Central European nation on the Alps and Adriatic, shaping EU policy and regional stability.
ZDNET tests show ESR Aura MagSafe wallet and stand offers strong value with five card slots, reliable magnetic hold, and a range of colors. The wallet is affordable, but is not ultra-slim and may not suit luxury or high-card-count needs. Other contenders include Journey Ezmo and Satechi.
Demi Vollering has claimed the Tour de France Femmes title after an aggressive final stage, finishing ahead of Kasia Niewiadoma. The race, praised for its unpredictable, Classics-style parcours, has solidified its status as the premier event in women’s cycling. Niewiadoma’s late drama and a heated finish with Célia Gery are acknowledged, with the podium completed by Elisa Longo Borghini and strong showings from rising riders.
Scotland has named Sebastien Pocognoli as its new head coach, succeeding Steve Clarke. Pocognoli, a 39-year-old former Belgium international, has led Union Saint-Gilloise to a Belgian title and most recently managed Monaco. His appointment signals a shift to a front-foot, high-press style and aims to build on Clarke’s foundations.
The former Belgium international has been named Scotland’s head coach, taking over from Steve Clarke. Pocognoli has guided Union Saint-Gilloise to a Belgian title and will seek to build on Clarke’s foundation while introducing his own ideas and developing young players within an experienced core.
Rising heat and drought across Europe have lowered river levels, exposing World War II ships, mammoth remains and ancient structures. Analysts warn climate-driven extremes are intensifying, threatening ships, power plants and freight, while historians document maritime relics surfacing along the Danube and Rhine.
Shakhtar Donetsk has secured four home fixtures in the Champions League main phase, but cannot play in Ukraine for security reasons due to the ongoing Russian invasion. The club will host matches at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge, subject to UEFA approvals, with the draw to decide opponents next week in Monaco. Shakhtar’s true home remains Ukraine, and the arrangement follows sanctions affecting ownership and prior conflict in Donetsk.
AVROTROS has announced it will not participate in Eurovision 2027, saying the contest can no longer be considered neutral because a participating country remains involved in a large-scale military conflict. The broadcaster has returned responsibility for Dutch participation to NPO, which could decide whether another Dutch channel will step in.
Latin American governments are renewing ties with Israel, recognizing sovereignty over the Golan Heights, and restoring diplomatic channels after years of strain. Venezuela and Colombia are central to a broader regional realignment, with other states re-engaging in Israeli cooperation and security ties.
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.
Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Aston Villa and Liverpool are among the English clubs taking part as the league phase draw for the 2026-27 Champions League places teams into eight-match groups. PSG, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid headline pot one, with Celtic aiming to reach the knockout rounds after a 3-0 first leg win in their play-off. The draw is set for Aug. 27, 2026, with fixtures running from September.
Cameroon's sovereign credit profile faces renewed pressure as regional liquidity tightens and financing needs rise. Moody's has downgraded institutional strength and governance, while liquidity risk and higher debt burden constrain policy options. Growth is modest, but deficits and subsidy costs complicate financing.
Newport County have added six loanees and a Fulham academy graduate as they strengthen under coach Hayden Mullins. The acquisitions include Tanatswa Nyakuhwa from Cardiff, Jacob from Hull, Adu-Poku, Etete and Nyakuhwa, with Dibley-Dias joining to bolster midfield. The club aims to build a competitive squad after finishing last season safe from relegation.
Napoli's Scott McTominay has undergone a pulsed field ablation for a mild benign arrhythmia and will rest for two weeks before resuming training, keeping him out through the international break and affecting Scotland duty.
US carriers are returning to Ben Gurion, expanding seats as demand climbs for the Jewish New Year and holidays. Despite new capacity, fares remain high through autumn, with relief not expected until November as demand shifts post-election.
Persistent heat and water shortages have dried thousands of hectares of fish ponds from Hungary to the Czech Republic, Romania and Romania. The fish industry has suffered millions in losses as farmers struggle to save stock and adapt water use.
Protests in Zagreb reflect widespread anger at the Croatian government over delays in removing some 37,000 metric tons of buried hazardous waste near Gospic. Demonstrators call for a binding, rapid cleanup plan, water and soil tests, and a ban on new waste imports as investigations unfold.
The government has announced a regenerative approach to integrate young players into big clubs has paid off as Sesko scores on his first full start of the season in United’s 4-0 win over Sabah in the Champions League. He says patience paid off and that joining United feels right after a year of adjustment.
Palestinian rights groups report increased casualties and displacement as Israeli ministers push for hardline measures; Western states expand arms exports while debates over sanctions deepen. The pieces highlight the diverging international responses to the Gaza crisis.
Shankland has suffered a hamstring tear recurrence and will be out for several weeks to months, with scans to decide on surgery. Rangers assess options as Pocognoli’s squad faces upcoming fixtures and international duties.
Scotland’s Bowie has not represented his country since last October but is hoping to impress new Belgium coach Pocognoli ahead of an imminent squad announcement. He starred for Sassuolo in a dramatic win over Juventus, scoring late to swing a 2-1 result in a performance that could boost his international chances.
Scotland has reshaped its Nations League squad under new head coach Sebastien Pocognoli. Kristi Montgomery earns a first senior call-up after progressing through Blackburn Rovers’ ranks, joining a mix of recalled veterans and new faces as the team prepares for matches against Slovenia, Switzerland and North Macedonia.
Marlen Reusser has retained the women's world time‑trial title in Montreal, winning in 50:24.44 and beating Britain’s Zoe Backstedt by 40 seconds. Germany’s Franziska Koch has taken bronze. Backstedt, 21, has stepped up from under‑23 competition and finished strongly on a longer, windy technical course.
RTÉ has confirmed it will not participate in or broadcast Eurovision 2027, citing the ongoing humanitarian crisis and loss of life in Gaza and restricted access for international journalists. The decision follows earlier boycotts by other European broadcasters and comes after the EBU barred countries in armed conflict from hosting.
Switzerland has named its 25-man squad for Nations League fixtures against Scotland, Slovenia and North Macedonia, with captain Granit Xhaka returning after a strong World Cup and Boteli scoring again for his club. Uncapped defender Sascha Britschgi is included for the first time, and Zachary Athekame is back from loan to Lyon. Matches begin Sept. 29 in Scotland, with home games in Lucerne.
As the UN General Assembly gathers, global conflicts persist, climate threats intensify, and major powers with vetoes complicate reform. The world is watching whether leaders can coordinate to curb violence, stabilize economies, and reform global institutions.
Parliamentary officials have opened hearings to probe the UK’s poor Eurovision record. The Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee is examining whether bad song choice, weak performances, or other factors explain the UK’s recent bottom-half finishes, including last place in 2026.
Pope Leo XIV has opened a four-day visit to France focused on defending the value of human life and meeting abuse survivors. The trip has prompted protests and fresh criticism: survivors and campaigners say the church has not provided timely justice and want transparent trials, while French reparations bodies have awarded hundreds of victims compensation.
Ireland’s Data Protection Commission has ruled that Google has infringed GDPR in the processing of location data for Web & App Activity, Location History and Location Accuracy, issuing a €403 million fine and ordering compliance within six months. Google says policies have evolved since 2019. BEUC warns late enforcement harms consumer rights.
Granit Xhaka has withdrawn from Switzerland’s Nations League squad as prosecutors review a possible criminal case over a vaccination certificate obtained during the Covid pandemic. Embolo is also unavailable as the Swiss focus on upcoming matches against North Macedonia, Scotland, and Slovenia.
Israel's Netanyahu is seeking reelection as world leaders gather at the UN. Mamdani continues to clash with Israeli policy, calling for accountability and criticizing genocide accusations, while Trump remains a key ally on some fronts. Protests and counter-demonstrations surround Netanyahu's UN appearance.
The Netherlands has chosen to participate in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest after a boycott in 2026. NOS will host the Netherlands’ entry, selected by an independent panel; AVROTROS has stepped back amid concerns over Israel’s participation and the contest’s neutrality. Other countries’ positions remain unclear as the EBU tightens rules on hosting and voting.
Prime Minister has signalled a potential trial to allow fans to drink in view of the pitch at football grounds in England and Wales, a move critics describe as outdated. Officials say a full consultation is likely before any changes are made, with supporters and clubs weighing the implications for safety and revenue.
Palestinian President Abbas has addressed the UN via a pre-recorded video, while Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is delivering a live address. Abbas has called for ending the war in Gaza, a withdrawal from Gaza, and a political process toward an independent Palestinian state. Netanyahu is focusing on Israel's security concerns and Iran, with some world leaders planning protests in New York.
Scotland’s new head coach has overseen a goalless draw with Slovenia in Ljubljana in his first match in charge. Billy Gilmour returns from injury to drive the midfield; Oli McBurnie and Robbie Ure debut while Stephen Welsh occupies a new left-back/centre-back role. Scotland improve after a half-time reshuffle but fail to convert chances, leaving the Nation League opener with a point.
Scotland Under-21s have defeated Azerbaijan 5-2 in a high‑tempo, attacking display as they bid to mirror the senior side’s style. Despite the victory, a Czechia win earlier in the day means qualification for the playoff is no longer possible. Curtis supplied four assists while Barney Stewart scored twice, with Wilson, Fletcher and Wales also on target.
The United States has defeated Peru 2-1 in an international friendly at Inter.com Stadium. Trusty, 28, has faced scrutiny after a prior Rangers loss but shows solidity alongside a new defensive lineup as the U.S. returns to action following a World Cup exit. Late goals from Tillman and Hall secure the win as Peru equalises briefly before the U.S. pulls ahead.
Scotland has claimed victory in North Macedonia, with Kieron Bowie scoring at seven minutes and John McGinn converting a late penalty after a VAR review. The win secures four points from three Nations League matches under Pocognoli, while Scott McKenna is sent off late. Scotland are top in B1 ahead of Slovenia visit.
Goncalo Ramos, Adrien Rabiot and Mario Gila score as Milan beat Atalanta 3-2 at San Siro, staying in contention in Serie A; Como and Lazio also win, while Napoli, Sassuolo and Villarreal face late drama.
Parliament has approved a shift to a fully proportional system that awards a large bonus of seats to any party or coalition winning at least 42% of the vote. The lower house passed the law 227–164 in a secret ballot. The reform forces pre-election coalitions to name a prime ministerial candidate and programme and will reshape alliance strategy ahead of elections due by October 2027.
Slovenia has witnessed the irreversible disappearance of its last glacier, Skuta, with Triglav’s glacier already gone, as record heat and a dry summer accelerate Alpine thaw. Experts warn the retreat will continue as snowfall remains low and summers stay hot.