All Europe
First LookPope, Anglican, Presbyterian leaders speak out against anti-gay lawsThe three 海角大神 leaders said gay people should be welcomed by their churches, during an unprecedented joint airborne news conference returning home from South Sudan.
As Ukraine鈥檚 economy reels, Ukrainians find ways to soldier onAs the war with Russia grinds on, Ukraine鈥檚 economy is under pressure and dependent on foreign aid. The average Ukrainian faces an uncertain future, but is still finding ways to persevere.
Sanctions aren't keeping name brands out of Russia. Why not?Western sanctions aren鈥檛 keeping iPhones off Russian shelves or Hollywood films out of Moscow鈥檚 theaters. 鈥淧arallel imports鈥� are making Russia鈥檚 economy more resilient than expected.
How teachers in France are shifting focus to build a confident societyIn France, strict classrooms are giving way to ones where feelings are discussed more openly. How might that shift change student experiences 鈥� and French society?聽
First LookEurope embargoes Russian diesel to de-fuel war effortsEurope is cutting more energy ties with Russia to stop feeding the war in Ukraine. Diesel prices have already jumped since the war started on Feb. 24, 2022, and they could rise again. Europe is looking for suppliers in the U.S., the Middle East, and Asia.
First LookNew voice for Czech Republic? Retired general tops ex-PM for presidency.Petr Pavel defeated populist billionaire Andrej Babis in a runoff vote for president of the聽Czech Republic and will succeed controversy-courting Milos Zeman in the largely ceremonial but prestigious post.
While soldiers fight, Ukrainians face another threat: hungerFood security has become critical to Ukraine's defense against the Russian invasion. Volunteers willing to drive and hand out much needed groceries to cities under siege are key to that effort.
Is France finally paying respect to its aging African soldiers?Tirailleurs s茅n茅galais 鈥� Senegalese聽colonial infantry 鈥� fought wars for France, but have been treated like second-class soldiers. Now, with a blockbuster film and pension reform, they may be getting their due.
First LookGermany and NATO allies to send 鈥榮cores of battle tanks鈥� to UkraineThe German government has confirmed it will send Leopard II battle tanks to Ukraine, and NATO allies will follow. The long-awaited decision came after the United States agreed to send M1 Abrams tanks, a move that Kyviv hopes could forge a turning point.
First LookPope Francis: Homosexuality is not a crime, calls for charity鈥淏eing homosexual isn鈥檛 a crime,鈥� said Pope Francis in an interview with The Associated Press. The pope called laws against the LGBTQ community 鈥渦njust,鈥� and is the first pope to speak out against such laws.
Ukraine war: Can NATO tanks and training turn the tide?Ukraine sees the hope of rolling back Russia鈥檚 land grab, with help from NATO vehicles, firepower, and training. But the arrival of sought-after Western tanks remains uncertain.
In Ukraine, Russian collaborators flee or face justiceUkrainian authorities have made dealing with Russian collaborators a top priority when they restore their control over liberated territories.
For Britons seeking warmth, camaraderie can be as important as heatEnergy costs are so high in the United Kingdom that many Britons are unable to heat their homes properly. So communities are setting up warm places where they can come, without judgment, to escape the cold.
First LookSilicon Valley wanes as Google, Amazon, Meta face layoffsGoogle terminated 12,000 positions by email Friday, in the wake of other large-scale layoffs at Amazon and Meta. The Silicon Valley giant is undergoing waves of hiring freezes and layoffs as the tech industry navigates a rapidly changing economic landscape.
First LookAt Davos, Zelenskyy asks the world for more help against RussiaAt the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned world leaders that Western armaments must arrive faster than Russian attacks. His main push was for more advanced weaponry, which NATO is looking to supply.
First LookStrikes, protests test French president's plan to raise retirement ageFrench citizens took to the streets on Jan. 19 to protest a new planned pension reform introduced by President Emmanuel Macron. He says to keep the system solvent the retirement age must be raised from 62 to 64.
Ukrainian villagers can go home now. Rebuilding is a different matter.Ukrainian villages like Partyzanske are the lowest priority for government rebuilding efforts, but residents are still returning to war-torn homes to pull their lives back together.
First LookThe world's most wanted Mafia boss caught in private clinicMatteo Messina Denaro, Mafia boss and Italy鈥檚 most wanted fugitive, was arrested on Monday, after three decades on the run. The third mafia fugitive boss to be arrested in Sicily, Mr. Denaro was tried and convicted of murders and involvement in bombings.
First LookEU plan promotes clean energy, reduced reliance on Russia, ChinaThe European Union presented a plan on Tuesday that would ease the process of subsidizing green energy industries. The EU鈥檚 member nations聽are pursuing cleaner energy for the continent and reduced dependency on fuel from China and Russia.
First LookSearch for survivors in Ukraine, day after Russian missile barrageUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the death toll from the strike on the Dnipro apartment building rose to 25 Sunday. 鈥淲e continue to fight for every life,鈥� he said.
