“Power & Policy”, “Inside Politics”, “The Capitol”, “Political Pulse”
Power outage hits Phu Quoc after undersea cable snaps, thousands still in the dark
on November 30, 2025 at 10:58 am
Tens of thousands of homes and resorts on Phu Quoc were thrown into a sudden blackout after the island’s Ha Tien–Phu Quoc undersea power cable broke on Saturday, triggering one of the most disruptive outages in recent years.
Vietnam’s airlines complete Airbus software fix as A320 fleet returns to service
on November 30, 2025 at 10:21 am
Vietnam’s major carriers have finished updating critical flight-control software on their Airbus A320 and A321 jets, clearing the aircraft to resume normal operations ahead of a tight deadline on Nov. 30 set by European regulators.
Hanoi wakes up to toxic air as real-time monitoring portal goes offline
on November 30, 2025 at 3:49 am
Hanoi was blanketed in hazardous smog Sunday morning as air-quality levels spiked into the “very unhealthy” range across the capital and much of northern Vietnam, the first severe pollution episode of the 2025–2026 winter.
Storm Koto leaves 1 dead, 3 missing in central Vietnam
on November 30, 2025 at 2:55 am
Koto, the 15th storm entering the East Sea, has left one person dead and three missing in south central Vietnam, the Vietnam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority (VDDMA) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has reported.
New Trump era, AI boom and Southeast Asia extreme weather: 10 events that defined the world in 2025
on November 30, 2025 at 12:06 am
Donald Trump’s return to power, a ceasefire in Gaza and massive investments in artificial intelligence: Here are 10 events that defined 2025.
Thailand, Indonesia begin clean-up after massive floods kill over 400
on November 29, 2025 at 11:00 pm
The death toll from devastating floods and landslides in Southeast Asia climbed past 400 on Saturday as clean-up and search-and-rescue operations got underway in Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia.
Billionaire doctors who turn their medical degrees into empires
on November 29, 2025 at 11:00 pm
Most doctors spend decades repaying medical school debt. A rare few turn medicine into a multibillion-dollar business.
Authorities probe corruption and negligence in Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades
on November 29, 2025 at 3:32 pm
Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades has raised questions about corruption and negligence in the renovations of the apartment complex where at least 128 people died.
Tropical depression heading north into East Sea ‘unprecedented’
on November 29, 2025 at 2:29 pm
A tropical depression that formed near the equator and tracked north into the East Sea has been described by Vietnamese meteorologists as an unprecedented event in modern weather records.
Vietnamese student who once failed college exam lands $93,000 role at US government agency
on November 29, 2025 at 11:00 am
Tran Thanh Nhan Duc failed his university entrance exam, a shocking failure that set him on study mission to secure a US$93,000-a-year fellowship with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service.
Russian tourist dies after being swept out to sea off Vietnam’s Mui Ne
on November 29, 2025 at 9:49 am
A 60-year-old Russian tourist died on Saturday after being swept out to sea while swimming off Mui Ne, as storm-driven waves continued to pound Vietnam’s south-central coast.
Dozens of flights diverted in Vietnam as Storm Koto shifts course
on November 29, 2025 at 9:30 am
Dozens of flights across Vietnam were diverted overnight as Storm Koto sent dangerous winds and turbulence sweeping through the country’s southern air corridors, forcing aviation authorities to activate 24/7 storm-response protocols.
Storm Koto drives 5-meter waves into Nha Trang, Phan Thiet tourist beaches
on November 29, 2025 at 3:46 am
Waves of 4-5 m highers high have been relentlessly pounding the beaches of Nha Trang, Phan Thiet, Mui Ne, and Quy Nhon under the impact of Storm Koto, causing damage to sea embankments and bridge foundations.
Which country has a river so hot it can boil you alive?
on November 29, 2025 at 2:47 am
Deep in a rainforest lies a river so hot it can boil animals alive, a place so extreme it’s baffled scientists and inspired local legends.
Storm Koto slows and weakens off central Vietnam as new depression approaches
on November 29, 2025 at 1:53 am
Affected by a cold air mass from the north, Storm Koto has barely moved and is weakening, with forecasts predicting it will lose further strength before reaching land.
Death toll in Southeast Asia floods surpasses 300
on November 28, 2025 at 11:53 pm
Days of devastating flooding across Southeast Asia have killed more than 300 people in Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia, authorities said on Friday.
Trump calls to halt ‘Third World’ migration after National Guard soldier killed in DC attack
on November 28, 2025 at 11:08 pm
Donald Trump said Thursday he would suspend migration from what the U.S. leader called “third world countries”, a day after an Afghan national allegedly shot two National Guard soldiers in Washington, killing one.
Hanoi orders emergency measures as air pollution set to worsen in coming days
on November 28, 2025 at 11:01 pm
Hanoi is bracing for one of its worst air-pollution spells of the year, pushing the government to roll out emergency measures as stagnant winds and temperature inversion trap toxic particles over the capital and northern provinces.
Why the East Sea is seeing its busiest storm season in 30 years
on November 28, 2025 at 10:48 pm
The East Sea, known internationally as the South China Sea, is experiencing one of its most turbulent years on record, with an unusual surge of storms fueled by rare climate patterns and abnormally warm seas.
Hong Kong fire death toll rises to 128 as search teams uncover more bodies
on November 28, 2025 at 9:48 am
Hong Kong firefighters found dozens more bodies Friday during an intensive apartment-by-apartment search of a high-rise tower complex, after a massive fire engulfed seven of its eight buildings. The death toll in one of the city’s deadliest blazes is now at least 128.
by Hannah Devlin and agencies on November 30, 2025 at 4:08 pm
Ludwig Minelli, whose work had a lasting influence on Swiss law, founded the group in 1998The head of the Swiss right-to-die organisation Dignitas chose to end his life through an assisted death, the group has said.Ludwig Minelli, who founded the group in 1998, died on Saturday, just days before his 93rd birthday, Dignitas said. “Right up to the end of his life, he continued to search for further ways to help people to exercise their right to freedom of choice and self-determination in their ‘final matters’ – and he often found them.” Continue reading…
by Luke McLaughlin on November 30, 2025 at 4:08 pm
️ Updates from the season’s penultimate GP (4pm GMT)️ Sign up for The Recap | Email LukeJohn Brewin has West Ham v Liverpool here, by the way:If Norris outscores his teammate Piastri by four points, he’s the champ. Continue reading…
by John Brewin on November 30, 2025 at 4:07 pm
⚽ Isak and Gakpo score to end Reds’ run of defeats⚽ Bonds dies aged 79 | Top scorers | Scoreboard | Email JohnAndy Flintoff gets in touch: “Looking at that Liverpool line-up, the two players with squad numbers >11 could so easily be switched with Endo & Salah with not a lot of positional changes required, which would leave it with a very retro looking 1-11.”Arne Slot has been explaining his team selection to Sky Sports. Continue reading…
by Rob Smyth on November 30, 2025 at 4:05 pm
⚽ Updates from the 4.30pm GMT KO at Stamford Bridge⚽ Sign up for Football Daily | Top scorers | The RecapToday’s Premier League resultsAston Villa 1-0 WolvesCrystal Palace 1-2 Man UtdNottm Forest 0-2 BrightonWest Ham 0-2 Liverpool Continue reading…
by Zoë Phillimore on November 30, 2025 at 4:00 pm
Our experts – kids and their grownups – put these toys through their paces to reveal the presents that will kick-start their creativity and build confidence• 15 sustainable Christmas gifts for young childrenA pirate, astronaut, doctor, and a whirlwind of emotions – a five-year-old can be all of these before lunchtime. At this age, “play” isn’t just fun; it’s a crucial part of their development. This is why finding toys that can keep up with their huge imaginations – and draw them back for repeat play – is no mean feat.The best toys for five-year-olds should encourage problem-solving, social skills, creativity and confidence – while keeping them engaged. As a parent, I find that the best toys are ones they pick up time and again – toys they use almost every day in different ways. Continue reading…
by Jane Clinton (now); Yohannes Lowe and Vicky Graham (earlier) on November 30, 2025 at 3:52 pm
MP speaks to delegates in Liverpool after boycotting conference yesterdayKemi Badenoch has reiterated her calls for the chancellor to resign on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, after accusing Rachel Reeves of breaking promises not to raise taxes.In this year’s budget, Reeves froze tax thresholds for three years longer than previously planned, meaning that as wages rise more people will have to start paying income tax.The chancellor called an emergency press conference telling everyone about how terrible the state of the finances were and now we have seen that the OBR had told her the complete opposite. She was raising taxes to pay for welfare.The only thing that was unfunded was the welfare payments which she has made and she’s doing it on the backs of a lot of people out there who are working very hard and getting poorer. And because of that, I believe she should resign.The shadow chancellor, Mel Stride, has written to the FCA (the Financial Conduct Authority). Hopefully there will be an investigation, because it looks like what she was doing was trying to pitch-roll her budget – tell everyone how awful it would be and then they wouldn’t be as upset when she finally announced it – and still sneak in those tax rises to pay for welfare. That’s not how we should be running this process. Continue reading…
by Angelique Chrisafis and agencies on November 30, 2025 at 3:41 pm
Marco Rubio, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner meet Kyiv delegation, after another weekend of deadly Russian attacks in UkraineUkrainian negotiators are meeting with US officials in Florida to thrash out details of Washington’s proposed framework to end Russia’s war in Ukraine, as Kyiv faces pressure on military and political fronts.The secretary of state, Marco Rubio, the special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Donald Trump’s son-in-law, are sitting down with a Ukrainian delegation on Sunday before planned US talks this week in Moscow with Vladimir Putin. Continue reading…
by Mark Fisher on November 30, 2025 at 3:28 pm
Gaiety theatre, AyrA rosy-cheeks-and-spotty-socks kind of show full of generous laughs, Fraser Boyle’s take on Aladdin also has several original innovations and a subversive streakWho needs a flying carpet when you’ve got the bus to Maybole? The high point of Fraser Boyle’s joyful panto comes when Abanazar (Gavin Jon Wright) leaks the location of his not-so-secret lair and the rest of the cast go in pursuit. On public transport. On film. Outside broadcasting was never so funny.Not that the baddie stands much chance: having stolen the magic lamp and summoned up its four genies (in a show big on community engagement, actors outnumber the special effects), he recklessly squanders his three wishes. Happily, Wright relishes our boos as much as we do. Continue reading…
by PA Media on November 30, 2025 at 3:17 pm
O’Neill to get another game; Engels goal crucial in win Hearts’ keeper Schwolow key to 0-0 draw at MotherwellMartin O’Neill continued his resuscitation of Celtic’s season by overseeing a fourth consecutive Premiership victory, away to Hibernian, on the day it emerged his caretaker stint is set to last a while longer.The hard-fought 2-1 win, earned by first-half goals from Daizen Maeda and Arne Engels, moved the resurgent champions within two points of faltering Hearts with a game in hand. Continue reading…
by Sam Jones in Madrid on November 30, 2025 at 3:15 pm
Pressure grows on Pedro Sánchez amid series of claims involving his family, party and administrationTens of thousands of people have attended an anti-government demonstration in Madrid to demand a snap general election as the country’s socialist prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, tries to weather a series of corruption allegations involving his family, his party and his administration.Sunday’s protest, called by Spain’s conservative People’s party (PP) under the slogan, “This is it: mafia or democracy?”, was held three days after one of Sánchez’s closest erstwhile allies, the former transport minister José Luis Ábalos, was remanded in custody by a judge investigating an alleged kickbacks-for-contracts scheme. Continue reading…
by Jane Clinton on November 30, 2025 at 3:00 pm
Women of all ages, especially older ones, are actively choosing to travel alone. What’s behind the trend?UK travel companies have reported an increase in bookings for solo travellers, primarily older women, often leaving partners behind to “explore on their own terms”.Last month, the tour operator Jules Verne said solo travellers accounted for 46% of bookings for its trips departing next year, up from 40% in 2023. Just under 70% of its current solo bookings are made by women. Continue reading…
by Angelique Chrisafis and agencies on November 30, 2025 at 2:45 pm
Heavy monsoon rains across south-east Asia leave thousands of people without shelter or critical suppliesIndonesian and Thai authorities are racing to clear debris and find hundreds of missing people as they said more than 600 people had died in devastating floods and landslides across south-east Asia.Heavy monsoon rains have overwhelmed parts of Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia in recent days, leaving thousands of people stranded without shelter or critical supplies. Continue reading…
by Jonathan Wilson on November 30, 2025 at 2:38 pm
That he stayed after relegation in 1978 and lifted the FA Cup with the team still in Division Two typified his commitmentSome players embody a club but few have ever embodied their side more than Billy Bonds, who died on Sunday at the age of 79. He was not a one-club man but by the time he finally retired, at the age of 41, in 1988, he felt like one, having racked up a record 799 appearances for West Ham. Just as significantly, he had lifted the FA Cup twice as captain.There was applause at the London Stadium on Sunday as a montage was shown on the big screens. It featured a number of spectacular long-range strikes because it’s easier to show somebody scoring goals than preventing them, and still harder to somehow sum up leadership. Continue reading…
by Denis Campbell Health policy editor on November 30, 2025 at 2:36 pm
Exclusive: Long waiting times affected 386,849 patients in England during September, data analysis showsHundreds of thousands of people in England are not getting tests for killer diseases because of widespread delays that doctors fear will harm patients.A total of 386,849 people in September had been waiting more than six weeks for a diagnostic test for cancer, heart problems and other serious conditions, according to an analysis of NHS waiting time data by the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR). Continue reading…
by Agence France-Presse in Tegucigalpa on November 30, 2025 at 2:31 pm
US president favours Nasry ‘Tito’ Asfura of rightwing National party, as polls show three candidates are neck-and-neckHondurans have begun voting in an election held amid threats by Donald Trump to cut aid to the country if his preferred candidate loses.Honduras could be the next country in Latin America, after Argentina and Bolivia, to swing right after years of leftwing rule. Continue reading…
by Sarah Butler on November 30, 2025 at 2:31 pm
Sales rose to £278m in last finanical year but profit margins were hit by increasing staff and energy costsThe upmarket bakery chain Gail’s is planning 40 more outlets after sales rose by a fifth last year as it opened 36 new bakeries and sales to supermarkets increased.The cafe and retailer, which currently has 185 sites, said sales rose to £278m in the year to the end of February but that pre-tax losses widened to £7.8m, from £7.4m a year before, as costs rose and it spent millions on opening new outlets, according to accounts filed at Companies House. Continue reading…
by Ed Aarons at Selhurst Park on November 30, 2025 at 2:12 pm
Just when Ruben Amorim must have thought his luck would never turn, Manchester United managed to inflict Crystal Palace’s first home defeat in the Premier League since February and end their own five-year wait for a victory at this ground after a first half when their opponents should have been out of sight.Oliver Glasner’s side had been rampant and deservedly took the lead through Jean-Philippe Mateta’s retaken penalty but they could not make their dominance count. Having failed to score in four previous league meetings that included three defeats, like the proverbial London buses United struck back twice in nine minutes through Joshua Zirkzee – his first goal in the Premier League for almost a year – and Mason Mount to snatch the points. Continue reading…
by John Harris on November 30, 2025 at 2:02 pm
Last week’s budget left middle-income families anxious and angry. The party is turning its back on voters it can little afford to loseJust over 15 years ago, a realisation began to dawn on British politicians, triggered by the financial crash of 2008 and its effects on millions of ordinary lives.Before that rupture, they had clung to the idea that a huge chunk of the public was made up of contented consumers and property owners. Now, though, any such certainties were being shaken – something highlighted by the Labour conference speech given in 2009 by Gordon Brown, which contained two particularly eye-catching words: “When markets falter and banks fail,” he said, “it’s the jobs and the homes and the security of the squeezed middle that are hit the hardest.”John Harris is a Guardian columnist Continue reading…
by Anne Davies NSW state correspondent on November 30, 2025 at 2:01 pm
Retired UK detective believes family member was serial killer’s first unacknowledged victim, as NSW inquiry into unsolved murders calls for submissionsHugh Hughes, a retired UK detective with the Metropolitan police, has spent three decades travelling back and forth between his home in Wales and Canberra, trying to solve the murder of Keren Rowland, a cousin of his Australian wife, Andrea.Hughes is convinced that Rowland, who went missing from Canberra on 26 February 1971, was the first victim of the notorious serial killer Ivan Milat. Continue reading…
by James O’Connor on November 30, 2025 at 2:00 pm
Kiwi developers are punching well above their weight thanks to a unique government support program that offers more than just grantsThose not immersed in the world of gaming might not be familiar with Pax Australia: the enormous gaming conference and exhibition that takes over the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre every October. My favourite section is always Pax Rising, a showcase of indie video games and tabletop, the majority Australian – but there has been a recent shift that was particularly notable this year: many of the standout titles had crossed the Tasman, arriving from New Zealand.At the booth run by Code – New Zealand’s government-funded Centre for Digital Excellence – 18 Kiwi developers demoed their forthcoming games in a showcase of the vibrant local scene that was buzzing with crowds. In the comedic Headlice, I controlled a parasitic headcrab monster which could latch on to people’s brains and puppet them. How Was Your Day?, a cozy time-loop game set in New Zealand, warmed my heart with its story about a young girl searching for her missing dog. And Killing Things With Your Friends, a co-operative multiplayer action game about surviving bizarre medical trials, had me pulling off my own arm to use as a weapon against enemy hordes. Continue reading…