BBC News
- The phenomenon was seen by thousands, from Birmingham city centre to parts of Staffordshire.
- Technology editor Zoe Kleinman explains the row over changes made by X to it's Grok AI image edits, after the UK government called it "insulting".
- The Department of Homeland Security says the incident began with the traffic stop of a Venezuelan gang member.
- Manchester United interim boss Darren Fletcher says he there have been no conversations with club chiefs over his future since he replaced sacked Ruben Amorim.
- Jacques Moretti is being held as a potential flight risk, Swiss media reports say.
- It comes after government urged Ofcom to use all its powers – up to and including an effective ban – against X.
- The 45-year-old, from Italy, moved seats to sit beside the woman during the night-time journey to Edinburgh.
- Anti-government protests in Iran have continued for the 13th consecutive day.
- The tanker, the Olina, is on multiple countries' sanctions list and is "suspected of carrying embargoed oil", US officials say.
- The MoD believes it requires an extra £28bn over the next four years, according to reports.
- Tottenham captain Cristian Romero is given an additional one-match suspension and fined £50,000 for his behaviour during his side's Premier League defeat to Liverpool last month.
- The turbocharged events of the last week – and the new US National Security Strategy – raise pressing questions about the new world order, and what it means for Europe
- Iranian authorities appear to be unusually restrained in reacting to mass protests, a possible result of Donald Trump's threat to intervene.
- Liam Rosenior says he will be his own man and ignore the "noise" around his appointment as Chelsea manager.
- Bukayo Saka agrees a new long-term contract with Arsenal.
- The man targeted a variety of locations, including including Guy's and St Thomas' hospital.
- The odds of one cow producing five calves is believed to be several million to one.
- From intelligence sources to intricate mission plans, some details are becoming clearer – but many questions remain unanswered.
The Guardian
- Agreement after 25 years of negotiations prompts farmers to block roads in Paris, Brussels and WarsawEuropean Union member states have backed the biggest ever free trade agreement with a group of Latin American countries, ending 25 years of negotiations but stoking further tensions with farmers and environmentalists around the bloc.The contentious Mercosur deal with Argentina, […]
- ⚽ All the latest ahead of FA Cup third round weekend⚽ Ten things to look out for | Football Daily | Email JohnThe third round of the FA Cup threw up plenty of intriguing ties. Check out some of the storylines ahead of the action which gets underway with four matches tonight.Today’s Rumour Mill has […]
- Trump’s admission that he recognises no constraint outside his own morality was a horrifying moment of truth. It should galvanise all those who oppose himFor a serial liar, Donald Trump can be bracingly honest. We’ve known about the mendacity for years – consider the 30,573 documented falsehoods from the president’s first term, culminating in the […]
- Ayatollah Ali Khamenei calls protesters ‘vandals’ and ‘saboteurs’ and blames the US for instigating the unrestIran’s supreme leader has vowed that authorities will “not back down” in the face of a rapidly growing protest movement, fuelling fears of an intensifying crackdown on the second day of a nationwide internet shutdown.Protests have taken place in all […]
- Many of the old challenges remain but there are a number of reasons why this time a deal of some kind could be possibleMining firms Rio Tinto and Glencore restart $260bn merger talksHere we go again. A combination of Rio Tinto and Glencore has been talked about for years and the duo held aborted negotiations […]
- In this week’s newsletter: In the first of a new series, we’re digging into the archives to find the first fleeting mentions of pop culture’s great and good. But who’s this little lady?• Don’t get The Guide delivered to your inbox? Sign up hereFrom Radiohead playing in backroom pubs as On a Friday to Timothée […]
- National League South side face Grimsby in the third round and those at the club are desparate for the ride to continueWeeks on from the FA Cup third-round draw, inside Weston-super-Mare’s modest clubhouse at their stadium a couple of miles from the holiday haven beachfront, there is still a tinge of incredulity at what might […]
- Stephen Pound on using rubber serpents to deal with greedy, ring-necked parakeets. Plus letters from Dr Andrew Bodey and Nigel WalkerThe curse of the ring-necked parakeets so vividly described in your report certainly struck a chord with me and, no doubt, with many more Londoners (Rapid expansion of ring-necked parakeets in UK sparks concern, 2 […]
- Continue reading…
- Dr Carol S Leonard writes that mRNA vaccines are a way forward for those with melanoma, but hopes are dashed by financial cutsThis is a critically important editorial (The Guardian view on mRNA vaccines: they are the future – with or without Donald Trump, 1 January). I have just gained at least a year of […]
- Steven Bowditch on an indelible memory of a night at the theatre and the death of a presidentI too saw Spike Milligan in The Bed-Sitting Room as a 16-year-old (Letters, 30 December), on a trip organised by my church youth club. Due to the double selling of our tickets at the theatre in London, we […]
- Male bonds | Northern exposure | Lofty goals | Small talkGaby Hinsliff’s column on male bonds struck a chord (Male bonds develop one way, female friendships another. Should we stop trying to make men more like women?, 6 January). Despite essentially no interactions since we moved in 2021, working with my retired (male) neighbour to […]
- Palestine activist and doctor Ghassan Abu-Sitta also cleared over alleged support for Hamas in case brought by GMCThe rector of the University of Glasgow has been cleared of misconduct by a medical watchdog over alleged antisemitism and support for Hamas.Dr Ghassan Abu-Sitta, a plastic surgeon and prominent Palestinian activist, appeared via video link on Friday […]
- Military opens window for civilians to leave as Kurdish groups turn down demand their fighters withdraw from city Syria’s army says it will renew attacks against a Kurdish-majority district of Aleppo where clashes have raged this week, after Kurdish groups rejected Damascus’s ceasefire terms that demanded their fighters withdraw from the city.The army said it […]
- Major new films promise to reveal more about the lives of public figures, provocative topics and historical eventsThe landscape for nonfiction cinema is swift, fragile and constantly in flux in these absurd times; films we discuss now may not be released, and films we discuss a year from now may not even be the germ […]
- Film director of poetic narratives set in remote Hungarian communities, filled with desolation and forebodingSusan Sontag once claimed she would be “glad to see” Béla Tarr’s 1994 masterpiece Sátántangó “every year for the rest of my life”. No small compliment given that the film is more than seven hours long.Tarr, who has died aged 70, […]
- Jacques Moretti arrested on Friday as lawyers representing families of victims say investigators are not moving fast enoughLike many young people across Switzerland, Kenzo Ronnow, a university student in Lausanne, slept in on 1 January after celebrating the new year.But as he scrolled through his phone soon after waking, he saw the lead story of […]
- From talent shows to the big screen, the actor’s performance in Hamnet has made her a leading awards contenderHamnet, Chloé Zhao’s film adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s bestselling novel about William Shakespeare and his wife, Agnes (or Anne) Hathaway, is a tender meditation on love and grief. Charting the couple’s anguish over the death of their […]
- Sign up now! Sign up now! Sign up now? Sign up now!Some British managers who have chanced their arm on the continent have won trophies and the adoration of supporters. Others have at least provided the Daily with plenty of content. For every Bobby Robson, there’s a Tony Adams, or to meet somewhere in the […]
- Deal understood to lift pay to about £300,000 a weekArsenal keen to reward Declan Rice with new dealBukayo Saka has agreed a new five-year contract at Arsenal that will make him one of the highest-paid players in the club’s history.The England forward’s deal that he signed in May 2023 is thought to be worth about […]
CNN – top stories
The New York Times
- The agreement represents a push for deeper global cooperation, in contrast to the United States turning to coercion in its dealings with other countries.
- Federal authorities, who have launched an immigration enforcement blitz in Minnesota, said they will re-examine thousands of refugee cases in the state.
- Late Thursday, Mr. Musk’s chatbot, Grok, limited requests for A.I.-generated images on X to paid subscribers of the social media site amid an outcry from victims and regulators.
- The unemployment rate fell in December, but job growth across 2025 was the lowest in five years.
- After days of fierce protest, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused protesters of trying to “please” President Trump. Iranian authorities signaled further crackdowns on the demonstrations.
- Sergey Brin is joining his Google co-founder, Larry Page, in reducing ties to the state where they built their fortunes.
- The attack seemed intended to send a message to Europe as it strongly backs Kyiv in the peace talks.
- The shooting during a traffic stop, a day after the killing of a woman in Minneapolis by an ICE agent, generated angry denunciations by local officials.
- Not even citizens are safe in Trump’s America.
- The pontiff used an annual address to ambassadors to the Vatican to condemn countries that prioritized violence over diplomacy to achieve their goals.
- The billionaire and philanthropist has made a nearly $8 billion payment to the private foundation of his ex-wife, Melinda French Gates, new tax filings show.
- The attack was just the second time that Moscow had launched the nuclear-capable intermediate-range ballistic weapon.
- For the central bank to lower interest rates again, officials will likely need to see more notable signs that unemployment is rising.
- Mario Miralles spent decades acquiring the spruce and maple for string instruments worthy of Yo-Yo Ma and Gustavo Dudamel. Then he was forced to evacuate.
- The legislative session that began this week poses a significant test of the most closely watched collaboration in state and city politics.
- China built a dominant strategic position in the region as the leading lender and trading partner. It is watching President Trump’s next moves closely.
- The president is claiming borderless license to turn on his perceived enemies, both foreign and domestic.
- The confrontations over the last four months have left two people dead and prompted criticism of federal agencies for allowing officers to open fire on moving vehicles.
- Galloping inflation, a currency crisis and anger at the regime have fueled demonstrations across the country.
- “My own mind. It’s the only thing that can stop me,” he told Times reporters.
Euronews
- In June 1989 following the death of Ayatollah Khomeini, the government cut telephone connections to foreign countries, an action aimed at limiting the ability of domestic opponents to communicate with the outside world.
- He was seen as a beacon of hope in Berlin city politics and wanted to bring law and order to the German capital, but after the scandal over his playing tennis while tens of thousands were without power came to light, Kai Wegner's career is now on the brink of collapse.
- Protests in Tehran have entered their 13th day, with severe internet shutdowns limiting communication amid what have become the biggest anti-government demonstrations in years. Euronews outlines the different scenarios of what might happen next.
- Catch up with the most important stories from around Europe and beyond this January 9th, 2026 – latest news, breaking news, World, Business, Entertainment, Politics, Culture, Travel.
- The Olina seized Friday is "another 'ghost fleet' tanker ship suspected of carrying embargoed oil," US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said.
- Ukraine is investigating Russia’s use of the Oreshnik hypersonic missile against civilian infrastructure as a war crime, as the UK, Germany and France called the attack “unacceptable”.
- Switzerland held a national day of mourning for 40 people killed in a bar fire during New Year in Crans-Montana. Leaders including Macron attended the memorial.
- Switzerland paused to honor 40 victims of the Crans-Montana bar fire with a minute of silence. Residents gathered, and flowers were placed at a makeshift memorial.
- More than 10 people have died in weather-related accidents across Europe this week with the latest deaths reported in Turkey where local media said five people had been killed.
- A trial for a 21-year-old German-Iranian known as "White Tiger" started in Hamburg on Friday and will last until December. Accused of 204 offences, including murder and attempted murder, he allegedly manipulated minors online, leading them to self-harm and suicide.
- Protesters filled the streets of the capital Tehran and other cities on Thursday night, despite a deadly security crackdown.
- Investigators have said they believe sparkling candles atop champagne bottles started the fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana when they came too close to the ceiling.
- The chief of the EU executive pledged Europe's full support for Syria's recovery after meeting interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus on Friday.
- The joint drills were initially scheduled for November 2025 but were postponed due to a clash with the G20 summit in Johannesburg.
- Ukraine faced fresh damage in Kyiv on 9 January after a Russian air strike hit several districts, killing four and injuring at least 24. Emergency crews are working to clear debris and restore services.
- President Donald Trump said US forces will "start now hitting land" in Mexico targeting drug cartels, following months of naval strikes against narcoboats. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has expressed opposition to this move.
- Catch up with the most important stories from around Europe and beyond this January 9th, 2026 – latest news, breaking news, World, Business, Entertainment, Politics, Culture, Travel.
- Ayatollah Khamenei laid the blame on the US president for fomenting unrest as protests across Iran continued despite the internet blackout after exiled Crown Prince Pahlavi called for mass demonstrations demanding freedom.
- In an interview published on Thursday, Trump also suggested that NATO is toothless without the US, claiming his own morality guided his decisions on US military actions.
- Syria sees mass displacement in Aleppo as clashes between government forces and Kurdish fighters intensify amid stalled political talks.
France24
- US President Donald Trump has openly set his sights on Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, claiming Friday that US oil giants were going to invest upward of $100 billion in the country’s gutted industry. But analysts warn that relaunching Venezuela’s oil production could cost dearly in both time and money – even if the enduring Chavista […]
- Nearly four years into Russia's full-scale invasion, the war in Ukraine grinds on, and the search for a viable off-ramp looks increasingly narrow. Speaking to FRANCE 24’s Douglas Herbert, France's ambassador to Ukraine, Gaël Veyssière, delivers a pointed rebuttal to Moscow's battlefield narrative, warning that the Kremlin's perception and reality are increasingly at odds.
- Alberto Rizzi, Policy Fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, sheds light on the shifting European political calculus surrounding the long-awaited EU-Mercosur trade agreement. Italy’s recent pivot in favor of the deal reveals a strategic weighing of national economic benefits over protecting Italian farmers. Rizzi offers a nuanced view, cautioning against viewing this as a monolithic threat or panacea. At […]
- As 2026 gets off to a rocky start, Europe finds itself squeezed between brute force and awkward dependence. After the US seizure of Venezuela's leader, President Donald Trump has openly floated using military force to acquire Greenland, part of NATO member Denmark. European leaders insist it will not happen. The harder question is whether they […]
- EU states gave a provisional go-ahead on Friday for the bloc to sign its largest ever free trade accord with South American group Mercosur, more than 25 years since talks began and after months of wrangling to secure enough backers.
- Switzerland held a national day of mourning on Friday for the 40 people who died in an Alpine bar fire during a New Year's Eve celebration.
- China has strongly condemned the US attack on Venezuela and capture of President Nicolas Maduro. Beijing had built a strategic partnership with the South American country, and been trying to expand its diplomatic and economic clout in the region. Steve Tsang, Director of the SOAS China Institute, tells FRANCE 24's Yuka Royer that China has […]
- There's global outrage over Elon Musk's chatbot Grok, a key feature on social media platform X, which has repeatedly generated sexually explicit deepfake images of women and teenagers. Yet how social media can be used for good; Annette Young talks to Nika Kovač from My Voice, My Choice about using Instagram, TikTok and other platforms […]
- When the Clooney family were granted French citizenship, the news made headlines around the world. The US president weighed in on their choice, sparking a war of words; we learn more about the transatlantic row pitting Hollywood against la vie en France. Also, a new film about the British featherweight who became a giant of boxing brings "Prince" […]
- Olivia Bizot, France 24 journalist, is live from Switzerland.
- On January 3, US special forces carried out a raid on Venezuela's capital Caracas, seizing President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. US President Donald Trump later said that the United States would "run" the country, leaving Venezuela in a state of uncertainty over its political and economic future. This week, FRANCE 24's media show Scoop […]
- 'Iranians seek downfall of regime and a new system that respects dignity, freedom, and human rights'Iran’s supreme leader signaled that security forces would crack down on protesters, directly challenging U.S. President Donald Trump’s pledge to support those peacefully demonstrating. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed Trump as having hands “stained with the blood of Iranians” while State media referred to demonstrators as “terrorists,” setting the stage for a violent crackdown. […]
- President Emmanuel Macron says France will vote against the European Union's trade deal with South American bloc Mercosur, after farmers rolled into Paris on tractors in a show of anger against the pact. Yet EU nations are still expected to approve the bloc's largest ever free trade accord. Alison Sargent is pleased to welcome Laura […]
- Egypt is one of the last countries in the world to impose prison sentences for debt. The main victims are "Gharimat": women in financial difficulty who have been forced into debt. Faced with the exploitation of these women – who are often widowed or single mothers – by unscrupulous creditors, associations are trying to help them achieve […]
- PRESS REVIEW – Friday, January 9: The French papers look at the industries that could benefit from the EU's free trade deal with South America. The Mercosur deal is set to pass in a vote in Brussels. Also, a new report shows overdose deaths from fentanyl are declining and it could be thanks to China's crackdown […]
- In a post on social media, Trump said: "It was a great honor to speak with the President of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, who called to explain the situation of drugs and other disagreements that we have had. I appreciated his call and tone, and look forward to meeting him in the near future." Petro described […]
- The snow-lined street in the midwestern city of Minneapolis where Renee Nicole Good was gunned down by an immigration agent Wednesday lies less than a mile from the site of another slaying that shook Americans.
- President Emmanuel Macron says France will vote against the European Union's trade deal with South American bloc Mercosur, after farmers rolled into Paris on tractors in a show of anger against the pact. "France will vote against signing the agreement," he said on X, a day before member states were to cast ballots on a […]
AllAfrica
Prague Post
- The billion-person shift begins to feel real There’s a moment when a trend stops being a trend and starts feeling permanent. The Sun Belt recently crossed that line. More than half of the U.S. population now lives in the broad southern arc stretching from the Carolinas to the desert Southwest. That detail isn’t trivia anymore. […]
- Just over a decade ago, working from Prague while reporting to a company in another country was a rare exception. Today, it’s becoming a defining feature of the city’s identity. Prague is experiencing a remarkable rise in digital nomads — remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who choose where they live based on lifestyle, cultural appeal, […]
- What may sound like science fiction is becoming a practical business model: cities can now generate revenue and support sustainability goals by mining their highways. Street sweeping trucks, once seen as sanitation tools, now collect measurable amounts of platinum, palladium, and rhodium from roadside dust—precious metals that deposit daily from millions of car exhaust systems. […]
- In today’s interconnected world, location no longer limits ambition. Entrepreneurs in cities like Prague are increasingly running companies that serve clients across time zones, operate in multiple currencies, and comply with diverse legal jurisdictions simultaneously. The rise of digital infrastructure, remote work, and streamlined company registration services has made this possible. Platforms like Your Company […]
- Have you ever felt stressed when the economy changes or surprise bills show up? You’re not alone. Many homeowners feel this way and wonder how to get ready. Life is full of twists and turns, and things like job loss, medical emergencies, or rising prices can throw off your budget. But with the right strategies, […]
- Skins have always been part of the Counter-Strike DNA, and that’s the case for lots of online games. But in CS2, they’re more than just cosmetics that you can win/purchase and use forever. Here they’re tradable assets with real value. From $2 sticker-covered rifles to $2,000 factory-new knives, CS2 skins have created a digital economy […]
- Three names that will forever be remembered in the annals of science: Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi—the world’s first de-extinct animals, whose very existence rewrites the rules of what’s possible in conservation biology. These dire wolf pups, now thriving at Colossal Biosciences’ Texas preserve, represent far more than successful genetic engineering; they embody hope for the […]
- Every day, Chicago’s roads see a high number of car accidents. These incidents can be life-changing, leading to physical pain and emotional distress. If you’re a victim, you need to understand your rights and the steps you should take. Knowing what to do next is crucial for your recovery and peace of mind. You might […]
- Getting a straight, healthy smile is important for both your appearance and dental health. While traditional metal braces used to be the go-to option, clear aligners like Invisalign have become increasingly popular in recent years. Today, we will compare Invisalign and braces to help you determine which is the best choice for your needs and […]
- International parental child abduction, also known as child abduction or parental kidnapping, is a devastating crime that happens when one parent takes a child out of the country without the permission of the other parent. This illegal act deeply impacts the left-behind parent and can be extremely traumatic for the abducted child. If you suspect […]
The Local Germany
- With Storm Elli causing chaos across Germany, you only have to look outside to understand one meaning of this word – but it’s also useful in a surprising variety of different situations.
- The EU gave the long-delayed go ahead on Friday to a huge trade deal with South American bloc Mercosur championed by business groups but loathed by many European farmers — overriding opposition led by France.
- Rail passengers planning trips across Germany face major disruptions during the winter storm on Friday and Saturday. Here’s what you need to know about when you can claim compensation for cancelled or delayed trains.
- A German juvenile court starts the so-called "White Tiger" trial Friday in which a man is accused of multiple sadistic online crimes including coercing a 13-year-old to die by suicide.
- Heavy snow, slippery roads and train cancellations: Here's what you need to know about the disruptions being seen across Germany as winter Storm Elli moves in.
- Heavy snowfall paralyses parts of Germany, Greens call for climate money to be paid to citizens, Merz defends Berlin mayor following tennis match controversy and more news on Friday, January 9th.
- The winter season in Germany can be notoriously brutal for foreigners and locals alike. We'd like to hear your tips for making the most of the colder months.
- German online fashion retailer Zalando said Thursday it would close a distribution centre in the eastern city of Erfurt with 2,700 employees to restructure its European logistics network.
- Whether you’re new to driving in Germany or just new to driving in snow, knowing how to handle icy conditions is essential. Follow these simple steps to help keep yourself safe, protect others and avoid unwanted fines.
- While tens of thousands of Berliners endured a city-wide power outage, Mayor Kai Wegner found time to play tennis on Saturday.
- Dealing with Germany's cold winter weather can be one of the hardships of living here. But with enough warm clothes, and perhaps some snow sports equipment, there are also unique experiences to be had.
- Factory orders in long-struggling Germany unexpectedly posted a sharp jump in November, boosted by higher demand for defence equipment as Europe rushes to rearm, official data showed Thursday.
- Severe weather warnings were in place in many regions across Germany as the country braces for winter Storm Elli.
- More deportations, tighter immigration rules and the return of nuclear energy – Germany's CSU party has some dramatic policy goals in mind for the coming year that could concern some of the country's foreign residents.
- Germany’s greenhouse gas emission cuts slowed sharply in 2025 as the North Sea experienced its warmest year on record, piling pressure Wednesday on the conservative-led government to boost climate protection efforts.
- The tax submission deadlines in Germany vary from year to year and depending on how you file. Here are the file-by dates to mark in your calendar this year.
- When it comes to bricks and mortar, 2026 is set to being a fresh wave of rules, costs and opportunities for residents in Germany. Here are the changes that renters and landlords alike will want to know.
- Thanks to the benefits and flexibility, EU Blue Cards are one of the most sought-after residence permits for non-EU nationals coming to Germany. So how much do you need to earn to receive it in 2026, and what are the other requirements?
- From an increase in child benefit payments and tax-free allowances to new rights around childcare and even the reintroduction of military service registration, 2026 is set to be a year with big changes affecting families living in Germany.
- Germany’s winter landscapes offer the perfect backdrop for outdoor exercise, but cold temperatures pose unique challenges. Here's how to stay fit and enjoy the season with these essential winter workout tips.
ZEIT (en)
- 250 years ago, Adam Smith wrote "The Wealth of Nations" and invented modern economics. With Artificial Intelligence, we summoned him for a postmortem chat.
- Chronic pain affects millions and often resists medical treatment. German researchers are exploring how the brain’s pain matrix can be retrained.
- When politician Jens Spahn urges Syrian refugees to return home out of "patriotic duty," his words reveal more about Germany’s politics than about the Syrians themselves.
- The debate too often strips Palestinians of their political agency, ignoring their own demands for equality, self-determination, and return.
- The German master, famous for his defiance and disdain for social media, suddenly opens a window onto his world. At 83, he seems gentler, yet still unmistakably Herzog.
- The US Secretary of Health desperately claims that vaccines cause autism. A cognitive psychologist asks: What if people believe him?
- Gregor Formanek stood guard in Sachsenhausen. Jerzy Zawadzki was nine years old, and a prisoner. When Formanek is indicted at age 99, their lives intersect once more.
- Military historian Margaret MacMillan on rearmament in Germany, the nature of war – and what it takes to mold good soldiers.
- Miuccia Prada doesn't have a computer, Raf Simons uses an old cell phone. And yet, the two designers know what we want to wear. How do they do it?
- The 21st century has completely transformed how we deal with emotions, says sociologist Eva Illouz. In a conversation she talks about love, emojis, and exploitation.
- With Russian troops slowly but steadily advancing, and Western support wavering, we should be well aware that a Ukrainian defeat would destabilize Europe.
- Poland’s president Karol Nawrocki, a political outsider backed by the far right, won with a campaign echoing Donald Trump. His victory closes the door on liberal reforms.
Spiegel (en)
- Fifty years after her death in New York, Hannah Arendt has become the most popular philosopher of our time. For good reason: Her views are just as timely as ever.
- Twenty years ago, Ahmed al-Sharaa was laying bombs to target Americans. Today, he is received in the White House. But where does the former terrorist intend to lead Syria?
- Louisiana is home to a higher concentration of migrant detention centers than almost anywhere else in the country. Many in the region don't seem to mind too much. Lawyer Christopher Kinnison, though, is an exception.
- Neil Leifer is one of the world’s most famous sports photographers. Here, he speaks of his favorite photograph, the shocking openness of celebrities and the magic of Muhammad Ali.
- Accounts from former prisoners and investigations by human rights organizations have led to accusations of systematic torture in Israeli detention facilities. At least 98 Palestinians died in captivity. The debate in Israel, however, is focused elsewhere.
- Scammers lure in unsuspecting users with stock trading tips and chat groups before then convincing them to wire money to fake investment platforms. Behind it are entire scam factories full of forced laborers. DER SPIEGEL took a look at how the criminal networks operate.
- Jay Taylor, 13, killed himself on camera after allegedly being driven to do so by a sadistic online group with ties to Hamburg. Here, his parents tell the story of their struggle to save their son.
- Is the ceasefire in Gaza going to hold? In an interview, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty expresses cautious optimism. Hamas must be disarmed, he says, and the West must do more for reconstruction.
- DER SPIEGEL has obtained notes from a conference call involving EU leaders – including Germany's Friedrich Merz and France's Emmanuel Macron – showing just how little trust Europe has in Washington.
- She's not a big fan of electric cars and solar energy, but she does like coal: Diana Furchtgott-Roth is one of the leading authors of "Project 2025." DER SPIEGEL wanted to know more about how the Heritage Foundation strategist thinks.
- Architects, IT experts, doctors, engineers: Syrians from Germany are doing what they can to help with the reconstruction of their old homeland. But lingering security concerns and an attachment to their new home is keeping many from moving.
- With every blunder from Chancellor Friedrich Merz, longing for the purported good, old days of Angela Merkel grows in Germany. Many miss her tone, her presence. Has Germany's Queen Mum noticed?
- Israeli society failed to stop the killing in Gaza. And we as artists were complicit, writes Israeli filmmaker Nadav Lapid.
- With the Grand Egyptian Museum now finished in Giza, pressure is mounting on Germany to finally return the famous bust of Queen Nefertiti. Berlin says it was acquired legally. But that argument isn't persuading the Egyptians.
- Reality is sometimes even more shocking than conspiracy theories – as demonstrated by the Jeffrey Epstein case. U.S. President Donald Trump wants it to go away, but his erstwhile friendship with the sexual predator continues to overshadow his presidency. And even his followers are demanding that he release the files.
- Increased defense spending is a boon for Germany's ailing industrial sector. Numerous companies, even those with no previous military experience, are now hoping to get in on the act.
- FPÖ politician Walter Rosenkranz occupies Austria's second-highest political office despite his membership in a German-nationalist fraternity. Such organizations have recently been gaining in power in Austria. And Germany as well.
- Artificial intelligence is becoming a permanent element in the world of work, with Silicon Valley calling it the dawning of a new age. Many people are afraid of losing their job, but Germany is well-prepared.
- Beijing long allowed Mongols in China to live out their cultural identity. That, though, is now over. Xi Jinping has decided that they must assimilate into the culture of the Chinese majority.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin appears uninterested in peace in Ukraine, and there is no end to the war in sight. Kyiv has increasingly reached the conclusion that the country must do all it can to guarantee its own security.