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Hong Kong Today
Description:
RTHK's morning news programme. Weekdays 6:30 - 8:00
Presenter:
Samantha Butler and Ben Tse2024-07-24
Wednesday
Now playing: 足本播放 Play full episode
Selected audio segments:
Surge seen in advertising for illicit cigarettes
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District councillors have been voicing concern over a surge in advertising for smuggled cigarettes. The ads have been appearing at bus stops, trash cans, and shopping mall restrooms. Georgina Lee reports:
Councillor calls for gradual tobacco control
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District councillors are calling for a phased introduction of tobacco restrictions to prevent smokers from turning to the black market. Sha Tin councillor Eddie Lam was among a number of councillors who met the media on Tuesday, expressing concern over advertising for smuggled cigarettes that has been seen around the city. He spoke to Georgina Lee:
1,000 MTR staff to be deployed during partial shutdown
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The MTR says it will deploy 1,000 staff on Sunday when the Kwun Tong Line will be partially shut for maintenance. Services between Prince Edward and Ho Man Tin stations will be suspended for the day. Charlie Chun reports:
'HK key for ASEAN in financing'
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Hong Kong can play a key role in financing projects in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, according to a member of a delegation that will accompany Chief Executive John Lee on his visit to the three countries later this month. Janice Lo reports:
Authorities must manage pace of eradicating subdivided flats
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A lawmaker says authorities must carefully manage the pace of eradicating subdivided flats so tenants are not left without housing. Andrew Lam says his survey of 350 people living in interim housing showed half expected to get public housing by the time their lease expired, but the other half expected they would have to return to their substandard flat. He urged the government to ensure a steady supply of transitional housing options and speed up the construction of public units. He spoke to Samantha Butler:
Debate over including sports in school assessment
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Educators are divided over the idea of grading primary school pupils on sport alongside their academic performance. This follows reports that physical education will be included in assessments for secondary school allocation. Frank Yung reports:
Professor says technology can enhance PE lessons
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A sports professor says educators could use technology to make sports more "trendy" and appealing to students. Patrick Lau, from the Baptist University's Department of Sport, Physical Education and Health, says in recent years, the rate of childhood obesity in Hong Kong has risen from nine to 20 percent. He welcomed suggestions to include sports in primary school core assessment, but told Ben Tse that more could be done to make it an attractive subject:
BPA pitches Policy Address proposals
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The government has been urged to allow young entrepreneurs to operate in abandoned schools. The Business and Professionals Alliance also said the administration should stop taxing spirits. It made the suggestions for Chief Executive's next policy address. Anne Chan reports:
Call to include residential property buyers in entrant scheme
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The Business and Professionals Alliance has urged the government to relax the requirements of a scheme that aims to bring new talent and capital into Hong Kong. The party wants applicants who buy residential property to be included in the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme. The alliance's vice-chairman, Jeffrey Lam, spoke to Anne Chan:
Seven-day book fair draws in one million visitors
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The organisers of the Book Fair say total visitor numbers reached nearly a million, similar to last year. The seven-day event was organised by the Trade Development Council. Some booksellers said sales this year were encouraging, despite the absence of government vouchers, encouraging people to spend money. Natasha Ho was there on the last day of the book fair, as bargain hunters took advantage of last-minute deals:
Secret Service director resigns over Trump shooting
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The director of the US Secret Service Kimberly Cheatle has resigned after the agency came under harsh scrutiny for failing to stop a would-be assassin wounding former president Donald Trump. Vanessa Cheng reports.
China brokers Palestinian declaration
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Palestinian groups have agreed to set up an interim government of national reconciliation in Gaza after hostilities with Israel end. Hamas and Fatah joined 12 other Palestinian factions in signing the Beijing Declaration after a landmark meeting in the capital. Jacqueline Guico reports.
Israel condemns Palestinian reconciliation deal
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Israel has swiftly condemned the agreement brokered by Beijing, saying that "Hamas' rule will be crushed". Vanessa Cheng reports.
Sea Shepherd founder arrested in Greenland
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Police in Greenland say they apprehended veteran environmental activist and anti-whaling campaigner, Paul Watson, on an international arrest warrant issued by Japan. The Canadian-American activist co-founded Greenpeace and his high seas confrontations onboard the Sea Shepherd drew both support and condemnation. The 73-year-old was arrested on Sunday. Azam Khan reports:
Olympic security operation rolled out in Paris
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The Paris Olympics are just around the corner and authorities in France are not taking any chances on security. They are determined to ensure safety on the streets of the French capital - as well as the opening ceremony of the Games later in the week. RTHK's Hailey Yip reports from Paris:
Restaurants struggle in Olympic security zones
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Cafes along the banks of the Seine in Paris normally buzz with activity in the summer, but restrictions ahead of the Olympics have limited movement in the city centre, leaving restaurants empty of diners. Police have imposed a security zone along the river. The drop in business took many restaurant owners by surprise, with some seeing 80 percent fewer customers. But for those restaurants just blocks away from the action, it is a different story. Azam Khan reports: