The Australian Labor Party is considering removing the portrait of former leader Mark Latham from their caucus room due to allegations of abuse by his ex-partner Nathalie Matthews. Senior Labor minister Tanya Plibersek expressed her surprise and disappointment at Latham's continued presence on the wall, given his past behavior, including attacks on domestic violence campaigner Rosie Batty.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/labor-discusses-removing-latham-s-portrait-from-caucus-room-20250718-p5mg14.htmlHundreds of angry residents in Epping, Essex, protested against the presence of asylum seekers in their town after an Ethiopian migrant, Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, was charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old schoolgirl. The protesters, including well-dressed mothers and retired businessmen, gathered outside the Bell Hotel, where the migrant had been staying for five years, calling for its closure. Some carried Union flags and banners with slogans such as "Save Our Kids" and "Refugees welcome, stop the far-right." Police were deployed to counter the protests, which turned violent, with anti-racism protesters being pelted with objects by anti-migrant demonstrators.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14917825/Moment-police-van-hits-anti-migrant-protest-epping-essex.htmlAsian nations are racing against time to strike deals with the US before August 1, when higher tariffs will be imposed unless they offer better terms. President Donald Trump sent letters to trading partners warning of the deadline, prompting a flurry of negotiations between Washington and trade officials worldwide. Some countries have secured agreements in recent days, while others risk missing the deadline, potentially facing higher tariffs.
https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3318636/trumps-tariff-deadline-spurs-frenzy-among-asian-countries-seal-deals?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionKenya's finance minister, Mbadi, has proposed a supplementary budget of Sh18.9 billion to address the country's revenue shortfall, citing the need for continuity of public services. The move comes as Kenya faces significant funding gaps in its schools and healthcare systems. Meanwhile, opposition leaders have accused unnamed political figures of "misleading young people" during recent Gen Z protests.
https://www.the-star.co.ke/business/2025-07-18-mbadi-proposes-tough-cost-cutting-measures-at-iebc-1The Duchess of York made a stylish appearance at an event, pairing a bold look with a vibrant hot pink clutch by Furla and elegant accessories. Her look drew comparisons to Meghan Markle's iconic cape styles, including her green Emilia Wickstead dress for the 2020 Commonwealth Day Service and her ivory silk number during her Morocco tour in 2019.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1329264-sarah-ferguson-gives-meghans-caped-gown-a-2025-spinAdam Cheng Siu-chau, a Hong Kong celebrity and actor-singer, has been a prominent figure in the entertainment industry for over 50 years. He rose to fame in the 1960s as a suave leading man, starring in wuxia period dramas such as "The Greed of Man".
https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3318715/how-hong-kong-star-adam-cheng-went-tv-heartthrob-stock-market-jinx?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionChina's Commerce Minister has expressed concerns over the country's economic outlook, citing a "very severe and complex situation" in the second half of the year. Despite a 5.2% growth rate in the second quarter, retail sales fell short of expectations, indicating that efforts to boost domestic consumption have been unsuccessful.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/money/2025/07/18/pop-marts-labubu-cant-lift-chinas-economy-alone-beijing-readies-plentiful-stimulus-toolbox/184328Prince Harry is facing criticism after dominating headlines on Queen Camilla's birthday. The controversy surrounds his decision to take center stage at the event, overshadowing other royal family members. This comes as Prince Harry and his team met with King Charles' communications chief and loyal aides from both camps at a London private members' club to discuss reconciliation efforts.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1329191-princess-eugenie-returns-to-new-york-as-peace-talk-with-harry-beginsPresident Donald Trump's administration withheld over $6 billion in federal grants for various programs, including after-school and summer programs, adult literacy and English language instruction, as part of a review to align spending with White House priorities. Republican senators expressed concern that the withheld money supported "radical left-wing programs" that had bipartisan backing, citing them as critical to local communities.
https://www.khou.com/article/news/nation-world/education-department-will-release-some-frozen-grants-after-school-summer-programs/507-f9579831-a0ee-4d7b-80f2-0af08268945a