The country’s 900 billionaires have far too much influence over our government and economy. Here’s how we can reduce the power of the ultra-rich

Energy secretary says ‘any options’ to get crucial shipping lanes reopened are being looked at by the government * Middle East crisis – live updates Britain is considering sending ships and mine-hunting drones to the Middle East in an attempt to reopen the strait of Hormuz, Ed Miliband has said. The energy secretary confirmed on Sunday that ministers are talking to their allies about how the UK can help secure the vital waterway after the US president, Donald Trump, urged Britain and other countries to deploy ships to the region. Continue reading...

Ballots in 35,000 villages, towns and cities will be closely watched for signals about party strategies and alliances France has begun voting in the first round of municipal elections, seen as crucial a test of the political temperature before next year’s presidential election. The vote for mayors and councillors in 35,000 villages, towns and cities across France is focused on local issues including security, housing and refuse collection and is very different from national elections. Continue reading...

Israeli Foreign Minister ​Gideon Saar said on ‌Sunday that the government was not planning to ​hold direct talks ​with Lebanon in the coming ⁠days and had ​not told the United ​States it was running low on missile interceptors.

Hollywood will convene Sunday night for a nail-biter Academy Awards that’s steering toward a coronation for either Paul Thomas Anderson or Ryan Coogler.

Taiwan is seeing a surge of Chinese military planes near the island after a sharp drop in flights over the past two weeks had sparked discussions among observers.

Australia's government says another three members of Iran's women’s soccer team who accepted refugee visas to stay in Australia have decided to return to their homeland.

Turkey’s foreign minister says diplomacy between the U.S. and Iran is stalled, but he thinks quiet back-channel talks remain possible.

New research from TUI shows about 60% of schools around the country have teaching vacancies – but teachers are not applying.

For more than three decades, Eren Keskin, lawyer and advocate for women's and minority rights, has suffered numerous trials, spent time in prison, lived under threat and, twice, attempts on her life.…

Italy's Culture Ministry says the government has bought a rare portrait by baroque painter Caravaggio for 30 million euros, one of the largest investments ever for a single artwork.

Advocacy

The action appears to be a retaliation against the station owner's remarks, which criticized the policies of authorities.

We condemn the arrest and detention of Nashville journalist Estefany Rodriguez by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). We urge ICE to release her.

Index and other organisations call on the UK government to provide clarity over public broadcaster's funding at a critical time

Aleh Khamenka was convicted of "facilitating extremist activities" based on his ongoing collaboration with the newsroom of "Belarusian Radio Racyja".

When China's consulate pressured a theater in France to cancel the Taiwanese production "This Is Not an Embassy," it proved the play's point more vividly than any performance could.

Rapporteur MEP Tobias Cremer will hold a press conference on Wednesday, after the plenary vote on the report on enhanced EU-Canada cooperation.

Israel says Iran has been firing cluster munitions throughout their 10-day war — adding a complicated and deadly challenge to Israel’s already stretched air defenses.

Germany and Austria say they are releasing parts of their oil reserves following an International Energy Agency request for its members to release 400 million barrels to help temper energy price spikes due to the Iran war.

The U.S. said it took out more than a dozen mine-laying Iranian vessels Tuesday, and the Islamic Republic vowed to block the region's oil exports, saying it would not allow “even a single liter” to be shipped to its enemies.