Capital of Sicily, steeped in millennia of history and culture
A wave of polo shirts is shaping fashion and public life. From football managers and politicians to celebrities, the polo is crossing borders and industries. Sales and social buzz point to a sustained revival driven by preppy styling and casual formality.
The Milan prosecutor’s office has summoned Alessandro Bastoni, a 27-year-old Italy defender, in connection with an inquiry into an alleged escort ring. Investigators allege he paid for sex with a 17-year-old in June 2020. Wiretaps quote a PR representative and Bastoni’s responses; his camp says he did not engage in sexual relations with minors. Other players are under scrutiny in the wider probe.
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.
Monsoon floods have struck Nuristan, Afghanistan, damaging Parun and surrounding areas. Authorities report dozens dead, hundreds missing or injured, as forecasters warn of more heavy rainfall. Rescue teams are struggling amid rugged terrain and limited infrastructure; international aid agencies are mobilising.
A series of large-scale seizures across the UK have disrupted counterfeit football shirts tied to the World Cup. Authorities warn the suppliers and criminal networks behind fake gear are linked to safety risks and broader crime. Fans face higher prices for official kit as prices rise across clubs; experts urge buying official gear to protect safety.
The Morandi Bridge collapse verdict has been handed down in Genoa. Castellucci has been sentenced to 12 years for vehicular homicide and negligence, with 32 others convicted in what prosecutors call a landmark case for Italy’s aging infrastructure.
Protests greet Tilman Fertitta’s Venice stop as part of a coastal diplomacy tour marking the US 250th anniversary. Demonstrators accuse the ambassador’s voyage of flaunting wealth amid tensions over Trump administration’s international stance. Venice’s authorities maintain the event showcases partnership and shared history.
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.
The Memphis WTA 250 sees top seed Alexandrova withdraw from a three-hour match against 16-year-old Kristina Liutova in extreme heat, handing Liutova her debut- win while Venus Williams falters elsewhere; other first-round results unfold.
A record summer of heat, drought and wildfires has prompted an emergency Cobra meeting and voluntary retailer suspensions of disposable-barbecue sales. Green groups have written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham urging him to call the crisis 'climate change' and stop new North Sea drilling; Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice has questioned net zero and urged adaptation and celebration of warmer weather.
Europe endures a blistering heat wave with temperatures above 40C in several countries. Italy places all 27 major cities on red heat alerts; authorities extend evening hours at Rome’s Colosseum and Pantheon and open cooling measures. Wildfires, drought and energy stress accompany the heat, prompting precautions for residents and visitors.
Divers have uncovered a 2,000-year-old shipwreck near Mazara del Vallo, packed with hundreds of wine and oil amphorae. Italy’s culture ministry says the vessel dates to the 1st or 2nd century BC and will be documented and protected as researchers study its cargo and origins.
A global heat wave trend persists into August 2026. July saw record or near-record sea surface and air temperatures across Europe and globally. Scientists warn that accelerating warming and a strong El Niño are increasing the odds that 2026 will be the hottest year on record.
Mount Etna’s ongoing eruption has kept Catania airport closed or operating under strict restrictions, disrupting nearly 2,000 flights over the past week, with passengers rerouted to other hubs and price pressures rising during Ferragosto travel. Authorities warn ash emissions will continue to affect air traffic in the region.
Wildfires have intensified across Europe, with record heat and drought fueling unprecedented fire activity. Several countries report thousands of hectares burned, mass evacuations, and mounting economic costs as authorities warn of a worsening season.
Flights at Catania International Airport have been suspended again amid persistent volcanic ash from Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest active volcano. The suspension follows renewed emissions, with authorities warning additional disruptions as the ash cloud continues to affect air traffic in Sicily.