Hong Kong scraps mask mandate after almost 1,000 days

13 Sept 07:39 Key points summarised by AI

Hong Kong completely lifts its mask mandate from March 1, ending nearly 1,000 days of mandatory face coverings across all public spaces.
This decision by Chief Executive John Lee removes the city's last major COVID-19 restriction, with only high-risk settings like hospitals permitted to impose their own rules.

Macron condemns those who 'sought to bring down the Republic' after rioting mars nationwide protests

Today 12:56 Key points summarised by AI

President Macron condemned widespread rioting and looting during nationwide protests, blaming far-left activists and criminals for the "unrestrained violence" and vowing accountability for those who "sought to bring down the Republic."
Over 2,400 arrests were made as protests against rising living costs and poor school conditions escalated, causing extensive damage to public buildings and businesses in cities like Paris, Limoges (where City Hall burned), Marseille, and Lyon.
The unrest, which organizers hoped would revive the "yellow vest" movement, saw political leaders trade blame, with Macron instructing prefects to protect public buildings and potentially ban future protests to prevent further disorder.