Today
Repatriated second Frenchwoman from Syrian IS camps gets 10-year sentence
• 11:16 PM
1 min
A French court on Thursday sentenced a woman repatriated from Syrian camps holding Islamic State members to 10 years in prison for terrorist conspiracy. Carole Sun, 30, left France for Syria in 2014 and was arrested by Kurdish forces in 2017 as IS collap
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Tren de Aragua mastermind charged in US federal court with racketeering, drug charges
• 10:54 PM
1 min
An alleged leader of Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang was charged in New York with racketeering and drug and firearms offences, US officials said on Thursday. Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, 42, whose whereabouts are unknown, faces a $5 million US rew
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Viral videos question Morocco's AFCON stadiums after deadly floods
• 10:08 PM
1 min
In Morocco, at least 37 people have been killed after flash floods swept through the city of Safi. Officials say it’s the country’s deadliest flooding disaster in more than a decade. Online, viral videos have since claimed that torrential rain also sever
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US announces $11 billion arms package for Taiwan, largest ever
• 9:58 PM
1 min
President Donald Trump's administration has announced a massive package of arms sales to Taiwan valued at more than $10 billion that includes medium-range missiles, howitzers and drones, drawing an angry response from China. FRANCE 24's Monte Francis spe
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US announces $11 billion arms package for Taiwan, largest ever
• 9:54 PM
1 min
President Donald Trump's administration has announced a massive package of arms sales to Taiwan valued at more than $10 billion that includes medium-range missiles, howitzers and drones, drawing an angry response from China. FRANCE 24's Monte Francis spe
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EU targets 41 additional vessels in Russia's shadow fleet
• 9:33 PM
1 min
The European Union on Thursday imposed sanctions on 41 more ships in Russia's shadow fleet, taking the total of designated vessels to almost 600. The EU has imposed 19 packages of sanctions against Russia so far, but Moscow has managed to adapt to most m
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Trump administration imposes sanctions on two more ICC judges for investigating Israel
• 9:16 PM
1 min
The International Criminal Court slammed a "flagrant attack" on its independence on Thursday after the United States imposed sanctions on two more judges over their role in investigating Israeli officials for possible war crimes in Gaza. Israel's Prime M
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M23 says started withdrawing troops from key DR Congo city
• 9:14 PM
1 min
In tonight's edition, Rwandan-backed M23 rebels say they have begun pulling out from the strategic town of Uvira in eastern DRC. Also, 11 detained Nigerian Air Force personnel have been released in Burkina Faso. And Sudanese football finds an unexpected
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Donald Trump mocks former US presidents in White House plaques
• 8:59 PM
1 min
President Donald Trump has affixed partisan plaques to the portraits of all U.S. commanders in chief, himself included, on his Presidential Walk of Fame at the White House, describing Joe Biden as “sleepy,” Barack Obama as “divisive” and Ronald Reagan as
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'This night may show us whether Europe is capable of being a real leader'
• 8:30 PM
1 min
As discussions on the use of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine continue at the EU summit in Brussels, Ukrainian MP Lisa Yasko tells FRANCE 24 that 'this evening, this night may show us whether Europe is capable of being a real leader or fear of Russia wi
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Diplomats say EU-Mercosur treaty signing postponed to January
• 8:23 PM
1 min
EU chief Ursula von der Leyen told EU leaders at a summit in Brussels that the signing of a free trade deal with South American bloc Mercosur would be postponed to January, according to officials. The European Commission wanted to have the pact to create
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Signing of EU-Mercosur trade pact postponed, Von der Leyen tells EU leaders
• 8:01 PM
1 min
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Decision time in Brussels: Will EU ignore threats and seize frozen Russian assets?
• 7:21 PM
1 min
Some brand it 'the most crucial EU summit' since the financial crisis of 2008. A last chance to stave off bankruptcy for a Ukraine government that might run out of money by the end of spring.
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Nigerians call for government action against worsening insecurity
• 6:18 PM
1 min
Hundreds of members of Nigeria's main labour union take to the streets, demanding urgent government action against worsening insecurity, including kidnappings and killings that they say affects their safety and livelihoods. Also, Sierra Leone declares it
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EU-Mercosur trade deal signing postponed as France and Italy seek more safeguards
• 6:07 PM
1 min
European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen told EU leaders at a summit in Brussels that the signing of a free trade deal with South American bloc Mercosur would be postponed to January, diplomatic sources said, amid French-led opposition to the mammo
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A decade on, Greek island of Lesbos remains symbol of Europe's migration crisis
• 5:50 PM
1 min
For more than a decade, the Greek island of Lesbos has been a symbol of Europe's migration crisis. Located close to Turkey, the island was a major entry point to the European Union back in 2015. But since then, arrivals have sharply decreased as Europe h
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Christmas ornaments: Did the French invent them?
• 5:03 PM
1 min
🎄 Once upon a time, people would use apples and other fruits to decorate their #Christmas trees. So how did we end up with glass balls? Turns out a French glassblower might have had something to do with it…
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Fake French coup videos go viral, traced to Burkinabé student
• 5:01 PM
1 min
Earlier this week, several AI-generated videos claiming a coup d’état in France were posted on Facebook. The fake clips quickly went viral, prompting outrage from the Élysée Palace. An investigation by Le Monde revealed that a young Burkinabé student, ea
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Oscars to stream on YouTube from 2029
• 4:59 PM
1 min
From 2029, the Oscars will no longer air on US network television but will stream worldwide on YouTube, ending ABC’s decades-long broadcast. The Academy says the move reflects its global audience, as falling TV ratings and the rise of streaming continue
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India: Officials dismiss Delhi’s air crisis
• 4:53 PM
1 min
Recent remarks about pollution from two Indian officials have increased frustration among residents who say policymakers are unwilling to acknowledge the severity of India's air quality crisis.
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Bianca Costa: 'I went partying with Neymar'
• 4:51 PM
1 min
🇧🇷🇫🇷From Rio to Paris, @BiancaCosta is blending bossa nova and rap into her own sound, the bossa trap. The result? 50 million streams worldwide 🌍
Now 26, she’s releasing her debut album, “Gringa”, Portuguese for “the foreigner”.
Speaking with FRANCE
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Police search French culture minister's home and offices in corruption probe
• 4:46 PM
1 min
French police searched Culture Minister Rachida Dati's private home and offices on Thursday as part of a corruption investigation involving her European Parliament mandate, the French Financial Prosecutor has said. Dati, who is running for mayor of Paris
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US artist Mickalene Thomas dazzles at Paris's Grand Palais
• 4:36 PM
1 min
FRANCE 24's Charli James previews the new exhibit "All About Love" at the Grand Palais in Paris, which is celebrating the superstar American artist Mickalene Thomas. It spans 20 years of her striking, multi-disciplinary work that rewrites the role of Bla
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Nigerians protest against insecurity
• 4:32 PM
1 min
Hundreds of Nigerians took to the streets this week to protest against worsening insecurity across the country, including kidnappings, armed robbery and violent crime. Members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) marched in cities such as Lagos and Abuja
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Son of Hong Kong activist Jimmy Lai denounces political persecution
• 4:26 PM
1 min
Foreign ministers from the G7 on December 17 condemned the prosecution of Hong Kong journalist and media entrepreneur Jimmy Lai, who was found guilty of collusion with foreign forces this week. His son, Sebastien Lai, told FRANCE 24 that his father is be
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Ghana sends troops to aid hurricane-hit Jamaica
• 4:23 PM
1 min
Ghana has sent a military contingent to assist with reconstruction and relief efforts in hurricane-hit Jamaica, following the destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa over a month ago. This marks the third time this year that Ghana has extended support to
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All you need to know about bûche de Noël, the traditional French Christmas dessert
• 4:22 PM
1 min
One of the highlights of the Christmas season here in France is the food. The main feast usually happens on Christmas Eve and the traditional dessert is the incredible Yule log or bûche de Noël. More than eight million Yule logs are sold in France every
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Ukraine: Kharkiv tries to give its youngest a normal life
• 4:09 PM
1 min
Only forty kilometres away from Russia, the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv is a regular target of Russian air attacks. Still, it tries to give its children and teenagers a somewhat normal life.
#ukraine #ukrainewar #russia
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More than 1,000 civilians killed when Sudan paramilitary group seized Zamzam camp, UN says
• 4:02 PM
1 min
More than 1,000 civilians were killed when Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces took over the famine-stricken displacement camp of Zamzam in Sudan's Darfur in April, according to a UN report published on Thursday. About a third of the victims were s
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Are Trump, the Gulf states and Russia meddling in Italy's top newspapers change of ownership?
• 4:00 PM
1 min
Two of Italy’s top newspapers, La Repubblica and La Stampa, are likely to be sold to Greek media tycoon Theodore Kyriakou, whose political and business links abroad have sparked concern over editorial independence. The proposed sale, which involves forei
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‘Ukraine needs this money’ : Zelensky is in Brussels for talks on Russian assets
• 3:37 PM
1 min
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was in Brussels for a key European Union summit, where EU leaders faced a critical decision on the use of frozen Russian assets. Zelensky urged the bloc to release the funds to support Ukraine, warning that without
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Massive farmers protests in Brussels over EU regulations
• 3:35 PM
1 min
On the sidelines of the European summit, hundreds of farmers are gathering in Brussels, blocking parts of the Belgian capital to protest against EU regulations and the signing of a Mercosur trade deal, which they call unfair competition for European farm
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For the Brazilian President, signing the Mercosur-EU deal is 'now or never'
• 3:33 PM
1 min
As Europe hesitates over the Mercosur agreement, Brazilian President Lula has shown signs of frustration with a deal '37 years in the making'. He warned it was 'now or never' to sign, saying there would be no further opportunities during his term in offi
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EU leaders urge swift decision on frozen Russian funds for Ukraine
• 3:31 PM
1 min
EU leaders are split in Brussels over using frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine. Poland backs urgent action, while Belgium resists over legal and financial risks. Ukraine is pressing for a decision by year’s end.
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Excitement grows in Morocco ahead of Africa Cup of Nations
• 3:28 PM
1 min
Morocco is putting the finishing touches on preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations, which starts on December 21 and runs until January 18. With venues ready across six cities, the football tournament is seen as a showcase of Morocco’s sporting ambiti
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Australia mourns youngest Bondi victim as government acts on antisemitism
• 2:52 PM
1 min
Australia is tightening hate speech laws after the Bondi Beach Hanukkah massacre, which killed 10-year-old Matilda and others. PM Anthony Albanese announced tougher penalties, easier prosecution of hate crimes, blacklisting extremist groups, visa restric
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Farmers take Brussels to protest Mercosur deal and EU rules
• 2:49 PM
1 min
Thousands of French and Belgian farmers converged on Brussels in protest, expressing frustration over EU regulations, struggling livelihoods, and the Mercosur trade deal, which they fear will disadvantage European agriculture. Anger has also been fueled
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US Trump Christmas speech draws criticism over inflation claims
• 2:48 PM
1 min
President Trump delivered a pre-recorded Christmas address highlighting his first year back in office, focusing on economic achievements, immigration, and tariffs, while criticizing the previous administration. He promised an economic boom and announced
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Brussels: Farmers block roads to protest EU-Mercosur trade deal
• 2:47 PM
1 min
Farmers, particularly in France, worry the Mercosur deal, which will be discussed at the EU leaders meeting, will see them undercut by a flow of cheaper goods from agricultural giant Brazil and its neighbours.
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France marks International Migrants Day amid growing pressure on migrant workers
• 1:37 PM
1 min
On International Migrants Day, hundreds of groups across France are mobilizing to highlight migrants’ contributions and struggles as immigration rules tighten and expulsions rise. Migrant workers remain vital to sectors like restaurants and construction,
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UK to rejoins EU's Erasmus exchange program
• 1:36 PM
1 min
Britain and the European Union agreed on December 17, 2025 to allow UK students to rejoin the bloc's popular student exchange programme Erasmus+ from 2027, a small but symbolic sign of improved relations after Brexit.
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Brazil Congress passes bill to cut Bolsonaro prison term
• 1:34 PM
1 min
Brazil’s Senate passed a bill that could drastically reduce former President Jair Bolsonaro’s 27-year prison sentence for plotting a coup, potentially cutting his time behind bars to just over two years. The bill, already approved by the lower chamber, n
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EU kicks off crunch summit on Russian asset plan for Ukraine
• 1:33 PM
1 min
EU leaders kicked off a make-or-break summit Thursday on using frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine, with key player Belgium under pressure to drop its opposition. The 27 nation bloc is scrambling to bolster its ally Ukraine, as US President Donald Trum
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Donald Trump delivers year-end address, deflects blame for economic difficulties
• 1:31 PM
1 min
President Trump delivered a prime-time address blaming Democrats and Joe Biden for economic struggles while promising an eventual economic boom. He announced a one-time bonus check for U.S. troops tied to America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, in a speech
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Syria trial over post-Assad violence
• 1:29 PM
1 min
A trial opened December 18 in Aleppo for suspects accused of post-Assad violence, including attacks on transitional government forces. About 500 people are under investigation, in what is seen as a landmark case as it is the first time government-linked
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Venezuela claims US naval blockade is not affecting oil exports
• 1:28 PM
1 min
Venezuela on Wednesday said its crude oil exports were not impacted by US President Donald Trump's announcement of a potentially crippling blockade, insisting it was proceeding with business as usual. The UN Security Council will meet next week to discus
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US : Filmmaker Rob Reiner's son appears in court on murder charges
• 1:26 PM
1 min
Nick Reiner made his first court appearance Wednesday in Los Angeles on two counts of first-degree murder in the killing of his parents, actor-director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner, while the couple's other two children made their first
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EU-Mercosur deal hangs in balance amid farmer concerns
• 1:25 PM
1 min
Brazilian President Lula has warned the EU to sign the long-delayed EU-Mercosur trade deal now or risk losing Brazil’s participation altogether. France and Italy are blocking progress over concerns about protecting their agricultural sectors, while suppo
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How much does it cost to live like Emily in Paris? Vanity Fair did the maths
• 1:24 PM
1 min
PRESS REVIEW – Thursday, December 18: French paper Le Monde reveals who was behind the viral AI fake news video that announced a coup in France. Next, some good news: a mama polar bear adopts a cub in a rare case of polar bear bonding. Also: the new seas
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Lumpy skin disease sparks French farmers protests
• 1:21 PM
1 min
French farmers are protesting the Mercosur trade deal and a livestock disease called lumpy skin disease, which affects cattle with painful nodules and fever. Laura Darnat, a French horse breeder and chicken farmer in Perigueux, spoke to FRANCE 24 about t
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EU leaders split over using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine
• 1:18 PM
1 min
EU leaders meet in Brussels to decide on using frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine. Germany backs the move, while Zelensky urges action. The EU proposes a €90 billion loan, but Belgium opposes, fearing Russian retaliation. Moscow calls it theft.
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French court jails anaesthetist for life for poisoning 30 patients, killing 12
• 1:08 PM
1 min
After a three-and-a-half-month trial, anaesthetist Frédéric Péchier was sentenced Thursday in Besançon to life in prison for all the charges against him, a verdict he plans to appeal. Péchier is accused of poisoning 30 patients, 12 of whom died, between
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FIFA goes MAGA? The World Cup, Trump and the future of football
• 9:11 AM
1 min
As 2025 draws to a close, all year long one question has dogged the most plugged-in of football fanatics: what's up with Gianni Infantino? Why all the cameos by the head of an international sports body at the US president's inauguration, a Middle East pe
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Farmers block Brussels roads, light fires in tense protest over EU-Mercosur deal
• 8:02 AM
1 min
Farmers in tractors blocked roads and scuffled with riot police outside a European Union leaders’ summit in Brussels on Wednesday to protest against a major free-trade deal with South American trading bloc Mercosur. Critics of the deal, particularly in F
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Thailand strikes building in Poipet casino hub on Cambodian border
• 7:29 AM
1 min
Thai fighter jets on Thursday struck a building in the Cambodian border city of Poipet, a casino hub popular with Thai gamblers, amid renewed clashes between the neighbouring countries just months after they agreed to a truce brokered by the US and regio
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China tells US to 'immediately' stop arming Taiwan after Washington approves arms package
• 7:10 AM
1 min
China told the United States on Thursday to "immediately stop" arming Taiwan after Taipei said Washington had authorised a $11 billion weapons package to the island. Approved by the State Department but awaiting congressional approval, the sale would tak
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Live: Zelensky says Ukraine needs a decision on Russian assets by end of year
• 6:22 AM
1 min
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told a summit of European leaders on Thursday that his country needed a decision this year on a plan to use Russian assets to plug Ukraine's budget gap. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen earlier said EU
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Trump touts first year as success amid economic unease in White House address
• 4:15 AM
1 min
US President Donald Trump gave an address at the White House on Wednesday, attempting to cast his first year back in office as a success, deflecting concerns about the cost of living and offering few new policy details as he looked ahead to the 2026 midt
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US Senate confirms Jared Isaacman as NASA chief amid budget cuts and moon race
• 2:56 AM
1 min
The US Senate has confirmed billionaire private astronaut Jared Isaacman as NASA administrator, installing a strong advocate of Mars missions to lead the space agency as it faces deep budget cuts and intensifying competition with China to return humans t
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Trump insists on the US economy's strength in address to nation
• 2:15 AM
1 min
US President Donald Trump used a prime-time address from the White House to play down public anxiety about the US economy, insisting it is on the mend despite rising inflation, slowing job growth and growing voter frustration ahead of the 2026 midterm el
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