Central European republic with Baltic shores and a pivotal EU role
French president Emmanuel Macron has opened a two-day International Space Summit in Paris that has gathered officials, astronauts, researchers and industry leaders from about 120 countries to press Europe to build sovereign space capabilities, debate regulation and seek commercial deals. U.S. companies SpaceX and Blue Origin are absent after White House concerns over the event’s framing.
The FFF has withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino amid concerns over FIFA’s governance and plans to sell World Cup stakes. UEFA and other confederations join in pressing for reform as Infantino plans to stand again in 2027.
Several Western governments have moved to restrict trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank, while Palestinians question enforcement and impact on everyday life. The move follows rising settlement activity and calls for broader measures against settlement support.
Meteorological services have confirmed that summer 2026 has recorded the highest mean temperatures on record across the UK and much of western Europe, driven by five widespread heatwaves, prolonged drought and repeated 30°C+ days. Health services, farmers and transport networks have been disrupted and provisional estimates link thousands of excess deaths to the heat.
Meta has rolled out updates to its AR glasses to deter covert filming, adding a stronger capture LED safeguard and hardware-based privacy measures. The moves come as regulators in the EU probe the glasses and venues consider bans; the company reports a small share of devices have been tampered with and vows ongoing updates.
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.
Fury has signalled readiness for a November showdown with Joshua after both signed contracts with Saudi-backed promoters. Negotiations over location and terms center on UK versus US hosting, with New York’s Madison Square Garden favored by the Saudis and Netflix. Joshua’s team is seeking contract amendments to accommodate American tax rules and logistics.
Audrey Werro leads as the Diamond League heads to Zurich, with Keely Hodgkinson withdrawing due to readiness concerns. Dos Santos and Russell have set world-leading times, while Duplantis and Karalis push for 6.32m in pole vault.
European football federations convene in Monaco as UEFA seeks assurances after Infantino's investor plan was aborted. The talks aim to prevent a boycott, clear the path for the Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland, and set a course for Infantino’s re-election battle in March 2027.
A raft of moves in MLS and NWSL, including Esther Gonze1lez 's Saudi signing and Julian Hall 's MLS extension, have reshaped careers and raised questions about professionalism, pay, and league dynamics.
Concerts by Kanye West, now legally Ye, scheduled for Oct. 10-11 at Gazprom Arena in St. Petersburg have been canceled by the stadium over ununsigned rental contracts, with promoter Say Agency claiming the shows may still proceed after formalities are completed. The controversy follows years of antisemitic remarks and geopolitical tensions.
The UK has granted Ukraine access to declassified blueprints for British-made components used in the Scalp missile, the European-produced version of the Storm Shadow. Russia has warned of consequences and highlighted potential threats to UK bases in Europe as Kyiv deepens its defense production.
Tate and Tristan Tate are in Florida custody while British prosecutors pursue extradition on rape, sex trafficking, and related charges. Their lawyers say online posts are designed to attract attention and income, though prosecutors describe them as evidence of a flight risk. The lawyers argue wealth claims are exaggerated and that rented assets are used for promotional content.
Rockstar has released a 26–30 minute "extended look" of Grand Theft Auto VI on Netflix and then on YouTube, after a wave of unauthorised leaks. Netflix and Twitch have reported heavy traffic and brief outages. Preorders have exceeded $260m, investors have pushed Take-Two shares higher, and debate is returning to digital-only distribution and leak-driven spoilers ahead of the Nov. 19 launch.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe has flown to Moscow for undisclosed talks with Russian intelligence chief Sergey Naryshkin. Moscow says President Vladimir Putin was briefed but did not meet Ratcliffe. U.S. and Russian accounts conflict over whether Ratcliffe warned Russia against attacking NATO or discussed restarting U.S.-mediated peace talks for Ukraine. The visit is the first CIA director trip to Moscow since 2021.
Festivalgoers in Buñol throw tomatoes in a crowded melee that lasts about an hour, with police dispersals using pepper spray briefly. The event traces back to a 1945 food fight and has evolved into a major international attraction, drawing participants from around the world. Attendance exceeds 20,000 as tourists from India and beyond participate.
European football bodies are reassessing a boycott of FIFA events after assurances that Gianni Infantino’s plan to privatise World Cup rights will not be repeated. The move follows a series of meetings in Monte Carlo and Poland, with decisions expected at a UEFA executive committee gathering.
FIFA has acknowledged missteps in a bid seen as reshaping world soccer toward Saudi influence. SAFF supports dialogue to restore unity while divisions persist among confederations over a $20 billion plan and leadership questions ahead of a potential no-confidence push.
UK health authorities report a widening salmonella outbreak linked to imported eggs. Cases have surged to 474 with 1 death; clusters t5.9411, t0.24068 and t5.9765 are under investigation. Public risk remains low; guidance emphasizes thorough cooking and hygiene, especially for vulnerable groups.
King Harald V has died at Oslo University Hospital at 06:35 on Friday, Aug. 28, aged 89. Crown Prince Haakon has become King Haakon VIII and will take the oath before parliament on Tuesday. Norway has declared national mourning; tens of thousands have left tributes at the royal palace and a funeral date is set for Sept. 9.
Eight teams face an extensive Europa and Conference League schedule as the new season begins, with Bournemouth and Sunderland among the highlights, including ties against Milan and Real Sociedad and a return to European competition for Palace and Celtic.
UEFA has escalated pressure on FIFA president Gianni Infantino after revealing a criminal mismanagement complaint in Switzerland related to a failed bid to sell future World Cup profits to private investors. The move follows a broader backlash from FIFA member bodies amid concerns over a $4.2 billion investment plan that would have paid out to federations. Infantino has not indicated he will step down, and election remains scheduled for March 2027.
A Russian drone strike on a Kyiv-area warehouse has killed at least 27 people, injured dozens, and prompted new calls from President Zelensky to hold perpetrators to account. Officials say the blast caused significant damage to nearby infrastructure and prompted mass evacuations in the Bucha district.
Aryna Sabalenka has reached the US Open fourth round after a straight-sets win over Kamilla Rakhimova, while addressing a strong cannabis smell on court. The World No. 1 has maintained form with 10 aces and no break points conceded, but questions linger about the distraction and the tournament’s handling of off-site smoke. Sabalenka faces Taylor Townsend or Diana Shnaider next; Alcaraz and Medvedev have also progressed.
Pabst Brewing Co. is offering up to $20,000 for information that leads to the recovery of 1,602 cases of Pabst Blue Ribbon and Old Milwaukee beer stolen on Aug. 17 from an Anheuser-Busch distribution center in Montclair, California. Two separate thefts on the same day involved about 40,000 pounds of beer valued at roughly $70,000. Police are investigating possible links between the incidents.
The Namibian’s distribution network is managing long-haul routes across Namibia, with Windhoek vendors and night shifts, as its production and logistics teams coordinate printing, packaging, and delivery to outlets nationwide.
A fire at WB Electronics in Skarżysko-Kamienna, a major Polish defense supplier, has prompted a formal probe into possible sabotage. Authorities say no casualties occurred as investigators examine whether Russia orchestrated the incident amid a broader pattern of alleged attacks on infrastructure linked to Ukraine aid. The incident follows other sabotage warnings and ongoing security tightening.
Global grain markets have tightened as attacks on Black Sea grain terminals persist and port disruptions limit exports from Russia and Ukraine. Futures have risen, and importers like Egypt and Indonesia are scrambling to secure supplies amid higher costs.
Pabst Brewing Co. has offered up to $20,000 for information leading to the recovery of 1,602 cases of Pabst Blue Ribbon and Old Milwaukee beer stolen from a Montclair, California warehouse on Aug. 17. Two separate thefts, including fake documents from a purported subcontractor, led to a total loss of 40,000 pounds and an estimated $70,000 in value. Investigators are pursuing leads and a Sept. 9 return deadline has been set.
The Saxony-Anhalt election has produced a surge of support for the AfD, with polls showing the party near or at a majority. CDU trails, Greens and SPD win thresholds. Coalition uncertainty looms as parties consider governance options amid a potential shift in Germany’s regional politics.
Infantino has not altered plans to seek a fourth term in 2027, despite intense pressure and a failed attempt to privatise World Cup rights. He declined to answer questions about his future at the Under-20 Women’s World Cup, while UEFA and others push for resignation or alternatives.
The AfD has secured 44% of the vote in Saxony-Anhalt, threatening an absolute majority; CDU support has fallen, and the election signals a potential shift in Germany’s political landscape as Russia ties and migration policies figure prominently in the party’s platform.
The AfD has finished first in Saxony-Anhalt with about 43–44% of the vote, short of an absolute majority. CDU falls sharply, while BSW hints at possible cooperation. The result challenges Germany’s firewall against governing with the far right and raises questions about future coalition dynamics.
Swiss authorities release previously sealed documents on Josef Mengele after a court ruling, revealing police materials suggesting he may have returned to Switzerland or planned entry under an alias. The papers, compiled by the federal prosecutor’s office, were sealed until 2071 before being published online with redactions. Historians have long sought access to these records.