Republic of Croatia: a Central-Southeast European Adriatic nation
Palmer has extended his Chelsea contract, with the 24-year-old’s new deal keeping him at the club through 2033. The extension follows strong form this season as Chelsea aim for more major trophies after securing FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Conference League success. He says the club’s confidence and shared ambitions underpin the decision.
The World Rally Championship title race heads to Sardinia as Elfyn Evans holds a 17-point lead into the season-ending Rally Italia Sardegna. Solberg and Pajari remain in pursuit as weather and gravel conditions threaten the road ahead; a victory or strategic performance is required for Evans to secure Britain’s third WRC title.
Waymo has expanded its Ojai robotaxi rollout, adding more U.S. markets and plans to accelerate fleet growth. The company is integrating its sixth‑generation self‑driving system with Zeekr’s Ojai platform, aiming to reduce cost and improve safety as deployments accelerate globally.
The UK has faced a fifth heatwave this summer, with record highs in several locations. A cooler spell is moving in over the weekend, bringing rain to some drought-affected areas. Health alerts remain in place as authorities monitor ongoing drought and heat-related pressures.
Russia’s athletics federation has filed a new appeal at CAS to overturn World Athletics sanctions that ban Russian and Belarusian athletes from global events. The IOC has allowed Russian competitors in some Olympic qualifiers, sparking debate among federations that have eased restrictions in other sports. The case tests the balance between sport and politics as World Athletics defends its integrity.
GDP has expanded by 0.4% in Q2, driven by services and a hot-weather World Cup boost. Yet growth remains delicate amid high energy prices and geopolitical tensions, with Treasury modelling warning of a slower 2027 if Iran-hostilities persist.
Belgians battle a historic wildfire in the High Fens as Europe endures a heat-driven fire season. Firefighters are reinforced by EU civil-protection aid; evacuations continue in several villages as authorities warn homes may be at risk.
A severe wildfire has forced the evacuation of about 1,000 people in Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, with Omis and Lokva Rogoznica among affected areas. The blaze, fed by gale-force winds, has caused casualties and widespread damage as firefighters battle the flames through Thursday night and Friday morning.
Europe faces a sweeping heatwave with multiple wildfires across Belgium, Greece, France and Spain. Authorities report evacuations, firefighting efforts and evolving fronts near borders, with rainfall providing limited relief. Investigations into arson and unexplained flare-ups feature in some reports.
A man identified as Vladimir Z. has been arrested in Pula, Croatia, on a European arrest warrant related to the 2022 Nord Stream explosions. Prosecutors seek detention pending extradition to Germany. Polish authorities previously identified him as Volodymyr Zhuravlov. The case ties into ongoing investigations into who attacked the Nord Stream pipelines and how EU states will handle extradition.
Hikers face new limits on the Tour du Mont-Blanc as French towns consider hut reservations next spring to curb crowding. In parallel, a feature from the French Alps highlights remote refuges and mountain hospitality.
Itauma has won a path to a world heavyweight title, facing veteran Filip Hrgović at London's O2 Arena. The 21-year-old southpaw is pursuing the IBF belt and could become the youngest heavyweight champion since Mike Tyson, with promoter Frank Warren backing him to win.
Itauma is challenging Filip Hrgovic for the IBF heavyweight title. The 21-year-old Briton aims to become the second-youngest heavyweight champion, with Hrgovic firing back and promising to “smash the kid” as a tense buildup culminates in showdown at the O2 Arena.
Icelanders have voted against resuming accession negotiations with the EU, with public broadcaster RUV reporting roughly 52.8% voting "no" and 47.2% voting "yes." Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir has said she will respect the result. The campaign split the capital from rural areas and centred on control of fishing waters, inflation and security concerns after threats to Greenland.
Two Venetian islands are on the market, with Crevan offering a Napoleonic fort-turned-villa and Isola Santa Cristina described as an exclusive escape. Buyers are eyeing private villas, vineyards and heritage properties as Italy's lagoon and Adriatic coast attract high-net-worth interest.
Filip Hrgovic defeats Moses Itauma in the ninth round to seize the vacant IBF heavyweight title. Itauma, 21, sees his reign as rising star end after a dramatic, grueling bout at the O2 Arena. Hrgovic becomes Croatia’s first heavyweight champion as Itauma leaves with injuries and questions about conditioning.
Scotland's government has launched a formal consultation on legally capping prices for a basket of essential food items, including milk, eggs and rice. Ministers say the measure aims to ease cost pressures for families, while critics warn it could displace costs to producers and raise questions about legality under UK rules.
Uber and Wayve have launched a small pilot of autonomous, all-electric Ford Mustangs in London. Fifteen vehicles operate with safety drivers on board as regulators weigh broader rollout. Customers can opt in via the Uber app; fares match standard Uber rides.
Carlos Queiroz has been re-appointed head coach of the Ghana Black Stars, returning to lead the team for the next phase of its programme. He takes charge after a period of upheaval, aiming to guide Ghana into Afcon qualification and beyond.
City maintains a perfect start with a 1-0 win over Coventry. Haaland scores, Enzo Fernandez provides a timely debut assist, and Gianluigi Donnarumma makes crucial saves to preserve the lead. Coventry pressure intensifies but cannot find a leveller, leaving Lampard's side still searching for a first top-flight goal this season.
Protests in Zagreb reflect widespread anger at the Croatian government over delays in removing some 37,000 metric tons of buried hazardous waste near Gospic. Demonstrators call for a binding, rapid cleanup plan, water and soil tests, and a ban on new waste imports as investigations unfold.
Croatia captain Luka Modrić has signed on for another season with AC Milan while confirming his international future. He will continue to feature for Croatia in the Nations League, with Bilic back as manager and a packed schedule against Spain, Czech Republic and England.
PISA 2025 data show England and some UK nations performing well in science, with Reading and Maths trailing in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. England leads in science; Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland trail in reading and maths. A global trend shows declines in reading proficiency, linked to digital distraction and shifting reading habits.
A tour across Italy’s lesser-known towns—from Tropea in Calabria to Torre di Palme in Marche and Barga in Tuscany—highlights regional hospitality, cuisine, and luxury travel, amid new luxury hotels and evolving cultural offerings.
A wave of UK and European travel pieces are steering readers toward autumn getaways, with Cornwall topping a reader travel awards and St Ives standing out as a surf-and-art hub. Pieces highlight off-season value, non-flight stays, and regional diversity.
England has secured bronze at this year’s World Cup after a late defeat to Argentina in the semi-final, with manager Tuchel reflecting on tactical choices and a strong team spirit that blossomed during the tournament. The squad now eyes Euro 2028 qualification and a continued rebuilding phase.
The Ceuta migrant influx has intensified Spain’s immigration debate and drawn solidarity gestures from international football stars. Real Madrid players wore solidarity shirts partially rolled up before a La Liga match, provoking mixed political reactions. Local unrest and EU tensions persist as thousands remain in Ceuta while authorities assess asylum claims.
Travel pieces from Business Insider UK and Independent highlight Syros as a less-touristed Greek island with authentic charm, affordable stays, and opportunities for beach-hopping, local dining, and cultural immersion, contrasted with pricier, crowded destinations nearby.
England has named its provisional squad for the Nations League, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Cole Palmer returning alongside a crop of young players. The team faces Spain, the Czech Republic and Croatia during the extended break.
Mass protests in Madrid call for early elections amid the Ceuta migrant influx. Officials report varied turnout estimates; activists seek rapid deportations and accountability, while the government plans new measures to accelerate returns to Morocco. Authorities warn ongoing strain on Ceuta as thousands remain in the enclave.
The latest update on Chelsea players and England’s Nations League squad confirms changes after Tuchel has recalled Palmer and Alexander-Arnold for four games during the international window. Palmer has missed the extended break following a league defeat, while Brentford’s form improves.
German prosecutors have filed charges against a Ukrainian suspect accused of helping plant explosives on Nord Stream 1 and 2. The man, identified as Vladimir Z., is facing extradition proceedings in Germany after being arrested in Croatia on a European warrant. His extradition will depend on a court ruling and potential appeals, with related prosecutions continuing for co-defendants.
France and Italy play to a 1-1 draw in Paris as Olise nets a late winner for France in a tense Nations League clash; Donnarumma and Bastoni rescue Italy with key saves and a late Upamecano red card alters the game.
England has secured a dominant 2-0 win over the Czech Republic in the Nations League, with Anthony Gordon scoring and Harry Kane doubling the lead. The result strengthens England’s position in Group A3 as Tuchel’s side refines its attacking core, including Kane, Gordon, and Bellingham.
Terminal V will hold its 2027 edition at Clydeside Live in Glasgow, marking its first fully outdoor festival in Scotland. The festival is set for June 4–6, with early-bird tickets going on sale and more line-up details to be announced.
England's Harry Kane has extended his goals record and is approaching Shilton's appearances as he forms part of a future without him. Tuchel says there is no direct replacement, and Bellingham is stepping into a leading role in a new system.
The Ghana Football Association has terminated the contract with veteran Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz by mutual consent, ending a turbulent five-month spell after his reappointment in September. Ghana faced defeats in AFCON qualifying, including a 4-2 loss to Gambia, and the team sits at the bottom of Group C.
Manchester City has appealed the Premier League commission’s ruling that found the club guilty of breaching financial rules over nine seasons. The appeal will be heard by an independent Board, with sanctions possible but not yet decided. City maintains the evidence supports their innocence as the process continues.
The last school on Kalamos faces mothballing as enrollment falls to two students. Across Greece, 75 schools have closed and more than 400 have suspended classes amid a broader rural depopulation trend that could reshape regional life and services.
England has secured a convincing Nations League win, with Harry Kane scoring twice to become the national record scorer and lead a strong performance under coach Thomas Tuchel. The win strengthens England’s position in Group A3, with Spain ahead and Croatia trailing.
The independent commission has found Manchester City guilty of more than 100 breaches of Premier League financial rules over a near-decade, inflating revenues and hiding losses. City is appealing; sanctions could include relegation, large fines, or stripping titles, with the decision intensifying scrutiny of the club’s finances.