What's News: March 14, 2016

A rider on an e-bike, or power-assisted bicycle with a throttle. PHOTO: ST FILE

TOP OF THE NEWS

Errant e-bike riders beware

The Land Transport Authority is looking at introducing stiffer penalties for flouting electric bike rules after more than 2,000 e-bike offences last year - almost double the number from 2014. The LTA's comments come barely a month after tougher rules and harsher penalties for those who sell or use illegally modified e-bikes kicked in.


TOP OF THE NEWS

Smaller Budget deficit likely

Government revenue collection is on target and spending is lower than projected, economists say, meaning the Budget deficit for the current fiscal year may be much smaller than expected, with one estimate putting it at around $690 million.


Republican candidate Marco Rubio working a crowd in Florida. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

WORLD

Polls fever hits Florida, Ohio

Primary election fever swept Florida and Ohio at the weekend as the states geared up for two of the most closely watched polls in decades. The contests in Florida and Ohio are particularly critical as both are winner-take-all states, which means the candidate who wins the majority of the popular vote gets all the votes.


WORLD

Picking KL central bank chief

All eyes are on who will succeed Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz as Malaysia's central bank governor. Close aides to the Premier say the toss-up is between envoy to US Awang Adek Hussin and Datuk Seri Abdul Wahid Omar, Minister in PM's Department in charge of Economic Affairs.


OPINION

Merkel's spell on Europe over

Once feted as Europe's most successful politican, German Chancellor Angela Merkel is alienating her party from voters, and her country from Europe, with her migration policy. Her political days are numbered, says Europe Correspondent Jonathan Eyal.


Children filling out activity sheets during a HeritageCares tour at the Singapore Philatelic Museum. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO

HOME

Heritage trail for the less privileged

Guided walks, workshops and interactive museum programmes will be on offer under a new initiative to bring Singapore's heritage to life for less privileged members of the community. HeritageCares was launched by the National Heritage Board yesterday and aims to reach about 12,000 Community Chest beneficiaries over its first three years.


HOME

Paying for unique furnishings

Big bucks are still on the table for luxury furnishings, despite the slowing economy. Industry players say home owners are willing to splash out on exclusive designs, though stores with more mid-range offerings are struggling.


BUSINESS

Tree scheme in the spotlight

Investors and experts are raising concerns about a firm offering agarwood investments that has attracted $9.5 million in investments from some 425 customers. The scheme is similar to the one offered by Tropical Forestry Venture, which recently closed its office.


SPORT

Dragons beat Slingers

The Westports Malaysia Dragons bounced back from an opening home defeat to beat the Singapore Slingers 83-67 in Game 2 of the Asean Basketball League (ABL) Finals yesterday. The win at the Maba Stadium in Kuala Lumpur sees the series level at one game apiece. Game 3 will take place at the OCBC Arena on Friday.


PHOTO: ANIMAL PLANET

LIFE

'Cat Daddy' coming again

"Cat Daddy" Jackson Galaxy, who came to Singapore last year to give talks as part of his American television series My Cat From Hell's Asia tour, says cat lovers here are knowledgeable, enthusiastic and want to know more. He will be coming back to Singapore to conduct seminars at the Pet Expo later this month.


LIFE

Madonna seeks family peace

Madonna wants to heal the wounds in her family caused by a dispute with her former husband, British film director Guy Ritchie, over custody of their son Rocco, 15, her lawyers told the English High Court. The court battle is being fought in London and New York. The singer wants them all to meet in New York over Easter.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on March 14, 2016, with the headline What's News: March 14, 2016. Subscribe