News Briefs.

Costa Rica's coastline has undergone a significant transformation thanks to a grassroots project initiated by a surfer. The surfer, seeking shade, began planting native trees on deforested beaches. This effort has since grown into a large-scale initiative, with 100,000 trees…

A Texas jury has convicted Catholic priest Anthony Odiong of first- and second-degree sexual assault. Odiong now faces up to life in prison. The case marks a significant development in the Catholic Church's ongoing reckoning with clergy abuse. The jury's…

Google owner Alphabet is set to raise $80bn through a stock sale to fund its artificial intelligence investments. This move is one of the largest equity fundraisings in history. The company plans to use the funds to accelerate its AI…

The murder of 22-year-old Henry Nowak in Southampton last December has prompted calls for a review of religious knife rules. Hampshire's police commissioner has written to Labour leader Keir Starmer, describing the stabbing as a "national tragedy". Nowak was killed…

UK Shadow Foreign Secretary Emily Thornberry has strongly criticized the UK government's stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Thornberry accused the government of failing the Palestinian people, citing a lack of action in response to human rights abuses. She specifically highlighted…

Alphabet, the parent company of Google, plans to raise $80 billion through share sales to fund its artificial intelligence investments. This move is part of the company's efforts to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. The funds will…

Archaeologists have discovered two shipwrecks in the Bahamas, specifically in Nassau harbour on New Providence. The finds provide tangible evidence of the real pirates of the Caribbean, who operated in the region during the 18th century. Nassau harbour was a…

Tensions remain high in the Middle East as conflict continues in Lebanon. Israel's military reported intercepting missiles from Lebanon this morning, indicating ongoing violence despite recent diplomatic efforts. US President Trump had earlier hailed a de-escalation between Israel and Hezbollah,…

The federal government paid $3.8 million for personal protection of the administrator appointed to oversee the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) in 2022. This expenditure was revealed during a Senate committee hearing. The CFMEU was placed into…

BP has confirmed that Amanda Blanc will lead the search for a new chair, despite concerns from some investors. This decision comes after Albert Manifold's sudden departure from the role last week. Manifold had been chair since 2019 and his…

Palantir, a $375bn company, provides software used by various sectors including health services and militaries. Its technology helps integrate and analyze large datasets, making it a valuable tool for governments and institutions. However, the company's growing influence has sparked controversy…

Labor's Ed Husic has expressed concerns over the Aukus pact, a $368 billion deal between Australia, the US, and the UK. Husic, a former frontbencher, questioned the agreement, citing that it will deliver secondhand submarines. This marks the most significant…

British Paralympian John McFall is set to become the first astronaut with a physical disability to live in orbit. McFall, a sprinter who won bronze at the 2008 Paralympic Games, will embark on a mission to the Haven-1 space station.…