'I was reminded this week how precious life is.' [Continue Reading]
One month after the Piton de la Fournaise volcano began erupting on Réunion Island, lava continues to flow and has reached the ocean for the first time in 19 years. Two lava flows have also cut the national road linking the southern and eastern parts of the French island in the Indian Ocean. [Continue Reading]
The Tiiny AI Pocket Lab has been officially verified by Guinness World Records as the smallest personal AI supercomputer ever created. [Continue Reading]
The race for Paris mayor looked uncertain on March 16 as a right-wing former minister hoping to wrest control of the French capital from the left claimed she had gained key support for the second round of the mayoral polls. The French elections is largely seen as a test for the 2027 presidential election. But for FRANCE 24's Marc Perelman, it is still hard to draw conclusions a year beforehand. [Continue Reading]
Bahrain’s Public Prosecution has ordered the pretrial detention of several suspects accused of promoting and glorifying hostile acts against the country. These individuals reportedly used social media platforms to disseminate content that endorses violence and instability linked to Iranian-supported hostilities. The Bahraini Anti-Cybercrime Directorate provided reports identifying these accounts as sources of incitement to undermine national security. The suspects will face expedited court trials as Bahrain intensifies efforts to clamp down on online activities perceived as threats to its sovereignty. The government’s focus on cybercrime reflects concern over external forces, particularly Iran, stirring unrest within Bahrain. These measures signal Manama’s... [Continue Reading]
Conflict across the Middle East continues to rage, and Israel is fighting a war on several fronts all at once, but for how long? Since it attacked Iran, Israel has endured regular strikes, forcing widespread air raid alerts, school closures and the mobilisation of reservists. How much longer can Israel sustain itself financially if the conflict were to last? [Continue Reading]
Nathan Bennett, a 30-year-old nursery worker in southwest England, has been sentenced to 24 years in prison for the heinous sexual abuse of five boys in his care. The sentencing took place at Bristol Crown Court, where Judge William Hart characterized Bennett as an "incorrigible and dangerous paedophile." The court heard that Bennett had prioritized his own sexual gratification over the well-being of vulnerable children, illustrating a profound moral depravity, according to the judge's remarks during the proceedings. Bennett was convicted of multiple serious offenses last month, including eight counts of rape, sexual assault, and assault by penetration. These charges... [Continue Reading]
Leaders seek a diplomatic solution despite US president’s threat of ‘a very bad future’ for Nato unless it provides warshipsMiddle East crisis – live updatesEuropean countries have ruled out sending warships to the strait of Hormuz, despite threats from Donald Trump that Nato faces “a very bad future” if members fail to help reopen the vital waterway.Germany ruled out participation in any military activity, including efforts to reopen the strait. “This is not our war, we have not started it,” said the country’s defence minister, Boris Pistorius. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
On March 16, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer revealed that the UK is collaborating with international partners to develop a practical plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime chokepoint for global oil shipments. Crucially, Starmer clarified that the operation will proceed outside the NATO framework, reflecting concerns about avoiding formal military escalation. The Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint amid regional tensions, with disrupted shipping threatening global energy supplies. The UK’s plan seeks to ensure swift resumption of safe maritime traffic, benefiting allies dependent on uninterrupted oil flow. Starmer emphasized that while the UK is prepared to... [Continue Reading]
Yasmen Almashan spent years fighting to find out what happened to her brothers, who were among the more than 180,000 Syrians who went missing under the regime of Bashar al-Assad. Now, during Women’s Week at the UN, she is back – only this time she has an official public role in Syria’s transitional justice commission. [Continue Reading]
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy is back in court to appeal criminal charges that he sought financing for his 2007 campaign from former Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi. It's one of the many cases to follow Sarkozy since he left office. [Continue Reading]
The murder trial of Stephen McCullagh, 36, continues as the prosecution presents evidence focused on a series of WhatsApp messages exchanged between him and Natalie McNally, with jurors learning about the circumstances surrounding her tragic death. McCullagh is accused of murdering his former girlfriend, McNally, 32, in her home located in Lurgan in December 2022. Evidence reveals that McNally was subjected to severe physical violence, having been beaten, strangled, and stabbed. On the 15th day of the ongoing trial, the jury was informed that McNally and McCullagh initially met during the summer of 2022 through the dating app Bumble. The... [Continue Reading]
As French voters head to the polls for municipal elections, would-be mayors are presenting their programmes for the next six years. Yet with multiple pressures weighing on these local representatives, many step down before the end of their terms. Resignations among mayors are currently at an all-time high. We take a closer look in this edition of France in Focus. [Continue Reading]
Kenya's foreign minister, Musalia Mudavadi, announced on Monday that Russia has agreed to cease the recruitment of Kenyan citizens to fight in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This development follows growing concerns about the participation of Kenyans in the war, with reports indicating that hundreds may have been recruited through informal channels. The discussions took place in Moscow, where Mudavadi met with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov. In recent interviews, Mudavadi revealed that this agreement prohibits the enlistment of Kenyans via the Russian Ministry of Defence. "We have now agreed that Kenyans shall not be enlisted through the [Russian] Ministry... [Continue Reading]
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and Algerian counterpart Ahmed Attaf spoke on March 15, 2026, amid growing regional crises, particularly the escalating conflict surrounding Iran and ongoing issues in Western Sahara. Their conversation underscored the urgency of enhancing France-Algeria cooperation to confront these regional security challenges and manage migration flows. The talks focused on restarting joint efforts in security operations and controlling migration, with both sides expressing a commitment to produce concrete results beneficial to both nations. France also raised concerns regarding Christophe Gleizes, a French citizen detained in Algeria, signaling the diplomatic weight given to individual cases amid wider... [Continue Reading]
They're streaming, available to purchase and still in cinemas. [Continue Reading]
'She looked really pale and we just went to the hospital where she has been ever since.' [Continue Reading]
In France's municipal elections the far right National Rally is gaining momentum, and France Unbowed has made a breakthrough. Both parties treated the municipal elections as a test-run for the presidential race and emerged strengthened from the first round. The left held its ground particularly in Paris, Marseille and Lyon. Here are the key takeaways. [Continue Reading]
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy returned to court on March 16 for an appeal hearing in Paris over his conviction linked to the alleged illegal campaign financing of his 2007 presidential campaign by Libya. The case led him to spend 20 days in prison in 2025. FRANCE 24's Camille Knight tells us what's at stake from the court in Paris. [Continue Reading]
President Trump’s war in Iran has raised some costs just as many Americans are starting to see savings from last year’s tax cuts. [Continue Reading]
Donald Trump's broadcast regulator has issued a warning to top news channels in the United States, threatening to cancel the spectrum permits of broadcasters pushing what he called "hoaxes and news distortions". The criticism was echoed by Brendan Carr, the chair of the Federal Communications Commission. It comes amid heightened tensions between broadcasters and the FCC over the handling of political content on air. [Continue Reading]
As oil prices continue to rise and supply is disrupted by the conflict in the Middle East, the Sri Lankan government has announced fuel-rationing measures, effective immediately. Thailand has seen a rush to the pumps causing shortages, as people try to fuel up before price control measures expire. [Continue Reading]
The Iranian women’s football team departed Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Monday, heading to Oman after several team members withdrew their asylum applications in Australia. [Continue Reading]
He hasn't been seen for a week now. [Continue Reading]
Patrick and Charles Boyd, owners and executives of a pharmaceutical wholesale company, were sentenced on Friday to a combined 38 years in prison for orchestrating a large-scale drug diversion operation in the United States. Their scheme illegally distributed more than $92 million worth of black-market HIV medications, putting countless patients' lives at risk by disrupting access to life-saving treatments. The fraud not only preyed on vulnerable HIV-positive individuals who depend on consistent medication to manage their condition but also compromised the integrity and safety of the U.S. prescription drug supply chain. This illegal activity inflated costs and defrauded taxpayers, exacerbating... [Continue Reading]
The pop star will appear in court on May 4. [Continue Reading]
US President Donald Trump said he has demanded about seven countries send warships to keep the Strait of Hormuz open as Iranian strikes continued to rain down on Gulf countries. Trump has warned his allies not helping him could lead to a 'very bad' future for NATO. And although the conflict in the Middle East is not a NATO war, it is very much 'entwined' with the United States' position on Ukraine. FRANCE 24's Angela Diffley tells us more. [Continue Reading]
'My back hurt for weeks.' [Continue Reading]
Brown Thomas Arnotts Ltd has been spared a recorded conviction for breaching pricing laws during Black Friday sales. [Continue Reading]
Pushback comes as US President Donald Trump says NATO allies should help secure key waterway amid soaring oil prices. [Continue Reading]
The victim received a cut to his nose and bite marks to one of his fingers, according to Cambridgeshire Police. [Continue Reading]
A significant blow for the Blues. [Continue Reading]
An “evil” UK nursery worker who raped and abused two- and three-year-olds in his care was jailed for at least 24 years on Monday, weeks after another childcare worker was imprisoned in a similar case. Nathan Bennett, 30, was jailed at Bristol Crown Court in southwest England for the serial abuse of five boys at the nursery where he worked. He was described as an “incorrigible and dangerous paedophile” by Judge William Hart, handing down the sentence. “You prioritised your own sexual satisfaction... [Continue Reading]
We have selected seven of the most interesting and important news stories covering US-China relations from the past few weeks. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. Trump slams European allies, praises China and continues to justify Iran attack US President Donald Trump used a White House meeting with the German Chancellor on March 3 to blast European allies, praise China, waffle on tariffs and argue that the attack he had launched against Iran days... [Continue Reading]
President made contradictory comment to reporters on Air Force One after pleading with allies to help US secure Strait of HormuzMiddle East crisis – live updatesSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxDonald Trump drew a backlash on Sunday for suggesting US efforts to protect the Strait of Hormuz were unnecessary – and that “maybe we shouldn’t even be there at all” because his country has plenty of oil of its own.The president made the contradictory comment to reporters on Air Force One after pleading with European and Nato allies to enter the... [Continue Reading]
"Although for now, the conflict has not translated into immediate migratory flows towards the EU, what the future holds remains unclear," says European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen. [Continue Reading]
Iran’s war enters a third week as uncertainty over Mojtaba Khamenei's condition and whereabouts, rising tensions over possible unrest around Nowruz and Chaharshanbe Suri and oil market turmoil deepen the crisis. [Continue Reading]
All the glamour and chaos. [Continue Reading]
Thomas Shannon, 44, a former orthodontist in Byron Center, Michigan, was sentenced to 60 years in prison on February 23 for sexually exploiting at least 18 children over a five-year period. The victims, aged between 12 and 17, were targeted online, according to authorities. The case was uncovered following an investigation led by ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). This lengthy sentence reflects the severity of the crimes and the strong response from law enforcement to protect vulnerable children. The victims, some as young as 12, endured serious abuse, and the ruling aims to provide some measure of justice for them... [Continue Reading]
On March 2, a jury convicted Cynthia Raygoza of Riverside, California, and Ashleigh Brown of Aurora, Colorado, of felony stalking after they followed an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportation officer to their home and broadcast the incident live on social media. Each woman was found guilty of one count of stalking, marking a significant legal response to threats against federal enforcement personnel. This case highlights the rising threats ICE officers face nationwide, with reported figures showing an 8,000% increase in death threats and a 1,421% rise in assaults. The escalating hostility towards ICE agents has dangerous implications for their... [Continue Reading]
A ballot of members of the National Union of Journalists in RTÉ has been suspended due to a "technical issue" with the administration of the online vote. [Continue Reading]
In a recent development, US President Donald Trump has publicly backed comments made by Brendan Carr, the chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), who threatened to review the broadcast licenses of news organizations that report negatively on the ongoing conflict in Iran. Trump expressed his support via a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, expressing enthusiasm about Carr's scrutiny of what he termed "Corrupt and Highly Unpatriotic 'News' Organizations." In his social media post, Trump accused the mentioned news outlets of utilizing "Billions of Dollars of FREE American Airwaves" to spread what he termed "LIES." This statement... [Continue Reading]
I think the main reason I’m not heartbroken is that I can’t help but think the new show might not have been an honest reflection of the original. [Continue Reading]
Kenyan foreign minister meets Russian counterpart amid reports that hundreds of Kenyans are fighting in Russia, Ukraine. [Continue Reading]
A landmark trial against tech giants Google and Meta continues to unfold in Los Angeles, with a critical verdict expected soon. This case, which centers around allegations that these social media platforms have intentionally encouraged addiction amongst users, particularly adolescents, carries significant implications not only for the defendants but also for the evolving relationship between digital platforms and their young audiences. The trial may set a substantial legal precedent and influence the outcome of thousands of similar complaints filed against tech companies across the United States. Families of victims who have faced mental health challenges linked to social media use... [Continue Reading]
Israel has confirmed a limited ground operation in southern Lebanon, marking a significant escalation in ongoing hostilities that have intensified since the beginning of March. This incursion is characterized by targeted military actions aimed primarily at areas previously thought to be less vulnerable to Israeli strikes. Such actions have prompted widespread condemnations from various international observers and heightened tensions within Lebanon's already volatile landscape. The latest developments emerged as Israeli forces began ground operations alongside heavy bombardments across southern Lebanese territories. This approach is reportedly being utilized by Israel as a means to assert its position in any forthcoming ceasefire... [Continue Reading]
Despite degraded launch capabilities, Iran has enough missiles to fire strategically, keep region on edge, say experts. [Continue Reading]
Qatar foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari accuses Iran of targeting civilian areas as he calls for de-escalation. [Continue Reading]