Ardian

Union calls for journalists to stand with colleagues when they are targeted by politicians as Anthony Albanese says media organisations play ‘vital roles in our democracy’Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe media union has condemned One Nation leader Pauline Hanson’s attack on Guardian Australia senior correspondent Sarah Martin, as Anthony Albanese called on journalists to defend public broadcasters SBS and the ABC.After her landmark address to the National Press Club in Canberra on Wednesday, Hanson called Martin “trashy” for asking about her daughter Lee Hanson’s employment by a NSW One Nation senator, despite living and working in Tasmania. Continue reading...

Despite reports of Anthony Odiong preying on female congregants, the Catholic church extended his termCatholic church had been alerted to Texas priest’s sexual predation for years – but dawdled before actingCatholic clergy leaders wanted to add nearly a decade to a priest’s temporary role as pastor at a suburban New Orleans church despite knowing several women had accused him of sexual misconduct or unwanted advances while ministering to them, the Guardian can report.But Anthony Odiong did not make it to the end of an extension that was supposed to last until 2027. A jury in Waco, Texas, another community where Odiong worked, convicted him of criminal clergy sexual assault of two women, leading him to a sentence of life imprisonment in early June. Continue reading...

Former deputy editor steps up to replace Lenore Taylor, who resigned in FebruaryFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe former deputy editor of Guardian Australia David Munk has been appointed to lead the publication, Guardian News and Media has announced.Munk spent five years as international news editor in Australia and another five as deputy editor under Lenore Taylor, who resigned in February after a decade at the helm. Continue reading...

• French private equity firm Ardian is backing the development of a €5 billion AI "gigafactory" located outside of Paris. • The project involves the construction of a massive data center and research facility designed to bolster Europe's technological infrastructure. • This investment is part of a broader strategic effort to establish a "digital backbone for the future," reducing Europe's reliance on non-EU AI infrastructure.

• Investment firm Ardian has joined the AION consortium in a €10 billion bid to construct an AI gigafactory in France. • The project is part of a broader European Union strategy to enhance AI compute capabilities and reduce technological dependence on the US and China. • If France secures the official EU gigafactory designation, it may attract significant investment and talent, potentially overshadowing competing infrastructure ambitions in Germany, the Netherlands, and the Nordics.

Anthony Odiong is charged with exploiting his status as clergyman to pursue sex with female parishioners to whom he was providing spiritual directionA jury of eight women and four men in Texas began deliberating a verdict on Friday afternoon in the trial of a Roman Catholic priest charged with illegally exploiting his status as a clergyman to pursue sex with female parishioners to whom he was providing spiritual direction.Anthony Odiong, 57, has pleaded not guilty to one charge of sexual assault in the first degree and two such counts in the second degree involving two women, each of whom testified during a trial that began with jury selection on Tuesday in the Texas city of Waco.Information and support for anyone affected by rape or sexual abuse issues is available from the following organizations. In the US, Rainn offers support on 800-656-4673. In the UK, Rape Crisis offers support on 0808 500 2222. In Australia, support is available at 1800Respect (1800 737 732). Other international helplines can be found at ibiblio.org/rcip/internl.html Continue reading...

Fleet Street’s first female advertising director rose to the top of a male-dominated industry and championed other women throughout her careerCaroline Marland, the Guardian’s trailblazing former managing director who broke glass ceilings and helped others do the same, has died at the age of 80.Marland, who became Fleet Street’s first female advertising director, was a pioneer in spotting the potential of the classified ad market for newspapers. She rose to the top of the male-dominated newspaper industry and championed other women throughout her career. Continue reading...