Australia heads to polls May 18

With divergent platforms and a promise to have a new government before Christmas, the Social Democrats, Greens, and business-focused Free Democrats have their work cut out for them.

Australia's second-largest city is expected to come out of lockdown despite an increase in infections. Meanwhile, Latvia is diving into a month-long lockdown.

The president says the United States has a "commitment" to protect Taiwan as China continues to impose its sovereignty on the island. Beijing has urged Washington to act with caution on the Taiwan issue.

Melbourne reopened Friday after enduring one of the world's most prolonged series of lockdowns, with relieved residents of Australia's second-biggest city heading to bars, restaurants and for much-needed hair cuts.

On average, 40% of health professionals in the world are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 but this figure hides huge disparities between regions, regrets Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of the WHO.

Blast and fire kill 16 at Russian chemicals plant

The intensive care unit in Moscow's Hospital Number 52 feels the pressure as Russia records daily surges in both cases and deaths caused by the coronavirus infection. On Friday Moscow reported 8166 new cases and 79 deaths which brought the capital's COVID-19 deaths rate to 30573. Moscow will reintroduce COVID-19 lockdown measures from Oct. 28 with supermarkets and pharmacies the only shops allowed to stay open.

Since the beginning of 2021, illegal entries into the United States through its border with Mexico have multiplied. This coincides with the inauguration of President Joe Biden, who promised to undo a restrictive immigration policy put in place by his predecessor Donald Trump. Those who have come to try their luck are mostly single men, but unaccompanied minors and families are also attempting the crossing. FRANCE 24’s Fanny Allard and Kethevane Gorjestani report.

As temperatures continue to rise, climate change is turning glaciers into lakes. In the Alps, glacial lake outbursts are no longer a distant threat but a reality.

Londoners react to news of Britain's Queen Elizabeth being hospitalised

How do you define courage? Annette Young talks to Chanel Miller, whose sexual assault at Stanford University sparked public outrage after her assailant served just three months in jail. She bravely decided to go public with her identity and her book has just been published in French.

The famous Cure Salee festival in northern Niger brings nomadic people from across the Sahara to celebrate their rich culture, hold camel races and meet with other dignitaries from the region.