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Eurozone stocks hit after EU rebukes France
Eurozone stock markets slid Wednesday after the European Commission reprimanded France for breaching the EU's budget rules, a further blow for the country in the midst of political turmoil ahead of surprise elections.
Macron angers French left, far right insists no NATO exit
President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday faced accusations of transphobia after lashing out at the snap election manifesto of a new left-wing coalition, while the far-right party leader insisted he would not question France's international commitments including on NATO.
N Korea, Russia sign mutual defence deal as Kim pledges support on Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed Wednesday a mutual defence agreement with North Korea's Kim Jong Un, who offered his "full support" on Ukraine.
EU rebukes France for breaking budget rules
The European Commission on Wednesday reprimanded France for breaching the EU's budget rules under President Emmanuel Macron, in the runup to snap elections marked by lavish spending promises.
Philippines says Chinese coast guard boarded navy vessels in South China Sea
The Philippine military said Wednesday the Chinese coast guard rammed and boarded Filipino navy boats in a violent confrontation in the South China Sea this week in which a Filipino sailor lost a thumb.
Deadly fire breaks out at Chad army ammunition depot
A deadly fire broke out at a huge military ammunition depot in Chad's capital N'Djamena, sending powerful explosions into the night sky and shaking buildings miles away.
Kim tells Putin N. Korea 'fully supports' Russia on Ukraine
North Korea fully supports Russia's war in Ukraine, leader Kim Jong Un told President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday during a state visit to Pyongyang, which has raised fears of more sanctions-busting military cooperation.
Deadly fire at army ammo depot in Chad's capital
A deadly fire erupted at a huge military ammunition depot in Chad's capital N'Djamena, sending powerful explosions into the night sky and shaking buildings miles from the blast.
Putin enjoys red carpet welcome in North Korea
Russian President Vladimir Putin enjoyed a red carpet welcome, a military ceremony and an embrace from North Korea's Kim Jong Un during a state visit Wednesday to Pyongyang where they both pledged to forge closer ties.
Taiwan president says island 'will not bow' to China's pressure
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te said Wednesday that China was attempting to force the self-ruled island into submission but that it would not bow to pressure.
Despite sanctions, Russia still gets hands on Western goods
A Kansas businessman shipped banned avionics equipment to Russia through Armenia, the UAE and other third countries. A French firm falsified documents to help unscrupulous European exporters circumvent sanctions.
Putin in North Korea to boost defence ties
Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will meet Wednesday in Pyongyang for a summit where they are widely expected to discuss ways to boost sanctions-busting military ties.
'Cheapfakes': Out-of-context videos target Biden's age
Republicans are flooding the internet with out-of-context videos of US President Joe Biden, using what the White House has characterized as deceptive editing tactics to cast the 81-year-old as infirm less than five months from November's election.
Noam Chomsky discharged from Sao Paolo hospital
American intellectual, linguist and dissident Noam Chomsky was discharged from a hospital in Sao Paolo Tuesday, the facility said, and would continue an undisclosed treatment at home.
Biden relaxes visa rules in pre-election immigration balancing act
President Joe Biden attempted a political high-wire act Tuesday by announcing a citizenship pathway for half a million immigrants married to US nationals, in a counterweight to his recent crackdown on illegal border crossers.
Israel says Lebanon offensive plan 'approved' as tensions surge
The Israeli army on Tuesday said plans for an offensive in Lebanon were "approved and validated" amid escalating cross-border clashes with Hezbollah and a relative lull in Gaza fighting.
Macron says snap France vote was 'most responsible solution'
French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday defended his decision to hold snap legislative elections where a predicted far-right victory could hobble his remaining term, calling it the "most responsible solution".
Putin hails N. Korea's support for Ukraine war as lands in Pyongyang
Russian President Vladimir Putin landed in North Korea on Wednesday, the Kremlin said, kicking off a visit set to boost defence ties between the two nuclear-armed countries as Moscow pursues its war in Ukraine.
Ukraine claims drone attack on oil tanks in Russia
Ukrainian forces launched an overnight drone attack that set several oil storage tanks ablaze near the town of Azov in southern Russia, a defence source in Kyiv told AFP on Tuesday.
Brazil's Lula would seek re-election at 80 to block 'a fascist'
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said Tuesday he was open to running in the next election at over 80-years-old, if necessary to block "a fascist" from office.
Stock markets mostly rise on rate cut hopes
Stock markets mostly advanced Tuesday as a drop in US retail sales raised hopes that the Federal Reserve would have room to cut interest rates later this year.
Ukraine source says Kyiv behind oil tanks attack in Russia
Ukrainian forces staged an overnight drone attack that set several oil storage tanks ablaze near the town of Azov in southern Russia, a source in Kyiv told AFP on Tuesday.
French football boss defends freedom of expression of players
The president of the French Football Federation has said the France players at Euro 2024 are free to express their views on the political situation in the country even if the organisation would remain neutral.
France to try suspects over false Brigitte Macron transgender claim
Two women are to be tried this week over false claims that France's first lady Brigitte Macron was transgender, which sparked online rumour-mongering by conspiracy theorists and the far-right.
Doja Cat, Post Malone to headline New York aid festival
Doja Cat and Post Malone are set to headline this year's Global Citizen Festival, a marathon concert in New York City's Central Park that urges global development aid.
Gaza rescuers report deadly strikes although clashes slow on Eid
Israeli strikes on Tuesday killed at least 13 people in central Gaza, the civil defence agency in the Hamas-run territory said, although fighting has largely subsided as Muslims mark Eid al-Adha.
Kenya police arrest demonstrators as hundreds protest new tax hikes
Kenyan police fired tear gas and arrested at least a dozen demonstrators Tuesday as hundreds of people gathered near parliament to protest tax hikes, according to AFP journalists at the scene.
London regains stock market crown as turmoil hits Paris
The London Stock Exchange is once again Europe's biggest stock market by valuation after reclaiming the crown from Paris as France is rocked by political turmoil.
Biden to ease immigration pathway for spouses of US citizens
President Joe Biden on Tuesday will unveil new rules easing the process for undocumented spouses of US citizens to obtain permanent residency status, the White House said.
Same-sex marriage rights around the world
With Thai lawmakers voting to legalise same-sex marriage Tuesday, we look at the situation across the globe.
Seoul fires warning shots as N. Korean soldiers cross border again
Dozens of North Korean soldiers briefly crossed the heavily fortified border Tuesday but retreated after warning shots were fired, Seoul said, the second such incident in two weeks as Pyongyang reinforces its frontiers with the South.
Australia flags concern over 'ham-fisted' China diplomats
Australia voiced concern Tuesday about the "ham-fisted" actions of two Chinese diplomats at a press event, tarnishing a highly touted visit in which Premier Li Qiang has sought to celebrate trade and friendship.