Public affairs, explained with context.
Could a 100-Year Island Lease Bring the Philippines Long-Term Investment?
A proposed island partnership would test whether distinct institutions can attract capital and spread better governance practices across the Philippines.
Read analysis →Magpie Remembers Victorian Schoolboy After Six Years of Swooping
A north-east Victorian boy has faced repeated magpie attacks for six years. Experts say the birds remember faces, but patient efforts may ease the feud.
Read analysis →Karl Bushby Completes 28-Year Walk Around the World and Returns to Hull
After nearly 50,000 kilometres on foot, Karl Bushby has returned to Hull, ending a journey delayed by border hurdles, logistics and global events.
Read analysis →Cyberattacks Disrupt Supermarket Refrigeration Systems Across Europe
Temperature spikes affected grocery stores in Belgium, Luxembourg, Sweden and Estonia, exposing risks in remotely managed refrigeration equipment.
Read analysis →Alex Eala Reaches Pan Pacific Quarterfinals as Philippines Headlines Span Courts and Trade
Alex Eala beats Talia Gibson in Tokyo, while Philippine headlines include the chief justice shortlist and rising import costs tied to the weak peso.
Read analysis →Lagarde’s Early Exit Puts ECB Leadership Change Amid Europe’s Economic Strains
Christine Lagarde will leave the ECB in February as policymakers face energy-driven inflation and rising bond yields, especially in France.
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No Evidence Indonesia’s Prabowo Scolded Marcos in Viral Video
A viral YouTube video offers no proof of a confrontation between Prabowo and Marcos; three image tools flag its thumbnail as likely AI-generated.
Read analysis →Australia’s Inflation Fight Raises Recession Risks as Rate Hikes Loom
Sticky inflation, rising energy costs and weak productivity leave the RBA weighing further rate hikes against a sharper economic slowdown.
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LemFi Rebuilds Its App Around Cross-Border Finance, Adding UK Savings and Credit
LemFi’s redesigned app brings transfers, UK savings and credit, and eSIM data into one account, as the company broadens its services for people living across borders.
Read analysis →Molbog Community Raises Concerns Over Military Construction on Balabac Island
Molbog leaders say military construction on Balabac has damaged ancestral sites, disrupted farming and food access, and alarmed residents during live-fire drills.
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Negros Jeepney Groups Oppose World Bank–DOTr Transport Modernization Plan
Three Negros transport groups representing more than 3,000 drivers and operators say the proposed program threatens their livelihoods and raises questions about cost and readiness.
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BIR’s QR Badge Suspension Tests Its Approach to Taxpayer Compliance
The BIR paused mandatory QR badges, renewing questions about compliance costs and whether tax audits will scrutinize politically powerful taxpayers.
Read analysis →Eric Bauza, Voice of Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, Dies at 46
Eric Bauza voiced generations of Looney Tunes characters and earned three Children’s and Family Emmy Awards during a career spanning more than 25 years.
Read analysis →How Looksmaxxing and Manosphere Content Shape Young Men’s Ideas About Masculinity
Young men describe how gym and self-improvement videos can lead to toxic manosphere content, feeding insecurity and misogyny through social media algorithms.
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Philippines Suspends QR Tax Badge Requirement for Online Sellers
The BIR has suspended its QR tax badge rule indefinitely, citing privacy concerns, rollout problems and confusion over who had to comply.
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