Oil rises as demand hopes and economic data lift sentiment

OIL prices rose in early trade on Thursday, reversing the previous session’s losses, buoyed by stronger-than-expected economic data from the world’s top oil consumers and signs of easing trade tensions. Brent crude futures rose 27 cents, or 0.39%, to $68.79 a barrel at 0000 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures were up 31 cents,… Continue reading Oil rises as demand hopes and economic data lift sentiment

Ringgit rebounds on softer US stance towards China

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit rebounded this morning, opening higher against the US dollar amid reports of a softer stance by United States (US) President Donald Trump towards China. At 8 am, the ringgit rose to 4.2335/2550 against the greenback, compared to Wednesday’s close of 4.2400/2490. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul… Continue reading Ringgit rebounds on softer US stance towards China
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Ringgit rebounds on softer US stance towards China

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit rebounded this morning, opening higher against the US dollar amid reports of a softer stance by United States (US) President Donald Trump towards China. At 8 am, the ringgit rose to 4.2335/2550 against the greenback, compared to Wednesday’s close of 4.2400/2490. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul… Continue reading Ringgit rebounds on softer US stance towards China

Fed’s Williams won’t comment on Trump attacks on central bank

NEW YORK: Federal Reserve Bank of New York President John Williams declined on Wednesday to comment on President Donald Trump’s attacks on the central bank and what it might mean if the president were to somehow remove the Fed’s leader from office. “I can’t comment” on what the president has said and how markets reacted,… Continue reading Fed’s Williams won’t comment on Trump attacks on central bank
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Fed’s Williams won’t comment on Trump attacks on central bank

NEW YORK: Federal Reserve Bank of New York President John Williams declined on Wednesday to comment on President Donald Trump’s attacks on the central bank and what it might mean if the president were to somehow remove the Fed’s leader from office. “I can’t comment” on what the president has said and how markets reacted,… Continue reading Fed’s Williams won’t comment on Trump attacks on central bank

Abrahamsen triumphs in Tour de France stage 11 as Pogacar escapes crash

NORWAY’S Jonas Abrahamsen claimed victory in stage 11 of the Tour de France, delivering a thrilling performance in Toulouse. Meanwhile, defending champion Tadej Pogacar avoided serious injury despite a late crash, keeping his podium hopes alive. Pogacar’s fall occurred just 4km from the finish after colliding with another rider’s wheel. His rivals, Jonas Vingegaard and… Continue reading Abrahamsen triumphs in Tour de France stage 11 as Pogacar escapes crash
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Abrahamsen triumphs in Tour de France stage 11 as Pogacar escapes crash

NORWAY’S Jonas Abrahamsen claimed victory in stage 11 of the Tour de France, delivering a thrilling performance in Toulouse. Meanwhile, defending champion Tadej Pogacar avoided serious injury despite a late crash, keeping his podium hopes alive. Pogacar’s fall occurred just 4km from the finish after colliding with another rider’s wheel. His rivals, Jonas Vingegaard and… Continue reading Abrahamsen triumphs in Tour de France stage 11 as Pogacar escapes crash

Trial begins as Meta investors try to recoup $8 billion over privacy claims payout

WILMINGTON: Facebook’s board was not trying to protect founder Mark Zuckerberg in 2019 when it agreed to pay a $5 billion regulatory fine to resolve claims over its privacy practices, but was instead focused on growth, a former company director testified on Wednesday. Jeffrey Zients, White House chief of staff under President Joe Biden and… Continue reading Trial begins as Meta investors try to recoup $8 billion over privacy claims payout
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Trial begins as Meta investors try to recoup $8 billion over privacy claims payout

WILMINGTON: Facebook’s board was not trying to protect founder Mark Zuckerberg in 2019 when it agreed to pay a $5 billion regulatory fine to resolve claims over its privacy practices, but was instead focused on growth, a former company director testified on Wednesday. Jeffrey Zients, White House chief of staff under President Joe Biden and… Continue reading Trial begins as Meta investors try to recoup $8 billion over privacy claims payout

Tour de France rider faces online abuse after Pogacar crash

NORWEGIAN cyclist Tobias Johannessen has expressed deep regret after causing a crash involving Tour de France contender Tadej Pogacar during Wednesday’s stage. The incident, which occurred near the end of the 156.8km race around Toulouse, saw Pogacar hit the ground after colliding with Johannessen’s rear wheel. Despite the fall, Pogacar quickly remounted his bike, with… Continue reading Tour de France rider faces online abuse after Pogacar crash
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Tour de France rider faces online abuse after Pogacar crash

NORWEGIAN cyclist Tobias Johannessen has expressed deep regret after causing a crash involving Tour de France contender Tadej Pogacar during Wednesday’s stage. The incident, which occurred near the end of the 156.8km race around Toulouse, saw Pogacar hit the ground after colliding with Johannessen’s rear wheel. Despite the fall, Pogacar quickly remounted his bike, with… Continue reading Tour de France rider faces online abuse after Pogacar crash

Pro-Palestinian protester arrested at Tour de France in Toulouse

A pro-Palestinian demonstrator was arrested after running onto the final stretch of the Tour de France 11th stage on Wednesday. The protester, wearing a shirt that read “Israel out of the Tour” and holding a Palestinian keffiyeh scarf, breached security barriers and sprinted toward the finish line as Norway’s Jonas Abrahamsen secured victory. Race officials… Continue reading Pro-Palestinian protester arrested at Tour de France in Toulouse
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Pro-Palestinian protester arrested at Tour de France in Toulouse

A pro-Palestinian demonstrator was arrested after running onto the final stretch of the Tour de France 11th stage on Wednesday. The protester, wearing a shirt that read “Israel out of the Tour” and holding a Palestinian keffiyeh scarf, breached security barriers and sprinted toward the finish line as Norway’s Jonas Abrahamsen secured victory. Race officials… Continue reading Pro-Palestinian protester arrested at Tour de France in Toulouse

Jude Bellingham out for 12 weeks after shoulder surgery

REAL Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after undergoing successful surgery for a recurring shoulder injury. The club confirmed the procedure but did not specify a recovery timeline, though Spanish media reports suggest he could miss up to 12 weeks. Bellingham has been managing discomfort since dislocating his… Continue reading Jude Bellingham out for 12 weeks after shoulder surgery
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Jude Bellingham out for 12 weeks after shoulder surgery

REAL Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after undergoing successful surgery for a recurring shoulder injury. The club confirmed the procedure but did not specify a recovery timeline, though Spanish media reports suggest he could miss up to 12 weeks. Bellingham has been managing discomfort since dislocating his… Continue reading Jude Bellingham out for 12 weeks after shoulder surgery

Three-person IVF technique spared children from inherited diseases, scientists say

EIGHT children in the UK have been spared from devastating genetic diseases thanks to a new three-person in vitro fertilization technique, scientists from Newcastle University reported on Wednesday. The technique, which is banned in the United States, transfers pieces from inside the mother’s fertilized egg – its nucleus, plus the nucleus of the father’s sperm… Continue reading Three-person IVF technique spared children from inherited diseases, scientists say

Merz visits UK as Europe closes ranks in face of threats

BERLIN: Friedrich Merz embarks on his first trip to London as German chancellor on Thursday to meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and sign a wide-ranging friendship treaty, as part of a broader push to reset the EU’s relationship with Britain. Merz’s day trip comes a week after a three-day state visit by French… Continue reading Merz visits UK as Europe closes ranks in face of threats
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Merz visits UK as Europe closes ranks in face of threats

BERLIN: Friedrich Merz embarks on his first trip to London as German chancellor on Thursday to meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and sign a wide-ranging friendship treaty, as part of a broader push to reset the EU’s relationship with Britain. Merz’s day trip comes a week after a three-day state visit by French… Continue reading Merz visits UK as Europe closes ranks in face of threats

Fed’s Williams says tariff economic impact is only just starting

NEW YORK: Federal Reserve Bank of New York President John Williams said Wednesday that monetary policy is in the right place to allow central bankers to monitor the economy before taking their next steps, and he warned that the impact of trade tariffs is only just starting to hit the economy. “Maintaining this modestly restrictive… Continue reading Fed’s Williams says tariff economic impact is only just starting
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Fed’s Williams says tariff economic impact is only just starting

NEW YORK: Federal Reserve Bank of New York President John Williams said Wednesday that monetary policy is in the right place to allow central bankers to monitor the economy before taking their next steps, and he warned that the impact of trade tariffs is only just starting to hit the economy. “Maintaining this modestly restrictive… Continue reading Fed’s Williams says tariff economic impact is only just starting

Lamine Yamal inherits Barcelona’s iconic number 10 shirt

BARCELONA’S rising star Lamine Yamal has officially taken over the club’s iconic number 10 shirt, previously worn by football legend Lionel Messi. The 18-year-old winger, who has drawn comparisons to the Argentine superstar, expressed his determination to carve his own legacy while honoring those who came before him. “Messi made his path and I will… Continue reading Lamine Yamal inherits Barcelona’s iconic number 10 shirt
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Lamine Yamal inherits Barcelona’s iconic number 10 shirt

BARCELONA’S rising star Lamine Yamal has officially taken over the club’s iconic number 10 shirt, previously worn by football legend Lionel Messi. The 18-year-old winger, who has drawn comparisons to the Argentine superstar, expressed his determination to carve his own legacy while honoring those who came before him. “Messi made his path and I will… Continue reading Lamine Yamal inherits Barcelona’s iconic number 10 shirt

Trump thinks China will sentence fentanyl traffickers to death

WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he thinks China will soon sentence people to death for fentanyl manufacturing and distribution, as he offered fresh optimism about the prospects of a deal with Beijing on illicit drugs. The drug trade has joined a range of economic and security issues as a major flashpoint… Continue reading Trump thinks China will sentence fentanyl traffickers to death

Trump says he would love for Fed Chair Powell to resign

WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump said he would love for Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell to resign but acknowledged that many have said it would disrupt the markets if the president were to remove him. Trump made the comments in an interview with the Real America’s Voice network aired on Wednesday. Why it’s important Trump… Continue reading Trump says he would love for Fed Chair Powell to resign

US aid workers lobbied for weeks to save food stocks from destruction after Trump cuts

WITH 1,100 metric tons of emergency food rations nearing expiry in a U.S. government warehouse in Dubai after President Donald Trump’s aid freeze, it took a warning of “wasted tax dollars” for a top U.S. official to eventually agree to a deal for the supplies to be used, sources told Reuters. The deal saved 622… Continue reading US aid workers lobbied for weeks to save food stocks from destruction after Trump cuts

DPM Zahid visits New Zealand crisis centre to study disaster management

WELLINGTON: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will visit New Zealand’s National Crisis Management Centre today to observe the country’s disaster and crisis response framework. The visit, part of his four-day working trip, aligns with his role as Chairman of Malaysia’s Central Disaster Management Committee (JPBP). Located beneath New Zealand’s Parliament in… Continue reading DPM Zahid visits New Zealand crisis centre to study disaster management

Harimau Malaya’s late exit disrupts CAFA Nations Cup 2025 plans

HARIMAU Malaya’s last-minute withdrawal from the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) Nations Cup 2025 has disrupted tournament preparations, with organisers citing advanced planning stages as a key challenge. The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) pulled out after the event dates (August 29 to September 8) conflicted with the FIFA international window (September 1-9), limiting player… Continue reading Harimau Malaya’s late exit disrupts CAFA Nations Cup 2025 plans

MIGHT and universities boost REE as Malaysia’s flagship industry

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) has joined forces with Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) and Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) to propel Rare Earth Element (REE) development as a key industry for Malaysia. This collaboration aims to strengthen research, innovation, and commercialisation efforts while fostering technology sovereignty in the sector.… Continue reading MIGHT and universities boost REE as Malaysia’s flagship industry

Walmart is cutting hundreds of store-support roles, Bloomberg News reports

WALMART is cutting hundreds of store-support roles, in its latest move to simply its structure, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing a memo. The U.S. retail bellwether is eliminating the market coordinator job that supports some managers, the report said. These coordinators are considered to be corporate positions, assisting market managers, who are responsible for… Continue reading Walmart is cutting hundreds of store-support roles, Bloomberg News reports

YIM expands innovation projects to boost local income in Melaka

MELAKA: The Malaysia Innovation Foundation (YIM) is intensifying efforts to elevate local community incomes through social innovation and technology integration. Dr Sharmila Mohamed Salleh, YIM’s chief executive officer, highlighted the foundation’s strategy of combining training, equipment, and tech solutions to address challenges faced by small businesses. Many local operators grapple with weather-dependent operations, outdated methods,… Continue reading YIM expands innovation projects to boost local income in Melaka

Shocking case of alleged infant rape, selling of footage

PUTRAJAYA: Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail yesterday revealed a disturbing case involving the rape of a three-month-old infant, which was allegedly filmed and distributed for sale. He said he was briefed on the case at midnight – an unusual hour that, he pointed out, underscores the gravity of the incident. “If a three-month-old… Continue reading Shocking case of alleged infant rape, selling of footage

OpenAI lists Google as cloud partner amid growing demand for computing capacity

OPENAI has included Alphabet’s Google Cloud among its suppliers to meet escalating demands for computing capacity, according to an updated list published on the ChatGPT maker’s website. The artificial-intelligence giant also relies on services from Microsoft, Oracle, and CoreWeave. The deal with Google, finalized in May after months of discussions, was first reported by Reuters… Continue reading OpenAI lists Google as cloud partner amid growing demand for computing capacity

New details in Air India crash probe shift focus to senior pilot, WSJ reports

A cockpit recording of dialogue between the two pilots of the Air India flight that crashed last month indicates the captain turned off the switches that controlled fuel flowing to the plane’s engines, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday. The newspaper cited people familiar with U.S. officials’ early assessment of evidence uncovered in the… Continue reading New details in Air India crash probe shift focus to senior pilot, WSJ reports

‘CJ must embody integrity, competence and impartiality’

PETALING JAYA: The individual set to be appointed as Malaysia’s new chief justice must embody the highest standards of integrity, competence and impartiality, qualities that legal professionals say are crucial to maintaining public trust in an independent judiciary. With growing scrutiny over the selection process, they caution that the appointment must be free from political… Continue reading ‘CJ must embody integrity, competence and impartiality’

Florian Wellbrock claims world 10km swim gold after water delay in Singapore

GERMANY’s Florian Wellbrock secured victory in the men’s 10km open water swim at the World Aquatics Championships, overcoming a delayed start due to poor water quality. The Tokyo 2021 Olympic gold medallist clocked 1 hour 59 minutes 55.50 seconds on Sentosa Island, marking his third world title in the discipline. Italy’s Gregorio Paltrinieri finished 3.70… Continue reading Florian Wellbrock claims world 10km swim gold after water delay in Singapore

Summit on Palestinian statehood set for September in New York

PARIS: A high-level diplomatic summit to advance Palestinian statehood recognition and regional peace efforts will take place in September, a French diplomatic source confirmed. The talks, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, aim to revive long-stalled negotiations for a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine. Originally scheduled for mid-June, the conference was postponed due to… Continue reading Summit on Palestinian statehood set for September in New York

Israeli airstrikes hit Syrian military HQ in Damascus amid tensions

DAMASCUS: Israeli forces conducted fresh airstrikes near the Syrian army and defence ministry headquarters on Wednesday, according to state-run television. The escalation follows Israel’s warning to Damascus over targeting the Druze community in southern Syria. Syrian state television reported the strikes occurred near Umayyad Square, close to the military headquarters in central Damascus. Al Jazeera’s… Continue reading Israeli airstrikes hit Syrian military HQ in Damascus amid tensions

Real Madrid confirm Lucas Vazquez departure after 23 trophies

REAL Madrid confirmed the departure of long-serving defender Lucas Vazquez after his contract expired. The club extended his deal briefly to include the Club World Cup in the United States, where he made his final appearances. Vazquez, 34, spent nearly his entire career at Real Madrid, except for a loan spell at Espanyol in the… Continue reading Real Madrid confirm Lucas Vazquez departure after 23 trophies

Malaysia equips 156 health clinics with AI-driven CCMS for faster care

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 156 health clinics across Malaysia have adopted a cloud-based content management system (CCMS), significantly reducing patient wait times. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad revealed that 70 per cent of patients now receive treatment in under 30 minutes, marking a milestone in the ministry’s AI-driven digital reforms. The initiative… Continue reading Malaysia equips 156 health clinics with AI-driven CCMS for faster care

Public-private collaboration key to fight corruption in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: Combating corruption requires a united commitment from both public institutions and private enterprises to foster integrity and resilient governance, said Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki. He emphasised that while the government enforces regulations, the private sector can support anti-corruption efforts through technological advancements, data sharing, and operational resources.… Continue reading Public-private collaboration key to fight corruption in Malaysia

Negeri Sembilan water tariff hike proposal to enhance sustainability

SEREMBAN: The proposed water tariff adjustment in Negeri Sembilan is set to strengthen the state’s water supply system and infrastructure, ensuring long-term sustainability, according to Syarikat Air Negeri Sembilan Sdn Bhd (SAINS). The new tariff structure will impact all customer categories, covering more than 490,000 accounts. However, domestic users consuming less than 20 cubic metres… Continue reading Negeri Sembilan water tariff hike proposal to enhance sustainability

US envoy supports Trump’s claim on Netanyahu trial as witch hunt

TEL AVIV: US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee publicly supported Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after attending his corruption trial, echoing former President Donald Trump’s description of the case as a “witch hunt.” Netanyahu has consistently denied wrongdoing, while his allies argue the trial is politically driven. Huckabee attended the proceedings and later posted on… Continue reading US envoy supports Trump’s claim on Netanyahu trial as witch hunt

Liverpool target Newcastle’s Isak in £120m transfer move

LIVERPOOL are reportedly preparing a massive £120 million bid for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, despite the Magpies’ strong stance on retaining their star player. The Reds have yet to submit an official offer, but the Swedish forward is a top target as manager Arne Slot looks to bolster his attacking options following Diogo Jota’s… Continue reading Liverpool target Newcastle’s Isak in £120m transfer move

Diageo CEO steps down amid tariff challenges, interim CFO takes over

LONDON: Diageo, the global drinks giant behind brands like Guinness and Smirnoff, confirmed the sudden departure of CEO Debra Crew. The company did not disclose specific reasons for her exit but cited mutual agreement. Crew had led the company for two years, navigating post-pandemic challenges and economic instability. The announcement comes months after Diageo warned… Continue reading Diageo CEO steps down amid tariff challenges, interim CFO takes over

Huawei tops China smartphone market after 4 years amid US curbs

BEIJING: Huawei has surged back to the top of China’s smartphone market for the first time in over four years, surpassing Apple and local rivals like Xiaomi, according to data from the International Data Corporation. The Shenzhen-based company secured 18.1% of the market in Q2 2025, shipping 12.5 million units despite ongoing US export controls… Continue reading Huawei tops China smartphone market after 4 years amid US curbs

Russia intercepts $150m cocaine hidden in banana shipment

MOSCOW: Russian customs officials uncovered 820 kilograms of cocaine hidden beneath a shipment of bananas, marking the country’s largest drug seizure from Latin America in 2025. The haul, valued at over 12 billion rubles ($153 million), was discovered in a concealed compartment within banana containers. The packages were disguised as briquettes bearing the label of… Continue reading Russia intercepts $150m cocaine hidden in banana shipment

Melaka digital village project boosts rural service delivery with QR codes

KUALA LUMPUR: The Melaka Digital Village (KDM) project, launched two years ago, has become a benchmark for digital addressing systems in rural Malaysia. Mohd Hairul Shah Ismail, Assistant Director of the ICT Division at the Melaka Chief Minister’s Department, highlighted its success at the 2025 National Addressing Conference. The project standardises traditional village addresses with… Continue reading Melaka digital village project boosts rural service delivery with QR codes

Workplace accidents in Malaysia hit 4,409 cases from Jan to May 2024

TAIPING: A total of 4,409 workplace accidents were recorded across Malaysia from January to May this year, according to the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). Director-General Mohd Hatta Zakaria revealed the figures during the Occupational Safety and Health Week and national-level Road to 150 Years of OSH 2025 celebration. The manufacturing sector accounted… Continue reading Workplace accidents in Malaysia hit 4,409 cases from Jan to May 2024

Penang eases rules for religious speakers following guidelines

BUTTERWORTH: Penang does not impose restrictions on religious speakers as long as they adhere to state guidelines and laws, according to Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid. He clarified that the state is among the most lenient in granting religious credentials, with exemptions for experienced speakers from rigorous tests. Mohamad stated that… Continue reading Penang eases rules for religious speakers following guidelines