Going bananas: Duct-taped fresh fruit sells for millions at Sotheby’s
A banana duct-taped to a wall is causing a stir in the art world again. It just sold for $6.2 million at Sotheby's.
US SEC chair Gensler to step down upon Trump takeover
US President-elect Donald Trump had said he would remove Gary Gensler as Securities and Exchange Commission chair.
Defence firm Thales faces bribery and corruption investigation
UK Serious Fraud Office and French equivalent ‘will pursue every avenue’ in allegations against Paris-based company
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) is investigating suspected bribery and corruption at Thales Group, a multinational aerospace and defence electronics contractor.
The company, which is headquartered in Paris and has a UK subsidiary employing more than 7,000 staff, is known in defence circles for its varied businesses, which include making missiles and launchers, supplying sonar systems for the Royal Navy’s nuclear submarines and designing the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers.
Continue reading...Senegal’s ruling Pastef party secures large majority in parliament
Win grants President Bassirou Diomaye Faye a clear mandate to carry out ambitious reforms.
Trump loyalist Matt Gaetz withdraws from US attorney general consideration
The former congressman said he had become a 'distraction' following renewed scrutiny of sexual misconduct allegations.
Poor nations may have to downgrade climate cash demands, ex-UN envoy says
Rich country budgets are stretched amid inflation, Covid and Ukraine war, Mary Robinson tells Cop29
Poor countries may have to compromise on demands for cash to tackle global heating, a former UN climate envoy has said, as UN talks entered their final hours in deadlock.
In comments that are likely to disappoint poorer countries at the Cop29 summit, Mary Robinson, the former president of Ireland and twice a UN climate envoy, said rich country budgets were stretched amid inflation, Covid and conflicts including Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Continue reading...US moves to list giraffes under Endangered Species Act for first time
Climate crisis, habitat loss and poaching have reduced its numbers – but will Trump put the kibosh on protections?
They are the tallest animal to roam the Earth and have become an icon of children’s books, toys and awed wildlife documentaries. But giraffes are in decline, which has prompted the US government to list them as endangered for the first time.
Giraffes will be listed under the US Endangered Species Act, the US Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed in a move that will cover five subspecies of the animal. The agency hopes the listing will crack down on the poaching of giraffes, as the US is a leading destination of rugs, pillowcases, boots, furniture and even Bible covers made from giraffe body parts.
Continue reading...Fake-alcohol deaths highlight SE Asia’s methanol problem
The deaths of five tourists after apparently drinking tainted drinks highlight the wider issue of bootleg alcohol.
Brazil police accuse ex-President Bolsonaro of involvement in coup attempt
Police accuse Jair Bolsonaro and several former officials of involvement in plot after 2022 election defeat.
Contraceptive pills recalled in South Africa after mix-up
A faulty batch of Yaz Plus means some packs contain only four active pills rendering them ineffective.
Severed horse head found at Sicilian property, in echo of Godfather scene
Local authorities think head discovered at businessman’s property may be part of mafia intimidation tactic
A severed horse’s head has been discovered at the property of a Sicilian businessman, in what local authorities believe may be a mafia intimidation tactic reminiscent of a scene from The Godfather.
The animal’s head was left on the seat of a digger owned by the man, a construction contractor in Altofonte, near the Sicilian capital, Palermo. The remains of a pregnant cow and its calf were also found at the site.
Continue reading...Putin says Russia attacked Ukraine with new intermediate ballistic missile
President Vladimir Putin says Russia tested a hypersonic intermediate-range missile in a strike on Ukraine.
Thousands rush to US border before Trump takes office
Migrants from Central America are making their way to the US to avoid new immigration controls.
Kenya cancels more than $2.5bn in deals with Adani after US indictment
The deals had been sharply criticised over lack of transparency and value for money.
ICC issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant over Gaza war; PM slams ‘antisemitism’ – The Times of Israel
- ICC issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant over Gaza war; PM slams ‘antisemitism’ The Times of Israel
- ICC issued warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant and Hamas leader. So what happens now? USA TODAY
- ICC Issues Arrest Warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant: Israel-Hamas War Live Updates The New York Times
- Fetterman says 'F--- that' amid bipartisan backlash over arrest warrants targeting Israel's Netanyahu, Gallant Fox News
- Dutch Foreign Minister's Trip to Israel Postponed U.S. News & World Report
Deus in machina: Swiss church installs AI-powered Jesus
Peter’s chapel in Lucerne swaps out its priest to set up a computer and cables in confessional booth
The small, unadorned church has long ranked as the oldest in the Swiss city of Lucerne. But Peter’s chapel has become synonymous with all that is new after it installed an artificial intelligence-powered Jesus capable of dialoguing in 100 different languages.
“It was really an experiment,” said Marco Schmid, a theologian with the church. “We wanted to see and understand how people react to an AI Jesus. What would they talk with him about? Would there be interest in talking to him? We’re probably pioneers in this.”
Continue reading...Illinois Supreme Court overturns Jussie Smollett conviction for alleged hoax
Smollett, who is black and gay, was accused of lying about being the victim of a racial attack in Chicago.
British lawyer among six to die in suspected methanol poisoning in Laos
As well as Simone White, two Danes, an American and two Australians have died after incident in town popular with backpackers
A British lawyer is among six people to have died in a suspected mass methanol poisoning in Laos.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said it was “supporting the family of a British woman who has died in Laos, and we are in contact with the local authorities”.
Continue reading...Arrest warrants issued for Netanyahu, Gallant and Hamas commander over alleged war crimes
International Criminal Court judges say there are “reasonable grounds” they bore "criminal responsibility" for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Ukraine says Russia hit it with ICBM, Zelenskyy says Putin is ‘terrified’ – ABC News
- Ukraine says Russia hit it with ICBM, Zelenskyy says Putin is 'terrified' ABC News
- Ukraine Says Russia Struck It With New Missile; ICBM Claim Is Disputed The New York Times
- Ukraine accuses Russia of launching intercontinental ballistic missile Al Jazeera English
- Ukraine-Russia updates: Putin says Russia fired medium-range missile at Ukraine, not an ICBM Reuters UK
- Multiple Warheads Strike Dnipro As Russia Launches An Experimental Ballistic Missile Forbes