2024-12-18

Culture news

Disney princesses: The hidden health risks behind a happily ever after

Trauma, rabies and alopecia – Disney princesses also get sick, and behind happy endings hides serious health problems. Putting aside the impact of unrealistic ideals on young viewers’ self-esteem, researches from the Netherlands have authored a satirical but scientifically-grounded study...

18/12/2024

Partner content

Discover why Valencia is the Mediterranean’s green Jewel in 2025

Partner content presented by Visit Valencia

Discover Valencia in 2025, Europe’s Green Capital, blending history, innovation, and Mediterranean charm. Explore top attractions, sustainable living and find best reasons to visit! Seeing you in Valencia fills our hearts!

18/12/2024

Europe News

Two anti-establishment Spanish MEPs join right-wing ECR group

Diego Solier and Nora Junco were given the green light to join the fourth largest group in the European Parliament - but not the leader of the SALF party they belong to, Luis "Alvise" Pérez.

18/12/2024

Healthcare

Where do you have the best chance of surviving cancer in Europe?

Cancer survival estimates in Europe highlight notable geographical and economic disparities. Several factors are driving gaps between countries.

18/12/2024

Healthcare

Patients tired of waiting for human transplants line up for pig organs

None of the first four organ recipients survived more than two months, but researchers believe gene-edited pig organs could help address the US's shortage.

18/12/2024

Democratic Republic Of Congo

At least 25 people dead after boat capsizes in DR Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s reliance on river transport has grown as security issues and poor infrastructure make road travel increasingly unsafe.

18/12/2024

Culture news

Disney cuts transgender storyline from upcoming Pixar show

Continuing a trend of Disney censoring LGBTQ+ content from its productions, the US studio has confirmed a transgender character has been removed from its upcoming show 'Win or Lose'.

18/12/2024

Food and Drink

Beer for the masses? North Korean beer bar opens in Pyongyang

North Korea is advertising a brand new Western-style beer bar in its capital, but it will likely only be accessible to the city's elite and international tourists.

18/12/2024

Tech News

The underground detector in China hoping to solve mystery of universe

Scientists believe neutrinos, or "ghost particles" as they've been called, could have helped write the earliest rules of matter.

18/12/2024

Europe News

DR Congo files criminal complaint against Apple over conflict minerals

The tech giant says it "strongly disputes" the allegations after the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) filed criminal complaints in France and Belgium.

18/12/2024

Europe News

At least 100 Pyongyang troops killed fighting Ukraine, says South Kore

Pyongyang’s forces are helping Vladimir Putin’s army in Russia’s Kursk region, where Ukraine launched a surprise offensive in August.

18/12/2024

Europe News

Nigel Farage in talks with Elon Musk over Reform UK donation

The tech billionaire met the far-right party leader at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort on Monday, as his campaign against the UK's ruling party becomes increasingly personal.

18/12/2024

Top News Stories Today

Latest news bulletin | December 18th – Midday

Catch up with the most important stories from around Europe and beyond - latest news, breaking news, World, Business, Entertainment, Politics, Culture, Travel.

18/12/2024

Iran

Iran pauses implementation of stricter hijab law for women

The bill’s delay follows defiance of existing hijab rules by Iranian women inspired by mass protests sparked by the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini.

18/12/2024

Business

Unicredit ups stake in Commerzbank as it looks to ECB for next move

Previously, the ECB has indicated its support for UniCredit's potential full takeover of Commerzbank, as the European Central Bank looks to enhance the competitiveness of the European banking system on a global scale.

18/12/2024

Cinema

European films are frontrunners for Best International Film Oscar

The Academy has revealed its shortlist for the Best International Feature Film category and the frontrunners represent the very best of European cinema.

18/12/2024

No Comment

In Brazil, Santa arrives by jet ski

On Tuesday, Santa arrived at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on a jet ski.

18/12/2024

My Wildest Prediction

A world without passports, with entrepreneur Karoli Hindriks

According to Karoli Hindriks by 2035 passports will be obsolete. Why? Are there any alternatives to them? Hindkiks joins My Wildest Prediction to share her views on mobility, the job market and digitalisation.

18/12/2024

Health news

'The mystery has finally been solved': Unknown DRC disease identified

While local health officials said severe malaria is the culprit, the WHO said testing is still ongoing to confirm the cause of the outbreak.

18/12/2024

Europe News

How Erdoğan's Turkey became the key player in Syria?

Brussels wants to use Ankara's influence to guarantee unity in Syria, as well as to avoid a new confrontation in the northern part of the country.

18/12/2024

Italy

Italian caver Ottavia Piana rescued after 75 hours trapped underground

The 32-year-old caver suffered various injuries after falling while exploring an uncharted area of the Bueno Fonteno cave near Bergamo on Saturday.

18/12/2024

Business

Stellantis to invest nearly €2 billion in Italian production next year

Carmaker Stellantis will invest nearly €2 billion in Italian production next year and spend another €6 billion in the supply chain, the head of European operations told a government panel on Tuesday.

18/12/2024

Economy

US Federal Reserve set to announce quarter-point cut to its key rate

Federal Reserve officials on Wednesday will likely signal a slower pace of interest rate cuts next year compared with the past few months, which would mean that Americans might enjoy only slight relief from still-high borrowing costs for mortgages, auto loans and credit cards.

18/12/2024

Business

Nissan's shares soar on news of potential tie-up with Honda

Japanese car makers Nissan and Honda have confirmed they are in discussion about closer collaboration but denied reports they are to merge.

18/12/2024

Economy

UK inflation rises further above BoE's target in November

The biggest increase since March and the second rise in two months is likely to cement market expectations that the Bank of England will keep its main interest rate unchanged after its policy meeting on Thursday.

18/12/2024

Culture news

Pharrell Williams is named a UNESCO goodwill ambassador

The role of goodwill ambassador for the Paris-based UN cultural agency involves promoting its initiatives that include protecting Indigenous cultures and advancing education.

18/12/2024

Radio Schuman

EU should revise sanctions to ease aid in Syria - Human Rights Watch

Human Rights Watch urged the EU to review its sanctions on Syria, arguing they hinder humanitarian efforts and worsen economic hardship for Syrians.

18/12/2024

Europe News

Suspect detained in Moscow over killing of top Russian general

Russia's security service says it detained a 29-year-old man from Uzbekistan over the assassination of General Igor Kirillov.

18/12/2024

Markets

Shares in French banks fall after Moody’s ratings downgrade

French banking stocks fell after Moody’s downgrade on seven banks’ ratings amid the ongoing political turmoil. Both French government bonds and its stock markets experienced selloffs due to souring investment sentiment.

18/12/2024

Culture news

Rogues and Scholars: The two faces of the modern-day antique dealer

Art historian James Stourton worked his way up from humble beginnings as a porter to become the head of Sotheby's UK. His new book takes a look at a period when some of the greatest dealing was done.

18/12/2024