European stock markets rose Thursday as traders digested a string of company earnings and a stronger-than-expected US jobs report, which boosted optimism about the health of the world's largest economy.
French luxury house Hermes reported Thursday an increase in 2025 sales even though it faced steep US tariffs and a weak dollar, which made its leather handbags and other goods more pricey for customers worldwide.
Russia has blocked the popular messaging service WhatsApp over its failure to comply with local legislation, the Kremlin said Thursday, urging its 100 million Russian users to switch to a domestic alternative.
- Ukraine skeleton racer Heraskevych banned from Olympics over memorial helmet
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Sports
Thomas Tuchel has signed a new contract that will see him remain head coach of the England national football team through to the end of Euro 2028 in the UK and Ireland, the Football Association announced on Thursday.
February 12, 2026
RECENT NEWS
Following the global success of "Derry Girls", the uproarious comedy about Northern Irish teenagers navigating life during the Troubles, writer Lisa McGee is back with a new show.
February 12, 2026
RECENT NEWS
Stocks were mixed on Thursday as investors weighed a bumper US jobs report that eased concerns about the state of the world's top economy but forced them to pare back their bets on Federal Reserve interest rate cuts.
February 12, 2026
Dasun Shanaka blazed the fastest half-century by a Sri Lankan in T20Is as the hosts piled up 225-5 against Oman in their Group B World Cup clash at Pallekele on Thursday.
February 12, 2026
Samsung Electronics announced Thursday it had started mass production of next-generation memory chips to power artificial intelligence, touting an "industry-leading" breakthrough.
February 12, 2026
Boulevard
For decades a narrow waterway in Ganvie, Benin has been a discreet rendezvous point for young couples to meet -- safe under cover of darkness, far away from strict families and prying eyes.
February 12, 2026
RECENT NEWS
Argentina pushed closer on Thursday to approving labor reforms that have triggered clashes between workers and police in the streets outside Congress.
Sandra Delpierre's fingers linger on a long blue and white fur coat and graze a pair of angel wings as she winds past thousands of colourful costumes used in opera performances.
Bertrand Degat, vineyard manager for French zero-alcohol wine producer French Bloom, winces visibly when recalling some of the criticism and snobbery he has encountered from his contemporaries.
On the sloping shoreline of the Greek Aegean island of Milos, a vast construction site has left a gaping wound into the island's trademark volcanic rock.
February 12, 2026
Boulevard
As the sun set in the grief-stricken Canadian town of Tumbler Ridge on Wednesday, hundreds gathered in a main square, lighting candles for victims of one of the country's worst-ever mass shootings.
February 12, 2026
RECENT NEWS
Antisemitism in Australia is "frightening" but most people want good relations, Israel's President Isaac Herzog said on Thursday as he wrapped up a four-day visit and was met by protests in the city of Melbourne.
Cade Cunningham finished with 28 points as the Detroit Pistons shrugged off the suspensions of Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart to cruise past the Toronto Raptors 113-95 on Wednesday.
Canadian police Wednesday identified the 18-year-old who carried out a mass shooting in a remote mining town, as authorities investigate the suspect's mental health and previous interactions with police and health care providers.
To say Dutch speed skater Jutta Leerdam divides opinion is an understatement.
February 12, 2026
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