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Former Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai to hear verdict in his landmark national security case

Former Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai to hear verdict in his landmark national security case

Jimmy Lai, a former Hong Kong media mogul and critic of Beijing, awaits the verdict of his national security trial on Monday

Former Hong Kong pro-democracy media mogul Jimmy Lai convicted in landmark national security trial

Former Hong Kong pro-democracy media mogul Jimmy Lai convicted in landmark national security trial

Jimmy Lai, the former Hong Kong media mogul and outspoken critic of Beijing, has been convicted in a landmark national security trial in the city’s court, which could send him to prison for the rest of his life

Jimmy Lai's supporters queue in Hong Kong overnight for verdict

Jimmy Lai's supporters queue in Hong Kong overnight for verdict

By James Pomfret and Jessie Pang HONG KONG, Dec 15 (Reuters) - Supporters of Hong Kong democracy activist Jimmy Lai queued outside a Hong Kong court overnight before Monday's verdict in his landmark trial as international calls have grown to release the China critic who has already spent five years

DHS Proposal to Require Visitor Social Media History Raises Concerns Over Privacy and Free Speech

DHS Proposal to Require Visitor Social Media History Raises Concerns Over Privacy and Free Speech

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection has announced a proposal that would require tourists from 42 countries, who can currently enter the U.S. without a visa, to share their social media activity from the past five years. This requirement would also include any email addresses active over the last decade, alongside personal information such as names, birth dates, and family details. This move is part of a broader directive from President Trump aimed at ensuring visitors do not harbor hostile attitudes towards the U.S. The proposal has sparked debate over its necessity and the criteria used to determine 'hostile attitudes.' Critics argue that the policy could blur the lines between national security and free speech, citing past instances where individuals were detained for expressing critical views of U.S. allies.

Hong Kong Media Mogul Jimmy Lai Awaits Verdict in National Security Trial

Hong Kong Media Mogul Jimmy Lai Awaits Verdict in National Security Trial

Jimmy Lai, a former media mogul in Hong Kong and a prominent critic of Beijing, is set to hear the verdict in his national security trial. Lai, who founded the now-defunct pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, faces charges of conspiracy to commit collusion with foreign forces and conspiracy to distribute seditious publications. Arrested in August 2020 under a national security law imposed by Beijing, Lai has been in custody for five years. His trial, conducted without a jury and overseen by government-approved judges, has drawn international attention as a measure of media freedom and judicial independence in Hong Kong. The U.S., U.K., and EU have closely monitored the proceedings, with President Trump and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressing concerns over Lai's detention. Lai has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and a conviction could result in a sentence ranging from three years to life imprisonment.

President Trump Signs Executive Order Limiting State Regulation of AI Amid Internal GOP Debate

President Trump Signs Executive Order Limiting State Regulation of AI Amid Internal GOP Debate

President Trump recently signed an executive order that limits the power of individual states to regulate artificial intelligence (AI). This decision followed a period of intense debate within the Republican Party, highlighting a division between populist factions and tech industry supporters. The order aims to prevent a patchwork of state laws that could hinder AI development, a move supported by Trump's Silicon Valley allies. However, it faced opposition from some Republicans concerned about job automation and state rights. The order is part of a broader struggle within the administration over technology policy, reflecting tensions between maintaining national security and fostering technological advancement.

How the US freight rail industry got dirtier than coal power plants

How the US freight rail industry got dirtier than coal power plants

By Tim McLaughlin Dec. 14 (Reuters) - BNSF Railway, one of the crown jewels of Warren Buffett’s sprawling Berkshire Hathaway conglomerate, calls itself an environmental leader in the U.S. rail industry with the cleanest locomotive fleet in North America.

German far-right lawmaker calls for US-German nationalist alliance at MAGA gala

German far-right lawmaker calls for US-German nationalist alliance at MAGA gala

By Hussein Waaile and Sarah Marsh NEW YORK/BERLIN, Dec 14 (Reuters) - A senior German far-right lawmaker called for an alliance between U.S. and German nationalist parties at a MAGA gala on Saturday where he was being honored, buoyed by a new U.S. security strategy praising Europe's patriotic

Russia and Ukraine trade attacks as US and European officials prepare for peace talks

Russia and Ukraine trade attacks as US and European officials prepare for peace talks

Moscow pounded Ukrainian power infrastructure with drone and missile strikes and Kyiv launched a deadly strike of its own on southwestern Russia, a day before talks involving senior European and U.S. officials aimed at ending the war were set to resume

Hong Kong's legal clampdown on tycoon and China critic Jimmy Lai

Hong Kong's legal clampdown on tycoon and China critic Jimmy Lai

By Jessie Pang and James Pomfret HONG KONG, Dec 12 (Reuters) - Hong Kong's High Court will hand down a verdict in the trial of media tycoon and China critic Jimmy Lai on Monday.

Analysis-Ukraine fails to fill key posts as corruption scandal lingers

Analysis-Ukraine fails to fill key posts as corruption scandal lingers

By Pavel Polityuk and Dan Peleschuk KYIV, Dec 12 (Reuters) - Ukraine's government has no active candidates for the vacant position of energy minister, two sources familiar with the process said, underlining how a corruption scandal is complicating efforts to fill key posts at a critical time.

Less New York, more Nashville: Europeans head to smaller US cities

Less New York, more Nashville: Europeans head to smaller US cities

NEW YORK/LONDON, Dec 12 (Reuters) - European travelers, nearly a year into President Donald Trump's administration, are popping up in less-heralded - and often more affordable - destinations in the U.S. like Tennessee, Montana and Idaho, while skipping hot spots like New York and Washington D.C.