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Pope Francis deplores state of democracy, warns against ‘populists’

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis decried the state of democracy and warned against “populists” during a short visit to Trieste in Italy’s northeast on Sunday ahead of a 12-day trip to Asia — the longest of his papacy. “Democracy is not in good health in the world today,” Francis said during a speech at the city’s convention center to close a national Catholic event. Without naming any countries, the pope warned against “ideological temptations and...

2024-07-07T13:04:17Z

Lawmakers back Epira review to lower electricity cost

MANILA, Philippines — Lawmakers have welcomed the move of Speaker Martin Romualdez to conduct a comprehensive review of the Electric Power Industry Regulation Act (Epira), which aims to lower electricity costs. “We fully support this move by our leader in the House. If we can finally reduce the cost of electricity, this would be one of the legacies of our Speaker and the chamber he heads,” said lawmakers led by Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio...

2024-07-07T19:10:48Z

Pro-Palestinian protesters surround car carrying Sir Keir Starmer

Demonstrators held Palestinian flags and attempted to block the Labour leader's car as he left Bute House following his meeting with First Minister of Scotland John Swinney.

2024-07-07T19:40:59Z

Binay to file ethics complaint vs Cayetano

SEN. Nancy Binay will file today an ethics complaint against Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano for insulting her during a public hearing. The two senators had a heated argument on July 3 during the Senate inquiry led by Cayetano on the increased cost in the construction of the new Senate building in Taguig City. "Hopefully [between] 10:30 and 11 a.m. I hope there would be no more changes so that I can file it immediately," Binay said in a text message...

2024-07-08T02:18:17Z

Murder arrest after man dies in 'violent assault'

Police believe Fintan McDwyer suffered fatal injuries which were caused by a "sharp instrument".

2024-07-07T20:17:31Z

Single detail in Coles photo divides Aussies on who is at fault

A concerned shopper spotted the filthy state of the shelves at the Coles in Melbourne on Sunday and claimed to watch staff 'ignoring it' for about 30 minutes.

2024-07-08T02:42:03Z

Hungary PM Orban in Beijing on 'Peace mission 3.0'

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Monday, state media reported, in a visit the European leader has branded as a "Peace mission 3.0" after recent trips to Moscow and Kyiv. Orban was greeted at the airport by Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, according to a photo the nationalist leader posted on social media platform X. - Major investment - Xi visited Hungary in May this year, for...

2024-07-08T02:57:32Z

History's greatest watercolor artists

Watercolor is often overlooked as a medium of merit when discussing art history. And yet some of the greatest and most respected artists the world has ever known at some point applied this method of painting during their careers. And there are those whose names are in fact synonymous with this technique, in which the paints are made of pigments suspended in a water-based solution. So, who are the watercolor artists who continue to influence painting today? Click through for a portfolio of artists credited with establishing watercolor as an independent, mature, and respected painting medium.

2024-07-07T14:13:50Z

Archbishop claims he felt pressured to abort his disabled daughter

Justin Welby 's daughter, Ellie, who is now aged 32, suffers from dyspraxia - a condition which affects movement and co-ordination.

2024-07-08T01:12:03Z

Quezon governor launches local political party

LUCENA CITY – Quezon Governor Angelina Tanon Saturday, July 6, launched the local political party STAND UP Quezon to solidify her allies for the 2025 polls. In a statement, Tan said the STAND UP Quezon, or “Solidarity for Transformation, Advancement, and Nationalism towards a Dynamic, United, and Progressive Quezon Province,” will promote efforts to combat poverty in the province. “We are here because we are ready to stand up for the welfare of...

2024-07-07T12:09:39Z

In Bukele's El Salvador, shrinking space for sexual diversity

Hand in hand, Fiorella Turchkeim and Andrea Ordonez attend a makeshift mass for LGBTQ people in the garage of a house in El Salvador's capital. And the following year, according to Human Rights Watch, El Salvador suspended its membership of a UN body working on protecting LGBTQ people from violence and discrimination.

2024-07-08T02:10:43Z

Home Secretary launches new Border Security Command to tackle people-smuggling gangs

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has set out the first steps to establishing a new UK Border Security Command to tackle the people-smuggling gangs bringing migrants across the Channel in small boats. Recruitment of a Border Security Commander, who will report directly to the Home Secretary, will begin on Monday, with the recruit expected to take up their post in the coming weeks, the Home Office said.

2024-07-07T20:00:39Z

Boeing pleads guilty to a criminal fraud charge

Families of the people who died on the flights five years ago have criticised it as a "sweetheart deal".

2024-07-08T04:18:47Z

French left on course to defeat far right in election upset

An alliance of French left-wing parties was on course Sunday to become the biggest parliamentary bloc by beating the far right and President Emmanuel Macron's coalition, according to surprise projected results. But projections based on vote samples by four major polling agencies on Sunday showed no group on course for an absolute majority and the left-wing NFP ahead of both Macron's centrist Ensemble and Le Pen's eurosceptic, anti-immigration...

2024-07-07T18:17:58Z

First Gen delays delivery of 5th LNG order

Lopez-led First Gen Corp. decided to defer the shipment of its fifth cargo of liquefied natural gas (LNG), which was supposed to arrive in the country this month, an official said. In a chance interview on Friday, Francis Giles Puno, First Gen president and COO, said the group has still enough supply from its last procurement. In an earlier disclosure, the company said it awarded an LNG deal to Chinese company CNOOC Gas and Power Trading &...

2024-07-07T18:15:26Z

'I still have hope': Voters react after far-right trail in elections

'I still have hope': Voters react after far-right trail left in French elections. National rally voters felt dissapointed as the leftist alliance unexpectedly took the top spot in the legislative elections.

2024-07-07T22:37:45Z

Struggle for Church unity

Like many Filipino Catholics who were born into and raised in the faith, I grew up learning that excommunication is a rare and severe measure reserved for the gravest offenses. So despite being updated about the issue, it still came as a shock last Friday when the Vatican officially excommunicated Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò on charges of schism, citing his “refusal to recognize and submit to the Supreme Pontiff, his rejection of communion...

2024-07-07T20:25:53Z

Outer London concerns as Tories lose MPs

There are concerns that with a Labour mayor and government, the concerns of Tory voters in outer London may be overlooked.

2024-07-07T18:17:21Z

2 drug suspects slain, cop hurt in Tawi-Tawi shootout

CAMP SK PENDATUN, MAGUINDANAO DEL NORTE, Philippines — Two alleged drug personalities were killed while a police officer was injured during a law enforcement operation in Bongao town of Tawi-Tawi on Friday, police said. Police Brig. Gen. Prexy Tanggawohn, regional director of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao police, said the two suspects fired at approaching lawmen, sparking a shootout inside the Bongao public market in...

2024-07-07T20:41:02Z

Davao region can be country’s ‘gateway to the stars,’ says scientist

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Davao region’s proximity to the equator and it being located in the eastern part of the country makes it an ideal location to launch rockets in the future, a Filipino astrophysicist said. Aside from its potential as an aerospace innovation hub, the region also has a potential for aerospace tourism, where tourists can come not only to enjoy the beaches but also to look at the stars, said Rogel Mari Sese, chair of the...

2024-07-07T20:41:02Z

Sister of North Korean leader Kim calls South Korea's live-fire drills 'suicidal hysteria'

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — The powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called South Korea’s recent front-line live-fire drills “suicidal hysteria” as she threatened unspecified military steps Monday if further provoked. The warning by Kim Yo Jong came after South Korea resumed firing exercises near its tense land and sea borders with North Korea in the past two weeks. The exercises were the first of their kind since South Korea...

2024-07-08T00:49:38Z

Cebu City now 100% ready for Palaro hosting – Raymond

CEBU CITY, Philippines – With two days left before the official kickoff of Palarong Pambansa 2024, acting Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia said that everything is now in place. “We’re very much prepared akong gi tan-aw nga murag naa jud tas one hundred percent ani obviously, kay tungod gyud sa atong mga preparations nga gipangbuhat,” he said. Still, Garcia said that they will continue to look into the needs of the visiting student-athletes...

2024-07-07T11:17:26Z

Starmer sets his sights on Scotland

Labour are already talking about repeating their electoral success at the Holyrood elections, James Cook writes.

2024-07-08T00:03:30Z

Protesters spray water guns at tourists in Barcelona as thousands rally against overtourism

Tourists in Barcelona were squirted with water guns and told to "go home" by protesters on Saturday. Barcelona welcomed 15 million travelers in 2023.

2024-07-07T18:46:19Z

This wasn't the social media election everyone expected

Marianna Spring shares what she discovered during her investigation into how voters are targeted.

2024-07-08T00:19:07Z

UK’s Reeves to Unveil Labour’s Growth Plan in First Major Speech

Rachel Reeves will lay out the new Labour government’s plans to spur private investment in her first major speech as Chancellor of the Exchequer on Monday, as the party tries to ride the momentum of its landslide UK election win last week in a dash for economic growth.

2024-07-08T00:11:06Z

Final moments of missing woman before she mysteriously disappeared

The chilling final moments of a missing woman before she mysteriously disappeared.

2024-07-08T02:23:23Z

New PM Sir Keir Starmer has first meeting with SNP's leader

Newly elected Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and SNP leader John Swinney meet for the first time since the taking office, with hopes to reset relationship with Scotland.

2024-07-08T02:08:19Z

Alethea Ambrosio wins Miss Supranational Asia and Oceania 2024

Indonesia's Harashta Haifa Zahra wins Miss Supranational 2024.

2024-07-07T20:06:56Z

Israeli army used Hannibal Directive during October 7 Hamas attack: Report

The directive is a controversial policy of Israel’s military aimed at preventing the capture of its soldiers.

2024-07-07T21:37:21Z

France shifts to the left, but risk of policy paralysis looms

By Richard Lough PARIS (Reuters) - France faced a hung parliament and the prospect of taxing negotiations starting Monday to form a government, after a surprise left-wing surge blocked Marine Le Pen's quest to bring the far right to power. The leftist New Popular Front (NFP) emerged as the dominant force in the National Assembly after Sunday's election, but with no single group securing a

2024-07-08T04:22:49Z

Faure calls for unity after legislative run-off preliminary results

French Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure delivered a speech at the election night party after the preliminary results of the legislative run-off were announced. Faure emphasized the duty to unite a majority of French people.

2024-07-07T22:07:43Z

June PH dollar reserves dip as BSP defends peso

The Philippines’ dollar reserves inched down in June, partly due to foreign exchange interventions of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to soothe the peso’s volatility. Data released by the BSP showed that the country’s gross international reserves (GIR) stood at $104.70 billion in June, slightly lower than the $105.02 billion recorded in May. Similarly, the net international reserves—or the difference between the GIR and liabilities like...

2024-07-07T18:15:28Z

Japan's foreign, defense ministers pay courtesy call on Marcos

Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko and Defense Minister Kihara Minoru paid a courtesy call on President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Monday in Malacañang Palace. Both foreign ministers were given arrival honors and they signed the Palace guest book. Philippine officials present during the courtesy call were Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., and Presidential Communications Office...

2024-07-08T04:02:14Z

Hungary’s Orbán makes surprise visit to China after trips to Russia and Ukraine

BEIJING (AP) — Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is making a surprise visit to China on Monday after similar trips to Russia and Ukraine to discuss prospects for a peaceful settlement in Ukraine. “Peace mission 3.0” is how Orbán captioned a picture posted early Monday on the X social media platform depicting him after having stepped off his plane in Beijing. He was being greeted by Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Hua Chunying and...

2024-07-08T03:33:48Z

Universal Credit, PIP, state pension and cost of living plans confirmed by Labour after election win

Labour has promised to "kickstart economic growth" after 14 years of Conservative Government and wants to address the rise in economic inactivity. But what does it mean for the benefits system?

2024-07-08T00:18:58Z

Deaf Indigenous dancers celebrate 27-year history with Queensland library exhibition

The Kuku-Thaypan Yalanji woman co-founded the Deaf Indigenous Dance Group, which is this year celebrating almost 30 years with a special exhibition at the State Library of Queensland.

2024-07-08T00:03:48Z

BIZ BUZZ: Chiong’s revenge

In about two months, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) will be turned over to the San Miguel-led consortium that bagged the P170.6-billion contract to rehabilitate, operate and maintain the country’s primary gateway. And according to insiders in the aviation sector, among those calling the shots at the New Naia Infra Corp. (NNIC)—composed of San Miguel Holdings Corp., RMM Asian Logistics Inc., RLW Aviation Development Inc., and...

2024-07-07T18:15:27Z

Keir Starmer arriving in NI on first visit as prime minister

The overnight visit will see the Labour leader continue his tour of the UK after travelling to Scotland earlier on Sunday.

2024-07-07T19:17:27Z

Lithuanians unite in global anthem sing-along, from Ukraine frontline to Pacific

By Andrius Sytas VILNIUS (Reuters) - From the Ukrainian frontline to the Pacific islands of Vanuatu, hundreds of thousands of Lithuanians simultaneously sang their national anthem on Saturday in an annual demonstration of unity. The tradition, launched in 2009 to mark 1,000 years of history, unites the Central European nation of 2.9 million with its diaspora, estimated in hundreds of thousands.

2024-07-07T18:15:56Z

PH, Japan ink landmark Reciprocal Access Agreement

The Philippines and Japan on Monday signed the landmark Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), which aims to heighten defense cooperation between the two countries in the middle of the escalating tensions in the South China Sea. Together with key government officials, President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. witnessed the signing of the deal at the Heroes' Hall of Malacañan Palace. The signing came after the courtesy call of Japanese Foreign...

2024-07-08T04:02:13Z

French leftist leader Melenchon says left 'ready to govern'

The French left is "ready to govern", divisive hard-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon said Sunday, after predictions showed a broad left-wing alliance could be the largest group in parliament ahead of the far right. Communist leader Fabien Roussel, who lost his seat in the first round, said the left would rise up to the task ahead.

2024-07-07T19:45:45Z

Tributes paid after cyclist dies in road collision

The man in his 70s, named by his running and cycling clubs as Arthur Whiston, died at the scene.

2024-07-07T17:17:41Z

Bacoor City sets 25-player pool for MPVA

BACOOR CITY, Cavite — Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association (MPVA) inaugural season champion Bacoor City selected 25 players to form its training pool for the upcoming season of the fledgling volleyball league. More than 100 players joined the tryouts held last weekend at Strike Gym and Lady Strikers head coach Sandy Rieta picked a pool of 25 players from which the final lineup of the team will be taken. Among those who participated in the...

2024-07-08T01:56:43Z

Binibining Pilipinas 2024 Question and Answer

Winning answer about women empowerment

2024-07-07T20:06:55Z

Ukraine drone attack sets Russian munitions depot ablaze

MOSCOW — An overnight Ukrainian drone attack set a Russian munitions depot ablaze in the region of Voronezh near the border between the two neighbors, local authorities said on Sunday. “Several drones were detected and destroyed overnight by air defense systems above the Voronezh region,” regional governor Alexander Gusev wrote on Telegram. “Their falling debris set off a fire in a depot” in the Podgorenski district where “explosives began to...

2024-07-07T09:33:34Z

Leftist alliance leads French election, no absolute majority, initial estimates show

By Tassilo Hummel and Richard Lough PARIS (Reuters) -France was on course for a hung parliament in Sunday's election, with a leftist alliance unexpectedly taking the top spot ahead of the far right, in a major upset that was set to bar Marine Le Pen's National Rally from running the government. The outcome, if confirmed, will leave parliament divided in three big groups with hugely different

2024-07-07T18:22:46Z

What just happened in France's shock election?

Nobody expected the left to win, let alone for the far right to come in third place.

2024-07-08T02:15:44Z

Romualdez praises Gilas Pilipinas after Fiba OQT campaign

MANILA, Philippines — House Speaker Martin Romualdez expressed admiration for Gilas Pilipinas for demonstrating “unparalleled determination, skill and heart” despite losing to Brazil in the semifinals of the Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Riga, Latvia. “The journey of Gilas Pilipinas in this tournament has been nothing short of inspirational. Their victory against Latvia, a European team, was a historic moment for Philippine...

2024-07-07T14:39:54Z

Greece, Spain, Brazil, Puerto Rico qualify in Olympics

Piraeus, Greece — Giannis Antetokounmpo steered Greece to an Olympic berth on Sunday (Monday in Manila) as he overcame a slow start to score 23 points in an 80-69 qualifying tournament victory over Croatia in Piraeus. The game was one of four finals on Sunday to determine the last qualifiers for the Paris men's basketball tournament. In Riga, Brazil beat hosts Latvia 94-69. In Valencia, Spain edged the Bahamas 86-78. In the Olympic tournament in...

2024-07-08T03:57:11Z