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Schools and non-essential government services were closed until further notice

Barnier's resignation caps weeks of tensions over the budget, which Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally said was too harsh on working people

Move by Yoon’s People Power Party could lead to defeat of Saturday’s impeachment vote; national police open investigation of Yoon and three others over possible treason

The statement followed news that a veteran human rights advocate, Rufat Safarov, had been placed in pre-trial detention for four months following his arrest on Monday

Myanmar has been in crisis since a 2021 military coup

He wants city to ‘catch up’ with other tourism destinations

It joins list of the ‘intangible cultural heritage of humanity’

Experts doubt China's pressure tactics will bring lasting peace to Myanmar amid escalating conflict and regional challenges hindering Beijing's efforts

Yoon Suk Yeol, the president of South Korea, faces impeachment after declaring martial law on Tuesday in an effort quell political opposition. Ukrainian diplomats are traveling the globe, trying to secure support before president-elect Donald Trump takes office. Namibia has elected its first woman president, and in the U.S., President Joe Biden faces political fallout for pardoning his son.

California took the initial steps this week in protecting the state's progressive policies against anticipated federal challenges from the incoming Trump administration. VOA's Matt Dibble has the story from the state capital in Sacramento. Camera: Matt Dibble

Judges will attempt to clarify legal obligation of states to stop climate change and pay for damage

A landmark climate change case opened at the U.N.’s International Court of Justice this week aimed at clarifying the legal obligations of states to prevent climate change and to pay for any damage it causes. Several small island nations argue their very survival is at stake. Henry Ridgwell reports.

Every democratically elected Taiwan president has transited the United States

Residents and authorities in Mosul, Iraq, are concerned that a recent offensive by rebel groups in northwestern Syria could reignite fighting in Northwestern Iraq, an area controlled by Islamic State militants from 2014 to 2017. VOA’s Kawa Omar reports from Mosul. Bezhan Hamdard narrates the story.

Many Israelis will remember 2024 as the year that more than 100 Israeli hostages spent in captivity after being kidnapped by Hamas last year. Until the hostages are free, some analysts say Israel remains trapped in the trauma of October 7. Linda Gradstein reports from Jerusalem. Camera: Ricki Rosen.

'Information can be like a lifeline,' they say

There is growing concern about the size and scope of the reported Chinese hacking into US telecommunications networks