News

Hong Kongers mourn the loss of Queen Elizabeth and their democracy

Published

3 years ago

September 15, 2022

William Howard

Hong Kongers mourn the loss of Queen Elizabeth and the impending destruction of their democracy

Hong Kong residents are continuing to line up for hours to pay their respects to the late monarch, Queen Elizabeth II.

Mourners sheltered under umbrellas at the British consulate as “God Save the Queen” played softly on a phone.

This gathering is reportedly the biggest display of public support for Her Majesty outside of the United Kingdom.

It’s a stark contrast to reactions seen in most other former British colonies.

The long queues come as Beijing continues to tighten its grip on the city.

In 1842, Hong Kong became a British colony. China was overcome by political instability and distracted by a cultural revolution.

After Britain gave back control in 1997, China made a promise to maintain the city’s civil liberties for at least 50 years.

But the government’s recent crackdown on protests and new national security law seem to paint a different picture.

In Cantonese, Her Majesty was affectionately referred to as si tau por, or “boss lady”. Now, a sense of nostalgia hangs over the city, as many reflect on the “golden days”.

It seems many are using this period to express their dissatisfaction at the new-age government.

With Beijing increasingly erasing all traces of English colonialism from the history books, it will be interesting to see where Hong Kong stands in a further 70 years’ time.

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William Howard

William is an Executive News Producer at TICKER NEWS, responsible for the production and direction of news bulletins. William is also the presenter of the hourly Weather + Climate segment. With qualifications in Journalism and Law (LLB), William previously worked at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) before moving to TICKER NEWS. He was also an intern at the Seven Network's 'Sunrise'. A creative-minded individual, William has a passion for broadcast journalism and reporting on global politics and international affairs.

News

Oil prices surge as U.S.-Iran tensions escalate

Published

14 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Crude oil prices jumped over 3% on Wednesday as U.S.-Iran nuclear talks showed signs of faltering, pushing WTI futures above $65 per barrel. Axios reported disagreements over the venue and scope of Friday’s talks, while President Trump warned Iran’s supreme leader to “be very worried,” stoking fears of military escalation.

Tensions in the Persian Gulf added to the volatility. A U.S. F-35C shot down an Iranian drone near the USS Abraham Lincoln, and Iranian vessels threatened a U.S.-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. The USS McFaul escorted the tanker to safety, highlighting the region’s fragile oil supply routes.

Despite the clashes, nuclear talks will go ahead on Friday in Oman, but uncertainty continues to drive oil market volatility, with traders closely watching both diplomatic and military developments.

#OilPrices #IranUS #NuclearTalks #PersianGulf #WTI #EnergyMarket #Geopolitics #OilSupply

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Washington Post layoffs: Hundreds of journalists cut as Bezos faces criticism

Published

15 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Harvey Vargas

The Washington Post has laid off hundreds of employees, marking what former executive editor Martin Baron calls “one of the darkest days” in the paper’s history. Approximately one-third of the newsroom staff were affected, as the company undertakes a so-called “strategic reset” to compete in a crowded media landscape.

The cuts hit key areas, including the sports desk, local coverage, international reporting, the books desk, and the flagship daily news podcast. Editor-in-Chief Matt Murray said the changes aim to prioritise national security, politics, science, health, technology, climate, and business coverage while positioning the Post for the future.

Critics have called out owner Jeff Bezos for his silence during the layoffs and alleged efforts to influence the paper’s political stance. Former editor Baron warned that the newspaper’s ambitions would be sharply diminished and its credibility could suffer.

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News

Amazon launches AI tools to change film and television production

Amazon MGM Studios tests AI to streamline production, reduce costs, enhancing but not replacing human creativity, says AI Studio team.

Published

20 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Amazon MGM Studios tests AI to streamline production, reduce costs, enhancing but not replacing human creativity, says AI Studio team.

Amazon MGM Studios is stepping into the future of entertainment by developing artificial intelligence tools designed to reduce production costs and streamline filmmaking processes. This closed beta, launching in March, will let industry partners test how AI can enhance creativity and efficiency on set.

Amy Cheng, leading the AI Studio team, emphasises that while AI can accelerate workflows, it will never replace the unique contributions of human creativity. The initiative represents Amazon’s push to innovate in content creation while maintaining the art of storytelling.

The use of AI in Hollywood is expanding rapidly, sparking discussions about its impact on jobs and the future of the industry. As studios explore automation, the balance between efficiency and human artistry remains a central concern.

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