1stHeadlinesBreaking News Headlines

France 24 English

France · RSS · up to 100 stored headlines · Visit site

Text size100%

US midterm elections: 'Maybe the best colour for Texas is purple'

Texas flipped blue following the US midterm elections, marking a historic shift for a state that hasn't been led by Democrats in decades. The legacy of prolonged Republican leadership has left a lasting mark, but as Democrat James Talarico said with this election, 'maybe the best colour for Texas is purple.' FRANCE…

Ukrainian's 'not expecting drastic change in US policy' after midterms

Ukrainians do not expect the Democrats' victory in the US midterm elections is change much in regards to US policy on the war with Russia, or at least not quickly, says France 24's correspondent in Kyiv Emmanuelle Chaze. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has not reacted yet to the "blue wave" taking control of…

French blood banks foil new cyberattack targeting refrigerators

A cyberattack in France targeted three cold stores containing donated blood samples and plasma, authorities said on Wednesday. The incident – which was unsuccessful due to the facilities' alarm systems – is the latest in a series of suspected attacks that have targeted refrigerators in European supermarkets, as well…

South Africa braces for some job losses as AGOA ends

In tonight's edition, Rwanda and South Africa will lose their duty-free access to the U.S. market after being excluded from the AGOA trade program. Also, South Africans head to the polls amid water shortages and frustration with local services. And in the DRC's mining capital, Kolwezi, residents are taking on one of…

US strikes Iran's Qeshm Island as midterm elections start

The United States has conducted defensive strikes on some Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz, a US official said Monday, on the eve of crucial midterm elections. The unpopular Iran war and the resulting impact on U.S. gasoline prices and other parts of the economy have been a vulnerability for Republicans as they…

Emergency alerts hacking 'designed to undermine trust in government', expert says

Emergency alert systems in Russia and Ukraine were hit in cyberattacks overnight, with fake warnings of possible nuclear strikes broadcast to users in both countries. The systems have since been brought back under control, though much remains unclear about the attacks, including who was responsible. FRANCE 24's Sharon…

Uganda withdraws troops from peacekeeping mission in Somalia

In tonight's edition: Uganda starts drawing down troops just days after the UN ends its political mission in Somalia. Also, upcoming municipal elections in South Africa risk solidifying growing political fragmentation. Plus the drought gripping Chad could be the country's worst in more than 40 years.

EU says fridge attacks 'deliberate attempt to disrupt' bloc's food supply

Grocery stores from Sweden to Portugal were hit Monday by a suspected cyberattack on their freezer systems, in what the EU denounced as a deliberate attempt to disrupt the bloc's food chain. Supermarkets in Belgium, Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg and the Netherlands were among at least eight countries affected…

MAGA: Why are Trump's most loyal supporters turning against him?

Is Trump losing the support of the very coalition that brought him back to power? Just one day before the midterm elections, Trump's approval rating stands at 32%, one of the lowest ever recorded at this stage of a presidency. And discontent is growing beyond Democratic voters. Some of Trump's most loyal Republican…

Ukraine and Russia report fake emergency alerts after cyberattacks target apps

Authorities in Ukraine and Russia said their emergency alert mobile apps had been targeted by cyberattacks, with users in Ukraine receiving false warnings of an imminent nuclear threat. Moscow said that hackers had sent fake emergency alerts after gaining access to the Russian Emergency Situations Ministry’s mobile…

Michigan Democrat's endorsement of Republican ruffles critical Senate race

A prominent Michigan Democrat endorsed Republican Mike Rogers on Sunday, giving President Donald Trump's Republicans an unexpected boost in a critical US Senate race two days before midterm elections that will decide control of Congress. FRANCE 24's Caroline Baum brings us more with this report.

North Korea rejects US allegations over $6 billion Binance crypto heist

North Korea on Tuesday dismissed US allegations that it was behind a $6 billion cryptocurrency theft from Binance as "absurd rhetoric", accusing Washington of seeking to portray the country as a cybercriminal state and warning that US hostility could affect future diplomatic engagement.

France: Route du Rhum yacht race sets off

The 115 sailors competing in the Route du Rhum set sail from Saint-Malo on Sunday in mild weather, embarking on a solo transatlantic crossing. The race began at 12:02 GMT, with boats heading along the Brittany coast in light winds towards a mandatory checkpoint near Cap Fréhel, where crowds had gathered to watch. One…

Thousands join Indian opposition protest

India’s opposition parties staged major protests in New Delhi on Sunday against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government and a nationwide voter list review that has fuelled demonstrations since the summer, led by the youth movement Cockroach Janta Party. Eliza Herbert reports.

Oleshky: Evacuations during first humanitarian truce of war end

A successful evacuation. Residents of the city of Oleshky who had requested to be evacuated were reunited with their loved ones in Ukraine on Saturday, October 31. The city, located on the front line and under Russian occupation, is facing a humanitarian crisis, with civilians lacking even the most basic necessities…

France reports largely peaceful protests

France sees third consecutive weekend of protests over living costs and education, with more than 320,000 people taking to the streets. Most demonstrations remained peaceful, although police used tear gas to disperse clashes. Authorities reported more than 770 arrests nationwide. France24 journalist Jamie…

Oleshky residents return to Ukraine

Residents evacuated from Russian-occupied Oleshky have reached Ukrainian-held territory following a rare local truce. They described years of isolation, food shortages and regular shelling, with some saying they were forced to eat grass and dogs to survive. Seized by Russian forces in the early days of the 2022…

US Midterms: Democrats face leftward surge

As Democrats seek to regain control of Congress, divisions within the party are emerging over its future direction. A new wave of progressive candidates is pushing to shift priorities further to the left, challenging corporate money in politics and calling for universal healthcare, climate action and an end to police…

Poland rocked by Constitutional showdown

Poland’s constitutional crisis deepened on Saturday as the European Commission urged President Karol Nawrocki to recognise new judges appointed by Prime Minister Donald Tusk. The standoff comes ahead of next year’s parliamentary election, with polls suggesting a close race between Tusk’s coalition and the nationalist…

France: Route du Rhum fleet ready to depart

The Route du Rhum, billed as the world’s biggest solo transatlantic race, is set to depart from Saint-Malo in Brittany. Skippers will sail alone to Guadeloupe, with professionals and amateur sailors competing in the race, held every four years. Selina Sykes reports.

Senegal hosts first Olympic event on African continent

Youth Olympics make history with first African Games in over 130 years, opened by Senegal’s president in Dakar. 136 Senegalese athletes are competing, supported by 6,000 local volunteers.

Youth Olympic Games kick off in Dakar

The 2026 Youth Olympic Games have officially kicked off in Senegal. Crowds gathered for Saturday's opening ceremony, featuring hundreds of drummers and dancers celebrating Senegalese and wider African culture, in keeping with the Games' motto: “Africa welcomes, Dakar celebrates”. It is the first-ever Olympic sporting…

France: 115 yachts will sail out of Sain-Malo for Route du Rhum race

In Saint-Malo, in France's Brittany region, the legendary Route du Rhum is preparing to set sail. Billed as the world's biggest solo transatlantic race, it sees skippers sail alone from France's northern coast to the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe. It's a high-speed, high-risk crossing that takes place every four…

US Midterms: Affordability at heart of Michigan race

For many voters, the cost of living is the single biggest issue. Our reporters Jessica Le Masurier and Sarah Andersen travelled to Michigan to meet voters, where, according to one NGO, around 40% of the population struggle to afford basic necessities.

Youth-led rallies sweep Europe

Protests in France have helped inspire youth demonstrations elsewhere in Europe, from Portugal and Italy to Germany. Germany saw particularly large rallies on Saturday, led by a youth initiative whose name roughly translates as “Gen Z has got this”. Demonstrators called for better education and healthcare, stronger…

How social media are central to protests

As we saw in that report, protesters were frustrated at being kept on the outskirts of the French capital. There are also reports of social media posts about the demonstrations being suppressed. Daniel Quinlan has more.

Hundreds of thousands protest in France for "Act III"

A heavy police presence was hard to miss on the streets of Paris on Saturday, as the capital saw demonstrations for a third consecutive weekend over the rising cost of living and deteriorating conditions in schools. But the increased security failed to prevent clashes in several parts of the city. Riot police fired…

Nine killed as business jet crashes into South Florida neighbourhood

A business jet plunged into a South Florida neighbourhood on Sunday, killing all nine people aboard and exploding into a fireball near homes and a busy road. The pilot had reported icing, precipitation and severe turbulence before the Learjet entered a steep dive, according to air traffic control recordings.

Binance hit by 6.3 billion dollar crypto theft

Binance executives are scrambling to recover billions of dollars after the crypto platform was hit by what is being described as the biggest heist in cryptocurrency history. Hackers reportedly stole $6.3 billion from users, with analysts pointing the finger at North Korea. The attack far surpasses the previous record…

France's Nunez warns of high risk during protests

France is bracing for a third consecutive weekend of protests, with around 70,000 security personnel deployed to prevent a repeat of the violence seen on October 17. Shops have boarded up their premises as authorities warn of further clashes, with Halloween celebrations adding to security concerns over masked…

Third weekend of protests in France

France is preparing for a third weekend of protests, with 70,000 security personnel deployed to prevent a repeat of the violence seen on October 17. Shops have boarded up their premises as authorities warn of further clashes, with Halloween adding to concerns over masked demonstrators. The protests, initially driven…

Protesters gather at Poland's Top court

Police in Poland have stepped up security around the country’s Constitutional Tribunal after dozens of protesters gathered on Friday to oppose the government’s suspension of its president, which they say was unlawful. Police say several people were detained after some demonstrators breached the court’s perimeter…

Russia's presence divides G20 ministers

The G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in the US is wrapping up two days of talks without agreement on several key global security issues. On the sidelines, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed an Arctic cooperation deal with Japan and South Korea and confirmed Washington’s participation in Riyadh’s World Expo in…

French Interior Minister fears disorder after dark on Halloween

Saturday is set to see another day of nationwide demonstrations over the cost of living and conditions in schools. Dubbed “Act Three”, the protests bring together Yellow Vest activists and student demonstrators. But France’s highest administrative court has just upheld a ban on the planned route of the Paris march…

France: Two rallies against racism near Paris

France is bracing for a third weekend of protests, with demonstrations against the rising cost of living planned across the country. Nearly half a million people are expected to take to the streets, prompting the government to deploy 70,000 police officers to maintain order. In Paris, a last-minute court ruling has…

Testimonies from Oleshky

American Filmmaker Zarina Zabrisky has lived and reported across the Dnipro River in Ukrainian controlled Kherson for the past three years. She’s been speaking to France 24’s Gavin Lee about the events of the past 24 hours.

First Youth Olympic Games in Africa

In tonight's show, the Senegalese capital is hosting the first Olympic event ever held in Africa, welcoming nearly 2,700 athletes for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games. Also, South Africa’s local elections are set for November 4, with the African National Congress facing growing pressure over its record in local…

Black Sea shipping under growing threats as drones hit container ships

A Greek container ship has sunk after being struck by three drones, potentially of Russian origin, in the Black Sea off the Bulgarian coast on Wednesday, October 28. This incident highlights growing concerns for commercial shipping as the conflict between Ukraine and Russia persists.

Who is Kevin T., the main suspect behind the racist Trappes attack?

France's anti-terrorism prosecutor on Thursday released details of the main suspect in the racist attack in Trappes and La Verriere, on the outskirts of Paris, on October 23.The 39-year-old opened fire with a submachine gun, killing 26-year-old Pengo Bossio Wangi and injuring five others.

Russia recruits Africans to fight in Ukraine, families seek answers

While African leaders and Russian officials gather to discuss security, trade and political cooperation at the Africa-Russia summit, one sensitive issue is notably absent from the agenda: the recruitment of Africans to fight for Russia in Ukraine. More than 1,400 Africans have been enlisted since 2023. In Tunisia…

Trump admin approves potential Patriot missiles sale to Ukraine

Residents evacuated from the Russian-occupied Ukrainian town of Oleshky have left for Russia's Anapa city with a Ukrainian delegation, senior official David Arakhamia said Friday. They are expected to fly to Belarus before returning to Ukraine by bus, during a rare ceasefire brokered by the United States.

Tunisians drawn into Russia's war in Ukraine

In tonight's edition: Concern is growing in Tunisia as the families of several men who travelled to Russia for work or study are still searching for an answer about the fate of their loved ones forcibly conscripted to the war in Ukraine. Also, a year after Tanzania's controversial election, fear hasn't faded. And…

Across Africa: Real estate scams growing in Ivory Coast

This week in Across Africa: in Ivory Coast, severe housing shortage has fueled demand for land, creating opportunities for fraudsters selling fake properties and non-existent plots. Also, Kenya’s women are changing the game. From the track to the boxing ring, female athletes are delivering some of the country’s…

ECB chief Lagarde steps down in order to speak out

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde will step down from her post several months early, in order to have more "freedom to engage on matters that are not monetary policy". The comments will fuel speculation about her future plans, ahead of a presidential election in her native France. The resignation also…

Spain rail crash came after train ordered to go in error: minister

A rail collision in Spain that claimed at least 68 lives on Wednesday came after a train was ordered to go in "error" despite a technical failure that halted all services, the transport minister said. The first findings about the accident in the central region of Castilla-La Mancha are likely to revive questions about…

Flavio Bolsonaro claims he is Brazil's true leader after fleeing to US

Brazil's defeated far-right presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro insisted on Wednesday he is his country's rightful leader after arriving in the United States to start a self-imposed exile. Bolsonaro's defiance on fleeing to Florida signalled continued upheaval for Brazil, where leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula…

Russia woos African leaders at Moscow summit

In tonight's edition: A summit with nearly two dozen African leaders opens in Moscow, with the Kremlin describing their countries as natural allies against the West. Also, Nigerian investigators say that dozens of detained miners who died in a crowded jail cell screamed for help as jailors ignored their suffering. And…

Historic gains for Arab-majority parties in Israeli election

Two Arab-majority parties are set to win a historic 19 seats in total, amid a record turnout at the polls in Israel on Tuesday. Voters from the community, descendants of Palestinians who stayed after Israel's creation and who make up around 20 percent of the population, have been enraged by the Netanyahu government's…

Bolsonaro's escape to the US: How it happened

Brazil's defeated right-wing presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro arrived in Florida by private plane Wednesday after fleeing his country in defiance of a court order to surrender his passport. Bolsonaro, who lost a runoff election to incumbent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Sunday, is under investigation in Brazil…

Bolsonaro flees Brazil for US after election defeat

Flavio Bolsonaro's clandestine escape to the United States bewildered Brazil and triggered a frantic search for his whereabouts. The Supreme Court had ordered the son of jailed ex-leader Jair Bolsonaro to forfeit his passports after his electoral loss on Sunday, amid fears he would leave the country due to ongoing…

Spain high-speed train crash kills 68, injures over 100

A high-speed train collision south of Madrid killed 68 people and injured scores more on Wednesday, with the toll likely to rise, authorities said, in one of Europe's deadliest such disasters this century. The second such accident to strike Spain this year will raise fresh questions about the country's rail safety…

Spain: PM Sanchez gives speech on train collision

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez addressed the nation from the site of the train collision in Toledo province, expressing his full solidarity with the victims, their families and all those injured in the tragedy. Earlier, Transport Minister Óscar Puente said a computer malfunction had disrupted the railway’s…

Brazil: Bolsonaro defeated and on the run

Defeated far-right presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro has left Brazil for the United States, despite a court order barring him from leaving the country. The son of jailed former president Jair Bolsonaro has yet to concede defeat in Sunday’s election and is under investigation in Brazil for alleged corruption and…

Israel: Netanyahu edges closer to a majority

The final results are expected tonight or tomorrow morning. For now, the picture is looking increasingly favourable for Benjamin Netanyahu and his bloc, but the Israeli prime minister is still short of a clear victory, as he needs 61 seats to secure a parliamentary majority. He addressed his supporters at the National…

Spain: Local authorities confirm at least 10 dead in train accident

Two trains travelling in opposite directions have collided in southern Spain, on the route between Madrid and Seville. At least 10 deaths have been confirmed, although some media reports put the toll as high as 39. The crash brings back painful memories of a deadly train accident in Córdoba in January. The cause of…

Israel: The economic challenges ahead

Questions over the future of Israel’s economy are looming in the wake of the elections. With one of the highest costs of living in the region, and defence spending continuing to rise, households are facing growing financial pressure. Caitlin Brown reports.

Israel election: There's no clear winner

The path ahead remains uncertain in the Knesset in Jerusalem, as the Central Elections Committee continues to count the votes. With more than 60% of ballots tallied, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s camp is narrowly ahead of the opposition, but still short of a clear majority. These are still partial results and…

Flavio Bolsonaro claims he is Brazil's true leader after fleeing to US

Brazil's defeated far-right presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro insisted on Wednesday he is his country's rightful leader after arriving in the United States to start a self-imposed exile. Bolsonaro's defiance on fleeing to Florida signalled continued upheaval for Brazil, where leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula…

Israelis vote in a tense election: What's at stake?

Israelis were voting Tuesday (October 27) in a tense national election widely seen as a referendum on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership since the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel and the wars that have since shaken the Middle East.

Israel elections: voter turnout reaches 55% by 4pm local time

Israelis flocked to the polls Tuesday (October 27) in turnout unseen in decades, with a deeply divided electorate delivering a verdict on veteran right-wing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the first election since the October 7, 2023 attack. FRANCE24's Kethevane Gorjestani tells us more.

Turnout high as Israeli voters deliver verdict on Netanyahu

Israelis flocked to the polls Tuesday (October 27) in turnout unseen in decades, with a deeply divided electorate delivering a verdict on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the first election since the October 7, 2023 attack. Former FRANCE 24 correspondent, Irris Makler, tells us more.

Israel: Netanyahu supporters gather as PM votes

Supporters of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gathered outside a polling station where the leader was voting on Tuesday. This is Israel's first election since the October7, 2023 Hamas attack and is seen as a referendum on Netanyahu. FRANCE 24's Clovis Casali reports from Jerusalem.

England's Kane wins Ballon d'Or, Putellas claims women's award

Harry Kane completed his long quest ⁠for football's highest individual ​honour on Monday (October 26), the Bayern Munich and England striker winning the Ballon d'Or after a record-breaking season that cemented his status as one of the game's greatest goalscorers.

Jordan launches airstrikes in Syria after church attack

Jordan carried out airstrikes Monday (October 27) evening against armed groups in Syria in retaliation for Friday’s attack on a Greek Orthodox Church in the southern Jordanian city of Karak that killed nine people, the Jordanian air force said in a statement. Syrian authorities said at least six people were killed.

Palestinians in West Bank fear further escalation of violence if Netanyahu remains PM

Ramallah residents say they hope to see Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lose power in elections. "Netanyahu remaining in power means that there will be a clash, a build-up of tension and an explosion in the region", says one resident. Israel has committed the crime against humanity of "extermination" in the…

Israelis vote in first national election since October 7 attack

Israelis are voting in a pivotal election Tuesday (October 27) as their country wrestles with unresolved wars, continues to reel from Hamas' 2023 attack and is deeply divided over the character of the state and the right person to lead it. FRANCE 24's Clovis Casali tells us more from the ground. He spoke with voters.

Netanyahu's political survival on the line as Israel heads to the polls

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a fight for political survival in Israel's election on Tuesday (October 27), with voters weighing his leadership after the 2023 Hamas-led attacks, wars in Gaza and with Iran, and Israel's deepening international isolation. FRANCE24's Douglas Herbert gives us his analysis.

Israeli elections: voters turnout reaches '16.7%' four hours after polls open

A deeply divided Israel headed to the polls on Tuesday (October 27) for the first time since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, with voters delivering their verdict on veteran Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the country's rightward drift. FRANCE 24's Noga Tornapolski tells us more.

Polls open in Israeli election seen as referendum on Netanyahu

Polls opened Tuesday in Israel’s critical national election viewed as a referendum on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s policies. Reporting from Jerusalem, FRANCE 24’s Noga Tarnopolsky explains that “the name of the game” after Election Day is whether the country’s fractious opposition, including an Arab-Israeli…

The fall of Sudan's El-Fasher, one year on

In tonight's edition: 15 military officials in Sudan are sanctioned by the UK over the brutality and abuse of civilians during the fall of El-Fasher. Also, ⁠Algeria is set to send in army units ​to ‌Niger ⁠to ‌protect energy ⁠and economic interests there. And days after a foreigner was beaten to death on the streets…

Serbian student movement eyes power after election triumph

Emotions ran high in Belgrade on Monday after a student-led movement upset the right-wing populist Aleksandar Vucic's party in Serbia's snap election. A celebratory mood gripped the capital, with drivers honking their horns and passers-by holding up three fingers -- the winning list's ballot number and a Serbian…

Brazil: What does Lula's re-election mean for the Amazon?

Climate activists in Brazil are celebrating President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's election victory as good news for the Amazon rainforest. His last four years in power saw a record decrease in deforestation in the world's largest rainforest.

Opponents accuse Netanyahu of stoking tensions with Iran before Israel's election

Israel's defence minister denied on Monday (October 26) reports of a rift between PM Netanyahu and the army over Iran, before the vote. Netanyahu has campaigned heavily on his security credentials, insisting only he can "finish the job" in the US-Israeli war on Iran. His main rival, ex-army chief Gadi Eisenkot, has…

Israel election: unable to vote from abroad, expats have to fly home

Israelis can’t vote from abroad, so tens of thousands of expats are expected to fly home for the election. At Tel Aviv airport, supporters of opposition figure Gadi Eisenkot are already waiting at arrivals. A “Fly and Vote” initiative helps expats organise their trip, despite a failed petition from Netanyahu’s Likud…