City and capital of Alicante province, Mediterranean port, Valencian Community
Extensive wildfires are burning across France, Spain and Italy as heatwaves drive arid conditions. Evacuations continue, hundreds of firefighters operate across multiple fronts, and authorities warn that heat and dry vegetation will keep fire risk high in coming days.
European heatwaves have intensified with Spain facing temperatures near record highs, intensifying wildfires across the country. France, Italy and Portugal are also affected, with droughts and heat-related concerns rising. Authorities warn of extreme fire risk and heat-related health threats.
Since late July 2026, fast-moving wildfires have forced more than 200,000 people to flee across southwestern France and central Spain. Fires have scorched tens of thousands of hectares, pushed toward Bordeaux and towns west of Madrid, injured firefighters and prompted France to deploy soldiers while Spain has declared a national emergency.
Australian Open organizers have announced a million-Australian-dollar top prize for next year’s tournament, confirming a return to a million-dollar purse. The event will be held at Melbourne Park from Jan. 17-31, with local amateur Jordan Smith winning the inaugural 1 Point Slam and inspiring a new qualifying event pathway for clubs nationwide.
Moroccan forces have detained scores of people near Fnideq after social media calls encouraged a repeat mass crossing toward the Spanish exclave of Ceuta. Security services have used tear gas and set up checkpoints; Spain has kept extra police, soldiers and a maritime barrier in place while several news agencies were ordered to leave the Moroccan border town.
Europe endures a fifth heatwave this summer, with Spain and parts of Western and Southern Europe experiencing temperatures near or above 40C. The heat threatens public health, fuels wildfires and intensifies drought across the region, as authorities warn of ongoing risk and prepare cooling measures.
UK air travel stayed resilient in the second quarter, with total passenger numbers surpassing last year’s record. Data from the Civil Aviation Authority shows 81 million travellers and 120,000 more movements, while destinations in Europe and Asia saw mixed gains and cuts amid regional tensions.
Gatwick Airport reports half-year pre-tax profits of £136.5 million, down 18% on the prior year as passenger numbers dip amid Middle East conflict and fuel concerns. Long-haul travel falls while short-haul remains pressured; expansion plans for a second runway move forward after a Court of Appeal ruling.
Two men have smashed a glass case at Vienna’s MAK museum, seizing a Van Cleef & Arpels necklace designed for an Egyptian royal wedding in 1939. Police say the suspects fled in an unknown direction; the piece is valued at millions. The theft follows a wave of recent European museum heists amid rising security concerns.
Lionel Messi has reached a preliminary agreement to acquire the shares of TH Soluciones Group SAS in Eldense, making him the club’s majority shareholder. The deal is subject to final legal steps and approval by the Spanish authorities. Messi already owns UE Cornellà in Spain’s fifth tier and will also receive a stake in Inter Miami after his playing contract ends.
The Climate Change Committee has said Heathrow’s third runway can go ahead only if airlines fund cleaner fuels and carbon-removal technologies. The plan would raise ticket prices and remains uncertain for mass deployment, but the government says expansion could drive billions in economic value and up to 60,000 jobs while meeting climate targets.
Valencia has appointed Javier Aguirre as coach until the end of the season, with the option to extend. The club sits second-to-last in La Liga after a poor start, replacing Carlos Corberán as part of a broader restructuring. Aguirre has pledged to build a winning style and identify talent to lift the team.