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EU steps up monitoring of TikTok ahead of Romania vote
The European Commission on Thursday said it had stepped up its monitoring of TikTok, after receiving information about possible Russian interference in Romania's presidential election.
Afghan TV station shut for working with 'exiled' media, 6 detained
An Afghan TV station has been shut down after its office was used for dubbing "vulgar" programmes for banned media, the Taliban morality ministry said on Thursday, with the channel's employees saying six people have been detained.
'Miracles' and controversies in Notre Dame's renaissance
The more than five-year reconstruction of Notre Dame cathedral has featured some near-miraculous recoveries, as well as several controversies.
New Natalia Lafourcade album celebrates music's onstage evolutions
A new live album from Grammy-winning Mexican singer Natalia Lafourcade offers an intimate glimpse into the artist's process, capturing a singular moment she says bridges to her next creative chapter.
Ivory Coast staple cassava meal gains UNESCO heritage status
UNESCO on Wednesday welcomed attieke, the quintessential dish of Ivory Coast, and the skills involved in making the fermented ground cassava meal into its list of humanity's intangible cultural heritage.
'Creating connections': Arab, African filmmakers gather at Morocco workshops
Emerging filmmakers from Africa and the Arab world gathered in Marrakesh this week for a series of workshops to refine their film projects, secure funding and build industry connections.
France court upholds Polanski acquittal in defamation case
A French appeals court Wednesday confirmed the acquittal of French-Polish filmmaker Roman Polanski in a defamation case in which British actor Charlotte Lewis accused him of libel after she claimed he had raped her.
Taiwan romance novelist Chiung Yao dies at 86
Taiwanese writer Chiung Yao, whose romance novels were wildly popular in the Chinese-speaking world, has died, authorities said Wednesday. She was 86.
South Korean president pressed to step down over martial law bid
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faced demands to resign on Wednesday after his short-lived attempt to impose martial law was voted down by lawmakers and brought thousands of protesters to the streets.
Parthenon Marbles loom large as Greek PM holds talks in London
The British and Greek prime ministers held talks Tuesday focused on illegal migration and supporting Ukraine but with a long-running dispute over the Parthenon Marbles ancient art work looming over the meeting.
Seized mafia art on display in Milan
More than 80 contemporary works of art confiscated from the Italian mafia, including by Salvador Dali and Andy Warhol, went on display Tuesday in Milan.
I'm the taxman!: New docs reveal legal woes behind Beatles split
Recently found legal documents that shed new light on the demise of The Beatles are to go on sale next week, UK auction house Dawsons said Monday.
Australian PM ready to 'engage' with Musk on social media teen ban
Australia's prime minister said Sunday he was ready to "engage" with billionaire X owner Elon Musk over his criticism of the government's ban on under-16s joining social media.
South Korea star Jung Woo-sung apologises after baby scandal
One of South Korea's top actors apologised after it was revealed he fathered a child with a woman he is not married to, sparking nationwide scrutiny in a country where births outside marriage are still seen as taboo.
Teen news boss criticises Australian social media ban
An Australian teenage news boss says landmark legislation barring under-16s from social media is a "really bad idea" that will stifle young people's creativity.
Five things to know about NewJeans' shock split from agency
Chart-topping group NewJeans shocked the K-pop world with their announcement that they are quitting their label ADOR over what they described as "mistreatment".
Social media companies slam Australia's under-16 ban
Social media giants on Friday hit out at a landmark Australian law banning them from signing up under-16s, describing it as a rush job littered with "many unanswered questions".
TikTok tactics shake up politics in Romania
Barely known a year ago, far-right candidate Calin Georgescu successfully dominated social network TikTok to emerge the shock winner of Romania's first-round presidential election -- an online campaign that has raised suspicions.
French luxury mogul Arnault defiant at ex-spy chief trial
France's richest man, LVMH chief Bernard Arnault, testified Thursday in the influence-peddling trial of the former head of France's domestic intelligence agency, denying any knowledge of an alleged scheme to protect the luxury group.
Ruby slippers from 'The Wizard of Oz' up for auction
Ruby slippers worn by actress Judy Garland in classic film "The Wizard of Oz" will be sold at auction next month, nearly 20 years after they were stolen.
Chinese island plastic pollution turned into artistic omens
As storm clouds gathered on a forgotten beach in China's Miaodao islands, artist Fu Junsheng picked his way through piles of plastic waste washed up along the shoreline, looking for inspiration.
Hello Kitty owner plunges 17% on sharesale plan
Shares in the Japanese entertainment giant behind the popular Hello Kitty brand plunged on Wednesday after major shareholders said they would reduce their stakes.
Hand-built fantasy tower brings value to Tokyo, creator says
Passers-by stop and stare at the ramshackle, hand-built concrete tower that looks like it has been lifted right out of a Japanese animation and dropped onto a real-life Tokyo street.
'American Railroad' musical project showcases untold immigrant stories
The Grammy- and Pulitzer-winning artist Rhiannon Giddens has long made music that sheds light on America's untold stories, and her latest project brings to the fore marginalized groups that built its railroad.
Rod Stewart to play Glastonbury legends slot
British rock star Rod Stewart is set to play the coveted legends slot at Glastonbury next year, over two decades after he headlined the iconic music festival, the organisers said Tuesday.
Social media firms raise 'serious concerns' over Australian U-16 ban
Australia's proposal to ban under-16s from social media platforms is "rushed", social media companies claimed Tuesday, expressing "serious concerns" about potential unintended consequences.
Bestselling 'Woman of Substance' author Barbara Taylor Bradford dies aged 91
Bestselling British-American writer Barbara Taylor Bradford, whose first novel "A Woman of Substance" turned her into an overnight success, has died aged 91, a spokeswoman said on Monday.
Notre Dame inspired Americans' love and help after fire
Through an avalanche of giving in amounts from $10 to $10 million, Americans have proved their love for Paris's Notre Dame cathedral, mobilizing to support the rebirth of a monument they hold dear.
'Gladiator II', 'Wicked' battle for N. American box office honors
Hollywood got respite from a slack few months as two much-anticipated new films -- Universal's "Wicked: Part I" and "Gladiator II" from Paramount -- roared to the top of the North American box office this weekend.
Breyten Breytenbach, writer who challenged apartheid, dies at 85
South African writer and anti-apartheid activist Breyten Breytenbach died on Sunday in Paris at the age of 85, his daughter told AFP.
Germany goes nuts for viral pistachio chocolate
When Ali Fakhro lays out a row of pistachio-filled chocolate bars in the morning at his bakery in Berlin, he knows they will be gone in a matter of hours.
Basel votes to stump up bucks to host Eurovision
Basel voters on Sunday overwhelmingly approved the city putting up nearly $40 million towards hosting next year's Eurovision Song Contest, meaning the glitzy annual TV extravaganza will go ahead with its full customary pomp.