10 11 月, 2020

Morning Briefing: Top stories from The Straits Times on Nov 10

Good morning! Here are our top stories to kick-start your Tuesday, Nov 10. Up to 100 patrons allowed at clubs under S'pore nightlife pilot; karaoke joints open to groups of up to 5 Patrons must show proof of having taken a Covid-19 test in the last 24 hours before they can enter. READ MORE HERE Biden announces 13-member Covid-19 task force, urges Americans to wear masks as cases soar "A mask is not a political statement,” said Mr Biden. READ MORE HERE Biden's memorable visit to S'pore in 2013 included surprise stop at hawker centre He drank $3 lime juice at the hawker centre and stopped to chat with diners. READ MORE HERE More on this topic Related Story ST newsletters: Get alerts on the latest news Republican Senator McConnell says Trump within his rights to probe US election 'irregularities' McConnell did not acknowledge Biden as president-elect or Harris as vice president-elect. READ MORE HERE Why Pfizer's ultra-cold Covid-19 vaccine will not be at the local pharmacy any time soon The vaccine needs to be kept at minus 70 deg C or below, posing logistical and storage challenges. READ MORE HERE TraceTogether check-in at venues is better, (cyber) safer New system is more effective for contact tracing and provides better cyber hygiene. READ MORE HERE Covid-19 safe distancing measures at 10 markets eased in November Shopper access is no longer controlled and interim fencing has been removed. READ MORE HERE Man sexually abused girlfriend's two underage daughters, assaulted one during 'blindfold game' Both suffered in silence as they were violated by the man they had accepted as their father. READ MORE HERE Generation Grit: Losing his parents to cancer during Covid-19 pandemic, he finds purpose in music In a span of five months, Luo Tianze lost both his parents to cancer. READ MORE HERE Suite Life: Chic hotels for under $100 Staycations in many Singapore hotels cost a pretty penny, but it is possible to get cheap and chic digs. READ MORE HERE

9 11 月, 2020

Morning Briefing: Top stories from The Straits Times on Nov 9

Good morning! Here are our top stories to kick-start your Monday, Nov 9. Asia expects Biden to stress diplomacy China’s leadership remains conspicuously silent as other governments express hopes for closer relations. READ MORE HERE Keep cycle of good governance and stability going: PM Lee Hsien Loong This virtuous circle must not be broken even as PAP adapts to country's changing politics, he said at the party conference. READ MORE HERE PAP conference: Reminder of need for party to change amid reassurance of continuity The speeches on Sunday were a tacit acknowledgement by the party leadership that form matters in addition to function, says senior political correspondent Grace Ho. READ MORE HERE Five reasons why Biden won and Trump lost The Trump administration's handling of the Covid-19 pandemic is one key factor in the outcome of the US election. READ MORE HERE What a Biden win means for the financial markets While the Biden victory will see a shift in priorities and trigger a market scramble towards specific sectors, stocks and investments, the new administration will not have it easy, says associate editor Ven Sreenivasan. READ MORE HERE A*Star researchers simulate how droplets fly when a Covid-19 person coughs without a mask With the ability to simulate this, they are working with public agencies to plan group size limits and safe management measures. READ MORE HERE Men lose wives to alleged religious sect leader's deviant teachings Several men who once followed his teachings blame him for causing their marriages to end. They say he took the women as his spiritual wives. READ MORE HERE Orchard Road will retain its vibrancy even without Robinsons, say experts, retailers The vibrancy of the shopping belt is "not dependent on one stakeholder alone", said SRA executive director Rose Tong. READ MORE HERE 22 visitors from China arrived in Singapore on first day border restrictions lifted, says ICA All tested negative for Covid-19 on arriving here, said the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore. READ MORE HERE Fun in the hood: Best outdoor playgrounds to explore in the heartland Stretch your school holiday budget with these free child-friendly spots. READ MORE HERE More on this topic Related Story ST newsletters: Get alerts on the latest news

7 11 月, 2020

Morning Briefing: Top stories from The Straits Times on Nov 7

Good morning! Here are our top stories to kick-start your Saturday, Nov 7. Biden close to US election victory as Trump presses on with legal bids; Georgia recount likely Biden's lead in Pennsylvania, with its 20 electoral votes, is expected to grow as mail-in ballots come in. READ MORE HERE Some S'pore night spots under pilot to reopen by December This comes about nine months into the closure of nightlife venues. READ MORE HERE The Disunited States: The widening gap that faces the winner of the US election It would take an extremely optimistic voter to believe that any sort of reconciliation is possible. READ MORE HERE More on this topic Related Story ST newsletters: Get alerts on the latest news State of play: A look at the key battleground US states The states are Pennsylvania, Georgia, Arizona and Nevada. READ MORE HERE Ah Ma, are you on WhatsApp? Rapid digitalisation may be leaving some vulnerable groups behind The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of techn in some areas but may have also widened the digital divide. READ MORE HERE Passengers board first cruise to nowhere out of Singapore These round-trip cruises, without ports of call, are taking place under a pilot STB programme. READ MORE HERE More than 5,000 Changi Airport T3 staff test negative for Covid-19 They were swabbed after two staff there tested positive for the virus in October. READ MORE HERE Some workers who have recovered from Covid-19 exempted from routine testing To date, no cases of Covid-19 re-infection have been recorded in Singapore. READ MORE HERE People's Action Party to elect top party leadership on Sunday ST understands that the party will highlight the same seven names as two years ago. READ MORE HERE Johnny Depp out of Fantastic Beasts movie franchise after losing 'wife beater' case Depp said in an Instagram post that studio bosses had asked him to leave. READ MORE HERE

6 11 月, 2020

Morning Briefing: Top stories from The Straits Times on Nov 6

Good morning! Here are our top stories to kick-start your Friday, Nov 6. US election: Biden urges patience, Trump mounts legal bids as White House race narrows Biden is 6 electoral votes away from the minimum of 270 needed to win. READ MORE HERE MOM won't take further action against Liew Mun Leong's family over illegal deployment of Parti Liyani MOM had initiated a review of the case and conducted further investigations. READ MORE HERE Trump campaign loses legal fights in Georgia and Michigan, vows Nevada lawsuit One judge said there was “no evidence” that ballots were invalid. READ MORE HERE More on this topic Related Story ST newsletters: Get alerts on the latest news Trump, Biden supporters stage protests across US, as vote tally trickles in Ballot counting drags on in a handful of states that will decide the election. READ MORE HERE US presidential election: The pandemic may have the last laugh The coronavirus crashed Trump’s booming economy and drove a surge in mail-in ballots. READ MORE HERE HSBC sues Lim family, saying they 'fraudulently deceived' bank into lending US$111.7 million to Hin Leong It's the first bank to take legal action against oil tycoon Lim Oon Kuin to recover its losses. READ MORE HERE Onsite Covid-19 facility will test 1,700 passengers on first cruise from Marina Bay The testing facility is designed to clear 125 passengers every 30 minutes. READ MORE HERE Malaysia says total lockdown 'unnecessary' despite coronavirus cases tripling since early October Government says it has learnt to curb the pandemic using targeted measures. READ MORE HERE Almost 50% rise in reports of hazards, near misses and unsafe practices in SAF: Mindef These reports were made through avenues such as a safety hotline or through the chain of command to superiors. READ MORE HERE Two court trials and a Parliament debate on Parti Liyani case: Justice in an imperfect world Many will continue to ask if justice was served in the high-profile case. READ MORE HERE

4 11 月, 2020

Morning Briefing: Top stories from The Straits Times on Nov 4

US election: Trump, Biden project confidence as first polls close Both Trump and Biden said there were good signs for their campaigns in the toss-up state of Florida. READ MORE HERE Shanghai, Hong Kong suspend US$37b listing of Jack Ma's Ant Group The dramatic move came just two days before what was set to be the world’s largest-ever stock market debut. READ MORE HERE The stakes could not be higher in US election - for America, and for Democracy For either candidate, in the fight of their lives, conceding defeat is out of the question. READ MORE HERE More on this topic Related Story ST newsletters: Get alerts on the latest news US presidential polls: What time results are expected and which states to watch The election will come down to a few crucial states that could swing either way. READ MORE HERE 172 cases of sexual misconduct handled by unis, polys and ITE over past five years The figure translates into an incidence rate of 0.12 for every 1,000 staff and students. READ MORE HERE Civil servants, public healthcare workers get more time to clear annual leave, can cash in unused part Civil servants can carry forward half of 2019's annual leave into 2021, if they have not used it by the end of 2020. READ MORE HERE Changes to law enable small businesses to renegotiate contracts, or end them early, without penalty The framework covers small and micro businesses with a prescribed annual revenue cap. READ MORE HERE SMRT made right calls on evacuation of passengers on Oct 14: Ong Ye Kung Mr Ong said detrainment is carried out only as a "last resort". READ MORE HERE Veteran gynaecologist who separated Siamese twins in 1961 in Singapore dies Dr Yvonne Marjorie Salmon served for 44 years at the old Kandang Kerbau Hospital. READ MORE HERE Cycling injuries up in Singapore as more people get on bicycles during Covid-19 pandemic Many of these injuries result from falls or collisions. READ MORE HERE

1 11 月, 2020

Morning Briefing: Top stories from The Straits Times on Nov 1

Good morning! Here are our top stories to kick-start your Sunday, Nov 1. Lunch With Sumiko: 2020 feels like a lifetime for Lawrence Wong Thrust into the spotlight as co-chair of the government task force on Covid-19, Lawrence Wong has come into his own. Executive Editor Sumiko Tan sits down with the Education Minister, whom some pundits think could well be a contender for prime minister one day. READ MORE HERE Sex and consent on campus: S'pore universities still grappling with sexual misconduct incidents More than a year after the Monica Baey voyeurism saga, Singapore universities are still grappling with incidents of sexual misconduct. What has been done to address the problem? READ MORE HERE Long, harsh winter for S'porean students in US and Europe as Covid-19 cases spike They say other students on campus are blase about adopting safeguards. READ MORE HERE More on this topic Related Story ST newsletters: Get alerts on the latest news 'Stay at home': UK PM Johnson imposes new national lockdown as Covid-19 cases top 1 million The lockdown is set to begin on Nov 5 and last until Dec 2. READ MORE HERE GuessWhereSG: Explore remote spots around Singapore Venture out with The Sunday Times Picture Desk photojournalists, as they explore remote spots around the island. READ MORE HERE Home-grown icon Robinsons brought 'retail magic' to the Singapore scene The Robinsons retail experience was in an entirely different league. READ MORE HERE The Straits Times Singaporean of the Year 2020: Nominees with extraordinary contributions The first 3 nominees have a can-do attitude and a boundless desire to help anyone in need. READ MORE HERE Sean Connery: The actor who made Bond, Bond, then became a sought-after senior actor His physical presence helped make the Bond movies a hit. READ MORE HERE She started a coffee business to help the vulnerable and make the world better a better place Pamela Chng is the founder of Bettr Barista, a coffee business which champions socially responsible practices. READ MORE HERE 4 things landlords in Singapore should look out for in a Covid-19 market Make sure you do checks and are insured before you rent out properties. READ MORE HERE

31 10 月, 2020

Morning Briefing: Top stories from The Straits Times on Oct 31

Good morning! Here are our top stories to kick-start your Saturday, Oct 31. Shoppers flock to Robinsons outlets after it announces store closures Some were "totally stunned" when told that Robinsons was in provisional liquidation. READ MORE HERE Robinsons' closure: Department stores struggle to find relevance with today's shoppers The demise of one of S'pore's oldest and best-loved department stores marks the end of an era. READ MORE HERE Personal data of 1.1 million RedMart user accounts stolen in Lazada breach and put up for sale Names, phone numbers, e-mail, mailing addresses, encrypted passwords and partial credit card numbers were stolen. READ MORE HERE More on this topic Related Story ST newsletters: Get alerts on the latest news Couples separated by Covid-19 border controls reunite after 9 months Singaporeans and permanent residents who are in relationships with foreign partners are finally being reunited. READ MORE HERE Foreign policy continuity if Trump wins, return to mainstream diplomacy if Biden succeeds Whether the US and China can cooperate on global challenges is an unanswered question. READ MORE HERE Make haste, but slowly, as Singapore moves ahead into phase 3 Having endured months of restrictions, everyone wants to move on, but a nasty, crafty bug stands ready to pounce. READ MORE HERE Relax Covid-19 curbs or open borders in S'pore's phase 3, but not both Every easing of measures increases risks, and doing too much too soon could result in a second-wave outbreak. READ MORE HERE The Great Singapore Drive: A 200km road trip around the island The Covid-19 pandemic may have put the brakes on road trips north, but a drive around the island can be equally satisfying. READ MORE HERE Grab sets age limit of 10 years for private-hire cars Ride-hailing passengers using the Grab platform will no longer travel in old cars by July 2022. READ MORE HERE Make room for a classic statement chair More are splashing out on statement pieces for their home that can cost up to a few thousand dollars. READ MORE HERE

30 10 月, 2020

Morning Briefing: Top stories from The Straits Times on Oct 30

Routine testing, PPE for some Changi Airport staff to avoid Covid-19 transmission Staff at the airport will be put on a rostered routine testing similar to other frontline workers and migrant workers. READ MORE HERE S'pore-HK air travel bubble important test for leisure travel: Ong Ye Kung It will determine if similar arrangements for leisure travel can be made with other governments. READ MORE HERE France raises security alert to highest level after knifeman kills 3 in church The suspect is a Tunisian man who had arrived in Europe on Sept 20. READ MORE HERE More on this topic Related Story ST newsletters: Get alerts on the latest news ST revamp: Staying trusted, timely and true Expect a richer experience as ST launches new print and digital offerings. READ MORE HERE From 1845 to 2020: Singapore and the world through ST headlines 175 years, over 47,000 headlines. Explore ST front-page headlines and the biggest news of the day. READ MORE HERE Umno calls for polls in Malaysia once pandemic under control Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi called on existing Umno Cabinet members “to remain in government”. READ MORE HERE Global coronavirus cases rise by single-day record of half a million The global tally stands at 44.7 million cases and about 1.17 million deaths. READ MORE HERE 8 from Indonesian family volunteer to try experimental Covid-19 vaccine despite risks The call for Indonesian volunteers to test a potential vaccine against Covid-19 was sounded in July. READ MORE HERE Distribute TraceTogether tokens first, mandate its use at venues later Those who need a token should have been given a chance to collect one before it was made mandatory, says tech editor Irene Tham. READ MORE HERE Late-stage Covid-19 vaccine trial could start in S'pore before end-2020 The clinical trial process, which involves testing an experimental drug or vaccine on people, typically has three phases. READ MORE HERE

28 10 月, 2020

Morning Briefing: Top stories from The Straits Times on Oct 28

Good morning! Here are our top stories to kick-start your Wednesday, Oct 28. S'pore strengthens status as global logistics hub amid Covid-19 crisis The sector weathers supply chain disruption and is expected to grow, create more quality jobs for Singaporeans, Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing said. READ MORE HERE Travellers from more countries allowed to serve stay-home notices at own place of residence These countries include Finland, Japan, Norway, South Korea and Thailand. READ MORE HERE TraceTogether tokens to be distributed one constituency at a time from Oct 29 This is to prevent long queues from forming at certain community centres. READ MORE HERE More on this topic Related Story ST newsletters: Get alerts on the latest news The double whammy of Covid-19 and automation Covid-19 is already inducing a global recession. At the same time, it has also accelerated companies' plans to automate work processes, which could lead to more job losses, says associate editor Vikram Khanna. READ MORE HERE Father overwhelmed by support from public for 8-year-old in coma after Woodlands crash "My phone has been ringing non-stop with people checking how they can help," said Mr Eric Tan. READ MORE HERE Anwar Ibrahim risks losing reform credentials in bid to become Malaysia's PM Pundits say Anwar's reformist credentials dented by revelation he would team up with Najib Razak, who has been convicted of graft. READ MORE HERE PAP town councils hand over management of HDB estates in Sengkang GRC to Workers' Party The new WP Sengkang Town Council assumes management, maintenance duties from 2 PAP town councils. READ MORE HERE Interactive: How the US elects its president Millions of Americans will cast their ballots on Nov 3. Here’s a guide to the complex system the United States uses to pick a president. READ MORE HERE Three local game studios team up for crossover to bring joy to Singaporeans The studios are hoping to unite Singaporeans and uplift their spirits through gaming in these trying times. READ MORE HERE Inspiring teacher of English who once failed in the subject in primary school Mr Ignatius Lim was one of seven teachers awarded the Inspiring Teacher of English award. READ MORE HERE

26 10 月, 2020

Morning Briefing: Top stories from The Straits Times on Oct 26

Good morning! Here are our top stories to kick-start your Monday, Oct 26. Malaysia's King rejects emergency plan, PM Muhyiddin to discuss decision with Cabinet The King believes the government under Muhyiddin can continue implementing policies to tackle Covid-19. READ MORE HERE Use of 2 flu vaccines should stop temporarily after deaths in S. Korea: MOH The two vaccines are SKYCellflu Quadrivalent and VaxigripTetra. READ MORE HERE Malaysia's PM Muhyiddin loses emergency bid but wins royal endorsement The King may have rejected his request to declare an emergency but Muhyiddin has not come out empty-handed. READ MORE HERE Malaysia's King rejects state of emergency plan: What's next? Muhyiddin's leadership faces the prospect of defeat when Parliament reconvenes on Nov 2. READ MORE HERE Malaysians hail King's decision not to declare state of emergency #Daulat Tuanku, or long live the King, was trending on Twitter following the royal proclamation. READ MORE HERE WHO reports third straight daily record in coronavirus cases The WHO's complete figures for Saturday showed that 465,319 cases were confirmed. READ MORE HERE Shrinking base of white blue-collar voters makes it harder for Trump Demographic shifts across the US have changed the composition of the electorate. READ MORE HERE Collect TraceTogether tokens at nearest CC, no rush necessary: Vivian Balakrishnan They will be available at all 108 community centres by the end of next month. READ MORE HERE He can walk unaided again With family support, stroke survivor overcame negativity and underwent regular therapy. READ MORE HERE Bringing Singapore to foreigners through virtual tours and experiences amid Covid-19 Tour guides and operators hope this will eventually bring visitors here after the pandemic situation subsides. READ MORE HERE

25 10 月, 2020

Morning Briefing: Top stories from The Straits Times on Oct 25

Good morning! Here are our top stories to kick-start your Sunday, Oct 25. Malaysia’s King calls for calm ahead of meeting with other royals to discuss emergency move Today's informal session will discuss Malaysia PM Muhyiddin's proposal of emergency measures. READ MORE HERE Over 400,000 TraceTogether tokens collected; 50% participation in digital contact tracing Singapore requires three-quarters of population to participate in digital contact tracing as it prepares for phase 3. READ MORE HERE Workplace convenience, saving phone battery power among reasons for rush for TraceTogether tokens Checking in with the TraceTogether app or token will be mandatory by end-December at all popular venues. READ MORE HERE More on this topic Related Story ST newsletters: Get alerts on the latest news Ex-NUS professor accused of sexual misconduct apologises, files police report Dr Jeremy Fernando said he has filed a police report on a related aspect of the situation. READ MORE HERE More cycling lanes? Learn from PMD experience While more on-road bike lanes are welcome, a lot more effort must go into clarifying rules, public education and promoting good road-usage habits, says associate editor Chua Mui Hoong. READ MORE HERE Sultan of Brunei's son, Prince Azim, dies at 38 The cause of his death was not stated. READ MORE HERE Two workers at Changi T3 among 14 new Covid-19 cases; T3 workers will be tested One is a security officer at T3 and the other is a screener and swab assistant at Raffles Medical. READ MORE HERE New eateries and overseas brands sprout up, including in the CBD Business is picking up with more workers going back to the office. READ MORE HERE The cost of taking care of parents How much is the cost of filial piety in Singapore? READ MORE HERE Pairing unsold food with buyers Mr Lau Jia Cai has some fascinating stories about food wastage. READ MORE HERE

24 10 月, 2020

Morning Briefing: Top stories from The Straits Times on Oct 24

Good morning! Here are our top stories to kick-start your Saturday, Oct 24. Malaysia's palace weighs request to declare emergency as PM Muhyiddin treads unprecedented path A declaration of emergency would allow the government to enact laws and approve expenditure without a parliamentary vote. READ MORE HERE Anwar slams PM Muhyiddin's emergency plan as means to cling to power Mr Anwar said the government was using the Covid-19 crisis as an excuse to justify its abuse of power. READ MORE HERE Firing of NUS don: Delay in reporting to police is out of concern for victims, says Tommy Koh The university will delay making a police report if doing so might cause the victim to self-harm, said college rector. READ MORE HERE Fears mount as South Korea probes cause behind 36 people's deaths after flu vaccination Investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the deaths. READ MORE HERE Final US presidential debate more focused, but unlikely to shift public opinion Much of the debate ended up in reasonably robust but polite and inconclusive circular arguments. READ MORE HERE 'It is terrifying': Europe braces for lengthy battle with Covid-19 France became the second EU nation to report more than 1 million virus cases on Friday. READ MORE HERE US faces half a million Covid-19 deaths by end-February, study finds Estimates from the study also indicate around 130,000 of those lives could be saved if masks were worn. READ MORE HERE S'poreans least worried among S-E Asians about getting Covid-19, but less secure about jobs: Poll Only 27% of Singapore residents are expecting the economy to improve in the next six months. READ MORE HERE Golf ball hits woman walking on new Jurassic Mile track leading to airport CAG is looking at introducing precautionary measures along its Changi Airport Connector track. READ MORE HERE Death of girl who was riding fixed-gear bicycle before fall a misadventure: Coroner's inquiry The State Coroner said there is an ongoing review of the use of fixed-gear bicycles. READ MORE HERE

22 10 月, 2020

Morning Briefing: Top stories from The Straits Times on Oct 22

Thai PM Prayut preparing to lift emergency measures in Bangkok The emergency measures had prompted demonstrations by tens of thousands of people. READ MORE HERE NUS files police report against former Tembusu College don for sexual misconduct NUS said it made the report because of the seriousness of the allegations, and has advised the victims to do the same. READ MORE HERE Revisiting the progressive v minimum wage debate The new figure of 32,000 on under $1,300 is a call to action. READ MORE HERE More on this topic Related Story ST newsletters: Get alerts on the latest news Countdown to US presidential vote: Biden maintains grip in opinion polls Mr Biden has maintained his lead over Mr Trump, including in most battleground states. READ MORE HERE Obama rips Trump’s record in 2020 campaign trail debut “He hasn’t shown any interest in doing the work or helping anybody but himself,” Mr Obama said of Mr Trump. READ MORE HERE Pope Francis says homosexuals should be covered by civil union laws He made his comments in a new documentary Francesco by Oscar-nominated director Evgeny Afineevsky. READ MORE HERE S'pore nightlife businesses struggle with no end in sight amid Covid-19 Things are getting dire for some nightlife operators, with no certainty on when they can reopen. READ MORE HERE Jack Ma's Ant Group to launch $48b IPO after final nod from China regulator The fintech group aims to split the share offering evenly between Hong Kong and Shanghai. READ MORE HERE Cousin of Mustafa Centre boss seeks one-third stake in business He said his father came home crying "like a baby", after making a will stating that he held a 15.12 per cent stake in the company. READ MORE HERE Tech review: Should I get the iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 Pro? The new Apple phone will be available on Friday. READ MORE HERE

21 10 月, 2020

Morning Briefing: Top stories from The Straits Times on Oct 21

TraceTogether check-ins to be compulsory at malls, restaurants by December Checking in with the TraceTogether app or token will be mandatory at other popular public venues, like workplaces and schools, too. READ MORE HERE Task force spells out steps for S'pore to get to phase 3 by end-2020 Testing and contact tracing to be stepped up; gatherings of up to 8 may be allowed in phase 3. READ MORE HERE Covid-19 vaccination in S'pore likely to be rolled out from 2021 Those who are more vulnerable to the coronavirus may get priority. READ MORE HERE More on this topic Related Story ST newsletters: Get alerts on the latest news Resuscitating Singapore's economy Ten months into the Covid-19 pandemic, Singapore's economy remains depressed. The Government has adopted extraordinary measures to deal with the crisis, and they have helped. But more may be needed, both to cushion the pain and to hasten the recovery. READ MORE HERE Primary, secondary school students may be taught 'dangers of loot boxes' in games Experts are concerned that loot boxes pose a danger due to their similarities with gambling mechanisms. READ MORE HERE Sacked NUS don had openly discussed teacher-student relationships In a paper, he wrote that "insemination" can be a part of teaching and could open up students and teachers to possibilities. READ MORE HERE Time for Hyflux's company-led restructuring to end? The distressed water treatment firm has been living on borrowed time since it filed for bankruptcy protection in May 2018. READ MORE HERE Umno chief Zahid on defensive over support for Anwar He is facing backlash from leaders within Umno as well as its allies in Malaysia's PN government. READ MORE HERE Man who brought S'pore dessert brand Tiramisu Hero to Japan charged with tax evasion Shigeo Hosoya had allegedly under-declared S$2.98 million in personal income from 2016 to 2018. READ MORE HERE Melania Trump cancels rare campaign appearance due to 'cough' The First Lady's appearance with US President Donald Trump in Erie, Pennsylvania, was to have been her first at a campaign rally in more than a year. READ MORE HERE

19 10 月, 2020

Morning Briefing: Top stories from The Straits Times on Oct 19

Good morning! Here are our top stories to kick-start your Monday, Oct 19. Only 3 community care facilities remain in S'pore - with 36 Covid-19 patients The only facilities operating are at D'Resort NTUC, Singapore Expo and Big Box. READ MORE HERE NUS sacks Tembusu College don accused of sexual misconduct Configure The university conducted an internal probe after it received two complaints against Dr Jeremy Fernando. READ MORE HERE Union leaders unhappy with Workers' Party MP Jamus Lim's remarks on minimum wage Related Story ST newsletters: Get alerts on the latest news They especially took issue with his choice of words in characterising their views as "folksy wisdom and beliefs". READ MORE HERE Umno set for showdown talks as Malaysian PM Muhyiddin teeters on the brink Key meetings at the start of this week could determine whether Muhyiddin Yassin remains in power. READ MORE HERE 15 days to US elections: Hint of tide turning against Trump in Florida One key driver is the US President's handling of the coronavirus pandemic. READ MORE HERE Batam prepares to welcome essential travellers from Singapore Applications for reciprocal green lane will begin on Oct 26, and travel will start soon after. READ MORE HERE France to expel 231 suspected extremists after attack on teacher: Source 180 people are currently in prison and 51 were due to be arrested in the next hours. READ MORE HERE More people overeating or binge eating to cope with greater stress during pandemic Binge eating provides a temporary escape but may leave you feeling trapped and depressed. READ MORE HERE Children who are weak in mother tongue get a leg-up A new support programme weaves more activities and games into lessons in small group sessions. READ MORE HERE Caregivers need to seek support to avoid burnout: Experts Frustration or guilt may lead a caregiver to harm a person with mental health issues or become suicidal. READ MORE HERE

18 10 月, 2020

Morning Briefing: Top stories from The Straits Times on Oct 18

Good morning! Here are our top stories to kick-start your Sunday, Oct 18. Firms in S'pore told to be responsible, sensitive if retrenching staff Employers must ensure objective criteria and lean towards retaining a Singaporean core, said a tripartite advisory. READ MORE HERE Billionaire inventor James Dyson pulls plug on electric car but setback puts him on new roads Mr Dyson said Singapore remains central to his plans and he has no regrets over attempting to build an electric car. READ MORE HERE Flight to safety: How regional airlines are trying to stay aloft amid Covid-19 pandemic Asia-Pacific airlines' losses will be larger compared with other regions, said Iata. READ MORE HERE More on this topic Related Story ST newsletters: Get alerts on the latest news Malaysia's Umno denies supporting Anwar and DAP Umno leaders say they hold to the existing stance of strengthening BN and pact with PAS. READ MORE HERE Global coronavirus cases rise by one-day record of 400,000 Europe is reporting more daily cases than India, Brazil and the United States combined. READ MORE HERE SIA's been 'good to me': S'poreans snap up dining offers to support airline, enjoy experience Those who secured a seat or meal said the experience is "worth paying for". READ MORE HERE Sparse crowds at Sentosa beaches on first day with online booking requirement The waiting time for visitors who turned up without booking a slot varied from five minutes to almost two hours. READ MORE HERE Football: Not all quiet as S'pore Premier League returns to empty stadiums Fans gathered at vantage spots at Our Tampines Hub to catch Tampines in action against Hougang. READ MORE HERE Unlinked migrant worker is Singapore's sole community Covid-19 case MOH said that his serological test result has come back positive, indicating a past infection. READ MORE HERE S'pore-based social enterprise delivers affordable healthcare to the poor Founder of Reach52 says it is a social injustice that many people do not have access to it. READ MORE HERE

17 10 月, 2020

Morning Briefing: Top stories from The Straits Times on Oct 17

Good morning! Here are our top stories to kick-start your Saturday, Oct 17. Active Covid-19 cases fall below 100 for the first time in Singapore since March 12 30 patients remain in hospital while 59 are recuperating in community facilities. READ MORE HERE Temporary wage cuts: Enduring short-term pain to protect long-term jobs The NWC recommends that employers could cut wages temporarily to minimise retrenchments. READ MORE HERE Thai police pushback against protesters could harden positions Analysts say the Friday crackdown may narrow chances of a political resolution. READ MORE HERE More on this topic Related Story ST newsletters: Get alerts on the latest news Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn says people should love country and monarchy The King's comments were aired as protesters gathered in Bangkok for a third straight day. READ MORE HERE Polls open as New Zealanders decide PM Jacinda Ardern's fate in 'Covid election' Pre-election opinion polls put support for Ms Ardern's party at 46 per cent. READ MORE HERE Singapore and Hong Kong's travel bubble: How Covid-19 rules differ between the cities In Hong Kong, masks do not have to be worn in outdoor public places. READ MORE HERE Covid-19 vaccine trials in Singapore expedited with use of real-time data There is currently only one Covid-19 vaccine candidate being tested in Singapore. READ MORE HERE 450,000 contact-tracing devices to be given to workers in dorms, selected industries They will be given to employers in the construction, marine shipyard and process sectors. READ MORE HERE Orchard Towers murder: AGC asks police to probe netizens over comments linking race to sentencing The AGC refuted claims that the courts impose sentences based on the race of offenders. READ MORE HERE FairPrice apologises after bat seen eating bananas outside Jurong East outlet NTUC has contacted the authorities to look into why there are bats in the area. READ MORE HERE

15 10 月, 2020

Morning Briefing: Top stories from The Straits Times on Oct 15

Good morning! Here are our top stories to kick-start your Thursday, Oct 15. Train services restored on 3 MRT lines after power fault disruption The engineering team will work through the night to rectify the problem, said Ong Ye Kung. READ MORE HERE MRT power fault: I was stuck on train for 3 hours, says commuter Most commuters remained calm and informed family members about the delays. READ MORE HERE Mass air travel's return at least two years away: Ong Ye Kung Singapore will need to review its plans for Changi's Terminal 5, he said. READ MORE HERE More on this topic Related Story ST newsletters: Get alerts on the latest news Macron orders curfew in 9 cities to curb Covid-19 spread A third of France’s population will be put under nightly curfew. READ MORE HERE 2 schoolchildren among 5 new confirmed Covid-19 cases Both patients had last been at their respective schools on Oct 2. READ MORE HERE Mediacorp's former Caldecott Hill home put up for sale The sale, via a public tender exercise, will close on Dec 9. READ MORE HERE 'Right to Disconnect' law guarantees workers protected time to rest, says labour MP Melvin Yong Critics of his proposal have questioned the feasibility of having such a law for essential service workers. READ MORE HERE Umno president Zahid emerges as unlikely kingmaker in Anwar's bid to be PM He heads the most powerful faction in deeply divided Umno. READ MORE HERE Trump, Biden to hold rival TV town halls instead of debate The two were originally meant to meet for their second debate on Thursday evening. READ MORE HERE Melania Trump says son Barron had Covid-19 but is negative now Mrs Trump has also tested negative for the virus since. READ MORE HERE