The World Health Organization has warned that more hantavirus cases could emerge after an outbreak linked to a cruise ship killed three passengers, though officials say the situation is likely to remain contained if health measures are followed.

Partial results from local elections held yesterday in England show big losses for the governing Labour Party and gains for the anti-immigration Reform UK, fuelling doubts over Prime Minister Keir Starmer's future just two years after he was elected in a landslide victory. 

Russia and Ukraine launched major attacks on each other Friday, with a two-day unilateral ceasefire that Moscow had declared around its World War II commemorations appearing to be in tatters.

France has repeatedly extended controls at its borders since 2015, with the latest prolongation now running until 31 October – as similar measures across Europe raise fresh questions about the future of passport-free travel in the European Union.

Iran is giving privileged internet access to a small group of approved users, while most of the population remains offline during a prolonged nationwide blackout. More than 60 days into one of the longest shutdowns in its history, authorities are moving from blanket censorship to a system that selects who can connect – raising concerns over inequality, economic damage and tighter control of dissent.

Interpol says nearly 270 people suspected of drug trafficking have been arrested and 66 criminal groups dismantled following a major international police operation spanning 90 countries.

Hundreds of former diplomats, ministers and senior officials have urged the European Union to take immediate action against Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, warning that a controversial new construction project could further undermine prospects for a future Palestinian state.

The European Union is to launch a €6 million programme to help Palestinians facing violence from Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, with support including attack monitoring, protective equipment and a presence on the ground.

As voters in Scotland and Wales elect their national parliaments and 5,000 seats are contested in local elections in parts of England, the pressure is on beleaguered Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with right-wing populists Reform and the Greens predicted to make gains.

Following a recent visit to Algeria, Patrick Martin – the head of France’s main employers’ union, Medef – spoke to RFI about economic diplomacy at a time of strained relations between Paris and Algiers, Chinese competition in Africa and what he called the “savagery” of the current tariff war. 

G7 trade ministers were holding a second day of talks in Paris on Wednesday as the global economy faced growing pressure from US tariff threats, war in the Middle East and concerns over dependence on Chinese raw materials.

As the European Union and Armenia laid the groundwork for deeper integration at a landmark summit in Yerevan, France's presence loomed large – diplomatically, economically and culturally.