocated. (Xinhua and agencies) | 2024-09-06T22:01:00 |
US hiring picks up, while unemployment edges down | US hiring picked up pace in August while the jobless rate crept down, according to government data released on Friday, paving the way towards the start of central bank rate cuts this month. The world's biggest economy added 142,000 jobs last month, an increase from July's figure which was revised notably lower to 89,000, said the Department of Labour. The August figure was below economists' expectations of 165,000, according to a Briefing.com consensus forecast. The unemployment rate declined slightly from 4.3 percent to 4.2 percent, a shift that should assuage policymakers' worst fears. Overall, the figures reaffirm perceptions of a cooling labour market – with job gains in June revised significantly downwards as well. Analysts have been eying the jobs market as high interest rates bite and inflation cooled, with some arguing that the Federal Reserve has waited too long to lower the benchmark lending rate. How well the jobs market holds up would affect the size of Fed rate cuts following its September 17-18 policy meeting. Average hourly earnings rose more than expected in August, by 0.4 percent to US$35.21, said the Labour Department. From a year ago, wage growth was 3.8 percent up – an acceleration from before also. (AFP) | 2024-09-06T22:23:00 |
Zelensky appeals for weapons as Russia advances | President Volodymyr Zelensky appealed on Friday to Ukraine's backers for additional weapons as Kyiv faces advancing Russian forces in the east and devastating strikes by Moscow. The Ukrainian leader pressed his nation's case to allies meeting at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, where Washington unveiled a new US$250 million in military aid. "We need more weapons to drive Russian forces off our land," said Zelensky, who also met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and was to head to Italy for talks. The gathering comes as Moscow's forces advance in the Donbas region, with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday declaring that capturing the eastern area was his "primary objective" in the conflict. Zelensky urged Kyiv's supporters to follow through on previous commitments, saying: "The number of air defence systems that have not been delivered is significant." The Ukrainian leader again called for restrictions to be lifted on the use of long-range Western weapons to hit targets inside Russia. "We need to have this long-range capability, not only on the occupied territory of Ukraine, but also on the Russian territory," Zelensky said. In Italy, Zelensky is due to hold talks with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and attend The European House-Ambrosetti forum in Cernobbio, on Lake Como. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban – who upset his EU counterparts and Zelensky by meeting Putin in Moscow in July – is also attending the three-day economic forum. Italy has strongly supported Ukraine and has sent weapons to help it defend itself against Russian forces, while insisting these must only be used on Ukrainian soil. At the meeting at the US base in Germany, US defence chief Lloyd Austin announced that Washington will provide US$250 million in new military aid for Ukraine. The package "will surge in more capabilities to meet Ukraine's evolving requirements," Austin told the meeting. The assistance is expected to include ammunition for Himars precision rocket launchers, artillery rounds, anti-tank and anti-air weapons, a US defence official said on condition of anonymity. The talks in Germany, with representatives from some 50 nations, were to focus on areas including bolstering Ukraine's air defences and encouraging allies to boost their defence industries, Pentagon spokesman Major General Pat Ryder said ahead of the meeting. (AFP) | 2024-09-06T23:42:00 |
Man who targeted UK asylum seekers hotel gets 9 years | A UK judge on Friday handed out the longest sentence associated with recent anti-immigration riots to a man who added fuel to a burning bin blocking an exit of a hotel housing asylum seekers. Painter and decorator Thomas Birley was jailed for nine years for his role in violence outside the Holiday Inn Express hotel near Rotherham, northern England, on August 4. Judge Jeremy Richardson at Sheffield Crown Court told Birley, 27, that his case was "unquestionably" one of the most serious concerning the Rotherham riot. Birley was filmed adding wood to a burning industrial bin that had been pushed against an exit, and helped stack another one on top, leading to him being sentenced for arson with intent to endanger life. He also threw missiles at police and squared up to them while waving a police baton during the violence, which left 64 police officers, three horses and a dog injured. Staff in the hotel told the court that they "thought they were going to burn to death." Hundreds of people have been charged following the riots that broke out across England and Northern Ireland after three girls were killed in a knife attack in Southport, northwest England, on July 29. The UK's judiciary is swiftly moving through court cases and handing down lengthy sentences for those directly involved in the violence, and for encouraging violence online. As of September 5, more than 200 people had been sentenced in connection with the disorder, from a 13-year-old boy to a 69-year-old man. A total of 193 of the 202 people received custodial sentences, the country's domestic Press Association news agency said in its tally of cases. (AFP) | 2024-09-07T00:52:00 |
Father, son both charged in US school shooting | A 14-year-old boy accused of shooting four people dead at a US high school and his father, who allegedly bought him the gun for Christmas, appeared in court on Friday to face murder charges. Lawyers for Colt Gray, a freshman at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, and his father Colin Gray, 54, declined to seek bond and they were ordered to remain in custody. Judge Currie Mingledorff read out the charges and rights to the thin, dyed-blond-haired boy, who was dressed in a green shirt and khaki trousers, with shackles at the wrists and ankles. Mingledorff told the boy he faces four charges of felony murder punishable by death, before later correcting himself and saying he would not be eligible for the death penalty because he is a juvenile. The maximum penalty is life in prison without parole. Gray is charged with shooting dead two fellow students, also aged 14, and two teachers at his high school on Wednesday. Nine other people – most of them children – were wounded. Gray's father appeared before the same judge shortly afterward, dressed in a black and white striped prison uniform and rocking back and forth nervously at the defendant's table. He faces involuntary manslaughter and second-degree murder charges. Earlier this year, the parents of another teenage school shooter were convicted of manslaughter charges, but Colin Gray is believed to be the first parent to be charged with murder over a shooting carried out by their child. His lawyer also declined to seek bond and he will remain behind bars for the time being. Relatives of some of the victims of Wednesday's shooting were in the public gallery during the two defendants' brief court appearances. According to US media reports, the elder Gray bought the gun used in the shooting, an AR-15 style assault rifle, for his son as a gift last Christmas. Georgia Bureau of Investigation director Chris Hosey said the father had "knowingly" allowed his troubled son to possess a weapon. According to the FBI, the sheriff's office in Jackson County had interviewed the then 13-year-old boy and his father in May 2023, after receiving several anonymous tips about online threats to commit a school shooting. "The father stated he had hunting guns in the house, but the subject did not have unsupervised access to them," the FBI said in a statement, and his son "denied making the threats online." "At that time, there was no probable cause for arrest or to take any additional law enforcement action on the local, state, or federal levels," it said. School shootings are a shockingly regular occurrence in the United States, where guns outnumber people and regulations on purchasing even powerful military-style rifles are lax. Parental responsibility in mass shootings has come increasingly under the spotlight in recent months. "How could you have an assault rifle, a weapon in a house, not locked up and knowing your kid knows where it is?" President Joe Biden said on Thursday. "You've got to hold parents accountable if they let their child have access to these guns." In April, the parents of a teenager who killed four people in a Michigan school shooting were sentenced to 10 to 15 years in prison, in an unprecedented and closely watched case. Jennifer and James Crumbley were the first parents of a school shooter convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the United States for the actions of their child. Polls show a majority of voters favor stricter controls on the purchase of firearms, but the powerful National Rifle Association gun lobby is opposed to additional restrictions and lawmakers have repeatedly failed to act. (AFP) | 2024-09-07T02:18:00 |
Sergio Mendes, Brazilian bossa nova legend, dies at 83 | Sergio Mendes, the Brazilian Grammy-winning musician whose hit “Mas Que Nada” made him a global legend, has died after months battling the effects of long Covid. He was 83. The death on Thursday of the Brazilian pianist, songwriter, and arranger was confirmed in a statement by his family. “His wife and musical partner for the past 54 years, Gracinha Leporace Mendes, was by his side, as were his loving children,” the statement on Friday said. “Mendes last performed in November 2023 to sold out and wildly enthusiastic houses in Paris, London and Barcelona.” His composition “Mas que Nada” was one of the songs that helped popularise the Brazilian music genre bossa nova worldwide in the 1960s. In 2006, a modern version of the song topped US charts, as performed by Black Eyed Peas. It was included in his album “Timeless,” produced by will.i.am and featuring Stevie Wonder, Justin Timberlake and the Black Eyed Peas, among others. “Sergio Mendes was my brother from another country,” trumpet player Herb Alpert wrote on Facebook, along with a photo from decades ago, sitting next to Mendes at the piano. “He was a true friend and extremely gifted musician who brought Brazilian music in all its iterations to the entire world with elegance.” Mendes also composed the soundtrack for the film “Pelé,” featuring saxophonist Gerry Mulligan, and even produced an album recorded by the Brazilian legendary soccer player. Mendes won the 1992 Grammy Award for Best World Music Album for “Brasileiro” and two Latin Grammy Awards. He also received an Oscar nomination in 2012 for Best Original Song for “Real in Rio,” from the animated film “Rio.” Mendes’ family said they will provide details regarding funeral and memorial services at a later date. (AP) | 2024-09-07T03:15:00 |
Strong Monsoon Signal replaces T3 | The Observatory cancelled all Tropical Cyclone Warning signals at 4:20 am on Saturday morning. It said that at 4 am, Super Typhoon Yagi was centred about 600 kilometres west-southwest of Hong Kong (near 20.3 degrees north 108.8 degrees east) and is forecast to move west-northwest at about 18 kilometres per hour across Beibu Wan and towards the northern part of Vietnam. Yagi has moved away from Hong Kong. The northeast monsoon is affecting southeastern China. Locally, winds are still strong offshore and on high ground at first today, occasionally reaching gale force on high ground. The Observatory has issued the Strong Monsoon Signal. Locally, there will be showers and a few squally thunderstorms today. Showers will be heavy at times at first. Seas will be rough with swells. The Observatory said members of the public should stay on the alert. | 2024-09-07T04:30:00 |
Nasdaq ends down 2.6% as stocks fall after jobs data | Wall Street stocks finished decisively lower on Friday following weaker than expected US jobs growth that pointed to a slowing economy. The lacklustre job growth "played right into the market's worries about (economic) slowing," said Briefing.com analyst Patrick O'Hare, who noted that September has been a historically tepid period for equities. After a muted opening, stocks lost ground throughout the session, finishing near lows for the day. The S&P 500 ended at 5,408, down 1.7 percent for the day and 4.2 percent for the week. The Nasdaq tumbled 2.6 percent to 16,690, while the Dow Jones shed 1.0 percent to 40,345. The United States, the world's biggest economy, added an estimated 142,000 jobs last month, an increase from a poor July figure but below analysts estimates. Its unemployment rate meanwhile declined slightly from 4.3 percent to 4.2 percent. The report comes as markets eye an expected Federal Reserve interest rate cut. Following the data, futures markets increased the odds of a smaller 25-basis-point reduction in rates instead of one twice that size. Friday's data was consistent with "a weakening labour market, but not weak yet," said Steve Sosnick of Interactive Brokers. "The mood in the market has shifted toward risk off, and it's never 100 percent clear why markets shift their mood like this," Sosnick said. Among individual companies, Broadcom slumped 10.4 percent on disappointment over the chip company's revenue forecast. (AFP) | 2024-09-07T04:54:00 |
HK medal hopes foiled as Chinese swimmer bags 6th gold | Wheelchair fencer Tong Nga-ting’s goal for her first Paralympics was to reach the final four in the women’s individual épée – and she accomplished that target with a gritty performance in Paris, even if she fell just short of winning another medal for the SAR. While Hong Kong’s hopes for medals on the piste were dashed on day 9, the national team continued its blazing form with 22 more medals, including a record-breaking performance on the track and an astonishing sixth gold medal in Paris for swimmer Jiang Yuyan.
Mission accomplished for Tong Nga-ting Tong was making her Paralympic debut for Team Hong Kong, China in the French capital, and reached the bronze medal match by winning the last point in her repechage. There, she took on Ukraine’s Olena Fedota-Isaieva, where she found herself outmatched. While Tong took the first point, her opponent then stormed to a 6-2 lead and never looked back. Fedota-Isaieva made use of her superior height and reach to attack Tong, who struggled to find openings, en route to a 15-6 loss. Category B fencers have an impairment that impacts their sitting balance or fencing arm. Tong said she felt she could have fenced with more patience in the medal match. But overall, she's glad to have reached her target in Paris. "At first I set a target of finishing in the top four. I didn't really think that I could really do it, so I feel very happy," she told RTHK.
Tough day on the piste for Hong Kong Another Hong Kong fencer, two-time individual épée Paralympic gold medallist Alison Yu, lost in a repechage round in Category A to Poland's Marta Fidrych, who eventually took bronze. The six-time Paralympian told RTHK that she's happy about her own performance – as she thought she had handled her emotions well and had a strong mental game. But Yu admitted that the weight of expectations had affected her performance. "When everyone has strong expectations for me, that I must bring a medal home from Paris, are these expectations a good thing or a bad thing for athletes? To me, this was serious stress," she said. Other fencers from the SAR, Irene Chung and Fan Pui-shan, were also eliminated in their respective events. But they will have a final shot at a medal on Saturday, when they take to the piste again and face the United States in the round of 16 in women's team epee.
Chan Yui-lam looks to get back to basics Elsewhere, swimmer Chan Yui-lam wrapped up her trip to Paris by finishing last in the S14 100m backstroke event, clocking a time of 1 minute 11.78 seconds. She said she wasn't too happy with her time, and admitted that she may have lost focus after winning a silver – her first Paralympic medal – in the 100m butterfly last week. "I had to tell myself, being at the Paralympics I have to get back to being the Chan Yui-lam with a determination to fight, and not just get carried away after winning a medal. I have to keep competing," Chan told RTHK. Fellow swimmer Tang Wai-lok also ended his Games by finishing 14th overall in the corresponding event for men, which are for athletes with intellectual impairment.
Jiang Yuyuan unbeatable in the pool For the national team, star swimmer Jiang Yuyan won her sixth gold in Paris by dominating in the women's 400 metres freestyle S6, and she could still add to her tally when she goes again in 100m backstroke on Saturday.
Sprinters Zhou Guohua, Wang Hao, Wen Xiaoyan and Hu Yang also made headlines by winning gold in the 4x100 metres universal relay, beating their own world record set the day before in the final with a time of 45.07 seconds. The event includes athletes of four different classifications, including visually-impaired athletes, amputees, one with coordination impairment, and a wheelchair racer. Overall, the national team won nine golds on day nine, with another nine silvers and four bronzes. So far, China have won 188 medals at this year's Para games, with 83 golds, 64 silvers and 41 bronzes. Great Britain are second, followed by the United States. | 2024-09-07T08:19:00 |
Boeing's beleaguered Starliner coming home empty | Boeing's beleaguered Starliner left the International Space Station (ISS) on Friday, bound for Earth without the astronauts who rode up on the spaceship after NASA deemed the risk too great. After years of delays, Starliner launched in June for what was meant to be a roughly weeklong test mission, a final shakedown before it could finally be certified to ferry crew to and from the orbital laboratory. But unexpected thruster malfunctions and helium leaks on its way up derailed those plans, and NASA ultimately decided it was safer to bring astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams back on a rival SpaceX Crew Dragon -- though they'll have to wait until February 2025. Starliner autonomously undocked from the space station at 6:04 pm Eastern Time (2204 GMT), and is set to land at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico at approximately 0403 GMT. "It is time to bring Calypso home," Williams radioed to mission control, using the spaceship's nickname. A smooth, uneventful ride is critical not only for salvaging some pride but also for Boeing's prospects of achieving certification in the future. The century-old aerospace giant had carried out extensive ground testing aimed at replicating the technical issues the spaceship had experienced on its ascent, and devised plans to prevent more problems. With its reputation already battered by safety concerns affecting its passenger jets, Boeing made assurances in public and in private that it could be trusted to bring the astronauts home, an assessment not shared by NASA The Starliner program has been plagued by setbacks. In 2019, during a first uncrewed test flight, a software defect meant the capsule failed to rendezvous with the ISS. A second software bug could have caused a catastrophic collision between its modules, but was caught and fixed just in time. Then in 2021, with the rocket on the launchpad for a new flight, blocked valves forced another postponement. (AFP) | 2024-09-07T10:07:00 |
SAR officials hit out at latest US advisory | Chief Secretary Eric Chan said on Saturday that Washington is pulling out all the stops to suppress the nation's development through Hong Kong, adding that the US government's plan to intimidate investors coming to the SAR will not succeed. In a joint release, the US Departments of State, Agriculture, Commerce, Homeland Security, and Treasury said overnight on Saturday that firms operating in Hong Kong are facing "increasing risks" that it said stem from national security laws in the SAR. The city's number two official said people should remain cautious, given that the US will likely continue to make excuses to suppress Hong Kong. Speaking to reporters, Mr Chan said that US' national security policies are stricter than those in the SAR, and with more severe punishment. "Why do they have to target Hong Kong? Our national security law has been legislated for so long, I believe everyone can see whether we have falsely accused or arrested any businessmen, or arrested anyone without evidence. There's no such thing," he said. "In many national security cases in the past, all evidence is presented in court for both the prosecution and defense to look into. In the end, our courts will decide fairly and independently whether the defendants are guilty or not." Constitutional and mainland affairs minister Erick Tsang also hit out at the advisory, calling the claims "fictitious" and factually wrong. Speaking on Commercial Radio, Tsang responded that the advisory was just more of the 'usual tricks' used by western countries as part of their smear campaign against Hong Kong. "We've always said that no matter if it's the national security law, or the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance under Article 23 of the Basic Law, these are stablisers for Hong Kong. 'A pillar of the ocean'," he said. "We have repeatedly stressed that Hong Kong's freedoms, be it free speech or other freedoms, are protected by law. These so-called warnings or dangers, if you ask me, are deliberate attempts to suppress our country's development, as well as Hong Kong's." | 2024-09-07T11:26:00 |
Para champion Ho Yuen-kei to set up youth scholarship | Paris Paralympics double gold medallist, bowler Ho Yuen-kei, said on Saturday she's setting up a scholarship with her prize money to help local young people. The boccia star won gold in BC3 individual, and teamed up with Tse Tak-wah to get the top prize in the same category's mixed pairs for Team Hong Kong, China. Speaking as they returned to the SAR, Ho said the scholarship won't just be for potential athletes or disabled people, but for all youngsters. She reflected on how after missing out on a medal in her maiden Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro, in 2016, her husband, who was still her boyfriend then, had wanted to see her reach the podium one day and receive her flowers. "Now that we've achieved his wishes, I'm a bit more greedy. I don't just hope for one Ho Yuen-kei. I hope there can be many more Ho Yuen-keis. So I decided to use my prize money to set up a scholarship to help young people," Ho told reporters at the airport. "I believe even though Hong Kong is a small place, we have a lot of elite talent here. And young people are our future. So I hope I can contribute to society with my small achievement." Veteran bowler Leung Yuk-wing, for his part, said he hopes the government can provide extra resources to help secure more care-takers and coaches for boccia players. "Every time we leave Hong Kong to compete, we need need one-to-one care. Because we only have like three to four full-time coaches, but we have 10 athletes competing. The volunteer [care-takers] have their own jobs, they need to take leave to help us," Leung said. The six-time Paralympian said hiring more coaches would allow players to compete without worries. Leung, 39, took home a silver medal from Paris in the BC4 mixed pairs by teaming up with Paralympic debutant Annie Cheung. But while it's his seventh Paralympic medal, he said he's probably not done playing. Both him and Cheung said they want to go for gold in Los Angeles in 2028. The SAR bowlers ended the Paris Games with three golds and two silvers, topping the boccia medal table for the first time ever. | 2024-09-07T12:18:00 |
Gov't to review well-being design guide regularly | Housing Secretary Winnie Ho said on Saturday that public housing tenants can expect their quality of living to keep improving. The summary of the well-being design guide was unveiled on Monday, in a bid create a more age-friendly and inclusive environment for tenants. Speaking on an RTHK radio programme, Ho emphasised that the guide will be reviewed regularly. "After the guide is published, it belongs to the Housing Department. Its staff will take care of it. Just like the chairs in the community area, if they come up with ways on how to better adjust the heights of the chairs, they could update the guide," she said. The Housing Bureau will publish a more detailed version of the guidelines next Thursday. She assured that the move will not incur any additional cost, as many government departments have a "good practice" of improving their work. Looking ahead to the next decade, Ho pointed out that the authorities have reserved a 10 percent growth in space when planning for the construction of public housing at places such as the Northern Metropolis or artificial islands. Meanwhile, the first batch of light public housing units that offer 4,400 flats has been taking in applications since June 24. Ho revealed that the overwhelming response exceeded her expectations, with the government receiving around 11,000 applications. The results will be announced in December. But the housing secretary reminded applicants that the allocated unit would be offered to the person next in line if one does not take the offer. "Sorry, this may prove that you don't have such a pressing need. Because we really want to offer the light public housing units to families with the most pressing need to help them," she added. | 2024-09-07T12:56:00 |
Fritz reaches first US Open final | Taylor Fritz became the first American man since 2009 to reach a Grand Slam final on Friday, setting up a US Open title showdown against world number one Jannik Sinner. Fritz, the world number 12, twice fought back to defeat compatriot Frances Tiafoe 4-6, 7-5, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 in his semi-final. Australian Open champion Sinner became the first Italian man to make the New York final with a 7-5, 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 win over an ailing Jack Draper of Britain. "He overwhelmed me at the start and I was freaking out a little," said 26-year-old Fritz after securing victory with a 16th ace. "I just told myself to stay in it, hold serve and apply scoreboard pressure. "I did all I could to stay in it. If I hadn't have done that I'd regret it forever. In the final, I will come out and give it everything." Andy Roddick was the last American to make a men's singles final at the Slams at Wimbledon in 2009. He was also the last man from the country to capture a major title when he won the 2003 US Open. Fritz was just five years old at the time. Tiafoe was the better player for large parts of the semi-final but after dumping a lazy drop shot into the net to surrender the fourth set, his game fell apart. "It's tough to swallow, it's going to hurt," said Tiafoe. Earlier, in a gruelling three-hour match, Draper, the first British man in the semi-finals since Andy Murray won the title in 2012, was undone by 10 double faults and 43 unforced errors. He also vomited on the court, blaming anxiety for the illness. "Jack and I know each other very well, we are great friends off court," said Sinner, who unleashed 43 winners in the match where he also injured his wrist in a nasty fall. "It was a very physical match. He's so tough to beat so I'm excited to be in the final." The 23-year-old Sinner added: "In the final, it will be a very tough challenge. I'm happy to be in that position because if you are in the final on a Sunday it means you are doing an amazing job." | 2024-09-07T14:35:00 |
Deadly Super Typhoon Yagi hits Vietnam | Super Typhoon Yagi uprooted thousands of trees and swept ships and boats out to sea, killing one person, as it made landfall in northern Vietnam on Saturday, after blowing past southern China where it left two dead. The typhoon hit Hai Phong and Quang Ninh provinces, packing winds exceeding 149 kilometres (92 miles) per hour, the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said. In Hai Phong, metal roof sheets and commercial sign boards were seen flying across the city sky as the typhoon hit. Further inland in Hai Duong province, a man was killed in the street after heavy winds brought down a tree as the storm approached landfall, according to state media. Before hitting the mainland, the typhoon uprooted hundreds of trees on Co To island, about 80 kilometres from mainland Quang Ninh. Several office buildings, schools and houses on the island were unroofed by the powerful winds. Signboards lay scattered around the island, while electrical lines were snapped and tangled by the wind. Local authorities said the typhoon was the most severe to hit the island in decades. The storm killed at least two people and injured 92 others on southern China's Hainan island before hitting Vietnam. State broadcaster CCTV said Yagi brought winds of more than 230 kilometres per hour, uprooting trees and prompting the evacuation of around 460,000 people. (AFP) | 2024-09-07T16:59:00 |
Beijing strongly condemns newly published US advisory | The Commissioner's Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong on Saturday has strongly condemned the latest US advisory for American businesses operating in the SAR. The US Departments of State, Agriculture, Commerce, Homeland Security, and Treasury said in a joint release overnight on Friday that firms operating in Hong Kong are facing "increasing risks" that it said stem from national security laws in the SAR. In response, the Foreign Ministry's office in Hong Kong said in a statement that national security laws have provided a strong safeguard to the region's business environment. It pointed out that with the registration of non-local firms reaching a record high and savings at bank increasing gradually, investors' confidence towards Hong Kong is being enhanced. The office also said it is a usual tactic for Washington to suppress the region's developing by badmouthing the SAR. It said that not only will US tactics fail to intimidate international investors, it will stain its own international reputation. It urged Washington to abide by the principles of international law and stop interfering in SAR affairs and the nation's internal matters. | 2024-09-07T21:42:00 |
Silver medalists to carry SAR flag at Paris finale | Swimmer Chan Yui-lam and shuttler Daniel Chan will be the flag bearers for the SAR at the Paralympics closing ceremony, the China Hong Kong Paralympic Committee announced on Saturday. The swimmer won silver in the women's 100 metres butterfly S14, while the badminton player won silver in the men's singles WH2. John Leung, Chef de Mission of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Hong Kong, China delegation, said in a statement that the two athletes showed outstanding results in Paris. "In the face of such a large-scale international event, they were optimistic and level-headed, which are qualities worth learning from," he said. The Hong Kong, China delegation won a total of eight medals, consisting of three golds, four silvers and a bronze. The closing ceremony takes place on Monday at 2.30am Hong Kong time. | 2024-09-07T21:07:00 |
Cathay says all A350 aircraft cleared for operation | Cathay Pacific said on Saturday that maintenance on its operational fleet of Airbus A350 jets has been completed, and all aircraft requiring engine component replacement have been repaired successfully and cleared for operation. Hong Kong's flag carrier said earlier that 15 aircraft needed components replaced, after their engineering team inspected its fleet of A350s. The company had cancelled dozens of flights since an engine glitch forced the return of a plane bound for Zurich on Monday. The airline had said earlier that the engine component failure identified in its planes is the first of its kind on any A350 aircraft in the world. | 2024-09-07T21:50:00 |
Thousands protest against new French PM | Thousands of people took to the streets across France on Saturday to protest against President Emmanuel Macron's decision to appoint centre-right Michel Barnier as prime minister, with left-wing parties accusing him of stealing legislative elections. Macron named 73-year-old Barnier, a conservative and the European Union's former Brexit negotiator, as prime minister on Thursday, capping a two-month-long search following his ill-fated decision to call a legislative election that delivered a hung parliament divided in three blocs. In his first interview as government chief, Barnier said on Friday night that his government, which lacks a clear majority, will include conservatives, members of Macron's camp and he hoped some from the left. Barnier faces the daunting task of trying to drive reforms and the 2025 budget, as France is under pressure from the European Commission and bond markets to reduce its deficit. The left, led by the far-left France Unbowed (LFI) party, has accused Macron of a denial of democracy and stealing the election after Macron refused to pick the candidate of the New Popular Front (NFP) alliance that came top in the July vote. Pollster Elabe published a survey on Friday showing that 74 percent of French people considered Macron had disregarded the results of the elections with 55 percent believing he had stolen them. In response to the appointment of Barnier, whose centre-right Les Republicains party is only the fifth bloc in parliament with less than 50 lawmakers, left-wing party leaders, unions and student bodies called for mass protests on Saturday ahead of new action, including possible strikes on October 1. The LFI party said 130 protests would take place across the country. (Reuters) | 2024-09-07T23:20:00 |
Buyout deal saves The Body Shop | Growth capital firm Aurea on Saturday announced the completion of its acquisition of UK-based cosmetics group The Body Shop, known for ethical hair and skin products. The 50-year-old business entered administration in February, which led to FRP Advisory being brought in to try to salvage part of the group. Soon after, The Body Shop announced it would shutter almost half of its 198 stores in Britain. On collapsing, it employed about 1,500 staff across its UK stores, and a total 7,000 worldwide. The company's website lists 29 stores in Hong Kong and Macau. "This investment demonstrates Aurea's focus on backing purpose-led and differentiated brands in the Beauty, Wellness and Longevity sector and represents its largest transaction to date," Aurea said in a statement. Remaining stores are expected to continue trading under the new deal. German private equity firm Aurelius had bought The Body Shop in November, but the retailer ran into trouble in a tough economic climate over the key Christmas trading period. The Body Shop was founded in 1976 by Anita Roddick and has become a staple of the British high street, but it has been under various owners since she sold it to French cosmetics giant L'Oreal in 2006. Mike Jatania and Charles Denton will serve as executive chairman and CEO respectively. "With The Body Shop, we have acquired a truly iconic brand with highly engaged consumers in over 70 markets around the world," said British tycoon and Aurea co-founder Jatania. "We plan to focus relentlessly on exceeding their expectations by investing in product innovation and seamless experiences across all of the channels where customers shop while paying homage to the brand's ethical and activist positioning." (AFP) | 2024-09-07T23:30:00 |
Almodovar, Kidman among Venice winners | Spanish director Pedro Almodovar's first English-language movie "The Room Next Door", which tackles the hefty themes of euthanasia and climate change, won the prestigious Golden Lion award at the Venice Film Festival on Saturday. Starring Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore, the film received an 18-minute standing ovation when it premiered at Venice earlier in the week – one of the longest in recent memory. Almodovar is a darling of the festival circuit and was awarded a lifetime achievement award at Venice in 2019 for his bold, irreverent and often funny Spanish-language features. He also won an Oscar in the best foreign language category for his 1999 film "All About My Mother". Now aged 74, he has decided to try his hand at English, telling reporters that it was like science fiction for him. Speaking ahead of the premiere, he said his movie highlighted the importance of cherishing life, but also made clear that people should be able to die with dignity at a time of their choosing. While "The Room Next Door" had been widely tipped to win, the runner-up Silver Lion award was a surprise, going to Italian director Maura Delpero for her slow-paced drama set in the Italian Alps during the second world war – "Vermiglio". Australia's Nicole Kidman won the best actress award for her risque role in the erotic "Babygirl", where she plays a hard-nosed CEO, who jeopardises both her career and her family by having a toxic affair with a young, manipulative intern. Kidman was in Venice on Saturday, but did not attend the awards ceremony after learning that her mother had died unexpectedly. France's Vincent Lindon was named best actor for "The Quiet Son", a topical, French-language drama about a family torn apart by extreme-right radicalism. The best director award went to American filmmaker Brady Corbet for his movie "The Brutalist", the epic tale of a Hungarian Holocaust survivor played by Adrien Brody, who seeks to rebuild his life in the United States. The festival marks the start of the awards season and regularly throws up big favourites for the Oscars, with eight of the past 12 best director awards at the Oscars going to films that debuted at Venice. (Reuters) | 2024-09-08T02:42:00 |
Harris hails Cheneys for 'courageous' endorsement | Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris said on Saturday endorsements of her by Republican former Vice President Dick Cheney and his daughter Liz, a former US Representative, were "courageous" for putting country ahead of political party. Harris was in Pittsburgh preparing for the September 10 debate against her Republican rival Donald Trump, with whom she is locked in a tight race for the November 5 vote. "I'm honoured to have their endorsement," said Harris at Penzeys Spices in the Strip District, on a break from debate preparation where she greeted patrons and bought spices. She said both Cheneys were making a courageous statement that "it's okay, if not important, to put the country above party". Dick Cheney, who served as vice president under Republican George W Bush from 2001 to 2009, said on Friday that "in our nation's 248-year history, there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump." Liz Cheney said on Wednesday she would vote for Harris, calling Trump a "danger." Trump called Dick Cheney an "irrelevant RINO along with his daughter" in a social media post on Friday, using a term he applies to Republicans not loyal to him, which stands for "Republicans in Name Only." (Reuters) | 2024-09-08T04:18:00 |
Death toll rises to 21 in Kenya school blaze tragedy | A total of 21 boys were confirmed dead on Saturday after a blaze tore through a school dormitory in central Kenya, a tragedy that has raised questions about safety standards at educational establishments nationwide. And after night fell, another fire broke out at a girls' school also in the centre of the country, with conflicting reports about injuries. Earlier on Saturday, the nation's top prosecutor said he had instructed police to look into whether the deadly inferno at the Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri county had been caused by negligence or recklessness. The flames engulfed a boys' dormitory at the school around midnight on Thursday as more than 150 pupils aged between nine and 13 were sleeping. Government spokesman Isaac Mwaura said a total of 19 bodies had been recovered from the site and another two had died in hospital. Of the total 156 boys in the dorm at the time, 139 had now been accounted for, either at home or in hospital, he added. "It is a catastrophe beyond our imagination," Mwaura said at a press briefing. The charred bodies of the victims, which police had said were burnt beyond recognition, were found in the dormitory, now a blackened shell with its corrugated iron roof completely collapsed. Homicide teams and forensic experts stepped up their investigations at the school on Saturday, with DNA tests to be conducted to identify the victims. (AFP) | 2024-09-08T04:20:00 |
Team China teen Jiang earns 7th gold in Paris | Teenage Chinese swimmer Jiang Yuyan collected her seventh gold of the Paris Paralympics on Saturday as she helped the national team top the swimming medals table. Jiang, 19, who lost her right arm and leg in a car accident at the age of four, landed gold number seven by breaking the Paralympic world record in the women's 100m backstroke S6 to defeat US defending champion Jessica Long on the final day of the swimming programme. She was one of a trio of Chinese swimmers who won titles in a 30-minute period as Paris 2024 said goodbye to La Defense Arena, one of the most atmospheric of the venues for the Olympics and Paralympics. Team China then collected a further six medals, including a sweep of the podium in the women's 200m individual medley SM5, ensuring they finished top of swimming's medals table for a fourth straight Games. "It's really incredible for me," said Jiang. "I just finish each small goal, then have a rest and start again. I don't overthink it, I just do it." "(Improving) the world record is a new challenge for me in the future. From now on, my competitor is myself," she added. The wheelchair fencing finished at the Grand Palais, a venue that has spawned millions of social media photos since it debuted at the Olympics, as China's women won the epee team gold. With several events still to be decided on the penultimate day of competition remaining, China led the medals table with 94 golds, Great Britain were second on 47 golds and the USA were third with 35. (AFP) | 2024-09-08T04:55:00 |
Sabalenka battles past Pegula to claim US Open | Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka beat American sixth seed Jessica Pegula 7-5 7-5 in the US Open women's final on Saturday. Sabalenka blocked out the wild cheers for the home hope on Arthur Ashe Stadium to break Pegula in the final game and win her first title at Flushing Meadows. A year after coming up short in the final, the second seed fought back from a break down in both sets to claim victory and fell to the court in her moment of triumph. The 30-year-old Pegula had waited a long time to reach her first major final but could not match her opponent’s raw power despite the noisy backing of the New York crowd. The roof on Arthur Ashe Stadium was closed due to heavy rain and the players traded breaks twice as they settled into the stormy affair in front of a celebrity-packed house. Sabalenka held her serve through a four-deuce 11th game and fought through a spine-tingling 12th, mixing precision at the net with her usual power from the baseline before breaking her opponent on the fifth set point. Pegula struggled with her rackets throughout the match, complaining to her coaches as she seemed unable to find the right tension on her strings, and it looked as though she would not put up a fight in the second set when Sabalenka went 3-0 up. But the American found another level and brought the fans to their feet when she won the next five games in a furious fight back. Sabalenka levelled when she sent over a forehand winner that just kissed the line on break point in the 10th game and sought to bring a swift end to the contest, holding serve and then applying pressure from the baseline in the final game. The tears flowed immediately for Sabalenka as she claimed her third Grand Slam title after winning the Australian Open twice, and she high-fived fans as she ran up the stands to share a joyful celebration with her team. (Reuters) | 2024-09-08T06:47:00 |
HK's last medal hopes dashed, Jiang wins 7th gold | Hong Kong's Paralympians have missed out on their final two medal chances on the penultimate day of the Paris Games. As Team Hong Kong, China won’t be competing in any events on the last day, the SAR wrapped up its campaign in the French capital with an impressive haul of eight medals – three golds, four silvers and one bronze.
Home team thwarts HK fencers’ final medal bid The SAR's wheelchair fencers kicked off their last bid for a Paris medal with a strong performance in the women's épée team, defeating the United States in the last 16. Facing Team France and the home crowd at the Grand Palais, the trio of Alison Yu, Fan Pui-shan and Tong Nga-ting fought hard in the quarter-finals. Both sides took turns leading before France tied up the score to enter the ninth and final round. In the finale, six-time Paralympian Yu was only able to score one point, with France taking home the win 45-41. It's the second straight Paralympics at which Hong Kong, China has missed out on a fencing medal. "While we couldn't get a good result, I believe we will not give up. Our team has had a lot of athletes...with some joining the team and some leaving. With us still being able to be at the Paralympics here and now, although we are not as great as before, we gave a lot," Yu said after the match.
Jasmine Ng proud of her Paralympics success Teenage swimmer Jasmine Ng – Hong Kong’s youngest-ever Paralympic medallist – was unable to add to the bronze she won in the 100-metres breaststroke earlier, as she failed to make it out of her heat in the women's S6 100-metres backstroke. But the 14-year-old said there were plenty of positives to take away from her first Paralympics. "I'm very happy to be able to compete in my last event at this Paralympics. Although I couldn't advance to the final and it was not my personal best, I'm still very happy to win a bronze medal in my main event during the Games," Ng said.
Chan Yui-lam, Daniel Chan selected as flag-bearers While team Hong Kong, China are done competing at the Paris Games, some of the Paralympians aren't leaving the French capital just yet. Swimmer Chan Yui-lam and shuttler Daniel Chan will be the flag bearers for the SAR at the closing ceremony early on Monday morning Hong Kong time. The swimmer won silver in the women's 100-metres butterfly S14, while the badminton player won silver in the men's singles WH2.
Seventh heaven for Jiang Yuyan The national team took centre stage in the pool, with swimmer Jiang Yuyan collecting her seventh gold at the Paris Games in the women's 100-metres backstroke final to help the nation top the swimming medal table. The 19-year-old smashed the world and Paralympic records at the La Defense Arena with a time of 1:19.44. "It's really incredible for me," said Jiang, who lost an arm and a leg when she was involved in a car accident aged four. "I just finish each small goal, then have a rest and start again. I don't overthink it, I just do it. "The world record is a new challenge for me in the future. "From now on, my competitor is myself," she added.
China tops table in swimming for fourth straight games Team China collected six more medals in swimming, including a sweep of the podium in the women's SM5 200-metres individual medley. Guo Jincheng won gold with a world-record time of 29.33, while teammates Yuan Weiyi and Wang Lichao finished second and third. The national team ended the penultimate day of competitions with 28 more medals to maintain its lead in the medal table. | 2024-09-08T08:05:00 |
'Top medical firms interested in coming to Hong Kong' | Financial Secretary Paul Chan on Sunday said Hong Kong's continued development in innovation and technology is attracting the attention of the international community, with health firms in particular expressing an interest in the SAR. Writing on his blog, Chan said that on a trip to Australia last week, he had been approached by multiple life sciences, health and pharmaceutical companies asking him specific questions to deepen their understanding of the city. "It can be said that the SAR government's continued investment and promotion of innovation and technology in the past few years, along with the nation's strong support, have made them feel that they need a deeper understanding of the opportunities available in Hong Kong and its function as a two-way portal," he wrote. Chan added that the development of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, and the gradual establishment of the "primary evaluation" system – which directly approves applications for registration of drugs and medical devices based on clinical data without relying on other drug regulatory authorities – have greatly boosted medical tech firms' interest in Hong Kong. The finance secretary said that apart from attracting entrepreneurs and senior executives from different industries, the meetings and events also helped promote business tourism in Hong Kong. He added that the SAR will host the 9th Belt and Road Summit from Wednesday to Thursday. The summit is expected to attract nearly 6,000 people from over 70 countries and regions, including political and business leaders from countries and regions along the Belt and Road. | 2024-09-08T11:26:00 |
Govt to provide 'continuous supply' of HOS flats | Housing Secretary Winnie Ho on Sunday said about 7,000 flats under the Home Ownership Scheme (HOS) will be rolled out each year in the next five years. The government said it is trying to assist families that exceed public housing income and asset limits to buy a home. "When the interest rates remain low and citizens find prices in the private market hard to afford, they opt for public housing instead because they could not find a middle option," Ho told a television programme. "We are trying to expand the middle area...and the continuous supply of HOS flats will allow such families to own a place for themselves," Ho added. She also said that the administration will consider ways to improve the balloting mechanism. "We've heard a lot of opinions on the balloting mechanism through political parties and different organisations, and we will announce the changes to the public when we have a comprehensive plan," she said. Meanwhile, Ho said the well-being design guide, unveiled last week, will not be mandatory for public housing estates. She said some elderly-friendly designs, such as placing hooks on the tops of letter boxes for hanging bags and installing handrails in building lobbies, can be classified as standard guidelines. | 2024-09-08T15:27:00 |
Swim star Haughey inspires crowds at meet-and-greet | Hundreds of people on Sunday flocked to a shopping mall in Tai Koo to meet swimming queen Siobhan Haughey, Hong Kong’s first Olympic medallist in swimming. A sharing session started shortly after noon, allowing fans of all ages to hear the swimmer share her experiences from the Paris Olympics last month, where she won two bronze medals. Reshma and her daughter, Rhenia, got to the mall early in the morning in hopes of seeing Haughey. "We are here because [my daughter] is a swimmer and she aspires to be like Siobhan, and that's her idol. We love her and she's amazing," Reshma told RTHK. "I think she inspires me a lot every day. I'm 12 and I've been swimming for the past two years. I want her autographs and I want her to sign my jacket and I want a photo with her," Rhenia added. Nine-year-old Ariel said she arrived at the mall at about 7am, and was excited to meet the home-grown swimming star in person. "I swim a lot, like every day. Because she swims too and represents Hong Kong, I feel excited and happy about her. I have two cards [for her] to sign," she said. Speaking to reporters ahead of the meet-and-greet event, Haughey expressed gratitude to all her supporters. She expressed the hope that the achievements of local athletes in the past few Olympic Games have inspired more children to pursue a career in sports. "I hope through my story or my experience, people can find inspiration in that...We can see how sports bring people together. Through sports, even if you don't get to a competitive elite level, just playing sports, you learn so many different skills that are very helpful in the future," she said. "Hopefully, with how Hong Kong athletes have been doing in the past few Olympics, we can encourage more kids to get into sports at a young age." However, the Olympian said she is not completely sure whether she will compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Games, adding that she is focused on the upcoming short-course season. | 2024-09-08T16:09:00 |
CE: Hong Kong to host many more mega events | Chief Executive John Lee on Sunday kicked off the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s season opener, saying the SAR will continue to come up with more mega events. Lee, who struck the gong at the opening ceremony at Sha Tin Racecourse, said the season opening was one of the highlights of Hong Kong’s mega event calendar. "There will be many mega events that’ll be held in Hong Kong in the coming few months,” he wrote on social media, adding there will be sports, arts and economic events, as well as conferences. "The government will continue to promote the concept of 'tourism is everywhere', attracting tourists from all over the world to consume in Hong Kong and injecting new impetus into our economy." The Chief Executive said he hopes to enhance the SAR's international status and image through mega events. | 2024-09-08T16:51:00 |
CE praises HK Paralympians for Paris triumphs | Chief Executive John Lee on Sunday congratulated Hong Kong Paralympians for achieving excellent results in the Paris Games, saying their performances embodied the Hong Kong spirit. In a statement, he said the SAR's para-athletes won three gold and four silver medals, as well as one bronze medal in this year's Games, which is the best result since the Rio Paralympic Games in 2016. "Regardless of the results, each of them is a warrior of life, and a hero and role model in the hearts of the people of Hong Kong, making us deeply proud," he wrote. "They demonstrated teamwork and supported each other on the field, showcasing exceptional skills and professionalism together, and achieving remarkable results time and again, a truly admirable feat." He said the team included veteran athletes and rising stars, and he praised them for showcasing to the world the "indomitable Hong Kong spirit". The Chief Executive noted the authorities fully support the promotion of sports for the disabled. He pointed out that there is a 40-percent expenditure growth on the development of such athletes compared with five years ago. Sports minister Kevin Yeung, who was in Paris to support Hong Kong Paralympians, thanked them for their hard work and for giving their best in the competitions. "Hong Kong athletes continued to ride high in the Paralymics. Not only is it encouraging, the people of Hong Kong and I are also thankful to the athletes for writing the book on Hong Kong's Paralympics excellence," he wrote in a statement. Yeung on Sunday departed for Hong Kong after concluding his visit to the French capital. | 2024-09-08T18:17:00 |
New laws needed to ensure consumer rights: lawmaker | Lawmaker Doreen Kong on Sunday said Hong Kong needs new laws to safeguard consumer rights, after the shuttering of all Physical Fitness gym chain branches. Two days after Physical Fitness announced they would close down, the Consumer Council said it received 521 complaints regarding the gym, involving more than HK$17 million. The watchdog noted that the average sum involved was HK$33,998 per person, with the largest claim reaching HK$653,600. Speaking to RTHK, Kong – who is also a lawyer – said it would be challenging for customers to receive full compensation. "We need to review the law to see whether we can have better consumer protection laws. Right now, I think the Trade Descriptions Ordinance is not enough," she said. "The onus of proof actually is very high and it is usually very difficult to get evidence. I think the first thing is that we need to improve our law. Second thing is that the government has to do real actions to improve the business environment." Local reports said that a new investor will manage the gym chain's Wan Chai branch under the brand name "Healthy", but Kong reminded consumers that the law does not allow a company to transfer contracts without clients' consent. She reminded consumers that the terms could be altered in a new contract, adding that consumers have the right to refuse a new agreement. | 2024-09-08T18:54:00 |
Yagi downgraded to depression after 21 die in Vietnam | Typhoon Yagi, Asia's most powerful storm this year, was downgraded to a tropical depression on Sunday, after wreaking havoc in northern Vietnam, where it damaged factories and infrastructure in export-oriented industrial hubs. Vietnam's meteorological agency issued the downgrade on Sunday but cautioned about the ongoing risk of flooding and landslides as the storm, the strongest to hit the country in decades, moved westwards. On Saturday, Yagi disrupted power supplies and telecommunications in Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, causing extensive flooding, felling thousands of trees and damaging homes. The typhoon and subsequent landslides and floods killed 21 people in Vietnam, according to preliminary estimates from the government, after claiming the lives of four people on the southern Chinese island of Hainan and 20 in the Philippines, the first country it hit a week ago. In Haiphong, a Vietnamese coastal city of 2 million which hosts factories of several multinationals, industrial parks remained closed on Sunday, workers and managers said. One was flooded, and workers said they had been sent home after they tried to go to work unaware of the conditions at their plants because telecommunications networks had not been restored. "The damage for the factories is really significant. Some have lost roofs or entire front facades," said Bruno Jaspaert, head of DEEP C industrial zones, which host plants from over 150 investors in Haiphong and the neighbouring province of Quang Ninh. He said at least 80 percent of the factories had been damaged but the industrial parks had not been flooded. "It might take a month if things go well before I fully recover from this damage," said Do Van Truong, a 45-year-old shop owner in Haiphong, noting the ceiling of his seafood shop had collapsed while power and water supplies had not yet been restored. Several highways in the north of the country were flooded or seriously disrupted, state media reported, publishing pictures and footage of landslides. Hanoi's Noi Bai international airport, the busiest in northern Vietnam, reopened on Sunday after closing on Saturday morning. (Reuters) | 2024-09-08T21:30:00 |
Pope visits far-flung corner of PNG with aid, blessing | Pope Francis flew deep into the jungle of the Southwestern Pacific island nation of Papua New Guinea on Sunday to visit Catholics living in one of the most remote areas of the world and deliver medical supplies and other aid. Travelling 1,000 km in a C-130 cargo aircraft provided by the Royal Australian Air Force, Francis arrived with a small entourage in Vanimo, a township of some 12,000 people in the northwestern corner of PNG's main island, with no running water and scarce electricity. The 87-year-old pope brought hundreds of kilograms of items to help support the local population, said Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni. They included various medicines and clothing, as well said toys and musical instruments for school children, Bruni said. The pope is visiting the nation of 600 islands as part of his ambitious 12-day, four-country tour of Southeast Asia and Oceania, the longest of his 11-year-old papacy. He came to Vanimo at the invitation of local missionaries with the Catholic Institute of the Incarnate Word. They, like Francis, the first pope from the Americas, are from Argentina. "You are doing something beautiful, and it is important that you are not left alone," Francis told the crowd, which the Vatican estimated at 20,000, of missionaries and Catholic faithful from Vanimo in a meeting outside the town's one-storey, wood-panelled cathedral parish. "You live in a magnificent land, enriched by a great variety of plants and birds," said the pope. "The beauty of the landscape is matched by the beauty of a community where people love one another". The Rev. Tomas Ravaioli, one of the missionaries, said he could not believe the pope had actually come to Vanimo. "He is keeping his promise to come," said the priest. "We cannot believe it. At his age he is making an enormous effort." As with other events throughout his stay in the country, Francis was greeted in a field outside the cathedral with a traditional dance from a group wearing feathered headdresses and straw skirts. Some of the men wore koteka, a traditional gourd covering over the penis. The pope also heard four testimonies from local Catholics. Steven Abala, a lay teacher, described how some rural communities, cut off from roads, must wait weeks or months between visits by priests. Abala presented Francis with a headdress with yellow and brown feathers, which the pope tried on. (Reuters) | 2024-09-08T21:40:00 |
Philippines arrests high-profile preacher in sex case | An influential evangelist preacher from the Philippines accused of sex trafficking and sexual abuse has been arrested, authorities said on Sunday. Apollo Quiboloy, self-proclaimed "owner of the universe" and "appointed son of god", is wanted on charges of child and sexual abuse and related allegations of human trafficking. He has denied wrongdoing. "Apollo Quiboloy has been caught," Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr said on his Facebook page, without specifying how or where he had been. The pastor is also on the FBI's "most wanted" list in the United States on separate charges of sex trafficking and bulk cash smuggling, over which he has also denied wrongdoing. Over 2,000 police were deployed since last month to search a sprawling compound in the southern city of Davao owned by Quiboloy's church, the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), on suspicion that he was hiding there in a bunker. Philippine police spokesperson Jean Fajardo confirmed to reporters on Sunday Quiboloy was captured inside the compound, but did not provide further details. Quiboloy and four other co-accused were transported by military plane to the capital region on Sunday night after surrendering to authorities, Fajardo said. The five were detained at a detention facility inside the national police headquarters. Quiboloy is followed by millions of people in the Philippines, where church leaders hold heavy sway in politics. He is a longtime friend of former president Rodrigo Duterte. (Reuters) | 2024-09-09T00:37:00 |
Algerian leader declared poll winner with 95pc of vote | Algerian authorities declared President Abdulmadjid Tebboune the overwhelming winner of Saturday's election on Sunday, but a rival candidate alleged irregularities in the count and fewer than half of registered voters cast ballots. Official preliminary results gave Tebboune 95 percent of the vote, enough to avoid a second round run-off, with Abdelaali Hassani Cherif getting 3 percent and Youcef Aouchiche 2 percent. Turnout was 48 percent. Tebboune, backed by the military, was facing only nominal opposition from Hassani Cherif, a moderate Islamist, and Aouchiche, a moderate secularist, both running with the blessing of Algeria's powerful establishment. Hassani Cherif's campaign said polling station officials had been pressured to inflate results and alleged failures to deliver vote-sorting records to candidates' representatives, as well as instances of proxy group voting. It did not say whether it believed the violations had affected the result and Reuters could not immediately reach Tebboune's or Aouchiche's campaign for comment. However, electoral commission head Mohammed Charfi said when announcing the results that the body had worked to ensure transparency and fair competition among all candidates. Tebboune's re-election means Algeria will likely keep on with a governing programme that has resumed lavish social spending based on increased energy revenues after he came into office in 2019 following a period of lower oil prices. He has promised to raise unemployment benefits, pensions and public housing programmes, all of which he increased during his first term as president. "As long as Tebboune continues to raise wages and pensions and maintain subsidies he will be the best in my eyes," said Ali, a customer in the Ouled Fayet district of Algiers, asking not to write his family name. (Reuters) | 2024-09-09T01:20:00 |
Jordanian gunman kills three Israelis at crossing | A gunman from Jordan killed three Israeli civilians at the Allenby Bridge border crossing in the occupied West Bank before security forces shot him dead on Sunday, Israeli authorities said. It was the first attack of its kind along the border with Jordan since October 7, when Palestinian Islamist group Hamas carried out an assault on southern Israel, sparking the war in Gaza that has escalated throughout the region. The attack took place in a commercial cargo area under Israeli control where Jordanian trucks offload cargo entering the West Bank, officials said. The crossing, also known as the King Hussein Bridge, lies about midway between Amman and Jerusalem just north of the Dead Sea. The assailant was a 39-year-old truck driver who came from the influential Huwaitat tribe in southern Jordan, according to family members. He was later identified by the Jordanian interior ministry as Maher Ziab Hussein al-Jazi, a resident of the Husseiniya area in Jordan's southern Ma'an governorate. "A terrorist approached the area of the Allenby Bridge from Jordan in a truck, exited the truck, and opened fire at the Israeli security forces operating at the bridge," the Israeli military said. "The terrorist was eliminated by the security forces, three Israeli civilians were pronounced dead as a result of the attack." Jordan was investigating the shooting. The Allenby Bridge, a crucial crossing for trade between Jordan and Israel and one of five land border crossings between the two countries, has been closed, Jordan's interior ministry added. The crossing mostly serves the more than three million Palestinians living in the West Bank. The Israeli manager of the crossing said three workers were shot dead at close range by the driver crossing from Jordan. Israel and Jordan signed a peace treaty in 1994 and have close security ties. Dozens of trucks cross daily from Jordan, with goods from Jordan and the Gulf that supply both the West Bank and Israeli markets. (Reuters) | 2024-09-09T02:33:00 |
Flame goes dark to end unforgettable Paris Games | The Paris Paralympics closed on Sunday with chief Paris 2024 organiser Tony Estanguet saying the Games and the Olympics had created a "historic summer". Speaking in the Stade de France in front of around 4,400 athletes from 168 Paralympic delegations, Estanguet said the closing ceremony marked the end of six weeks of Olympic and Paralympic fervour in the City of Light. Estanguet said they would remain "etched in people's memories". "This summer, France had a date with history, and the country showed up," he said. "This summer when people talked to each other, this summer when France was happy," said the former Olympic canoeist, referring to how France had been left deeply divided by snap elections just weeks before the Olympics opened. Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo passed the Paralympic flag to International Paralympic Committee president Andrew Parsons, who gave it to Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass. Broadway star Ali Stroker then sang the American national anthem before a film was shown of a band performing on a Californian beach as skateboarders and wheelchair athletes performed tricks. Despite initial fears about ticket sales, the Paralympics took place in mainly full stadiums, benefiting from the feelgood factor from the highly successful Olympics which ended on August 11. Parsons said the Paris Paralympics had shown that "change starts with sport". The action in Paris, the organisation and the gender parity of the competitors had set new standards for the Paralympics, he said. The closing ceremony included an hour-long set featuring 20 DJs introduced by French electronic music pioneer Jean-Michel Jarre, 76. Meanwhile the cauldron housing the Paralympic flame, in the form of the base of a hot air balloon, which has risen into the air every evening, was unable to make its last journey skywards from the Tuileries Gardens on Sunday because of high winds and rain, organisers said. China finished top of the medals table in Paris, as they have for every Paralympics since Athens in 2004. They had 94 golds, followed by Britain with 49 and the USA with 36. Hong Kong, China celebrated eight medals, including three golds. (AFP) | 2024-09-09T04:28:00 |
Sinner sweeps to US Open title for second Grand Slam | Jannik Sinner won his second Grand Slam title of 2024 on Sunday when he swept aside Taylor Fritz in the US Open men's singles final. World number one Sinner, who won his maiden Slam at the Australian Open in January, became the first Italian man to triumph in New York with a 6-3, 6-4, 7-5 victory. The 23-year-old held aloft his arms in celebration after breaking Fritz to clinch the title and cheers rang around Arthur Ashe Stadium, even though home fans had hoped to see Fritz end a 21-year U.S. men's Grand Slam drought. For Sinner, it was a 55th match win of the season and sixth title. After his 21-year-old rival Carlos Alcaraz pocketed the French Open and Wimbledon titles to take his majors collection to four, the two men have cemented their places as the powerhouses of tennis's new era. "This title means so much," said Sinner who arrived in New York under a cloud after it was revealed he had failed two drug tests but escaped sanction. "The last period of my career has not been easy but I have my team and family who support me." World number 12 Fritz was bidding to be the first American man since Andy Roddick in New York in 2003 to win a major. He was backed by A-list celebrity support amongst the 23,000-strong crowd inside Arthur Ashe Stadium. Pop queen Taylor Swift watched alongside boyfriend and NFL star Travis Kelce while Oscar-winning actor Matthew McConaughey was hard to miss as he donned a Stars and Stripes headband. "It has been an amazing two weeks. Congratulations to Jannik, he played a great match. He was very impressive and was too good today," said Fritz. "I'm sorry I couldn't get it done but I will keep working and I feel I will get it the next time." (AFP/Reuters) | 2024-09-09T05:23:00 |
Public hospitals tap AI to save energy for air con | The Hospital Authority says it's making use of artificial intelligence to save energy for air conditioning, in a bid to reduce carbon emissions in public hospitals. Yuen Pak-leung, a chief project manager at the authority, said air conditioning currently accounts for around half of hospitals' energy consumption. "Hospital runs on 24-hour non-stop basis and provide health care services, which would consume substantial amount of energy to operate its air conditioning, mechanical ventilation, lighting and power, medical equipment, lifts, escalator, so on and so forth," he said. Yuen said the authority is piloting an AI-controlled air conditioning system, which can save around 20 to 50 percent of energy for chillers. "This system analyses the past performance and pattern of consumption and also to understand the possible usage trends. The AI would then learn the preferences of occupancy, their pattern and to optimise the comfort while minimising energy use," he said. "It will enhance the comfort level due to more precise temperature and humidity control and at the same time reducing energy use because we're trying to avoid wastage," he said. The AI-powered air conditioning system is currently being trialled in Tseung Kwan O Hospital and Queen Mary Hospital in Pok Fu Lam, and Yuen said more hospitals will be covered in the long run. Yuen added that the authority is also exploring the use of hydrogen fuel cells for EV charging facilities, though this is still in a preliminary stage. | 2024-09-09T07:00:00 |
Ronaldo's late goal seals Portugal win over Scotland | Cristiano Ronaldo's late strike sealed Portugal's 2-1 win over Scotland as the 901st goal of the striker's extraordinary career completed a stirring fightback in Sunday's Nations League clash. Ronaldo had reached 900 career goals with his 131st international strike in Friday's victory over Croatia. The 39-year-old showed no signs of being sated by that incredible milestone as he came off the bench to lift Portugal to their second successive win in Nations League Group A1. The Estadio da Luz in Lisbon rose in unison to chant the relentless Al-Nassr forward's name after he struck with two minutes to play. On his 30th birthday, Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes fired Portugal's second half equaliser after his former Old Trafford team-mate Scott McTominay gave Scotland a surprise early lead. (AFP) | 2024-09-09T08:06:00 |
Kendrick Lamar to headline Super Bowl halftime show | Grammy-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar will headline next year's Super Bowl half-time show in New Orleans, the artist confirmed in a statement on Sunday. Next year's Super Bowl will take place at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on February 9. The National Football League showpiece is the biggest annual event on the US sporting calendar, with the half-time concert traditionally one of the highlights of the spectacle. A list of past Super Bowl half-time performers reads like a Who's Who of the music world, including the likes of the Rolling Stones, Prince, Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, U2, Paul McCartney, Michael Jackson, Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Beyonce. Rap and hip hop have also been well-represented, with Lamar featuring alongside the likes of Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Eminem and 50 Cent in a memorable performance at the 2022 Super Bowl in Los Angeles. "Few artists have impacted music and culture as profoundly as Kendrick Lamar," the NFL's head of music Seth Dudowsky said in a statement. "Time and time again, Kendrick has proven his unique ability to craft moments that resonate, redefine and ultimately shake the very foundation of hip-hop," he said. "We're excited to collaborate with Kendrick, Roc Nation, and Apple Music to deliver another unforgettable halftime show." (AFP) | 2024-09-09T08:13:00 |
Roglic wins record-equalling fourth Vuelta a España | Primoz Roglic won the Vuelta a España for a record-equalling fourth time on Sunday, the perfect pick-me-up after crashing out of the Tour de France. The Slovenian wrapped up his fifth-career Grand Tour when he finished second in the closing time-trial on the streets of Madrid won by Stefan Kung. "It's crazy – already four, I just want to enjoy it," he said before hugging his wife Lora and children. Australia's Ben O'Connor finished runner-up overall with Spain's Enric Mas completing the podium. With the sun setting on the streets of the Spanish capital Roglic, 34, drew level with Spaniard Roberto Heras for number of wins in the season's third and closing Grand Tour. Roglic finished the race 2min 36sec up on O'Connor, with Mas third at 3:13. "There's a lot of sacrificing, not only by me, but also my family, everyone around me," Roglic said. "We all live for it – I just feel happy I can do it." Roglic, riding for Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe team, had to fight for the red jersey after a gruelling race that began three weeks ago in Portugal and featured some of the toughest climbs the sport has to offer. He won stage four to take the overall lead but then O'Connor burst to the top of the general classification by almost five minutes. Roglic slowly chipped away at the Australian's massive cushion with a bunch of strong mountain place finishes. He reclaimed the leader's red jersey after his third win on stage 19. (AFP) | 2024-09-09T08:17:00 |
Paralympics close with big party as China tops table | Paris has officially handed over the baton to Los Angeles after a spectacular final act of the Paralympic Games, rounding off a thrilling summer of sport with a massive dance party at the Stade de France. A summer sporting spectacle which opened under pouring rain on the River Seine concluded at a rain-soaked stadium lit up in the blue, white and red colours of the French national flag.
Adieu, Paris
Much like the Olympics opening, the rain didn't dampen the spirits in the City of Light. Top artists from the French electronic music scene led a massive party at the stadium in front of 4,400 athletes from 168 delegations.
That marked a memorable farewell to 11 days of action, with French singer Santa kicking off the ceremony by performing Johnny Hallyday's iconic song Vivre pour le Meilleur. Tony Estanguet, the chief organiser of Paris 2024, said the Games had created a "historic summer" that would remain "etched in people's memories". "With every one of its appearances, the Paralympic revolution gained more ground. This encounter between athletes and supporters will stay with us forever, because the emotions that we experienced brought us together," he said. As the curtain fell in Paris, LA promised to be a great venue for 2028.
Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo passed the Paralympic flag to International Paralympic Committee president Andrew Parsons, who gave it to LA mayor Karen Bass. Broadway star Ali Stroker then sang the American national anthem before a film was shown of a band performing on a Californian beach accompanied by skateboarders and wheelchair athletes.
Hong Kong celebrates Para success
Swimmer Chan Yui-lam and shuttler Daniel Chan - both silver medallists - carried the Hong Kong, China flag as they led the SAR delegation into the stadium. The delegation is coming home with three golds, four silvers and a bronze, marking its best Paralympic showing since London 2012. For Team China, "flying fish" Jiang Yuyan and long jump champion Di Dongdong were the flag bearers.
Including four more medals on the final day, the national team finished top of the medal table for the sixth consecutive Games, extending a feat which began in Athens 2004.
China excellence on final day
Jin Hua brought home a silver medal in the men's marathon T54, a category reserved for wheelchair athletes. He came back in one hour, 31 minutes and 19 seconds, after holding off Japan's Tomoki Suzuki, who was four seconds behind. Swiss Paralympic star Marcel Hug romped to his seventh Paralympic gold at some three minutes in front. In powerlifting, China's Zheng Feifei took her second successive silver in the women's up to 86kg. The world record holder cleared 155kg on her second attempt, but failed to improve on that mark as Brazil's Tayana Medeiros won gold with 156kg. Zheng's compatriot Deng Xuemei also claimed a silver in the women's over 86kg. Nigeria's Folashade Oluwafemiayo won gold while refreshing both the world and Paralympic records.
Team China finished on the podium again in wheelchair basketball, as the women's team beat Canada 65-43 in the bronze medal match.
The nation bagged 94 golds, nearly double second-placed Britain's tally of 49, while the United States was third with 36. | 2024-09-09T08:35:00 |
Couche-Tard still keen on Seven & i buyout | Canadian retailer Alimentation Couche-Tard on Sunday said it was willing to engage in confidential discussions with Japanese retail giant Seven & i Holdings on its US$38.5 billion takeover offer and remains keen on pursuing a buyout. Seven & i shares were up 3 percent in early Tokyo trading Monday. The 7-Eleven operator has said the US$14.86 per share all cash proposal from the Canadian firm was not in the best interest of its shareholders and could face antitrust challenges in the US. Couche-Tard said it would consider divestitures that may be required to secure regulatory approvals and believes that it would offer a compelling combination that would address all regulatory concerns in Japan. "Given the mutual benefits of a combination, we are disappointed in 7&i's refusal to engage in friendly discussions. We are highly confident that collaborative discussions would lead to our ability to find increased value for 7&i shareholders," the Couche-Tard statement said. Couche-Tard said finance for the deal which would be the largest foreign takeover of a Japanese company in history had been arranged. "We have secured a letter from our financial advisor stating that it is highly confident that it is able to arrange the financing for the proposed transaction, subject to customary conditions," it said. Seven & i, which said last month it had received an offer from Circle-K owner Couche-Tard without naming the price, disclosed the bid on Friday at US$14.86 a share. The Japanese company said earlier that even if Couche-Tard were to increase the value of the offer "very significantly" it would still be concerned over whether a takeover would be able to progress. A 7-Eleven spokesperson wasn't immediately able to comment on Couche-Tard's renewed approach. The combined entity would be the convenience store industry's biggest by a considerable margin and would be the largest all-cash offer for a company since Elon Musk bought Twitter for US$40.2 billion in 2022, according to LSEG data. Mars Inc last month bid US$35.2 billion for food group Kellanova. Bloomberg News earlier reported about the plans and that Couche-Tard has not ruled out going directly to the shareholders with its bid. While Seven & i is much larger than Couche-Tard in terms of sales, stores, and employees, its shares have underperformed for years, drawing complaints from investors including ValueAct Capital about the company's management and asset structure. The deal, if agreed, would allow Couche-Tard, which has a market value of about US$52 billion, to boost its global reach and improve economies of scale. (Reuters) | 2024-09-09T09:17:00 |
Hong Kong stocks fall on fears about US economy | The Hang Seng Index fell 182.41 points, or 1.05 percent, to open at 17,261.89 on Monday. Uncertainty over the US economy's health is rippling through markets, adding fuel to an already-volatile period that has investors grappling with a shift in Federal Reserve policy, a tight US election and worries over stretched valuations. US stocks tumbled on Friday after closely watched jobs data showed labour market momentum slowing more than expected, suggesting a narrower path for the US to achieve a soft landing, in which the Fed is able to cool inflation without badly damaging economic growth. The Fed is expected to cut interest rates at its September meeting, but the data revived fears that months of elevated borrowing costs have already started to pressure the economy. (with additional reporting from Xinhua and Reuters) | 2024-09-09T10:08:00 |
'Regulation on long pre-paid contracts may be needed' | The Consumer Council said on Monday that it has to study in detail whether there's a need to better regulate lengthy pre-paid contracts, after the closure of a gym chain with memberships lasting up to three decades. Physical Fitness, which also provided beauty parlour services, announced its closure last Friday after operating for nearly 40 years. It cited high rents for the move. DAB lawmaker Edward Leung said on an RTHK programme that it was unreasonable that some of the fitness contracts the chain signed with customers stretched for decades. He noted that there are different types of regulation for fitness centres in the United States, Canada and Australia, such as a three-year maximum contract term, or lengths linked to the rental lease of each gym. Asked whether there should be new laws regulating contract lengths, Consumer Council chief executive Gilly Wong said the watchdog studied the matter some years ago, but needs to look at it in greater detail. "We need to look at other countries and regions and their latest regulations before coming to a conclusion," she said on the same programme. "But in principle, clearly when you look at the fitness and beauty industries that involve such large amounts of pre-paid consumption, it's a big problem and it causes major impact on consumers once these firms close down. Perhaps we need to look at how to better regulate these two trades." Wong added that so far, the council has received more than 600 complaints over the Physical Fitness closure, involving nearly HK$19 million. She said customs officers are looking into whether there was any violation of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance. A Physical Fitness customer told RTHK that he paid more than HK$10,000 for a decade-long membership and expects he has lost his money. Unionist lawmaker Bill Tang, meanwhile, quoted Physical Fitness workers as saying that recent offers the chain made to consumers were "suspicious". "The discount offers to potential customers were more shocking. It's like the firm wanted to get more contracts signed for more new income, even though such offers never existed in the past," he said. "It's like what's in the news, they offered HK$8,000 for a decade, or even got customers upgraded as life-long members." Tang said he estimates that the chain has an unpaid wage bill of HK$15 million, noting that it has not paid staff since the start of August. He also said the estimate was based on the fact that at the start of this month, the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority said the chain was yet to make MPF staff contributions from June and July worth HK$3 million in total. Meanwhile, a few personal trainers collectively filed a report to the police, accusing the company of deceiving them into selling packages to customers. One of them said the firm had sent messages to them saying they would be given a bonus of HK$1,000 for every HK$30,000 spent on contracts. | 2024-09-09T12:32:00 |
China consumer prices edge up to six-month high in Aug | Consumer inflation on the mainland ticked up slightly in August to a six-month high, official data showed on Monday, but the reading missed expectations. The consumer price index rose 0.6 percent year-on-year for the month, up slightly from 0.5 percent in July, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said. The figure was the best since February but it was less than a 0.7 percent increase forecast in a Reuters poll of economists. Extreme weather this summer from deadly floods to scorching heat has pushed up farm produce prices, contributing to faster inflation. "Higher CPI in August was due to high temperatures and rainy weather," NBS statistician Dong Lijuan said in a statement. Food prices jumped 2.8 percent on year in August from an unchanged outcome in July, while non-food inflation was 0.2 percent, easing from 0.7 percent in July. Core inflation, excluding volatile food and fuel prices, was 0.3 percent in August, down from 0.4 percent in July. The consumer inflation gauge was up 0.4 percent month-on-month, compared with a 0.5 percent increase in July and missing economists' expectations of a 0.5 percent gain. Meanwhile, the producer price index in August slid 1.8 percent from a year earlier, the largest fall in four months. That was worse than a 0.8 percent decline in July and below a forecast 1.4 percent fall. Mainland officials have ramped up support measures for the private sector recently in a bid to stimulate activity and spur on household consumption. Beijing has said it wants annual economic growth this year of around five percent. (AFP/Reuters) | 2024-09-09T11:35:00 |
Microplastics threaten HK's ecosystem: Greenpeace | A green group on Monday called on the government and corporations to reduce plastic use at source in order to protect the environment, human and animal welfare, after a study found that the pollution from the continuous production of single-use plastics has expanded from the city to the countryside. A study, conducted by Greenpeace and research teams from universities in Hong Kong and Taipei, found that microplastics are showing up in wild animals in Hong Kong's countryside. Greenpeace campaigner Leanne Tam said plastic pollution could increase the risk of contaminating the food chain. "When we talk about animals, their poop actually is like a very important thing in the environment, because they are providing nutrients for the soil and plants. So we think that if there are microplastics, [there's] a very high potential it goes down to the soil to affect the microorganisms in the soil and also the plants may intake it, become part of their body," she said. "So it would enter the food chain and also our ecosystem. When we accumulate all that, going higher up and higher up, finally maybe humans will intake those microplastics and that might threaten our health." Tam added that cutting down on the production of plastic products would reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and that people could not solely rely on recycling to solve the problem. "To cut down the production, [so we] don't produce unnecessary items, like wraps or plastic bags, I think the government should speed up the Producer Responsibility Scheme for [items] like plastic bottles. They have mentioned [this for] years, but they didn't have a timetable yet," she said. "So for the responsibility scheme, we hope that not only [using] recycling, they should also regulate the production of the business sector. They should reduce the single use item production and also provide some reusable choice to the customers, just like the refill station or reusable cup or container or bottle, they can return it after use so that we can change our habits, phase out our single use [plastics] and protect our environment." | 2024-09-09T14:00:00 |
New department needed for city's playgrounds: DAB | The DAB on Monday urged the government to set up a new department to coordinate on outdoor playgrounds for kids. Among the 710 residents it interviewed in July, the party found that more than 77 percent agreed that the existing facilities needed renovation, to make them more challenging and fun to play in. Kwun Tong district councillor April Feng, who's also a party member, said the new department could include professional designers who have a more sophisticated understanding of children's needs. "When they do the designing, they can include all their needs from the very beginning...if you do bulk purchase, like if I have 20 playgrounds that I need to do improvement, and when I do the bulk purchase, the government might have better bargaining power," she said. Feng pointed out that it was crucial to have an enjoyable playground, especially when kids nowadays are on their e-devices. "If the playground is fun, fun enough to attract them to spend time in the playground to do physical exercise and also to interact with other kids, of course it's good for parents," Feng said. "But we also think that the playground is an important infrastructure and facility for not just the kids, but for the whole community, because then people can get out and get together and spend time in the community, improve their sense of belonging, and also feelings of happiness." She also revealed that children expect more from a playground. "They don't only want to play with other kids, they also want to play with their parents. They also suggested a lot of equipment and facilities that they can play together with their parents, they want to include their parents in their play time also," said Feng. She added that inclusive playgrounds could also help children with disabilities and special needs. | 2024-09-09T14:51:00 |
E.Timor celebrates 1st papal visit since independence | Pope Francis arrived in East Timor on Monday to encourage its recovery from a bloody and traumatic past and celebrate its development after two decades of independence from Indonesian rule. Francis arrived in Dili from Papua New Guinea to open the third leg of his trip through Southeast Asia and Oceania. He'll meet with Timorese leaders and diplomats later on Monday. The overwhelmingly Catholic East Timor, one of the world’s poorest countries, eagerly awaited Francis’ arrival, which came on the heels of the 25th anniversary of the UN-backed referendum that paved the way for independence from Indonesia. “Our great hope is that he may come to consolidate the fraternity, the national unity, peace and development for this new country,” said Estevão Tei Fernandes, a university professor. It was a far different atmosphere than when the last pope visited. St. John Paul II came in 1989, when Timor was still an occupied part of Indonesia and fighting for its freedom. As many as 200,000 people were killed during the 24 years of Indonesian rule. Francis will confront that legacy, and another one more close to home involving Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, the Timorese bishop who, along with the Catholic Church as a whole, is regarded as a hero for his efforts to win independence. Belo won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1996 with fellow East Timorese independence icon José Ramos-Horta, today the country’s president, for campaigning for a fair and peaceful solution to the conflict. But in 2022, the Vatican acknowledged that it had secretly sanctioned Belo in 2020 for sexually abusing young boys. The sanctions included limitations on his movements and exercise of ministry and prohibited him from having voluntary contact with minors or contact with East Timor itself. The sanctions were reinforced in 2021. Despite the sanctions, which were confirmed at the time by the Vatican spokesman and reaffirmed last week ahead of Francis’ trip, many people in East Timor have stood by Belo, either dismissing, denying or diminishing the victims’ claims. (AP) | 2024-09-09T14:22:00 |
'Tobacco tax rise turns smokers to illicit cigarettes' | The rise in tobacco tax has likely turned smokers to the illicit cigarette market, a group of lawmakers said on Monday, as they announced plans for a survey to gauge public opinions on tackling the illegal products. The exercise will begin later this month, with QR codes linked to the questionnaire placed at nearly 700 retail locations for about two weeks. Lawmaker Steven Ho, one of those behind the initiative, said the increase in tobacco tax has not been too effective in reducing the smoking rate. He said revenue from tobacco tax between March and July dropped more than 50 percent from the same period last year, but only a small number of people quit smoking. “Increasing tobacco tax helps to reduce the number of smokers, but not as efficient as expected... If the government wants the increase in tobacco tax to be more efficient, they have to find a way to tackle illegal cigarettes," Ho said. Fellow legislator Peter Shiu said the sale of illicit cigarettes is still serious with people giving out flyers and offering samples of the products, even after customs officers have stepped up law enforcement. "We believe the customs has worked quite hard, but still can't solve the problem. So we need to find another technology to see whether the cigarettes have some markings to make sure those cigarettes have paid the duty or not," Shiu said. Lawmaker Johnny Ng, for his part, said there is anti-forgery technology readily available, after the administration previously noted that it was looking into the feasibility of putting designated labels on tobacco products to easily identify them as duty-paid. Offenders can face a HK$1 million fine and two years in jail for the sale, purchase, possession or handling of illicit cigarettes. | 2024-09-09T15:59:00 |
Wang Yi to attend BRICS security meeting in Russia | Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit Russia this week for a security meeting of BRICS emerging economies, the foreign ministry in Beijing said on Monday. At the invitation of senior Russian official Sergei Shoigu, Wang will attend a meeting of "high-ranking officials responsible for security matters" and national security advisers of BRICS members, ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said in an online statement. The meeting will take place on Wednesday and Thursday in St Petersburg, Mao added. Wang's visit comes in advance of a BRICS summit next month that President Xi Jinping is expected to attend. Russian President Vladimir Putin last week said he was expecting Xi at the Kazan meeting from October 22 to 24. (AFP) | 2024-09-09T16:04:00 |
Tourism Board to hold series of Mid-Autumn events | The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) on Monday said a series of Mid-Autumn Festival events will attract visitors and locals. It said the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance will be upgraded with an expanded route from Wun Sha Street to Tung Lo Wan Road, with about 100 children waving a fire dragon illuminated by 10,000 LED lights. The board said a live broadcast area will be set up in Victoria Park between 16-18 September. The HKTB said a Mid-Autumn Festival-themed drone show will be held on September 17 at the Wan Chai waterfront, featuring the Jade Rabbit, mooncakes and traditional lanterns. It said festive decorations of fire dragons will also be installed in the city, including by the Central-Mid-Levels Escalators, on MTR digital displays, as well on two trams. | 2024-09-09T16:40:00 |
Death toll from Yagi rises to nearly 60 in Vietnam | Vietnamese authorities say the death toll from heavy rains and flooding associated with Typhoon Yagi has risen to 59. Nine people died during the typhoon, which made landfall in Vietnam on Saturday before weakening to a depression, and 50 others died during the consequent floods and landslides. The water levels of several rivers in northern Vietnam were dangerously high. A passenger bus carrying 20 people was swept into a flooded stream by a landslide in Cao Bang province on Monday morning. Rescuers were deployed but landslides blocked the path to where the incident took place. In Phu Tho province, rescue operations were continuing after a steel bridge over the engorged Red River collapsed on Monday morning. Reports said 10 cars and trucks along with two motorbikes fell into the river. Three people were pulled out of the river and taken to hospital, but 13 others were missing. Yagi was the strongest typhoon to hit Vietnam in decades when it made landfall over the weekend with winds up to 149 kilometres an hour. It weakened to a tropical depression Sunday, but the country’s meteorological agency has still warned the continuing downpours could cause floods and landslides. (AP) | 2024-09-09T17:09:00 |
Hong Kong stocks close lower | Hong Kong's stock market ended lower on Monday with the benchmark Hang Seng Index down 1.4 percent at 17,196. The Shanghai Composite Index ended down 1.1 percent at 2,736, while the Shenzhen Component Index closed 0.8 percent lower at 8,063. (Xinhua) | 2024-09-09T17:50:00 |
Long trousers rule for female inmates faces challenge | A policy by the Correctional Services Department requiring women on remand to wear long trousers while being engaged in daytime activities in the summer is facing a legal challenge. Chow Hang-tung, former vice-chairwoman of the now-disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, submitted a writ to the High Court last week, arguing that the move amounted to sex discrimination. She also noted that it disregarded the health of women on remand. Chow is seeking a judicial review regarding the matter. Chow, who's been remanded in Tai Lam Centre for Women since September 2021, said her request on wearing shorts or thinner bottoms was rejected earlier. According to the writ, the living conditions of male and female inmates were similar, yet their clothing requirements differed. Chow also argued that the requirement "fundamentally disregards" the health of female inmates, adding that the Observatory issued more than 50 "very hot days" annually in the previous three years. "Most of the very hot days happened from May to September every year. Yet, the male [persons on remand] could wear shorts in those months whilst female [persons on remand] still need to wear trousers despite the obvious trend of having a lot more very hot days," the writ read. | 2024-09-09T21:37:00 |
Avoid China-EU trade war, says Spanish PM | Visiting Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said during his trip to China that he hopes the European Union could avoid a trade war with Beijing. Sanchez held talks with central government leaders including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang on Monday. Xi called on China and Spain to build long-term and stable relations with strategic determination, and push bilateral relations to a higher level, during talks with the Spanish leader. “We hope that Spain will continue to provide a fair, equitable, safe and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies to invest and do business in,” Xi said, according to CCTV. The president also called on Beijing and Madrid to jointly promote development in AI, the digital economy, new energy, and other high-tech fields. Sanchez said, “Spain supports the principles of free trade and open markets and does not support a trade war.” "A trade war would benefit no one," he said, adding that he's seeking to create a level playing field in cooperation with Chinese companies. In his meeting with Li, Sanchez said Spain wishes to continue strengthening its relations with China. "We want to build bridges to defend together a fair trade order," Sanchez said in a post on X. This, he said, "allows our economies to grow and benefits our industries and citizens". Sanchez's trip will take him to Shanghai on Tuesday and Wednesday, where he'll attend business events and the inauguration of a Cervantes Institute cultural centre. China and European Union are locked in a row over electric vehicles as Brussels weighs imposing tariffs on China-manufactured EVs. Beijing described such a move as unfair and protectionist. (Xinhua and agencies) | 2024-09-09T21:26:00 |
Princess of Wales says she has completed chemotherapy | Catherine, Princess of Wales announced on Monday that she had completed her course of chemotherapy following a shock cancer diagnosis earlier this year. The announcement will provide welcome relief for Britain's royal family after a troubled year in which head of state King Charles III also revealed he was battling cancer. "I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment," Kate, as she is often called, said in a message on X and Instagram. The princess, 42, said the last nine months had been "incredibly tough" for the family, her husband Prince William and their children Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six. "Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown," she said. Catherine, a future queen seen as a key figure to maintain the royals' position in a changing Britain, added that "doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus". "Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes," she said. "I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can." Catherine announced in March that she was undergoing a course of "preventative chemotherapy" for an undisclosed cancer. The announcement came just weeks after it was disclosed that her father-in-law had also been diagnosed with cancer after undergoing treatment for a benign prostate. Charles, 75, was given the green light to resume public duties in April after doctors said they were "very encouraged" by his progress. The video message shows Catherine and William looking relaxed and happy with their children in the Norfolk countryside in eastern England where they have a home. The video was filmed last month, their Kensington Palace office said. Catherine added in her highly emotional message that the months since her diagnosis had "above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved." "Everyone's kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling," she said. And she expressed solidarity with fellow cancer sufferers. "To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey, I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand. Out of darkness, can come light, so let that light shine bright," she said. Catherine has appeared in public on only a handful occasions this year. (AFP) | 2024-09-10T01:28:00 |
Apple unveils new iPhone built for AI | Apple on Monday announced a new iPhone built for generative artificial intelligence as it seeks to boost sales and show it is keeping up in the technology race. The tech giant has a lot riding on what would be the iPhone 16 and will hope that customers are enticed to buy the latest models, attracted by new AI powers. "We are thrilled to introduce the first iPhones designed from the ground up for Apple Intelligence and its breakthrough capabilities," Apple chief executive Tim Cook said at an event at the iPhone-maker's Silicon Valley headquarters. With US$39 billion in sales last quarter, the iPhone counts for roughly 60 percent of Apple's revenue, and remains the main entryway to the company's services, such as the App Store or Apple TV, which are becoming a growing part of its business. Apple is only just coming out of a long sales slump as users increasingly stick with older models longer. "Apple Intelligence" is a new suite of software features for all devices that was announced in June at the company's annual developers conference. "For years, artificial intelligence and machine learning have been essential in delivering so many of the features and experiences you love," Cook said. "In June, we launched Apple Intelligence, our powerful new personal intelligence system, which will have an incredible impact." However, Apple could be upstaged by a triple-folding smartphone unofficially released by China's Huawei hours earlier. The Chinese tech giant's website showed that it had garnered more than 3 million pre-orders for its Z-shaped tri-fold, Mate XT phone. (AFP/Reuters) | 2024-09-10T02:28:00 |
US stocks rebound as Apple launches new iPhone | Wall Street stocks rose on Monday in a partial rebound from last week's retreat after a major Apple iPhone launch and ahead of key inflation data. Apple announced new iPhones built for generative artificial intelligence as it hopes to reignite growth after a difficult period for sales. The tech giant's shares climbed less than 0.1 percent. Analysts pointed to bargain hunting as a driver following last week's losses, which came amid concerns over a slowing US economy exacerbated by seasonal dynamics. Analysts pointed to September as a historically weak period for equities. The Dow Jones Industrial Average finished 1.2 percent higher at 40,829. The broad-based S&P 500 also advanced 1.2 percent to 5,471, along with the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite, which finished at 16,884. Markets are looking ahead to Wednesday's consumer price index report, which will be closely scrutinized ahead of an upcoming Federal Reserve decision. The calendar also includes the hotly anticipated presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump. Among other companies, Boeing jumped 3.4 percent after announcing a preliminary agreement with a Seattle-based machinist union that would avert a strike. Workers will vote on the proposal on Thursday. Google parent Alphabet fell after the tech giant began its second major antitrust trial in less than a year, with the US government accusing the tech giant of unfairly dominating online advertising and stifling competition. Norfolk Southern gained 2.7 percent as the Wall Street Journal reported that Chief Executive Alan Shaw would soon exit amid an investigation into an improper relationship with an employee. (AFP) | 2024-09-10T04:33:00 |
James Earl Jones, voice of Darth Vader, dead at 93 | James Earl Jones, the actor whose rich baritone provided the voice for "Star Wars" villain Darth Vader, has died at age 93, his representatives said on Monday. Jones, who also voiced King Mufasa in Disney's animated feature "The Lion King," had a prolific and varied career. Over six decades he worked with some of the greatest figures in cinema and theater, including Stanley Kubrick in his 1964 Cold War satire "Dr Strangelove." He also had roles in the Arnold Schwarzenegger film "Conan The Barbarian" and the 1989 Kevin Costner movie "Field of Dreams." But it was for his role as one of cinema's most famous villains that he became most widely known. While Darth Vader's immense physicality was the result of the towering British actor David Prowse, the sinister voice that appeared to emanate from inside the reconstructed man-in-a-mask was Jones. And it was Jones who gave the "Star Wars" franchise some of its most memorable lines, including when he reveals to Luke Skywalker, played by a young Mark Hamill - "I am your father." Hamill took to social media on Monday to share news of Jones' death, writing simply: " #Rip dad" with a broken heart emoji. (AFP) | 2024-09-10T06:25:00 |