Republic in Central Europe, federal federation of nine states
George Russell wins the Austrian Grand Prix at Spielberg, cutting Ferrari’s Kimi Antonelli’s lead to 40 points and moving Russell into second in the drivers’ standings ahead of Silverstone. Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton suffer pace issues despite dramatic wheel-to-wheel action. Ferrari and Red Bull upgrades influence the race outcome.
Spain has sealed a spot in the World Cup last 16 after a 3-0 win over Austria. Mikel Oyarzabal netted twice and Pedro Porro added another as Lamine Yamal starred, creating chances and tormenting the Austrian defense. The victory keeps Spain as one of the favourites and sets up a round-of-16 clash against Portugal or Croatia.
Egypt has reached the World Cup last 32 and will face Australia in Arlington, Texas, next Saturday, but coach Hossam Hassan has cast doubt on Mohamed Salah's place in the starting XI after the forward picked up a left-thigh issue and left the Iran game with a bandage. Salah has trained lightly in Dallas; the coach says he will not risk him unless fully fit.
DR Congo has advanced to the World Cup knockout stage, achieving a historic 3-1 win over Uzbekistan. Portugal and Colombia remain level, while England tops group L after beating Panama. Belgium faces Senegal in a pivotal last-16 clash. The Round of 32 is under way with teams booked and schedules set.
The FDA has classified Utz’s recall of Zapp’s and Dirty chips as Class 1, indicating a serious health risk. The recall covers several product lines with best-by dates July 27–August 31, 2026. Utz first issued the recall in April after a third-party dry milk powder seasoning ingredient was flagged as a possible Salmonella source; thus far, no illnesses have been reported. Consumers should discard affected chips or seek refunds.
A historic heatwave has swept across Europe, setting temperature records and stressing infrastructure and health systems. Scientists say climate change has doubled the odds of such events, with millions affected as cities grapple with heat-related disruptions and rising energy demand.
Mexico has secured a knockout-round victory at the World Cup, triggering massive celebrations in Mexico City. However, several people have died in the crowds from asphyxiation, with authorities reporting multiple fatalities and urging cautious, responsible celebrations as the city tries to manage the aftermath.
Iran’s World Cup campaign has ended after a tense group stage, with travel and visa challenges complicating preparations. The team has thanked hosts Mexico and Tijuana while noting fairness concerns in their treatment. Stakeholders are weighing political tensions as the tournament proceeds.
European leaders rally around Italy’s Giorgia Meloni after Donald Trump questions Italy’s wartime reliability and says she sought his attention, prompting closer European coordination on defense, tariffs and foreign policy. The shift follows tensions over Ukraine, Iran, China, and U.S. policy, with Meloni strengthening ties with France, Germany and the UK as Trump’s influence wanes.
The Guardian reports that Ireland has begun its rotating EU presidency with a ceremony at Dublin Castle attended by Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskiy and top EU figures. Leaders discuss Ukraine’s EU bid on a merit-based timeline and budget priorities, with emphasis on ending the war and shaping the next EU budget.
Norway has progressed to the World Cup knockout stage after a late winner from Erling Haaland. Amad Diallo had equalised for Ivory Coast after Norway’s Nusa had opened the scoring. Norway now faces Brazil in the next round.
Scotland has been eliminated from the World Cup after a 3-0 defeat to Brazil. The loss leaves them third in Group C with three points and a -3 goal difference, ending any hopes of advancing to the knockout stages. Final standings and subsequent Nations League schedule are set.
The 61st Venice Biennale has opened with protests, strikes and the international jury's resignation over the organisers' decision to allow Russia and Israel to participate. Dozens of pavilions have closed temporarily, the jury has quit, and visitors will vote for awards after organisers cancelled jury prizes.
Bulgaria has won the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna with Dara's 'Bangaranga' on 17 May; Israel's Noam Bettan has finished second with 'Michelle', taking 343 points to Bulgaria's 516. The final has followed weeks of protests, five broadcaster boycotts and tightened voting rules after concerns about disproportionate promotion.
The Venice Biennale has faced protests and walkouts during the preview phase as pavilions from several countries close or open intermittently amid calls to bar Israel over the Gaza war. The international jury has resigned over participation decisions.
Bulgaria has won Eurovision 2026 in Vienna with Dara's Bangaranga, finishing on 516 points. Israel's Noam Bettan has finished second on 343 points amid protests and a five-country boycott over Israel's war in Gaza. Organisers have tightened voting rules after allegations of organised voting for Israel.
An Austrian court has found 21-year-old Beran A. guilty of attempted murder, membership in a terrorist organisation and related offences for plotting an attack linked to Taylor Swift's cancelled August 2024 Vienna concerts. A jury has heard he confessed, police have found an almost-complete bomb and he has been sentenced to 15 years’ prison.
Two ex-Syrian intelligence officers have been brought to trial in Austria on charges of torture, coercion and other abuses against detainees in Raqqa between 2011 and 2013. Khaled al-Halabi and Musab Abu Rukbah have pleaded not guilty; the case marks Austria’s first against Assad-era officials.
The EU has reached a trilogue agreement to speed up returns of non-EU nationals and to expand detention outside the bloc, including possible hubs in third countries. The deal targets higher return rates and enables bilateral deals with non-EU states to host detention facilities, drawing praise from EU officials but criticism from rights groups and others who warn of risks to fundamental rights.
A cross-section of Australians reflect on the high costs of buying a home and the emotional toll of buyer’s remorse, highlighting how market pressures and renovation demands shape decisions for first-time buyers and long-term homeowners.
Germany has failed to win a rotating United Nations Security Council seat, scoring 104 votes against Portugal's 134 and Austria's 131 in the General Assembly vote on 3–4 June 2026. The result is prompting sharp criticism at home and government statements that Russia and Germany's positions on Ukraine and Israel have cost votes.
Lionel Messi has extended the men’s World Cup scoring record by netting from a free kick in Argentina’s 3-1 group-stage win over Jordan on 28 June 2026. The 39-year-old substitute has scored in seven consecutive World Cup matches, now totals six goals in this tournament and 123 international goals overall.
England has opened its World Cup campaign with a 4-2 win over Croatia in Arlington, Texas. Harry Kane has scored twice in the first half, Jude Bellingham has put England ahead just after half-time and Marcus Rashford has sealed the win late on. Elsewhere Portugal were held 1-1 by DR Congo and Ghana beat Panama 1-0.
UEFA says Artan will referee a high-profile Aug. 12 match in Salzburg. Artan, Somalia’s proud FIFA referee, was denied U.S. entry amid vetting concerns before the tournament, prompting international reactions and debates over visa policies and World Cup fairness.
EU member states have approved a migration pact that empowers deportation hubs in third countries and tighter border controls; critics warn this could undermine asylum rights while proponents say it will speed removals and deter irregular migration.
A truck fire near Győr on the M1 has killed one person and snarled traffic. Shortly after, a Moldovan-licensed minibus collided with a stopped truck, killing seven more and injuring two. One lane remains closed toward Austria as officials express condolences.
Cape Verde’s 0-0 draw with Spain has tested the expanded World Cup format, showing that emergent nations can compete at the highest level. Vozinha’s saves and a stubborn defense have elevated Cape Verde’s profile and sparked global attention.
The EU- Israel row has intensified after reports that EU foreign policy chief Kallas likened Gaza and West Bank policies to South Africa’s apartheid system. Sa’ar has severed contacts until a retracting statement is issued. The EU says dialogue remains open as divisions over settlements and sanctions persist.
A Toronto court has found Frank Stronach, founder of Magna International, guilty on two counts of sexual assault related to incidents involving two complainants. The verdict follows a long trial covering allegations from the 1970s through the 1990s. Prosecutors say more charges remain pending and await sentencing.
The United States has secured Group D, with two wins, as coach Mauricio Pochettino weighs rotation to balance rest and knockout-stage readiness. Christian Pulisic is nearing return from a calf injury, while squad depth is tested by yellow-card suspensions.
The Society of Saint Pius X plans to ordain four bishops in Ecône, defying the Vatican. The Vatican warns this is a schismatic act and could lead to automatic excommunication. Pope Leo XIV has urged the group to reconsider, stressing the spiritual harm of rupture within the Church.
Lionel Messi has moved clear in World Cup scoring, reaching 18 goals across six tournaments. The Argentinian captain scored in additional time after a late chance was missed from the spot, as Argentina secures a win to stay on track for knockout qualification.
France dominates Sweden in a 3-0 win at MetLife Stadium, propelling them into the last 16. Mbappe scores twice and moves closer to the all-time World Cup records, while Dembele secures a hat-trick in a group-stage showcase.
Taleb al-Abdulmohsen has been found guilty of six murders and attempted murder in Magdeburg. The court rules the crime as of particular severity, making release unlikely after 15 years. The rampage occurred on December 20, 2024, targeting a Christmas market and leaving multiple dead and injured.
Iran finishes third in Group G with three points after draws against Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt. A stoppage-time offside decision denied a potential group victory, while travel and visa restrictions imposed by the U.S. complicated preparation and recovery, leaving Iran eliminated as the World Cup concludes.
The expanded 2026 World Cup has delivered knockout drama as the last-32 lineups emerge. Five players have scored four goals in the group stage, led by Messi and Mbappe, while Cf4te dvoire progress to the last 32 after a 2-0 victory over Curaao. The Netherlands face Morocco in a marquee clash as the tournament moves to its knockout rounds.
The last of the so‑called ISIS brides is being allowed to return from Syria with her child after a temporary exclusion order. Authorities will monitor her movements closely, with conditions on communications and residence as part of a heightened security approach.
The World Cup knockouts are underway. France and Argentina dominate the top spots, Spain rises after a strong group run, and Brazil; England; and Portugal face early scrutiny as the window to the final narrows.
Verstappen has finished second in Austria and warns Silverstone may be difficult under the new engine regulations. He says battery recovery is limited, making the Silverstone layout hard to manage. Hamilton notes Red Bull’s progress with weight reductions and upgrades, suggesting the team will be a force in upcoming races.
Iran finishes third in Group G after draw with Egypt; logistical restrictions in the United States and relocation of training bases shaped their tournament. US officials have publicly criticised Tehran’s team travel, while Iran says fairness was undermined by a series of decisions around base camps, visas, and access.
Canada will send an act to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027, making it the first new participant since Australia in 2015. The European Broadcasting Union says CBC/Radio-Canada will join as a full member, with selection details to be announced later this year. The move expands Eurovision beyond Europe, reflecting the contest’s global audience and Canadian talent.
Fans across North America report losing World Cup tickets purchased on StubHub, with some never receiving entries and others facing last‑minute cancellations. A class‑action suit has been filed in New York alleging false and misleading sales practices, while StubHub and FIFA blame infrastructure issues and the official channels for the breakdown.