Israel’s elections 2026 explained in maps and charts

DFA to Chinese envoy: Remark ‘unacceptable’

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday summoned Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan to formally protest his remark that China could “easily win” a confrontation with the Philippines, calling it “provocative and unacceptable” and warning that it further strained already sensitive bilateral relations. Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro confronted Jing over his

China Alleges US Ship Incursion: Navy says warship entered Sabina Shoal without consent; US yet to respond

The USS Charleston has come under fire from China's Southern Theater Command Navy for allegedly trespassing into contested waters near Sabina Shoal. This area is embroiled in claims from both China and the Philippines, adding complexity to the situation. In response, the Chinese navy reported mobilizing its forces to keep a close watch on the USS Charleston, perceiving its presence as a possible threat to maritime stability.

‘Tsinoy’ businessmen warn vs China sanctions

MANILA, Philippines — Chinese-Filipino businessmen fear that escalating tensions with Beijing could jeopardize their investments and livelihoods, warning that imposing sanctions against Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan could trigger retaliation and deal a further blow to an already struggling economy. Victor Lim, president of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII),

Record El Niño? Look who’s counting

MIAMI — Britain’s Met Office says this year’s El Niño is “unprecedented.” Japan’s weather agency has called it the strongest ever observed. US forecasters say it still trails the biggest events in its record books. How can they all be right? The answer lies in how they measure El Niño’s strength, with meteorological agencies using

A New York entrepreneur turns high-protein lupini bean pizzas into a $700,000 business

In January 2025, Damiano Messineo introduced Loopini, a unique high-protein pizza crafted from lupini beans. By mid-2026, the brand had made impressive strides, moving from a single location in New York City to partnerships with large retailers such as Whole Foods and Target. Messineo's 100-day product testing during his Ironman training paid off, with Loopini achieving $700,000 in revenue by April 2026 and eyeing future national expansion while prioritizing quality.

'US is acting as international delinquent': Why Cuba and America clashed at UN

During a heated United Nations discussion on human rights, tensions flared between the US and Cuba. US ambassador Mike Waltz accused Cuban diplomats of persecuting dissidents, while Cuban ambassador Ernesto Soberón Guzmán argued that US sanctions inflicted major hardships on ordinary Cubans. This clash occurs just ahead of a critical UN General Assembly vote concerning the ongoing US trade embargo against Cuba, an issue intertwined with Cuba's deep economic crisis.

Kim Jong Un dead? North Korea releases photos dismissing rumours of coma, takeover by sister

PH leads push for Asean-wide abolition of death penalty

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is drafting an agreement with Cambodia and Timor-Leste which serves to convince other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) to abolish the death penalty in the region. This was part of a ministerial-level discussion on Friday attended by Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez as Philippine representative and facilitated

‘Pre-owned’ luxury booms in China

SHANGHAI, China — With China’s economy still struggling to recover from the pandemic, even global fashion icons are beginning to feel the pinch as consumers turn instead to the secondhand market or buy upstart new homegrown brands. Chinese were once massive buyers of luxury Western brands, accounting for around a third of worldwide spending and

How is the US economy really doing under President Trump?

Ahead of the midterms Trump has boasted about the performance of the US economy. BBC Verify looks at inflation, jobs and economic growth in the country.

China ties? Probe eyed on pro-VP netizens

MANILA, Philippines — House lawmakers are eyeing an inquiry into the possible links between pro-China propaganda networks and online supporters of Vice President Sara Duterte, Bicol Saro Rep. Terry Ridon said on Monday. Ridon said his colleagues in the lower chamber have observed an “intersectionality” between “propagandists” peddling Chinese talking points online and networks “defending”

Tim Armoo turned a £110,000 loss into an eight-figure business sale