David's Blog

A federal judge gutted a set of rules that were adopted after the court declared an earlier press policy unconstitutional, in a case brought by The New York Times.

Also, vegetative patients may be more aware than we thought. Here’s the latest at the end of Thursday.

A pioneering rapper and D.J. from the Bronx, Mr. Bambaataa was accused of child sexual abuse later in his career.

President Trump is citing the unwillingness of European nations to back the United States in the conflict as another reason to scale back or abandon the alliance. And he still wants Greenland.

Responding to what she said were smears, the first lady said she never had knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse and was not a victim of his. She called for a congressional hearing for his victims.

John Healey, the defense secretary, said the vessels were gathering information about undersea pipelines, and said he believed President Vladimir V. Putin “would want us to be distracted by the Middle East.”

The student, Tucker Collins, 18, was observing demonstrators in Los Angeles when he was struck, the lawyer said.

The state’s attorney general, James Uthmeier, said ChatGPT “may likely have been used to assist” the suspect in last year’s shooting at Florida State University.

The cease-fire would be in effect this weekend, the Kremlin said, but each side accused the other of violating a similar pause announced last year.

Will the shooting really stop? What should be Trump’s red lines? A discussion on where America’s war on Iran stands.

The move opens the country’s coveted mineral fortune up to foreign investors, the latest move that Venezuela’s leadership has taken to satisfy the Trump administration.

Talks to end the war in Ukraine could resume soon, said President Volodymyr Zelensky as he expressed skepticism about a breakthrough.

The charter, published on Thursday, alters the makeup and purpose of the panel, opening the door for Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to reclaim his revision of national vaccine policy.

Thirty-four states accused the concert giant of suffocating competition and driving up ticket prices. The company denies being anything but big.

Marcel Duchamp flipped the notion of art’s value on its head. We need foundation-shaking badly today, our critic says, and a sweeping survey at MoMA is an arresting reminder.

The former senator wants to heal the America he’s leaving behind.

There are reasons to believe the record-low U.S. birthrate could be only temporary as today’s young women postpone pregnancy.

A long-running conflict in a Ugandan park may provide clues to the origins of human warfare, and how to avoid it.

After a successful flight around the moon, the astronauts are relying on a flawed heat shield to protect them as they re-enter Earth’s atmosphere.

The Trump administration aims to deploy counterterrorism tools against far-left groups, even as it has offered little evidence they present a dire threat.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had previously signalled Kyiv's openness to a potential Easter truce.

Epstein died in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges involving minors, but the scandal has repeatedly overshadowed Trump's second presidency.

The monthly minimum wage in Venezuela is 130 bolivars (€0.23), unchanged since 2022, and roughly 330 times lower than the UN poverty line of $3 (€2.56) a day.

Europol said the people smuggling network transported at least 15 migrants per month, charging them up to €22,000 for the full journey.

According to official figures, some 24,000 Cuban doctors and other healthcare professionals were deployed in 56 countries in 2025.

Merz also said that the continued Israeli military campaign in Lebanon could jeopardise peace talks expected between the United States and Iran over the war in the Middle East.

The statement from the prime minister's office comes on the same day that the Israeli military warned residents of Beirut's southern suburbs of imminent strikes and called for them to evacuate.

Trump's outrage at NATO allies over their failure to join the Iran war had prompted fears he would seek to pull the United States out of the nearly eight-decade-old alliance.

Catch up with the most important stories from around Europe and beyond this April 9th, 2026 – latest news, breaking news, World, Business, Entertainment, Politics, Culture, Travel.

The UAE is seeking clarifications on the US-Iran ceasefire deal regarding attacks across the Gulf, as well as on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz as a “central priority”, as Tehran's blockade continues despite its commitment to reopen the strait to free navigation.

Gaza was mourning Al Jazeera correspondent Mohammed Wishah on Thursday after he was killed in an Israeli drone strike that hit his car west of Gaza City a day earlier.

The issue of uranium enrichment has been central to Western relations with Iran for more than two decades, with the US and its allies accusing Tehran of seeking atomic weapons.

Normal shipping in the Strait of Hormuz has not yet resumed as per the ceasefire deal, as Iran consolidates its hardline, unilateral position on lifting its blockade in apparent contradiction of the rollercoaster ceasefire deal.

Analysts say the memes appear to be coming from groups linked to the government in Tehran and are part of a strategy of leveraging its limited resources to inflict damage on the US.

Britain and Norway announced new joint naval patrols aimed at protecting undersea cables from Russia in December, with a fleet of at least 13 warships protecting critical infrastructure in the North Atlantic.

Lebanon is searching for survivors after Israeli strikes on Beirut, Tyre and the southern village of Abbassiyeh killed at least 203 people and wounded more than 1,000, the health ministry said, as the overall death toll from attacks since early March surpasses 1,500.

Catch up with the most important stories from around Europe and beyond this April 9th, 2026 – latest news, breaking news, World, Business, Entertainment, Politics, Culture, Travel.

Klöckner will also visit the German Bundeswehr brigade in Lithuania on Thursday. Around 5,000 German soldiers are to be deployed to Lithuania by 2027 to support the local military.

The Polish Bishops' Conference has established a special working group to develop an action plan in the event of an armed conflict reaching Poland, as "most Poles will first turn to the church for help, and only then to municipal institutions and offices," officials say.

Germany has unveiled a new open‑air street art destination in Berlin, where the 450‑metre Süd Ost Galerie now stretches along Grenzweg in the south‑east of the capital.

NASA’s Artemis II is set to return to Earth on Friday, after its astronauts travelled further from Earth than any humans before. But the historic lunar flyby also inflamed conspiracy theories online about a “staged” mission, and triggered a wave of fake viral AI videos.

In tonight's edition, amid a surge of violence across Nigeria, Abuja begins mass trials of 500 suspected terrorists in 13 courtrooms under heavy security. Also, Benin votes this Sunday as Patrice Talon steps down after a decade in power. And Algerian boxing star Imane Khelif returns to the ring for her first pro fight since Olympic […]

The war in Iran has sent fuel costs soaring, and consumers scrambling for savings. At the New York Auto Show, many drivers are warming up to the idea of buying an electric vehicle, because of high petrol prices, as our correspondent Jessica Le Masurier reports. Also in the show  – the relief rally loses steam […]

US first lady Melania Trump gave an extraordinary statement from the White House on Thursday denying any ties to late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Trump said the "lies" linking her to Epstein were "mean-spirited attempts" defame her reputation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday announced a ceasefire in Ukraine over the Orthodox Easter weekend.

The ceasefire between the US and Iran has sidelined Israel and left its war goals largely unmet, leading Benjamin Netanyahu’s critics to lament a “strategic failure” that has damaged Israel’s standing in Washington. With his hands tied on Iran, the Israeli PM has agreed to peace talks with Lebanon under pressure from the US, just […]

A most confusing Wednesday it was. In the space of six minutes during the same press conference, the White House spokesperson first hailed the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz then called on Iran to immediately reopen the planet’s most oil sensitive shipping lane. Five weeks of contradictory statements begeting broader confusion over the actual contents […]

Police in Caracas on Thursday launched tear gas at thousands of protesters marching towards the presidential palace to demand pay raises and pension increases. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez announced wage increases on May 1 without disclosing the amount, as many Venezuelans live on salaries so low they struggle to survive.

US President Donald Trump’s threat to destroy “a whole civilisation” in Iran has reignited calls to invoke the 25th Amendment and drawn condemnation across the political spectrum. Yet despite a growing chorus of critics, from Democrats to former MAGA allies, the mechanism remains politically out of reach – even as Trump’s approval ratings slide ahead of […]

Iranians are divided between relief, disappointment, fear and anger after the announcement of a two-week ceasefire and possible peace plan between the USA and Israel on one side, and Iran on the other. The FRANCE 24 Observers team talked to several Iranians inside Iran to capture their responses and first-hand impressions of the ceasefire after […]

Film critic Ben Croll joins Eve Jackson to break down this year’s Cannes lineup – from the biggest names to the films already generating buzz, and what it all says about the state of global cinema. 

Members of the US exhibition basketball team the Harlem Globetrotters taught Pope Leo XIV to spin a basketball on his finger on Wednesday as they met with the pontiff at his weekly general audience in Saint Peter's Square. The moment drew loud cheers from the watching crowds.

The ⁠Paris Public ​Prosecutor's office said on Thursday it has stopped investigating French far-left member of the European Parliament, Rima Hassan, over illegal drug ​possession. Police last week found Hassan in possession of cannabidiol, or CBD, and a substance that seemed to be a designer drug 3-MMC.

Four people died on Thursday off the coast of northern France as they tried to board a small boat to cross the Channel to England, taking the number of such deaths this year to six. France has long been a launchpad for migrants hoping to cross the Channel and start a better life in Britain, […]

US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance's endorsement of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban does not constitute "meddling" in Hungary's parliamentary elections, the US ambassador to the EU said on Thursday. Trump last month said nationalist Orban had his "complete and total" support while Vance stumped with Orban in Budapest earlier this week.

US President Donald Trump is sending Vice President JD Vance and other negotiators to the Pakistani capital for talks with Iran that will begin on Saturday, the White House said. FRANCE 24's Fraser Jackson reports from Washington.

Lebanon declared a national day of mourning on Thursday as Israel bombed more targets in the country, after its largest attacks of the war on Wednesday killed more than 250 people and injured over 1,000, threatening to derail Donald Trump’s truce from the outset.

Rescuers searched for survivors under the rubble of destroyed buildings in Beirut on Thursday as Lebanon observed a day of mourning after Israeli strikes across the country killed more than 200. FRANCE 24's Andrew Hilliar tells us more.

The US and Israel’s war with Iran has triggered one of the biggest global energy shocks in decades. Asian economies, in particular, are facing disruptions to oil and gas supplies, while energy prices have surged worldwide. Climate activists say the shock should serve as a catalyst in the switch to renewable energy sources. 

In modern organizations, large volumes of information are exchanged in spoken form. Meetings, interviews, briefings, workshops, and training sessions generate substantial amounts of operational, strategic, and technical data. Much of this information carries long-term value, influencing decisions, compliance obligations, and knowledge continuity. Capturing spoken content accurately and converting it into written form supports clearer documentation, […]

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 […]

A new heating project linking Görlitz in Germany and Zgorzelec in Poland shows how local leadership and cross-border collaboration could deliver cleaner, more affordable heat – and greater energy security – in uncertain times.

The far-right Alternative for Germany recently tried, and failed, to significantly tighten the Naturalisation Act. With the issue once again in the spotlight, we look at how parties voted and why citizenship rules are so fiercely debated.

German exports rebounded more strongly than expected in February, official data showed Thursday, but there was a surprise slump in industrial production.

In Germany packages are not always delivered to your own door – instead they may be left with neighbours or at automated 'Packstations'. Here's how to find and collect your parcel.

Germany has a strong wellness culture that dates back more than 2,000 years. If you're looking to take a dip in mineral waters or sweat it out in the sauna, spa towns – known as 'Kurorte' – offer the perfect weekend break.

Lufthansa flights from major German airports may be cancelled on April 10th with the airline urging travellers to check their bookings early. Thousands of travellers could be affected.

Lufthansa cabin crew to strike on Friday, complaints against Deutsche Post reach record high, Berlin opens longest street art wall with new 'Süd Ost Galerie' and more news on Thursday, April 9th.

This German word concisely describes those moments when you had the perfect thing to say, but the thought came a bit too late.

Flights to and from Germany haven't been severely impacted by jet fuel supply issues yet, but that could change quickly if the war in the Middle East continues. We asked airlines what passengers can expect.

Germany's foreign minister is urging Israel to limit its offensive actions in Lebanon after Israeli leadership has said that the US-Iran ceasefire doesn't apply there.

This year's Women's Six Nations rugby tournament is shaping up to be one of the biggest and most closely-contested yet. Here's how you can follow all the action from Germany.

After days of confusion over Germany’s new military service law, the defence minister has clarified that men of military age can still travel freely – for now.

Defence minister says German men do not need permission to travel abroad, diesel fuel prices hit all time high before US-Iran ceasefire announced, the EU Commission is giving away free train tickets to young people and more on Wednesday, April 8th.

Germany’s recently updated military service law requires male citizens of a certain age to seek approval before spending more than three months abroad. What does this mean for dual-nationals and would‑be Germans?

A German-born Turk responsible for a fatal speeding accident in Heilbronn may be deported after his appeal was rejected on Tuesday.

A Berlin-built satellite named after a legendary art squat launched into space last week as part of NASA’s Artemis II mission – connecting the city’s countercultural past with its high-tech future.

Several major German cities, including Nuremberg, Augsburg and Dresden are affected by public transportation strikes this week as union negotiations have failed to result in agreements in these locations.

Wondering what's considered a good salary in Germany? New official figures reveal the latest median and average wages, as well as which industries pay the most (and least).

Kleingarten culture is a unique part of life in Germany, offering a small green oasis amidst the urban sprawl. If you're hoping to secure your own allotment, here's what to know about the process and costs – and what to expect when you get one.

Saying 'bitte' in response to 'danke' can become a reflex, especially for early language learners, but there are plenty of other expressions to use. Here are some more interesting ways to acknowledge thanks in German.