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Recent articles highlight a surge in experiential dining, long lines as status symbols, and major restaurant openings in New York, London, and Boston. The stories reflect changing consumer behaviors, social media influence, and ongoing hospitality developments. Today's date & time is: Tue, 04 Nov 2025 00:04:05 +0000.
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Recent articles highlight diverse issues: college planning tools, homeschooling, charter schools, and Gaza's education amid conflict. These stories reveal ongoing debates about educational access, safety, and resilience in different contexts, emphasizing the importance of tailored solutions and community support. Today's date is Tue, 04 Nov 2025.
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A fire at Hong Kong's Wang Fuk Court complex has resulted in at least 128 deaths and over 70 injuries. The blaze spread rapidly across seven buildings, with authorities suspecting flammable materials and construction issues contributed. Investigations and safety inspections are underway.
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A fire at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong has killed at least 146 people, mostly foreign domestic helpers from the Philippines and Indonesia. Many workers were trapped in cramped apartments, highlighting risks faced by migrant workers in the city. Rescue efforts continue as dozens remain missing.
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Chow Hang-tung, a leader of Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement, was convicted under the national security law for inciting subversion related to the Tiananmen vigil. The court ruled against her, with a trial set for January 2026. The case highlights ongoing restrictions on free expression in Hong Kong.
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Leading companies including Microsoft, JPMorgan, Walmart, and Goldman Sachs are rapidly expanding their AI initiatives. They focus on in-house model development, workforce training, and integrating AI into operations, amid ongoing debates about job impacts and strategic advantages. The story highlights recent investments, partnerships, and workforce transformations as of November 2025.
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Hong Kong is set to host a new AIIB office, boosting its role as a regional financial hub. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank plans to open its second outside mainland China, leveraging Hong Kong's capital markets for infrastructure funding. Meanwhile, European firms and Middle Eastern investors are increasing their presence in the city.
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SIMA 2025 in Benin aims to boost African music's economic impact, with over 7,000 participants from 25 countries. Nigeria plans a record-breaking gastronomy festival in Abuja to promote cultural diversity and tourism. Both events highlight Africa's focus on cultural industries as drivers of growth and development.
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Multiple legal cases involving sexual misconduct have surfaced recently. A UK ex-BBC DJ faces historic charges, a former police deputy in New Zealand admits to possessing illegal images, and a Nigerian actress alleges family arrest orchestrated by her estranged husband. These cases highlight ongoing issues of misconduct and abuse.
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Hong Kong's new 'patriots-only' legislature is set to hold elections on December 7, with candidates vetted for loyalty to Beijing. The electoral overhaul aims to reduce political infighting and increase government control, amid ongoing tensions over Hong Kong's political autonomy.
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Stock markets declined on Tuesday amid fears of overvaluation, especially in AI stocks like Palantir, which fell despite strong earnings. Major banks forecast a possible 10-20% correction within the next year, but some investors see recent dips as healthy pullbacks in a long-term bull trend.
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Despite low unemployment rates, many Americans face prolonged joblessness, with over a quarter unemployed for more than six months. Experts highlight emotional and economic tolls, as companies hesitate to hire amid economic uncertainty and layoffs increase. The situation signals a bifurcated labor market with lasting impacts.
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Wong, a prominent disability justice advocate and author, died on Friday in San Francisco due to an infection. She was known for her activism, writings, and efforts to humanize disability and promote community living for marginalized groups. She was a MacArthur fellow.
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A Boeing 747 cargo plane operated by ACT Airlines from Dubai veered off the runway after landing in Hong Kong on October 20, colliding with a security vehicle that fell into the sea, killing two workers. The aircraft was destroyed but all crew survived. The cause remains under investigation.
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On Wednesday afternoon, a massive fire broke out at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Tai Po, Hong Kong, rapidly engulfing seven of eight buildings. As of Sunday morning, 146 bodies have been recovered, with around 100 people still missing. Authorities arrested three construction company officials on manslaughter suspicions amid investigations into unsafe materials and gross negligence.
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A fire at a Hong Kong high-rise complex has killed at least 75 people, with dozens still missing. The blaze, which tore through seven towers, is the deadliest in decades, prompting arrests over construction negligence and raising safety concerns about building standards.
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A fire at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong has resulted in at least 55 deaths, with dozens more unaccounted for. The blaze spread rapidly through seven towers during renovations, with investigations focusing on safety violations and possible negligence related to construction materials and fire alarm failures.
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A fire at a Hong Kong high-rise on December 2nd killed at least 55 people and injured many. The blaze spread rapidly across seven buildings, raising concerns over the safety of bamboo scaffolding used during renovations. Investigations focus on flammable exterior materials, with officials considering a shift to metal scaffolding.
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A fire at the Wang Fuk Court complex in Hong Kong has resulted in 94 deaths, with authorities arresting three officials over unsafe materials used during renovations. The fire, which started Wednesday, is Hong Kong’s deadliest since 1948 and is under investigation for possible corruption and safety violations.
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Residents at Wang Fuk Court raised safety concerns in September 2024 over flammable construction materials, including green mesh used on scaffolding. Authorities reviewed the materials and confirmed they met standards. However, a fire on November 26 caused at least 128 deaths, with investigations pointing to possible non-compliance with fire safety regulations.
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UK manufacturing PMI rose to 50.2 in November, the first expansion since September 2024, driven by domestic demand and larger firms. Business optimism hit a nine-month high, though employment and smaller firms still face contraction. The data suggests a cautious recovery amid mixed economic signals.
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A deadly fire at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong, killing at least 159 residents, has prompted a government crackdown on dissent. Authorities blame substandard building materials and have launched investigations, while the city holds elections under tightened controls amid public anger and security concerns.
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Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube released their annual listening and content lists, revealing popular artists and trends. The New York Times highlights the cultural significance of these catalogs, questioning their role in decision-making and cultural validation amid a busy year of media and entertainment highlights.
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A fire at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong has resulted in at least 151 deaths, with investigations revealing substandard renovation materials and fire safety failures. Authorities detained 13 people amid public outrage and ongoing search efforts for victims.
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A fire at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong, caused by flammable scaffolding materials and netting, resulted in at least 151 deaths. Authorities have detained 14 suspects, including construction officials, amid calls for systemic safety reforms and accountability. The incident is the deadliest residential fire since 1980.
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Hong Kong held legislative elections amid public concern following a deadly apartment fire that killed at least 159 people. The vote, the second since electoral reforms, saw low turnout and heightened police presence, with authorities emphasizing stability and reform efforts despite public anger over the tragedy.
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A fire at Hong Kong's Wang Fuk Court housing complex has resulted in at least 159 deaths, mostly elderly residents, with over 200 missing. The blaze spread rapidly due to unsafe renovation materials, highlighting safety lapses. Displaced residents and volunteers are mourning and seeking aid. The incident is Hong Kong’s deadliest in decades.
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A fire at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong killed 159 people, making it the deadliest in decades. The blaze spread rapidly due to substandard scaffolding and faulty alarms. Authorities have ordered the removal of scaffolding nets and arrested 21 suspects as investigations continue into the cause and negligence involved.
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A fire at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong destroyed seven high-rise towers, killing at least 31 residents and leaving over 4,000 displaced. The blaze, caused during renovation, is the deadliest in decades, prompting investigations into safety violations and building practices. Many residents remain in temporary housing as authorities seek accountability.
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Hong Kong police arrested a 71-year-old man for posting social media content with seditious intent related to the Nov. 26 fire at Wang Fuk Court. The arrest follows a broader crackdown on protests and dissent surrounding the tragedy, which has raised questions about government accountability and oversight.
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Hong Kong's legislative election on December 7 saw a marginal increase in voter turnout to 31.9%, despite recent protests and a deadly fire. The election, under Beijing's 2021 electoral overhaul, was marked by low participation and a reduced number of directly elected seats, amid ongoing political tensions.
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An 18-year-old managed to bypass security at Ben Gurion Airport and board an Austrian Airlines flight without valid documentation. The incident follows a similar case involving a 13-year-old. Authorities are investigating how security lapses occurred, with airline and Israeli authorities promising to review procedures.
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On December 15, 2025, Hong Kong's High Court found Jimmy Lai, founder of the pro-democracy Apple Daily, guilty of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and conspiracy to publish seditious material under the national security law. Lai, a British citizen, faces up to life imprisonment. His trial, lasting 156 days, has drawn international attention as a test of Hong Kong's judicial independence and media freedom.
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Hong Kong's Democratic Party announced its disbandment on December 14, 2025, after nearly 30 years. The decision follows Beijing's tightening control, including the national security law enacted in 2020, which led to arrests and the shutdown of pro-democracy groups. The party's liquidation reflects the shrinking space for opposition in the city.
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The Bank of Japan increased its short-term policy rate to 0.75%, the highest since 1995, signaling a shift toward normalizing monetary policy amid rising inflation and a weakening yen. The move impacts markets, including a dip in bitcoin, and reflects confidence in economic recovery.
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Jimmy Lai, founder of Apple Daily, was found guilty of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces under Hong Kong's national security law. The 78-year-old faces life imprisonment amid international criticism and concerns over press freedom and judicial independence. Lai's health has deteriorated in detention, prompting calls for his release.
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Jimmy Lai, a pro-democracy activist and founder of Apple Daily, was convicted in Hong Kong on charges linked to national security laws. His health has deteriorated in five years of detention. The US and UK have called for his release, citing political persecution. Lai faces potential life imprisonment.
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Britain condemns China's conviction of Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai, a UK citizen, amid concerns over judicial independence and human rights. Lai's case highlights tensions between China and the West, with calls for his release growing as his health deteriorates in prison.
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Jimmy Lai, a prominent pro-democracy figure in Hong Kong, was found guilty of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces under the national security law. The verdict has drawn international criticism, with calls for his release amid concerns over judicial independence and press freedom. Lai faces a potential life sentence, with sentencing scheduled for early January 2026.
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As 2026 begins, the US marks its 250th anniversary with nationwide celebrations, including a second ball drop in Times Square, patriotic displays, and large-scale volunteer initiatives. The events aim to foster national pride and community involvement amid ongoing debates over patriotism and civic engagement.
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As of January 14, 2026, gold, silver, and copper prices have surged to historic highs amid geopolitical tensions following the U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Markets reacted with mixed moves: Asian stocks mostly rose, oil prices fluctuated, and precious metals soared due to safe-haven demand and expectations of U.S. interest rate cuts. Supply constraints and industrial demand linked to AI and electrification underpin metals' rallies.
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Hong Kong will not host fireworks for New Year 2026 following a deadly fire in November that killed at least 161 people. Instead, the city will hold a music show in Central with a light countdown, affecting tourism and local businesses. The fire was linked to substandard safety measures during renovations.
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On New Year's Eve 2025, Sydney held a minute of silence and a menorah projection on the Harbour Bridge to honor 15 victims of a December 14 mass shooting at a Hanukkah event. Despite heightened security with thousands of armed police, celebrations continued citywide, reflecting resilience amid fears of rising antisemitism and terrorism in Australia.
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Riad Salameh, Lebanon’s former central bank governor, was indicted on charges of embezzling $44.8 million. He was detained for 13 months, released on bail, and remains under a travel ban. Investigations extend across multiple countries over alleged siphoning of over $300 million.
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Hong Kong pro-democracy figure Lai, founder of Apple Daily, was found guilty of collusion with foreign forces and sedition under China's national security law. The verdict, criticized internationally, highlights ongoing press freedom concerns amid Beijing's crackdown on dissent in Hong Kong.
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David Webb, a prominent Hong Kong-based activist and founder of Webb-site.com, passed away on January 13, 2026, from metastatic prostate cancer. Webb was known for his efforts to improve corporate governance and expose malpractices in Hong Kong's financial sector, notably uncovering the 'Enigma Network' in 2017. His work significantly impacted transparency and minority shareholder rights.