Psychologists have discovered that when it comes to selling luxury goods, a neutral or even contemptuous expression helps.

The best photos from the international wire agencies as chosen by our picture editors.

After the retirement of the previous landlord, the remote island is seeking someone comfortable with a lot of time on their own.

From Louis Vuitton fashion to icy Orthodox Christian Epiphany rituals, these are the best photos from around the world in the past week, as chosen by The Age's photo editors.

New Zealand will impose new restrictions after the Omicron variant showed community transmission from the North to South islands.

The establishment of a range of companies appear to be a significant change of direction for the Sussexes, who have emphasised their dedication to their philanthropy and non-profit work through Archewell.

Kiribati, which had almost entirely kept the coronavirus out, has gone into lockdown for the first time in the pandemic.

The British government made the claim based on an intelligence assessment, amid a war of words between Moscow and the West over Russia’s designs on Ukraine.

The US and Europe are warning that further aggressive Russian moves could potentially start the worst conflict in Europe in decades.

The revival that the Democrats promised – that electing Biden would end the pandemic chaos, restore unity within America and respect for it abroad – has fizzled.

Those who know the Djokovics say there are two Novaks: the globalist and philanthropist; and the uneducated product of his “chauvinistic” father.

Save the Children said in a statement that three children were reportedly killed in the western city of Hodeidah.

The monk died in the temple in Vietnam where he had been ordained in his youth. His simple yet profound teachings, which combine mindfulness along with social change, will continue to have an impact around the world.

Beijing and Washington have sparred over air services since the start of the pandemic.

If the bill passes, California would allow the youngest age of any US state to be vaccinated without parental permission.

Tory MPs wishing to oust the Prime Minister are considering publishing secretly recorded conversations with the chief whip, and messages, to support their claims.

Germany meanwhile has reportedly blocked Estonia from giving military support to Ukraine by refusing to issue permits for German-origin weapons to be exported to Kiev.

The best photos from the international wire agencies as chosen by our picture editors.

It was the first time authorities squarely pinned the blame for influencer Petito’s death on Brian Laundrie, though he was the prime suspect all along.

US President Joe Biden said. “We’re investing in American workers. We’re going to stamp everything we can, ‘Made in America,’ especially these computer chips.”

Texas man is the first charged through the Election Threats Taskforce, established by Attorney General Merrick Garland to address rising threats against election workers.

Legendary American singer Meat Loaf, real name Marvin Lee Aday, has died at the age of 74.

Despite the pandemic, Anglo-Belgian 19-year-old flew 155 days over five continents. She now hopes to be an astronaut and an inspiration to other girls.

The idea is to move from crisis mode to control mode, approaching the virus in much the same way countries deal with flu or measles.

The best photos from the international wire agencies as chosen by our picture editors.

Sports Minister Richard Colbeck says Australian athletes should be free to express their political opinions at the Winter Olympics next month.

At a news conference on Thursday, Biden indicated Russia could bear a lower cost for an “incursion” than an invasion.

A Conservative member of Parliament said legislators calling for a challenge to Johnson’s leadership have faced “intimidation” and urged them to contact the police. 

Another big promise by the US president has been torpedoed. What comes next for voting rights reform in America?

The clock, which metaphorically counts down until the end of the world, remains at the closest point it has ever been to midnight.

Since sweeping to power in mid-August, the Taliban have imposed widespread restrictions, including on the women’s rights and the right to protest.

Benedict failed to take action against clerics in four cases of alleged sexual abuse when he was archbishop of Munich, a report commissioned by the Catholic Church has found.

The British PM was told by a senior party figure and former Brexit minister to resign for the good of the country, plus one of his MPs defected to Labour.

The sunny, talkative, high-energy, food-loving maker of Enough! Lebanon’s Darkest Hour is tucking into her mission.

In comments labelled “chilling” and “despicable”, the Beijing Olympic Committee said offending speech could break Chinese laws.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson blatantly broke his country’s lockdown rules and he should pay the price.

Lisala Folau, who is disabled, was swept out to sea from the small, isolated island of Atata, but made it to the main island of Tongatapu, about eight kilometres away.

The cool but rich chancellor of the exchequer. The Australia-loving foreign secretary. It’s a who’s who of possible Johnson replacements.

The embattled Democrat said he should have done more but defended his agenda, saying he underestimated Congress’ ability to thwart his biggest election promises.

His official duties are listed in the past tense, while further content detailing his work has been removed.

The best photos from the international wire agencies as chosen by our picture editors.

Donald Trump and his allies have waged an ongoing legal battle with the committee seeking to block access to documents and witnesses.

Hana Horka, 57, was unvaccinated and had earlier posted that she was recovering after testing positive.

The Serbian superstar holds a majority stake in a Danish biotech firm aiming to develop a treatment to counter COVID-19.

The United States and Russia dug in their heels on Wednesday over Russia’s military buildup on Ukraine’s border with no sign either will relent

The CDC study showed that people who survived a previous Delta infection had lower rates of COVID-19 than people who were vaccinated alone.

French actor Gaspard Ulliel died on Wednesday after a skiing accident in the Alps, according to his agent’s office. He was 37.

With Delta and Omicron on the rise, the country is dealing with mass lockdowns in eight cities, hamster exterminations in Hong Kong and international mail restrictions in Beijing.

The best photos from the international wire services as chosen by our picture editors.

The Tongan government reported extensive damage to housing on outlying islands following the eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano.