Politics

Thailand’s New M6 Motorway Just Drew 15,500 Vehicles in One Day—And the Traffic Surge May Be Only the Beginning

Thailand’s newly expanded M6 motorway is already proving its value to motorists, with more than 15,500 vehicles using the route on the second day of its free trial operation. The unexpectedly strong turnout is putting the spotlight on one of the country’s most anticipated transport projects—and what could come next for Bangkok–Nakhon Ratchasima travel. Thailand’s new Motorway 6 (M6) is quickly becoming a major alternative for motorists heading between Bangkok and the Northeast. More than 15,50

Business

Singapore Is Bringing Driverless Vehicles to Its Roads — But the Real Battle Is What Happens to Thousands of Drivers Next

Singapore is preparing for a major transformation of its transport system as the government looks toward autonomous vehicles (AVs) to tackle a growing manpower challenge — but the technology shift is also raising questions about the future of thousands of drivers who depend on the industry for their livelihoods. During the National Day Rally 2026, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said Singapore intends to expand the use of autonomous vehicles once the technology proves reliable, highlighting AVs as

Politics

Pete Buttigieg Returns to South Carolina—And His Next Move Could Shape the 2028 Race

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina — Six years after a disappointing South Carolina primary result helped bring his first presidential campaign to an end, former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is back in the state—this time with renewed attention on whether he could make another run for the White House in 2028. Buttigieg has not announced a presidential campaign and says his immediate focus remains on the 2026 elections. Still, his recent political travels and appearances in key Democrati

Philippines

China vs. Philippine Coast Guard Explodes Online — But the Real Battle May Be Happening Beyond Social Media

A new diplomatic confrontation has erupted online between the Chinese Embassy in Manila and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela, as both sides exchanged accusations over competing claims in the West Philippine Sea. The latest clash highlights how the long-running maritime dispute between the Philippines and China is no longer limited to confrontations at sea — it has also moved into the digital battlefield, where both governments are defending their positions before

Asia

72 Arrested as Borneo Burns Under a Thick Haze—Now Indonesia Is Following the Money

JAKARTA — Indonesia has arrested 72 people suspected of involvement in deliberately started forest and land fires, as a major wildfire crisis continues to blanket parts of Borneo with thick haze and raises fresh concerns across Southeast Asia. The arrests cover 89 forest and land fire cases across five provinces on Borneo island and four additional cases on Sumatra, according to Indonesian police officials cited by CNA and the Associated Press. Authorities say many of those detained are suspec

Politics

Ukraine’s Allies Gather as Russian Missiles Rain Down — But Is Help Arriving Too Late?

KYIV, Ukraine — Ukraine’s most important European allies are gathering as the country faces a dangerous new phase in its war with Russia: intensifying missile attacks, mounting civilian casualties, and a growing shortage of the air-defense interceptors needed to protect its cities. The meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, co-chaired by the leaders of Britain, France and Germany, comes as Kyiv presses its partners for faster deliveries of air-defense weapons and stronger pressure on Moscow.

Entertainment

Bea Alonzo’s Manager Suddenly Resigns After 6 Years — But the Timing Has Fans Asking One Big Question

MANILA, Philippines — A major shake-up has happened behind the scenes of Bea Alonzo’s career as veteran talent manager Shirley Kuan has officially stepped down from her role after nearly six years of managing the actress. Kuan’s resignation was confirmed in reports published by Philippine entertainment outlets, marking the end of a professional partnership that began when Alonzo made major career transitions and expanded her presence beyond traditional acting projects. Following Kuan’s departu

Business

Emperador Is Back on the Global Investor Map — But the Real Question Is Whether This FTSE Return Can Trigger Its Biggest Growth Move Yet

Emperador Inc., one of the Philippines’ largest beverage companies, is making a comeback on the global investment radar after being included again in the FTSE Global Equity Index Series (FTSE GEIS) as a Small Cap constituent. The move marks a renewed recognition of the company’s market standing and could open the door to increased visibility among international investors tracking global equity benchmarks. FTSE GEIS, managed by FTSE Russell under the London Stock Exchange Group, is one of the w

Asia

Baltic States Hit by Powerful Cyclone as 500,000 Lose Power—Then the Storm Disrupted Something Even Bigger

A powerful cyclone tore across the Baltic region over the weekend, killing two people and leaving roughly half a million residents without electricity as violent winds, torrential rain and falling debris disrupted daily life across Latvia and Lithuania. The storm struck the region from Saturday, Aug. 22, into Sunday morning, Aug. 23, bringing some of the most severe weather Latvia has experienced in years and causing widespread damage to power networks, transportation infrastructure and communi

Business

Vietnam Is Cracking Down on Counterfeit Goods—And Cross-Border Sellers May Be Next in the Spotlight

Vietnam is moving to give customs officials stronger tools to stop counterfeit and intellectual-property-infringing goods at the border—a move that could have major implications for international brands, online sellers and cross-border trade. Vietnam’s National Assembly has approved amendments to the country’s Customs Law that will expand the authority of customs officials to intercept goods suspected of violating intellectual property rights. The legislation, approved on August 23, 2026, stre