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'La La Land' director hopes 'some good' will come of Hollywood strike
Damien Chazelle, who heads the jury at the Venice Film Festival that kicks off Wednesday, told AFP he hopes Hollywood will get over its current crisis and said he was confident that movies will survive the AI revolution.
US says seeking more 'predictable' business environment in China
The United States wants to work with China to ensure a more "predictable" environment for American businesses in Shanghai, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo told officials in the economic hub on Wednesday.
Sex, lies and social media: Women face tough fight in African politics
Soon after Judy Kengo was sworn into office last year, the Kenyan legislator faced her first public test when a doctored photo of a lookalike kissing another woman surfaced online.
Strike-hit German stunt performers train kids during filming freeze
Ten-year-old Nathaniel squeezes his eyes shut, straightens his back and sucks in his breath as he plunges backward from the reinforced steel roof of a stunt car.
Equities extend gains on US jobs data, China hopes
Asian investors on Wednesday tracked a rally on Wall Street as a softer-than-expected report on US job openings soothed fears the Federal Reserve will hike interest rates again.
Australia to hold Indigenous rights referendum on Oct 14
Australia will hold a historic Indigenous rights referendum on October 14, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Wednesday, setting up a defining moment in the nation's relationship with its Aboriginal minority.
Hollywood strike saps glamour from 80th Venice Film Festival
A historic Hollywood strike robbed the Venice Film Festival of some of its usual glitz as it launched its 80th edition on Wednesday, but a raft of big-name -- and controversial -- directors are keeping the film world buzzing.
Stocks dragged further by US rate worry, China gloom
Asian markets mostly fell Friday on growing worries of another Federal Reserve interest rate hike and deepening concerns about China's economy, with the country's property crisis once again adding an extra layer of jeopardy.
Stocks dragged further down by US rate worry, China gloom
Asian markets mostly fell Friday on growing worries of another Federal Reserve interest rate hike and deepening concerns about China's economy, with the country's property crisis once again adding an extra layer of jeopardy.
Wet July dampens UK retail sales, spending outlook
British retail sales fell more than expected in July, official data showed Friday, with poor weather blamed for the setback as the country tries to revive its flagging economy.
Demise of England's 'Crooked House' shows pubs in peril
With a 15-degree list making one end four feet (1.2 metres) lower than the other, the historic Crooked House pub looked as if could topple over at any minute.
Japanese turn to wearable tech to beat the heat
Selling jackets with built-in fans, neck coolers and T-shirts that feel cold, Japanese firms are tapping into a growing market for products to help people handle the summer heat.
Brazilian jiujitsu offers lifeline to Rio favela kids
In a hilltop slum crammed between two of Rio de Janeiro's wealthiest neighborhoods, children practice Brazilian jiujitsu, hoping to follow in the footsteps of the black belts whose graffiti portraits decorate their gym's walls.
Chinese developer Evergrande files for bankruptcy protection
Embattled Chinese property giant Evergrande Group filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States on Thursday, court documents showed, a measure that protects its US assets while it attempts to restructure.
China developer Evergrande files for bankruptcy protection
Embattled Chinese property giant Evergrande Group filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States on Thursday, court documents showed, a measure that protects its US assets while it attempts to restructure.
Walmart reports another solid quarter as consumers focus on value
Walmart raised its full-year forecast on Thursday as it posted another quarter of solid results, grabbing market share in groceries and other staples against a backdrop of inflationary pressures.
Walmart raises 2024 forecast after 'strong' quarter
Walmart raised its full-year forecast on Thursday following a jump in quarterly profits, pointing to solid increases at US stores and e-commerce.
Ballgowns, surveillance and cloning for sale at China pet fair
A shimmering, 1.5-metre-long golden ballgown stood pride of place in a Shanghai exhibition hall Thursday -- and for the cool price of $13,700, your dog could be the lucky animal to leave Pet Fair Asia wearing it.
Ship from Ukraine port nears Turkey despite Russian blockade
A civilian cargo vessel sailing from Ukraine in defiance of a Russian blockage was hugging the coast of Bulgaria on Thursday on its way to Turkey, marine traffic monitors said.
China's property sector crisis fuels fears of contagion
Troubled Chinese property giant Country Garden risks defaulting on its bond payments next month, which could have disastrous consequences for the world's second-largest economy.
Israel says US okays 'landmark' missile defence deal with Germany
Israel said the United States on Thursday approved the "landmark" sale of the Arrow 3 hypersonic missile defence system to Germany, in the country's biggest military deal worth $3.5 billion.
Israel says US okays Arrow 3 missile defence system sale to Germany
Israel said the United States on Thursday approved the sale of the Arrow 3 hypersonic missile defence system to Germany, in the country's biggest ever military deal worth $3.5 billion.
Where summer heat hits hard: Mideast and North Africa
Climate change has impacted the Middle East and North Africa where summer is already very hot. Many in Iraq, Syria, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia still labour in the heat.
Most markets drop as US rate, China fears dent global optimism
Most Asian markets joined a global sell-off Thursday on fresh worries the Federal Reserve will hike interest rates again, while China's economic woes continued to shred traders' nerves.
'Silent threat': Bahrain to build walls against rising sea
Already battling extreme heat, Bahrain is scrambling to ward off another environmental threat: rising seas that could swallow parts of its coast, the island nation's oil and environment minister told AFP.
Morning-after pill more effective when taken with painkiller: study
Women who took a prescription painkiller alongside a morning-after pill had more success preventing pregnancies than those who only took the emergency contraceptive, according to a new medical study from Hong Kong.
Asia extends global stocks retreat as US rate, China fears build
Asian stocks joined a global sell-off Thursday on fresh worries the Federal Reserve will hike interest rates again, while China's economic woes continued to shred traders' nerves.
In a first, Ecuador to vote on oil drilling in the Amazon
To some, Ecuador's jungle is a home and a valuable tool in fighting climate change, to others, it is a vital solution to a struggling economy.
Colombian president wants to amend free trade accord with US
President Gustavo Petro announced Wednesday that he wants to renegotiate a free trade accord that Colombia has with the United States, the main destination for its exports.
US stocks drop as Treasury bond yields hit multi-year peaks
Wall Street stocks fell Wednesday as US Treasury bond yields surged to multi-year peaks, while the pound rallied following British inflation data.
Aldi to buy 400 supermarkets in US Southeast
Discount supermarket chain Aldi announced Wednesday a deal to purchase 400 grocery stores across the southeastern United States, expanding its footprint as inflation tests American consumers.
Intel abandons $5.4 bn deal to buy Israel's Tower Semiconductor
Intel Corporation has terminated a $5.4 billion deal to buy Tower Semiconductor in Israel after failing to get needed regulatory approval, the US chip maker announced Wednesday.