Author: Press Room

Khalil Fong, a Hong Kong singer-songwriter who infused a soul and R&B sensibility into Chinese pop songs, died on Feb. 21. He was 41.His death was announced on Saturday by his record label, Fu Music. The announcement did not say where Mr. Fong had died or specify a cause of death, but it said he had battled a “relentless illness” for five years.Beloved for its soulful vocals and distinctive blend of soul and Mandarin pop, Mr. Fong’s music found an audience in Hong Kong, mainland China and much of the wider Chinese-speaking world.“Trying to introduce soul music, or soul R&B,…

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth directed the Department of Defense (DOD)’s civilian workforce to comply with Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) productivity email, listing five things they accomplished after initially telling them not to reply.On Sunday, Hegseth released a video message explaining the shift.”Our civilian patriots who dedicate themselves to defending this nation working for the Department of Defense are critical to our national security,” Hegseth said. “As we work to restore focus on DOD’s core warfighting mission under President Trump’s leadership, we recognize that we cannot accomplish that mission without the strong and important contributions of our…

Four people are dead and two others are in critical condition after a chain-reaction crash involving 12 vehicles on an Arizona highway on Saturday afternoon, possibly caused by blowing dust, the authorities said.The crash, which happened on Interstate 10, more than 50 miles west of Phoenix, involved six commercial motor vehicles, four passenger vehicles, a van and a recreational vehicle towing a trailer, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety.Investigators with the Arizona Highway Patrol believe there was an initial crash followed by several others. Several vehicles caught fire.On Sunday, the Department of Public Safety said that two people…

It’s time for Sydney to “get on with it” and attack the start of their AFL season without star wingman Errol Gulden, says forward Will Hayward.Gulden, 22, is sidelined indefinitely after having surgery on a fractured ankle suffered when his leg got caught under him in a tackle during Friday’s pre-season match against Gold Coast.Sydney, who are missing skipper Callum Mills for at least their first three games, will now also head into their season opener against Hawthorn on Friday night without Gulden.”Personally, it’s obviously you go ‘oh no’ for a bit – not shy away from the fact he’s…

The 16 signatories condemn Trump’s order to detain undocumented people in the military prison.We, the undersigned former Guantanamo prisoners, strongly condemn US President Donald Trump’s executive order to expand detention facilities for undocumented people at Guantanamo Bay. Guantanamo is not just a prison – it is a place where law is warped, dignity is stripped, and suffering is hidden behind barbed wire. We lived it. We know the clang of metal doors, the weight of shackles, and the silence of a world that looked away. We know what it means to be caged without charge, without trial, without hope. Now,…

President Donald Trump’s historic Jan. 20 pardons of the U.S. Capitol rioters freed prisoners and ended the legal cases of nearly 1,600 people, shutting down the largest federal prosecution in U.S. history.But one case with a connection to the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the Capitol remains, and the Texas woman involved still faces the prospect of prison time.  Abigail Jo Shry, charged for allegedly leaving a voicemail threatening to kill federal Judge Tanya Chutkan and Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee Brazoria County jail A federal judge in Texas has scheduled sentencing for Abigail Shry, 44, for May 5 at the…

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster on Sunday declared a state of emergency as firefighters battle hundreds of wildfires across the Carolinas.”I have declared a State of Emergency to further support wildfire response efforts across the state and ensure our first responders continue to have the resources they need,” McMaster wrote in a post on X. “A statewide outdoor burning ban remains in effect—violators will be prosecuted. Please stay informed.”Nearly 5,000 acres have burned in the Palmetto State, with 170 fires reported, according to the South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC).Ignitions were caused by very low relative humidity, coupled with drying fuels…

Tea leaves pull heavy metals from water, significantly lowering the amount of lead and other dangerous compounds that people may be unknowingly drinking, a new study found.Recent research has highlighted potential applications for used tea leaves, from biofuels to gluten-free cookies. But the new study shows a public health benefit from something that countless people are already doing. About five billion cups of tea are consumed each day around the world, according to one estimate.“You can see the implications,” said Vinayak Dravid, a materials scientist at Northwestern and an author of the study, which was published this week. “How often…

ROME – Pope Francis has been in the hospital for the longest stay of his papacy, more than two weeks now. And while the latest updates from the Vatican report a slow and steady improvement from his severe bronchitis and double pneumonia, it hasn’t stopped the Vaticanista rumor mill from speculating about his possible resignation.But papal historian, author and biographer Austen Ivereigh is dispelling those rumors, saying that despite the secret letter of resignation he wrote at the beginning of his election as bishop of Rome, Pope Francis believes the papacy is for life.”He’s spoken various times about this,” Ivereigh…

The 2025 Oscars are underway as “Conclave,” “Emilia Pérez,” “A Complete Unknown,” “Wicked” and “The Brutalist” are each looking to turn their multiple nominations into big wins, including for best picture, at the 97th Academy Awards.”Emilia Pérez” had the most nominations this year with 13, including nods for best picture, best director, best writing and multiple acting nominations. Karla Sofía Gascón made Oscar history when she became the first transgender woman to be nominated in any acting category when she received a best actress nomination for playing the film’s title role. Her Oscar campaign, however, has since become marred by…