Is Elon Musk really buying Manchester United?

Musk tweeted he was buying one of the world's most famous football clubs but offered no details.

Journalist found dead in northwest Mexico

Mexico is one of the world's most dangerous places to be a journalist, with at least 17 media workers killed in 2022.

New Zealand central bank hikes rates, signals aggressive stance

Reserve Bank of New Zealand unveils seventh straight hike, lifting benchmark rate to 3 percent.

Liz Cheney, Trump’s biggest Republican critic, loses Wyoming seat

Cheney loses primary for midterm elections, promises to do 'whatever it takes' to stop Trump becoming president again.

China’s premier urges pro-growth policies as economy sputters

Li Keqiang calls on provinces to bolster growth after consumption and output fall short of expectations.

Russia ministry says economic slump less severe than feared

Economy ministry says gross domestic product to shrink 4.2 percent this year amid sanctions over the war in Ukraine.

‘Survival at any cost’: Myanmar generals move to cement power

Min Aung Hlaing firing military chiefs, senior politicians and moving against tycoons amid chaos triggered by 2021 coup.

China imposes sanctions on seven Taiwan ‘secessionist’ officials

Beijing accuses the group of pushing independence for the island it claims as its own.

Australia, New Zealand deny ‘rumours’ of meat ban to China

Response comes after Chinese media reports imports could be suspended over foot-and-mouth disease concerns.

Papua New Guinea fails to end ‘evil’ of sorcery-related violence

Brutal torture and assault of women accused of witchcraft go unpunished while policies to tackle issue falter.

Migrant crisis: Why are deadly sea journeys on the rise again?

Humanitarian rescue groups urge more action to prevent tragedies at sea.

US Justice Dept opposes efforts to unseal Trump search affidavit

Media had sought release of affidavit the government submitted when it requested search warrant for Donald Trump's home.

US film academy apologises to Indigenous activist for Oscar abuse

Sacheen Littlefeather endured racism and insults after taking a stand against insulting portrayals of Native Americans.

Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 173

As the Russia-Ukraine war enters its 173rd day, we take a look at the main developments.

As India turns 75, there is little to celebrate

On its milestone birthday, the country is faltering on several fronts.

Sri Lankans make crypto Ponzi scam claims

Many Sri Lankans allege they have been duped by a fake crypto investment scheme which has swindled millions of rupees.

Thailand economy grows at fastest pace in year on tourism rebound

Southeast Asian nation's economy grows 2.5 percent in June quarter following the easing of pandemic curbs.

India’s stock market guru Rakesh Jhunjhunwala dies at 62

Jhunjhunwala died on Sunday at the age of 62, a week after the launch of his budget airline, Akasa Air.

China’s economy slows as ‘zero COVID’ drags down sales, industry

Retail sales and industrial output for July fall short of analysts' forecasts after lockdowns stifle economic activity.

Malaysia ex-PM begins final bid to quash corruption conviction

Country's top court to hear appeal over convictions for criminal breach of trust, abuse of power and money laundering.

Nicaraguan Catholics gather for mass after gov’t bans procession

The Vatican has expressed concern over moves against the church amid the ongoing crackdown by President Daniel Ortega.

‘I’ll be sacrificed’: The lost and sold daughters of Afghanistan

Child marriage, lack of education, financial desperation; a year since the Taliban takeover, girls' futures are at risk.

Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 172

As the Russia-Ukraine war enters its 172nd day, we take a look at the main developments.

China’s Shanghai to reopen schools with daily COVID testing

Authorities say all primary, middle and high schools, kindergartens and nurseries will reopen on September 1.

Salman Rushdie off ventilator and talking a day after stabbing

Novelist remains hospitalised with serious injuries, but is now off the ventilator and able to talk, says agent.

Raila Odinga ahead in Kenya’s presidential race: Early results

Kenya remains on tenterhooks as partial official results show veteran opposition leader ahead in presidential race.

Several Israelis wounded in attack on Jerusalem bus

Israeli police are on the hunt for a gunman after a shooting attack on a bus in Jerusalem's Old City.

Ennahdha needs to change to save itself, and Tunisia’s democracy

Ennahdha can help stop Tunisia's democratic backsliding - but to succeed, it needs to reform itself.

Francis Kéré: World class architecture, mudbrick by mudbrick

Africa’s first Pritzker Prize-winning architect discusses his journey from rural Burkina Faso to global recognition.

Displaced by partition, she visited Pakistan home after 75 years

Reena Chhibber Varma, undeterred by age and ailments, embarked on a journey that many thought was impossible.

Press freedom is under attack in Indonesia

With several courtroom battles ongoing, fates of countless journalists are hanging on the balance.

US lawyer released after UAE money laundering conviction

Asim Ghafoor, a prominent civil rights lawyer, was arrested while he was in transit through Dubai airport last month.

What’s going on in Hong Kong’s courts?

Thousands have been arrested over the 2019 protests, and more than 1,000 trials are currently under way.

US Congress passes spending bill in win for Biden administration

The bill has breathed life into the Democratic Party's ambitions to retain control of Congress in upcoming elections.

Brazilians protest for democracy as Bolsonaro threatens election

The protests take place amid concerns that Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro could refuse to accept election results.

US Senator Warren blasts Fed for withholding trading records

The Massachusetts Democrat called a probe into the matter by the US central bank's inspector general 'troubling'.

FIFA moves World Cup start forward by one day to November 20

2022 World Cup will kick off with opening ceremony followed by game between host Qatar and Ecuador in Al Bayt Stadium.

Will the Thai prime minister step down?

Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha is facing calls to resign.

Calm returns to Sierra Leone as protest death toll rises

At least six protesters and six police officers killed during anti-gov't protests in Sierra Leone, according to reports.

Argentina hikes rate to 69.5% as inflation surges to 30-year high

Consumer prices soared 71 percent in July compared to a year ago, the government said on Thursday.

Initial efforts to rescue trapped Mexican miners unsuccessful

Divers are hindered by debris and poor visibility as they search for 10 miners who remain trapped in a flooded mine.

Suspect in Albuquerque Muslim killings denies involvement

Syed has denied involvement in the killings, but investigators have said they have strong evidence against him.

Yemen: Historic buildings collapse in Sanaa after heavy rains

Houthi official says 10 buildings have been destroyed in the Yemeni capital's Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Child feared dead on Greek islet where refugees are stranded

A Syrian girl, 5, has reportedly died, with her parents and dozens others awaiting rescue following alleged pushbacks.

Real Madrid outclass Eintracht Frankfurt to win 5th Super Cup

Alaba, Benzema on the scoresheet as Champions League winners easily overpower Europa League champions.

UN expects ‘big uptick’ in ships wanting to export Ukraine grain

UN official says a goal of exporting two to five million tonnes of grain a month is 'achievable'.

Stranded beluga whale rescued from Seine in northern France

Four-metre-long animal will now be taken to a saltwater basin on France's northern coast amid hopes it can be saved.

Haiti’s gangs: What can be done to loosen their grip?

Gang warfare continues to destabilise the country's fraught state of security.

Indonesian mothers fight for medical marijuana for their children

The women say the drug eases the pain of their children with conditions such as cerebral palsy and should be legal.

New York company raises $120k to make Zelenskyy action figure

New York-based company FCTRY says $1 from every figure sold will go to Ukraine.

Grand jury declines to indict woman in Emmett Till killing

The failure to indict Carolyn Bryant Donham means that none of those who witnessed Till's abduction will face justice.

Mexico: Inflation hits 21-year high ahead of rate decision

Consumer prices jumped 8.15 percent last month compared to a year earlier, Mexico's government said.

White House announces steps to boost monkeypox vaccine supply

The FDA has issued emergency authorisation for a dosage technique that would allow more shots of vaccine per vial.

Chipotle to pay NYC workers $20m for violating city labour laws

The fast-food chain agreed to pay about 13,000 employees who worked at its New York City restaurants.

Grammy-winning singer and actor Olivia Newton-John dies at 73

Olivia Newton-John was famous for her role in film Grease and songs such as Physical and You’re the One That I Want.

After ceasefire, battered Palestinians recall Israeli ‘massacre’

Many Palestinians were killed just hours before a truce was agreed on between Israel and Islamic Jihad.

Hong Kong cuts hotel quarantine to 3 days as city’s image dives

Announcement comes amid mounting frustration with international financial centre's isolation as world lives with COVID.

Gustavo Petro: Ex-rebel fighter sworn in as Colombia’s president

Gustavo Petro takes office promising to achieve peace with armed groups and fight inequality and climate change.

China’s casino hub orders testing days after easing COVID curbs

Macau tells 700,000 residents to undergo testing after man tests positive after travelling to neighbouring city.

Israel, Palestinian Islamic Jihad declare truce in Gaza

Egypt-brokered truce holding in Gaza after three days of Israeli bombardment that killed at least 44 Palestinians.

Senate Democrats pass budget package, a major victory for Biden

Estimated $740bn economic package aims to slow climate change, control medicine costs, and tax corporations.

‘Right direction’: Iran nuclear officials optimistic on deal

Negotiators from Iran, US, EU resumed indirect talks over Tehran's nuclear deal after a months-long standstill.

Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 165

As the Russia-Ukraine war enters its 165th day, we take a look at the main developments.

Photos: Children killed as Israel bombards Gaza

Six children and four women were among 29 dead in the latest Israeli attack on the besieged Palestinian enclave.

Murdered women: Sabina Nessa, ‘a kind and generous soul’

Family and colleagues of the 28-year-old primary school teacher remember someone dedicated to her family and pupils.

Kenya’s presidential candidates hold final rallies on election eve

Raila Odinga and William Ruto adopted different styles to sway the undecided and rally their base ahead of Tuesday vote.

China, Taiwan play high-seas ‘cat and mouse’ as drills wrap up

China is set to conclude the unprecedented military exercises it launched in response to Nancy Pelosi's visit.

Ivory Coast president pardons predecessor, Laurent Gbagbo

Alassane Ouattara says he pardoned his longtime rival to boost 'social cohesion' in Ivory Coast.

Six Palestinian children killed as Israel attacks Gaza

Children among 24 people killed in Gaza as Israeli military attacks the Palestinian coastal enclave for a second day.

Will fighting in Gaza trigger a wider war?

Israel launches air strikes after arresting Palestinian Islamic Jihad commander.

Blinken chides China’s ‘irresponsible’ cut in US communication

US secretary of state says China's cessation of cooperation in key areas would punish world, not just Washington.

Timnit Gebru: Is AI racist and antidemocratic?

The prominent computer scientist discusses the quest for ethical artificial intelligence.

Taiwan accuses China of ‘simulating’ invasion as drills continue

Multiple Chinese ships and aircraft seen in Taiwan Strait, as Beijing ratchets up pressure after Nancy Pelosi visit.

India: Narratives of division and hate

With rising intolerance and xenophobia in India, we look at the toxic narratives flooding the airwaves and the internet.

Myanmar generals banned from ASEAN until peace plan progress

Foreign ministers express disappointment at military administration's failure to implement crisis plan.

Alex Jones ordered to pay $45m in damages over Sandy Hook lies

US conspiracy theorist had claimed the school shooting, in which 20 children died, was a hoax.

US readies $1bn weapons package for Ukraine: Report

Package, which could be confirmed on Monday, is expected to include more ammunition and armoured medical vehicles.

‘Restraint and common sense’: Reaction to Israel’s Gaza attack

Global calls for de-escalation after Israel launches deadly air raids on Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip.

Flights cancelled, rerouted over China’s drills near Taiwan

Korean Air, Asiana and Singapore Airlines among carriers to cancel flights over military exercise in the Taiwan Strait.

Singapore executions under scrutiny as more hanged for drugs

Questions being asked over speed of executions, legal representation, and the ethnicities of the condemned.

Japan’s households raise spending for first time in 4 months

Spending jumps 3.5 percent in June amid rebound in domestic travel.

Abu Akleh: Official suggests US not seeking independent probe

US lawmakers will not allow journalist's death to be 'swept under the rug', senator tells Biden administration official.

US conservatives cheer Hungarian PM Viktor Orban at conference

US Republicans view Orban’s Hungary as a conservative, anti-woke paradise.

Turkey’s Erdogan to meet Putin in Russia: What to expect

The Sochi summit comes after Ankara helped broker a grain deal that has eased global food crisis fears.

Why China is not sanctioning Taiwan’s key chip industry

Beijing relies on self-ruled island's semiconductors to keep its economy on track.

China begins ‘unprecedented’ military drills around Taiwan

State media frame military exercises in six areas around self-ruled island as war plan rehearsal.

Mexican journalist killed in bar shooting — 13th this year

As Mexico grapples with a wave of violence against members of the press, small local outlets are especially at risk.

Arab American teenager beaten by police released to his parents

A viral video shows Hadi Abuatelah, 17, being beaten repeatedly by three police officers while on the ground.

US: Kansas votes to protect abortion access in Roe v Wade test

Kansas vote rejecting removal of abortion protections is the first of several US ballots on abortion rights this year.

Robinhood slashes staff as trading boom slumps

Its customer base has been spooked by decades-high inflation and rising interest rates.

India’s faltering rice output can cause a new food crisis

Threat to the output of the world's biggest rice exporter comes when food costs are soaring, inflation rampant globally.

US Justice Department sues Idaho over abortion ban

The DOJ announced the lawsuit on Tuesday, saying the state’s ban would prevent doctors from providing medical treatment.

Malaysian mothers fight country’s unequal citizenship laws

Malaysia is one of just 28 countries that do not allow women to pass on their nationality on an equal basis with men.

China restricts trade with Taiwan amid tensions over Pelosi trip

China's Commerce Ministry announces trade measures after warning of "serious consequences" over visit.

Why is the Myanmar crisis such a challenge for ASEAN?

ASEAN ministers meet a week after the military hanged four activists, but look unlikely to take a tougher line.

Why are wealthy Indians taking their money out of the country?

The pandemic, the Ukraine war and the ongoing global economic uncertainty are making them hunt for safe havens.

Hong Kong slips into second recession since 2019 mass protests

International financial hub's economy shrinks 1.4 percent in the second quarter, after previous 3.9 percent decline.

South Korea’s prices soar to near quarter-century high

Inflation hits 6.3 percent in July, the highest rate since November 1998.

Al-Zawahiri: From Cairo clinic to al-Qaeda leader

Key al-Qaeda strategist was born to a comfortable life in Egypt where he studied to be a doctor.

What will it take for Iraq’s government to work?

With no government in place, nation is suffering from record-breaking political deadlock.

US VP Harris to announce $1bn to states for floods, extreme heat

The grants will help communities across the nation prepare for and respond to growing climate-related disasters.

Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 159

As the Russia-Ukraine war enters its 159th day, we take a look at the main developments.