Author: Gulf News Week
JungEvery summer, Seoul turns a deep green, growing dense and lush under humid skies.But this year, one tree was visibly suffering. “Green leaves were falling to the ground, which shouldn’t happen at that time of year,” recalls Jung, who lives near the streetside ginkgo in Buam-dong, a largely residential neighbourhood in the north of Seoul.The tree is beloved by locals, who believe it has occupied its spot for more than 100 years. So Jung couldn’t ignore what she was seeing. With each passing day, her curiosity turned to concern.The whodunnit engrossed Buam-dong and piqued the country’s interest, making national headlines.…
Getty ImagesPresident Donald Trump has said his son paid back a Russian oligarch with close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin for hosting post-wedding festivities in the Bahamas.Asked in the Oval Office about Umar Kremlev’s involvement in Donald Trump Jr’s celebrations, Trump said it is “totally allowed” and that it is “very common” to give wedding parties for others.After an investigation said Kremlev paid “hundreds of thousands of dollars”, the couple confirmed he partially funded two nights of their three-day festivities on a private island as a gift.Trump did not say how he knew the Putin ally was paid back.…
‘We are dying’: Aunt of murdered woman pleads for action on femicide”What we are going to do, I have no idea,” sobs Nokwanda Matshikiza, reflecting on the murder of her niece Dineo Motapane. “But something must give.””For us, for all the other women. How many other bodies will be found before something happens?”Nokwanda is speaking to the BBC from the family home near South Africa’s main city, Johannesburg, just two days after relatives identified Dineo’s body.The 38-year-old mother-of-two was last seen alive last Sunday. Her battered body, partly burned, found later in the residential region of Ekurhuleni.”How do you explain…
EPA/ShutterstockUS President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping sanctions bill, taking aim at Russia’s economy by punishing major purchasers of its oil and gas. The bill, passed by the US House of Representatives earlier this week, gives Trump broad powers to levy tariffs of up to 100% on the top five purchasers of Russian oil and gas – most significantly China and India.At Trump’s behest, the bill also extends to Iran’s energy and weapons sectors. The bill is named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham, one of Ukraine’s staunchest defenders in Washington before his death on 11 July. Additionally, the…
Kerry Kennedy: ‘It would be a tragedy’ if Kennedy Center is demolishedThe BBC’s Caitríona Perry spoke to the late president’s niece, as protesters gathered at the venue to condemn demolition threats.23 mins agoUS & Canada
Watch: Trump says ban on some news outlets from White House is “because they’re fake news”US President Donald Trump has announced that he is “immediately” banning CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, the latest twist in his fraught relationship with media outlets. In a post on Truth Social on Friday, Trump said that the outlets “constantly write or report fiction or lies” about his administration, although he provided no examples. Trump later called it a “very simple ban”, but did not explain how it would work. It is unclear whether employees of those outlets would be prevented…
Watch: Earl Spencer says he’s ‘telling the truth’ about what Charles said after Diana diedPrincess Diana’s brother has told the BBC exclusively that he is “telling the truth” about a phone call with King Charles in the days after his sister’s death. Earl Spencer claims in a new book the then-Prince of Wales said “we’ll forget her soon enough” during an argument over whether Princes William and Harry should walk in Diana’s funeral procession.In a strongly worded response, Buckingham Palace said the King was “mindful that the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgement and colour memory in…
Getty ImagesFrench President Emmanuel Macron has warned that the threat of hybrid attacks by Russia against Europe and France has intensified.In a news conference at the Elysee Palace, Macron said he had ordered a plan to protect critical infrastructure and defence industry sites in the face of this threat.He said France had been targeted by Russian hybrid attacks in the past few weeks which would not be left “without a response”.A growing number of European leaders have warned that Russia may be preparing attacks to test their commitment to supporting Ukraine.Hybrid warfare or hybrid attacks are loose terms which tend…
Getty ImagesHoward Buffett’s main duty as chairman will be guarding the firm’s “culture and values.”Warren Buffett has stepped down as chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, handing over leadership to his son Howard in the final chapter of a long-planned transition at the US business giant. At 96, the world-famous investor will move into an advisory role as chairman emeritus and remain on the company board to offer his “judgement and perspective”, according to a letter to shareholders. The decision comes nine months after Buffett passed the chief executive role to Greg Abel, with his son, Howard, who has been a director…
ReutersThe lone holdout juror in the trial of Lindsay Clancy has said he “didn’t have any doubts” that she was criminally responsible for killing her three children. “Based on all the physical evidence, key witnesses and what the prosecution presents, I thought it was enough proof that she knew exactly what she was doing and planned it,” Michael Desronvil said in a statement to CBS News, the BBC’s US partner.The judge declared a mistrial on 4 September after the jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict following nearly 40 hours of deliberating.Clancy admitted to the killings but her lawyers argued…