Author: France 24

The International Judo Federation on Thursday restored Russia’s right to compete under its flag, a move hailed in Moscow as “historic” but condemned by Ukraine as a betrayal of peace as the war continues.

Two of Wall Street’s biggest banks have announced expansion plans in the UK, a day after the Chancellor of the Exchequer revealed a budget that spared them of tax increases. French MPs are debating whether or not to nationalise steelmaking giant ArcelorMittal amid concern for the industry. Plus, Venezuela bans several foreign airlines, including Iberia and TAP Air Portugal from flying to the country.

The legendary Broadway musical ‘Chicago’ is making its return to Paris, bringing its sharp wit, dazzling choreography, and iconic jazz numbers back to the French stage. FRANCE 24’s team ent to the Casino de Paris to see it.

Iran is facing a severe wave of air pollution, forcing authorities to close schools and kindergartens as smog levels rise. The hazardous conditions are affecting daily life, with residents advised to limit outdoor activities and take precautions against the health risks posed by the toxic air, as FRANCE 24’s Saeed Azimi explains.

With 9 defeats in 12 matches, Liverpool is in the midst of their worst run in 71 years. “It’s a shock for everyone,” admitted Arne Slot after the match. 

UK Finance Minister Rachel Reeves announced a new budget that includes more taxes for ordinary workers but higher government spending on social welfare programmes.  The new plan will raise the government’s tax take to a post-war high of 38% of GDP by 2031, according to the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR).  It will give the government greater room to meet its deficit-reduction targets – prompting investors to buy long-dated government bonds, sending yields sharply lower. 

“Music is the universal language”, in the words of Jimmy Cliff, the legendary Jamaican singer who paved the way for reggae “rebel” Bob Marley and popularised reggae, ska and rocksteady music over a six decade career. Celebrating his life, legacy and humanity, Sharon Gaffney is pleased to join Jem Aswad, Executive Music Editor for Variety.

The Israeli military said Wednesday it had launched a broad operation in northern parts of the occupied West Bank, where deadly violence has soared since the start of the war in Gaza. The army said the operation was separate from the “Iron Wall” operation launched earlier this year that has displaced tens of thousands of residents in the Palestinian territory.

The Digital Era has devolved into a veritable Information Crisis. As we become overwhelmed by misinformation and facts void of any context or perspective, fear, anger and nativism rise to the surface. For in-depth analysis and a deeper perspective of a world marked by conflict and angry populism, Eve Irvine is pleased to welcome Naomi Alderman, award-winning author, radio producer, Professor of Creative Writing at Bath Spa University and Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. Her new book: “Don’t Burn Anyone at the Stake Today (and Other Lessons from History About Living Through an Information Crisis)” offers much-needed historical…

Olympique de Marseille beat Newcastle 2-1 thanks to a brace from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Marseille are 19th in the table and still in contention for a playoff spot.