China's Labubu-maker picks London for European HQ in boost for UK
WorldSHANGHAI - Pop Mart, the maker of the famous Labubu doll, named London for its new regional headquarters, and said it would open seven more UK stores, as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer secured the "ugly-cute" investment on his trip to China.
Artist chains up thrashing robot dog to expose AI fears
WorldThe agile robot dog springs up on all fours, takes a step forward and charges at the tense crowd at a Tokyo exhibit, held back by a simple yet strong metal chain.
Tunisia's famed blue-and-white village threatened after record rains
WorldSIDI BOU SAID, Tunisia -- Perched on a hill overlooking Carthage, Tunisia's famed blue-and-white village of Sidi Bou Said now faces the threat of landslides, after record rainfall tore through parts of its slopes.
India's wealthy embrace a new luxury symbol: water
WorldNEW DELHI, India - At an Indian gourmet food store, Avanti Mehta is organising a blind tasting of drinks sourced from France, Italy and India. No, this isn't wine, it's water.
More than 200 killed in coltan mine collapse in east Congo, official says
WorldMore than 200 people were killed this week in a collapse at the Rubaya coltan mine in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Lumumba Kambere Muyisa, spokesperson for the rebel-appointed governor of the province where the mine is located, told Reuters on Friday.
Americans expected to bet $1.76 billion on Super Bowl, AGA says
WorldA record $1.76 billion will be legally wagered in the United States on next week's Super Bowl match-up between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots, the American Gaming Association said on Friday.
Catherine O'Hara, star of 'Schitt's Creek' and 'Home Alone,' dead at 71
WorldLOS ANGELES -- Catherine O’Hara, the shape‑shifting Canadian comic actor whose characters ranged from the deliriously theatrical Moira Rose in "Schitt's Creek" to the frantic mother in “Home Alone,” has died at 71 — prompting an outpouring of tributes led by her co-star Macaulay Culkin and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Euro zone economy ends 2025 with solid growth despite low exports, US trade strife
WorldFRANKFURT -- The euro zone economy grew quicker than expected last quarter as consumption and investments kicked into higher gear, offsetting low exports and the exceptional uncertainty emanating from U.S. trade policy, Eurostat data showed on Friday.
Indonesia vows market reform after $80 billion rout; bourse chief quits
WorldJAKARTA/SINGAPORE -- Indonesia's chief economic minister promised increased financial market transparency and improved corporate governance on Friday, after the stock exchange chief resigned to take responsibility for a $80 billion share rout.
Foreign workers in Japan hit record 2.57 million
WorldTOKYO -- The number of foreign workers in Japan as of the end of October 2025 jumped 11.7 pct from a year before to 2,571,037, hitting a record high for 13 years in a row amid the country's labor shortages, the labor ministry said Friday.
