Johnny Depp stages a comeback with a surprise Comic-Con appearance as Ebenezer Scrooge, ahead of his new film, sparking mixed reactions amid past abuse allegations.
The EU's return regulation is nearing adoption, allowing offshore migration processing hubs despite human rights concerns. Countries like Austria, Denmark, and Germany are poised to establish these centers, raising alarms due to past failures in Australia, Israel, and the US. Critics urge strict human rights safeguards before implementation.
The Council of Europe's secretary general, Alain Berset, has accused Fifa of enabling fraud and political interference, undermining the World Cup's integrity. In an open letter, Berset called for a new integrity framework by 2030, referencing a suspended player sanction and increased betting risks.
Prominent economists, including Jim O’Neill and Jonathan Portes, have urged the likely next UK Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, to implement radical tax and spending reforms. They propose a single 'national contribution' levy to replace six key taxes, potentially raising £75bn annually, to fund universal public services.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has formally requested Senator Mitch McConnell to provide more information about his health following a three-week hospitalization and period of silence. Kentuckians are reportedly concerned about McConnell's well-being and ability to serve.
Over 100 prominent citizens from India and Pakistan urged PMs to restore dialogue and peace through confidence-building measures. However, the article argues that ideological, political, and institutional disputes, coupled with Pakistan's military establishment controlling India policy, hinder progress beyond civil society efforts. India's government dismisses Track II talks, focusing on harder instruments like FATF. Genuine change requires structural reform in Pakistan or a bold political decision in Delhi, neither of which is currently visible.
Over 100 prominent citizens from India and Pakistan have penned an open letter to PMs Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif, urging them to restore peace and dialogue. The letter proposes confidence-building measures like reinstating full diplomatic ties and resuming normal visa services.
48 Chinese iOS developers have filed a complaint with China's market watchdog against Apple, alleging unfair App Store commission rates and abuse of market dominance. They claim Apple failed to offer the lowest commission rate to the Chinese market.
England's football team showed a dramatic shift in performance against Croatia, moving from hesitant play to aggressive attacking in the second half under manager Thomas Tuchel. This tactical evolution suggests a potential break from past tournament struggles and a more dynamic future for the team.
Sierra Leone's First Lady, Fatima Maada Bio, denies supporting female genital mutilation (FGM) but refuses to condemn it without 'reliable data' on its harm. Her stance has drawn criticism from health professionals and activists, who fear it undermines advocacy efforts. The practice remains prevalent in Sierra Leone, with no specific law criminalizing it.
A group of over 1,250 Israeli mothers and 9 civil organizations sent an open letter to Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, accepting his call for peace and rejecting Prime Minister Netanyahu's policy of perpetual war. The letter, a response to Aoun's question about living in eternal war, emphasizes the desire for dialogue, peace, and shared security, acknowledging the pain and loss on both sides.
Over 70 public figures have signed an open letter calling for the Windrush compensation scheme to be moved from Home Office control to an independent body. The letter highlights the scheme's failures, including over half of claimants receiving no compensation, and urges for free legal aid and a public inquiry.
Prof Richard Scolyer, a celebrated cancer researcher and 2024 Australian of the Year, has died at 59 after a public battle with inoperable brain cancer, leaving a legacy of inspiration and groundbreaking medical contributions.
Vladimir Putin rejects Volodymyr Zelenskyy's offer for a face-to-face meeting, vowing to achieve Russia's war goals in Ukraine, including full control of the Donbas region.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sent an open letter to Vladimir Putin proposing a personal meeting to end the war. Zelensky stated that Ukraine can significantly increase the cost of the war for Russia and outlined conditions for negotiations, including a ceasefire and prisoner exchange.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed to Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in an open letter. The article does not provide details of the letter's content or any specific proposals made by Zelensky.
AI industry leaders, despite their rivalries, share a common concern that their technology could be exploited to create biological weapons. This unprecedented agreement highlights a significant ethical and security challenge facing the field.
Hollywood's casting for Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' adaptation has sparked controversy, with many Greeks feeling excluded as no Greek actors were cast. Elon Musk's criticism of Lupita Nyong'o's casting as Helen of Troy highlights a debate on authenticity vs. global representation.
Arne Slot, sacked by Liverpool after 13 months, expressed confidence in the club's future, citing strong foundations and the team's elite status. He thanked fans, players, and staff, reflecting on the Premier League title win and tragic events like Diogo Jota's death and the Water Street assault.
Tottenham chairman Peter Charrington admitted football success had not driven club decisions, leading to a near-relegation season. He vowed to rebuild the team and operations under manager Roberto de Zerbi, who is credited with saving the club.
Canal+ has effectively banned hundreds of French cinema professionals for denouncing shareholder Vincent Bolloré's influence. This move, likened to McCarthy's red scare, raises concerns about media consolidation and potential censorship in France's cultural landscape.
Canal+ CEO Maxime Saada has threatened to stop working with filmmakers who signed an open letter warning of far-right influence in French cinema, particularly from media mogul Vincent Bolloré. The letter, signed by prominent figures, expressed concern over Bolloré's potential control of the UGC cinema chain.
Canal+ CEO Maxime Saada announced the company will stop working with hundreds of film industry figures who signed an open letter criticizing the growing influence of right-wing billionaire owner Vincent Bolloré. The signatories expressed fears of a "fascist takeover of the collective imagination" and ideological control over French cinema.
Tamil Nadu CM Vijay secured 144 votes in a trust vote, with 22 against and 60 absent. He accused the DMK of undermining his government despite lacking a majority, citing election figures and secular coalition support.
