Kingdom in Europe with North African territories and a global cultural footprint.
US electric-vehicle sales have risen in the second quarter to 247,226, driven by new, lower-priced models and higher pump prices. Automakers that kept EV lines — including Tesla, Toyota and Rivian — have gained share while some legacy manufacturers have scaled back or cancelled EV projects. States and startups are introducing local incentives and cheap models to sustain demand.
A multi-jurisdictional crackdown has exposed a cross-border drug trafficking network, involving large cocaine seizures and money-laundering links to a California-anchored entity. Investigations span the United States, Liberia, Spain and Liberia-linked operations, with authorities pursuing multiple defendants and seizures in the latest round of arrests.
Gibraltar and Spain sign a post-Brexit treaty bringing an end to border checks. The agreement, signed in Brussels, makes Gibraltar part of Schengen for travel and sets new border procedures, easing movement for 15,000 Spanish workers and 40,000 residents on the Rock.
Flights from Gatwick were diverted after a late-night technical fault prompted a temporary runway closure. Several planes landed safely at alternate airports, with passengers facing delays and disrupted onward travel; authorities emphasise safety as the priority.
Spain masterclasss sinks France 2-0 in Dallas, with Lamine Yamal scoring the opener and Pedro Porro adding a second. Didier Deschamps is stepping down after the tournament; France will play for third place while Spain awaits the final.
Tens of people are killed as wildfires in Almeria, Andalusia, burn about 7,000 hectares. Authorities confirm multiple nationalities among the victims, with UK nationals among those who perished. Fire is now under control, residents are returning home, and leaders call for stronger prevention measures against climate-driven blazes.
Across multiple clubs, midfield deals define a volatile transfer window. United accelerates talks for Tielemans as Ederson talks stall; Santos arrives, with Villa eyeing Manzambi as a replacement. Other clubs reel from high-profile targets missing out and recalibrating plans.
Europe’s leaders are pursuing a global, integrated missile defense against future threats, while Ukraine seeks faster air-defense and a European-backed, lower-cost system. At Paris talks, Macron and Zelenskyy outline steps toward a coalition of the willing and the Freyja project to supplement, not replace, existing defenses.
Prosecutors in Berlin have charged a 68‑year‑old man with 22 counts of aggravated rape involving 14 women, part of a wider probe into an online network that prosecutors say enabled drug‑facilitated sexual assaults. Investigations trace the crimes to chats and online forums with suspected involvement of dozens of people across countries. Authorities say the scale is likely under‑detected.
Messi and Mbappé remain the top scorers as World Cup action intensifies into the semifinals. Mbappé is at the center of France’s push, while Messi continues to chase the all-time World Cup scoring record amid Argentina’s campaign. Several other stars—Haaland, Kane and Dembélé—still threaten the Golden Boot as teams reach the final stages.
EU leaders are pursuing a staged, age-based approach to social media access for minors. A high-level panel has recommended delaying access for under-13s, with further steps for older teens. Von der Leyen has pledged action, and lawmakers are preparing draft legislation after the summer.
Karl Darlow has signed a two-year contract with Manchester United, with an option for 12 months, becoming a back-up to Senne Lammens as United pursue further midfield and squad moves; Leeds confirms departure after contract expiry.
Green MPs and unions are pressing for legally binding maximum indoor temperatures amid recurring heatwaves. Legislation would create an independent body to set safe thresholds and detail implementation, with cross-party backing and comparisons to Spain. Government says it will study the issue further.
The New York Times and The Scotsman publish evolving restaurant lists, highlighting standout eateries across cities and regions. The coverage notes shifting trends toward casual dining, authentic regional specialties, and the balance between value and quality. Readers are guided through top picks and changing lineups as venues open and close.
Argentina has overturned England’s lead with a late goal from Lionel Messi to reach the World Cup final; England’s hopes crumble in Atlanta as Argentina’s experience seals the win.
Argentine and British tensions flare as the World Cup semifinal in Atlanta intertwines sport with sovereignty debates over the Falkland Islands, with politicians and fans highlighting memories of the 1982 conflict.
Arsenal has agreed a permanent transfer of Leandro Trossard to Besiktas, paving the way for the Belgium winger to depart after three-and-a-half years. He has played 174 times for Arsenal, scoring 36 goals, including a late winner at West Ham that helped keep the title bid alive. His final appearance for Arsenal was the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, where he assisted Havertz before the shootout.
Spain have reached the World Cup final, defeating France 2-0 in Dallas. Oyarzabal and Porro scored as Spain controlled the match, keeping France from finding rhythm. Deschamps’ side exits, while Spain eye a final against England or Argentina.
A wildfire near Bedar in Almería has killed 13 people, with several British nationals among the dead. Rescue teams have recovered multiple bodies and rescued two British hikers who survived with severe burns. The CID is processing missing-person reports as authorities warn of continuing danger amid a heatwave across Europe.
Pew’s latest global opinion poll shows China viewed more positively than the US in 25 of 36 countries surveyed, the first time Beijing has overtaken Washington in roughly two decades. The shift follows tensions over U.S. policy and a string of international events, with Canadians, Europeans and others reporting greater confidence in China’s role as a global partner.
England and Argentina meet in a World Cup semifinal in Atlanta, revisiting a six-decade-old rivalry. Messi faces England for the first time as Argentina chase back-to-back finals, while England seek their first final since 1966. The match is billed as a high-stakes clash between two footballing giants, with Messi aiming to extend his historic World Cup run.
France’s National Assembly has approved a bill to legalise medically assisted dying for adults with a serious, incurable illness in an advanced or terminal stage, with strict safeguards. The measure now goes to the Constitutional Council for review before it could become law, after the Senate previously rejected it by a wide margin.
World Cup 2026 closing ceremony at MetLife Stadium will feature performances from Tom Cruise, IShowSpeed, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams and Jennifer Hudson. The show will celebrate the tournament across Canada, Mexico and the United States, with a 90-minute pre-match ceremony and a 3 p.m. local kickoff.
The FIFA World Cup final halftime show has expanded its lineup to include Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Burna Boy and Justin Bieber. The event will be curated by Chris Martin and supported by the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, with performances also planned for the closing ceremony. The timing hints at a longer intermission than the standard 15 minutes, drawing reactions from organisers and critics alike.
Inmates at Rikers Island have watched the World Cup semifinals as part of ongoing watch parties, while a federal reform plan signals continued challenges at the facility. Mayor Mamdani was present at a session, and officials say more than 4,500 inmates have participated in roughly 90 events since the tournament began.
England has reached the World Cup semi-finals after beating Norway 2-1 in Miami, with Jude Bellingham scoring twice. Thomas Tuchel has criticised the performance as sloppy and not fast enough, while Kane argues the team can still reach a higher level ahead of the Argentina semi-final.
Argentina and England meet in Atlanta for a World Cup semi-final, continuing a long-standing rivalry. Messi is aiming to guide Argentina to back-to-back titles, while England rely on Bellingham and Kane to halt a 60-year trophy drought. The match follows Argentina's quarter-final win and England's win over Norway.
A collection of recent events shows crowds at live events facing safety and access challenges, from 90s Fest in Sheffield to Jay-Z residencies in New York. Reports note crowding, security concerns, and varied experiences at FIFA Fan Festivals.
The World Cup has boosted consumer spending and hotel activity in U.S. host cities, with retail and hospitality gains outlined in Bank of America and other analyses. Early group-stage demand was uneven, but knockout games are lifting RevPAR, short-term rentals, and tourism-related spending, signaling a broader economic impact beyond the stadiums.
France and Spain advance to the World Cup 2026 semi-finals in Dallas, while England and Argentina prepare for a high-stakes match in Atlanta. The winner will reach the final in New York, with entertainment and schedule details announced ahead of the weekend clashes.
Ferguson Marine reports the Glen Rosa has left dry dock ahead of schedule and is moving toward sea trials; costs are now estimated at £197.5m, with service hoped in 2027. The yard emphasises progress on “modern Clydebuilt standards.”
France and Spain are in the spotlight as the Geopolitics World Cup moves toward the final. Mbappé’s form is under scrutiny after a semi-final exit, while Spain’s control solidifies their title bid. The bronze match in Miami and the closing ceremony in New York will cap a dramatic tournament.
Ismail Elfath has been named the referee for England v Argentina in the 2026 World Cup knockout stage. The US official has previously refereed at Qatar 2022 and is one of a record eight US referees at the tournament.
Spain defeats Belgium 2-1 in a dramatic quarter-final, with Pedro Porro and Dani Olmo’s goals giving them the lead, and Mikel Merino sealing victory after coming on as a substitute. Belgium’s Senne Lammens errors seal their fate as Spain advance to face France in the semi-finals.
The UN has condemned Hamas for obstructing humanitarian aid deliveries in Gaza, with reports of armed groups entering food-distribution points and a WFP warehouse. The EU commits almost 900 million euros to early recovery and reconstruction, while donors seek conditions for disbursement amid ongoing conflict and calls for Hamas disarmament.
Lorde has condemned AI-enabled sunglasses at Madrid’s Mad Cool Festival, saying “fuck the glasses” and warning that wearables spark privacy concerns amid Meta-Ray‑Ban’s growing line. Coverage notes that brands frame the technology as fashion while critics highlight bystander privacy risks and regulatory probes.
Lamine Yamal remains central to Spain’s World Cup bid as he prepares for a semifinal against France. He has celebrated his 19th birthday with a pre-match press conference and is determined to help Spain reach the final, while his personal background and rising status shape the narrative.
Waze has rolled out five new features, including personalized navigation, a new motorcycle mode, and a less chatty voice. The updates are rolling out globally on Android and iOS as the company leans on Gemini AI to refine routing and communications.
Veteran Moroccan journalist Ali Lmrabet has been released after questioning by Casablanca prosecutors amid ongoing defamation inquiries. He remains under investigation and faces further legal scrutiny as authorities maintain a case linked to comments about individuals and institutions. Separately, rapper Mehdi El Youbi is detained in Casablanca due to posts and political views, signaling a broader crackdown on regime critics connected to a Gen Z protest movement.
France is recalibrating its North African policy with Morocco after renewing ties and recognizing Morocco’s Western Sahara stance. The visit highlights defence, security, and economic cooperation as Paris and Rabat seek to navigate a shifting regional balance amid broader external competition.