Keir Starmer Faces Key Staff Shake-Up Amid Battle for Leadership Direction

February 11, 2026

Keir Starmer Faces Key Staff Shake-Up Amid Battle for Leadership Direction

Three top Labour advisers quit, sparking a fierce contest to shape Keir Starmer’s leadership. New appointments could shift Labour’s focus amid calls for Whitehall reforms.

US Imposes New Sanctions on Lebanese Gold Firm Linked to Hezbollah

February 11, 2026

US Imposes New Sanctions on Lebanese Gold Firm Linked to Hezbollah

The US has sanctioned Lebanese gold company Jood SARL for helping Hezbollah turn gold into cash. This move aims to cut off Hezbollah’s funding as the group faces Israeli attacks and Lebanon’s economic crisis.

Ireland Launches Weekly Basic Income Scheme for 2,000 Artists to Boost Creativity

February 11, 2026

Ireland Launches Weekly Basic Income Scheme for 2,000 Artists to Boost Creativity

Ireland starts a new Basic Income for the Arts scheme giving 2,000 artists €325 weekly for three years. The aim is to cut artists’ financial stress and help them focus on creativity. The move follows a successful Covid trial and makes Ireland the first country to make such a scheme permanent.

Greek Air Force Officer Arrested for Spying for China, Faces Life Sentence

February 11, 2026

Greek Air Force Officer Arrested for Spying for China, Faces Life Sentence

A Greek Air Force officer, Col Christos Flessas, was arrested for leaking top secret military information to China. He admitted to sharing classified NATO documents and passing sensitive technology details after being recruited by Beijing. The case highlights China's deep spying efforts in Europe’s military.

Hong Kong Businessman Charged for Illegal Surrogacy Services Overseas

February 11, 2026

Hong Kong Businessman Charged for Illegal Surrogacy Services Overseas

Alfred Siu and Harcourt manager Lin Siu-fong charged for organizing surrogacy abroad and promoting it in Hong Kong, where surrogacy is illegal.

China Unveils Secret SDV-01 Underwater Combat Vehicle at Saudi Defence Show

February 11, 2026

China Unveils Secret SDV-01 Underwater Combat Vehicle at Saudi Defence Show

China revealed its secret SDV-01 underwater combat vehicle for the first time overseas at the Saudi Arabia defence show. The wet submersible carries frogmen for special missions, showing China’s growing strength in naval technology and its interest in Middle Eastern markets.

China Overseas Land Wins HK$1.8 Billion Bid for Ngau Tau Kok Housing Plot

February 11, 2026

China Overseas Land Wins HK$1.8 Billion Bid for Ngau Tau Kok Housing Plot

China Overseas Land & Investment beat eight rivals to secure a HK$1.8 billion (US$230 million) lease for a Hong Kong residential plot. The land is set to yield 470 flats near Kowloon Bay MTR station.

Hong Kong Scam Cases Drop 2.9% in 2025, First Fall Since 2019

February 11, 2026

Hong Kong Scam Cases Drop 2.9% in 2025, First Fall Since 2019

Hong Kong crime reports show scam cases down 2.9% in 2025, ending years of rise. Overall crimes also fell, but homicides soared due to a deadly fire.

Trump's Cheeky Dance with Statue of Liberty to Headline German Carnival

February 11, 2026

Trump's Cheeky Dance with Statue of Liberty to Headline German Carnival

At the Mainz carnival in Germany, a bold Trump figure dances with the Statue of Liberty in no trousers, sticking out his tongue. Alongside, floats feature Chancellor Friedrich Merz sinking in a boat and Markus Soeder atop sausages. These satirical figures will star on Rosenmontag, the carnival's highlight.

Paramount Boosts Offer for Warner Bros with Extra Cash to Outbid Netflix

February 11, 2026

Paramount Boosts Offer for Warner Bros with Extra Cash to Outbid Netflix

Paramount Skydance ups the ante against Netflix by offering $650 million quarterly fees if its Warner Bros deal delays past 2026. The CBS parent stays firm on its $108.4 billion offer. Netflix and Paramount both chase Warner Bros’ valuable studios and franchises in a fierce takeover battle.