C.J. Chivers / New York Times:
Ukraine has become a live-fire test range for AI drones like the Bumblebee, provided by a secretive Eric Schmidt-led venture, raising alarms in Kremlin circles — As the war grinds on, sophisticated Rus…
Birmingham revellers turn out for non-existent fireworks – for second new year in a row
Hundreds of people gather in Centenary Square to see in 2026 after false claims online promise ‘dazzling’ displayThe new year got off to an anticlimactic start for hundreds of people in Birmingham who were tricked into attending a New Year’s Eve firewo…
Sanctioned tanker pursued by US switches ownership to Russia
Likely adoption of Russian flag adds legal complexity to efforts to board VLCC
New York City prepares for Zohran Mamdani’s inauguration – live
Mamdani was sworn into office by Letitia James shortly after midnight in the abandoned city hall subway stationHappy new year! In the wee hours of 2026, Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as the new mayor of New York City in a private ceremony in the abandone…
Stephen Miller and Kristi Noem shredded after dancing to ‘Ice Ice Baby’ at Trump’s New Year’s Eve Party
“This is what I imagine hell is like,” wrote one user, while another wrote, “Cringe af.”
Guinea’s Coup Leader Wins Election After Barring Leading Opponents
Col. Mamady Doumbouya, who seized power more than four years ago, took over 80 percent of the vote, according to a government-controlled agency that he set up.
US health insurance costs to rise by 114% for millions as subsidies expire
More than 20 million people in the United States will face sharply higher health insurance costs as of January 1 after enhanced tax credits that helped enrollees in the Affordable Care Act afford coverage expired overnight. The expiration of the subsi…
Editor’s pick: RFI English’s standout stories of 2025
In 2025, we reported on war and displacement, culture and climate, power and pushback. Our journalists followed conflicts, questioned politics, unpacked new technologies and listened to people living through change. Some stories were hard reads. Other…
Putin voices confidence in war victory
Meanwhile, Russia says it will provide Washington with evidence that a Ukrainian drone targeted one of Vladimir Putin’s residences before being shot down on Monday, a claim Ukraine firmly denies. France24 International affairs editor Angela Diffley ex…
France proposes social media ban, following the Australian model for under-15s
For several years, the French government has explored ways to limit teenagers’ access to social media due to its harmful impact on mental health, and new guidance from the European Commission could now make it easier for France to pass legislation on …