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Marine Le Pen is appealing a 2025 conviction for misusing over €3 million of EU Parliament funds via fake jobs to benefit her National Rally party. The initial ruling imposed a five-year ban from public office, barring her from the 2027 presidential race. The appeal trial began in January 2026, with a verdict expected by summer 2026. Her protégé Jordan Bardella may run if she is disqualified.
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Recent stories include a family murder-suicide in California, a missing teenager in the UK, a police widow's grief, and a child's online disappearance. These events reveal ongoing struggles with mental health, safety, and resilience, unfolding in recent days.
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On January 22, 2026, former President Donald Trump officially launched the 'Board of Peace' at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Initially aimed at overseeing Gaza's reconstruction post-conflict, the board's remit has expanded to address global conflicts. Trump will chair the board for life, with membership requiring a $1 billion fee for permanent status. The initiative has drawn mixed international reactions, with some countries joining and others, including key European allies, declining over concerns it may undermine the United Nations.
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At the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos, US President Trump’s threats and European leaders’ calls for independence highlight rising global tensions. Key figures like Mark Carney and Ursula von der Leyen condemned US aggression, while Trump’s speech drew mixed reactions amid fears of a fractured international system.
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As of February 2, 2026, France's minority government led by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has passed the 2026 budget after months of deadlock, using constitutional Article 49.3 to bypass parliamentary votes and surviving multiple no-confidence motions. Meanwhile, Israel's coalition faces a tough battle to approve its 2026 budget amid disputes over ultra-Orthodox military conscription exemptions, with key ultra-Orthodox factions signaling conditional support for initial budget readings.
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Mass protests in Iran, triggered by economic hardship, have intensified with reports of over 2,600 deaths amid a brutal crackdown. The internet blackout hampers verification, while international voices call for action. Iran faces unprecedented resistance against the regime, with growing calls for foreign intervention. (Wed, 28 Jan 2026 03:40:19 +0000)
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Leaders at Davos acknowledge a rupture in the rules-based international order, driven by US actions under Trump, including threats over Greenland and Venezuela. Middle powers like Canada and Denmark call for cooperation amid rising great power rivalry and weakening global institutions. The era of unrestrained geopolitical competition is underway.
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At the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos, French President Emmanuel Macron criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's threats of tariffs over Greenland, calling them "fundamentally unacceptable." Macron wore aviator sunglasses to cover a burst blood vessel, sparking jokes and memes, including from UK’s Keir Starmer. Trump mocked Macron’s eyewear and warned of tariffs on French goods. European leaders back Macron’s stance against U.S. coercion.
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Former President Trump announced the creation of a new Board of Peace, aiming to oversee a 20-point plan for Gaza and broader conflicts. He claims the board may replace the UN's role, with initial focus on disarming Hamas and stabilizing Gaza. Several countries, including Russia, have been invited to join.
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President Trump announced a new international peace board at Davos, involving 35 countries including Israel and Russia, to oversee Gaza reconstruction. Several allies, including France, Norway, and Sweden, have declined to join amid concerns over Russian involvement and the board's potential to replace the UN. UK and European nations express skepticism.
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On January 23, 2026, Ukraine, the US, and Russia held their first trilateral peace talks in Abu Dhabi, aiming to resolve the ongoing conflict. The main sticking point remains control over eastern Ukraine's Donbas region. Ukrainian President Zelensky met US President Trump in Davos, where they discussed security guarantees and a near-final peace plan. Despite progress, territorial disputes and Moscow's demands continue to challenge negotiations.
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Since its launch at Davos, Trump's 'Board of Peace' aims to oversee Gaza's reconstruction and global conflicts. Despite backing from some countries, many nations oppose or delay participation, citing concerns over legitimacy, scope, and potential to undermine the UN. Its future remains uncertain amid diplomatic tensions.
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On January 22, 2026, the French Navy intercepted and boarded the oil tanker 'Grinch' in the Mediterranean Sea between Spain and Morocco. The vessel, sailing under a false flag and subject to EU sanctions, is suspected of transporting Russian oil to evade sanctions. The ship was diverted to Marseille-Fos port for investigation, with support from allied navies including the UK. The Indian captain was handed to judicial authorities, and a preliminary investigation was opened for failure to fly a proper flag. Separately, U.S. forces seized the Russian-flagged tanker Marinera earlier this month, part of a shadow fleet moving sanctioned oil. Russia condemned these actions as piracy but agreed to release some detained crew members.
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President Trump plans to establish a 'Board of Peace' with himself as lifetime chairman, inviting leaders with questionable human rights records, including Putin and Netanyahu. The initiative aims to promote stability but omits human rights, raising concerns about its legitimacy and potential impact on global diplomacy.
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On January 23, 2026, President Donald Trump withdrew Canada's invitation to join his newly launched Board of Peace following Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's critical speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Carney condemned economic coercion by great powers and urged middle powers to unite against U.S. hegemony. Trump responded by emphasizing Canada's dependence on the U.S. and revoked the invitation, escalating tensions amid ongoing trade disputes.
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On January 26, 2026, France's National Assembly approved a bill banning social media use for under-15s and mobile phones in high schools, aiming to protect children from harmful content and excessive screen time. Championed by President Emmanuel Macron, the law follows Australia's under-16 ban and now moves to the Senate for final approval.
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Former French senator Joel Guerriau was convicted for spiking MP Sandrine Josso's champagne with MDMA in 2023. Guerriau, 68, admits the act was accidental, but the case highlights ongoing concerns about drug-facilitated sexual assault in France. He faces prison and damages, with appeals pending.
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As of February 2026, the United Nations faces imminent financial collapse due to unpaid dues, primarily from the United States, which owes over $2.19 billion for the regular budget and $1.8 billion for peacekeeping. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warns cash could run out by July, threatening key operations. The US plans a significant payment soon amid ongoing tensions and reforms.
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As of February 2026, tensions sparked by President Trump's threats to acquire Greenland have softened following a 'framework' deal with NATO. Canada and France opened consulates in Nuuk, signaling diplomatic support amid Greenlanders' concerns. Negotiations continue between the US, Denmark, and Greenland on Arctic security, while European leaders call for stronger unity and economic resilience against US and Chinese pressures.
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Since February 2022, the Ukraine-Russia war has resulted in approximately 1.8 million casualties, with Russia suffering around 1.2 million and Ukraine 600,000. Heavy fighting continues, with ongoing infrastructure strikes and stalled peace negotiations as the conflict approaches its fourth year.
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Armed men launched a coordinated attack on Niamey's main airport, a key military and uranium hub. Niger's forces responded swiftly, killing 20 attackers and arresting 11. The government accused France, Benin, and Ivory Coast of backing the assault, while thanking Russia for aid. No group has claimed responsibility.
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France's parliament is set to pass a law simplifying the restitution of looted artworks and artifacts to former colonies, including requests from Benin, Algeria, and Mexico. The bill aims to streamline procedures for items acquired between 1815 and 1972, reflecting a shift towards acknowledging colonial history.
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European governments are increasingly shifting away from US-based digital services, such as Zoom and Teams, toward domestic or open-source alternatives. France plans to replace US tools with its own Visio platform by 2027, citing data security and sovereignty concerns amid rising geopolitical tensions and dependence on US tech giants.
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On January 28, 2026, a landslide at the Rubaya coltan mine in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, controlled by the M23 rebel group, killed over 200 people, including miners, women, and children. The disaster highlights unsafe artisanal mining amid ongoing conflict and stalled peace efforts despite a US-brokered deal between DRC and Rwanda.
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The US government reported the costs of deploying National Guard and active-duty Marines to several cities in 2025, with Washington, DC, and Los Angeles being the most expensive. The deployments aimed to combat crime but faced legal challenges and fluctuating troop levels. The total cost exceeded $496 million.
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The UK government’s decision on a £1bn military helicopter contract remains uncertain amid ongoing negotiations and political debates. Leonardo’s future in Britain hinges on the outcome, with potential impacts on thousands of jobs and national defence capabilities. The Ministry of Defence has yet to finalize the deal, amid internal and political tensions.
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Marine Le Pen faces potential disqualification from the 2027 French presidential race due to ongoing legal proceedings. A lower court banned her for five years over a European Parliament funds scandal, but she is appealing. The outcome of her appeal could determine her eligibility to run next year.
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Over the past month, Russia's Kemerovo region has seen a series of tragedies linked to underinvestment in social services, including hospital deaths, a fire, and safety violations. Meanwhile, in France, school violence continues with recent attacks on teachers and students, raising concerns about safety and tensions in education.
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As of February 16, 2026, French prosecutors have intensified investigations into former Culture Minister Jack Lang and his daughter Caroline over suspected tax fraud linked to Jeffrey Epstein. Raids at the Arab World Institute and other locations are underway. Meanwhile, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has ordered probes into diplomat Fabrice Aidan's alleged ties to Epstein, amid broader European fallout from newly released US Justice Department documents.
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Canada, France, and Denmark are expanding their diplomatic presence in Greenland amid rising Arctic strategic interests. Canada opened a new consulate in Nuuk, France announced its first EU consulate, and Denmark continues to strengthen regional ties. These moves follow recent tensions over Greenland's strategic importance and potential US influence.
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French President Macron emphasized Europe's need to become a geopolitical power, advocating for stronger security, economic independence, and strategic dialogue with Russia amid ongoing US and China tensions. He highlighted the 'Greenland moment' as a wake-up call for EU resilience and sovereignty.
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Francesca Albanese, UN special rapporteur on Palestinian rights, faces calls to resign from France, Germany, and others after remarks criticizing Israel. Supporters, including artists, defend her, while critics accuse her of antisemitism amid ongoing Gaza conflict. The controversy highlights tensions over human rights reporting and political bias.
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The Munich Security Conference begins with a reduced U.S. presence as lawmakers cancel trips due to government shutdown fears. Meanwhile, transatlantic relations are strained by U.S. political shifts, with European allies expressing concern over America's changing role and recent aggressive rhetoric from U.S. officials, especially under Trump-era policies.
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EU leaders gathered at a Belgian castle to agree on an action plan for economic restructuring, focusing on energy, financial integration, and industry competitiveness. Diverging visions include deregulation, strategic autonomy, and financial tools, with upcoming summits set to shape the bloc's future.
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European nations are increasing defense spending and developing long-range missile systems amid rising threats from Russia. The UK plans to raise its defense budget to 2.6% of GDP by 2027, while France and Germany are advancing their missile capabilities, partly in response to Russia's missile strikes in Ukraine.
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European leaders at the Munich Security Conference warn of a deepening transatlantic rift amid US skepticism and European efforts for strategic independence. Key figures call for renewed NATO trust, European nuclear deterrence, and a reassessment of US leadership, reflecting a shifting global order.
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Britain announced plans to deploy a carrier strike group to the North Atlantic and High North, led by HMS Prince of Wales, to demonstrate NATO commitment amid US threats over Greenland. Sir Keir Starmer emphasized European independence and NATO's importance, calling for closer EU-UK defense ties. The move follows US President Trump's threats to annex Greenland and questions about US-European NATO solidarity.
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At the Munich Security Conference in February 2026, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a conciliatory yet firm speech emphasizing the enduring ties between the US and Europe. He warned against mass migration and economic complacency, urging Europe to strengthen its defenses and supply chains. European leaders welcomed the tone but remained cautious about underlying policy differences, especially on migration and security commitments.
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At a Munich security conference, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the importance of revitalizing the transatlantic alliance amid recent tensions, including Trump's Greenland remarks and European concerns over NATO and Russia. Rubio stressed shared civilization and mutual strength, avoiding culture-war issues and focusing on common security goals.
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A 23-year-old far-right activist, Quentin Deranque, died after being attacked during a protest in Lyon. Nine suspects, including an aide to a far-left lawmaker, have been arrested. The incident has intensified political tensions ahead of upcoming elections, with authorities blaming hard-left rhetoric and anti-fascist groups.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the five-day AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, aiming to establish a shared global framework for AI governance. The event, expected to draw 250,000 visitors including world leaders and tech CEOs, highlights India's ambition to lead in AI while addressing safety, ethics, and regulation concerns.
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France is seeking to expand its military partnership with India, with discussions expected on a potential contract for 114 additional French fighter jets. French President Macron is visiting India to strengthen defense ties, amid India’s efforts to diversify its military suppliers and reduce dependence on Russia.
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French authorities have ordered the departure of the tanker Grinch from French waters after it paid a multimillion-euro fine and was detained for three weeks. The vessel, suspected of being part of Russia's shadow fleet evading sanctions, was diverted to Marseille following an investigation into flag violations. Russia's fleet of over 400 ships continues to challenge sanctions over Ukraine.
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European leaders, including Germany and France, acknowledge the decline of the US-led rules-based order amid rising US-China tensions. Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz warns of European complacency, while Canada and the US reassess their alliances amid deteriorating relations and increased military spending. The US signals readiness to act alone on security.
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A bomb attack near Savyolovsky station in Moscow resulted in the death of a police officer and injuries to two others. The attacker approached a traffic police vehicle and detonated an explosive, with the incident occurring on the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Authorities launched a criminal investigation, but motives remain unclear.
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French officials blocked Jared Kushner from accessing government ministers after he failed to attend a scheduled meeting to explain controversial comments about far-left violence and Quentin Deranque's death. The incident marks a diplomatic rift amid ongoing disagreements between France and the US, with France demanding explanations and Kushner citing personal commitments.
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On February 24, 2026, Ukraine commemorated four years since Russia's full-scale invasion. President Zelenskyy declared Ukraine's independence defended and Russia's goals unmet. Despite ongoing peace talks, territorial disputes persist, with Russia controlling 19% of Ukraine. European leaders reaffirmed support amid stalled sanctions and aid due to Hungary's veto. The war remains a costly stalemate with severe humanitarian impacts.
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On February 25, 2026, Christophe Leribault was appointed director of the Louvre, succeeding Laurence des Cars who resigned amid crises including a $102 million crown jewels heist, labor strikes, water damage, and a decade-long ticket fraud scandal. Leribault faces the challenge of restoring security and advancing President Macron's costly Louvre modernization plan.