Netflix cuts 150 US-based jobs after losing subscribers
Netflix has made about 150 staff redundant, a month after the streaming service said it was losing subscribers for the first time in a decade.
The redundancies, announced by the entertainment giant on Tuesday, will mainly affect its US office in California. They account for about 2% of its North American workforce.
Netflix said the job losses were due to the slump in the company's revenue.
The streaming service is battling an exodus of viewers this year. read more
Netflix has made about 150 staff redundant, a month after the streaming service said it was losing subscribers for the first time in a decade.
The redundancies, announced by the entertainment giant on Tuesday, will mainly affect its US office in California. They account for about 2% of its North American workforce.
Netflix said the job losses were due to the slump in the company's revenue.
The streaming service is battling an exodus of viewers this year. read more
President Rodrigo Chaves says Costa Rica is at war with Conti hackers
The president of Costa Rica says his country is "at war", as cyber-criminals cause major disruption to IT systems of numerous government ministries.
Rodrigo Chaves said hackers infiltrated 27 government institutions, including municipalities and state-run utilities.
The Conti ransomware cartel, which is thought to be run from Russia, has upped its ransom demand to $20m (£16m).
The criminals posted an appeal online to Costa Ricans to "go out on the street and demand payment".
Mr Chaves held a press conference on Monday to outline his "Plan for Implementation of Cyber-security Measures". read more
The president of Costa Rica says his country is "at war", as cyber-criminals cause major disruption to IT systems of numerous government ministries.
Rodrigo Chaves said hackers infiltrated 27 government institutions, including municipalities and state-run utilities.
The Conti ransomware cartel, which is thought to be run from Russia, has upped its ransom demand to $20m (£16m).
The criminals posted an appeal online to Costa Ricans to "go out on the street and demand payment".
Mr Chaves held a press conference on Monday to outline his "Plan for Implementation of Cyber-security Measures". read more
Global stock markets fall as growth fears rattle investors
Fears about rising prices and slowing economies have spread to UK and European stock markets following sharp falls in the US and Asia.
The FTSE 100 index of leading companies sank 2.5% on Thursday while the main stock markets in France and Germany saw similar declines.
On Wednesday, US shares recorded their biggest one-day drop since the early days of the Covid pandemic in 2020.
Markets were spooked by gloomy forecasts from major US retailers. read more
Fears about rising prices and slowing economies have spread to UK and European stock markets following sharp falls in the US and Asia.
The FTSE 100 index of leading companies sank 2.5% on Thursday while the main stock markets in France and Germany saw similar declines.
On Wednesday, US shares recorded their biggest one-day drop since the early days of the Covid pandemic in 2020.
Markets were spooked by gloomy forecasts from major US retailers. read more
Canada to ban China's Huawei and ZTE from its 5G networks
Canada says it will ban two of China's biggest telecoms equipment makers from working on its 5G phone networks.
The restrictions against Huawei and ZTE were announced by the country's industry minister on Thursday.
Francois-Philippe Champagne says the move will improve Canada's mobile internet services and "protect the safety and security of Canadians".
But Huawei Canada said it was "disappointed" by the decision, which it said was "political". read more
Canada says it will ban two of China's biggest telecoms equipment makers from working on its 5G phone networks.
The restrictions against Huawei and ZTE were announced by the country's industry minister on Thursday.
Francois-Philippe Champagne says the move will improve Canada's mobile internet services and "protect the safety and security of Canadians".
But Huawei Canada said it was "disappointed" by the decision, which it said was "political". read more
Colonel in Iran Revolutionary Guard assassinated
A colonel in the powerful Iranian Revolutionary Guards has been shot dead in a rare assassination in Tehran.
Two gunman on a motorbike are reported to have shot Colonel Sayad Khodai five times in a car outside his home.
So far, no group has claimed responsibility for Sunday's attack, and a manhunt is under way for the gunmen.
It is the biggest security breach in Iran since 2020 when a leading nuclear scientist was killed, the BBC's Middle East Editor Sebastian Usher says. read more
A colonel in the powerful Iranian Revolutionary Guards has been shot dead in a rare assassination in Tehran.
Two gunman on a motorbike are reported to have shot Colonel Sayad Khodai five times in a car outside his home.
So far, no group has claimed responsibility for Sunday's attack, and a manhunt is under way for the gunmen.
It is the biggest security breach in Iran since 2020 when a leading nuclear scientist was killed, the BBC's Middle East Editor Sebastian Usher says. read more
The faces from China’s Uyghur detention camps
Thousands of photographs from the heart of China’s highly secretive system of mass incarceration in Xinjiang, as well as a shoot-to-kill policy for those who try to escape, are among a huge cache of data hacked from police computer servers in the region.
The Xinjiang Police Files, as they’re being called, were passed to the BBC earlier this year. After a months-long effort to investigate and authenticate them, they can be shown to offer significant new insights into the internment of the region’s Uyghurs and other Turkic minorities.
Their publication coincides with the recent arrival in China of the United Nations Human Rights Commissioner, Michelle Bachelet, for a controversial visit to Xinjiang, with critics concerned that her itinerary will be under the tight control of the government. read more
Thousands of photographs from the heart of China’s highly secretive system of mass incarceration in Xinjiang, as well as a shoot-to-kill policy for those who try to escape, are among a huge cache of data hacked from police computer servers in the region.
The Xinjiang Police Files, as they’re being called, were passed to the BBC earlier this year. After a months-long effort to investigate and authenticate them, they can be shown to offer significant new insights into the internment of the region’s Uyghurs and other Turkic minorities.
Their publication coincides with the recent arrival in China of the United Nations Human Rights Commissioner, Michelle Bachelet, for a controversial visit to Xinjiang, with critics concerned that her itinerary will be under the tight control of the government. read more
Coronavirus: Argentine President Fernández pays 'fine' over lockdown party
Argentine President Alberto Fernández has made a large donation as part of a deal to end an investigation into a lockdown party he and his wife hosted.
The couple came under investigation after photos emerged showing them having a birthday dinner attended by about a dozen people while lockdown measures were in force.
At the time, public gatherings, including funerals, were banned.
The photos caused outrage and caused the president's popularity to plummet. read more
Argentine President Alberto Fernández has made a large donation as part of a deal to end an investigation into a lockdown party he and his wife hosted.
The couple came under investigation after photos emerged showing them having a birthday dinner attended by about a dozen people while lockdown measures were in force.
At the time, public gatherings, including funerals, were banned.
The photos caused outrage and caused the president's popularity to plummet. read more
North Korea fires missiles hours after Biden leaves Asia
North Korea fired three ballistic missiles early on Wednesday morning, South Korea's military has said.
Authorities in Seoul said the missiles were fired in the space of less than an hour from the Sunan area in Pyongyang.
It comes just a day after US President Joe Biden left the region, following a trip that saw him vowing to bolster measures to deter North Korea.
North Korea has been test-firing a flurry of ballistic missiles since the beginning of this year.
Japan confirmed at least two launches happened on Wednesday but acknowledged there may have been more. read more
North Korea fired three ballistic missiles early on Wednesday morning, South Korea's military has said.
Authorities in Seoul said the missiles were fired in the space of less than an hour from the Sunan area in Pyongyang.
It comes just a day after US President Joe Biden left the region, following a trip that saw him vowing to bolster measures to deter North Korea.
North Korea has been test-firing a flurry of ballistic missiles since the beginning of this year.
Japan confirmed at least two launches happened on Wednesday but acknowledged there may have been more. read more
Ukraine war: World Bank boss warns over global recession
The head of the World Bank has warned that Russia's invasion of Ukraine could cause a global recession as the price of food, energy and fertiliser jump.
David Malpass told a US business event on Wednesday that it is difficult to "see how we avoid a recession".
He also said a series of coronavirus lockdowns in China are adding to concerns about a slowdown.
His comments are the latest warning over the rising risk that the world economy may be set to contract. read more
The head of the World Bank has warned that Russia's invasion of Ukraine could cause a global recession as the price of food, energy and fertiliser jump.
David Malpass told a US business event on Wednesday that it is difficult to "see how we avoid a recession".
He also said a series of coronavirus lockdowns in China are adding to concerns about a slowdown.
His comments are the latest warning over the rising risk that the world economy may be set to contract. read more
Ukraine war: World Bank boss warns over global recession
The head of the World Bank has warned that Russia's invasion of Ukraine could cause a global recession as the price of food, energy and fertiliser jump.
David Malpass told a US business event on Wednesday that it is difficult to "see how we avoid a recession".
He also said that a series of coronavirus lockdowns in China is adding to concerns about a slowdown.
His comments are the latest warning over the rising risk that the world economy may be set to contract. read more
The head of the World Bank has warned that Russia's invasion of Ukraine could cause a global recession as the price of food, energy and fertiliser jump.
David Malpass told a US business event on Wednesday that it is difficult to "see how we avoid a recession".
He also said that a series of coronavirus lockdowns in China is adding to concerns about a slowdown.
His comments are the latest warning over the rising risk that the world economy may be set to contract. read more
Ukraine war: Putin urged to hold 'direct, serious negotiations' with Zelensky
The leaders of France and Germany have urged Russia's Vladimir Putin to hold "direct [and] serious negotiations" with Ukraine's president, the German chancellor's office said.
Emmanuel Macron and Olaf Scholz spoke to Mr Putin by phone for 80 minutes.
The pair "insisted on an immediate ceasefire and a withdrawal of Russian troops", the chancellor's office said.
Russia's leader said Moscow was open to resuming dialogue with Kyiv, according to the Kremlin. read more
The leaders of France and Germany have urged Russia's Vladimir Putin to hold "direct [and] serious negotiations" with Ukraine's president, the German chancellor's office said.
Emmanuel Macron and Olaf Scholz spoke to Mr Putin by phone for 80 minutes.
The pair "insisted on an immediate ceasefire and a withdrawal of Russian troops", the chancellor's office said.
Russia's leader said Moscow was open to resuming dialogue with Kyiv, according to the Kremlin. read more
Ukraine war: Russia says 'liberation' of Donbas its key priority
The "liberation" of eastern Ukraine's Donbas region is an "unconditional priority" for Russia, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said in an interview.
Defending Russia's ongoing military operation more than three months after it invaded, he said again it was aimed at "demilitarising" its neighbour.
He repeated the Kremlin's widely ridiculed line that Russia is fighting a "neo-Nazi regime".
And he denied speculation that Russian President Vladimir Putin was ill.
The man who has dominated Russia for more than two decades turns 70 in October. read more
The "liberation" of eastern Ukraine's Donbas region is an "unconditional priority" for Russia, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said in an interview.
Defending Russia's ongoing military operation more than three months after it invaded, he said again it was aimed at "demilitarising" its neighbour.
He repeated the Kremlin's widely ridiculed line that Russia is fighting a "neo-Nazi regime".
And he denied speculation that Russian President Vladimir Putin was ill.
The man who has dominated Russia for more than two decades turns 70 in October. read more
Uvalde: US to review police response to Texas school shooting
The US Department of Justice says it will investigate the police response to last week's mass shooting at a school in Uvalde, Texas, which killed 19 children and two teachers.
Public anger is growing after it emerged that officers waited in the hallway as children trapped with the shooter made desperate 911 calls.
In Uvalde, President Joe Biden met the victims' families on Sunday. read more
The US Department of Justice says it will investigate the police response to last week's mass shooting at a school in Uvalde, Texas, which killed 19 children and two teachers.
Public anger is growing after it emerged that officers waited in the hallway as children trapped with the shooter made desperate 911 calls.
In Uvalde, President Joe Biden met the victims' families on Sunday. read more
Handguns: Canada proposes complete freeze on ownership
Canada should introduce a total ban on the buying and selling of all handguns, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said.
His government is proposing a new law that would freeze private ownership of all short-barrelled firearms.
The legislation would not ban the ownership of handguns outright - but would make it illegal to buy them.
Mr Trudeau's proposal comes days after a deadly shooting at a Texas primary school, in the neighbouring US, killed 21 people. read more
Canada should introduce a total ban on the buying and selling of all handguns, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said.
His government is proposing a new law that would freeze private ownership of all short-barrelled firearms.
The legislation would not ban the ownership of handguns outright - but would make it illegal to buy them.
Mr Trudeau's proposal comes days after a deadly shooting at a Texas primary school, in the neighbouring US, killed 21 people. read more
China sends 30 warplanes into Taiwan air defence zone
Taiwan says it deployed fighter jets to warn off 30 warplanes sent by China into its air defence zone.
The incident on Monday marked the biggest incursion since January.
It came days after US President Joe Biden warned China against invading Taiwan, and on the same day as a US official visited the island to discuss security with leaders.
China has ratcheted up the frequency of its air missions in recent months, claiming they are training drills.
Such moves have angered Taiwan and increased tensions in the region. read more
Taiwan says it deployed fighter jets to warn off 30 warplanes sent by China into its air defence zone.
The incident on Monday marked the biggest incursion since January.
It came days after US President Joe Biden warned China against invading Taiwan, and on the same day as a US official visited the island to discuss security with leaders.
China has ratcheted up the frequency of its air missions in recent months, claiming they are training drills.
Such moves have angered Taiwan and increased tensions in the region. read more
Ukraine war: US to send heavier rockets in latest aid package
The US will send Ukraine more advanced rocket systems to help it defend itself, President Biden has announced.
The weapons, long requested by Ukraine, are to help it strike enemy forces more precisely from a longer distance.
Until now, the US had refused the request out of fear the weapons could be used against targets in Russia.
But on Wednesday, Mr Biden said the lethal aid would strengthen Kyiv's negotiating position against Russia and make a diplomatic solution more likely. read more
The US will send Ukraine more advanced rocket systems to help it defend itself, President Biden has announced.
The weapons, long requested by Ukraine, are to help it strike enemy forces more precisely from a longer distance.
Until now, the US had refused the request out of fear the weapons could be used against targets in Russia.
But on Wednesday, Mr Biden said the lethal aid would strengthen Kyiv's negotiating position against Russia and make a diplomatic solution more likely. read more
Russia won't use tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine, says ambassador to UK
Russia's ambassador to Britain has told the BBC he does not believe his country will use tactical nuclear weapons in the war against Ukraine.
Andrei Kelin said that according to Russian military rules, such weapons are not used in conflicts like this.
He also described allegations of war crimes in the town of Bucha as "a fabrication".
And he called UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss "very belligerent" and inexperienced.
On the use of nuclear weapons, Mr Kelin said Russia has very strict rules for their use, mainly when the state's existence is threatened. read more
Russia's ambassador to Britain has told the BBC he does not believe his country will use tactical nuclear weapons in the war against Ukraine.
Andrei Kelin said that according to Russian military rules, such weapons are not used in conflicts like this.
He also described allegations of war crimes in the town of Bucha as "a fabrication".
And he called UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss "very belligerent" and inexperienced.
On the use of nuclear weapons, Mr Kelin said Russia has very strict rules for their use, mainly when the state's existence is threatened. read more
Depp-Heard trial: Jury sides mostly with Depp in defamation case
A US jury has found Amber Heard defamed ex-husband Johnny Depp with an article in which she claimed she was a victim of domestic abuse.
Jurors awarded Mr Depp - who denied abusing Ms Heard - $15m (£12m) in compensatory and punitive damages.
Ms Heard, 36, won one of three counter-claims against Mr Depp, 58, and was awarded $2m in compensatory damages.
The Hollywood stars, who divorced in 2017, presented conflicting versions of their doomed relationship in the trial.
Over six weeks, the court in Fairfax, Virginia, heard tawdry details of Mr Depp and Ms Heard's tempestuous marriage, and its unhappy ending. read more
A US jury has found Amber Heard defamed ex-husband Johnny Depp with an article in which she claimed she was a victim of domestic abuse.
Jurors awarded Mr Depp - who denied abusing Ms Heard - $15m (£12m) in compensatory and punitive damages.
Ms Heard, 36, won one of three counter-claims against Mr Depp, 58, and was awarded $2m in compensatory damages.
The Hollywood stars, who divorced in 2017, presented conflicting versions of their doomed relationship in the trial.
Over six weeks, the court in Fairfax, Virginia, heard tawdry details of Mr Depp and Ms Heard's tempestuous marriage, and its unhappy ending. read more
Turkey wants to be called Türkiye in rebranding move
Turkey will be known as Türkiye at the United Nations from now on, after it agreed to a formal request from Ankara.
Several international bodies will be asked to make the name change as part of a rebranding campaign launched by the Turkish president late last year.
"Türkiye is the best representation and expression of the Turkish people's culture, civilization, and values," Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in December.
The UN said it made the change as soon as it received the request this week. read more
Turkey will be known as Türkiye at the United Nations from now on, after it agreed to a formal request from Ankara.
Several international bodies will be asked to make the name change as part of a rebranding campaign launched by the Turkish president late last year.
"Türkiye is the best representation and expression of the Turkish people's culture, civilization, and values," Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in December.
The UN said it made the change as soon as it received the request this week. read more
Ukraine war: Zelensky says Russia controls a fifth of Ukrainian territory
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky says that Russian forces have seized 20% of his country's territory, as Moscow's invasion nears its 100th day.
Addressing lawmakers in Luxembourg, he added that the front line extended for more than 1,000km (621 miles).
"All combat-ready Russian military formations are involved in this aggression," he told MPs via videolink.
Russian forces have been intensifying attacks on the city of Severodonetsk in the eastern Donbas region.
UK defence officials say Russia has seized most of the city and are making "steady local gains, enabled by a heavy concentration of artillery". read more
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky says that Russian forces have seized 20% of his country's territory, as Moscow's invasion nears its 100th day.
Addressing lawmakers in Luxembourg, he added that the front line extended for more than 1,000km (621 miles).
"All combat-ready Russian military formations are involved in this aggression," he told MPs via videolink.
Russian forces have been intensifying attacks on the city of Severodonetsk in the eastern Donbas region.
UK defence officials say Russia has seized most of the city and are making "steady local gains, enabled by a heavy concentration of artillery". read more
Cuba floods: At least two dead as heavy rain hits island
At least two people have died in Cuba's capital, Havana, after the remnants of Hurricane Agatha brought heavy rain and floods to the Caribbean island.
The Cuban weather service said the downpours would last until Saturday afternoon, bringing more than 20cm (8in) of rain to some places.
Western and central areas of the country, including Havana, are the worst affected.
Hurricane Agatha hit Mexico last Monday, killing nine people. read more
At least two people have died in Cuba's capital, Havana, after the remnants of Hurricane Agatha brought heavy rain and floods to the Caribbean island.
The Cuban weather service said the downpours would last until Saturday afternoon, bringing more than 20cm (8in) of rain to some places.
Western and central areas of the country, including Havana, are the worst affected.
Hurricane Agatha hit Mexico last Monday, killing nine people. read more