Last news
Sports
Barca strikers firing blanks as Villarreal visit
Barcelona host high-flying Villarreal on Saturday aiming to tighten their grip on pole position in La Liga amid concerns about the form of strikers Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres.
Sports
Marseille look for way out of crisis against bitter rivals Lyon
Away from Paris Saint-Germain's quest to hold off Lens and retain the Ligue 1 title, Marseille and Lyon are fighting it out for France's last automatic Champions League qualifying berth and face off in a huge game on Sunday.
Boulevard
Emails to Chinese dancers allegedly threatened Australian PM
A security scare at the Australian prime minister's residence this week was sparked by a bomb threat against an anti-Beijing Chinese dance troupe, the act's hosts said Friday.
Health
India moves closer to dengue vaccine as final trials underway
As dengue surges globally, an Indian vaccine candidate has entered the final stage of testing, raising hopes for one of the world's first single-dose shots against the deadly mosquito-borne disease.
Pakistan bombs Kabul in 'open war' on Afghanistan's Taliban govt
Pakistan bombed major cities in Afghanistan including the capital Kabul on Friday, with Islamabad's defence minister declaring the neighbours at "open war" following months of tit-for-tat clashes.
Technology
Tech sovereignty push to meet AI fever at Mobile World Congress
The giant Mobile World Congress (MWC) trade fair for telecoms kicks off for its 20th annual edition in Barcelona on Monday, with firms racing to pump AI into their systems even as debate rages over the technology's regulation.
Sports
China chase glory days at Women's Asian Cup as Japan, Australia threat looms
Defending champions China are looking to recreate their glory days at the Women's Asian Cup, but the Steel Roses' hopes of a record 10th title face a daunting challenge from powerhouse Japan, hosts Australia and dark horse North Korea.
Economy
Asian markets fluctuate after healthy week of tech gains
Markets stuttered Friday as traders took their foot off the pedal at the end of a healthy week in Asia, where tech firms rallied on a reassessment of AI investments.
Sports
Clermont's Simone wary of 'decapitator' Tuilagi in Top 14 clash
Clermont centre Irae Simone says Bayonne's former England star Manu Tuilagi will "want to take some heads off" as he returns to action when the teams meet in the French Top 14 on Saturday.
Things to know
Japan PM opposes changing male-only imperial succession
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told parliament on Friday that she opposes changing the imperial family's male succession rules.
Sports
Sumo hit with fresh bullying scandal
Sumo has been hit with another bullying scandal after media reported Friday that a retired grand champion who is now a stablemaster had reported himself to the sport's authorities for violent behaviour.
Sports
US hockey players regret response to Trump remarks on women's team
Multiple US Olympic men's ice hockey players have apologized for their team's response after President Donald Trump said he would "have to" invite the women's team to the White House too.
Culture
'Train Dreams' director says goal was to take audience 'on a journey'
When director and screenwriter Clint Bentley decided to adapt "Train Dreams" for the big screen, he hoped he could captivate audiences with the tale of an ordinary man living in extraordinary times -- the early 20th century.
Sports
Van der Poel, Van Aert resume battle at season's 1st cobbled classic
Cycling's fabled cobbled classics season will begin with a bang this weekend as former world champion Mathieu van der Poel lines up alongside his long-time rival Wout van Aert at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad.
Sports
F1 hopes to fuel growth in North America with Netflix and Apple
Formula 1 is well anchored in the United States with its American owners and three Grand Prix races, but the sport hopes to push its growing popularity further with the help of Netflix and Apple.
Culture
'Like riding a bike': Oscar nominee Ethan Hawke on the magic of 'Blue Moon'
It's hard to recognize Ethan Hawke in "Blue Moon": he's short, bald, slightly greasy-looking and uncomfortable in his own skin.
Economy
'A crime scene': US researchers examine unmarked graves of dozens of Black children
Mark Davis was just 13 years old when he perished in a juvenile detention facility for Black boys in the eastern US state of Maryland some 140 years ago.
Economy
Australian supermarket giant reins in AI assistant claiming to be human
Australian supermarket giant Woolworths has been forced to rein in an AI-powered customer service assistant after users reported it had been rambling about its mother.
Sports
Arsenal face Chelsea title test, troubled Spurs in spotlight
Premier League leaders Arsenal face a title test from London rivals Chelsea on Sunday.
Politics
Pakistan bombs Kabul after Afghanistan attacks border
Pakistan bombed major cities in Afghanistan including the capital Kabul on Friday, with Islamabad's defence minister declaring the neighbours at "open war" following months of tit-for-tat clashes.
Sports
Thunder star Gilgeous-Alexander cleared for injury return
Reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been cleared to return for the Oklahoma City Thunder after missing nine straight games with an abdominal strain.
Culture
Paramount poised to acquire Warner Bros. after Netflix walks away
Paramount Skydance, run by pro-Trump technology heir David Ellison, was poised to take control of Warner Bros. Discovery on Thursday after Netflix said it would not raise its takeover offer, ending one of the biggest media bidding wars in a generation.
Politics
Anthropic says won't give US military unconditional AI use
AI company Anthropic said Thursday it would not give the US Defense Department unrestricted use of its technology despite being pressured to comply by the Pentagon.
Sports
Former Heat star Bosh 'lucky to be alive' after health scare
Basketball Hall of Famer Chris Bosh says he's "lucky to be alive" after a health scare in which he passed out and woke up to find himself covered in blood.
Things to know
US men's hockey players apologize for Trump joke response
Multiple US Olympic men's ice hockey players have apologized for their team's response after President Donald Trump joked he would "have to" invite the women's team to the White House too.
Culture
Netflix walks away from Warner Bros. bid, clearing path for Paramount
Netflix said Thursday it would not raise its takeover offer for Warner Bros. Discovery, effectively ceding the media giant to a rival bid from Paramount Skydance after deciding the deal was no longer financially attractive.
Politics
US-based man killed by Cuba coast guard wanted to spark uprising: ally
A US-based man identified as one of those killed by the Cuban coast guard in a shootout had wanted to liberate the communist island, a political ally told AFP on Thursday.
Things to know
Comedy genius Carrey honoured at France's Cesar Awards
France's leading movie awards on Thursday gave Canadian-American actor Jim Carrey a special honour in recognition of his eclectic acting career, a tribute he accepted with a speech delivered in French.
Politics
New Zealand's ex-prime minister Ardern now based in Australia: media
Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has moved to Australia after a stint in the United States, national broadcaster RNZ said, joining record numbers of her compatriots moving across the Tasman.
Economy
The sex lives of Neanderthal males - and human females
Dating out of your league? New research says it's a tale as old as time.
Sports
Forest clinch spot in Europa League last 16 as Celtic go out
Nottingham Forest held off a Fenerbahce fightback to qualify for the last 16 of the Europa League with a 4-2 win on aggregate despite losing Thursday's second leg, while Celtic exited after coming up short against Stuttgart.
Politics
Civilian death toll in Sudan war more than doubled in 2025, UN says
Killings of civilians in Sudan's war more than doubled in 2025 compared with the previous year, the United Nations rights chief said Thursday, warning that thousands more dead are unidentified or remain missing.