Capital of Greece; cradle of democracy and culture
An elderly man has been detained after a gun attack on a social security office and a later attack at a central Athens court. Several people have been wounded; officials are investigating motives as security is tightened across Athens.
Spain is calling for the immediate release of a Spanish-Swedish activist detained by Israel after the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla was intercepted. Israeli authorities have questioned activists for possible links to Hamas, while Greece and Turkey critique the operation amid broader Gaza concerns. The incident follows a large-scale interception of boats and participants in international waters.
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.
European aviation groups have warned of ongoing border-control delays under the Entry-Exit System (EES) as passenger volumes surge. Airlines and airports are urging the European Commission to suspend the system during July–August and restore flexibility until staff and infrastructure are ready. The EU has allowed temporary suspensions in exceptional cases.
New archival materials show that, fifty years after Entebbe, Israel’s leaders weighed negotiations with hijackers before a secret military raid. The documents reveal a pivot from diplomacy to a daring operation, driven by urgency and risk assessments.
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.