French government takes new blows over deal to sell painkiller maker to US fund
Paris — French drugmaker Sanofi’s confirmation that it will sell a controlling stake in its consumer health unit to a U.S. investment fund sparked a new political backlash Monday, stoked by fears the deal marks a loss of sovereignty over…
Should minimum wage be lower for workers who get tipped? Two states are set to decide
Mel Nichols, a 37-year-old bartender in Phoenix, Arizona, takes home anywhere from $30 to $50 an hour with tips included. But the uncertainty of how much she’s going to make on a daily basis is a constant source of stress….
‘Hundreds displaced overnight’ as airstrikes destroy humanitarian facilities in Lebanon
“Late last night, hundreds of people were reportedly displaced in Beirut and across the country following Israeli displacement orders identifying a social finance network affiliated with Hezbollah,” said Farhan Haq, UN Deputy Spokesperson, briefing journalists in New York on Monday….
Daily death and destruction continues in Ukraine, Security Council hears
Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča, whose portfolio straddles both Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, voiced concern over attacks on energy infrastructure as winter approaches. Drones, death and devastation Mr. Jenča said at least 208 Ukrainian civilians were killed and 1,220 injured in…
In Ethiopia, UN chief advocates for permanent Security Council seats for Africa
In a speech delivered during the inauguration of the renovated Africa Hall in Addis Ababa, Secretary-General António Guterres celebrated the building’s historic and symbolic importance for Africa’s unity and progress. “This hall is where Africa came together to give life to…
Guterres ‘unequivocally condemns’ continued civilian deaths in Gaza
“Civilians must be respected and protected at all times” and the UN chief “remains deeply alarmed by the rapidly deteriorating situation for civilians in northern Gaza, including mass displacement and the lack of essentials for survival,” said UN Deputy Spokesperson…
Microsoft to allow autonomous AI agent development starting next month
Microsoft will allow customers to build autonomous artificial intelligence agents starting in November, the software giant said on Monday, in its latest move to tap the booming technology. The company is positioning autonomous agents — programs which require little human…
Environmental delegates gather in Colombia for conference on dwindling global biodiversity
Bogota, Colombia — Global environmental leaders gather Monday in Cali, Colombia to assess the world’s plummeting biodiversity levels and commitments by countries to protect plants, animals and critical habitats. The two-week United Nations Biodiversity Conference, or COP16, is a follow-up…
US says it ‘will get Ukraine what it needs’ to maintain fight against Russia
The United States “will get Ukraine what it needs” to continue to fight its 32-month war with Russia, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said during a visit to Kyiv on Monday. But he gave no indication the U.S. would consent…
Wounded Ukrainian war vets train for wintry sports competition
In February, Canada will host the first-ever winter Invictus Games, an athletic competition for wounded and injured veterans from around the world. This year, 550 athletes from 25 countries will compete in both traditional Invictus Games sports as well as…