All Europe
- First LookWhy Russian police are waiting for word from Belarus' Lukashenko
Russia's President Putin said he is prepared to offer police support to Belarus' embattled President Lukashenko. Protests in Belarus entered day 19 on Thursday after a two-week reprieve from the brutal crackdown that defined the early days of opposition.
- First LookScottish independence: Real possibility or pandemic pipe dream?
Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon has won respect for her handling of the pandemic, in contrast with U.K. leader Boris Johnson, leading to a resurgence of pro-independence sentiment in Scotland. If Ms. Sturgeon's party wins a majority in May, she would likely push for a referendum.
- First LookKremlin denies involvement in poisoning of Alexei Navalny
Russia has denied any involvement in the poisoning of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, now hospitalized in Berlin. European leaders call for a full investigation. German doctors found indications of a substance used in pesticides and Soviet-era nerve agents.
- First LookBelarus protests continue. Why this isn't like Ukraine 2014
Once more, about 200,000 people rallied against President Alexander Lukashenko Sunday in Minsk. The size and duration of the protests are unprecedented.
- First LookThis social media app is driving the Belarus protests
The popular Telegram app has become an essential tool for coordinating mass protests against the country's authoritarian leader. One protestor, who follows a Telegram channel for rally logistics, political news, and words of encouragement, called the moment "a Telegram revolution.”
- First Look‘People need to get the truth’: Reporters join strike in Belarus
Amid growing protests, hundreds of television reporters have joined other Belarusian workers calling for a new election. The walk-out is a new blow to President Lukashenko, who has long relied on state-controlled media to shape public opinion.
- First LookPoisoned? Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny hospitalized
Ahead of a high stakes election, the most prominent member of Russia's opposition has fallen into a coma. Alexei Navalny's supporters were quick to suggest Kremlin involvement, citing past poisonings of Russian activists.
- Belarus is on the brink of a major change. What role will Russia play?
Belarus looks set to topple longtime President Alexander Lukashenko, and Russia shows little inclination to stop it. But what comes next?
- ‘France's dirtiest city’ sets its sights on ending cigarette waste
The pandemic lockdown has spurred greater sensitivity to environmental impact in France – and in Marseille, that means cleaning up cigarette butts.
- First LookWhy this Black Italian designer is abstaining from fashion week
Stella Jean, a Haitian-Italian designer and the only Black member of Italy's influential fashion council, is pushing for industry reform under the slogan: Do Black Lives Matter in Italy?
- First LookLukashenko 'show of strength' pales next to Belarus protesters
President Alexander Lukashenko held a rally Sunday rejecting calls to rerun the vote that gave him a sixth term. But 200,000 anti-government protesters turned out in Minsk.
- ‘I have a right to be here’: German Muslims push back against Islamophobia
Five million Muslims are increasingly part of the fabric of German society, but anti-Muslim incidents are on the rise too.
- First LookWhy France is sailing into a Greece-Turkey territorial dispute
France beefed up its military presence in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, where tensions are growing between France's close ally, Greece, and Turkey. Both countries claim oil and gas rights in the area.
- First LookLukashenko opponent left Belarus under duress, say aides
Hours after refusing to concede without an election recount, former teacher Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has left Belarus and called for an end to anti-government protests. The U.S. and E.U. have condemned the police violence against protestors, saying the election was not "free and fair."
- First LookWhy scientists are questioning Russia’s new COVID vaccine
Russia is the first country to declare a coronavirus vaccine ready for use. But scientists worry that Moscow circumvented Phase 3 trials, which typically involve thousands of people and last for months.
- First LookDiscontent spills into streets after Belarus election
Early results show a landslide win for President Alexander Lukashenko. But opposition parties say the vote was rigged, and protests erupted.
- The ultimate high ground: Russia and US try to set rules for space weapons
Russia, the U.S., and other space-going nations are trying to establish a military presence in space around Earth – and defend themselves from rivals.
- First LookWhy tens of thousands of Russians are protesting in the streets
Some 4,000 miles from Moscow, protesters in Khabarovsk see the charges against their governor as political and demand that he stand trial at home.
- With Siberia in flames, climate change hits home for Russia
Siberia is experiencing a sweltering heat wave that has unleashed devastating fires in the Russian tundra. Scientists say climate change is the cause.
- Europe’s tourism test: How do you bring in tourists and not an outbreak, too?
For European resort towns, reopening calls for balance: embracing tourists enough to make a living, but without setting off a COVID-19 outbreak.