Iran raises petrol prices for heaviest users as economy struggles
Iran early Tuesday introduced a higher price for its heaviest users of gasoline, state media reported, in the latest economic pinch caused by months of war.
· AfricaNews
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Newest first · UTC+11:00S. Korean 15-year-olds' reading ability drops considerably over past 3 yrs: report
SEOUL, Sept. 8 (Yonhap) -- South Korean 15-year-olds' reading ability dropped significantly over the last three years, an OECD report showed Tuesday, likely partly due to the increased use of digital and social media.
· Lee Haye-ah
At Venice, Ellen Burstyn reflects on playing Marilyn Monroe and a lifetime in movies
VENICE, Italy — Of all the roles Ellen Burstyn might have been offered in her 90s, that of Marilyn Monroe seemed fairly unlikely. But then one day Maggie Gyllenhaal came to her apartment to talk about a wild idea: What if she played Monroe at 100?
· Associated Press
The Castle by Jon Ronson review – bizarre tales of modern masculinity
A journalist embarks on a wild good chase that might – or might not – be informative about the male condition
· Anthonycummins
Knightfall review – low-rent gender-flipped Bond knock-off swaps Aston Martins for Minis
Jeanine Nerissa Sothcott’s no-nonsense spy heads a game cast that includes Ian Ogilvy and Roger Moore’s son Geoffrey, but this austerity actioner lacks tension
· Mike Mccahill
Thieves steal art worth millions from Renoir Museum in France
Suspects abandon one artwork during their getaway after early morning break-in in Cagnes-sur-Mer
· Agence France-Presse
Thieves steal art worth millions from Renoir Museum in France
Suspects abandon one artwork during their getaway after early morning break-in in Cagnes-sur-Mer
· Agence France-Presse
Artworks stolen from Renoir museum on French Riviera in latest heist
Thieves took four artworks but dropped one as they fled, says mayor of Cagnes-sur-Mer
· Agence France-Presse
Albanese’s fix for your social media feed has one big flaw
Anthony Albanese has a good line for his United Nations speech in New York this month: Australians get to switch off the algorithm.
· David Swan
One Nation’s Warren Pickering admits to illegal drug use and says he is ‘no angel’ in extraordinary press conference
Victorian One Nation leader tells media he has used methamphetamine, speed and marijuana
· Benita Kolovos
The Populist: Pauline Hanson’s divided nation – podcast
Around the globe, rightwing politicians pushing nationalist and anti-immigration policies are on the rise. The Populist explores the growing appeal of Pauline Hanson’s One Nation – a party that has imported the modus operandi of the populist right, including Trump-style attacks on the media.
Tasmanian labradoodle breeders charged over animal cruelty allegations
Paul Bartlett, formerly of Tasmanian Labradoodles, posing with puppies in an image from his business's social media page. (Facebook: Tasmanian Labradoodles)
· Emily Smith
Japan's 7-Eleven teams up with apparel retailer to attract young customers
Fashion items produced by both And ST and Seven-Eleven Japan are displayed during a news conference in Tokyo, on Sept. 8. (Photo by Yuji Murakami)
· YUKA KONISHI
New law to force social media giants to allow users to opt out of algorithms
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Goodbye, Colin From Accounts: how TV’s loveliest comedy stuck the landing
For a show that started with a screech of car brakes and a wounded dog, Brammall and Dyer steer the finale home as if rolling comfortably down a familiar road
· Walter Marsh
Israeli troops advance into south Syrian village
Syrian state TV is reporting that Israeli forces have advanced into the village of Bareeqa in the suburbs of Quneitra, located in south western Syria.
· Middleeasteye
Social media users could opt out of the algorithm if Australian government has its way – but that’s a big if
Even if the legislation passes, tech companies may still find ways to frustrate its intent and keep Australians hooked on their feed
· Josh Taylor
'Good to have choice': Australians on opting out of social media algorithms
Australia is set to force social media companies to allow users to easily opt in or out of content recommended by algorithms when they log in.
Eyal Golan’s ‘Science Fiction’ is Israel’s most played song of the year
Eyal Golan’s “Mada Bidyoni” (“Science Fiction”) was the most-played song on Israeli radio during the Hebrew year 5786, according to ACUM, the Israeli organization that protects composers’, lyricists’, and publishers’ rights.
· HANNAH BROWN
Australia seeks to curb social media algorithms with new feed choice law
Australia on Tuesday proposed giving social media users the option to select the content they see on their feeds, marking the next step in the government's push to improve online safety, following its world-first social media ban for children.
· REUTERS
Australians could get the power to switch off social media algorithms
Communications Minister Anika Wells says Australians will have the choice between algorithmically recommended posts and content from accounts they follow. (ABC News: Callum Flinn)
· Clare Armstrong
No major World Cup regrets, says Tony Popovic, despite shootout heartbreak
In his first appearance in front of the media since the last-32 defeat to Egypt the coach, whose tactics elicited some criticism, insists he would not have done anything different
· Jack Snape
It's been a rough month of natural disasters. Here's a review of some of the worst
The past month has seen a number of major natural disasters occur around the globe, from earthquakes to floods, droughts and typhoons.
· Justina Lee
Penélope Cruz, Javier Bardem and Casey Affleck debut films at Venice
This image released by Sony Pictures Classics shows Penelope Cruz in a scene from “Bunker.” (Sony Pictures Classics via AP)
· Lindsey Bahr
The Newer World by Sebastian Barry review – a near-miracle of storytelling
The third in a loose American trilogy follows the epic journey of a formerly enslaved man in the aftermath of the civil war
· Sara Collins
Chinese grandma who struggles with Mandarin sings in 6 foreign languages
Most of Li’s family members were initially hesitant about her pursuit of singing English songs, considering it unconventional for a woman her age
· Alice Yan
Chinese grandma who struggles with Mandarin sings in 6 foreign languages
Most of Li’s family members were initially hesitant about her pursuit of singing English songs, considering it unconventional for a woman her age
· Alice Yan
For Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, 'Practical Magic 2' heals old wounds
LOS ANGELES — Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman view “Practical Magic” very differently today than they did when they made it 28 years ago.
· Associated Press
'Creepy' Elizabeth Holmes documentary leaves reviewers stunned
A close up of Elizabeth Holmes staring into Nathan Fielder's eyes makes up the majority of the film's trailer. (A24)
· Dannielle Maguire
Woman convicted of stalking Hwang Jung-min fined W6m
A woman in her 40s who was indicted on charges of stalking South Korean actor Hwang Jung-min was fined 6 million won ($4,500) and ordered to attend 40 hours of stalking prevention education on Tuesday.
· Cha Min-jung
From BYD cars to DJI drones, Guangdong showcases tech prowess ahead of Apec summit
As Shenzhen prepares to become third Chinese city to host the Apec Economic Leaders’ Meeting, the province arranges media visits to tech firms
· Coco Feng
From BYD cars to DJI drones, Guangdong showcases tech prowess ahead of Apec summit
As Shenzhen prepares to become third Chinese city to host the Apec Economic Leaders’ Meeting, the province arranges media visits to tech firms
· Coco Feng
Evan begins solo journey, but can he carve out an identity beyond Enhypen?
Evan, formerly known as Heeseung of Enhypen, began his solo career with his first EP, “Death of Me,” putting his own ideas and personal stories at the center of his music on Monday.
· Lee Jung-joo
Iran says improved ballistic missile shows it will take preemptive action against threats
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Iran state media on Monday said a ballistic missile with improved capabilities was demonstrating a new doctrine: Tehran “will take action against any threat, even before it is carried out.”
· Associated Press
Gong Yoo to meet Filipino fans in Manila for ‘The Long Take’ tour
MANILA, Philippines — South Korean actor Gong Yoo is set to return to the Philippines for his much-awaited fan meeting, “The Long Take,” at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Nov. 21.
· Iza Iglesias
Australia to force social media platforms to allow users to opt out of algorithms
Draft legislation enforces digital duty of care including limiting children’s exposure to misogynistic and eating disorder content
· Tom Mcilroy, Luca Ittimani
Floods dash Nepal's China trade hopes, entrench reliance on India
CCTV footage shows people running away as a wall of mud and water destroys buildings in a valley at the Nepal-China border in Gyirong, Tibet region, China, Aug. 26. (Social media via Reuters)
· DEEPAK ADHIKARI
(LEAD) Woman sentenced to 6 mln-won fine for stalking actor Hwang Jung-min
(ATTN: ADDS statement by actor's agency)
· Lee Minji
Korean film financing in 'structural crisis,' 'Burning' director tells president
Lee Jae Myung meets with Korean directors, actors and industry figures ahead of film summit in France, pledges to review tax break for film investors
· Moon Ki-hoon
Zheng Qinwen overcomes another 0-5 deficit to book place in US Open quarter-finals | The National
Qinwen Zheng rode a roller-coaster ride of highs and lows into the US Open quarter-finals on Monday, upsetting major winners Madison Keys and Iga Swiatek in back-to-back matches in the start of an epic career comeback.
· The National
Social media influencers are sharing life after marriage on 'divorce-tok'
Monette Wagner poses for a portrait at her home in Indianapolis, Ind., Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
· Kaitlyn Huamani
What to know about Canada-US trade war
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks with members of the media as he arrives at the Office of the Prime Minister and Privy Council in Ottawa, on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026. (Justin Tang/The Canadian Press via AP)
· Rob Gillies
‘It’s not good to walk through the world feeling like prey’: Thelma & Louise’s writer on turning a movie classic into a musical
It was her very first film and it won her an Oscar. But can Callie Khouri now make it work on stage with songs? She talks about what made her write it – and how little has changed since
· Lyndseywinship
Cebu Pacific relaunches Piso Sale
MANILA, Philippines — Budget carrier Cebu Pacific (CEB) kicked off the "Ber" months by relaunching its iconic Piso Sale, allowing budget-conscious Filipino travelers to book affordable trips and check off their bucket lists.
· Benjamin L. Vergara
Floods test Nepal's new prime minister as a costly rebuild looms
Protesters celebrate at the parliament building after it was set on fire during a protest against social media ban and corruption in Kathmandu, Nepal, on Sept. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Prakash Timalsina, File)
· Sheikh Saaliq
How the Nepal-Tibet disaster became the latest victim of China’s ‘Clean Internet’ campaign
The online campaign used to focus on tackling cybercrime and hacking but has since expanded to suppress information that differs from official narratives
· Danny Vincent
Woman sentenced to 6 mln-won fine for stalking actor Hwang Jung-min
GOYANG, South Korea, Sept. 8 (Yonhap) -- A district court on Tuesday sentenced a woman to a fine of 6 million won (US$4,500) after finding her guilty of stalking actor Hwang Jung-min.
· Chae Yun-hwan
Abu Dhabi Book Fair: 13 key sessions across literature, music and art to attend | The National
The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair returns with a programme spanning literature and poetry, music, art, history and space diplomacy.
· Saeed Saeed
Caribbean Culture Fills Brooklyn’s Eastern Parkway, in photos
People participate in J’Ouvert festivities ahead of the West Indian Day Parade at sunrise on Labor Day in the Crown Heights and Flatbush neighborhoods of Brooklyn, Monday, Sept. 7, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis)
· Angelina Katsanis
Visa scam sites on rise: How they work and how to avoid them | The National
If you are facing the holiday blues after the summer and are already planning your next vacation, book your visa appointment slot – if you need one – much in advance. That’s the advice from visa outsourcing company VFS Global as visa scamming platforms continue to soar globally.
· Aarti Nagraj