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SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — K-pop superstar Rosé said Friday at a mental health awareness event hosted by first lady Jill Biden that it's important for the world to understand that famous people grapple with emotional struggles, too. Rosé, a part of the supergroup BLACKPINK, said having a large social media following makes her feel vulnerable, particularly when people are critical. “People who are older -- we never, ever spoke about mental health,” Biden said. Apple CEO Tim Cook opened the event but blanked briefly when the teleprompter went out. Cook recovered, telling the crowd he'd “go ahead and ad lib," then thanked everyone for coming and introduced the first lady.

Persons: —, Rosé, Jill Biden, there’s, ”, ” Biden, Vivek Murthy, Tim Cook, “, Cook, Wan, Wan Ismail, you’ve, ” Cook, ” Kim Keon Hee, Rachael Marape, Louise Araneta Organizations: FRANCISCO, Apple, Economic Cooperation, Marcos Locations: Cupertino, Asia, Pacific, California, Malaysia, South Korea, Papua New Guinea, Philippines

☆ Thais to Be Among Hostages Freed by Hamas if Gaza Truce Agreed, Thai-Muslim Politicians Say
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-16 | by ( Nov. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thai-Muslim politicians said on Thursday they had received assurances from the Palestinian group Hamas that all the Thai hostages being held would be among those released if mediators succeed in brokering a truce in Gaza. The Islamist militants took some 240 people hostage on Oct.7, when they rampaged through southern Israel killing 1,200 people, according to Israel. Thailand's Foreign Ministry says 25 Thais were among those abducted and 39 were among those killed that day. "Any ceasefire either 3 days or 5 days ... Hamas will release hostages, including all Thais being held, which they promised," Lepong Syed, the president of the Thai-Iran alumni association, told reporters in Bangkok's parliament building. Lepong is part of a team formed by Thai-Muslim politicians, headed by House Speaker, Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, that has been in contact with the Hamas since October.

Persons: Thais, Lepong Syed, Wan, Chayut Setboonsarng, Panarat Thepgumpanat, Simon Cameron, Moore Organizations: Hamas, Thailand's, Ministry, House Speaker, Reuters Locations: BANGKOK, Gaza, Israel, Thai, Iran

☆ Thais to be among hostages freed by Hamas if Gaza truce agreed, Thai-Muslim politicians say
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

BANGKOK, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Thai-Muslim politicians said on Thursday they had received assurances from the Palestinian group Hamas that all the Thai hostages being held would be among those released if mediators succeed in brokering a truce in Gaza. The Islamist militants took some 240 people hostage on Oct.7, when they rampaged through southern Israel killing 1,200 people, according to Israel. Thailand's Foreign Ministry says 25 Thais were among those abducted and 39 were among those killed that day. "Any ceasefire either 3 days or 5 days ... Hamas will release hostages, including all Thais being held, which they promised," Lepong Syed, the president of the Thai-Iran alumni association, told reporters in Bangkok's parliament building. Lepong is part of a team formed by Thai-Muslim politicians, headed by House Speaker, Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, that has been in contact with the Hamas since October.

☆ Tommy DeVito: New York Giants quarterback still enjoying home comforts in the NFL
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-12 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —New York Giants rookie quarterback Tommy DeVito will make his first career start in the NFL on Sunday, but there seems to be little chance of the success going to his head. DeVito, a New Jersey native, called the decision to continue living with his parents a “no-brainer.”“Everything that I need is there at the house,” the 25-year-old told ESPN. “The decision was made since this level of football is stressful for a rookie, especially from the quarterback position. “Your mom helping with your wash, making sure you’re up on time, no distractions, unbelievable.”DeVito will start his first game for the Giants on Sunday. “Gets to be starting quarterback for the New York Football Giants.

Persons: Tommy DeVito, DeVito, ” DeVito, Tyrod Taylor, Daniel Jones, DeVito’s, Justin Pugh, . Adam Hunger, Wan’Dale Robinson, Bryce Ford, Saquon Barkley, ” Barkley, –, “, ” Organizations: CNN, New York Giants, NFL, Dallas Cowboys, ESPN, Giants, “, ., Hyatt, Wheaton, New York Football Giants Locations: New Jersey, Jersey

☆ Euro finds footing on hawkish policy remarks, lower energy prices
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-09 | by ( Tom Westbrook | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

U.S. Dollar and Euro banknotes are seen in this illustration taken July 17, 2022. The Australian dollar fell 0.5% overnight and was last at $0.6405, just above its 50-day moving average. It seems set for its largest weekly fall since June, as the central bank appeared to raise the bar for further hikes after lifting rates on Tuesday. In Asia, China's yuan touched a two-month high in overnight offshore trade. China's consumer prices fell in October, data showed on Thursday, stoking expectations for lower interest rates.

Persons: Dado Ruvic, Gabriel Makhlouf, Joachim Nagel, Jane Foley, Mario Draghi, Brent, Ping, Michael Wan, Jerome Powell, Tom Westbrook, Christian Schmollinger Organizations: REUTERS, Central Bank's, Bank of Japan, Rabobank, Treasury, New Zealand, Canadian, Italian, ECB, Financial, Reuters, Ping An Insurance Group, HK, MUFG, Bank of Israel, Thomson Locations: SINGAPORE, Ireland's, U.S, Asia, Europe, Singapore, East, Gaza City

☆ Here Are the Most Anticipated Films of the Holiday Season
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-04 | by ( Ben Kenigsberg | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

(Dec. 22 in theaters)AQUAMAN AND THE LOST KINGDOM Jason Momoa has to form an alliance with his brother (Patrick Wilson) to save Atlantis. Amber Heard and Nicole Kidman return for this DC sequel, along with the director James Wan. (Dec. 22 in theaters)MIGRATION A family of ducks — the Mallards — do what a lot of American families do: fly south for a winter getaway. Mike White, a long way from “The White Lotus,” wrote the screenplay for this animated feature, which has the voices of Kumail Nanjiani, Elizabeth Banks, Awkwafina and Keegan-Michael Key, among others. (Dec. 22 in theaters)

Persons: Sydney Sweeney, Glen Powell, “, ” Will Gluck, Jason Momoa, Patrick Wilson, Amber Heard, Nicole Kidman, James Wan, Sean Durkin, Von Erich, Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Mike White, ”, Kumail Nanjiani, Elizabeth Banks, Awkwafina, Michael Key Organizations: Keegan

[1/3] The Chinese flag at a gate to the Zhongnanhai leadership compound flies at half-mast in memory of late former Chinese premier Li Keqiang, in Beijing, China November 2, 2023. REUTERS/Mark Chisholm Acquire Licensing RightsBEIJING, Nov 2 (Reuters) - China lowered the national flag at Tiananmen Square in Beijing on Thursday amid an outpouring of grief online as the country cremated former premier Li Keqiang, known as "the people's premier" for his down-to-earth, hands-on leadership. "In memory of comrade Li Keqiang, flags were flown at half-mast at Tiananmen Square in the capital," state media said. "Personally, I still feel a bit unreal (about his death) because I feel like he's a good premier and suddenly he's gone. Some businesses such as international coffee chain Starbucks (SBUX.O) turned their app interface black and white in mourning for Li.

Persons: Li Keqiang, Mark Chisholm, Li, Xi Jinping, Han Zheng, Hu Jintao, Gao, Xi, he's, Wan, Zhang Shijun, Liz Lee, Xiaoyu Yin, Ryan Woo, Christian Schmollinger Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Communist Party's, Xinhua, Weibo, China's, Communist Party, Thomson Locations: Beijing, China, Rights BEIJING, Shanghai, Weibo

☆ As Singapore's aging population grows, businesses are courting older consumers
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-30 | by ( Audrey Wan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

Citizens aged 65 and above make up almost a fifth of Singapore's population in 2023. Nicky Loh | Bloomberg | Getty ImagesSINGAPORE — Singapore's population is aging fast. As the median population age increases, so do opportunities for Singapore businesses providing products and services for seniors. According to Aging Asia's Silver Economy Index 2020, Singapore shows the largest market potential for an aging population among 15 Asia-Pacific countries. Citibank estimates that consumers will likely spend more to treat and support the elderly, driving growth potential for health care and health services.

Persons: Nicky Loh, Kelvin Tan, Janice Chia, Tan, boomers, Vanessa Keng, Keng, —, Ng Li Lian, Ng Organizations: Bloomberg, Getty, SINGAPORE, Citizens, Asia's, Aging, Singapore University of Social Sciences, gerontology, Citibank, Kelvin Tan Singapore University of Social Sciences, Research, Singapore's Ministry of Health Locations: Singapore, Asia, Pacific, Aging Asia, SUSS

☆ The culinary delights hidden inside Hong Kong’s markets
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-20 | by ( Maggie Wong | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

Hong Kong CNN —Offering everything from Michelin-endorsed dim sum to juicy smoked goose served in a world-renowned restaurant, Hong Kong is home to some of the finest culinary experiences on the planet. But don’t fret – we have put together a list of eight top-quality Hong Kong markets along with some of the best dishes to try. Queen Street Cooked Food MarketQueen Street Market serves some of the most authentic Chiuchow -- a regional Cantonese cuisine -- dishes. Maggie Wong/CNNA foodie haven in the north of Hong Kong, Yuen Long is a hub for both modern and traditional eateries. The relatively run-down look of the Fa Yuen Street Cooked Food Market inside only adds to the charm.

Persons: ”, Lui Ka Chun, Kongers, Lui, “, Wai Kee, Maggie Wong, Kau Kee, ngau, jyu beng, Kan, Hong Kong’s, Lok Yuen, yuen yeung, Tsang Kee, Chan Chun Kee, suckling, Tai Po Hui, Lam Kee, Tung Kee, Ping Kee, Ng Zai Kee, Bon, Tsun, CNN Kwun, Long, Tim Kee, Yuen Long, it’s, Kee’s, Fa, Mui Kee Congee, Shau Kee Wan Organizations: CNN, Hong Kong CNN, Michelin, Lok, Market, Queen, Thai &, Thai & Vietnam Cuisine, ABC, Tai Po Hui, Food, hawker, Hong Kong’s, Fa Yuen, Kitchen Locations: Hong Kong, Hong, hawker, Kong’s, Kan Kee, Kowloon City, Kowloon Walled City, Lok, Beijing, Thai, Thai & Vietnam, Tai Po, New Territories, Shanghai, Kwun Tong, CNN Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Sichuan, Yuen, Mong Kok, Aldrich, Aldrich Bay, Shau

☆ Southeast Asia looks to renewable power for energy security
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-17 | by ( Audrey Wan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

As energy demand grows, the region is turning to renewable energy to safeguard its energy security. Most, if not all, Southeast Asian markets have taken strides to announce renewable energy targets and formulate their low-carbon energy transition plans, said Thoo. Other planned developments include an integrated renewable energy zone, five centralized large-scale solar parks and three green hydrogen production plants. These projects will leverage Malaysia's estimated 290 gigawatts of technical renewable energy potential to create a more resilient, low-carbon power system, said the ministry. Renewable energy sources such as wind and solar are projected to account for at least 31% of national energy needs by 2030, the government said, according to Reuters.

Persons: EDPR, Bryan van der Beek, Zulfikar Yurnaidi, David Thoo, Zulfikar Organizations: EDPR Sunseap, Energias de Portugal SA, Bloomberg, Getty, Energy, International Energy Agency, ASEAN Center for Energy, BMI Fitch Solutions, Zulfikar Yurnaidi ASEAN Center for Energy, Indonesia Malaysia Malaysia, Ministry, Reuters Locations: Energias, Woodlands, Singapore, Asia, Southeast Asia, Ukraine, Israel, Europe, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam

☆ House Republican complains Jim Jordan and his allies want 'to beat folks into submission' as he struggles to collect the necessary votes
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-16 | by ( Brent D. Griffiths | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

An unnamed lawmaker lamented to The Post that Jordan and his allies are "wan[t] to beat folks into submission." Jordan is reportedly hoping to hold a House floor vote on his nomination on Tuesday. An unnamed House Republican told The Washington Post that Jordan "and his team wants to beat folks into submission." Jordan won House Republicans' nomination on Friday, but the secret, closed-door vote is far from the final step. Jordan reportedly wants to hold a floor vote on Tuesday, potentially forcing Republicans opposed to him to take a public stance.

Persons: Jim Jordan, Jordan, —, Jim Jordan's, Kevin McCarthy's, Steve Scalise, Donald Trump, hasn't, Russell Dye Organizations: Service, Republican, Washington Post, House Republicans, Republicans, Democrats Locations: Ohio, Israel

☆ The giant sucking sound you hear is the gobs of capital being pulled away from emerging managers. Here's how one solo capitalist defied the slump.
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-12 | by ( Melia Russell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Those who raised their first venture capital funds in the pandemic-era boom times are now struggling with their sophomore efforts. Despite the tailwinds, some emerging managers are defying the slump and raising new funds. He told Insider exclusively that he's now closed on $15 million for fund two from investors including Cendana Capital, Invesco Private Capital, and two dozen startup founders. And so in 2019, he reached into his network of founders and raised a $2 million fund to invest in software companies. Now, he's already gearing up for fund three, which Wan said he plans to launch in 2024.

Persons: Insider's Callum Burroughs, Jordan Wan, Wan, Zocdoc, Oliver Kharraz, it's, Alan Ni, Jake Cooper, Manoj Kanagaraj, Blackstone, Cooper didn't, Cooper, they've, Wolf Organizations: Sequoia, Partners, Cendana, Invesco, Capital, Oscar Insurance, Garner Health Locations: London, Denver , Colorado, Wan

Bangkok, Thailand CNN —A teen suspected of shooting two people dead at an upscale shopping mall in Thailand has been charged with six counts including premeditated murder, police told CNN Wednesday. The 14-year-old boy was arrested on Tuesday shortly after the shooting rampage at the busy Siam Paragon mall in central Bangkok’s bustling commercial and tourist district. Thai Police General Torsak Sukvimol told reporters Tuesday the suspect “surrendered himself” after the shooting and still had ammunition when he was apprehended. Staff repair the glass doors of a furniture store where a 14-year-old suspect was apprehended after a shooting rampage in Bangkok. And the shooting of Chinese victims in downtown Bangkok may make some tourists think twice about traveling to Thailand.

Persons: Thailand CNN —, Kanchana Patarachoke, General Nakarin Sukhonthawit, ” Nakarin, Nakarin, Lauren DeCicca, ”, Torsak Sukvimol, “, Thanamorn Noonart, Thanamorn, ” Thanamorn, Bangkok’s Pathum, “ it’s, Jack Taylor, Torsak, Lillian Suwanrumpha, Thailand ”, Srettha Thavisin, ” Srettha, Srettha Organizations: Thailand CNN, CNN, Siam Paragon, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Police, ” Police, Thai Police, Rajavithi Hospital, Video, Thai, Getty, Staff, Tourism Authority of, Survey, SAS, Institute for Health Metrics, University of Washington’s Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, Siam, Myanmar, Laos, Pathum Wan, Nakhon Ratchasima, Bangkok’s, Bangkok’s Pathum Wan, Thai, AFP, China, Southeast Asia, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Cambodia, Weibo, Switzerland, Philippines, Nong Bua Lamphu

☆ Bangkok shooting: Attack in Thailand shopping mall kills at least one person
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-03 | by ( Kocha Olarn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Bangkok, Thailand CNN —Police in Thailand arrested a 14-year-old boy, after a shooting at a luxury shopping mall in the capital Bangkok on Tuesday left at least one person and five others injured, the Metropolitan Police Bureau said. ET) at the Siam Paragon Mall in Bangkok, Police Colonel Noppadol Thiammekha, Pathum Wan Police Chief told CNN on Tuesday. Bangkok Emergency Center revised an earlier death toll, which stated that three people were killed in the shooting. Siam Paragon shopping mall is seen empty, after people were evacuated from the scene of the shooting. “We saw all the people run, run, run, we didn’t understand what was happening,” Yahav said.

Persons: Noppadol Thiammekha, Pathum, Yutthana Setthanan, Yutthana, Lillian Suwanrumpha, Jack Taylor, Shir Yahav, “, ” Yahav, ” Susinee, Srettha Thavisin Organizations: Thailand CNN — Police, Metropolitan Police Bureau, Local, Thailand’s, Investigation Bureau, Siam Paragon, Pathum Wan Police, CNN, Bangkok Emergency, Bangkok Emergency Center, Getty, People, Reuters, Survey, SAS, Institute for Health Metrics, University of Washington’s, Twitter Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, Siam, Chinese, AFP, Thai, Switzerland, Philippines, Southeast Asia, Nong Bua Lamphu

☆ Malaysia prepares to make rain, close schools as haze worsens
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Malaysia's air quality was deteriorating, particularly in the western part of Peninsular Malaysia, with 11 areas recording unhealthy air pollution index (API) readings, the department's director general, Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar, said in a statement late on Monday. Malaysia said last week fires in neighbouring Indonesia were causing the pollution although Indonesia has denied detecting any smoke drifting over its borders into Malaysia. Schools and kindergartens must stop all outdoor activities when API readings reach 100, and close when they reach 200, he said. The environmental group Greenpeace, meanwhile, called on countries in the region to introduce legislation to stop plantation companies causing air pollution. Singapore, which prides itself on its clean air, passed a cross-border air pollution law in 2014 that makes those who cause haze both criminally and civilly liable.

Persons: Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar, Wan Abdul Latiff, Heng, Chun, Rozanna, Robert Birsel Organizations: of Environment, Malaysian, Greenpeace, Greenpeace Southeast, Thomson Locations: KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Indonesia, Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo, Greenpeace Southeast Asia, Singapore

☆ Malaysia Prepares to Make Rain, Close Schools as Haze Worsens
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-02 | by ( Oct. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

Persons: Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar, Wan Abdul Latiff, Heng, Chun, Rozanna, Robert Birsel Organizations: Reuters, of Environment, Malaysian, Greenpeace, Greenpeace Southeast Locations: KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Indonesia, Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo, Greenpeace Southeast Asia, Singapore

The performances of all four films – “PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie,” “Saw X,” “The Creator” and “Dumb Money” – told a familiar story at the box office. “PAW Patrol,” from Paramount Pictures and Spin Master, had timing on its side. A third “PAW Patrol” movie has already been green-lit. Sony Pictures’ “Dumb Money,” expanded nationwide after two weeks of limited release but failed to ignite the kind of populist movement it irreverently dramatizes. Made for $30 million, “Dumb Money” wasn’t a massive bet.

Persons: ”, ” –, Brian Robbins, Chris Rock, Tobin Bell, James Wan’s, Gareth Edwards, John David Washington, “, Craig Gillespie, Paul Dano, Pete Davidson, Seth Rogen, Anthony Ramos, Jonathan Demme, Comscore, “ Barbie Organizations: Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, Paramount, Lionsgate, New Regency, Disney’s, Century Studios, Sony Pictures, GameStop, Hollywood Locations: Venice

☆ How Dumbledore Became Michael Gambon’s Most Recognizable Role
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-28 | by ( Julia Jacobs | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

In the latter part of Michael Gambon’s long and storied acting career, some of the most animated analyses of his performances could be found not in theater or film reviews, but in forums for the “Harry Potter” fandom, where dedicated Hogwarts obsessives would dissect his every onscreen utterance as the wizard Albus Dumbledore. It wasn’t originally his role. Richard Harris, the eminent actor who was originally cast, died after filming the second “Harry Potter” movie. Several other well-known actors were initially considered to succeed Harris in the role, including McKellen, who demurred, and Peter O'Toole, who turned it down because of his long, close friendship with Harris. In the end the choice was Gambon, whose family said Thursday that he had died.

Persons: Michael Gambon’s, Harry Potter ”, Albus Dumbledore, Richard Harris, Harry Potter, Gambon, Alec Guinness, Obi, Wan, Ian McKellen, Gandalf, Harris, McKellen, Peter O'Toole, Harris’s Organizations: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft

☆ EU trade chief says the outcome of China EV probe cannot be prejudged
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-26 | by ( Evelyn Cheng | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

About two weeks ago, the European Commission announced an investigation into government subsidies for EV makers in China. watch nowChina's electric car exports have surged in recent months. Homegrown Chinese electric car companies Nio , Xpeng and BYD are among those that have started to expand to Europe, but in relatively small numbers so far. More than two-thirds of China's electric car exports to Europe were from Tesla and other international brands manufacturing in China, according to HSBC. China's Ministry of Commerce was quick to criticize the EU investigation and called it a "blatantly protectionist act" that would distort the global auto industry.

Persons: Dombrovskis, Cui Dongshu, Wan Gang Organizations: BEIJING —, European, European Commission, EV, EU, World Trade Organization, Moody's, HSBC, Volkswagen, VW, China's Ministry of Commerce, China Passenger Car Association, Audi, Wan, Science, Technology, Ministry of Finance Locations: BEIJING, BEIJING — Europe, China, Beijing, Europe

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin handed out gifts and posed for pictures as his tourism minister and other VIPs greeted about 300 travelers from Shanghai. He said that the government plans to promote Thailand’s smaller cities as destinations for Chinese tourists to encourage them to stay longer and spend more. Tourism Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol said there has been about a 30% surge in accommodation and flight bookings since the policy was announced. Chai Wacharonke, a spokesperson for the prime minister, earlier said that Thailand received 15 million international visitors in the first seven months. He said the government aims to draw 28 million tourists and generate 1.4 trillion baht ($39.2 billion) in revenue in 2023.

Persons: Srettha Thavisin, ” Srettha, Srettha, Dai, Chiang Mai, Peng, Wan Yi, Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Chai Wacharonke Organizations: Bangkok’s, Central, Tourism, Tourism Authority of, Ministry of Tourism Locations: BANGKOK, Shanghai, Thai, Thailand, Bangkok, Phuket, Wan, Wat Arun, Chinatown, Central Asian, Kazakhstan, China, Tourism Authority of Thailand

☆ China EV adviser sees tech tie-ups resolving EU trade conflicts
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Robotic arms assemble cars in the production line for Leapmotor's electric vehicles at a factory in Jinhua, Zhejiang province, China, April 26, 2023. Meanwhile, European automakers can also leverage China's EV technologies to accelerate their transition to electrification, he added. Chinese EV maker Xpeng (9868.HK) in July struck a deal with Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) to jointly build two new models based on Xpeng's EV platform in China. Others, like LeapMotor (9863.HK) are also seeking to license its EV technologies to foreign partners. Chinese battery maker CATL (300750.SZ) has been ramping up its German plant and is building another site in Hungary.

Persons: Dong Yang, EVs, Ursula von der Leyen, Zhang Yan, Brenda Goh, David Evans Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, European Commission, EV, China's Ministry of Machinery, BAIC Group, Gang, Munich IAA, European, Xpeng, HK, Volkswagen, Thomson Locations: Jinhua, Zhejiang province, China, Europe, Munich, Hungary

☆ Once upon a time, the 'Disney adult' was ridiculed. Now, kidless millennials and Gen Z-ers with money to burn are packing into the parks — here's how Disney is winning them over.
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-14 | by ( Reed Alexander | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +22 min

Newlyweds Natalie and Brett Schwartz exchanged vows at Walt Disney World in Orlando this summer. "Our approach was to shine a light on the beautiful tapestry of people that come to Walt Disney World," Trejo said. Francis Dominic, the former parks worker turned influencer, has also been tapped to promote Disney parks and films. It's a difficult tightrope to navigate, but it could define the future of Disney parks. Are you a Disney parks or Walt Disney Co. insider?

Persons: Sarah Rachul, I'm, Rachul, Orlando —, —, Molly May, Francis Dominic, Dominic, who's, Taylor, Ron DeSantis —, Japan pavilion's Takumi, Jonathan de Araujo, it's, Tara Goldstein, Ann van Oostendorp, Disney, Van Oostendorp, Natalie Schwartz, Brett, Schwartz, Sierra Keller's, Keller, Natalie, Brett Schwartz, Jason Petrina, he's, Disney's, He's, They're, Petrina, Mickey, Chris Evans, Zoe Saldaña, What's, Wan Kenobi, Emperor Palpatine, she'd, welling, haven't, Neph Trejo, Walt, " Trejo, It's, Halle Bailey, Kent Phillips, Gaston, Jeremy Singh, I'd, Singh couldn't, he'd, Singh, they're, Patrick Dougall, Mark Eades, Eades, we've, Amanda Krause, Reed Alexander Organizations: Walt Disney, Epcot, Disney Vacation, Disney, Mouse, Disneyland, Disney Parks, Walt Disney Co, Florida Gov, Universal, Guardians, Galaxy, University of Tampa, Disney World, Honeymooners, Star Wars, Marvel, Magic, Cafe Orleans, Disney World's Hollywood Studios, Hollywood Studios, Star, Gucci, Dooney, Animal, Dole, Walt Disney World's, ABC, Getty, Management, Disney Imagineer, Disneyland Alumni Locations: Ohio, Disney, Orlando , Florida, Anaheim , California, Italy, China, Tuscany, Orlando, Florida, Disneyland Paris, Tokyo, Japan, Epcot, California, Anaheim, Belle Terrace, Hollywood

☆ Beijing claims a US citizen jailed for life in China was a decorated spy who worked undetected for decades
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-11 | by ( Nectar Gan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

At the time, authorities provided no details about his case, except that he was detained by state security officers in April 2021. According to a court statement at the time he had been arrested by state security authorities in April 2021. Beijing and Washington have escalated espionage accusations against each other, after the controversy over an alleged Chinese spy balloon shot down by the US further inflamed tensions earlier this year. In its WeChat post, China’s spy agency claimed Leung’s patriotic Chinese persona was a means of gaining access to Chinese intelligence. The latest allegations against Leung from China come the same week an alleged Chinese spying scandal has rocked the heart of British politics.

Persons: Hong Kong CNN —, John Shing, Wan Leung, Leung, William Burns, “, ”, Tom Tugendhat, Rishi Sunak Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Ministry of State Security, Authorities, CNN, US State Department, CIA, Conservative Party, Sunday, British Locations: Hong Kong, Hong Kong CNN — Beijing, American, China, PRC, Beijing, Washington, Houston, London

The figures suggest that China's latest steps to revive a crisis-hit property market, including lower mortgage rates and down payments, could unlock some pockets of housing demand in the most sought-after areas, but may struggle to halt the broader property market downturn. "These measures may generate a short-term rebound in property transactions, but are insufficient to stabilize the property market," Goldman Sachs analysts said in a note. But Yu Fei, a property sales agent at HomeLink, said the initial spike in interest he noticed in the first few days is already petering out. "Many homebuyers remain in a wait-and-see approach, some hoping for more radical policies to stimulate the property market," Yu said. Goldman analysts said if property sales kept sliding policymakers could release more liquidity into the market by cutting banks' reserve requirement ratios, lowering rates, easing home purchasing rules further.

Persons: Jason Lee, Goldman Sachs, Zhang Guoqiang, I'm, Zhang, Zhao Jie, Yu Fei, Yu, Goldman, Wan, Emelia Sithole Organizations: REUTERS, China Index, Haitong Securities, Longfor, HK, Thomson Locations: Beijing, China, BEIJING, HONG KONG, China's

☆ Hong Kong's heaviest rain in at least 140 years floods city streets, metro
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-08 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

watch nowTorrential rain deluged Hong Kong on Friday leading to widespread flooding across the densely packed city, submerging streets, shopping malls and metro stations, as authorities shut schools and asked workers to stay at home. The Chinese special administrative region saw the highest hourly rainfall since records began 140 years ago. The city's cross harbour tunnel, one of main arteries connecting Hong Kong island to Kowloon, was also inundated with water, while photos showed a waterlogged shopping centre in the Chai Wan district. Police officers clear a storm drain as a taxi stands stranded in floodwaters during heavy rain in Hong Kong, China, early on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023. Hong Kong, which was battered by a super typhoon last week, faces the prospect of another day of disruptions caused by intense rain from a different storm.

Persons: Justin Chin, Haikui, John Lee Organizations: Police, Bloomberg, Getty, Hong Kong Observatory Locations: Hong Kong, Kowloon, Chai Wan, China, Territories, China's Guangdong, City

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