Capital of the autonomous community and port city of Spain
A Clasico-like Madrid derby sees Atletico Madrid edge Real Madrid 2-1, with a late red card incident, controversial VAR calls, and Mourinho’s return to the press room retracing old battles. Across Europe, Barcelona extend their dominance, while Bournemouth stage a historic European night and Valencia suffer a crushing defeat.
The 2027 Formula 1 schedule has expanded sprint races from six to ten, with Monaco hosting a short-form event for the first time. Other sprints are planned in Bahrain, Australia, Japan, Abu Dhabi, Canada, Britain, Italy, Brazil and Qatar as organisers seek greater fan engagement amid regional tensions and security concerns.
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.
A bipartisan Senate bill would bar the sale of connected vehicles by automakers that are more than 15% owned by Chinese entities, potentially affecting Mercedes-Benz, which has substantial Chinese ownership. The proposal has emerged in an ongoing policy debate about national security and supply-chain resilience.
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 towns west of Madrid, injured firefighters and prompted France to deploy soldiers while Spain has declared 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.
A total solar eclipse has swept from the Arctic through Greenland and Iceland to parts of Spain and a sliver of Portugal, while much of western Europe, Canada and the northern US has seen a dramatic partial eclipse. Crowds have flocked to Spain and Iceland for minutes of totality; scientists and space agencies have run live coverage and field experiments.
Spain's World Cup-winner Ferran Torres has joined Paris Saint-Germain on a deal through 2031 for about €50m. He arrives after a standout Barcelona season and a World Cup final winner; PSG aim to strengthen under coach Luis Enrique as they pursue further titles.
La Liga has postponed Celta Vigo's opening-weekend fixture against Osasuna after a fungal outbreak damaged the Balaídos pitch. Adverse weather hindered recovery, prompting a reschedule for August 27. The decision was made in coordination with clubs and the RFEF.
Multiple beluga whales from Marineland have been relocated to five marine parks, including Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium, under a government-approved rescue plan. The latest update confirms continued transfers, while concerns over animal welfare and sanctuary availability persist.
United has announced a broad expansion, adding multiple direct international routes from Newark, San Francisco and other hubs. The plan includes new services to Okinawa, Osaka, Toulouse, Marseille, Luxembourg, Valencia, Ibiza, Terceira, Ljubljana and more, with launches staggered through 2027. The move follows recent fleet and cabin upgrades as United reports strong 2025 results.
Athletes face a late setback as Sawe withdraws from the BMW Berlin Marathon with an unspecified injury, while contenders in Sydney and London push toward potential records. The Berlin race remains a marquee event, with a women’s field led by Tigist Assefa and a reshaped men’s lineup after Sawe’s withdrawal.
Israeli and international carriers are expanding routes and resuming services amid ongoing conflict-related volatility. Delta and United are returning to Ben Gurion, Israir is launching Tel Aviv-New York, and Israeli airlines are increasing capacity, while fares remain high in the near term. A direct Manila route is planned, and fares to the US show volatility through the fall travel season.
Tadej Pogacar has abandoned the Vuelta a España after a heavy crash on stage eight. He held a commanding lead before the incident, injuring his left shoulder and face and prompting an ambulance transfer. Enric Mas now leads the general classification, while Pogacar’s withdrawal marks the first time he has failed to finish a Grand Tour.
Residents in Ibiza lead a protest against the impact of tourism on housing and public spaces, echoing broader concerns across Barcelona, Marseille and other cities where visitors strain infrastructure and drive up costs. The debate pits economic reliance on tourism against preserving local culture and livability.
The folding hand fan, abanico, has become a daily companion during Western Europe’s heat waves, with Spaniards adopting it as a practical and cultural symbol. The piece traces its European journey from Portugal’s trade routes to Velázquez’s era, Madrid’s production hub, and Valencia’s flourished craft.
Enric Mas leads Primoz Roglic by 1:37 with two stages to go at the Vuelta a Espana. A brutal summit finish on Collado del Alguacil awaits on stage 20, with Briton Oscar Onley gaining ground in the best young rider standings and four-time champion Roglic pressing to close the gap. A developing arc sees Brenner and Dunbar each winning mountain stages in recent days.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has raised national-security concerns about Ford’s ties to Chinese battery tech and plans with Geely in Spain, prompting political and regulatory scrutiny. Ford defends its approach, while lawmakers press for clarity on independence from Chinese tech.
Kimi Antonelli has extended his lead in the drivers’ standings after winning Monza from 19th on the grid, while Hamilton finishes sixth as Ferrari’s strategy and team dynamics come under renewed scrutiny. Russell remains in contention; Leclerc suffers a high-speed crash.
Ferrari's Leclerc and Hamilton have clashed at Monza, forcing Leclerc into the gravel and leaving Hamilton sixth. With the Spanish Grand Prix approaching in Madrid, Hamilton says there are no rules of engagement at Ferrari, while Leclerc accepts responsibility for the first-lap incident. The teams are under pressure to address internal dynamics and performance gaps ahead of the next race.
Thomasina Tobin and Patrick Tobin have died in a hot tub at a Valencia villa. Preliminary reports say deaths are not suspicious; authorities are investigating suction entrapment as the likely cause after marks on the bodies. The couple had lived in London; the incident is being treated as a non-suspicious tragedy with Foreign Office comment sought.
Rides at Hersheypark and Six Flags Magic Mountain are entering new chapters as closures and openings reshape thrill offerings. Hersheypark has closed Tidal Force after 32 years, while Six Flags Magic Mountain is building Thrill Glider, touting world records amid safety concerns following past incidents.