Capital of the Valencian Community and port city on the Turia, Spain
A partial and total solar eclipse is visible across Europe, with totality sweeping from Greenland and Iceland toward Spain and Portugal. Observers warn of variable weather but highlight the rare spectacle and expected tourism and scientific opportunities.
Skywatchers across the UK have observed a major solar eclipse, with more than 90% of the Sun obscured at peak in parts of the country. Crowds gathered at Greenwich, Edinburgh and Belfast, using ISO-rated glasses and improvised viewers to watch as daylight dimmed and a fiery ring appeared. Observers describe it as emotional and magical, while experts warn of eye safety and note the event’s scale is the strongest since 1999.
Charles Winters and other Black employees allege systematic racial discrimination at Six Flags Magic Mountain and Planet Fitness facilities, claiming reduced duties, stricter supervision, unlawful terminations, and denial of promotions. Lawsuits seek tens of millions in damages as the cases unfold in Los Angeles Superior Court and related venues.
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.
Mercedes-Benz is navigating U.S. pressures over Chinese investors as a bipartisan bill would tighten restrictions on Chinese-owned automakers. The company has pledged to shield its U.S. operations while expanding local production, and lawmakers warn Mercedes-Benz could be affected by new ownership limits.
Ford and Geely have unveiled a two-thirds/one-third joint venture to build five vehicles at Ford’s Valencia plant in Spain, starting 2028. The deal seeks to reassert Ford’s presence in Europe amid rising Chinese competition, cost pressures, and tightening regulations. Production of the Kuga PHEV will continue; two Geely electric SUVs will be built; a new multi-energy crossover is planned for 2028. The move signals broader global partnerships as U.S. policy tightens access for Chinese firms.
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 areas west of Madrid, injured firefighters, prompted France to deploy soldiers and led Spain to declare a national emergency.
A wildfire near Valencia has forced 16,000 evacuations as blazes spread. In France, evacuations extend from Bordeaux to towns beyond, with authorities citing rapid spread and high temperatures. The government has mobilized resources as more aid arrives from Madrid.
A series of unprecedented wildfires are sweeping through southwestern France and central Spain, forcing hundreds of thousands to evacuate. Authorities warn the blazes are fierce and unpredictable, with climate-driven heat and winds complicating firefighting efforts. Macron pledges support; Spain’s Sanchez calls for climate action as fires intensify.
Forest fires rage across southwest France and central Spain near Madrid, forcing more than 325,000 to flee. France reports a pyrocumulonimbus fire cloud; scientists warn climate change is intensifying such events. Officials warn of ongoing evacuations and shifting winds.
Wildfires have ravaged large areas west of Madrid and across the Gironde and Landes regions, forcing tens of thousands to evacuate. Authorities report stabilisation in some areas, while heatwaves and drought deepen risk. Residents return home or relocate as the crisis continues to evolve in Spain, France and nearby countries.
Western Europe faces a renewed heatwave as wildfires in France, Spain and beyond remain stabilised but fragile. Officials warn that dry winds and high temperatures could spark new outbreaks, while evacuation orders ease in some regions and stay in others. Authorities coordinate international firefighting help as hundreds of thousands have been displaced.
Spain’s World Cup hero, a Barcelona forward, has sparked transfer speculation after comments about his Barcelona future. With one year left on his contract, he has been quiet on negotiations while PSG and other clubs monitor interest. Barcelona says they will discuss his future upon his return to training.