New Orleans truck attack: what we know so far

New Orleans (AFP) – The United States saw 2025 begin with a violent attack, after a man drove deliberately at high speed into a crowd of New Year’s revelers in New Orleans, killing at least 15 people and wounding dozens more.

Police block off the French Quarter in New Orleans after a truck rammed into a crowd of New Year's revellers in a deadly attack

Coach tight

Sydney (AFP) – India coach Gautam Gambhir declined to confirm Thursday whether embattled skipper Rohit Sharma would play in the decisive fifth Test against Australia, but said he was “extremely confident” his team could win.

India skipper Rohit Sharma is under pressure and not guarantee to play the fifth Australia Test

Blooming hard: Taiwan's persimmon growers struggle

Taichung (Taiwan) (AFP) – Taiwanese persimmon farmer Lo Chih-neng stands on a ladder in his sprawling orchard using secateurs to cut the golden-yellow fruit still hanging from branches after enduring a tough season.

Persimmons are popular in Taiwan but changing weather and an ageing population are posing a threat to the century-old industry

Knicks roll to ninth straight NBA win, Ivey hurt in Pistons victory

Los Angeles (United States) (AFP) – Karl-Anthony Towns scored 31 points and Josh Hart delivered his second straight triple-double to propel the New York Knicks to their ninth straight NBA victory on Wednesday, 119-103 over the Utah Jazz.

Immanuel Quickley of the Toronto Raptors celebrates a three-point basket in an NBA victory over the Brooklyn Nets

'Numb' New Orleans grapples with horror of deadly truck attack

New Orleans (AFP) – The celebratory atmosphere of Bourbon Street in New Orleans, long an American byword for indulgence and revelry, was dimmed Wednesday as residents and visitors alike reeled from a deadly truck attack on New Year’s crowds.

Early morning on New Year's Day as police cordon off the intersection of Canal Street and Bourbon Street in New Orleans after a truck plowed into a crowd of revellers, killing at least 15 people

Asia stocks begin year on cautious note

Hong Kong (AFP) – Asian stocks began 2025 mostly in the red on Thursday after worries about US interest rates, tariffs and China’s economy gave Wall Street the holiday blues for a fourth straight session.

Wall Street has gotten off to a slow start in 2024, with Asia following suit

Perera's 46

Nelson (New Zealand) (AFP) – Kusal Perera cracked a career-best 101 off just 46 balls as Sri Lanka secured a consolation seven-run victory in the third and final Twenty20 match against New Zealand in Nelson on Thursday.

Sri Lanka's Kusal Perera plays a shot as New Zealand wicketkeeper Mitch Hay looks on during the third Twenty20

South Korea's Yoon resists arrest over martial law bid

Seoul (AFP) – Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was resisting arrest for a third day on Thursday after vowing to “fight” authorities seeking to question him over his failed martial law bid.

A protester holds a placard reading "Stop the Steal" during a rally to support impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol