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China's propaganda machine sputters in zero-Covid reversal
China's state media is struggling and censors are working overtime as Beijing gropes for a coherent narrative in the wake of the sudden reversal of its hallmark zero-Covid policy.
'Serpent' serial killer Charles Sobhraj set to arrive in France after release
French serial killer Charles Sobhraj, responsible for multiple murders in the 1970s across Asia, was due to arrive in France Saturday after almost 20 years in prison in Nepal.
Movie fans can sue over misleading trailer, says US judge
Movie fans disappointed that their favorite actor was cut from a film after appearing in the trailer can sue the studio for false advertising, a US judge has ruled.
'Serpent' serial killer Charles Sobhraj says 'innocent' after release
French serial killer Charles Sobhraj, responsible for multiple murders in the 1970s across Asia, insisted he was "innocent" as he headed to France on Friday after almost 20 years in prison in Nepal.
'Serpent' serial killer Charles Sobhraj 'feels great' after release
French serial killer Charles Sobhraj, responsible for multiple murders in the 1970s across Asia, told AFP he felt "great" after being released from prison in Nepal where he served almost 20 years.
Facebook agrees to pay $725 million to settle privacy suit
Facebook parent Meta has agreed to pay $725 million to settle a long-running lawsuit that accused the social network of allowing third parties, including Cambridge Analytica, to access users' private data.
Ukraine museum in 'shock' after Russian looting spree
Shattered display cases and empty shelves highlight the extent of Russian looting at a history museum in the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson where Olga Goncharova has worked for four decades.
'Serpent' serial killer Charles Sobhraj leaves Nepali jail
French serial killer Charles Sobhraj, responsible for multiple murders of young foreigners in the 1970s across Asia, was freed from a Nepali jail on Friday, an AFP reporter said.
Nepal to release 'Serpent' serial killer Charles Sobhraj
French serial killer Charles Sobhraj, responsible for multiple murders of young foreigners in the 1970s across Asia, was set to be released from prison on Friday, jail authorities and his lawyer said.
'Serpent' serial killer awaiting release in Nepal
French serial killer Charles Sobhraj, whose string of murders across Asia in the 1970s was portrayed in the Netflix series "The Serpent", was still awaiting his release from prison Thursday after a Nepali court ordered him freed on health grounds.
France fines Microsoft 60 million euros over advertising cookies
France's privacy watchdog said Thursday it has fined US tech giant Microsoft 60 million euros ($64 million) for foisting advertising cookies on users.
Conjuring up magic at a Budapest kindergarten
An inner-city neighbourhood in Budapest is tapping into the legacy of a famous magician born in the area over a century ago to help immigrant children integrate at kindergarten.
Nobel-winner Ishiguro pens Oscar-tipped 1950s remake 'Living'
Nobel laureate Kazuo Ishiguro has been obsessed for half a century with "Ikiru," a classic Japanese film about an aging bureaucrat who after being diagnosed with cancer races to find meaning in what remains of his monotonous life.
'Flash Gordon' director Mike Hodges dies aged 90: media
Mike Hodges, the British director of gritty 1970s crime drama "Get Carter" and 1980 film "Flash Gordon", has died at the age of 90, media reported Wednesday.
Ethiopia's celebrated circus offers youth discipline and hope
In a faded hall with tattered carpets, young acrobats launch off their partners' feet high into the air with a spin, as others perform juggling feats, somersaults or twist into contortions.
New York's Juilliard school rocked by sexual misconduct claims
New York's prestigious Juilliard performing arts school, whose alumni include actor Adam Driver and musician Jon Batiste, has placed a professor of music composition on leave following allegations of sexual misconduct.
Tokyo exhibit showcases Dior's passion for Japan
A hit exhibition showcasing Christian Dior's work opens in Tokyo this week with a focus on the French designer's fascination with Japan and the country's influence on his pieces.
Ukraine's ballerinas defy war woes with Paris shows
One of Ukraine's most storied ballet companies embarks this week on a run of shows in Paris, a welcome break from airstrikes and blackouts that have bedevilled performances back home.
Terry Hall, singer of ska band The Specials, dies aged 63
Terry Hall, frontman of British ska band The Specials, has died at the age of 63, his bandmates announced Monday.
Amber Heard agrees to pay Johnny Depp $1m in defamation case
Johnny Depp and Amber Heard have settled their acrimonious defamation case, they said Monday, with the actress agreeing to pay her former husband $1 million over claims he physically abused her.
Twitter users vote to oust Elon Musk as CEO
Twitter users voted on Monday to oust controversial owner Elon Musk as CEO in a poll he organized and promised to honor, just weeks after he took charge of the social media giant.
Spielberg regrets 'Jaws' impact on shark population
Film-maker Steven Spielberg has said he truly regrets the "decimation of the shark population" following the success of his 1975 film "Jaws".
Rihanna shares first video of her baby boy
Megastar Rihanna has for the first time shared a video of her baby son, who was born to her and boyfriend rapper A$AP Rocky in May.
Girls strike new note at ancient German boys' choir school
Every year in December, the corridors and classrooms of the famous Regensburg cathedral school swell with the sound of choirboys rehearsing traditional Christmas music.
Iraqi conservators strive to preserve ancient manuscripts
In an annex of Iraq's national museum, a conservator pores over a 17th-century manuscript, carrying out delicate restoration work as part of efforts to preserve and digitise 47,000 precious texts.
Brazilian writer Nelida Pinon dies at 85
Brazilian writer Nelida Pinon, whose work has been translated into more than 30 languages, died Saturday at the age of 85, her publishing house announced.
Germany finds most items from 2019 jewellery heist: police
German authorities said Saturday they had found a "considerable portion" of items stolen in a spectacular 2019 robbery of priceless 18th-century jewels from a state museum.
Musk faces backlash as Twitter suspends journalists
Twitter owner Elon Musk drew anger and stern warnings from the UN and EU on Friday after suspending the accounts of half a dozen prominent journalists -- accusing them of endangering his family.
Pikachu to depart after 25 years of Pokemon
Pokemon will return to the screen in 2023 but without its biggest star, Pikachu, who is bowing out after 25 seasons of mad-cap adventures.
Timeline: Twitter mayhem since Musk takeover
Since buying Twitter, Elon Musk has made radical changes that have sparked fears for the future of the platform, from firing half the staff to restoring ex-president Donald Trump's account and suspending those of several journalists.
Pope to return three Parthenon fragments to Athens
Pope Francis is to return to Greece three fragments of Athens' Parthenon temple, in what the Vatican called Friday a gesture of friendship.
Angelina Jolie steps down as UN refugees envoy
Angelina Jolie announced Friday that she is stepping down from her role as the UNHCR's special envoy after more than 20 years of working with the United Nations' refugee agency.
Musk under fire as Twitter suspends journalists
Twitter-owner Elon Musk drew anger and stern warnings from regulators on Friday after suspending the accounts of half a dozen prominent journalists -- accusing them of endangering his family.
Loco for Lorca: UK theatre fuels passion for Spanish
"That Lorca is completely bonkers," says the actress in Spanish, prompting laughter from a group of British teenagers at London's Cervantes Theatre.
From flamenco to pop: 5 things about singer Rosalia
Rosalia, the former flamenco prodigy who has since cemented her place at the top of the pop world, was arguably the biggest breakout star of 2022.
Kevin Spacey: antihero of screen and stage, #MeToo outcast
Kevin Spacey built a formidable acting career playing dangerous, darkly charismatic antiheroes in hits from "The Usual Suspects" to "House of Cards" -- before disturbing allegations about his personal life brought it crashing down.
Harrison Ford swaps movies for TV with '1923'
Harrison Ford has rarely bothered with television since "Star Wars" propelled him to A-list movie fame nearly half a century ago -- but that is about to change with small-screen Western "1923."
Shouting match, briefing war: Prince Harry takes aim at William
Prince Harry accused his brother William of a furious response to his plans to quit royal life but insisted he had few regrets about leaving in final docuseries episodes out on Thursday.
Twitter suspends account tracking Elon Musk's plane
A Twitter account that tracked flights of Elon Musk's private jet was grounded on Wednesday despite the billionaire's talk of free speech.