A recent report points to raccoon dogs as possible transmitters at the origin of the Covid-19 pandemic. DNA samples collected at the Huanan Wholesale Seafood Market in China show that several raccoon dogs were present in areas where the SARS-CoV-2 virus was found. FRANCE 24's Science Editor Shirli Sitbon looks at what the data may have revealed and why it has disappeared from data-sharing site GISAID.

The Songkran Festival has come as "a national relief" as Thailand celebrates a return to normality after three years of COVID-19. Revelers enjoyed water fights and other festivities throughout the country.

China's economy grew faster than expected in the beginning of the year at 4.5 percent, on the back of strong export and infrastructure investment figures. GDP is bouncing back after the country put an end to its so-called "Zero-Covid" policy and as the government has pledged to do more to support business.

The ECDC said the COVID-19 pandemic had taught "valuable lessons" and stressed that there needs to be better preparation for future health crises.

The coronavirus pandemic is over as a global health emergency, the World Health Organization said — while stressing that the virus "is here to stay."

Hungary is scheduled to assume the rotating presidency of the European Union in 2024. However, members of the European Parliament are expressing skepticism about its worthiness for the post.

New data shows Chinese economic growth slowing, with property investment in steep decline and youth unemployment at a record high. Also, the US Federal Reserve confirms its "hawkish pause" policy, keeping interest rates steady for now but planning for more hikes. Finally, economists name an unlikely culprit for persistent Swedish inflation: Beyoncé.

In its Commercial Market Outlook 2023–2042, Boeing projected that the global fleet growth is likely to double-fold to reach more than 48,500 jets by 2042. This equates to growing 3.5% per year, signifying ample growth potential for aerospace forerunners in the industry.

According to the UN health agency, COVID-19 is still responsible for over 1,000 deaths a week in the European region. However, this can be an underestimation as many countries no longer maintain proper data.

The past decade has seen an acceleration of medical research on LSD, a hallucinogenic substance discovered in the 1940s and banned 30 years later. In Switzerland, several clinics and hospitals now have permission to administer the drug to patients for depression or anxiety disorders, under strict supervision. But the enthusiasm surrounding the substance is such that some specialists are concerned about the risks of self-medication, particularly in Germany.

In a post-Covid era where music lovers have less disposable income and organisers face higher costs, we discuss what music festivals can do to survive. We're joined by John Rostron, CEO of the Association of Independent Festivals in the UK.

On July 12, the landmark Nature Restoration Law was adopted in a cliffhanger vote at the European Parliament. Our guest, prominent Finnish MEP Heidi Hautala – who's one the parliament's vice-presidents – says she is "relieved" that the EU parliament now has a position to negotiate with the member states. She applauds the law as "step towards combating climate change", and decries what she calls the use of "fake news and disinformation" by far-right as well as right-wing parties on the nature restoration issue.