House Cleaning Prices Expected to Increase Due to Mandatory Wage Hike

Most Americans regardless of party oppose betting on election results through prediction markets such as Kalshi or Polymarket, according to a new survey. A Reuters/Ipsos poll, released Monday, found that 60 percent of respondents did not support betting on election results, as the midterm elections near. Another 13 percent said they support betting, while 24...

More than 42,000 travellers and 5,700 vehicles passed through the revamped Huanggang Port on Monday under a “smooth” first-day run of the new “joint clearance” system to cross between Hong Kong and mainland China, as officials braced for larger crowds over the coming long weekend. Early bird travellers and residents simply curious to see how the new system worked were the first to pass through the facility when it opened at 6.30am, with some calling the clearance process “light speed”. Many...

China is likely to view the latest US dealings with Russia as “transactional”, according to observers, who said Beijing was likely to wait and see what the longer-term impact would be given the possibility that Donald Trump might abruptly change course again. The US president announced that under a deal with Vladimir Putin, Russia would “immediately” supply more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel to the US and global markets. He wrote on social media that another 500,000 tonnes would follow in...

The much-anticipated opening of the revamped Huanggang Port border crossing between Hong Kong and Shenzhen on Monday was marked by excitement, eagerness and confusion. At around 8am, 1½ hours after the control point opened, many private vehicles were neatly lining up for immigration clearance. The use of new technology, a new location and a new facility meant that extra time and patience were needed. Visitors, mostly tourists and retirees travelling on foot, had a wow moment inside the modern...

US start-up OpenAI’s latest advances in artificial intelligence may be a tipping point that leads to a breakthrough for the robotics industry as soon as next year, according to the founder of Chinese giant Unitree Robotics. Wang Xingxing, also the CEO of the Hangzhou-based company, said on Monday that OpenAI’s recently released GPT-6 model prompted expectations that a breakthrough could happen “within one or two years”. “It’s possible that, say, a GPT-7 model released next year could directly...

Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) slammed President Trump’s diesel deal with Russia, a move that comes amid energy cost increases in the U.S. “70% of Americans support Ukraine. Propping up Putin’s war economy is morally wrong as he uses that money to bomb cities,” Bacon said Friday on the social platform X. “The President’s policies towards...

Trivia buffs, test your knowledge with today’s interactive superquiz.

Keshav Maharaj claims the fingertips catch to dismiss Matt Renshaw.

More than 120 robots, including humanoid machines designed for factory work and elderly care, will be showcased at two major Hong Kong electronics fairs, as mainland Chinese manufacturers seek to expand the commercial applications of AI and tap overseas markets. The Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition) and electronicAsia will open on Tuesday at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai, bringing together more than 3,200 exhibitors from 15 countries and regions for four...

October, when autumn colors grow richer, is an ideal time to slow down and take in the seasonal scenery on foot. With every step, the changing hues of autumn leaves, the breeze, ancient trees and forest paths offer a chance to escape the daily routine and fully immerse oneself in the spirit of the season. To mark the arrival of October, South Gyeongsang Province and the Gyeongnam Tourism Foundation have recommended four destinations under the theme “Autumn Foliage Tours on Foot,” where visitors can experience the beauty of fall up close. The routes each offer a distinct appeal, from the ridgelines of Mount Jiri and urban walking trails to historic paths shaded by ancient trees and scenic valley trails. As autumn deepens, the area around Odojae Pass in Hamyang is blanketed in red and yellow foliage, creating a striking contrast with the majestic ridgelines of Mount Jiri. Jiri Mountain Observatory Park offers sweeping views of the mountain range, while visitors can savor the autumn atmosphere on a leisurely walk along the path leading to Jiri Mountain Jeilmun Gate. One of the area's

Maru and Marong, twin red pandas born at Seoul Grand Park in the first successful breeding of the species in Korea, will make their public debut on Oct. 14. The park said Wednesday that the cubs, born on June 19, have grown healthily and recently begun exploring outside their den. It decided to introduce them to the public earlier than originally planned. The twins are the first red pandas to be born through successful breeding in Korea. Their mother, Rian, arrived from Tama Zoological Park in Japan in 2023, while their father, Ravi, came from the Calgary Zoo in Canada the same year. The cubs were named through a public contest on social media. The female was named Marong and the male Maru. Marong's name evokes a chestnut that is full and abundant, symbolizing the hope that she will grow into a bright-natured animal that embraces the world with warmth and generosity. Maru's name expresses the wish that he will be a precious and outstanding presence who brings comfort and love to many people. The cubs are learning various behaviors by following Rian, including walking, climbing trees and

An estimated 45,000 ethnic Koreans born and raised in South Korea have changed their faith to Islam. Among them is Yusuf, an ethnic Korean in his 30s who converted to Islam in 2014. “Most of the men do it to find wives," Yusuf said. Disillusioned with Korea's competitive dating culture, especially in Seoul, many of the men seeking out Islam are also seeking a return to what Yusuf described as a simpler path to marriage. At Seoul Central Masjid in Itaewon, between five and 25 new converts arrive every month for the training course in basic Islamic tenets. Students may choose to recite the Shahada — the Muslim declaration of faith and the first of the five pillars of the religion — and officially convert to Islam at the end. Most of them are men. Female converts, while not explicitly motivated by marriage, also cited “simplicity” when asked about why they became Muslim. Two interviewees said they found the basic premise of Islam — one God — appealing. Areum, a Korean follower in her 30s, said Islam’s respect for elders also aligned well with her native Korean culture, makin