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New Banksy Tree Mural in North London Defaced with White Paint

The damage to the Banksy mural on the side of a residential building on Hornsey Road in Finsbury Park. Photograph: Victoria Jones/PA
The damage to the Banksy mural on the side of a residential building on Hornsey Road in Finsbury Park. Photograph: Victoria Jones/PA
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New Banksy Tree Mural in North London Defaced with White Paint

The damage to the Banksy mural on the side of a residential building on Hornsey Road in Finsbury Park. Photograph: Victoria Jones/PA
The damage to the Banksy mural on the side of a residential building on Hornsey Road in Finsbury Park. Photograph: Victoria Jones/PA

A mural of a tree painted by Banksy on a residential building in north London has been defaced with white paint two days after it first appeared.

The artwork in Finsbury Park features rough brushstrokes of green paint on a wall near a tree, giving an abstract appearance of foliage, with a stencil of a person holding a pressure hose next to it.

Images shared on social media on Wednesday showed that the mural on Hornsey Road appeared to have been partly covered.

Banksy claimed the mural as his own in an Instagram post on Monday after it was speculated to be one of his.

One local resident, Matt McKenna, told the BBC: “It has got lots of people talking and it is a bit of London which is a bit forgotten at times.”

Since the mural appeared, fencing has been installed around the tree and the wall, The Guardian reported.

Islington council, in whose borough the artwork appeared, said: “We welcome this fantastic Banksy piece to Islington, a borough that celebrates creativity.

“In recent days, the piece has created a real buzz in the borough and beyond, and we very much want it to stay.

“It’s sad to see the piece has been defaced. When the mural first arrived in Islington, we moved quickly to put in place temporary measures to protect it and manage the crowds, such as installing fencing and having visits from park patrol officers.

“We are discussing future solutions with the homeowner, to enable everyone to enjoy the artwork while protecting it, the tree, and the surrounding area. We’re also in the process of installing a CCTV camera.

“This is a really powerful piece, which highlights the vital role that trees play in our communities and in tackling the climate emergency. Culture is a powerful way to tell meaningful stories, and we very much hope that the piece, which is still fantastic, will now be left alone for people to enjoy.”

Before the white paint appeared, the council said its graffiti removal team was aware of the artwork and would not remove it.

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WHO: 10,000 Daily Deaths in Europe from Excessive Salt Consumption

WHO: 10,000 Daily Deaths in Europe from Excessive Salt Consumption
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WHO: 10,000 Daily Deaths in Europe from Excessive Salt Consumption

WHO: 10,000 Daily Deaths in Europe from Excessive Salt Consumption

WHO Europe warned in a recent report of lethal levels of salt consumption and uncontrolled high blood pressure.

It said most people in European region consume far too much salt, and more than one in three adults aged 30–79 has hypertension.

The nw WHO/Europe report “Action on salt and hypertension” called for an integrated approach to reduce salt intake and improve detection and control of hypertension to protect people’s health.

The report said cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the predominant cause of disability and premature death in the European Region, causing over 42.5% of all deaths annually, saying it equals to 10, 000 deaths every day.

According to the report, men are almost 2.5 times more likely to die from CVDs than women. There is also a geographic divide – the probability of dying young (30–69 years) from a CVD is nearly five times as high in eastern Europe and central Asia compared to western Europe.

“CVDs and hypertension are largely preventable – and controllable,” said Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe.

“Four million, a staggering figure, is the number of deaths caused by cardiovascular diseases every single year – primarily in men, particularly in the eastern part of our WHO region. These are the facts, but this is something we can change. We know what works, but time and time again, we fall short of implementing evidence-based approaches, resulting in unacceptably high levels of avoidable deaths. Implementing targeted policies to reduce salt intake by 25% could save an estimated 900 000 lives from CVDs by 2030.”

Excessive salt consumption is the main driver of hypertension and, subsequently, deaths from heart attacks, strokes and other CVDs. Street food and processed foods are often the main culprits.

The report said that regulating the amount of salt in processed foods has the potential to have a positive impact on people’s health.

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Richest Woman in Australia Demands National Gallery Remove Her Portrait

Gina Rinehart (right) and a portrait of her by Archibald prize-winning artist Vincent Namatjira. - AAP/Getty Images
Gina Rinehart (right) and a portrait of her by Archibald prize-winning artist Vincent Namatjira. - AAP/Getty Images
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Richest Woman in Australia Demands National Gallery Remove Her Portrait

Gina Rinehart (right) and a portrait of her by Archibald prize-winning artist Vincent Namatjira. - AAP/Getty Images
Gina Rinehart (right) and a portrait of her by Archibald prize-winning artist Vincent Namatjira. - AAP/Getty Images

The mining billionaire Gina Rinehart has demanded the National Gallery of Australia remove her portrait from an exhibition by the award-winning artist Vincent Namatjira.

The image, arguably an unflattering picture of Australia’s richest woman, is one of many portraits unveiled at the Canberra gallery as part of the Archibald prize-winning artist’s first major survey exhibition, The Guardian reported.

The National Gallery has rebuffed efforts to have the picture taken down and said in a statement that it welcomed public dialogue on its collection and displays.

“Since 1973, when the National Gallery acquired Jackson Pollock’s Blue Poles, there has been a dynamic discussion on the artistic merits of works in the national collection, and/or on display at the gallery,” it said.

Before going on show in Canberra, the painting was on public display in Adelaide for months during the exhibition’s initial run at the Art Gallery of South Australia from October 2023 until January 2024.

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Former Inmates' Garden Showcases at RHS Chelsea Flower Show

Photo by Getty images
Photo by Getty images
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Former Inmates' Garden Showcases at RHS Chelsea Flower Show

Photo by Getty images
Photo by Getty images

A garden designed and built by women who are in prison or have recently been released will be exhibited at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

The indoor garden will be a recreation of the greenhouse at HMP East Sutton Park, in Kent, where inmates trained.

Kali Hamerton-Stove, director of The Glasshouse project, said it helped women prepare for their release and tackled reoffending rates.

She said the exhibit was an "incredible opportunity" to showcase their work, BBC reported.

The exhibit will feature house plants nurtured by women in prison and items representing their "dreams and hopes".

Stove said it is "amazing" that women get to "design and build an exhibit based on their experience".

She said it is also amazing they will be around horticultural specialists and "incredibly inspirational people" at the show.

She said the project focused on ensuring women had "skills ready to enter the workforce and society" after they were released from prison.

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Cruise Saudi Announces Commercial Launch of ‘AROYA Cruises’

The ship can accommodate more than 3,362 passengers. SPA
The ship can accommodate more than 3,362 passengers. SPA
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Cruise Saudi Announces Commercial Launch of ‘AROYA Cruises’

The ship can accommodate more than 3,362 passengers. SPA
The ship can accommodate more than 3,362 passengers. SPA

Cruise Saudi, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) specializing in developing the cruise sector in the Kingdom, has announced the commercial launch of its cruise line "AROYA Cruises.”

“As the first Arabian cruise line, AROYA Cruises is proud to lead the way with its authentic Arabian experience offered to guests at sea and on land,” Cruise Saudi said in a statement.

“It also stands out for its unique design, which reflects Arabian generosity and Saudi Arabia's hospitality by providing exceptional experiences that focus on comfort and luxury for its guests,” it added.
AROYA Cruises is a 335-meter floating resort with 1,678 cabins, including balcony cabins overlooking the sea, as well as luxury suites and villas.

The ship can accommodate more than 3,362 passengers and includes 20 entertainment venues across 18 decks that provide shopping at AROYA's shops, performances in the 1,018-seat theater, and shows and movies for children.

AROYA Cruises also offers exclusive VIP experiences, with spacious and premium suites, outdoor lounges and exceptional dining experiences.

Tourist trips are scheduled in the Red Sea in December 2024, with visits to the AROYA Cruise's private island as well as destinations to Egypt and Jordan.

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Indonesia Raises Alert to Highest Level for Ibu Volcano

A handout photo made available by Indonesian's Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation shows thick grey ash and dark clouds spewed from Mount Ibu in North Maluku province, Indonesia, 15 May 2024. EPA/PVMBG
A handout photo made available by Indonesian's Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation shows thick grey ash and dark clouds spewed from Mount Ibu in North Maluku province, Indonesia, 15 May 2024. EPA/PVMBG
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Indonesia Raises Alert to Highest Level for Ibu Volcano

A handout photo made available by Indonesian's Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation shows thick grey ash and dark clouds spewed from Mount Ibu in North Maluku province, Indonesia, 15 May 2024. EPA/PVMBG
A handout photo made available by Indonesian's Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation shows thick grey ash and dark clouds spewed from Mount Ibu in North Maluku province, Indonesia, 15 May 2024. EPA/PVMBG

Indonesia's volcanology agency on Thursday raised the alert level of the Ibu volcano in North Maluku province to the highest on its scale after a series of recent eruptions.

The agency in a statement also warned nearby residents against coming near the volcano, located on the remote island of Halhamera.

Mount Ibu erupted on Monday, spewing thick grey ash and dark clouds 5,000 meters into the sky for five minutes, officials said.

Indonesia, an archipelago of 270 million people, has 120 active volcanoes. It is prone to volcanic activity because it sits along the “Ring of Fire,” a horseshoe-shaped series of seismic fault lines around the Pacific Ocean.

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French Traveler Crosses 13 Countries on Foot to Perform Umrah, Pray at Two Holy Mosques

French traveler Mohamed Boulabiar. (SPA)
French traveler Mohamed Boulabiar. (SPA)
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French Traveler Crosses 13 Countries on Foot to Perform Umrah, Pray at Two Holy Mosques

French traveler Mohamed Boulabiar. (SPA)
French traveler Mohamed Boulabiar. (SPA)

French traveler Mohamed Boulabiar spent eight months on a journey on foot to perform the Umrah in Saudi Arabia.

His 8,000-kilometer journey started from Paris and he trekked through 13 countries to reach the city of Madinah. He will then proceed to the holy city of Makkah to perform the Umrah.

The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) met Boulabiar in the courtyards of the Prophet's Mosque on Tuesday, mere hours after completing his journey through various terrains and enduring numerous weather conditions. Despite the difficulties and dangers, he was undeterred from his goal of reaching the holy sites on foot.

Boulabiar, born in France to a Tunisian father and a Moroccan mother, remarked: "I did not encounter any problems on the road, but the biggest challenge was the weather. I departed in the summer and arrived in the spring, passing through autumn and winter, enduring storms and thunder. At one stage, a snowstorm at the Greek border delayed my trip by a week."

"I walked in temperatures of around 40°C, but thankfully, everything went smoothly. I am overjoyed to be here," he added.

He revealed that this was his first visit to the Gulf, adding that he has received a warm welcome. "People stopped me on the road to offer food and drink. I am immensely grateful to be here and to have completed the journey."

Boulabiar explained that he started preparing for his journey both physically and mentally two years ago. He kicked it off on August 27, starting from the Eiffel Tower.

His trek took him through France, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Albania, Macedonia, Greece, Türkiye, and Jordan, before finally reaching Saudi Arabia.

He relied on a map and essential provisions, slept in a tent and occasionally spent nights in mosques. Benevolent strangers would also sometimes learn of his journey and invite him to spend the night.

"This has been a childhood dream. I yearned to arrive in Makkah on foot, emulating the Prophet, peace be upon him, and his companions," he added.

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Saudi Arabia Launches Major Project to Protect Marine Ecosystems in Arabian Gulf

The vast Saudi waters in the Arabian Gulf, spanning over 27,000 square kilometers, are a haven for a diverse array of marine life. SPA
The vast Saudi waters in the Arabian Gulf, spanning over 27,000 square kilometers, are a haven for a diverse array of marine life. SPA
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Saudi Arabia Launches Major Project to Protect Marine Ecosystems in Arabian Gulf

The vast Saudi waters in the Arabian Gulf, spanning over 27,000 square kilometers, are a haven for a diverse array of marine life. SPA
The vast Saudi waters in the Arabian Gulf, spanning over 27,000 square kilometers, are a haven for a diverse array of marine life. SPA

Saudi Arabia is launching a groundbreaking project to assess the health of its vital ecosystems in the Arabian Gulf, in a significant step toward safeguarding its marine treasures.

Led by the National Center for Wildlife (NCW), the project aims to create a comprehensive roadmap for protecting marine biodiversity and ensuring the long-term health of the Gulf waters.

NCW CEO Dr. Mohammed Qurban said in a statement that scientists will evaluate the condition of the coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and mangrove forests.

They will identify both natural and human-caused threats to these habitats, and develop strategies to mitigate these risks. Ultimately, the project will use the collected data to design a management plan for the conservation and restoration of the coastal ecosystems.

Qurban said the vast Saudi waters in the Arabian Gulf, spanning over 27,000 square kilometers, are a haven for a diverse array of marine life, all supported by the rich ecosystems of the Gulf. The project will ensure that these vital habitats continue to thrive for generations to come.

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Watches Belonging to F1 Great Schumacher Fetch Millions at Auction

One of F1 legend Michael Schumacher's watches sold at auction. Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP
One of F1 legend Michael Schumacher's watches sold at auction. Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP
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Watches Belonging to F1 Great Schumacher Fetch Millions at Auction

One of F1 legend Michael Schumacher's watches sold at auction. Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP
One of F1 legend Michael Schumacher's watches sold at auction. Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP

Eight watches belonging to Formula One legend Michael Schumacher were sold at auction in Geneva on Tuesday for a total of four million Swiss francs (4.4 million dollars/4.1 million euros).
The German seven-time F1 world champion was a passionate watch collector until the skiing accident he suffered in December 2013, since which he has not been seen in public, said AFP.
Two of the timepieces sold at the Christie's auction were personalized gifts Schumacher received from then Ferrari team principal Jean Todt to celebrate his achievements on the racing track with the Italian manufacturer.
An F.P. Journe Vagabondage with a dial honoring the seven F1 world championships Schumacher won was sold for 1,646,700 dollars.
But the piece that went for the most - 2,711,500 dollars - was a vintage pink gold Patek Philippe.
"Our sincere thanks go to our consigners as well as the Schumacher family who entrusted us with the outstanding property of Michael Schumacher. We saw strong global participation, with an emphasis on America" said the auction house's watch specialist Remi Guillemin.

Varieties

Miniature Poodle Sage Fetches Top Prize at Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show 

Sage, a Miniature Poodle from Houston, Texas, competes in the Non-Sporting Group during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City, New York, US, May 13, 2024. (Reuters)
Sage, a Miniature Poodle from Houston, Texas, competes in the Non-Sporting Group during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City, New York, US, May 13, 2024. (Reuters)
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Miniature Poodle Sage Fetches Top Prize at Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show 

Sage, a Miniature Poodle from Houston, Texas, competes in the Non-Sporting Group during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City, New York, US, May 13, 2024. (Reuters)
Sage, a Miniature Poodle from Houston, Texas, competes in the Non-Sporting Group during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City, New York, US, May 13, 2024. (Reuters)

A miniature poodle named Sage was crowned "Best in Show" on Tuesday at the 148th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, fetching the grand prize in the most prestigious competition among pure-bred canines in the United States.

The finalist representing all breeds classified as non-sporting dogs, Sage emerged victorious from more than 2,500 top-ranked canines competing in a two-day contest, held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in the Queens borough of New York City.

Sage, a 4-year-old black-colored female groomed in the fine, fluffy topiary style traditional for poodles, competed head to head against the winners in six other groups - terriers, hounds, herding dogs, working dogs, sporting dogs and toy dogs.

She was the first female to win the top prize at Westminster since 2020, according to commentators on the Fox Sports channel, which broadcast the event live.

The Westminster dog show bills itself as the second-oldest US sporting event, behind only the Kentucky Derby thoroughbred horse race. This year's competition drew a field of contenders representing 200 breeds from all 50 US states and 12 other countries.

Mercedes, a female 4-year-old German shepherd, was named runner-up for the overall contest, after first winning the top prize in the herding dog group.

Along with Sage and Mercedes, the two other finalists chosen on Monday were Comet the Shih Tzu, representing the toy group, and Louis, the Afghan hound leading the hound group.

Rounding out the finalists were three group winners chosen on Tuesday - Micah the black cocker spaniel, representing sporting dogs; Monty, the giant schnauzer, leading the working dogs; and Frankie, a colored bull terrier from the terrier group.

Varieties

Wildfire Forces Out Hundreds of Residents in Canada's Oil Sands Hub of Fort McMurray

A picture taken through a window shows smoke rising from wildfire MWF017 on the south side of the Athabasca River valley near Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada May 10, 2024. Alberta Wildfire/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
A picture taken through a window shows smoke rising from wildfire MWF017 on the south side of the Athabasca River valley near Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada May 10, 2024. Alberta Wildfire/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
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Wildfire Forces Out Hundreds of Residents in Canada's Oil Sands Hub of Fort McMurray

A picture taken through a window shows smoke rising from wildfire MWF017 on the south side of the Athabasca River valley near Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada May 10, 2024. Alberta Wildfire/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
A picture taken through a window shows smoke rising from wildfire MWF017 on the south side of the Athabasca River valley near Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada May 10, 2024. Alberta Wildfire/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights

Hundreds of residents in four neighborhoods in the southern end of Canada’s oil sand hub of Fort McMurray, Alberta, were ordered to evacuate with a wildfire threatening the community, authorities said Tuesday.

The Rural Municipality of Wood Buffalo said residents in Beacon Hill, Abasand, Prairie Creek and Grayling Terrace needed to leave by 4 p.m.

An emergency evacuation warning remained in place for the rest of Fort McMurray and surrounding areas.

The rural municipality said the residents in the four neighborhoods were being ordered out to clear room for crews to fight the fire, which had moved to within 13 kilometers (8 miles) of the city, The AP reported.

Fort McMurray has a population of about 68,000, and a wildfire there in 2016 destroyed 2,400 homes and forced more than 80,000 people to flee.

“It’s very important for me to know that this fire activity is very different than the 2016 Horse River wildfire. We have an abundance of resources and we are well positioned to respond to this situation,” Regional Fire Chief Jody Butz said.

Suzy Gerendi, who runs the dessert shop in the Beacon Hill neighborhood, said she was already packed up when the evacuation order came down. Gerendi lived in Beacon Hill when fire overtook it in 2016.

She immediately began the drive towards Edmonton, Alberta with her three dogs.

“It’s very, very dark and orange,” Gerendi said. “It brings up some memories and it’s not a good feeling.”

Residents were also dealing with heavy smoke and ash.

“It’s dark. The smoke is everywhere,” said resident Else Hoko.

Hoko picked up her two sons from school in Abasand after receiving the evacuation order. She had also fled in 2016.

“I’m so stressed,” she said, adding that she’s praying for rain.

The Beacon Hill and Abasand neighborhoods saw serious losses in 2016.

The current fire has grown to about 110 square kilometers (42.5 square miles) and remains out of control.

Josee St. Onge, an Alberta Wildfire information officer, said wind is pushing the fire toward the community.

She said crews have been pulled from the fire line for safety reasons, and air tankers and helicopters continue to drop water and retardant on the “active edges.”

“Unfortunately, these are not favorable winds for us, and the fire will continue to advance towards the town until we see a wind shift,” she said.

More than 230 wildfires were burning across western Canada, most of them in British Columbia, where about 130 were counted, officials said.

In the northeast of the neighboring province of British Columbia, areas subject to mandatory evacuation increased, with the latest order Monday for Doig River First Nation and the Peace River Regional District as a fire threatened nearby.

Forecasts on Tuesday called for wind that could blow a growing wildfire closer to Fort Nelson. Emergency workers had been phoning as many of the estimated 50 residents still in town and urging them to go.

The British Columbia Wildfire Service said the blaze had grown to 84 square kilometers (32 miles). On Monday, it was about 53 square kilometers (21 miles) in size. A photo by the service shows the billowing blaze spreading in a vast wooded area.

The community of about 4,700 and the neighboring Fort Nelson First Nation have been under an evacuation order since Friday.

Northern Rockies Regional Municipality Mayor Rob Fraser said one drawback of the evacuation is the challenge for essential staff, including firefighters, to find food.

“This is really going to be weather dependent, and so far the weather has been holding with us,” Fraser said of the wildfire in a video posted to Facebook.

In 2023, Canada experienced a record number of wildfires that caused choking smoke in parts of the US and forced more than 235,000 Canadians to evacuate their communities. At least four firefighters died.