Japan government approves $92 bn extra budget
Japan's unpopular minority government approved on Friday an extra budget to help pay for a massive stimulus package after the ruling coalition's worst election result in 15 years.
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Toll in Syria jihadist-army fighting rises to 242: monitor
More than 240 people, mostly combatants, were killed as intense fighting approached Syria's northern Aleppo city after jihadists launched a major offensive on government-held areas this week, a monitor said Friday.
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UK transport secretary quits in setback for Starmer
Louise Haigh resigned as Britain's transport secretary on Friday after revelations that she pleaded guilty to a criminal offence before becoming a member of parliament.
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Days before deadline, plastic treaty draft highlights disagreement
With just two days before negotiators are due to agree on the world's first deal to curb global plastic pollution, a new draft text released Friday showed deep differences remain.
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Crypto boss eats banana art he bought for $6.2 million
Crypto entrepreneur Justin Sun on Friday fulfilled a promise he made after spending $6.2 million on an artwork featuring a banana duct-taped to a wall -- by eating the fruit.
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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.
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Taiwan detects 41 Chinese military aircraft, ships ahead of Lai US stopover
Taiwan said Friday it detected 41 Chinese military aircraft and ships around the island ahead of a Hawaii stopover by President Lai Ching-te, part of a Pacific tour that has sparked fury in Beijing.
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Spain urged to 'build differently' after deadly floods
Spain is racing to reconstruct areas devastated by deadly floods last month but experts have urged a rethink of development with the relocation of buildings away from vulnerable areas.
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WTO chief faces heavy task as Trump threat looms
World Trade Organization chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is expected to be reappointed Friday for a second term, in the shadow of the coming return of Donald Trump and his disdain for international trade rules.
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Herbert takes control at Australian Open as Smith tanks
Lucas Herbert surged into a four stroke lead at the Australian Open in Melbourne on Friday as his LIV Golf teammate Cameron Smith imploded on the back nine.
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