Capital of the Czech Republic and Bohemia’s historic heart, on the Vltava.
Prague's St. Vitus Cathedral has received a new four-keyboard organ, built in Spain and transported to Prague after crowdfunding raised over 135 million Czech crowns. The instrument, with about 6,000 pipes, will be voiced in a series of eight concerts; the previous organ proved too small and broke down during the communist era.
Two early‑season heatwaves have broken June temperature records across western Europe, pushing many locations above 40°C, triggering red alerts, disrupting transport and power, and causing dozens of deaths in France and other countries. Scientists have said human‑caused warming has made this event far more likely and night‑time temperatures have remained unusually high.
Romania and the Czech Republic face funding and independence concerns as governments consider shifting public broadcasters to state financing. In the Czech case, thousands protest plans to fund Czech Television and Czech Radio from the state budget, potentially reducing funding by about 15% and risking staff layoffs and editorial independence. In Romania, caretaker governance risks a constitutional crisis as parties negotiate a minority government ahead of EU funding targets and credit ratings.
Prime Day deals are reshaping travel gear with discounts on luggage, suitcases and bags across brands like Samsonite, Travelpro and Away. Publications highlight widespread price drops, with editors testing durability and convenience across soft- and hard-shell options. Readers are urged to compare carry-ons, checked luggage and travel organizers to maximize savings.
A continent-wide heatwave has intensified, with France, the Netherlands and Belgium reporting thousands of excess deaths as temperatures shatter records. Health systems are strained, and wildfires and droughts are spreading across southern Europe. Officials warn that climate change is driving more extreme heat, with record highs continuing into the coming days.
Canada will send an act to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027, making it the first new participant since Australia in 2015. The European Broadcasting Union says CBC/Radio-Canada will join as a full member, with selection details to be announced later this year. The move expands Eurovision beyond Europe, reflecting the contest’s global audience and Canadian talent.