world
Hong Kong fire prompts anger, questions about construction safety
Just months ago, Hong Kong leaders were dismissing calls for a total ban on bamboo scaffolding on construction sites. Now they are facing one of the region’s worst building-fire catastrophes, and anger is growing. Source link
Donald Trump says National Guard soldier shot in Washington DC has died
Sarah Beckstrom, 20, has died in hospital after an ambush shooting near the White House on Wednesday. A male soldier who was also shot, Andrew Wolfe, is fighting for his life, the president says. Source link
France to reintroduce voluntary military service amid growing threat of war with Russia
French President Emmanuel Macron is reintroducing voluntary military service almost three decades after it was scrapped. Source link
With each passing hour, a major Hong Kong fire only became more deadly
Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades tore through a group of high-rise residential towers in a densely packed housing estate, causing major issues for firefighters. This is how the catastrophe unfolded. Source link
Hong Kong residents devastated by mega blaze in blocks of flats
Locals are in shock after fire destroyed apartment blocks home to thousands of people, as questions remain about the suitability of building materials and a lack of fire alarms. Source link
Hong Kong fire kills at least 55, hundreds missing as buildings smoulder
Authorities say the apartment complex blaze may have been caused by a “grossly negligent” construction firm using unsafe materials. Three men have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. Source link
Hongkongers built their own SOS map as seven towers burned
When a fatal fire tore through seven high-rise towers in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, thousands of families were glued to a single webpage that offered updates far more quickly than official government briefings. Source link
US stops processing immigration requests from Afghan nationals
The decision comes hours after US President Donald Trump said he was confident the suspect behind the shooting of two National Guard soldiers in Washington was from Afghanistan. Source link
Hong Kong fire puts spotlight on risks of bamboo scaffolding
Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in three decades draws attention to its risky use of flammable bamboo scaffolding and mesh for building work, in a tradition dating back centuries. Source link
Glass lift at Bali beach set for demolition after governor intervenes
A controversial glass elevator at one of Bali’s most picturesque beaches will have to be dismantled, with authorities citing planning violations. Source link