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China's underwhelming data dampens hope of economic recovery
Chinese industrial production growth slowed in July while unemployment rose, official data showed Thursday, highlighting an uneven recovery in the world's second-largest economy despite recent government measures to try to stimulate expansion.
Australian Olympic Committee slams 'vexatious' Raygun claims
The Australian Olympic Committee on Thursday decried what it said was a "vexatious, misleading and bullying" petition targeting Paris breakdancing sensation Raygun.
'Five years of fire': Romanian farms wilt in drought
Desiccated leaves crackled underfoot as Romanian farmer Iulia Blagu walked through her scorched cornfield, devastated by one of the country's worst droughts in recent years.
No bids as house of Myanmar's Suu Kyi auctioned again
The lakeside mansion where Myanmar democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi spent years under house arrest was put up for auction for the second time on Thursday but once again attracted no bids, AFP reporters said.
Thai ruling party meets to choose new candidate for PM
Thailand’s ruling party meets Thursday to choose a candidate for prime minister after a court dismissed incumbent Srettha Thavisin in an ethics case, deepening the kingdom’s political uncertainty a week after the main opposition party was dissolved.
New Zealand police recover dozens of 'sweets' containing meth
New Zealand police said Thursday they have recovered 29 methamphetamine tablets disguised as pineapple sweets that were mistakenly handed out to the public in charity packs.
Robertson demands 'redemption' from All Blacks pack against Pumas
Head coach Scott Robertson on Thursday handed his All Blacks forwards a chance for "redemption" after revamping his backline but leaving the pack nearly untouched for the second Rugby Championship Test against Argentina.
Mbappe bolsters stellar Real Madrid's La Liga title defence
Even if Kylian Mbappe had not completed his long-awaited move to Real Madrid this summer they would still be widely tipped to retain La Liga.
Japan cancels flights and trains as another typhoon approaches
Hundreds of Japanese flights and trains were cancelled Thursday in the middle of a major holiday week as another typhoon roared towards the archipelago.
Asian stocks follow Wall Street climb
Asian markets mostly mirrored positive strides on Wall Street in early trade Thursday, as easing US consumer inflation buoyed hopes that a big interest rate cut was around the corner and economic growth in Japan outpaced expectations.
The humour and heartache of Gena Rowlands
US actress Gena Rowlands, whose six-decade career garnered Oscar nominations and other acclaim, died Wednesday at age 94.
Venezuelan electoral council says UN report on vote 'rife with lies'
Venezuela's CNE electoral council, under fire after declaring a widely rejected election victory for President Nicolas Maduro, on Wednesday described a UN report disputing the outcome as "rife with lies."
US actress Gena Rowlands dead at 94: US media
Gena Rowlands, an award-winning US actress best known for starring in the films of her first husband, director John Cassavetes, died Wednesday at age 94, according to US media reports.
Starlet Yamal offers Barca hope ahead of daunting Liga challenge
Teenage star Lamine Yamal is carrying the weight of expectations as Hansi Flick's Barcelona face the unenviable challenge of dethroning a fearsome Real Madrid side as Spanish champions this season.
PSG keep low profile while preparing for life without Mbappe
Paris Saint-Germain are beginning a new era following the departure of Kylian Mbappe and the reigning French champions have so far kept a low profile as they prepare for life without the superstar forward.
US presses Sudan army chief as ceasefire talks open
The United States on Wednesday pleaded with Sudan's army to join talks on ending the devastating war as talks opened in Switzerland with only its rival's participation.
Scorching heat magnifies housing crunch for Hong Kong's elderly
Even with two electric fans whirring, retired janitor Chun Loi was sweating profusely in her windowless, one-room flat that swelters during Hong Kong's humid summer.
Bangladeshi students on guard as exiled PM urges show of strength
Hundreds of Bangladeshi students wielding bamboo rods patrolled the site of a planned gathering Thursday of ousted premier Sheikh Hasina's supporters, vowing to quash any show of strength.
Japan set to lift 'megaquake' warning
Japan will lift its week-old "megaquake" warning later Thursday if there is no further major seismic activity, the disaster management minister said.
Sinner, Swiatek survive challenges from Cincinnati qualifiers
Cincinnati Masters top seeds Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek both secured opening triumphs Wednesday over qualifiers, with Swiatek forced to escape an attempted second-round ambush by France's Varvara Gracheva.
In volatile election season, US companies battle 'brand disinformation'
From Google to Netflix, prominent US companies are battling internet boycott calls over their perceived political leanings in a polarizing election season that has exposed them to what researchers call "brand disinformation."
'Internal pressure' the spur as England Women bid to end Rugby World Cup drought
England Women's head coach John Mitchell has insisted the expectations surrounding his squad are as nothing compared to the "internal pressure" driving the team ahead of next year's Rugby World Cup.
Columbia University president resigns months after anti-war protests
The president of New York's Columbia University has resigned, US media reported Wednesday, months after pro-Palestinian protests brought national scrutiny to the institution and just weeks before the start of the new school year.
Five key talking points as La Liga kicks off
With the 2024/25 La Liga season kicking off on Thursday AFP Sport looks at five key talking points ahead of the campaign.
Taylor Swift returns to stage in London after Vienna concert plot
Taylor Swift will return to the stage in London on Thursday to end the European leg of her "Eras" tour, a week after her Vienna concerts were cancelled due to a suicide attack plot.
Paul Watson: eco-warrior on the high seas
Veteran anti-whaling campaigner Paul Watson, detained in Greenland pending an extradition request from Japan, has spent decades battling harpoonists and seal hunters in spectacular high seas confrontations.
Greenland to rule on anti-whaling activist Watson's detention
American-Canadian anti-whaling activist Paul Watson, arrested in July in Greenland, goes before a judge Thursday who will rule on his continued detention pending his possible extradition to Japan.
DeChambeau aims for 57 and lower in LIV return to Greenbrier
Bryson DeChambeau, who captured his second US Open title in June, sees a chance to go lower than his stunning 12-under par 58 when the LIV Golf Greenbrier starts Friday.
Man Utd kick off Premier League season before Man City face new-look Chelsea
Manchester United kick-off the 2024/25 Premier League season at home to Fulham on Friday before Manchester City begin the defence of their title at free-spending Chelsea on Sunday.
All Blacks make four changes for second Pumas Test
The All Blacks made four changes Thursday to their starting side to face Argentina in the second Test, with ex-captain Sam Cane also included on the bench following last weekend's shock defeat to the Pumas in The Rugby Championship.
Lebanon says two killed in Israeli strikes
Lebanon's health ministry said Israeli strikes killed two people in the country's south on Wednesday, with Hezbollah announcing the deaths of two of its fighters, the latest cross-border violence amid fears of a full-blown regional war.
Iran hackers target Harris and Trump campaigns: Google
Google on Tuesday confirmed that hackers backed by Iran are targeting the campaigns of US presidential rivals Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.