Snowy Hydro 2.0 has blown out to 12 times its original cost – but the CEO says it ‘could have been worse’
The Guardian •

Snowy Hydro 2.0 has blown out to 12 times its original cost – but the CEO says it ‘could have been worse’

New projections by the Snowy Hydro company show tunnelling work is now 65% finished, but the completion date has been pushed back to 2029Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe cost of Snowy Hydro 2.0 has blown out to as much as $25bn, with a major reassessment finding the long-delayed renewable energy project will not be completed until the end of the decade.First touted by...

Could US advances in drone command give it an edge over the PLA in a Taiwan conflict?
SCMP •

Could US advances in drone command give it an edge over the PLA in a Taiwan conflict?

From the cockpit of an F-22 fighter to an aircraft carrier sailing in the Pacific, the US military is showing new ways to command uncrewed aircraft over vast distances. The United States disclosed two tests this month as Washington seeks to outpace Beijing in a technology contest that could redefine air and naval power in the region. Illustrating US military advances and their potential significan...

Chinese public urged to stay confident in domestic innovation after Tesla flying-car debut
SCMP •

Chinese public urged to stay confident in domestic innovation after Tesla flying-car debut

Tesla’s “flying” Roadster stunt has set social media alight worldwide, turning a car launch into a debate about technological innovation and China-US rivalry. At an event in Texas on October 15, Tesla unveiled its redesigned sports car, the Roadster, with stunts including a takeoff from a steep, curved ramp and a leap over parked cars. Pre-orders are open in China with a deposit of 332,000 yuan (U...

Entrepreneur Rebuilds Beauty Brand: Nurse turns $500 into $100m; now backs Watch & Sea

Entrepreneur Rebuilds Beauty Brand: Nurse turns $500 into $100m; now backs Watch & Sea

Times of India •

Courtney Adeleye made a remarkable shift from nursing to entrepreneurship by founding The Mane Choice, a haircare brand that achieved impressive success. Initially starting with a few products, the overwhelming demand prompted the addition of supplements, accelerating the brand's growth. Ultimately, The Mane Choice surpassed $100 million in annual sales, culminating in its acquisition for $61.5 mi...

Vivek Ramaswamy campaign ad for Ohio ‘shameful, disgusting’, says Republican congresswoman – US politics live

Vivek Ramaswamy campaign ad for Ohio ‘shameful, disgusting’, says Republican congresswoman – US politics live

The Guardian •

Nancy Mace said: ‘This ad is going to go down as the most shameful, disgusting, offensive ad this election season’Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of US politics. We’re less than two weeks out from the mid-term vote and the campaigns are getting even more nasty.Condemnation continues of Republican Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaign in the Ohio governor race after his team put out an attack ad...

Minnesota couple’s $27,000 neighbour dispute ends with $20,000 privacy award reversed

Minnesota couple’s $27,000 neighbour dispute ends with $20,000 privacy award reversed

Times of India •

In Minnesota, a conflict brewed between two couples over a shared driveway and the removal of a tree. The Stahleys performed maintenance on the Rubys' land without consent, leading to a legal battle. Ultimately, the court awarded the Rubys $27,000, with $20,000 for invasion of privacy. However, the appeals court overturned the privacy ruling, necessitating further proceedings and adjusting the dam...

Hong Kong student gets 10 years for sexually assaulting 4 underage girls

Hong Kong student gets 10 years for sexually assaulting 4 underage girls

SCMP •

A Hong Kong tertiary student convicted of sexually assaulting at least four underage girls has been sentenced to 10 years in prison, with the judge slamming him as a “very sick individual” who showed no remorse. High Court Judge Andrew Chan Hing-wai on Thursday noted from the assessment reports that Fan Chi-yuen, 22, had shown no remorse or empathy towards his victims. They included a 14-year-old ...

Oregon woman’s breast cancer diagnosis inspires husband’s gaming community to raise $1 million for research

Oregon woman’s breast cancer diagnosis inspires husband’s gaming community to raise $1 million for research

Times of India •

When Jessica Conwell confronted the daunting challenge of triple-negative breast cancer, her husband Matt leaned on his gaming community for support. This passionate group rallied together, spearheading fundraising activities that amassed a remarkable $55,000 in their inaugural event. Inspired by early success, they continued their efforts, ultimately raising over $1 million for critical cancer re...

In 1926, Frankfurt installed 10,000 modern fitted kitchens; today, volunteers are rescuing them

In 1926, Frankfurt installed 10,000 modern fitted kitchens; today, volunteers are rescuing them

Times of India •

In the year 1926, Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky revolutionized domestic design by creating the Frankfurt Kitchen, aimed at maximizing cooking efficiency for urban dwellers. While around 10,000 of these iconic kitchens were initially integrated into Frankfurt residences, many have since succumbed to renovations. Today, preservationists are dedicated to conserving the remaining kitchens, adapting them ...

Israel using US-made electroshock weapons on Palestinian detainees | First Thing

Israel using US-made electroshock weapons on Palestinian detainees | First Thing

The Guardian •

An American company is still supplying Taser weapons linked to abuse of prisoners by Israeli forces. Plus, 12 valuable lessons about life and death by hospice workersGood morning. An investigation has revealed that Israel is using US-made electroshock weapons on Palestinian detainees. American company Axon is still supplying the Taser weapons despite evidence they have been used to torture prisone...

Missing lift fire door frames confined to Taizoom, Hong Kong authorities say

Missing lift fire door frames confined to Taizoom, Hong Kong authorities say

SCMP •

Inspections into lift safety across Hong Kong have found no missing fire-resistant door frames among contractors other than Taizoom Elevator, authorities said on Thursday, after 338 buildings served by the firm were confirmed to lack the crucial components. The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department offered an update on the checks on Thursday after the government pledged to expand the inspe...

Aung San Suu Kyi’s son speaks to detained former Myanmar leader for first time in five years

Aung San Suu Kyi’s son speaks to detained former Myanmar leader for first time in five years

The Guardian •

Kim Aris says ‘hearing her voice again means more than words can express’ amid loosening of detention restrictionsThe son of Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi has been allowed to speak to the detained former democratic leader for the first time in more than five years.“Today, I was finally able to speak with my mother, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, after more than five years. Hearing her voice again means more t...

EU gives top human rights award to ICC after Trump sanctions

EU gives top human rights award to ICC after Trump sanctions

SCMP •

Facing US sanctions, the International Criminal Court was on Thursday awarded the European Union’s top rights prize, in a show of support that risks upsetting President Donald Trump. “The European Union is built on respect for multilateralism and international institutions, and this prize recognises the important work of the court in upholding international law and justice,” said European Parliame...

EU gives top human rights award to ICC amid Trump sanctions

EU gives top human rights award to ICC amid Trump sanctions

SCMP •

The International Criminal Court and officials working at the tribunal have won the European Union’s top human rights honour, the Sakharov Prize, an official said on Thursday. The award came just days after the Trump administration announced sweeping new sanctions on the ICC as part of its campaign to dismantle the tribunal over investigations into the United States and its allies, including Israe...

Macron condemns ‘seditious acts’ by ‘ultra-left’ and says he will seek to ban some protests – Europe live

Macron condemns ‘seditious acts’ by ‘ultra-left’ and says he will seek to ban some protests – Europe live

The Guardian •

French government will show ‘absolute’ determination to stop the riots, Macron saysAs we are waiting for Macron, first details of the planned police response to this weekend’s protests are emerging.Junior interior minister, Jean-Didier Berger, said that the police presence will be “20% higher” than last weekend, with reinforcements from the army, elite police forces and gendarmerie. Continue readi...

Netanyahu denies report that Trump blocked planned Israeli strike on October 10

Netanyahu denies report that Trump blocked planned Israeli strike on October 10

Times of India •

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has refuted allegations that President Donald Trump interrupted a military mission planned against Iran. A Financial Times article suggested that Israel had intentions for airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, which were ultimately dropped due to Trump's disapproval, influenced by worries regarding economic fallout before the midterm elections, partic...

Sainsbury’s expects challenging run-up to Christmas as households feel squeeze

Sainsbury’s expects challenging run-up to Christmas as households feel squeeze

The Guardian •

Supermarket urges government not to ‘further aggravate’ pressure on costs for businesses in next week’s budgetSainsbury’s has warned of a “pretty challenging” market in the run-up to Christmas as households are “finding it tough” and food producers face rising costs.Simon Roberts, the chief executive of the UK’s second biggest supermarket, called on the government not to “further aggravate” pressu...

Blackpool, Sheffield, Milton Keynes and Wrexham shortlisted for UK city of culture 2029

Blackpool, Sheffield, Milton Keynes and Wrexham shortlisted for UK city of culture 2029

The Guardian •

Each place, selected from longlist of nine, will be given £125,000 to develop bids before winner is announced in new yearBlackpool, Sheffield, Milton Keynes and Wrexham have been shortlisted to be the UK city of culture 2029, an award viewed as a way to boost local economies, foster civic pride and, above all, have some fun.The four places were chosen from a longlist of nine and each will be given...

Dalai Lama appointed by China 'is going to be a fake one', exiled former Tibetan leader says

Dalai Lama appointed by China 'is going to be a fake one', exiled former Tibetan leader says

France 24 •

In an interview with FRANCE 24, exiled former Tibetan leader Lobsang Sangay said any successor to the Dalai Lama appointed by China "is going to be a fake one". He also likened Beijing's ethnic unity law to "an ethnic erasure", said Tibetan concerns had been "downgraded a bit" in US-China talks and accused China of failing to warn of the deadly August floods on the Nepal-Tibet border.