EastEnders and Bad Girls legend describes life as ‘fragile’ after brother’s death
Simone's brother died in 2024. [Continue Reading]
NASA prepares first crewed moon mission in more than 50 years
NASA's first moonshot with astronauts in more than a half-century is set to take place as soon as early February. The moon rocket moves to the pad this weekend at Florida's Kennedy Space Center, with a fueling test to be conducted by early next month. Until all that is completed, a launch date cannot be confirmed; the earliest the moon flyaround could take off is Feb. 6. [Continue Reading]
AFP charges three family members over alleged links to illegal tobacco, vapes
A 47-year-old woman, her son-in-law and her father are granted bail after the AFP charges them, claiming they are allegedly involved in supplying illicit tobacco and vapes. [Continue Reading]
‘Enough already’: Jenrick’s defection gets mixed reception from Reform members
Some supporters are concerned about the number of Conservatives being welcomed by their party, and fear it could alienate votersIf Reform UK was officially celebrating Robert Jenrick’s defection to Nigel Farage’s party, the reaction of the rank-and-file was an altogether more complicated one – ranging from jubilation to despair that yet another Tory was coming onboard.“Enough already! Reform uk please take note, you are going to lose members and voters if you don’t cap this craziness … We don’t want a Tory party Pt II,” was the early response from James Scott, one of a number of members expressing their... [Continue Reading]
Trump pick for South America command sidesteps China questions at Senate hearing
Days after the operation that abducted then Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, President Donald Trump’s nominee to command US forces in Latin America dodged pressure from senators to endorse a military-first plan to counter China’s growing influence in the region. Lieutenant General Francis Donovan, who is nominated to lead US Southern Command (Southcom), repeatedly declined to say whether Washington should rely mainly on force projection to push back against Beijing’s expanding footprint. The... [Continue Reading]
The U.S. says seizing Venezuelan oil hurts its foes. How dependent are they?
See how Trump’s capture of Maduro and control of Venezuela’s oil sales could affect China, Cuba and the United States. [Continue Reading]
China senses opportunity as U.S. targets Iran and Venezuela
China is trying to position itself as a stabilizing force amid U.S. actions on Venezuela and Iran — but its commitment to allies is largely pragmatic, analysts say. [Continue Reading]
China ‘hardcore grandma’ gains fame for farm fertilisation drone skills and as live-streamer
An 82-year-old woman from eastern China, affectionately known as the “hardcore grandma,” has captivated many with her remarkable skills in operating field fertilisation drones and her success as a live-streamer selling rice. Born in 1943, Dai Shuying hails from Laomei Village in Xindu Town, Tongcheng, Anhui province. In her youth, she worked as a bookkeeper and was regarded as one of the few “educated individuals” in her village, capable of reading, writing, and performing calculations. While... [Continue Reading]
With Maduro in U.S. custody, his lieutenants warm to Trump
Attacked by the U.S. military, Venezuela’s socialist regime is now working with the Trump administration to harness the world’s largest proven oil reserves. [Continue Reading]
Trump threatens to invoke Insurrection Act over protests in Minnesota
US President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened to invoke an emergency law that allows the domestic deployment of the military, after federal agents killed one person and injured another in Minnesota, sparking mass protests. Protesters have denounced the aggressive tactics of Trump's broad-reaching immigration raids in rallies in the Midwestern city, which is a Democratic stronghold. [Continue Reading]
US delegation seeks to reassure Denmark and Greenland amid Trump seizure threats
A bipartisan delegation of US lawmakers will meet with the leaders of Denmark and Greenland on Friday to reassure them of congressional support despite President Donald Trump's threats to seize the Arctic island. Trump has said Greenland is vital to US security because of its strategic location and large supply of minerals and has not ruled out the use of force to take it. [Continue Reading]
Number of registered companies in Hong Kong reaches record 1.56 million in 2025
Hong Kong’s corporate landscape expanded to unprecedented levels last year, with the total number of local registered companies reaching a record of nearly 1.56 million by the end of 2025. “By the end of 2025, the total number of local companies and redomiciled companies registered under the Companies Ordinance increased by 96,609 compared with 2024, reaching 1,557,103,” the Companies Registry said in a statement on Friday, noting that it was “an all-time high figure”. Among the total in 2025,... [Continue Reading]
Weight loss jabs are 'opportunity' for Leon, boss says
John Vincent says the chain could benefit from the weight loss trend, and sets out his plans to revive the business. [Continue Reading]
Iran deploys riot police to shut down protests
Iranian authorities deployed riot police Thursday evening on Tehran's main square and avenues to prevent protests, FRANCE 24's correspondent Siavosh Ghazi said. Ghazi also reported that Iran has not yet responded to the White House claim that it has halted executions for some 800 protesters. [Continue Reading]
HSBC reviews Singapore insurance unit amid focus on high growth in Hong Kong, China
HSBC Holdings’ exploration of options for its insurance business in Singapore may lead to a sale of the unit as the group reallocates resources to its insurance business in Hong Kong and mainland China, according to analysts. “It makes sense for HSBC to consider an exit from Singapore’s insurance market to focus on Hong Kong and mainland China, as so many mainlanders are coming to Hong Kong to buy insurance products here,” said Kenny Tang Sing-hing, chairman of the Hong Kong Institute of... [Continue Reading]
South Korea sentences ex-president to five years in first martial law verdict
Yoon Suk Yeol’s conviction for obstructing own arrest separate from main trial that could lead to death penaltyA South Korean court has sentenced former president Yoon Suk Yeol to five years in prison for mobilising presidential security forces to block his own arrest and abusing his powers. It is the first judicial ruling linked to the events surrounding his failed martial law declaration in December 2024.The ruling is separate from Yoon’s main insurrection trial, where prosecutors earlier this week sought the death penalty and a verdict is due next month. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Chief minister stands by NT administrator nominee, despite questionable posts
A history of questionable social media posts from the NT's next administrator David Connolly have emerged, but the chief minister say she stands by her nomination of him. [Continue Reading]
Irish humanitarian says charges in Greece were 'farcical'
An Irish man who was facing up to 20 years in jail for helping refugees in Greece has said the charges brought against him were "farcical". [Continue Reading]
White House claims ‘acquisition of Greenland’ is purpose of working group – Europe live
Jeff Landry, the US special envoy to Greenland, said Donald Trump is ‘serious’ about his plans to control GreenlandMeanwhile, Italian defence minister Guido Crosetto does not seem to be convinced about the merits of European military deployments to Greenland.Speaking to journalists, he wondered “what a hundred, two hundred, or three hundred soldiers of any nationality could do” in Greenland. “It sounds like the beginning of a joke.”“It’s not a competition to see who sends the military around the world.”“A part of me is not sure how much of this is a distraction, to try and take the attention of the... [Continue Reading]
Sudan food aid expected to be ‘depleted’ by end of March, UN warns
The United Nation’s food agency on Thursday warned that its food stocks in Sudan will be depleted by the end of March, and that it urgently needs funding to help prevent an imminent catastrophe. According to the UN, food rations have already been cut to an absolute minimum and millions of children have been pushed to “the brink of survival”. [Continue Reading]
Julio Iglesias denies sexual assault allegations
In a statement, the Spanish singer says the allegations are "absolutely false and deeply sadden me". [Continue Reading]
Canada PM hails ‘strategic partnership’ with China to adapt to ‘new global realities’
Mark Carney holds talks with Xi Jinping on rare Beijing trip as Canada seeks to diversify trade links away from USBusiness live – latest updatesCanada’s prime minister, Mark Carney, has hailed a “new strategic partnership” with China as he held talks in Beijing with President Xi Jinping, the first visit there by a Canadian leader in eight years.Addressing Xi in the Great Hall of the People, Carney said: “Together we can build on the best of what this relationship has been in the past to create a new one adapted to new global realities.” Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Tonight’s WWE SmackDown has special UK start time live on Netflix
A welcome treat for fans in the UK. [Continue Reading]
You may have missed this mammoth Emmerdale clue that explains how Graham is alive
It's starting to add up... [Continue Reading]
Regained momentum sets Yemen government’s eyes on Houthis in the north
The STC's collapse leads to Yemeni government strides in the south, but Houthis remain defiant in the north. [Continue Reading]
Hollyoaks icon ‘back from the dead’ as major star stages very unexpected return
Exciting! [Continue Reading]
UN treaty to protect ‘extraordinary’ marine life due to come into force
World-first pact aims to protect 10 million species from threats like climate change, overfishing and deep-sea mining. [Continue Reading]
Why is China’s Xi Jinping putting the political heat back on illegal villas and resorts?
Chinese President Xi Jinping has refocused national anti-corruption efforts on illegal villas and “private resorts”, luxury developments that have come to symbolise excess and graft over the past two decades. According to newly released excerpts of a speech, Xi singled out the developments for special mention at the central urban work conference in July, highlighting them as examples of the need to improve governance, combat corruption and promote sustainable urban development. “[Officials must]... [Continue Reading]
Killings in Gaza despite ceasefire phase 2 announcement
At least 10 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza after the US announced the start of phase 2. [Continue Reading]
Enoch Burke outside Westmeath school for second day
Enoch Burke has arrived outside Wilson's Hospital School in Co Westmeath for a second day in a row, where he was prevented from entering the school grounds by a security guard. [Continue Reading]
Alcaraz-Sinner tennis rivalry is all the hype before Australian Open 2026
Alcaraz and Sinner give a glimpse of their relationship and enthrall fans in South Korea before the Grand Slam season. [Continue Reading]
Bears cast for 76th Berlin Film Festival using traditional bronze techniques
Germany’s Berlinale film festival is preparing its iconic bear trophies at a small foundry in Berlin-Charlottenburg, where the awards have been made for decades. [Continue Reading]
South Korean Court Sentences Former President to Five Years
A South Korean court has sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to five years in prison following his conviction on charges related to the declaration of martial law in December 2024. This ruling, delivered by a three-judge panel at the Seoul Central District Court, marks a significant legal milestone amid a series of trials awaiting Yoon. Yoon was found guilty of fabricating an official document to retrospectively validate his brief martial law declared during a tumultuous period of political unrest. The court determined that he illegally employed his presidential bodyguards to prevent law enforcement from executing a court-issued arrest warrant.... [Continue Reading]
Canada to remove 100% tariffs on Chinese EV imports: prime minister
Canada will remove the additional 100 per cent in tariffs it had imposed on Chinese electric vehicle (EV) imports, Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Friday during a state visit in Beijing. In place of the higher duties, Carney said, Canada will cap import volume and retain a standard tariff rate of 6.1 per cent to shipments within the 49,000-unit limit. Canada’s additional tariffs, covering all EVs made in China, took effect in October 2024, following a similar move from the United States. “In... [Continue Reading]
Will eliminating fraud clear the US national deficit as Trump claims?
US president says 'massive' fraud has caused budget imbalance, but calculations do not support this. [Continue Reading]
What Did the White House and Denmark Agree to on Greenland? It Depends Whom You Ask.
The White House and Denmark contradicted each other in public about what they had agreed to this week as President Trump continued to demand U.S. ownership of Greenland. [Continue Reading]
What happened at emergency UN Security Council on Iran protests
The UN Security Council has held an emergency meeting in the wake of protests in Iran and US threats to intervene. [Continue Reading]
South Korean Court Sentences Former President to Five Years
A court in South Korea has sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to five years in prison for multiple offenses related to his declaration of martial law in December 2024. This ruling marks the initial outcome from a total of eight trials linked to his controversial measures during a turbulent period in the nation's political landscape. Yoon's conviction, handed down by a three-judge panel at the Seoul Central District Court, is predominantly over charges of fabricating documents to justify his brief and ultimately unsuccessful imposition of martial law, which he declared amid escalating tensions with the opposition. The judges also... [Continue Reading]
S Korea's Yoon jailed for five years over martial law bid
A South Korean court has sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to five years in prison on charges that included obstructing attempts by authorities to arrest him following his failed bid to impose martial law in December 2024. [Continue Reading]
Shadow minister replacing Robert Jenrick says Tories ‘let down’ the country in government – UK politics live
Badenoch said ‘Nigel Farage is doing my spring cleaning for me’ by ‘taking away my problems’‘Not so clever after all’: how Jenrick was ejected before he defectedKemi Badenoch said Robert Jenrick is now “Nigel Farage’s problem” and that he creates “instability” wherever he goes.The Conservative party leader told the Press Association that Tories who supported Jenrick feel “betrayed” he has joined Reform UK.Absolutely, he’s Nigel Farage’s problem. Now he and his acolytes are people who create instability wherever they go, and they can go do that in Reform.They are a party that is just about people who want drama and... [Continue Reading]
ITV drops all 13 episodes of gripping crime drama that’s ‘perfect unwind TV’
‘Some secrets won't stay buried.’ [Continue Reading]
China dominates global humanoid robot market with over 80% of installations
China accounted for more than four out of five humanoid robot installations globally in 2025, driven by domestic start-ups AgiBot and Unitree Robotics, as mass production and commercialisation accelerated, according to a report by Counterpoint Research. A total of 16,000 humanoid robots were installed globally in 2025, mainly for data collection and research, as well as in the logistics, manufacturing, and automotive sectors, according to Counterpoint data released on Wednesday. The market was... [Continue Reading]
AI-driven digital manipulation ‘tested’ Dutch election integrity, researchers warn
There was intense digital interference during last year's Dutch parliamentary elections, with generative AI political content playing an increasing role and producing vast engagement, according to the Dutch Hybrid Election Integrity Observatory. [Continue Reading]
Argentine farmers look forward to the EU and Mercosur agreement
EU and Mercosur are set to sign a long-awaited free trade deal in Paraguay on Saturday, creating a vast tariff-cutting zone linking Europe and South America. Argentine exporters say they’ll save tens of millions yearly as a 20% EU meat-import tariff is immediately removed. [Continue Reading]
'Cautiously optimistic' or 'no progress'? - players divided on Slam demands
As players demand greater reward from the Grand Slams, some are optimistic about progress. Others are not so sure. [Continue Reading]
South Korean church’s ‘special force’ targets young Australians amid crackdown at home
A controversial church facing possible disbandment over religious-political collusion in South Korea is aggressively expanding its presence across Australia by targeting young people at universities and shopping centres, according to a former member who has accused the group of weaponising fear to shield it from criticism. The Shincheonji Church of Jesus, founded in 1984 by Lee Man-hee, who claims to be the second coming of Jesus Christ, has an estimated 200,000 followers in the East Asian... [Continue Reading]
Taiwan and US seal deal to lower tariffs, boost chip investment
Washington seeks improved access to strategic chip industry of island nation, over which China claims sovereignty. [Continue Reading]
Sydney awaits ‘soggiest weekend of summer’ as Victorian authorities defend flash flood warnings
Floods predicted for NSW south coast after severe storms dumped 180mm in six hours on Victoria’s Lorne and Wye River, washing cars into the sea on the Great Ocean RoadFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAuthorities have defended the timing of warnings for holidaymakers along Victoria’s surf coast who were hit by an “unprecedented” downpour on Thursday, as Sydney awaited its “soggiest weekend of summer” to date.Weatherzone forecasters predicted 20mm of rainfall was possible in Sydney on both Saturday and Sunday, which would be a record for the... [Continue Reading]