'No one in the Philipppines can lay hands on Duterte, much less file cases against him'
Mary Ann Pajo watched quietly as cemetery workers opened her son's tomb in Manila this week and removed his body for examination by a forensic pathologist. Accused of dealing drugs, 30-year-old Joewarski Pajo was shot dead while playing a game on his phone, one of thousands of extrajudicial killing»»»
Kim Jong Un opens North Korea’s 9th party congress, highlights economic gains
North Korea has opened a major ruling party congress in Pyongyang, state media said on Friday, a rare gathering held roughly every five years that analysts say will set national priorities, including nuclear policy. The Workers’ Party congress is the regime’s top political event and often signals p»»»
Grey's Anatomy star Eric Dane dies at 53 after ALS diagnosis
Eric Dane, the actor best know for his roles on Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria, has died less than a year after revealing he had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He was 53. Dane starred as family patriarch Cal Jacobs on hit HBO teen drama show Euphoria. Before that, he was perhaps best known as Dr»»»
UAE set for fair weather, fog likely in early mornings
Dubai: The UAE is expected to see generally fair weather over the coming days, with periods of cloud, rising humidity overnight and a likelihood of fog in some areas, according to the National Center of Meteorology. The country will remain under the influence of a surface high-pressure system exten»»»
'It's a shame': Trump on ex-Prince Andrew's arrest over Epstein files probe
The arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on Thursday — now stripped of his royal titles and patronages — has sent shockwaves through the United Kingdom, with commentators calling it the most dramatic downfall of a senior royal in modern times. Thames Valley Police confirmed the morning detention of»»»
Would love to have China, Russia on Board of Peace: Trump
Washington DC: As US President Donald Trump held an inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace, he expressed his desire to have China and Russia on the board. Interacting with the reporters, Trump said, "A lot of countries are going through the process of getting on the board... I would love to have C»»»
Trump's foreign policy dilemma laid bare by Iran tensions
US President Donald Trump delivered his latest ultimatum to Iran on Thursday during a meeting of the Board of Peace, the Middle East coalition Trump formed to stabilise a region he could soon plunge into a new, weeks-long war. The irony of simultaneously calling for peace and threatening military a»»»
Argentina's striking workers clash with police over Milei labor reforms
Shops and supermarkets shut, flights were canceled and garbage piled up across Argentina on Thursday as unions staged a 24-hour general strike against President Javier Milei’s labor reforms. Transport was largely halted, trains stood empty and protesters blocked key roads into Buenos Aires, with so»»»
New Mexico reopens criminal inquiry into Jeffrey Epstein's Zorro Ranch
The US state of New Mexico will reopen a criminal probe into a ranch once owned by Jeffrey Epstein, following allegations that surfaced in justice department files on the convicted sex offender. State prosecutors said they would seek full access to unredacted Epstein files relating to the Zorro Ran»»»
Nasa boss says Boeing Starliner failure one of worst in its history
Nasa has labelled the botched 2024 Starliner mission, which left two astronauts stranded in space for months, a "Type A" mishap, on par with fatal shuttle disasters of the past, in a newly published report. The category is the space agency's most severe, reserved for incidents causing more than $2m»»»
US steel imports fall; India shipments jump
Washington: The United States bought less steel from the world in 2025 — but significantly more from India. New figures released on Thursday show that overall US steel imports fell 12.6 per cent last year, even as shipments from India surged by more than 118 per cent, reflecting a notable shift in »»»
Austrian climber found guilty after girlfriend froze to death on mountain
An Austrian climber has been found guilty of gross negligent manslaughter after his girlfriend froze to death on Austria's highest mountain last year. The man, named only as Thomas P in line with Austrian privacy laws, has been given a five-month suspended sentence and fined €9,600 (£8,400). His gi»»»
World Bank to manage Gaza reconstruction fund: Ajay Banga
Washington: World Bank President Ajay Banga announced the creation of a dedicated Gaza Reconstruction and Development Fund to manage international contributions for rebuilding the war-ravaged territory, saying the institution would act as a “limited trustee” under the direction of the newly formed »»»
Truth or Fake - Did the Epstein Files prove the Pizzagate conspiracy theory right?
The US Department of Justice’s massive release of Epstein case files has turned some internet users into self-appointed digital sleuths. They’ve been combing through thousands of emails in search of hidden clues and have eventually fixated on one word: pizza. The term appears more than 900 times in»»»
Hamas holds vote to choose new interim leader, source tells BBC
Hamas is holding an election for a new interim leader, a senior Palestinian official familiar with the armed group's affairs has told the BBC. Voting is taking place across Gaza, the occupied West Bank and among Hamas's members elsewhere. The outcome may signal which direction the movement intends »»»
Evacuations ordered as wildfires burn in Texas, Oklahoma panhandles - UPI.com
Several wildfires in the Texas and Oklahoma panhandles spurred evacuations while firefighters continued battling several on Thursday. Image courtesy of UPI Feb. 19 (UPI) -- Firefighters are battling several conflagrations in the Texas and Oklahoma panhandles, the largest of which burned more than 2»»»
The Russian village that lost its men to war
In the fishing village of Sedanka, in Russia's Far East, life is hard. Most homes lack basic amenities such as running water, indoor toilets and central heating, despite temperatures routinely falling to -10C (14F) during the winter months. Ringed by forest-tundra and bogs, its district centre can »»»
Meet Pakistani expat father and son driving Dubai together
Dubai: When Umer Zarin stepped off a plane into the UAE in 1983, Dubai was still finding its modern shape. The first job of the young Pakistani expat was tending the garden of an Arab family in Sharjah. He had no idea that he would eventually become a driver in Dubai and four decades later, he woul»»»
Ukraine strike on Sevastopol kills one: Moscow-installed governor
A Ukrainian strike on Sevastopol in Russian-annexed Crimea killed a man, the city's Moscow-installed governor said early Friday. Sevastopol, which is the historic home of the Russian navy's Black Sea fleet, has been heavily targeted by Ukraine throughout the four-year conflict. "Air defence forces »»»
Dubai RTA issues Ramadan driving alert for taxi and delivery drivers
Dubai: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched a Ramadan road safety campaign targeting taxi drivers, delivery riders, and workers across the emirate. The initiative aims to promote responsible driving, reduce traffic accidents, and encourage safe behaviour during the Holy Month. A»»»
A propos - Trump is weighing initial limited strikes to force Iran into a nuclear deal: report
According to media reports, US President Donald Trump is weighing initial limited strikes to force Iran into a nuclear deal. Speaking with FRANCE 24's Sharon Gaffney, Barbara Slavin, Distinguished Fellow at the Stimson Centre, says that it's unikely the US will manage to overthrow the Iranian gover»»»
North Korea flexes nuclear-capable rocket launcher ahead of key congress
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has unveiled a battery of huge nuclear-capable rocket launchers ahead of a key congress of the nation's ruling party, state media said Thursday. The 600-mm multiple launch rocket system was front and centre as preparations ramped up for the once-in-five-years gatheri»»»
India joins global list where petrol costs dropped the most in five years
Dubai: Syria, Iran and Japan recorded the steepest petrol price declines globally over the past five years, with India also ranking among the top ten markets where motorists are paying less today than they did in 2021, reflecting shifts in supply dynamics, geopolitics and global crude trends. Sign »»»
Planning an Eid break? Airfares from UAE nearly doubles as demand surges
Dubai: UAE residents planning an Eid Al Fitr getaway are facing airfares that have nearly doubled from February levels, with travel agents saying prices are also 15–20 per cent higher than last Eid. Also Read: Ramadan travel deals vs Eid Al Fitr rush: UAE travellers face airfare splitReturn economy»»»
'It's a shame': Trump on ex-Prince Andrew's arrest over Epstein files probe
Washington DC: US President Donald Trump said that the former English Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest in connection with the late convicted sex offender and trafficker Jeffrey Epstein is a "shame" and "bad for the royal family." Interacting with the reporters, Trump said, "I think it's a»»»
Workers restore the Philadelphia President's House slavery exhibit - UPI.com
The names of nine former slaves owned by George Washington appear at the President's House in Philadelphia, where workers continued restoring a slavery exhibit on Thursday. Photo by Joseph E.B. Elliott/National Park Service Feb. 19 (UPI) -- Workers are restoring a slavery exhibit at the site of the»»»
Trump says Obama shared "classified information" when he said aliens were real
US President Donald Trump has accused Barack Obama of revealing classified information when the former president said "aliens are real" in a podcast interview released last week. "He's not supposed to be doing that," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Thursday, adding: "He made a big mist»»»
Surprise show: Dubai’s Burj Khalifa lights up with Indian PM Modi's image
Dubai: In an unannounced display on Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, a giant portrait of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was showcased on Thursday night. Why the world’ tallest building illuminated with the images of the Indian leader and the country’s tricolour flag without any prior announcement sur»»»
Geopolitical concerns push oil higher, dragging US stocks down
Wall Street stocks retreated early Thursday as worries over US-Iran tensions lifted oil prices while markets digested mixed results from Walmart. US oil futures rose to a six-month high as Iran's atomic energy chief Mohammad Eslami said no country can deprive the Islamic republic of its right to nu»»»
Los Angeles sues Roblox over child exploitation claim
Officials in Los Angeles said Thursday they are suing Roblox, alleging the popular online platform exposes children to sexual content, exploitation and online predators. In a lawsuit, Los Angeles County said the company does not carry out adequate moderation and its age-verification systems are not»»»
Tunisia lawmaker jailed eight months for criticising president
A Tunisian court on Thursday sentenced a lawmaker to eight months in prison for criticising President Kais Saied following recent floods, local media reported. Ahmed Saidani was taken into custody earlier this month after posting on social media about Saied's visits to areas affected by floods, cal»»»
Venezuela parliament considers amnesty law as prisoners' families wait
Venezuela’s parliament could pass a long-awaited amnesty law Thursday it is hoped will free hundreds of political prisoners. The bill, pushed by interim president Delcy Rodriguez under pressure from Washington, is meant to apply retroactively to 1999, giving hope to families that loved ones jailed »»»
Study: Frequent rocket re-entries might harm atmosphere - UPI.com
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches 29 Starlink satellites on November 22, and a study published on Thursday suggests environmental harm might occur due to frequent re-entries by rockets and satellites deployed by SpaceX and others. File Photo by Joe Marino/UPI | License Photo Feb. 19 (UPI) -- Freque»»»
Trump is weighing initial limited strikes to force Iran into a nuclear deal: report
According to media reports, US President Donald Trump is weighing initial limited strikes to force Iran into a nuclear deal. Speaking with FRANCE 24's Sharon Gaffney, Barbara Slavin, Distinguished Fellow at the Stimson Centre, says that it's unikely the US will manage to overthrow the Iranian gover»»»
No, this video does not prove Israel used a thermobaric bomb in Gaza
Social media users have shared footage of a spectacular explosion that they claim proves the Israeli military is using a highly lethal new weapon in Gaza: a thermobaric bomb. However, the footage has been taken out of context; it actually depicts a conventional explosion. A spectacular shockwave fo»»»
Three social housing units handed over to wounded Revolution victims in Sakiet Ezzit
Tunis, Feb. 19 (TAP) - Head of the Fidaa Foundation, Ahmed Jaafar, handed over the keys to three social housing units, Wednesday, to several beneficiaries of the foundation from among wounded victims of the Revolution, in implementation of the right...»»»
Two sisters among those killed in Lake Tahoe avalanche
The skiers who died in an avalanche in California's Lake Tahoe backcountry are said to have been part of a tight-knit group who often went on ski excursions together. Eight people died after an avalanche struck near Castle Peak in the Sierra Nevada mountains on Tuesday, and rescue teams are searchi»»»
UTICA highlights importance of proposed investment bill
Tunis, Feb. 19 (TAP) - The Committee on Strategic Planning, Sustainable Development, Transport, Infrastructure and Urban Planning held a hearing on Thursday at the headquarters of the Assembly of People's Representatives (ARP) in Bardo with a...»»»
El Nino is brewing: Here's what it means for U.S. weather in 2026 - UPI.com
Attendees wait in the rain for the 137th annual Tournament of Roses Parade to begin in Pasadena, Calif., on January 1. El Nino can affect weather patterns throughout the United States for the year. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo A major shift may be brewing in the Pacific Ocean: Forec»»»
More than 90 deaths this season: Are we seeing more avalanches?
It is not unusual for avalanches to be in the news in the northern hemisphere at this time of year, the height of the annual ski season. But Tuesday's deadly incident in California, which took the lives of eight skiers and left one more unaccounted for, and the difficult situation in much of the Al»»»
UAE resident wins credit card case after court rejects bank’s fine-print claim
Dubai: Most UAE residents rarely read the full “terms and conditions” attached to their credit cards or bank accounts. Monthly statements often include a short line saying the terms have been updated, and many customers continue using their cards without thinking about whether anything important ha»»»
Top US commander makes surprise visit to Venezuela after Maduro’s capture
The top US military commander for Latin America, General Francis Donovan, and senior Pentagon official Joseph Humire made an unannounced visit to Venezuela on Wednesday for security talks with interim authorities in Caracas. This marks the first US military delegation trip to Venezuela since the ca»»»
Entre Nous - Why does AI need to be kept in check?
As India hosts the AI Impact Summit, we bring you a special edition of Entre Nous from New Delhi. In his address to participants, French President Emmanuel Macron spoke about the importance of AI regulation. FRANCE 24's Delano D'Souza speaks to GPAI's CEO, Tom David, to find out what is at risk if »»»
COMMENT: Cuba's friends have plenty to say and nothing to give
Cuba is running out of time. With petroleum reserves estimated at fewer than 20 days' supply and oil imports at zero for the first time in a decade, the communist island faces its gravest crisis since the Soviet Union's collapse. And the allies it had long counted on are proving as reliable as its »»»
COMMENT: Cuba's friends have plenty to say and nothing to give
Cuba is running out of time. With petroleum reserves estimated at fewer than 20 days' supply and oil imports at zero for the first time in a decade, the communist island faces its gravest crisis since the Soviet Union's collapse. And the allies it had long counted on are proving as reliable as its »»»
COMMENT: Cuba's friends have plenty to say and nothing to give
Cuba is running out of time. With petroleum reserves estimated at fewer than 20 days' supply and oil imports at zero for the first time in a decade, the communist island faces its gravest crisis since the Soviet Union's collapse. And the allies it had long counted on are proving as reliable as its »»»
COMMENT: Cuba's friends have plenty to say and nothing to give
Cuba is running out of time. With petroleum reserves estimated at fewer than 20 days' supply and oil imports at zero for the first time in a decade, the communist island faces its gravest crisis since the Soviet Union's collapse. And the allies it had long counted on are proving as reliable as its »»»
COMMENT: Cuba's friends have plenty to say and nothing to give
Cuba is running out of time. With petroleum reserves estimated at fewer than 20 days' supply and oil imports at zero for the first time in a decade, the communist island faces its gravest crisis since the Soviet Union's collapse. And the allies it had long counted on are proving as reliable as its »»»
COMMENT: Cuba's friends have plenty to say and nothing to give
Cuba is running out of time. With petroleum reserves estimated at fewer than 20 days' supply and oil imports at zero for the first time in a decade, the communist island faces its gravest crisis since the Soviet Union's collapse. And the allies it had long counted on are proving as reliable as its »»»
COMMENT: Cuba's friends have plenty to say and nothing to give
Cuba is running out of time. With petroleum reserves estimated at fewer than 20 days' supply and oil imports at zero for the first time in a decade, the communist island faces its gravest crisis since the Soviet Union's collapse. And the allies it had long counted on are proving as reliable as its »»»