Marco Rubio speaks with Sergei Lavrov ahead of US-Russia talks next week

Officials to meet in Saudi Arabia in sign that high-level contact has resumed after being halted by Ukraine war

Source: Financial Times

Gaza: The Trump family's Middle East business interests

US President Donald Trump's comments about developing Gaza for real estate purposes are not new. For years, his family has viewed the Middle East as key to its business ambitions.

Source: Deutsche Welle

German economy in crisis: What can the next government do?

Two years into an economic recession, German businesses are sounding the alarm and demanding no less than a complete overhaul of economic policy after February's election.

Source: Deutsche Welle

Is Germany's drinking passion waning?

From Riesling and schnapps to frothing steins of beer, the Germans have long loved alcohol. But they are now drinking less than ever — and not just during Dry January.

Source: Deutsche Welle

Serbia and domestic issues top voter concerns in Kosovo

Voters in Kosovo are electing a new parliament. Though the conflict with Serbia dominates headlines about Kosovo both at home and abroad, young voters want politicians to focus on other …

Source: Deutsche Welle

As vaccination falters, polio back in Afghanistan, Pakistan

Wild poliovirus was almost eradicated globally two years ago, but poor conditions are causing cases to rise in Afghanistan and spill into Pakistan.

Source: Deutsche Welle

Monitoring the status of hostages still in Gaza after Hamas’s attack

A total of 251 people were taken in the attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. We’re tracking what happened to each of them.

Source: Washington Post

Ukraine peace talks: Germany calls for European involvement

Security officials and heads of governments stress that Ukraine ought to be involved in peace talks after the US moved to start negotiations with Moscow.

Source: Deutsche Welle

Venice prepares for 2025 Carnival, paying tribute to Giacomo Casanova

Venice woke up to rain today, but the spirit of the city’s Carnival shines through. St. Mark’s Square, the beating heart of the city, has been bustling throughout the day …

Source: France 24

‘I closed my eyes to brace for impact’: the man who escaped a whale’s mouth

Adrián Simancas encountered a humpback off Chile’s coast – but scientists say he was never at risk of being swallowed

Adrián Simancas had been paddling for two hours in the …

Source: The Guardian

Family of British couple held in Iran on ‘security’ grounds work to secure return

Craig and Lindsay Foreman named by relatives who say they are engaging with UK government about situation

A British couple who have been detained in Iran have been named by …

Source: The Guardian

How will Europe deal with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth?

As the new US defense secretary comes to Brussels on his first NATO visit, European allies will express willingness to boost defense spending. But they hope to keep it below …

Source: Deutsche Welle