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Mourners gather in Vietnam for leader's funeral
Thousands of black-clad mourners including top Vietnamese officials gathered Thursday in Hanoi for the funeral of Communist party leader Nguyen Phu Trong as two days of national mourning began.
Comic-Con fans assemble as Marvel eyes major reboot
Comic-Con returns in full force to San Diego this week, where a hugely anticipated Marvel superhero film event is among the draws for tens of thousands of hyped-up fans dressed as fantasy heroes and sci-fi villains.
Colombia orchid sanctuary collects and clones endangered species
Deep in Colombia's northwestern forests, an orchid enthusiast has gathered a colorful collection of nearly 25,000 specimens, some of which he is cloning to protect them from extinction.
French star Bardot slams Japan's 'manhunt' against anti-whaling activist
French film star Brigitte Bardot has slammed Japan for its "manhunt" of anti-whaling activist Paul Watson, detained under an international warrant issued by Tokyo.
From LA's rocketman to London's skyfall: iconic Olympics openings
As Paris prepares for the opening ceremony of the Olympics on July 26 with what promises to be a spectacular parade of boats along the river Seine, AFP looks back at memorable Olympics curtainraisers of the past.
Insect infestation ravages North African prickly pear
Amor Nouira, a farmer in Tunisia's Chebika village, has lost hope of saving his prickly pear cacti, ravaged by the cochineal insect spreading across North Africa.
Motorcycle-riding sultan crowned Malaysian king
Malaysia on Saturday installed a motorcycle-riding billionaire sultan as its new king in lavish ceremonies for a post seen as a ballast in times of political crises.
Adidas drops Bella Hadid from campaign over Gaza controversy
Adidas said Friday it had dropped vocal pro-Palestinian model Bella Hadid from an advertising campaign for retro sneakers referencing the 1972 Munich Olympics, which were overshadowed by a massacre of Israeli athletes.
'Hope' as 60 rare Siamese crocodiles hatch in Cambodia
A group of 60 rare Siamese crocodiles have hatched in Cambodia, boosting hopes for one of the world's most endangered reptiles, conservationists said Thursday.
'Twisters' director swaps arthouse for '90s blockbuster reboot
"Twisters," Hollywood's latest attempt to reboot nostalgic blockbusters for modern audiences, might seem an unlikely next career step for director Lee Isaac Chung.
UK's Labour govt programme laid out in king's address
King Charles III outlined Labour's first programme for government in 15 years on Wednesday, with promises of economic stability and tougher action on irregular immigration to improving relations with Europe soured by Brexit.
King Charles III to set out UK govt to-do list
King Charles III will read out Labour's first programme for government in a decade and half on Wednesday when the UK parliament formally reopens following the July 4 election.
Young Chinese seek alternative jobs in shifting economy
Braving loneliness, tough auditions and an unfamiliarly hot and humid climate, aspiring actor Guo Ting is determined to make it in China's answer to Hollywood.
Hope turns to familiar disappointment for England fans in London
Despondent England fans shared in a familiar tale of woe in London on Sunday as the 58-year wait to win a men's major trophy went on after Spain scored a late winner in the Euro 2024 final.
Shannen Doherty, star of 'Beverly Hills: 90210,' dies at 53
Actress Shannen Doherty, known for her role in the high school drama series "Beverly Hills 90210," died after a long fight with breast cancer, People magazine reported on Sunday.
Kane would swap career of personal glory to win Euros for England
Harry Kane said leading England to win Euro 2024 on Sunday would be the "most incredible feeling" a footballer can have as he aims to end his own long wait to win a trophy.
Southgate dares to dream as England eye end to long wait for Euros glory
England manager Gareth Southgate said he does not believe that fate is guiding the Three Lions to Euro 2024 glory, but is dreaming of ending a 58-year wait to win a major tournament in Sunday's final against Spain.
Prince William tells England to 'show what you're made of' in Euros final
Prince William has urged England to "go out there and show the world what you're made of" when they face Spain in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday.
Billionaire bash: India's lavish Ambani nuptials
Billionaire Indian tycoon Mukesh Ambani celebrates the lavish finale of his son's wedding this week, highlighting his staggering wealth, as well as India's rapid economic growth and stark financial inequalities.
King Charles III urges England team to spare fans Euro 2024 'drama'
King Charles III has congratulated the England football team on reaching the final of Euro 2024 and jokingly urged them to win the tournament without any nerve-shredding last-minute drama.
Climate media awards highlight injustice and accountability
Exposing universities that use stolen Indigenous land to boost oil production and turning a daily TV weather forecast into a climate update were among the standout work celebrated at the annual Covering Climate Now Journalism Awards unveiled Tuesday.
Rare Florida cactus becomes first US species lost to sea rise
A rare species of tree cactus has gone extinct in Florida, in what is believed to be the first species lost to sea level rise in the United States, researchers said Tuesday.
Animal crossing: Highway bridge aims to save California's cougars
Hollywood stars aren't the only celebrities who live in the hills around Los Angeles -- Southern California's mountain lions also make their homes there and are sometimes almost as famous.
In Belgian farmland, 'Saving Bambi' one dawn mission at a time
Cedric Petit's drone hummed above a Belgian field. He spotted a white dot on the control screen: a tiny fawn nestled in the tall grasses -- soon to be rescued from a grisly end.
Six passengers of turbulence-hit plane still in Brazil hospital: airline
Six passengers among dozens injured in severe turbulence on a flight from Madrid remain hospitalized in Brazil, where their plane had to make an emergency landing, Air Europa said Tuesday.
Uzbekistan tries to put fresh spin on its silk industry
In the shade of an almond tree, Zubayda Pardayeva began the age-old and barely profitable process of turning cocoons into silk that Uzbekistan wants to overhaul.
Britain's true ruler? Larry the Downing Street cat
There has been one figure of stability in the last 14 years of political turmoil in the UK -- Larry the Downing Street cat.
Handbags and ball gowns: Princess Diana finery goes under the hammer
The biggest auction of Diana memorabilia since the late British princess sold dozens of outfits months before her death gets underway in California this week, featuring a midnight blue tulle dress and a flamenco-style lace-up number.
King Charles hails ties as Japan royals make UK state visit
King Charles III hailed Britain and Japan's "close friendship" at a lavish state banquet for Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday as the Japanese royals began a three-day state visit.
UK rolls out lavish welcome for Japanese royals as state visit begins
A guard of honour and a lavish banquet awaited Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako in London on Tuesday as King Charles III was set to receive them at the start of a three-day state visit to Britain.
Pop-punk icon Lauper recounts life 'fight' ahead of farewell tour
She was an icon as much for her outspoken punk attitude as her era-defining hits like "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun". Now 71, Cyndi Lauper is heading out on a farewell tour.
Luxembourg Grand Duke announces start of handover to son
Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg on Sunday announced he will start transferring powers to his son Guillaume in October, in a surprise move paving the way for the monarch's abdication.