Capital city of France and Europe’s historic hub
King Haakon VIII has given his first televised address a day after his father, King Harald V, has died at Oslo University Hospital. Haakon has thanked the public for large crowds at the palace, pledged to defend Norway’s constitution when he takes the oath before parliament on Tuesday, and announced a period of national mourning ahead of a yet-to-be-set funeral date.
A High Court costs ruling in London has ordered Prince Harry and other claimants to pay a substantial interim sum to Associated Newspapers, following a long-running case over alleged unlawful information gathering by the Daily Mail publisher. The decision accompanies ongoing moves by Harry and Meghan to return to the UK.
Paris Saint-Germain has moved its Ligue 1 opener against Rennes to Roazhon Park after the Parc des Princes pitch has deteriorated and been declared unsafe. The club has said it will replace the turf before its next home game on Sept. 4 and has thanked Rennes for hosting. The rearranged fixture follows a scorching summer that damaged the grass.
Sydney Marathon organisers confirm a medal features Munich’s Allianz Arena instead of Sydney’s Allianz Stadium. The mistake is acknowledged as an unfortunate error, with the medal described as beautiful and now more unique. Organisers say record participation is expected with over 40,000 runners, and the event proceeds as planned.
A Russian drone strike on a warehouse near Kyiv’s western suburbs has caused a large fire, damaged dozens of homes and a care facility, and killed dozens of people. Ukrainian officials say criminal negligence is being investigated as evacuations continue and both sides widen long-range attacks.
London’s ultra-low emission zone has reduced NO2 levels by about 38% since 2014 and is linked to better lung function in children, but most neighbourhoods still miss WHO guidelines. The inquest into Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah’s death has highlighted ongoing health inequalities tied to air quality.
Record crossings by mega-dinghies have surged across the English Channel, with boats carrying hundreds of migrants. Authorities are reinforcing enforcement and international cooperation as numbers fall overall but risks rise for those onboard.
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.
The Department of Justice has asked the Supreme Court to let construction on the president's 90,000 sq ft White House ballroom continue while courts hear challenges. A federal appeals court last week upheld an injunction requiring congressional approval for above‑ground work and stayed that order for 14 days. The administration argues the project includes vital security and military features and is roughly two‑thirds complete.
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.
Fenway Sports Group has sold roughly 30–33% of Liverpool Football Club to 1892 Holdings, a consortium led by Amit Bhatia that includes Jeff Bezos (via K5 Sports), Eduardo Saverinand the Mittal family. FSG has retained majority ownership and operational control; Bhatia will become vice chairman and two consortium representatives will join the board. Regulatory approval is pending.
New York City has hit peak summer activity with record crowds and spending. After Knicks’ championship and World Cup crowds, the city remains lively as visitors push commerce and events into high gear this August.
Anthropic has begun embedding an imperceptible, machine-detectable watermark into Claude-generated text and files to comply with the EU AI Act’s Transparency Code. The mark travels with copied text, can persist through light editing, and will be applied globally to models released after Aug. 2. Users and developers have criticised the change and tools to remove marks have appeared online.
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.
UNESCO and UN Women warn five years into Taliban rule that bans on secondary and higher education for girls and women have intensified, erasing two decades of progress and threatening Afghanistan’s social and economic future. The UN calls for immediate restoration of education rights as thousands remain barred from schooling.
Young islanders express concerns over housing, cost of living and opportunities after studies, highlighting mental health and a perceived lack of government listening. The Medical Officer of Health report shows many plan to leave or feel uncertain about staying, while transport and activities are flagged as major current issues.
A series of interviews and festival appearances highlight a lifetime in theatre, from Olivier-winning performances to enduring roles on stage and screen. New retrospectives and archival screenings showcase how a lifetime in performance continues to shape audiences worldwide.
A wave of extreme heat is forcing people to rethink work, commuting and leisure. From London offices to outdoor pools, residents are adapting with new routines and strategies in response to record temperatures this summer.
The 31-year-old Ramsay-Peaty has finished eighth in his 50m breaststroke heat at Paris, after setting the world record in 2017. He has described the performance as not good enough, is aiming to rebound with new start work and is targeting Los Angeles 2028, where the 50m will be included. compatriot Nowacki also misses the semi-finals.
Israeli and French campaigns are leveraging summer travel and international outreach to mobilize voters, with overseas billboards and cruise-ship stops drawing attention. Analysts note heightened focus on election procedures, voter access, and integrity as key campaigns push to capture center-left and right-leaning blocks ahead of looming ballots.
Bedbug infestations are rising in the summer, with some scientists suggesting potential links to MRSA. Parallel mosquito-borne diseases remain deadly, with malaria, dengue, and West Nile outbreaks increasing in the US. Public health officials warn that infestations and infections are resurging as travel and urban living alter exposure.
France hosts Prince Mohammed bin Salman as leaders discuss diversifying energy and transport routes, including maritime and rail projects, amid regional and Middle East stability efforts. The Franco-Saudi partnership council is being convened to solidify cooperation.
The Office of Rail and Road has approved Virgin Trains to operate up to 20 daily return services through the Channel Tunnel from 1 October 2030 to 31 December 2040, joining Eurostar on a route long monopolised by the French operator SNCF. Regulators say more work remains, including stock, safety approvals and cross-border access.
A 20-year-old Cagliari forward, Yael Trepy, has been hospitalised in Sassari after a pool incident in northern Sardinia. The club says Trepy is in intensive care and asks for privacy while it monitors his condition. He scored once in eight Serie A appearances last season and joined Cagliari’s academy in 2022.
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.
Harry and Meghan have returned to Britain after more than six years away, announcing plans to live outside London with their children enrolled in British schools. The couple’s UK comeback follows a high-profile departure and ongoing public tensions with the royal family, including Harry’s security debate and Charles’s health status.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have planned a move from California to a private, non-royal home outside London later this month and have enrolled Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet in British schools for September. King Charles has been told and has welcomed the chance to see his grandchildren; the couple will remain non-working royals.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have returned to Britain with their children, reasserting ties with the royal family while preserving their non-royal status. They plan to live at a private residence outside London and will continue to leverage their UK-based charitable work and commercial ventures.
European heat waves have driven a spike in excess mortality across several countries. Germany, France and Spain report thousands more deaths than usual as temperatures exceed 40°C and drought persists. Experts warn climate change is intensifying heat-related health risks.
The Times of Israel, BBC Business, France 24 and Bloomberg report that Israel has opened tenders for about 1,200 settlement homes in the E1 corridor, east of Jerusalem. The move draws international condemnation and raises concerns about a two-state solution. France, Germany, Italy and the UK join in urging reconsideration, while the EU and UN caution on the broader implications for regional stability.
Europe’s longest-serving monarch, King Harald V, has died at 89. He is succeeded by his son, who will take the name King Haakon VIII. Mourners are paying respects, and a national address is expected as Norway enters a transition to a new reign.
The Guardian and The New York Times report on Rachel Cusk's Life of M, a novel that mirrors Natalie Portman and stirs debate over biogossip, fiction and public figures. The accounts describe a narrator's pursuit of reality amid a celebrity's curated life, with readers weighing how closely art imitates life.
France and Saudi Arabia have signed a €6bn agreement to build three theme parks near Cergy‑Pontoise, northwest of Paris, led by Qiddiya Investment Company. One park has been described as manga‑themed and inspired by Dragon Ball Z. The project has been presented as creating about 22,000 jobs and will open in stages over several years.
France faces a polarized presidential contest in 2027. Le Pen leads in the polls; the left remains split, with Glucksmann pushing for a unified approach while others seek individual bids. In a fray of debates and primary chatter, the political landscape is shaping a crucial first round.
Infantino has faced mounting calls to resign after aborting plans to sell World Cup stakes to private investors. UEFA and continental confederations accuse him of deception, while Ceferin hints at a potential March election and signals commitment to UEFA.
A look at how streaming and new platforms are reshaping the careers and memory of a BAFTA-winning director, with reflections from collaborators and a peek at archival material and upcoming releases.
Shein is set to debut in Hong Kong with an expected price range of HK$47.60–HK$49.50 per share, valuing the company at about $27bn. The IPO follows years of regulatory scrutiny and previous failed listings in New York and London. Cornerstone investors and major firms are backing the float, while the company aims to fund technology and global expansion.
Fifa has shelved the Forward Enterprise plan amid fierce opposition from UEFA and other bodies. Ceferin calls for Infantino to quit; EU associations warn against selling football to private investors. The plan is dead, but governance tensions persist as Infantino seeks support ahead of a potential fourth term.
The UK prime minister is visiting Kyiv in his first foreign trip, meeting Zelenskyy and co-chairing talks with European leaders to boost support for Ukraine on Ukraine Independence Day. The government has authorized MBDA to share details of British SCALP missile components to enable Ukrainian assembly of the weapons later this year.
Roger Federer has returned to Arthur Ashe Stadium for exhibition matches, reflecting on his career and the impact of his off-court persona. He is preparing for induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island. The event draws how fans remember a player beyond titles, and the exhibitions feature him alongside rivals and allies from his era.
The European Court of Human Rights has ruled that Osman Kavala’s continued detention after his 2022 life sentence violates his rights, citing structural flaws in Turkey’s judiciary. The court calls for Kavala’s immediate release and notes a pattern of political influence on justice in Turkey.
President Donald Trump has submitted a 30-year civil nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia to Congress, starting a 90-day review. The deal would allow U.S. firms to export civilian nuclear technology and build AP1000 reactors. The White House says the pact will only move forward if Riyadh normalises relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords.
Paris's new butter boutique showcases 30 varieties from Brittany to the Loire, with tasting by spoon and items from 10-gram pats to 1-kilogram blocks. French dairy culture links butter to meals, heritage, and global chefs; visitors include locals, tourists, and food professionals.
The government has launched a national resilience drive to help households prepare for extreme weather, cyber threats and potential foreign-state actions. Officials say the plan aims to protect the vulnerable by encouraging practical steps, including stocking bottled water and tinned food, while authorities update risk assessments amid tension with Russia and drought-driven food pressures.
Saudi Arabia's SAFF has endorsed FIFA President Infantino's bid to restore unity in world football, while calls for direct dialogue grow as divisions persist among confederations amid a controversial 20% stake plan.
Celine Dion has begun a 16-show residency in Paris, following a long hiatus due to health issues. Fans gathered outside a hotel as the singer prepares to take the stage at the Plenitude Arena this September, with more performances planned for May 2027.