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Kirstie Alley, 'Cheers' and 'Veronica's Closet' star, dead at 71
Actress Kirstie Alley has died after a brief battle with cancer, her children announced on social media.
John Travolta and Kirstie Alley: A love story
Kirstie Alley and John Travolta were never romantically involved, but that wasn't how she initially wanted it.
The end of an era is fast approaching at Comedy Central's "The Daily Show," and the network has announced at least the first phase of plans for what's to come next.
Ashton Kutcher and twin Michael talk health, guilt and rift between them
In a rare interview, twin brothers Ashton and Michael Kutcher talked about both their bond and their rift.
Bong Joon Ho's 'Mickey 17' gets trailer and release date
A first look at "Parasite" director Bong Joon Ho's new movie is here.
K-pop band Blackpink selected as Time Entertainer of the Year 2022
Global pop sensation Blackpink have been chosen as Time magazine's 2022 Entertainer of the Year, making the four-woman band the second K-pop artists to earn the title, after BTS in 2020.
Gabourey Sidibe reveals she's been secretly married for over a year
It turns out that Gabourey Sidibe has been even busier than previously thought since the beginning of the pandemic.
'Harry & Meghan' series gets release date and new trailer
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have an early Christmas gift for their supporters.
Jill Scott announces 'Who is Jill Scott? Words & Sounds Vol. 1' 23rd anniversary tour
After a 20th-anniversary tour of Jill Scott's chart-topping album, "Who Is Jill Scott?: Words and Sounds Vol I" was forced to end prematurely due to the pandemic, it will resume.
Adam Sandler still gets emotional singing sweet Chris Farley song
Adam Sandler will always Chris Farley.
Neil Diamond sang "Sweet Caroline" at the Broadway opening of his musical" A Beautiful Noise," five years after retiring due to his Parkinson's diagnosis.
George Clooney has a simple strategy for being a star in the age of social media
George Clooney has a surefire way for staying out of trouble as a public figure in the age of social media: stay off of it.
Ben Affleck says Netflix's 'assembly line' approach to making quality films is 'an impossible job'
Ben Affleck is sounding off on how movies are being made in today's age of Netflix and other streaming platforms, which offer an ever-expanding glut of content.
Keke Palmer reveals baby bump as part of her 'Saturday Night Live' opening monologue
Some people like singing their good news from the rooftops, but in Keke Palmer's case, it was done on live television in front of millions of viewers.
Christine McVie's music: 5 songs to listen to in her honor
There's a reason why Christine McVie was considered the heart of Fleetwood Mac.
Axl Rose will stop tossing mic after a fan was reportedly injured
Axl Rose is ending a 30-year Guns N' Roses tradition.
Harrison Ford cracks the whip in teaser trailer for 'Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny'
It's a name so iconic, he comes with his own theme song, and boy, is it a sweet sound.
'Willow' revives the Lucasfilm fantasy with a more contemporary streaming adventure
Disney's press materials refer to the original 1988 movie "Willow" as "beloved," which despite its admirers feels like nostalgic inflation of a pretty generic George Lucas-plotted fantasy that provided an early directing showcase for Ron Howard. Setting that aside, a Disney+ revival series isn't without its charms, in a more contemporary narrative that brings back Warwick Davis while focusing on the next generation.
'Love Actually' director feels 'a bit stupid' about movie's lack of diversity
Every year, as the days grow colder and Christmas draws nearer, "Love Actually" quickly becomes a festive favorite on people's television screens.
Joe Pesci says playing Harry in the 'Home Alone' films came with some 'serious' pain
They say artists have to be willing to do anything for their art, and for Joe Pesci, that includes setting his head on fire.
Inside Christine McVie's and Stevie Nicks' decades-long friendship
Throughout the various personal turmoils for which the members of Fleetwood Mac are known, one relationship buoyed the band for decades: the friendship between its two frontwomen, Christine McVie and Stevie Nicks.
Will Smith, opening up about Oscars slap, tells Trevor Noah 'hurt people hurt people'
Will Smith opened up to Trevor Noah about the now-famous slap at the Oscars in March during an appearance that aired Monday night on "The Daily Show."
'Super Mario Bros. Movie' trailer shows being a hero isn't all fun and games
Mario learns that being a hero is a tough gig in the new trailer for "Super Mario Bros. Movie."
'The Phantom of the Opera' extends Broadway run for eight weeks due to high demand
The music of the night will continue for eight weeks longer than expected.
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West reach divorce settlement
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West have come to a divorce agreement, a source with knowledge of the negotiations tells CNN.
Marsai Martin and Omari Harwick play to win in 'Fantasy Football'
The new film "Fantasy Football" capitalizes on some of its stars natural talent.
In 'Wednesday,' Jenna Ortega makes Netflix's Addams Family series look like a snap
Although the main character's name was inspired by the poetic line "Wednesday's child is full of woe," "Wednesday" is generally a delight, thanks almost entirely to Jenna Ortega. Having outgrown her Disney Channel days, Ortega makes the Addams Family's now-high-school-age daughter the coolest humorless goth sociopath you'll ever meet, in a Netflix series that's more kooky than spooky or ooky.
'Glass Onion' sharpens the 'Knives Out' formula in a polished Netflix sequel
Rising to the challenge of matching its successful predecessor, "Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery" maintains the razor-sharp formula, with a setup that feels even more conspicuously like an Agatha Christie homage before an extremely clever series of twists kick in. Writer-director Rian Johnson again assembles a solid cast behind Daniel Craig, but it's his use of language -- where nary a word is wasted -- that finally gives the sequel its edge.
'Love Actually' cast to reunite for 20th anniversary TV special
One of the most beloved modern Christmas classics is turning 20 next year, and to mark the occasion, cast members from the landmark 2003 romantic comedy "Love Actually" are reuniting for a TV special to air on ABC next week, the network announced Tuesday.
James Cameron almost didn't choose Leonardo DiCaprio or Kate Winslet to star in 'Titanic'
James Cameron is sharing some surprising details from the making of his blockbuster hit "Titanic," which celebrates 25 years of being released next month.
CNN.com - Technology
How to outsmart fake news in your Facebook feed
Fake news is actually really easy to spot -- if you know how. Consider this your New Media Literacy Guide.
Revealed: Winners of the 'Oscars of watches'
It's the prize giving ceremony that everyone's on time for.
Driverless 'Roborace' car makes street track debut
It is a car kitted out with technology its developers boldly predict will transform our cities and change the way we live.
Flying a sports car with wings
Piloting one of the breed of light aircraft is said to be as easy as driving a car
Brightest supermoon since 1948
See photos of November's supermoon -- the brightest in nearly 70 years.
This NASA astronaut voted from space
From infinity and beyond, he found a way to vote.
Teen girls prepare for space launch
Teenage girls have designed Africa's first private satellite due to launch into space in 2017. It's hoped it can monitor and find answers to South Africa's drought crisis.
Going to space is a real pain in the back
A six-month stay on the International Space Station can be a pain in the back for astronauts. While they may gain up to 2 inches in height temporarily, that effect is accompanied by a weakening of the muscles supporting the spine, according to a new study.
Russian gamers race to prevent nuclear 'war'
"Attention! Attention!" blares the Russian voice from a loudspeaker. "The nuclear bombs will be launched in one hour."
What parents should know about the VR gear kids want
Thinking about treating your family to a little virtual reality this holiday? Have no idea where to start? Don't worry. From Google's inexpensive Cardboard VR viewer to Sony's new PlayStation VR, this guide will help you figure out what makes sense for your family's interests, needs and budget.
Japan's boom in weird wearable tech
What do Discman, Tamagotchi, and Game Boy have in common?
Cell phones, screens are keeping your kid awake
These days, teachers often face classrooms filled with yawning students who stayed up late snapping selfies or playing online games.
World News - Breaking international news and headlines | Sky News
As the line of mourners moves slowly along behind him, Ciriaco Sarnelli peers at me from beneath the immaculate brim of his cap.
Donald Trump has said Russia and Ukraine are "very close to a deal" with "most of the major points agreed" - as he called for the two sides to meet.
Kremlin blames Ukraine for car bomb killing of Russian general - as Trump envoy meets Putin
The Kremlin has blamed Ukraine for a car bomb that killed a Russian general near Moscow hours before Donald Trump's envoy was due to meet Vladimir Putin in the capital.
Kashmir 'terror attack': What happened and how have India and Pakistan reacted?
Tensions between India and Pakistan have ramped up following a militant gun attack in the disputed area of Kashmir.
Pakistan warns Kashmir row could lead to 'all-out war' with India
Pakistan's defence minister has told Sky News that a row over a mass shooting in Kashmir could lead to an "all-out war" between his country and India.
UN food stocks in Gaza have run out under Israel's blockade, agency says
The UN food agency has warned its food stocks in Gaza have run out under Israel's blockade.
Luigi Mangione pleads not guilty to murder of healthcare boss
Luigi Mangione has pleaded not guilty to murdering a US healthcare chief executive - as prosecutors formally confirmed they plan to seek the death penalty for him.
'A disgrace': Protesters condemned as ceremonies marking Anzac Day held around the world
Protesters who disrupted Anzac Day commemorations in Australia have been branded "a disgrace", as ceremonies take place across the world.
Warhol artwork 'most likely' thrown away by Dutch town hall
A Dutch town hall has admitted it "most likely" threw away dozens of pieces of art, including a print by Andy Warhol.
In October 2016, Kim Kardashian was robbed at gunpoint - with jewellery worth millions of dollars stolen during the audacious heist in Paris.
Balkan Insight
ARTE Europe Weekly: Europe and the Global Rush for Rare Earths
Europe is almost entirely reliant on China for important raw materials. Now it has a plan to become more independent.
Week in Review: Faith and Idealism
Our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week includes bicycling protesters, dubious election candidates and a religious conundrum.
Message to Europe: Serbian Student Protesters Begin Ultramarathon to Brussels
Students will run all the way from Belgrade to Brussels over 18 days, planning to address the European Parliament about the massive anti-corruption protests shaking Serbia.
North Macedonia’s Anti-Corruption Chief Suspected of Sharing Official Secrets
Prosecutors have seized the passport of the head of the country's Anti-Corruption Commission, Tatjana Dimitrovska – who is suspected of tipping off defendants in a major corruption case.
Montenegro Parliament Speaker Urged to Quit Over Nephew’s Gunfire Incident
Opposition calls for Andrija Mandic to step down after his nephew was arrested on suspicion of shooting at two people and wounding them in the capital while using an official parliamentary car.
Democracy Digest: Hungary’s Govt Launches Anti-Ukraine Blitz Amid ‘National Consultation’
Elsewhere, Slovak Academy of Sciences tasked with looking into safety of COVID mRNA vaccines; four Czech soldiers indicted over death of Afghan prisoner; and Polish foreign minister slams Russia for its ill-conceived war.
Digital Divide: The Albanians Left Behind by Move to Online Public Services
Albania has moved almost all of its public administration online, yet the elderly, those with disabilities, and others who lack the necessary digital skills risk being locked out if authorities do not step up support.
Kosovo’s Parliamentary Deadlock Raises Prospect of New Elections
After the new parliament met four times – and still failed to elect a speaker – experts predict either the formation of a weak government, or snap elections.
Two Weeks in Central Europe | 24 April 2025
The TWiCE team discusses with Alexander Faludy, a freelance journalist based in Budapest specialising in politics and religious affairs, the chances of Hungary’s primate, Cardinal Peter Erdo, succeeding Francis as the next pope.
Bosnia’s International Envoy Cuts Off Public Funding to Dodik’s Party
Bosnia's High Representative on Thursday suspended public funding for the Bosnian Serb leader's party, citing its attacks on Bosnia's 'constitutional order' - as the political crsisis in the divided country continues to escalate.
Bosnian Serb Leader Ups Secession Threat After Standoff Over Arrest Warrant
Milorad Dodik throws down a gauntlet, threatening secession, after Serb entity police prevent Bosnian authorities from delivering him an arrest warrant.
Challenging Justice: Albanian Parties Field Candidates Facing Corruption Charges
Promises to clean up politics - and not run candidates with suspected or proven crime links - seem to have been dumped by both main parties contesting next month’s parliamentary election.
North Macedonia Cybersecurity Official Decries ‘Alarming’ Public Ignorance
Cyber scams are on the rise, but members of the public are not doing enough to protect themselves and everyone else, CIRT boss Sevdali Selmani tells BIRN.
Labourers and Couriers: Uzbeks in the Balkans at Risk of Exploitation
In search of better-paid employment, a growing number of workers from Uzbekistan in Central Asia are arriving in Serbia and other Balkan states. Many are vulnerable to exploitation.
Serbian Patriarch Criticised for Denouncing Student Protests on Moscow Visit
A theologian has lambasted Serbia's Church leader over his hostile remarks to President Putin about the ongoing protests in Serbia – which he likened to a Western-backed 'colour revolution'.
Kosovo Court Detains Former Prison Guards Suspected of War Crimes
Court orders 30 days of detention for three ex-prison guards, including one woman, who are suspected of torturing and beating Kosovo Albanian prisoners during the 1998-1999 war.
Montenegro Investment Deal With UAE Raises Fears for ‘Untouched’ Beach
Concerns over deal with the Gulf state centre on plans to develop Ulcinj’s 12-kilometre-long Velika Plaza – which locals and NGOs call a natural ‘pearl’.
Orban’s Attack on Dual Nationals Is a Sign of Desperation
The Hungarian government’s recent constitutional amendment is meant to intimidate citizens with overseas links. In reality, it shows how scared Fidesz is of losing next year’s general election.
Balkan Taksim: Romanian Duo Defending Folk Sounds Against Right-Wing Hijackers
Romanian band Balkan Taksim have spent years exploring the folk music of rural villages and updating it for the electronic generation. Now they’re dismayed to see right-wing politicians seeking to exploit it for electoral gain.
Pope Francis’s Message Found Little Echo in Croatia’s Conservative Church
In Croatia, Catholic bishops struggled with many of the late Pope’s ideas, especially on migration, the country’s controversial World War II history, and the alleged miraculous visions at Medjugorje, experts say.
Croatia Marks 80th Anniversary of WWII Jasenovac Camp Breakout
A solemn ceremony honoured the victims of the concentration camp, run by the fascist Ustasa regime in Croatia during World War II, which claimed the lives of more than 83,000 people.
North Macedonia Falling Short on Support for Schoolchildren with Special Needs
In North Macedonia, every schoolchild with a disability or special educational needs should have a dedicated teaching assistant. In reality, low pay, short-term contracts and poor working conditions mean some have to go without.
Romania’s Next President Must Rethink Reliance on the US and EU
As Romania prepares to elect a new president, with Washington and Brussels in flux, it’s time for Bucharest to diversify its security partners – and become a little more pragmatic.
Davide Martello: Travelling Protest Pianist Expelled from Serbia
As Klavierkunst, Davide Martello has become a hit among protesters the world over for playing his homemade piano at pro-democracy demonstrations. Thrown out of Serbia in April, he says there’s something “unique” about the country’s student-led protests.
Balkan Leaders Express Sorrow After Death of Pope Francis
Balkan leaders and Catholic believers across the region voiced their condolences after the death of Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88 on Easter Monday after a period of ill-health.
Bears Stray into Political Territory in Romania and Slovakia
Slovakia is looking to copy the Romanian example and cull several hundred bears. While such populist measures prevail in Slovakia, Romania is also showing less-bloody ways forward.
Rare Joint Easter Prompts Divided Churches to Mull Common Date
As Catholic and Orthodox Churches this year are unusually celebrating Easter on the same day, calls are growing for a permanent agreement on a shared date for the religious holiday.
ARTE Europe Weekly: Why has Hungary Banned Pride?
Hungary’s government is moving to roll back LGBTQ+ rights with elections just around the corner.
Albanians Remember ‘Extraordinary Woman’ Who Endured Torture for Her Faith
A Catholic nun who was persecuted as an enemy of the Communist regime in her short lifetime, Marie Tuci is today widely honoured in Albania as both a saint and a symbol of courage.
Democracy Digest: Hungary and EU on Collision Course After Latest Visit
Elsewhere, Slovak lawmakers pass ‘Russia-style’ bill regulating NGOs; Polish PM declares end of globalisation and calls for ‘re-polonization’ of economy; and immigration at top of the agenda less than half a year out from Czech general election.
How Bijeljina Became a ‘Blueprint for Genocide’ in Bosnia
The brutal ethnic cleansing of a Muslim-majority town in northeast Bosnia in the spring of 1992 set a pattern that Bosnian Serb forces would repeat across the country to devastating effect.
Three Serbs Go on Trial for 2023 Armed Attack in Banjska, Kosovo
As the trial started for the September 2023 attack on the Kosovo village of Banjska, in which a police officer was killed, the prosecution said it would prove the assault was well planned by a trained group of armed Serbs.
Kosovo’s New Parliament Blocked by Logjam Over MPs’ Verification
Parliament's inauguration was blocked again on Thursday after parties failed to agree to verify the mandates of new MPs – delaying the formation of important institutions stemming from the February 9 elections.
Romania’s Takedown of Online ‘Political Adverts’ Before Election Draws Backlash
A new ordinance allowing the removal of social media posts classified as unauthorised political advertising during the presidential campaign has drawn criticism as a ‘danger to democracy’.
Poland’s Presidential Election Campaign: A Battle on the Hard Right’s Turf
Rafal Trzaskowski, the candidate for the PM’s liberal-democratic coalition, has chosen to fight his two nearest challengers on the right over immigration and security, leaving the campaign largely devoid of any fresh ideas.
Digital Rights Review: Screens Reflect Streets Amid Turmoil in Europe’s Southeast
Protests across Southeast Europe have been countered with the use of surveillance, spyware, online smear campaigns and censorship as state power was deployed to curb privacy and freedom of expression, BIRN’s digital rights monitors observed.
‘Trapped in Horror’: Kosovo Atrocity Survivor Escaped, But Lost Her Family
When her mother and five siblings were killed in the 1999 Poklek massacre in Kosovo, 13-year-old Elhame Muqolli escaped through a window and later rebuilt her life in the United States. But she can never forget.
Serbian Students Bring Protest Cause to Strasbourg After Bicycle Marathon
After an arduous 13-day bike ride from Serbia, about 80 student protesters met members of the European Parliament and Council of Europe in Strasbourg to tell them about their ongoing demonstrations for official accountability.
Borissov Predicts Rapid End to US Sanctions on Bulgarian Politicians
Former Prime Minister insists US will soon lift sanctions for corruption imposed on various Bulgarian politicians – as happened this week with Hungarian premier Viktor Orban’s top aide, Antal Rogan.
Kosovo Court Convicts Serb Former Prison Guard of War Crimes
A court in Pristina sentenced Dragisa Milenkovic to seven years in jail for torturing and mistreating prisoners during the Kosovo war.
Retelling Bosnia’s Brutal Ahmici Massacre Through a Child’s Eyes
On the anniversary of the 1993 Ahmici massacre in central Bosnia, former Hague Tribunal investigator Thomas Obruca tells BIRN that he hopes his book – which centres on a 13-year-old survivor – tells a wider story.
Timeline: Fatal Tragedies in North Macedonia Leave Trail of Impunity
The March 16 Kocani nightclub fire that claimed 61 lives delivered a wakeup call about systemic corruption and impunity. One month after the blaze, BIRN looks at other disasters that preceded it – whose wakeup calls landed on deaf ears.
‘Border Memory’ Site Remembers Disappeared Asylum-Seekers in the Balkans
In the absence of any official mechanism, a new website seeks to collate reports on migrants and refugees who have gone missing or died on the Balkan Route, in the hope of shedding light on their fate and bringing closure to their families.
Adnan Merovci: Shadowing Kosovo’s First President Through Historic Times
Adnan Merovci, who escorted, chauffeured and guarded the Kosovo Albanian leader Ibrahim Rugova for years, recalls the troubles and triumphs they experienced together under Serbian rule and afterwards.
Billboards and Bullets: An Israeli Spin Doctor at the Service of Serbia
Israeli PR guru Srulik Einhorn worked to burnish the image of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and – BIRN/Haaretz can reveal – facilitate the flow of Serbian arms to Israel’s war in Gaza. Now wanted for questioning in Israel, he has set up shop in Belgrade.
Bulgaria Bulldozes Roma Enclave in Capital, Ignoring ECHR Ruling
Authorities started flattening illegally-built Roma homes in a Sofia neighbourhood despite a European Court of Human Rights ruling, which said demolition should not proceed until a legal challenge is resolved.
Orban-Netanyahu Alliance Divides Hungary’s Partners and Its Jewish Community
The reverberations from Netanyahu's visit to Hungary continue to be felt, with Orban's move to leave the ICC drawing criticism from across Europe. The country’s Jewish community has also been left divided on the ever-closer alliance between the two leaders.
Trump’s Shadow Looms Large over Romanian Election Rerun
After the disqualification of a far-right presidential candidate, Romania is walking a diplomatic tightrope as it tries to revive relations with Trump’s Washington while staying aligned with the EU and NATO.
Buying Time: Serbia Gets New Government Amid Ongoing Political Crisis
Serbia’s new cabinet is intended to convince the public that the Progressive Party and President Aleksandar Vucic are back in control after months of protests. It may also signal a shift towards more hardline tactics, says political expert Dusan Spasojevic.
Kosovo Male Wartime Rape Survivor Breaks Taboo With Public Testimony
Ramadan Nishori became the first man in Kosovo to publicly testify about surviving sexual abuse during the Kosovo war – as other survivors called for the deadline to apply for victim status to be scrapped.
Greek Action to Protect Shared Lake Leaves North Macedonia Unmoved
As Greece sends drones and patrols to stop illegal fishing in Lake Dojran, a unique wetland shared with North Macedonia, the local authorities in the neighbouring state seem less interested in taking action.
Serbia’s PM-Designate Fills New Cabinet With Old Faces
Djuro Macut's proposed new 30-member cabinet, due to be confirmed on Tuesday, is dominated by members of the previous government.
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: April 14, 2025
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region.
Serbia’s Student Plenums: A Blueprint for Renewing Democracy
Through plenums and public gatherings, people involved in Serbia’s protest movement are trying to reclaim public institutions from the ruling party’s capture and build genuine democracy.
Corn Feed: How Slovakia’s Government Utilises the Power of Conspiracies
If you want to find out how far the Slovak government of Robert Fico has fallen down the rabbit hole of disinformation and conspiracy theories, look no further than Peter Kotlar. However, the embrace of such figures carries its own set of risks.
BIRN Fact-Check: Is Albanian PM’s Promise of 2030 EU Accession Realistic?
Experts say the Albanian prime minister’s pledge to secure membership of the EU by 2030 is little more than a “fairytale” for the electorate ahead of elections in May.
Italy Sends More Migrants to Albania After Change of Plan
A new shipload of migrants from Italy arrived in Albania on Friday after the Rome government changed the rules on the use of its detention centre in the Balkan country after previous legal setbacks to the offshoring project.
Serbian Police Enter University Faculty, Detain Journalist, in Protest Clampdown
Serbian authorities stepped up pressure on supporters of the student-led protests, entering a university faculty to issue summonses and arresting a journalist – as President Vucic raged against unsupportive judges as 'paid thugs'.
Kosovo University Professor Charged With Sexual Harassment
Xhevat Krasniqi, a mathematics professor at the University of Pristina, has been charged with sexual harassment, a year after several students made allegations against him on a BIRN Kosovo television show.
Kosovo Regulator Allows Big Electricity Price Rise Despite Protests
Energy regulator greenlights a 16-per-cent average increase in electricity tariffs despite widespread discontent and demonstrations.
Serbian Court Rejects Indictment for Novi Sad Disaster
Higher Court fails to confirm prosecution indictment of former Transport Minister Goran Vesic and 12 others for the disaster that left 16 dead, saying 'further clarification' is needed to 'assess its merits'.
Week in Review: Lost in Uncertainty
From complex coalition negotiations and intractable political crises to urban sprawl, our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week suggests that countries in the region face challenges without clear-cut solutions.
Two Weeks in Central Europe | 11 April 2025
The TWiCE team discusses with Jules Eisenchteter, BIRN’s Prague correspondent, how the Czech authorities are considering whether to take measures against the local branch of Jehovah’s Witnesses, who in turn are warning of ‘religious persecution’.
ARTE Europe Weekly: Why Can’t the European Parliament Clamp Down on Fraud?
First there was Qatargate, now Huaweigate. Is the European Parliament susceptible to corruption?
The Drought-Stricken Romanian Villages Hung Out to Dry
In the arid north-east, the towns monopolise the running water while the villagers dig ever-deeper wells, in a race to the bottom that portends Europe’s hotter, drier future.
Democracy Digest: Hungary Official Suggests Foot and Mouth Virus Came from Lab
Elsewhere, X account of Czech PM hacked with faked posts about a Russian attack; US military withdraws troops from Polish city of Rzeszow, which acts as key hub for Ukraine aid; and Slovak PM admits holding talks with accused oligarch at Government Office.
BIRN Fact-Check: Might Bosnia’s Republika Srpska Get Trump to Lift Sanctions?
Bosnian Serb leaders have hired new US lobbyists, hoping they’ll have more luck with Trump than they did with Biden in getting sanctions overturned.
Croatia Calls on Serbia to Explain Expulsions of Three Citizens
Croatian Prime Minister accuses Belgrade of 'unacceptable behaviour' after it expelled three Croatian citizens in only a few days, reportedly for security reasons.
Greece Starts Trial of Company Executives Linked to Spyware Scandal
Trial opens in Athens of four defendants charged with breaching communications privacy laws in connection with companies that used illegal Predator spyware.
Croatia Arrests 45 in Raids Targeting Drug-Smuggling Gangs
Croatia's Interior Ministry said operations targeted several criminal networks that have been transporting drugs from Latin America to Europe for years.
Kosovo Consumers Still Awaiting Repayment for Giving Serb North Free Electricity
In 2018, a court ordered that electricity consumers in Kosovo be compensated for having to cover the bills of four Serb-majority municipalities where consumers hadn’t paid for power since the 1998-99 war. Seven years later, they are still waiting.
Will Bosnian War Victims’ Efforts Help Montenegro to Jail Criminals?
Dozens of people from Bosnia and Herzegovina have responded to a rare invitation from Podgorica to testify about crimes committed by suspects who have found refuge from prosecution in Montenegro. Will it lead to justice?
Albania’s ‘Elite Tourism’ Pits David Against Goliath in Fight for Water
In southwestern Albania, a government plan to harness a village’s natural springs for the needs of a luxury tourism development has locals up in arms.
European Lawmakers ‘Regret’ Serbian Govt’s Failure to Meet Protest Demands
The European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee took Belgrade to task for ignoring the demands of student protesters – which it said 'align to a great extent' with reforms that Serbia is expected to implement as it seeks to join the EU.
Strike Over Wages and Cost of Living Brings Greece to a Halt
Unions all over Greece joined street protests on Wednesday demanding collective agreements and higher wages – halting trains, boats and flights.
Romanian Reformist Party Snubs Own Candidate in Presidential Race
The centrist Save Romania Union has declined to endorse its own presidential candidate and has instead declared support for an independent seen as better positioned to prevent a far-right victory.
North Macedonia Plans Tariff Cut on US Goods to Win Trump Exemption
Finance Minister says North Macedonia may entirely scrap taxes on US imports, after the Trump administration last week slapped an unusually steep 33-per-cent tariff on goods from the Balkan country.
In North Macedonia Town, Urban Planning is Left to Investors’ Whims
In Tetovo, a four-storey building on paper can rise to eight storeys in reality, as investors literally change the shape of town planning.
Ivan Ramljak: Croatian Filmmaker Explores Peacemaker’s Death on Eve of War
In his new film, acclaimed Croatian director Ivan Ramljak explores the events that led to the murder of dogged peacemaker and police chief Josip Reihl-Kir in eastern Croatia just as Yugoslavia began to unravel in war.
Kosovo’s Data Privacy Crisis: Systematic Failure in the Digital Age
Kosovo has gone through rapid digitalisation, but its institutions, businesses, and public services remain vulnerable to data breaches. From government leaks to private sector hacks, sensitive citizen data is frequently exposed - often unpunished.
Doctor Who? Serbia’s New PM Unlikely to Make Big Impression
As President Vucic’s personal pick – after the previous premier resigned amid mass protests – Djuro Macut may struggle to convince the Serbian public that he can act independently.
Albanian TikTok Shutdown Tool Raises Privacy Concerns
Albania’s cyber security authority said it will use Deep Packet Inspection to enforce the government's TikTok ban – but experts say the use of the technology has no legal basis in Albania and could be used for censorship.
Bulgarian Plan to Teach Orthodox Christianity in Schools Branded ‘Retrograde’
Bulgaria’s government is working with the Orthodox Church on a plan to teach Orthodox Christianity in schools to make children "good people" - but critics say the education system has far more important problems to tackle.
No Plan: North Macedonia’s ‘Fight for Clean Air’ is More Like Capitulation
Air pollution has become a national emergency in North Macedonia, yet there is no state strategy in place to tackle it and the funds being spent pale in comparison with the scale of the problem.
Poisoned Chalice: Is Frontex Director’s Clean-Up Operation Doomed to Failure?
Dutch former gendarmerie commander Hans Leijtens took the reins of Frontex with a vow to renew the EU border agency’s commitment to the rights of migrants. With Europe’s leaders taking a hard line on migration, is he fighting a losing battle?
Greek Court Orders Probe Into Report on Train Crash Fireball
Supreme Court orders investigation into official report on the causes of the fireball that erupted after the Tempi train crash in 2023, after two foreign universities questioned how their findings had been used.
Arrested Albanian Mayor Accused of Running ‘Disturbing’ PR Campaign From Jail
Published wiretaps appear to show that Tirana mayor Erion Veliaj, who is facing corruption charges, has been running a publicity campaign using cronies in the mass media to target his perceived enemies in the justice system.
Romania Rowing Back on Women’s Right to Abortion: Report
A new Human Rights Watch report says women in Romania face growing obstacles to accessing their legal rights to terminations, contraception and sexual and reproductive health information.
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: April 7, 2025
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region.
Albania Failing to Eradicate Banned Pesticides from Agricultural Products
When it comes to banning pesticides, Albania takes its cue from the EU, yet substances deemed dangerous to human health are still being used years later.
BBC News
Trump deep sea mining order violates law, China says
The US president speeds up permits for a practice opposed by many countries and environmentalists.
Just Stop Oil was policed to extinction - now the movement has gone deeper underground
Climate activists may be going deeper underground.
China shares rare Moon rocks with US despite trade war
Two US institutions have been granted access to samples collected by the Chang'e-5 mission in 2020.
Miliband urges global cooperation amid energy 'challenges'
The UK Energy Secretary was speaking at the opening of a two day summit on energy security.
Fingerprints of city-sized icebergs found off UK coast
Deep tracks gouged in the seafloor off the coast of Scotland could help us understand Antarctica today.
Water firms admit sewage monitoring damaging public trust
The industry says powers to self-monitor water quality should be handed back to the regulator.
Bites on gladiator bones prove combat with lion
Experts say the discovery provides the first physical evidence of gladiatorial combat with animals.
Mission to boldly grow food in space labs blasts off
The mission will explore new ways of reducing the cost of feeding an astronaut.
Canada's top candidates talk up fossil fuels as climate slips down agenda
Amid tariff threats from the US, energy and economic security are key issues in Canada's federal election.
Could an almighty eruption destroy a dreamy Greek island?
Scientists are investigating for the first time how dangerous the island's next big one could be.
Project to suck carbon out of sea begins in UK
A pilot project will test whether it is a useful way of fighting climate change.
England water pollution at 10-year high, campaigners say
Campaigners release official data showing the most serious pollution incidents in England are double the target.
Colossal squid filmed in ocean for the first time
Stunned scientists say the extremely rare squid can weigh up to 500kg (1,100lb).
UK's rarest wildlife being 'pushed to extinction' by grass fires
Wildfires 'could spell the end' for rare species such as water voles and hen harriers.
Blue Origin crew safely back on Earth after all-female space flight
Six women - including pop star Katy Perry - blasted off into space as part of an all-women suborbital mission
Iraq sandstorm leaves many with breathing problems
The sandstorm blanketed southern regions in an eerie, orange haze and shut down airports.
Couple arrested for breeding exotic cats in Spain
The couple is suspected of selling exotic cats online, including protected species such as white tigers.
Starlings disappearing from gardens, says RSPB
The Big Garden Birdwatch survey recorded the lowest ever numbers of starlings this year.
Titanic scan reveals ground-breaking details of ship's final hours
The 3D replica corroborates eye witness accounts about what happened after the liner hit an iceberg.
Experts dispute claim dire wolf brought back from extinction
Independent experts say three white wolf puppies are not dire wolves, as claimed by US company Colossal
Record number of illegal sewage spills in Windermere last year
Campaigners identified 140 illegal spill days into the beauty spot in 2024
The Swedish city fined for missing an environmental target
Gothenburg has to pay a financial penalty if it misses certain annual sustainability goals.
Has Just Stop Oil really stopped throwing soup?
Just Stop Oil says it will disband but does this mark an end to the chaos caused by its climate protests?
Unique two-clawed dinosaur discovered
Duonychus is one of the few species of theropod dinosaur that evolved two-fingered hands.
Archaeologists find 'unprecedented' Iron Age hoard
Archaeologists say they have found more than 800 items dating back about 2,000 years.
Schools and hospitals get £180m solar investment
The government has announced the funding for 200 schools and hospitals apiece across the UK.
Dark Energy experiment challenges Einstein's theory of Universe
New research could force a fundamental rethink of the nature of space and time.
Scientists at Antarctic base rocked by alleged assault
A spokesperson for the South African government told the BBC there had been an assault at the station.
The truth about life on other planets - and what it means for humans
Could discoveries of alien life ever change the human psyche in how we view ourselves and each other?
Astronauts Butch and Suni finally back on Earth
Dolphins circled their capsule after it landed off the coast of Florida.
Why scientists are counting tiny marine creatures, from Space
Differences in seawater colour could reveal how tiny Antarctic creatures are faring in a warming world.
Asteroid contains building blocks of life, say scientists
Bennu contains minerals and thousands of organic molecules, including the chemical components that make up DNA.
SpaceX Starship test fails after Texas launch
Officials at Elon Musk's company said the upper stage was lost, minutes after it launched.
Rocket launch challenges Elon Musk's space dominance
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos's space company blasts its first rocket into orbit in a challenge to Elon Musk.
Future of space travel: Could robots really replace human astronauts?
Advances in technology raise questions about the need to send people to space - and the risks and cost
New study on moons of Uranus raises chance of life
The planet Uranus and its five biggest moons may not be the sterile worlds scientists have long thought.
Just Stop Oil was policed to extinction - now the movement has gone deeper underground
Climate activists may be going deeper underground.
Miliband urges global cooperation amid energy 'challenges'
The UK Energy Secretary was speaking at the opening of a two day summit on energy security.
Fingerprints of city-sized icebergs found off UK coast
Deep tracks gouged in the seafloor off the coast of Scotland could help us understand Antarctica today.
Canada's top candidates talk up fossil fuels as climate slips down agenda
Amid tariff threats from the US, energy and economic security are key issues in Canada's federal election.
What is Earth Day and what has it achieved?
The worldwide event aims to raise awareness about the need to protect the environment.
Australia opposition leader clarifies he believes in climate change after debate
Peter Dutton is facing outrage after comments he made on climate change during an election debate.
Global breakthrough to tackle shipping emissions
Countries break ten-year deadlock to agree measures to reduce commercial shipping emissions.
Mystery of medieval cemetery near airport runway deepens
Skeletons and artefacts unearthed from the site near Cardiff Airport are baffling archaeologists.
Titanic scan reveals ground-breaking details of ship's final hours
The 3D replica corroborates eye witness accounts about what happened after the liner hit an iceberg.
And did they have enough underwear?
Astronauts Butch and Suni begin journey home after nine months in space
The Nasa astronauts prepare to head to Earth after an eight-day mission turned into nine months.
The BBC's Science Editor visits the site of a major archaeological discovery in the city.
The truth about life on other planets - and what it means for humans
Could discoveries of alien life ever change the human psyche in how we view ourselves and each other?
The unexpected knock-on effect of Trump's minerals 'deal of the century'
The president once derided attempts to develop new green technology as a "green new scam" - but his deal could help boost the US's potential in the sector
Planes are having their GPS hacked. Could new clocks keep them safe?
How a new atomic clock might be the way to tackle attacks on plane GPS systems
Nasa needs saving from itself – but is this billionaire right for that job?
The success of SpaceX and other private-sector space firms is throwing up hard questions about America's "great national treasure".
Fatbergs turned into perfume - inside Britain's bizarre new industrial revolution
The UK led the way in this field of science until recently - but now other countries have overtaken. So, how can that lead be recovered?
Reaction to White House proposals to cut funding for Nasa and a future asteroid fly past
Translating noisy geese to time travel across the universe.
In the past few days, UK firefighters have been tackling wildfires across the UK.
A tidal lagoon should be created in the Severn Estuary according to a new report.