Europe grapples with its decline

A report on the “future of European competitiveness” has been received as a declaration of continental intent. Whether it can be implemented is another matter.

By Ishaan TharoorSeptember 18, 2024

What we know about the Hezbollah pagers attack

The scale of an apparent attack targeting thousands of Hezbollah members across Lebanon at the same time, using their own devices, is unprecedented.

By Gerrit De Vynck, Sammy Westfall and Elizabeth DwoskinSeptember 17, 2024

Venezuela says it arrested fourth U.S. citizen in roundup of foreigners

A fourth American citizen was arrested in Venezuela, a top official in the Maduro government said Tuesday, accusing him of plotting “against Venezuela.”

By Samantha SchmidtSeptember 17, 2024

Thousands injured in Lebanon as pagers used by Hezbollah explode

Pagers used by the militant group Hezbollah simultaneously exploded, injuring more than 2,800 people and killing at least nine, officials said.

By Suzan Haidamous, Mohamad El Chamaa, Kareem Fahim, Rachel Chason and Ellen NakashimaSeptember 17, 2024

Portugal wracked by blazes at tail end of Europe’s wildfire season

Three firefighters died battling the blazes, Portugal’s prime minister said, adding the country was going through “difficult days.”

By Bryan PietschSeptember 17, 2024

Israel expands war goals on Lebanon border as U.S. tries to calm tensions

White House adviser Amos Hochstein met with top Israeli officials as he tried to de-escalate tensions with the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

By Rachel Chason, Lior Soroka, Kelly Kasulis Cho and Jennifer HassanSeptember 17, 2024

Death toll rises in European floods; more severe weather expected

At least 19 people have died in floods in central Europe, including in Romania, Poland, Austria and the Czech Republic, according to officials.

By Ben Brasch, Praveena Somasundaram and Kate BradySeptember 17, 2024

Meta bans Russian state media outlet RT for acts of ‘foreign interference’

The U.S. recently imposed sanctions on RT’s parent companies, Rossiya Segodnya and TV-Novosti, accusing them of acting as an arm of Moscow’s intelligence operations.

By Niha MasihSeptember 17, 2024

Man accused of recruiting dozens to rape his wife tells court: ‘I am a rapist’

French man Dominique Pélicot testified he and “everyone else in this room” are rapists, contradicting those who said they didn’t know the woman hadn’t consented.

By Leo SandsSeptember 17, 2024

When Russian bombs fall on Kharkiv, this man collects the evidence

This police investigator records the wreckage, measures the shrapnel and gathers the bodies, even without knowing if Russia will ever be held accountable.

By Lizzie Johnson and Anastacia GalouchkaSeptember 17, 2024

Suspected gunman’s search for Ukraine fighters was ‘no help,’ former volunteer says

The Trump golf course suspect described himself as a defender of Ukraine and Taiwan. But a former representative of Ukraine’s International Legion said he was all talk.

By David L. Stern and Annabelle TimsitSeptember 16, 2024

Candidate hits opponent with chair during live TV debate

José Luiz Datena slammed a chair into opponent Pablo Marçal at the São Paulo mayoral debate. Marçal’s aides said he was diagnosed with a fractured rib.

By Terrence McCoySeptember 16, 2024

Gripped by despair, Israel’s hostage families try to keep hope alive

“There is a rope hanging over my son’s head,” said Yehuda Cohen, father of hostage Nimrod Cohen. He says the U.S. must pressure Netanyahu into a cease-fire.

By Rachel ChasonSeptember 16, 2024

China frees U.S. pastor after nearly two decades, State Department says

California pastor David Lin was charged with fraud by Chinese authorities while active in a religious movement. The United States says that he was wrongfully detained.

By Kelly Kasulis ChoSeptember 16, 2024

‘Sprinkled with our blood’: Why so many Ukrainians resist land for peace

Ukraine is under pressure to cut a deal to end the war, especially if Trump wins, but these soldiers in the east are not ready to give up land.

By Francesca Ebel and Serhii KorolchukSeptember 16, 2024

Hunger still stalks Gaza

“I’ve never seen a crisis like this in my 25 years in humanitarian work,” a U.N. World Food Program regional director said of the increasingly insecure situation in Gaza.

By Ishaan TharoorSeptember 16, 2024

Houthis fire missile from Yemen into central Israel, warn of more strikes

Israeli forces said the missile Sunday did not cause any direct injuries, but Netanyahu threatens, “we exact a heavy price for any attempt to harm us.”

By Rachel Chason, Jennifer Hassan, Alon Rom , Niha Masih and Kareem FahimSeptember 15, 2024

6 killed, thousands evacuated as storm batters Central and Eastern Europe

Four died in Romania and one in Poland, and a firefighter in Austria was killed responding to floods. The storm is expected to linger over Europe for days.

By Praveena SomasundaramSeptember 15, 2024

Paris closes out its Olympic summer with dazzling Champions Parade

The Champions Parade for the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games included a march down the Champs-Élysées and a medal ceremony led by President Emmanuel Macron.

By Annabelle TimsitSeptember 15, 2024

Indigenous Colombian coca company challenges Coca-Cola’s trademark

Coca Nasa, the producer of Coca Pola, or coca beer, says it’s motivated by what it claims is bullying by the beverage giant.

By María Luisa Paúl and Bryan PietschSeptember 15, 2024