World

BTS Begins 'Arirang' World Reunion Tour

South Korea's BTS K-pop supergroup launched its global concert tour on Thursday with the first of three concerts at Goyang Stadium near Seoul. The tour will take the band to 34 cities across the world, setting a new record for the most tour dates by a K-pop artist.

Four Die After Dinghy Capsizes in English Channel

Four people died off France's northern coast trying to cross the English Channel in a small boat early on Thursday morning. The dangerous boat crossings trying to reach the UK tend to reduce in frequency during the harshest winter months, when the seas are dangerously rough and cold.

Is the Dubai Dream Over? Separating Hype from Reality

A slew of recent headlines have proclaimed that the Iran war marks the end of the so-called "Dubai dream," where foreigners seek a tax-free, luxury lifestyle in the United Arab Emirates. "The unravelling of Dubai as a safe haven," US magazine the New Yorker wrote. "Could this be the end of Dubai?"

Germany Sees Bigger Gas Price Spike Than EU Neighbours

Skip next section 1st quarter insolvencies at highest in 20 years April 9, 2026 1st quarter insolvencies at highest in 20 years 'Everything must go' signs are being seen more often in Germany than in recent years [FILE: November 2025]Image: Ardan Fuessmann/IMAGO Insolvencies in Germany during the first quarter were at their highest in more

How football helped Orban hold political power

Amid the rhetoric and rabble rousing of JD Vance's promotional tour of Budapest in support of the "fantastic" Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, the significance of one of the venues may have been lost on many. The US vice president addressed a pre-election rally on Tuesday at the MTK Sportpark in Hungary's capital, Budapest.

Ceasefire Frays as Israel Pounds Lebanon, Iran Warns

Skip next section READ: Facts vs. influencers: Is the 'Dubai dream' really over? April 9, 2026 READ: Facts vs. influencers: Is the 'Dubai dream' really over? Despite the conflict in the Middle East, authorities and some residents in Dubai insist life is going on as normal in the eternally-sunny, low-tax emirate.

After the Ceasefire: Who Gained and Who Lost Influence

The announcement of a two‑week ceasefire between Iran, Israel and the United States has put the war on hold, after 40 days of intense attack and retaliation. As always, civilians have borne the brunt of the war. Thousands have been killed or injured, and many more displaced.

Lufthansa cabin crew to stage one-day strike Friday

Skip next section WATCH: Germany abandons rescue of stranded whale April 8, 2026 WATCH: Germany abandons rescue of stranded whale Three attempts have been made to free the humpback, nicknamed Timmy. But experts say the whale is now in critical condition, and that lifting it would be too stressful.

Telenor Sued Over Alleged Data Handovers to Myanmar Junta

Telenor is facing a class action lawsuit in Norway over the actions of its subsidiary in Myanmar. The case alleges that Telenor Myanmar passed phone data of more than 1,200 people to the country's military junta following the 2021 coup.

At least 20 killed in northwest Nigeria attacks

Armed men killed at least 20 people in Nigeria's northwestern Niger state, residents and humanitarian reports said, with several more abducted. The attack occurred in Niger's Shiroro district about 250 kilometers (155 miles) or a four-hour drive from the capital, Abuja. Kidnapping gangs and Islamist militants are active in the area.

Iran's March Execution Spike Targets Political Prisoners

The Iranian authorities launched a new wave of executions of people believed to be political prisoners in March, even as the US and Israel were conducting airstrikes against the Islamic Republic. The clerical regime has executed 14 individuals since the war started in late February.

Vance Praises Orban, Criticizes Zelensky and EU

US Vice President JD Vance welcomed the sudden temporary ceasefire in Iran but also turned his attention to the war in Ukraine and its impact on Budapest during the second day of his visit to Hungary on Wednesday.