Jubilee weekend celebrations

The long-awaited jubilee weekend kicks off in earnest today, with celebrations all around Singapore to mark the nation's 50th year of independence. There will be parties in several parts of the heartland, while a giant picnic organised by Families for Life will be held at the Marina Barrage. National University of Singapore students will also do their part for the community in their NUS Students' Union Rag Day party at the Float@Marina Bay.

Crucial US job data out today

The United States Labour Department releases crucial job data today that is likely to give clues to the timing of a rate hike by the Federal Reserve. The government's monthly labour report today is projected to show employers took on 225,000 workers last month, while the jobless rate held at a seven-year low of 5.3 per cent. A list of healthy figures today raises expectations that the Fed could increase rates at its policy meeting next month.

First look at top Republican candidates

Leading Republican presidential hopefuls will be in the spotlight as they look for a breakout moment in the first major televised debate - which takes place at 9am Singapore time today - on the road to the elections next year.

The prime-time telecast offers Americans their first look at the 10 front runners in the race for the Republican nomination en masse, including Mr Donald Trump, Mr Jeb Bush, Mr Scott Walker and Mr Marco Rubio.