EU renews demand that Ukraine crack down on corruption in wake of major energy scandal

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — European Union officials are warning Ukraine that it must keep cracking down on graft in the wake of a major corruption scandal that could hurt the country’s ability to attract financial help. But they also offered assurances Thursday that aid will continue to flow as Kyiv strains to hold back Russia’s invasion. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stressed European concerns about corruption when he spoke by phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whose administration has been engulfed by the scandal involving embezzlement and kickbacks at the state-owned nuclear power company.

Israel says militants in Gaza have handed over a body believed to be a hostage

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s army said Thursday that militants in Gaza have handed over to the Red Cross a body believed to be a hostage. Since the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas began on Oct. 10, the remains of 24 hostages have been returned to Israel. If the latest body turned over is confirmed by Israel to be a hostage, another three remain in Gaza. Israel has been releasing 15 Palestinian bodies for the remains of each hostage as part of the ceasefire agreement. The Gaza Health Ministry said the total number of remains received so far is 315.

A truck hits pedestrians at a market in South Korea, killing 2 and injuring 18

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A truck has plowed into pedestrians at an outdoor market in South Korea, killing two people and injuring 18 others. Officials say the two people were pronounced dead at a hospital following the incident shortly before 11 a.m. in Bucheon, near the capital of Seoul. Nine people sustained serious injuries among the 18 who were hurt but it wasn’t immediately clear if the injuries were life-threatening. Police are questioning the unidentified truck driver in his 60s. An official says witnesses have told investigators the vehicle initially reversed about 28 meters before driving forward 150 meters, hitting pedestrians on the way.

10 years after the Bataclan massacre, Paris is still scarred by that night of terror

PARIS (AP) — Paris is marking the 10th anniversary of terrorist attacks that killed 132 people and injured hundreds. The attacks on November 13, 2015, included gunfire at cafés, explosions at a stadium, and a massacre at the Bataclan concert hall. The events reshaped France’s sense of safety, leading to both hardened security and a deeper sense of solidarity. Thursday’s commemorations included tributes led by President Emmanuel Macron and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo at each attack site. A new memorial garden was inaugurated. The bells of Notre Dame Cathedral and other Paris churches rang out in remembrance.