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Man Utd's Ratcliffe's apologises for 'language' on immigration
Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe apologised Thursday for his "choice of language" after saying the "UK has been colonised by immigrants".
UK economy struggles for growth in fresh blow to government
Britain's economy grew less than expected in the final quarter of 2025, according to official data Thursday, dealing a fresh blow to embattled Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his government.
EU vows swift reforms to confront challenge from China, US
EU leaders Thursday vowed to act boldly to bolster Europe's economy faced with twin threats from China and the United States, as they huddled in a Belgian castle to bridge differences on the path ahead.
UK nursery worker faces jail for serial child sex abuse
A UK childcare worker appeared in court Thursday to be sentenced for years of child sexual abuse, as the government considers making CCTV mandatory in nurseries after a string of similar cases.
Anti-racism body slams Man Utd co-owner for 'disgraceful' immigration comments
A leading British football anti-discrimination body on Thursday slammed as "disgraceful" comments by Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe claiming the "UK has been colonised by immigrants".
Mercedes-Benz net profit nearly halves amid China, US woes
German carmaker Mercedes-Benz reported Thursday its lowest annual profit since the Covid pandemic, as it counted the cost of US tariffs and cutthroat competition in China.
Comeback queen Brignone wins super-G at Winter Olympics
Federica Brignone crowned a sensational comeback from injury to win the women's super-G at the Winter Olympics on Thursday and bring gold medal joy to the host nation.
European stocks rise tracking earnings, US jobs
European stock markets rose Thursday as traders digested a string of company earnings and a stronger-than-expected US jobs report, which boosted optimism about the health of the world's largest economy.
Hermes sales rise despite US tariffs, currency headwinds
French luxury house Hermes reported Thursday an increase in 2025 sales even though it faced steep US tariffs and a weak dollar, which made its leather handbags and other goods more pricey for customers worldwide.
Russia confirms ban on WhatsApp, says it failed to abide by law
Russia has blocked the popular messaging service WhatsApp over its failure to comply with local legislation, the Kremlin said Thursday, urging its 100 million Russian users to switch to a domestic alternative.
Ukraine skeleton racer Heraskevych banned from Olympics over memorial helmet
Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych was disqualified from the Winter Olympics on Thursday after refusing to back down over his banned helmet, which depicts victims of his country's war with Russia.
Counting begins in landmark Bangladesh polls after deadly uprising
Counting began on Thursday in Bangladesh's first election since a deadly 2024 uprising, with powerful political heir Tarique Rahman bullish about defeating an Islamist-led coalition.
England coach Tuchel extends contract through to Euro 2028
Thomas Tuchel has signed a new contract that will see him remain head coach of the England national football team through to the end of Euro 2028 in the UK and Ireland, the Football Association announced on Thursday.
Pro-Kremlin accounts using Epstein files to push conspiracy: AFP research
Pro-Kremlin social media accounts are using the latest Jeffrey Epstein document release to bolster their efforts to spread baseless claims that Russia has saved Ukrainian children from sex trafficking, AFP research showed Thursday.
France picked uncapped Brau-Boirie at centre to face Wales
Centre Fabien Brau-Boirie will make his Test debut for France against Wales in the Six Nations this weekend after head coach Fabien Galthie on Thursday named him as one of two changes to his starting line-up.
Thomas Tuchel extends contract as England coach until Euro 2028
Thomas Tuchel has signed a new contract that will see him remain head coach of the England national football team through to the end of Euro 2028 in the UK and Ireland, the Football Association announced on Thursday.
Death toll in Madagascar cyclone rises to 35
A cyclone packing violent winds has killed at least 35 people and caused devastation in Madagascar's second-largest city, the Indian Ocean island's disaster authority said Thursday, releasing an updated toll.
Sanofi says board has removed CEO Paul Hudson
French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi has removed Paul Hudson as chief executive, thanking him Thursday for "valuable contributions" but without giving any reason for his surprise exit.
Struggling Nissan forecasts $4.2 bn full-year net loss
Japanese automaker Nissan said on Thursday it expected to suffer a net loss of 650 billion yen ($4.2 billion) in its fiscal year that ends in March, as it struggles with sluggish sales.
Ukraine skeleton racer Heraskevych disqualified from Olympics over memorial helmet
Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych was disqualified from the Winter Olympics on Thursday after refusing to back down over his banned helmet, which depicts victims of his country's war with Russia.
From 'Derry Girls' to 'heaven', Irish writer airs new comedy
Following the global success of "Derry Girls", the uproarious comedy about Northern Irish teenagers navigating life during the Troubles, writer Lisa McGee is back with a new show.
Asia markets mixed as stong US jobs data temper rate expectations
Stocks were mixed on Thursday as investors weighed a bumper US jobs report that eased concerns about the state of the world's top economy but forced them to pare back their bets on Federal Reserve interest rate cuts.
Shanaka fireworks as Sri Lanka pile up 225-5 against Oman
Dasun Shanaka blazed the fastest half-century by a Sri Lankan in T20Is as the hosts piled up 225-5 against Oman in their Group B World Cup clash at Pallekele on Thursday.
Samsung starts mass production of next-gen AI memory chip
Samsung Electronics announced Thursday it had started mass production of next-generation memory chips to power artificial intelligence, touting an "industry-leading" breakthrough.
Benin's lovers less row-mantic as apps replace waterway rendezvous
For decades a narrow waterway in Ganvie, Benin has been a discreet rendezvous point for young couples to meet -- safe under cover of darkness, far away from strict families and prying eyes.
Argentina moves closer to labor reform, despite protests
Argentina pushed closer on Thursday to approving labor reforms that have triggered clashes between workers and police in the streets outside Congress.
Non-alcoholic wine: a booming business searching for quality
Bertrand Degat, vineyard manager for French zero-alcohol wine producer French Bloom, winces visibly when recalling some of the criticism and snobbery he has encountered from his contemporaries.
Greece's Cycladic islands swept up in concrete fever
On the sloping shoreline of the Greek Aegean island of Milos, a vast construction site has left a gaping wound into the island's trademark volcanic rock.
Grieving Canada town holds vigil for school shooting victims
As the sun set in the grief-stricken Canadian town of Tumbler Ridge on Wednesday, hundreds gathered in a main square, lighting candles for victims of one of the country's worst-ever mass shootings.
Israel president says at end of visit antisemitism in Australia 'frightening'
Antisemitism in Australia is "frightening" but most people want good relations, Israel's President Isaac Herzog said on Thursday as he wrapped up a four-day visit and was met by protests in the city of Melbourne.
Cunningham on target as depleted Pistons down Raptors
Cade Cunningham finished with 28 points as the Detroit Pistons shrugged off the suspensions of Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart to cruise past the Toronto Raptors 113-95 on Wednesday.
Canada probes mass shooter's past interactions with police, health system
Canadian police Wednesday identified the 18-year-old who carried out a mass shooting in a remote mining town, as authorities investigate the suspect's mental health and previous interactions with police and health care providers.