Beijing exults in Games' return, but many merely shrug
Despite freezing temperatures and tight Covid restrictions, Beijing on Friday tried its best to celebrate the start of a Winter Olympics chilled even before its start by the pandemic, frosty relations with the West, and a dose of been-there-done-that indifference.
Read moreUS saw surprisingly robust hiring in January despite Covid surge
The US economy brushed off a spike in Covid-19 infections to add 467,000 jobs in January, far better than expected and a potential sign that the pandemic's days of disrupting businesses are numbered.
Read moreConte says Spurs must learn from mistakes in transfer market
Antonio Conte has passed scathing judgement on Tottenham's recent history in the transfer market, saying they made "big mistakes" they cannot afford to repeat after the club offloaded four high-profile players on transfer deadline day.
Read moreSon of Inter Milan legend Facchetti regrets readiness to demolish San Siro
"Strange that a stadium supposed to host the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics is already considered outdated and dead, isn't it?" asks Gianfelice Facchetti, son of Inter Milan legend Giacinto Facchetti, of the lack of debate surrounding the future of the iconic San Siro stadium.
Read moreEU, US thaw trade tensions further with mollusc sales
The European Union and the United States signalled Friday a further thawing of trade tension as they agreed to resume trade in mussels, clams, oysters and scallops after a decade-long halt.
Read moreBeijing Olympics opens under shadow of rights fears and Covid
President Xi Jinping declared the Beijing Winter Olympics open Friday as China tried to turn the page on a build-up overshadowed by human rights concerns, Covid and a US-led diplomatic boycott.
Read moreBlinken to Australia next week for Quad group meeting
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken travels to Australia next week for a Quad group ministerial meeting also involving his counterparts from India and Japan to discuss maritime security and cooperation against Covid, the State Department said Friday.
Read more'Bruised' Root to captain England in West Indies despite Ashes flop
Joe Root was confirmed as England's Test captain for next month's tour of the West Indies on Friday despite the team's embarrassing flop in Australia as assistant coach Graham Thorpe became the latest Ashes casualty.
Read moreMosque-goers pray for rain in drought-scorched Morocco
Mosques held prayers for rain on Friday across the parched North African kingdom of Morocco where farmers are battling an acute drought.
Read moreNew Zealand-born Halafihi to make Italy debut in France Six Nations opener
Former Hurricanes back-rower Toa Halafihi will make his Italy debut in this weekend's Six Nations trip to France, the Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) said on Friday.
Read moreIn The News