Citizen News closes – Hong Kong’s media freedom under threat

Published

4 years ago

January 4, 2022

Freedom within China is gradually diminishing as independent news continues to be silenced

One of the last pro-democracy outlets, Citizen News, is closing after five years due to its concerns about the safety of its staff.

The company blamed the “deteriorating media environment” for their inability to report the truth without fear.

This comes just days after another independent media outlet, Stand News, was accused of sedition and raided by about 200 police.

Hong Kong’s Chief Secretary has backed the police action.

When Hong Kong was returned to Chinese rule in 1997, Beijing promised to maintain media freedom and the city’s way of life.

But the government has been imposing more power over the area since the National Security Law was introduced to the territory in response to mass democracy protests in 2019.

This follows the removal of sculptures and other artwork from university campuses, some memorialising the victims of Beijing’s Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989.

For years, Hong Kong has been the only place in China that has held a mass vigil to mark the 1989 event.

Big Tech earnings spark investor unease over AI spending

Investors monitor Big Tech’s AI investments, with Meta thriving while Microsoft and Tesla face uncertainty over growth and returns.

Published

1 day ago

January 30, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Investors monitor Big Tech’s AI investments, with Meta thriving while Microsoft and Tesla face uncertainty over growth and returns.

Investors are reacting sharply to Big Tech earnings this week, sending a clear signal that massive spending must translate into real growth. Markets are becoming less forgiving as companies pour billions into artificial intelligence, data centres and future tech while returns remain uncertain.

Meta has delivered a standout performance, posting a 24 percent jump in revenue for the December quarter, fuelled by AI-powered advertising. The company is doubling down on its strategy, with aggressive investment in AI and infrastructure expected to drive a further 33 percent growth this quarter.

Microsoft and Tesla tell a more cautious story. Microsoft reported only modest growth in its Azure cloud business, raising questions about its exposure to OpenAI, while Tesla plans to double spending on AI and autonomous driving. Analysts warn of a widening gap between bold AI ambitions and what investors expect in returns.

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News

Federal Reserve holds interest rates amid economic uncertainty

Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady, balancing inflation and jobs, as some governors advocate for a cut. #FederalReserve #InterestRates #Economy

Published

2 days ago

January 29, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady, balancing inflation and jobs, as some governors advocate for a cut.

The Federal Reserve has opted to keep interest rates unchanged, marking the first pause since July. Officials are showing little urgency to resume cuts, even after previous rate reductions.

Two Fed governors opposed the decision, calling for a quarter-point cut, highlighting ongoing debates within the rate-setting committee, which includes both appointed governors and regional bank presidents.

Concerns over the job market and persistent inflation continue to weigh heavily on the Fed’s policy decisions, leaving economists and investors closely watching the next moves.

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#FederalReserve #InterestRates #Economy

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Trump warns Iran as U.S. naval forces approach amid rising tensions

Trump urges Iran to resume nuclear talks or face stronger U.S. military response amid economic struggles and tensions rise.

Published

2 days ago

January 29, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Trump urges Iran to resume nuclear talks or face stronger U.S. military response amid economic struggles and rising tensions.

U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Iran to return to nuclear negotiations, warning that failure to do so could result in a far more severe military response. Posting on Truth Social, Trump signalled a hardening stance as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to rise.

Trump confirmed that a U.S. naval strike group led by the USS Abraham Lincoln is moving towards Iran, as protests grow inside the country over alleged government repression.

The show of force comes amid heightened regional instability and mounting pressure on the Iranian leadership.

#Trump #Iran #USForeignPolicy