SAG strike: Hollywood actors walk out over pay and AI worries
Hollywood actors have joined a strike by screenwriters in the industry's biggest shutdown for more than 60 years.
Some 160,000 performers stopped work at midnight in Los Angeles, bringing to a halt most US film and TV productions.
The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) wants streaming giants to agree to a fairer split of profits and better working conditions.
It also wants to protect actors from being usurped by digital replicas.
The union is seeking guarantees that artificial intelligence (AI) and computer-generated faces and voices will not be used to replace actors.
While the strike lasts, actors cannot appear in films or even promote movies that they have already made.
As a result, stars Cillian Murphy, Matt Damon and Emily Blunt left the premiere of Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer in London on Thursday night as the strike was declared. read more
Hollywood actors have joined a strike by screenwriters in the industry's biggest shutdown for more than 60 years.
Some 160,000 performers stopped work at midnight in Los Angeles, bringing to a halt most US film and TV productions.
The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) wants streaming giants to agree to a fairer split of profits and better working conditions.
It also wants to protect actors from being usurped by digital replicas.
The union is seeking guarantees that artificial intelligence (AI) and computer-generated faces and voices will not be used to replace actors.
While the strike lasts, actors cannot appear in films or even promote movies that they have already made.
As a result, stars Cillian Murphy, Matt Damon and Emily Blunt left the premiere of Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer in London on Thursday night as the strike was declared. read more
Europe heatwave: Red alerts issued in 16 Italian cities
Red alerts have been issued for 16 cities across Italy as extreme heat continues to affect southern Europe.
The alerts, which indicate risks even for healthy people, apply to tourist hotspots including Rome, Florence, and Bologna for the coming days.
More high temperatures are expected in Europe next week as another heatwave approaches.
The European Space Agency (ESA) says Italy, Spain, France, Germany and Poland may see extreme conditions.
The ESA monitors land and sea temperatures via its satellites. read more
Red alerts have been issued for 16 cities across Italy as extreme heat continues to affect southern Europe.
The alerts, which indicate risks even for healthy people, apply to tourist hotspots including Rome, Florence, and Bologna for the coming days.
More high temperatures are expected in Europe next week as another heatwave approaches.
The European Space Agency (ESA) says Italy, Spain, France, Germany and Poland may see extreme conditions.
The ESA monitors land and sea temperatures via its satellites. read more
John Kerry in Beijing: Can US and China set aside rivalry for climate action?
As John Kerry touches down in China, the main question will be whether the world's biggest superpowers - and polluters - can dispel diplomatic tensions to focus on key climate goals.
Mr Kerry, the US special envoy on climate, is the latest top official to be dispatched from Washington following visits by Antony Blinken and Janet Yellen - as the US seeks to restart stalled relations with Beijing.
He will meet his Chinese counterpart Xie Zhenhua and other officials on his four-day trip. Mr Kerry's office says he wants to engage with China on "increasing implementation and ambition", and ensuring a successful COP28, the UN climate change conference scheduled for the end of the year. read more
As John Kerry touches down in China, the main question will be whether the world's biggest superpowers - and polluters - can dispel diplomatic tensions to focus on key climate goals.
Mr Kerry, the US special envoy on climate, is the latest top official to be dispatched from Washington following visits by Antony Blinken and Janet Yellen - as the US seeks to restart stalled relations with Beijing.
He will meet his Chinese counterpart Xie Zhenhua and other officials on his four-day trip. Mr Kerry's office says he wants to engage with China on "increasing implementation and ambition", and ensuring a successful COP28, the UN climate change conference scheduled for the end of the year. read more
Australia baffled as unidentified mystery object washes up on beach
Police have been baffled by a mysterious "unidentified" dome that washed up on a West Australian beach.
The giant metal object was found by locals at Green Head beach, about 250km (155 miles) north of Perth.
State and federal authorities are investigating the item, which is not currently believed to be from a commercial aircraft.
It is being treated as hazardous, and police have requested people keep a safe distance. read more
Police have been baffled by a mysterious "unidentified" dome that washed up on a West Australian beach.
The giant metal object was found by locals at Green Head beach, about 250km (155 miles) north of Perth.
State and federal authorities are investigating the item, which is not currently believed to be from a commercial aircraft.
It is being treated as hazardous, and police have requested people keep a safe distance. read more
Commonwealth Games: 2026 event in doubt after Victoria cancels
The 2026 Commonwealth Games are in doubt after the Australian state of Victoria cancelled its plans to host due to budget blowouts.
The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) struggled to find a host before Victoria volunteered in April 2022.
But the premier said the projected cost had now tripled and become "well and truly too much" for the state to bear.
CGF called the decision "hugely disappointing" and said it is "committed to finding a solution". read more
The 2026 Commonwealth Games are in doubt after the Australian state of Victoria cancelled its plans to host due to budget blowouts.
The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) struggled to find a host before Victoria volunteered in April 2022.
But the premier said the projected cost had now tripled and become "well and truly too much" for the state to bear.
CGF called the decision "hugely disappointing" and said it is "committed to finding a solution". read more
Manipur: India outrage after women paraded naked in violence-hit state
A video showing two women being paraded naked by a mob in the north-eastern state of Manipur, hit by violent ethnic clashes, has sparked outrage in India.
The police say they have opened a case of gang rape and arrested a man, adding that others will be held soon.
On Thursday, parliament's session in Delhi was disrupted as lawmakers demanded a debate on the issue.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also said the incident had "shamed India" and that "no guilty will be spared". read more
A video showing two women being paraded naked by a mob in the north-eastern state of Manipur, hit by violent ethnic clashes, has sparked outrage in India.
The police say they have opened a case of gang rape and arrested a man, adding that others will be held soon.
On Thursday, parliament's session in Delhi was disrupted as lawmakers demanded a debate on the issue.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also said the incident had "shamed India" and that "no guilty will be spared". read more
Tony Bennett: Legendary New York crooner dies aged 96
Tony Bennett, the legendary New York pop and jazz singer, has died aged 96.
Bennett was known for songs such as The Way You Look Tonight, Body and Soul and (I Left My Heart) In San Francisco.
He also collaborated with star performers from Lady Gaga to Aretha Franklin and Frank Sinatra, who called him "the best singer in the business".
During a career that spanned eight decades, the crooner sold millions of records and won 20 Grammys, including a lifetime achievement award. read more
Tony Bennett, the legendary New York pop and jazz singer, has died aged 96.
Bennett was known for songs such as The Way You Look Tonight, Body and Soul and (I Left My Heart) In San Francisco.
He also collaborated with star performers from Lady Gaga to Aretha Franklin and Frank Sinatra, who called him "the best singer in the business".
During a career that spanned eight decades, the crooner sold millions of records and won 20 Grammys, including a lifetime achievement award. read more
Jamshid Sharmahd: Iran could execute my dad at any time, says German woman
It was the middle of the night when the phone call came.
Gazelle Sharmahd was woken up by her mother, who told her that her father, Jamshid, was calling from his jail cell in Iran. Gazelle hadn't been allowed to talk to her father, an Iranian-German businessman, for two years.
"We didn't even know if he'd already been executed and they hadn't told us," she told me from her home in Los Angeles a few days later.
Iran sentenced Jamshid Sharmahd to death last February for so-called "corruption on Earth" - a vague catch-all term the Iranian regime uses for any expression of opposition. Amnesty International condemned his trial as a sham. read more
It was the middle of the night when the phone call came.
Gazelle Sharmahd was woken up by her mother, who told her that her father, Jamshid, was calling from his jail cell in Iran. Gazelle hadn't been allowed to talk to her father, an Iranian-German businessman, for two years.
"We didn't even know if he'd already been executed and they hadn't told us," she told me from her home in Los Angeles a few days later.
Iran sentenced Jamshid Sharmahd to death last February for so-called "corruption on Earth" - a vague catch-all term the Iranian regime uses for any expression of opposition. Amnesty International condemned his trial as a sham. read more
Elon Musk: Time to say goodbye to Twitter logo
Twitter owner Elon Musk has said he wants to get rid of the Twitter bird logo, and replace it with an "X".
However, Mr Musk also has a history of making statements that fail to happen or are not serious.
Mr Musk, who has changed the name of the business to X Corp, said the replacement "should have been done a long time ago".
According to reports, the billionaire wants to create a "super app" called "X" which is similar to China's WeChat. read more
Twitter owner Elon Musk has said he wants to get rid of the Twitter bird logo, and replace it with an "X".
However, Mr Musk also has a history of making statements that fail to happen or are not serious.
Mr Musk, who has changed the name of the business to X Corp, said the replacement "should have been done a long time ago".
According to reports, the billionaire wants to create a "super app" called "X" which is similar to China's WeChat. read more
Spain's conservatives miss out on all-out victory as left celebrates
The leader of Spain's opposition conservative party Alberto Núñez Feijóo has claimed victory in a snap election, but without the result he needed.
Even with the support of the far right, his Popular Party (PP) has fallen short of a majority in parliament.
The cheers at the rival Socialist camp were just as loud as Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared: "The reactionary bloc has failed."
While both can claim success, Spain is left with an inconclusive result. read more
The leader of Spain's opposition conservative party Alberto Núñez Feijóo has claimed victory in a snap election, but without the result he needed.
Even with the support of the far right, his Popular Party (PP) has fallen short of a majority in parliament.
The cheers at the rival Socialist camp were just as loud as Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared: "The reactionary bloc has failed."
While both can claim success, Spain is left with an inconclusive result. read more
Israel judicial reform: Water cannon used outside parliament ahead of key vote
Police have used water cannon and arrested protesters outside Israel's parliament ahead of a key vote on reforms which have caused uproar.
The vote brings to a head months of turmoil with some of the biggest demonstrations in Israel's history.
About 150 major firms, including banks, are striking on Monday in protest.
The reforms aim to curb the powers of the courts, which the government says have grown too wide. Opponents say the reforms imperil Israel as a democracy. read more
Police have used water cannon and arrested protesters outside Israel's parliament ahead of a key vote on reforms which have caused uproar.
The vote brings to a head months of turmoil with some of the biggest demonstrations in Israel's history.
About 150 major firms, including banks, are striking on Monday in protest.
The reforms aim to curb the powers of the courts, which the government says have grown too wide. Opponents say the reforms imperil Israel as a democracy. read more
Spotify raises premium subscription price for millions
Spotify is raising prices for its 200 million ad-free subscribers for the first time in over a decade, the platform has announced.
In the US, the cost will increase from $9.99 to $10.99 (£8.57) for those with an individual plan.
Similar price hikes also apply to the UK, Canada, Australia and 49 other territories.
The move follows other streaming services which have also increased subscription costs. read more
Spotify is raising prices for its 200 million ad-free subscribers for the first time in over a decade, the platform has announced.
In the US, the cost will increase from $9.99 to $10.99 (£8.57) for those with an individual plan.
Similar price hikes also apply to the UK, Canada, Australia and 49 other territories.
The move follows other streaming services which have also increased subscription costs. read more
Qin Gang: China removes foreign minister after unexplained absence
China has removed Qin Gang as foreign minister less than seven months after he was appointed to the post.
The role will be taken up by the Communist Party's foreign affairs chief, Wang Yi, who was previously foreign minister.
Mr Qin's prolonged disappearance from public view - and official silence over it - has fuelled furious speculation.
The 57-year-old's last known public engagements were on 25 June. No reason was given for his removal. read more
China has removed Qin Gang as foreign minister less than seven months after he was appointed to the post.
The role will be taken up by the Communist Party's foreign affairs chief, Wang Yi, who was previously foreign minister.
Mr Qin's prolonged disappearance from public view - and official silence over it - has fuelled furious speculation.
The 57-year-old's last known public engagements were on 25 June. No reason was given for his removal. read more
Greece fires: Two pilots die after firefighting plane crashes
Two Greek air force pilots have died after a plane crashed while fighting wildfires on the Greek island of Evia, officials say.
The water-bombing plane crashed while battling a forest fire near Platanistos, the defence ministry said.
The pilots were named as 34-year-old Cdr Christos Moulas and his co-pilot, 27-year-old Pericles Stefanidis.
An intense European heatwave has also sparked wildfires across Sicily, Algeria and Tunisia.
Greek TV showed the Canadair aircraft flying low to drop water on a fire before turning sharply into a hillside and bursting into flames. read more
Two Greek air force pilots have died after a plane crashed while fighting wildfires on the Greek island of Evia, officials say.
The water-bombing plane crashed while battling a forest fire near Platanistos, the defence ministry said.
The pilots were named as 34-year-old Cdr Christos Moulas and his co-pilot, 27-year-old Pericles Stefanidis.
An intense European heatwave has also sparked wildfires across Sicily, Algeria and Tunisia.
Greek TV showed the Canadair aircraft flying low to drop water on a fire before turning sharply into a hillside and bursting into flames. read more
North Korea: China and Russia in first post-pandemic visits
A Russian delegation led by Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has arrived in North Korea, to be joined by a Chinese delegation later on Wednesday.
They will attend Pyongyang's celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War, marked typically by massive military parades.
The visits are the first of their kind to the North since it shut its borders to try to keep out the pandemic.
It is unclear if this signals a change in Pyongyang's border policies. read more
A Russian delegation led by Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has arrived in North Korea, to be joined by a Chinese delegation later on Wednesday.
They will attend Pyongyang's celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War, marked typically by massive military parades.
The visits are the first of their kind to the North since it shut its borders to try to keep out the pandemic.
It is unclear if this signals a change in Pyongyang's border policies. read more
Niger soldiers declare coup on national TV
Soldiers in the West African country of Niger have announced a coup on national TV.
They said they had dissolved the constitution, suspended all institutions and closed the nation's borders.
Niger President Mohamed Bazoum has been held by troops from the presidential guard since early on Wednesday.
He was promised Washington's "unwavering support" in a call from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres also said he had spoken to the president and offered the UN's full support. read more
Soldiers in the West African country of Niger have announced a coup on national TV.
They said they had dissolved the constitution, suspended all institutions and closed the nation's borders.
Niger President Mohamed Bazoum has been held by troops from the presidential guard since early on Wednesday.
He was promised Washington's "unwavering support" in a call from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres also said he had spoken to the president and offered the UN's full support. read more
North Korea: Kim Jong Un shows off missiles to Russia defence chief Shoigu
Kim Jong Un showed off North Korea's latest weapons to Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu on Wednesday.
Pyongyang invited the Russian delegation led by Mr Shoigu, as well as Chinese officials.
They will attend Pyongyang's celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice, marked typically by massive military parades.
The weapons on display included the Hwasong intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). read more
Kim Jong Un showed off North Korea's latest weapons to Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu on Wednesday.
Pyongyang invited the Russian delegation led by Mr Shoigu, as well as Chinese officials.
They will attend Pyongyang's celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice, marked typically by massive military parades.
The weapons on display included the Hwasong intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). read more
Niger coup: Ruling party HQ attacked after President Bazoum ousted
Supporters of a coup in Niger have attacked the headquarters of the ousted president's party, setting it on fire and stoning and burning cars outside.
The small group of arsonists had broken away from a larger show of support for the coup leaders outside parliament, where Russian flags were on show.
The army has now given its backing to the troops who took President Mohamed Bazoum captive on Wednesday.
Russia joined other countries and the UN in calling for Mr Bazoum's release. read more
Supporters of a coup in Niger have attacked the headquarters of the ousted president's party, setting it on fire and stoning and burning cars outside.
The small group of arsonists had broken away from a larger show of support for the coup leaders outside parliament, where Russian flags were on show.
The army has now given its backing to the troops who took President Mohamed Bazoum captive on Wednesday.
Russia joined other countries and the UN in calling for Mr Bazoum's release. read more
Niger coup: Abdourahmane Tchiani declares himself leader
Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani has declared himself the new leader of Niger after a dramatic coup.
Also known as Omar Tchiani, he staged a takeover which started on Wednesday when the presidential guards unit he led seized the country's leader.
Deposed President Mohamed Bazoum was the first elected leader to succeed another since independence in 1960.
Mr Bazoum is currently thought to be in good health, and still held captive by his own guards. read more
Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani has declared himself the new leader of Niger after a dramatic coup.
Also known as Omar Tchiani, he staged a takeover which started on Wednesday when the presidential guards unit he led seized the country's leader.
Deposed President Mohamed Bazoum was the first elected leader to succeed another since independence in 1960.
Mr Bazoum is currently thought to be in good health, and still held captive by his own guards. read more
Australia helicopter crash: Four military aircrew missing
Four people are missing after a military helicopter crashed off the coast of Queensland in Australia.
The incident took place during a night-time training exercise between the Australian and US military off Lindeman Island on Friday night.
Defence Minister Richard Marles said a search and rescue mission was immediately launched.
"The four air crew are yet to be found," Marles said during a press conference on Saturday morning.
He said that the MRH-90 Taipan helicopter crashed near the island, in the Whitsundays, at about 10.30pm local time (12.30 GMT). read more
Four people are missing after a military helicopter crashed off the coast of Queensland in Australia.
The incident took place during a night-time training exercise between the Australian and US military off Lindeman Island on Friday night.
Defence Minister Richard Marles said a search and rescue mission was immediately launched.
"The four air crew are yet to be found," Marles said during a press conference on Saturday morning.
He said that the MRH-90 Taipan helicopter crashed near the island, in the Whitsundays, at about 10.30pm local time (12.30 GMT). read more
Niger coup: US offers 'unflagging support' to ousted leader
The US has offered "unflagging support" to Niger's ousted president Mohamed Bazoum after he was ousted in a coup.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned those detaining Mr Bazoum that "hundreds of millions of dollars of assistance" was at risk.
The head of the presidential guards unit Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani has declared himself Niger's new leader.
Mr Bazoum had been considered a key Western ally in the fight against Islamist militants in the region. read more
The US has offered "unflagging support" to Niger's ousted president Mohamed Bazoum after he was ousted in a coup.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned those detaining Mr Bazoum that "hundreds of millions of dollars of assistance" was at risk.
The head of the presidential guards unit Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani has declared himself Niger's new leader.
Mr Bazoum had been considered a key Western ally in the fight against Islamist militants in the region. read more