Capital, largest city of Greece; coastal Mediterranean hub
England faces a fifth heatwave this year, with amber heat health alerts in force across most regions. Temperatures are set to reach mid-30s Celsius, with drought conditions intensifying and health services braced for strain as power, rail and water services face disruption.
More than 50 environmental groups have written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham, saying he has not used the words "climate change" since taking office and urging him to link this summer's wildfires, drought and record heat to the climate crisis. They call for a public plan, an end to new North Sea drilling and faster investment in clean power and resilience.
The UK is experiencing a fifth heatwave of the year, with temperatures expected to reach mid-30s in parts of England. Amber and yellow heat-health alerts remain in force as authorities warn of health and water-supply pressures. Forecasters say the heat will ease over the weekend, but showers could arrive early next week.
Repositioning cruises are one-way journeys that move ships between seasonal routes, often at discounted rates and with longer days at sea. They can be cheaper per day than traditional cruises but come with fewer ports. Popular itineraries include Atlantic crossings and moves between the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Asia-Pacific.
Former Greek prime minister Alexis Tsipras has launched the Greek Left Alliance, signaling a bid to broaden opposition to the ruling conservatives as polls show Mitsotakis ahead. Tsipras has returned to active politics at 51, arguing rising living costs and inequality require new political vehicles.
The Evoke group, owner of William Hill and 888, has agreed a takeover valued at about £243 million by Bally’s Intralot. The deal follows the UK’s higher remote gaming and online sports betting duties, which have prompted industry consolidation. Evoke has been exploring strategic options amid heavy debt and regulatory fines.
Across Afghanistan and Pakistan, airstrikes on the border provinces of Khost, Kunar and Paktika have killed civilians, including children, and injured many more. UNAMA has documented civilian casualties and is calling for de-escalation, a durable ceasefire, and humanitarian access as fighting continues near the border.
Floyd Mayweather has not appeared at a Las Vegas hearing; his attorney represents him as prosecutors pursue two felony counts — theft and drawing or passing a check with intent to defraud — tied to a December 2024 $200,000 check, with a September hearing set.
Restorers have slotted two marble blocks into gaps on the Parthenon’s western end, restoring its proportions after decades of work. The EU-funded project aims to present the temple’s geometric perfection anew as Greece continues its long-term restoration program.
A sweeping heatwave has driven temperatures above historical highs across France and neighboring countries. Officials have issued red and orange alerts, with tens of millions affected as authorities warn of health risks, power disruptions, and travel delays. Several cities have seen record temperatures, while hospitals and schools adjust operating hours to cope with the extreme heat.
The Miami Heat have acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks in a high-stakes deal that also involves Bobby Portis, Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel-Youth Ware and Kasparas Jakucionis, along with multiple draft picks. The move represents a bold, championship-centered pivot as the Heat push to contend in a crowded East.
A review of diverse coastal stories shows communities adapting to climate pressures—from Mauritania’s Imraguen to Greek bays installing protective barriers, to UK shore ecology—highlighting how people confront warming seas and environmental change.
Attacks with crude gas-canister devices have targeted homes of New Democracy figures in Thessaloniki. One casualty reported; several injured, including a parliamentary candidate’s mother. Prime Minister Mitsotakis condemns the violence and vows zero tolerance.
Wildfires are raging in southern France and central Greece amid a heatwave that has intensified across Europe. French fires have prompted evacuations near Marseille, while Greek blazes in Fthiotida threaten homes and forests. Greece is harnessing satellite technology to monitor the fires as climate change amplifies the threat.
France battles wildfires across Aude, Hérault and Marseille regions as temperatures stay high and vegetation remains parched. Firefighters are expanding operations while evacuations continue and authorities warn the heatwave could persist.
Citizen Lab has found that Stelios Kouloglou's iPhone was infected with Pegasus at least three times in 2022–23 while he served on the European Parliament's PEGA committee investigating spyware. Researchers say they have high confidence in the forensic evidence but do not attribute responsibility; the findings have prompted calls in Brussels for stronger limits on spyware.
A wildfire in northern Greece has expanded from a ravine into surrounding plains. Firefighters are battling strong winds as residents of Anthoupoli, Filothei and Galini are evacuated. A 76-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of starting the blaze, while a heavy smoke cover is visible from Thessaloniki. No homes have been reported damaged so far.
Hundreds attend the Prometheia Festival near Dion to celebrate ancient Greek deities, with participants adopting antiquity-inspired names and staging torch-lit ceremonies, reflecting a revived cultural heritage.
Wildfires in Spain, Portugal, and Greece are intensifying heat across Europe as the Tour de France moves through France from Spain. Officials say the blaze mobilizes large firefighting efforts and will affect race logistics; heatwaves persist, with temperatures forcing evacuations and high risk of more fires.
The International Olympic Committee has provisionally lifted its suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, restoring Russian athletes' access to many international qualifiers ahead of Los Angeles 2028 while leaving decisions on flags, anthems and full national symbols unresolved. Several international federations, including World Athletics, are maintaining bans and legal challenges are being signalled.
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.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point as attacks and war-risk costs push ships to avoid the usual traffic lanes, with U.S.-led efforts continuing yet shippers report growing concerns and elevated insurance premiums.
EU leaders are pursuing a staged, age-based approach to social media access for minors. A high-level panel has recommended delaying access for under-13s, with further steps for older teens. Von der Leyen has pledged action, and lawmakers are preparing draft legislation after the summer.
Monsoon floods have struck Nuristan, Afghanistan, damaging Parun and surrounding areas. Authorities report dozens dead, hundreds missing or injured, as forecasters warn of more heavy rainfall. Rescue teams are struggling amid rugged terrain and limited infrastructure; international aid agencies are mobilising.
A knife attack near the Acropolis Museum injures a man and a woman, both Greek Americans. Police detain the assailant, who appears to have psychological issues. Victims are hospitalized; the incident is described as unusual for Greece. The area remains a major tourist site.
UNAMA reports 499 civilian deaths and 1,216 wounded from cross-border fighting; Amnesty International says Kabul strike may be a war crime. Pakistan defends its Kabul airstrike as precision targeting of militant infrastructure. Tensions have intensified since February, with both sides trading accusations and casualties rising.
The UK is sharing the intellectual property behind its Stone Cloak electronic warfare system with Ukraine during a visit by President Zelenskiy and Prime Minister Burnham. Ukraine will mass produce the tablet-sized jammers to disrupt Russian air defenses, and Britain will integrate Stone Cloak into future long-range weapons.
Outlander actors reflect on early scene practices, the introduction of intimacy coordinators, and the industry’s evolving approach to nude scenes. The conversation, held at Pitlochry Festival Theatre in Scotland, also touches on the series’ end and potential future projects.
Insurers warn Europe’s disaster costs are outpacing coverage as wildfires devastate parts of France, Spain, Greece and Portugal. Heatwaves push temperatures past dangerous levels and drive up resilience costs, while authorities urge action to close the protection gap.
A wave of heat and wildfires across Europe and beyond has accelerated, prompting evacuations and sparking political debate on climate policy. Readers are updated on the latest developments, including shifting opinions, policy responses, and the urgent need for adaptation alongside emission cuts.
Greece has faced a megafire near Porto Germeno, with firefighters battling dozens of blazes across the country amid extreme heat. Authorities warn fire risk will stay high in Athens, Voiotia and Crete, as winds ease but temperatures remain scorching.
Greece faces sustained wildfires in Attica as gale winds thwart firefighting efforts; France and Spain confront large blazes with mass evacuations. The crisis is linked to heatwaves and drought, intensifying Europe’s fire season.
Uganda’s army chief has unveiled a statue of Yonatan Netanyahu in Entebbe to commemorate the raid’s courage and the enduring ties between Uganda and Israel. Attendees included Israeli and Ugandan officials; the event follows the 1976 Entebbe rescue and signals evolving diplomatic relations.
Greece has faced a fresh round of wildfires, with two helicopters colliding during firefighting operations near Psatha, Attica. A Danish pilot and a Greek coordinator have died; one crew member on the second helicopter survived. Authorities say winds and heat have intensified blazes across Attica and nearby regions, with evacuations continuing.
A record-hot, dry European summer has intensified wildfires in Greece, France and beyond. Two helicopter crews have died in Greece amid fierce winds; thousands have evacuated in France, and the UK reports its driest July in two centuries as fires burn on multiple fronts.
Elisabeth-Jane Ross, known as Lisa, has been found dead in a derelict Athens building. A 26-year-old man, reportedly Afghan, has been arrested in connection with her death. Police identify suspect via fingerprints; consular support is provided to her family.
38-year-old Elisabeth-Jane Ross has been found dead in a derelict Athens building. A 26-year-old Afghan boxer, Sharif Ahmadzai, is facing charges including homicide with intent and robbery. Greek authorities say he admitted moving the body but denies murder. Investigations involve CCTV review and tissue analysis; temperatures during the time of death reached around 36C.
An Afghan migrant has been ordered jailed pending trial on murder charges after the body of 38-year-old Elisabeth Ross was found in a suitcase in Athens. He was identified from security footage, with police detailing his background and conditions of detention.
The latest European heatwave has intensified wildfires across Greece, prompting evacuations and challenging rescue operations. In Megara, volunteers have saved hundreds of animals from the blaze; rescuers warn that hotter summers will sustain the risk and urge EU action on animal rescue resources. The situation remains dynamic as fires burn on multiple fronts and shelters adapt to displaced wildlife and pets.
Elisabeth-Jane Ross, 38, has been found dead in a derelict building in Kypseli, Athens. Afghan boxer Sharif Ahmadzai is charged with homicide with intent after an incident that police say occurred around July 18. He remains in custody as investigations continue and tissue analysis is awaited.
Elisabeth-Jane Ross, an Edinburgh aid worker known as Lisa, has been killed in Athens. Afghan boxer Sharif Ahmadzai has been charged with homicide with intent and related offences after her body was found in a Kypseli derelict building on July 18. Police say autopsy points to asphyxiation; testing continues. Ahmadzai remains in custody as investigations proceed and UK authorities assist with medical records.
Wildfires have intensified across Europe, with record heat and drought fueling unprecedented fire activity. Several countries report thousands of hectares burned, mass evacuations, and mounting economic costs as authorities warn of a worsening season.