Ministers must be honest about Russian threat to UK, says former Foreign Office head
The Guardian •

Ministers must be honest about Russian threat to UK, says former Foreign Office head

Peter Ricketts called for more resilience in protecting banking, energy and water systems from cyber-assaultsMinisters need to be honest with the British public about the immediate threat posed by Russia, which could soon lead to lives being lost, a former national security adviser has said.Peter Ricketts, who advised David Cameron when he was prime minister, became the latest figure to warn about...

Trump says did not order curb to Starshield for Ukraine
France 24 •

Trump says did not order curb to Starshield for Ukraine

Donald Trump said Friday he did not request a reduction in Starshield services for Ukraine, after tech billionaire Elon Musk insisted any limits on the SpaceX-operated communications system would ultimately have come from the US president.

Mass protests in France spiral into worst riots in years

Mass protests in France spiral into worst riots in years

SCMP •

Rioting erupted in cities across France on ⁠Saturday as demonstrations against rising living costs and declining public services spiralled out of control in some of the worst violence the country has witnessed for decades. While hundreds of thousands protested peacefully in street marches in scores of cities, violent fringe groups targeted public buildings, looted luxury boutiques and supermarkets...

Police and protesters clash in some of France’s worst unrest in years

Police and protesters clash in some of France’s worst unrest in years

SCMP •

Violent clashes erupted between ⁠police and protesters across France on Saturday, as hundreds of thousands of people protested against rising costs and declining public services in some of the country’s most destructive unrest in years. The Interior Ministry said at least 272 people had been arrested after violent incidents involving hooded individuals, including in Paris, Marseille in the south, ...

French police clash with protesters as thousands rally over cost of living

French police clash with protesters as thousands rally over cost of living

SCMP •

lashes ⁠broke out between police and protesters in cities across France on Saturday as tens of thousands of people took to the streets in some of the country’s most violent protests in years over rising costs and declining public services. Some 272 people had been arrested by mid-afternoon after violent incidents involving hooded individuals, including in Paris, Marseille in the south, Rennes in t...

Tear gas, clashes hit French cities in cost-of-living protests

Tear gas, clashes hit French cities in cost-of-living protests

SCMP •

Police fired tear gas and clashed with protesters in several French cities on Saturday as some of the most violent protests in years over living costs and public services drew thousands onto the streets. French authorities said 140 protests involving 32,800 people had been recorded outside Paris by midday and blamed the unrest on what ‌they described as the “ultra-left”. The protests began last mo...

French protesters take to streets over rising prices, social strain

French protesters take to streets over rising prices, social strain

SCMP •

Protests ⁠began across France on Saturday in ⁠what was expected to become a major nationwide protest ⁠against high prices and the fraying of a model intended to provide a basic level of opportunity and social security. The protests began last month at high schools in Paris’ poor northern suburbs, where anger over teacher absences and shabby facilities quickly morphed into a nationwide movement aga...

Strangers and railway staff help Chinese couple bring quintuplets home by train

Strangers and railway staff help Chinese couple bring quintuplets home by train

SCMP •

When a couple from Xinjiang took their quintuplets home on a 36-hour train journey, the babies became favourites of both the train crew and fellow passengers, who took turns caring for them. The five babies were born on February 26 at a major hospital in Wuhan, in central China’s Hubei province. Their father, known as Abu, and their mother, Dili, are both from Hotan in northwestern China’s Xinjian...

Is China’s Shenzhen ready to host Xi, Trump and Putin during Apec summit?

Is China’s Shenzhen ready to host Xi, Trump and Putin during Apec summit?

SCMP •

In Shenzhen, drones are banned, shiny new hotels have opened their doors and taxi drivers are carrying devices that can translate nearly 150 languages. Since President Xi Jinping announced last year that China’s southern tech hub would host Apec meetings in November, the city has done all it can to get ready under the watchful eyes of the local, provincial and national authorities. While every Ape...

Stephen King’s $3 million pledge helped transform hometown library into a $9.6 million project

Stephen King’s $3 million pledge helped transform hometown library into a $9.6 million project

Times of India •

Stephen and Tabitha King have committed $3 million to the Bangor Public Library renovation, provided that $6 million is raised through community efforts. Thanks to local support and a municipal bond, the library hit its $9 million target, kickstarting essential upgrades like roof repairs and improved community spaces, honoring both its historical significance and modern audience requirements.

Forgotten John Constable Painting: $37 buy authenticated at $315,000; other 2024 finds hidden in plain sight

Forgotten John Constable Painting: $37 buy authenticated at $315,000; other 2024 finds hidden in plain sight

Times of India •

Hidden away in a cupboard for years, a painting believed to be by John Constable was recently found and has skyrocketed in value from its auction price of $37 to an astounding $315,000. This extraordinary revelation joins the ranks of remarkable discoveries, like a rare Lego mask and a Victorian brooch, which emphasize that ordinary objects can possess extraordinary worth.

Snakes Found Inside Airport: Venomous western browns spotted in terminal; experts explain heat-driven visits

Snakes Found Inside Airport: Venomous western browns spotted in terminal; experts explain heat-driven visits

Times of India •

As summer approaches, Alice Springs Airport is preparing for an influx of snake sightings, with multiple reports emerging from terminal areas. In response, the airport management has put in place monitoring systems and hired professionals for safe snake removal. Travelers are encouraged to remain alert and immediately report any sightings to airport personnel, emphasizing safety first in this rept...

Ligue 1: Paris Saint-Germain aim to build on recent progress at Strasbourg

Ligue 1: Paris Saint-Germain aim to build on recent progress at Strasbourg

France 24 •

Fresh from their impressive 4-2 Champions League win on Manchester City’s home turf on Wednesday, PSG travel to Strasbourg on Saturday in Ligue 1. They aim to secure a fourth consecutive league win and maintain their growing momentum ahead of Tuesday's Champions League showdown with Barcelona.