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East Germany's empty towns try to lure people with 'trial living'
Depopulated towns in Germany's ex-communist east have come up with a novel scheme to bring back life: offering people several weeks of super-cheap housing to give would-be residents a taste of the place.
China warns Papua New Guinea over Australian defence deal
China cautioned Papua New Guinea against "undermining" its interests and sovereignty in signing a mutual defence pact with Australia widely seen as a counter to Beijing's growing influence in the Pacific.
Philippines 'ghost' flood projects leave residents stranded
The dike meant to protect the Philippine town cost taxpayers nearly $2 million, but when a minister visited this month he found little more than dirt hastily dumped along the river's banks.
North Korea's Kim oversees drone test, orders AI development
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a test of an attack drone and ordered greater use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the technology, state media said Friday.
Kirk killing sparks fierce US free speech debate
For Americans, the words are practically sacred: the First Amendment to the US Constitution guarantees freedom of speech.
Eying bottom line, US media giants bow to Trump
The suspension by Disney-owned ABC of talk show host Jimmy Kimmel is the latest surrender by a US media giant to pressure from the Trump administration, putting the bottom line over free speech.
UN Security Council votes on reimposing Iran nuclear sanctions
The United Nations Security Council will vote Friday on reimposing deep economic sanctions on Iran over its resurgentnuclear program.
US small businesses slam Trump tariffs as legal fight proceeds
When businessman Travis McMaster shifted more manufacturing of his products out of China, and into India, he had sought to avoid growing tensions between Washington and Beijing.
Melania's hat, Epstein's ghost: takeaways from Trump's UK visit
Pomp and politics, warm words, tech deals and a sumptuous state banquet. Britain pulled out all the stops to welcome US President Donald Trump.
UN Security Council to vote on Iran nuclear sanctions Friday
The UN Security Council will vote Friday on whether to reimpose sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program, the Council's rotating presidency said, after Britain, France and Germany triggered the vote.
Israel bombards Gaza City, army says four soldiers killed
Israeli tanks and jets pounded Gaza City, the target of a major ground offensive, on Thursday prompting Palestinians to flee south, where the Israeli military announced the deaths of four soldiers.
Mass rallies, disruptions in France on day of anger against Macron
Hundreds of thousands protested across France on Thursday in a show of anger over President Emmanuel Macron's austerity policies, disrupting much of the country's public life.
Trump says Putin has 'let me down' as UK state visit ends
Donald Trump warned that Russia President Vladimir Putin had "really let me down" as he met Prime Minister Keir Starmer for wide-ranging talks on Thursday, the final day of the US president's historic UK state visit.
IMF proposes US Treasury official as second-in-command
The IMF has proposed appointing the US Treasury Department's chief of staff as its new number-two official, the Washington-based lender said Thursday.
China critic Takaichi joins party race, could become Japan's first woman leader
Japanese political hawk and strident China critic Sanae Takaichi said on Thursday she will run in the ruling party's leadership election, a campaign that could make her Japan's first woman prime minister.
Israeli tanks, jets bombard Gaza City as Palestinians flee
Israeli tanks and warplanes pounded Gaza City Thursday, sparking what a top UN official called "new waves of mass displacement", as the military intensified its assault on Hamas militants in the territory's largest urban hub.
Major disruption hits France on day of anti-Macron 'anger'
French protesters were on Thursday staging a day of nationwide disruption in a show of anger over President Emmanuel Macron's budget policies, with mass protests expected, transport chaos and clashes between police and demonstrators.
Cambodian PM accuses Thai forces of evicting civilians on border
Cambodia's leader Hun Manet has accused Thailand of preventing more than 20 families from returning to their homes on the disputed border, according to his letter to the head of the UN released on Thursday.
Trump says designating Antifa 'a major terrorist organization'
US President Donald Trump said he would designate "Antifa" -- a shorthand term for "anti-fascist" used to describe diffuse far-left groups -- as "a major terrorist organization," a move he threatened in his first term.
Glitter and Soviet nostalgia: Russia revives Eurovision rival contest
With artists from 23 countries, hopes for a billion-plus viewers and a generous sprinkle of glitter, Russia hosts Intervision on Saturday, a song contest championed by Moscow as a rival to Eurovision.
EU seeks 'face-saving' deal on UN climate target
EU countries will seek Thursday to settle on an emissions-cutting plan to bring to a key UN conference in Brazil, as divisions on the bloc's green agenda threaten its global leadership on climate.
Top UN Gaza investigator hopeful Israeli leaders will be prosecuted
The UN investigator who this week accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza said she sees parallels with the butchery in Rwanda, and that she hopes one day Israeli leaders will be put behind bars.
US faces pressure in UN Security Council vote on Gaza
The United Nations Security Council is slated to vote Thursday on the latest call for a ceasefire and increased humanitarian access to Gaza, a move supported by a majority seeking to act despite repeated US vetoes.
'I don't cry anymore': In US jail, Russian dissidents fear deportation
Natalia fled Russia fearing imminent arrest for her family's opposition activism and sought political asylum in the United States. But instead of refuge, she found herself locked in jail for over a year, separated from her husband and children and dreading deportation.
Trump gets lavish UK banquet - and an awkward guest
US President Donald Trump got a succulent menu for his UK state banquet -- but there was also an awkward guest at the feast in the form of Rupert Murdoch.
With eye on US threat, Venezuela holds Caribbean military exercises
Venezuela said Wednesday it had begun three days of military exercises on its Caribbean island of La Orchila as tensions soar amid US military activity in the region.
US Fed makes first rate cut of 2025 over employment risks
The US Federal Reserve on Wednesday lowered interest rates for the first time this year, flagging slower job gains and risks to employment as policymakers face heightened pressure under President Donald Trump.
Fired US health agency chief says was under RFK Jr 'pressure' to ignore science
The ex-chief of the US disease prevention agency told senators Wednesday she was fired for refusing to approve changes to childhood vaccine schedules not backed by scientific evidence, as the Trump administration moves to dismantle longstanding health policy.
Colombia vows to fight drug trade 'with or without' the US
Colombia's top military officer has told AFP that his country will fight the resurgent cocaine trade with or without American help, after Washington blacklisted Bogota for what it called flawed anti-drug efforts.
Palestinians flee Gaza City in face of deadly Israeli offensive
Huge numbers of Palestinians were fleeing Gaza City by any means on Wednesday as the Israeli military pressed its ground offensive, killing dozens in strikes.
EU proposes action on Israel trade and ministers over Gaza
The European Union on Wednesday proposed curbing trade ties with Israel and sanctioning ministers in its strongest action yet over the war in Gaza, though reluctance from key member states risks blocking adoption.
US Treasury official expected to be named IMF's second-in-command: source
The US Treasury Department's chief of staff is anticipated to join the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in a key role as its number-two official, a source told AFP on Wednesday.