TOP OF THE NEWS
There will be 2,600 more Primary 1 places next year to cater to the larger number of Dragon year babies, who were born in 2012, starting school. Altogether, about 41,800 places will be available in 184 primary schools, which take into account the 14 that have been merged into seven schools.
TOP OF THE NEWS
China spent more than US$48 billion (S$65 billion) across East Asia and the Pacific between 2000 and 2016 to reward nations that consumed its products and supported its foreign policy positions, a new report supported by the US government has found. The bulk of the money went towards infrastructure investment, it said.
WORLD
Rescuers to drill hole in cave
Rescue workers will today drill a shaft into a flooded cave in northern Thailand, where 12 schoolboys and their football coach are believed to have been trapped since Saturday. About 1,000 soldiers, navy divers and police are involved in the rescue operation, which has riveted the country.
WORLD
The US said it will upgrade missile defence systems designed to counter a strike by North Korea despite the recent detente between Washington and Pyongyang. Meanwhile, North Korea is carrying out rapid improvements to its nuclear research facility, a monitor said.
OPINION
Local sport needs cheering too
Amid Singapore fans' cheering during the World Cup, one wonders: Where is this level of enthusiasm for local sport? Singaporeans follow global icons closely, but there are local sporting champions and feats to celebrate too, writes assistant sports editor Jonathan Wong.
HOME
It is the strength of bonds with relatives and friends and not the number of such ties that leads to a higher resilience of those in middle age to cope with life's adversities. This is one of the findings of a local study which polled more than 1,600 people aged 50 to 59.
HOME
3 bosses fined over fatal fire
A fire broke out in a shophouse in 2014, leading to the deaths of four workers and several others being injured. Three employers of the 22 foreign workers living there have been fined a total of $153,000 for housing them in the overcrowded residential premises in Geylang.
BUSINESS
Collective sale bid hits hurdle
The collective sale of Goodluck Garden has hit a roadblock. The sellers will have to head to court after two rounds of mediation by the Strata Titles Board failed to convince several owners in the 210-unit freehold residential development from withdrawing their objection to the sale.
SPORT
Argentina will take on France in the last 16 after scrapping through to the knockout stages with a 2-1 win over Nigeria on Tuesday, but the clash on Saturday will be a classic only if Lionel Messi and Co make improvements. Coach Jorge Sampaoli must get his team selection right as their suspect defence will not be let off so lightly by the flamboyant French, says David Lee, ST's man in Russia.
LIFE
In the crime thriller Hotel Artemis, Jodie Foster plays a nurse at a hospital for criminals. While a star of her clout can get away with looking older than her years on screen, she says: "I had to fight for that a little bit. There was definitely some resistance. I think it was jarring when they first saw it."
VIDEO
Heroes Among Us
Watch how special needs teacher Andy Ang inspires his students with his green fingers and dancing feet. str.sg/oMZS
VIDEO
Changing fortunes
Dandong, China's biggest border city, is well placed to reap the benefits when next-door neighbour North Korea opens up. str.sg/ogtf
