Stories from Hong Kong

Temple Street merchants are preparing for the five-day Golden Week holiday starting tomorrow. Merchants in the Temple Street and Yau Ma Tei areas of Hong Kong are preparing for the upcoming Golden Week period.

Authorities are using all available means to silence independent media organizations and press freedom groups. These efforts include new methods adopted from the Chinese regime.

HSBC reported a 16 percent year-on-year increase in adjusted non-interest income. The group allocated approximately $190 million as a precaution against Middle East conflict impacts.

A representative from the Fire Incident Investigation Commission admitted that deficiencies exist within the current procurement process. The Chinese Special Administrative Region previously held much higher positions in the ranking. This decline follows the expansion of control by the Beijing-based state and party leadership over the former British colony. Numerous media outlets have been closed and journalists have been arrested during this period. Reporters Without Borders released a new global ranking today showing press freedom has reached its lowest level in 25 years. The report indicates that journalists face critical situations in more than half of the countries surveyed. Hong Kong's ranking has fallen to 140th place. The findings were published on Thursday.

LiveGolf plans to inform staff and players that the Saudi Public Investment Fund will no longer fund the circuit beyond this summer. The league, founded in 2022, spent billions of dollars to attract top players.

A critic, Chan Kan-kwan, identified a loophole regarding the potential for bid-rigging and manipulation of evaluation systems within the Urban Renewal Authority.

New control regulations targeting the use of alternative smoking products in public areas took effect today. The rules prohibit the possession of vapes, e-cigarettes, or heated tobacco in regulated areas.

The 2026 Century Ice Ball tournament will feature 64 men's teams and 64 women's teams. The Hong Kong Cultural Museum will host an exhibition focused on the Mona Lisa and the Renaissance from tomorrow until July 27. New export orders for Hong Kong rose to 50.3. The exhibition features a Da Vinci manuscript appearing in Hong Kong for the first time and includes treasures on loan from France and Italy. Museum Director Lam Kwok-fai stated that a French team specifically redesigned and curated the exhibition for Hong Kong. The display includes multiple interactive photo opportunities for visitors. The decline follows increased control by the central government in Beijing over the former British colony. The report notes that the region previously held much higher positions in the ranking. Media outlets have been closed and journalists arrested in the region.

A growing number of consumers are opting to skip physical rings in favor of spending money on experiences such as travel. This trend is being fueled by social media, where couples showcase creative designs that reflect their personalities.

During a hearing for the Tai Po Wong Fuk Yuen fire independent commission, Case Manager Chen Yi-hao stated that Shi Jian-gu did not participate in the tender process for hiring engineering consultants or registered inspectors. A senior lawyer at the Tai Po Wong Fuk Yuen Fire Independent Commission expressed concern over allegedly unreasonable engineering and art consultant fees. The Wang Fu Yuen Fire Independent Commission held a hearing regarding the fire incident.