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Saudi Arabia spending big for a place on the gaming map
Saudi Arabia is moving aggressively with its investments in more gaming companies, the Canadian industry veteran steering the kingdom's push to become a global hub for the sector told AFP Friday.
Russia 'bogged down' in battle for border town, Ukraine says
Russian forces have become "bogged down" trying to capture the northeastern border town of Vovchansk, but were putting intense pressure on Ukraine's army in the east, Kyiv's top general said Friday.
'Palme d'Or whisperer': Tiny US studio Neon eyes fifth Cannes prize
Could a tiny movie studio founded seven years ago win the Cannes Film Festival's top prize for a stunning fifth consecutive time?
Euro 2024 last hurrah for France's record scorer Giroud
France's record goalscorer Olivier Giroud is to retire from international football after Euro 2024, the World Cup winning striker told Friday's edition of L'Equipe.
Youthful Newcastle humiliated 8-0 by A-League All Stars in Melbourne
A Newcastle United side packed with youngsters was thumped 8-0 by an A-League All Stars team to end their long season in embarrassment in Melbourne on Friday.
AC Milan sack head coach Pioli two years after title triumph
Stefano Pioli has been sacked as head coach of AC Milan two years after guiding them to the Serie A title, the Italian giants announced on Friday.
Sha'Carri Richardson, the pride of Dallas with Olympic gold in sight
Lauren Cross looked around the four-lane running track at David W. Carter high school in Dallas and tries to sum up what her goddaughter, world 100m champion Sha'Carri Richardson, means to this community.
Japanese dog of 'Doge' meme fame dies
The Japanese dog whose photo inspired a generation of oddball online jokes and the $23-billion Dogecoin cryptocurrency beloved by Elon Musk died on Friday, her owner said.
Norway struggles to keep ultra-rich tempted by exile
You can check out -- but you still have to pay! Norway is looking for ways to hang onto its ultra-rich who are increasingly moving abroad to escape one of the rare European countries to impose a wealth tax.
China warns of Taiwan 'war' as military drills encircle island
China said on Friday that Taiwan's leadership was pushing the self-ruled island into war and warned of further "countermeasures", as Beijing conducted military drills around the territory.
Israel strikes Gaza as world court ruling due
Israeli forces struck the Gaza Strip on Friday, as the UN's top court was due to rule on a plea to halt the military offensive over accusations of "genocide".
Markets sink after US data deal blow to rate cut hopes
Markets fell in Asia and Europe on Friday, tracking a sell-off on Wall Street sparked by a string of better-than-expected US data that added to worries the Federal Reserve will hold off on cutting interest rates this year.
Escaped Iranian director presents latest film at Cannes
It is one of the most dramatic storylines ever delivered at Cannes: Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof walks the red carpet Friday after fleeing a prison sentence just days before the film festival.
Massive landslide hits Papua New Guinea, many feared dead
A massive landslide struck six villages in Papua New Guinea's highlands Friday, local officials said, with many homes believed to be buried and scores of villagers feared dead.
El Nino not responsible for East Africa floods: scientists
The El Nino weather pattern did not have "any influence" on widespread flooding that killed hundreds in East Africa this year, an expert group of scientists said Friday.
Mines, unexploded ordnance a daily menace for Afghanistan's children
The black mushroom cloud had barely faded in Ghazni province before kids clustered around the edge of the crater created by the mine, one of the devices that kills a child every other day in Afghanistan.
China's war drills practise seizing Taiwan
Chinese warships and fighter jets surrounded Taiwan on Friday in the second day of drills that Beijing said were testing its ability to seize the self-ruled island, days after its new president was sworn in.
Soaring towers shape Hong Kong's urban landscape
Home to some of the world's densest living districts and tallest skyscrapers, Hong Kong has for decades mesmerised locals and visitors alike with its famed skyline.
Top UN court to rule on S. Africa Gaza ceasefire bid
The top United Nations court on Friday will rule on a plea by South Africa to order a halt to the Israeli military offensive in Gaza, with Pretoria accusing Israel of "genocide".
Mbappe to bring curtain down on PSG career in French Cup final
Kylian Mbappe will bring the curtain down on his Paris Saint-Germain career on Saturday and has the chance to sign off with another trophy in the French Cup final against Lyon.
Large apartment fire in central Hanoi kills 14 people
A fire ripped through an apartment complex in central Hanoi early Friday, killing 14 people and injuring three others, police said.
Leinster hoping there is no Byrne-out in Champions Cup final, says MacNeill
Ross Byrne faces "a pivotal moment" in his career when the Leinster fly-half faces Toulouse on Saturday in the Champions Cup final and can at last emerge from the shadow of Johnny Sexton, Ireland rugby great Hugo MacNeill told AFP.
Beaten Leverkusen hope to 'find themselves' in German Cup final
Bayer Leverkusen face second-division Kaiserslautern in Saturday's German Cup final licking their wounds after a first loss in almost a year.
Brown shines as Celtics take 2-0 lead over Pacers, Haliburton hurt
The Boston Celtics, fueled by 40 points from Jaylen Brown, beat Indiana 126-110 to take a 2-0 lead in the NBA Eastern Conference finals against the Pacers, who saw Tyrese Haliburton limp out early.
Asian markets fall after US data dent rate cut hopes
Markets fell in Asia on Friday, tracking a sell-off on Wall Street sparked by a string of better-than-expected US data that added to worries the Federal Reserve will hold off on cutting interest rates this year.
Three La Liga talking points ahead of final weekend
La Liga's final weekend offers few potential twists with Real Madrid crowned champions, the European qualifiers and relegation battle already over.
Toulouse face Leinster in Champions Cup clash of titans
European club rugby's two most successful teams will meet in the Champions Cup final for the first time when Toulouse take on Leinster in London on Saturday.
Large apartment fire in central Hanoi kills 14 people: state media
A fire that ripped through a small apartment block in central Hanoi early Friday has killed at least 14 people and injured three others, state media said.
Don't expect UN peacekeepers to stop wars, chief tells AFP
The world cannot look to UN peacekeepers as a way of stopping wars, whether in Gaza or other active conflict zones, the department chief told AFP, citing the famous Blue Helmets' inherent limitations.
Ukraine's soldier musicians thank America, urge more help
Ukrainian opera singer Yurii Ivaskevych traded his tuxedo for military fatigues to fight the Russian invasion. When he lost his leg in a mine explosion last year, music called him again.
With little to buy, Cubans abroad send home food, not money
Maria Paez feels relieved after receiving a package of food items including eggs, ham, and yogurt from her children in Miami -- bought online and shipped to Havana.
Mexican presidential candidate far from hometown hero
In the rural Mexican town where opposition presidential candidate Xochitl Galvez grew up, the smiling face of her ruling party rival looks out from posters plastered around the streets.