All Europe
- First LookAs smoke clears, Paris reckons with charred Notre Dame
The Notre Dame cathedral in Paris lost its spire and roof to a fire on Monday, but firefighters were able to put out the blaze after 12 hours, sparing the iconic twin bell towers and other treasures within the nearly 900-year-old structure.
- Militaristic and anti-democratic, Ukraine's far-right bides its time
Ukraine’s right-wing groups like Right Sector and the National Corps pose a danger to the country’s still unstable democracy.
- It’s a deal: Spanish fixer-uppers for tenants willing to work
A nonprofit in Spain matches owners willing to discount the rent with tenants in need of affordable housing, who help with maintenance and repair.
- Why is Brexit so messy? The tension of party vs. country
As Brexit nears, Labour and the Tories are both finding party matters are derailing their focus on getting the U.K. out of the European Union.
- First LookTrump urges NATO allies to spend even more on defense
President Donald Trump has taken credit for increased spending by U.S. NATO allies. But spending by the 29 countries has actually been rising since 2014 – before he took office.
- ‘Groundhog Day,’ Brexit edition: Will Britain ever leave?
- First LookUkraine comedian leads presidential election, primed for runoff
Political newcomer Volodymyr Zelenskiy, known for his role in a TV sitcom, pulled ahead of 38 rivals in the presidential election's first round, according to early results. Sunday's voting seemed to reflect Ukrainians' desire for new blood in a political system mired in corruption.
- From living on the street, to getting paid to tell its tales
As Ireland copes with an increasing rate of homelessness, a tour company is employing those affected by it, creating jobs and giving visitors a unique view of Dublin.
- First LookUK Parliament rejects government's Brexit deal for third time
The EU said the latest rejection of the divorce terms made no-deal Brexit "a likely scenario," as Britain has two weeks left to scramble for a consensus. Lawmakers who favor a "soft Brexit" plan to hold votes Monday in an attempt to find a plan with majority support.
- In Ukraine’s presidential election, one big issue: corruption
Ukraine’s next president will face many issues, but perhaps the largest problem he or she will have to solve is the country’s endemic corruption.
- Ukraine votes: The incumbent, the populist, or the comedian?
Ukraine goes to the polls on Sunday to vote in the first round of its presidential election, but the field of 39 candidates remains wide open.
- Battle of Britain’s history: How the myth of WWII shaped Brexit
Brexit supporters use a lot of rhetoric that invokes World War II. But the “Blitz spirit” they cite offers a narrow view of history.
- First LookUK lawmakers wrest control of Brexit agenda from government
Tuesday's vote gives Parliament the ability to vote on alternatives to Prime Minister Theresa May's deal to leave the EU. It may help break the deadlock created by what a Conservative legislator has called "the Death Star of politics."
- First LookStruggling to advance, Ukrainian workers leave for Poland
Years of corruption and war have driven millions of Ukrainians out of their country in search of better opportunities. Many are heading to nearby Poland for its booming job market and stable government, filling a worker void created by Poles who left for Western Europe.
- Christchurch brings global white supremacist threat into sharp relief
White supremacist terrorism is on the rise around the world. The attack in Christchurch, New Zealand, has brought new awareness of the long-underestimated threat.
- First LookChina's 'Belt and Road' initiative arrives in Europe through Italy
President Xi Jinping is visiting Italy with the intent of having the country sign onto China's initiative to improve infrastructure and better its connections with the rest of the world. Italy's U.S. and European allies worry this is another sign of China's growing reach and influence.
- Le mot juste: To make women feel welcome at work, France tries ... semantics
How important is it that a job title reflect your gender? In France, an official change to add feminine titles has people debating whether the change increases equality or lessens it.
- ‘Fake news’ in Russia: State censorship elicits an outcry
‘Fake news’ in Russia: Protests against new state censorship moves, signed by Putin, invoke universal principles.
- For Italy’s homeless, salvation in selling newspapers
A recession and punitive populist policies are exacerbating homelessness in Italy. One publication is offering purpose and income by putting homeless people to work as newspaper vendors.
- First LookEU to May: no extension without an approved deal
Brexit looms, but a deal remains elusive. Prime Minister Theresa May appealed to the EU to extend the March 29 deadline to June 30. Critics say a delay of just a few months could leave the country once again facing a chaotic "no-deal" Brexit.