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Hong Kong questions families of wanted activists: police source

Hong Kong national security police detained four people, including Dennis Kwok’s brother, accused of breaching national security. Eight fugitives with bounties on their heads face similar charges.

Thai govt calls for calm after reformist’s PM bid fails

Thai caretaker Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha urges calm after military and pro-royalist lawmakers thwart a popular progressive candidate’s bid to become the next premier. A peaceful protest follows, expressing frustration over the situation. The Move Forward Party’s reformist platform poses a threat to the establishment’s agenda, leading to the suspension of its leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, from parliament. Pita has promised to step aside, and property tycoon Srettha Thavisin is expected to lead the coalition backing him.

Chinese mortgage strikers despair as unfinished homes stay stalled

Chinese homebuyers are resorting to mortgage boycotts and protests against developers due to ongoing housing crisis, with little legal recourse and government sensitivity to the issue.

Hun Sen Facebook page reactivated days before Cambodia polls

Cambodian leader Hun Sen’s Facebook page reactivated before a controversial election after threats to ban the platform. The page, with 14 million followers, will be managed by an official.

Markets mostly rise on rate hopes but China fears weigh

Markets rose as global interest rate hikes subdued inflation, allowing central banks to adopt a softer monetary policy. Investors hoped for Beijing’s support amid weak data, while Wall Street’s strong earnings were tempered by Netflix and Tesla reports. Cautious optimism persisted, given the receding risk of recession but lingering concerns over China’s economy.

Whistleblowers claim bias in case against US president’s son

Republicans accuse government bias, mishandling probe of Hunter Biden, but Democrats dispute claims and defend investigations.

Millions hit by extreme heat on three continents

Millions endured extreme heat, wildfires, and health concerns as July appeared set to become the hottest on record. Climate change and burning fossil fuels were blamed for the destructive weather.

Netflix adds 6 mn subscribers after password crackdown

Netflix gained nearly 6 million subscribers after cracking down on password sharing, totaling 238 million subscribers and US$1.5 billion profit. As a writers and actors strike hits the industry, Netflix is better positioned to weather the storm. However, revenue was lower than expected, leading to an 8% drop in shares.

Thai reformist Pita’s PM bid crashes on establishment opposition

Thai reformist leader Pita Limjaroenrat’s bid for prime minister was blocked by the military and pro-royalist establishment. Despite his party’s popularity, Pita faced disqualification due to media company shares, leaving a path open for a potential compromise candidate. The situation could trigger civil unrest in Thailand.