Kingdom of Spain, a Southern European nation with North African territories.
Chelsea has made clear Enzo Fernandez remains a Chelsea player as the transfer window closes, with no formal bid meeting the £120m valuation. City remains keen, while Chelsea are eyeing replacements and preparing for the season opener against Fulham.
Forecasters have confirmed a very strong El Niño that has pushed Pacific sea-surface temperatures well above typical thresholds. The Met Office and other agencies say the event is unprecedented in modern records, will raise global average temperatures and is already changing weather patterns — bringing wetter, stormier conditions to parts of north‑west Europe and increasing drought risk across the tropics.
Tadej Pogacar has extended his overall lead at the Vuelta a Espana after a dramatic hilly stage from Monaco to Manosque, where a late sprint saw Briton Matthew Brennan seize his first Grand Tour stage win while Pogacar preserves the red jersey with a 9-second advantage.
The 89-year-old Norwegian monarch has been admitted to hospital for a bacterial blood infection; he has responded to antibiotics and remains on sick leave while Crown Prince Haakon serves as regent. The palace says his condition is stable and he is receiving cortisone for an underlying blood disorder.
Moon enters Earth’s shadow for a deep partial eclipse, visible across the Americas and other regions; Artemis II mission underscores renewed space activity as billions anticipate the spectacle.
Keely Hodgkinson has pulled out of the women's 800 metres at the Zurich Diamond League after saying her body isn’t ready to race again following the European Championships. Audrey Werro is favored to win, with a five‑way battle expected among the world’s best 800m runners.
UK health authorities link a wave of salmonella infections to imported eggs, confirming one death and hundreds ill. The outbreak has triggered guidance advising vulnerable groups to avoid runny or undercooked eggs when eating out, while well-cooked eggs remain safe. Officials say UK-produced eggs are not implicated.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has opened a new chapter with Real Madrid after leaving Liverpool, telling the Mirror that the booing there hurts but that he understands fan disappointment. He stresses he remains committed to his club and his international hopes, while acknowledging the online abuse surrounding his transfer has a darker side.
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.
Europe has faced a blistering, record-setting heatwave this summer, with Germany, France, Spain and others reporting rising excess mortality. Provisional figures indicate thousands of deaths beyond normal levels, driven by extreme temperatures and drought. Countries are still compiling data for August, and estimates suggest the toll will climb as records fall and attribution becomes clearer.
A record summer of heat, drought and wildfires has prompted an emergency Cobra meeting and voluntary retailer suspensions of disposable-barbecue sales. Green groups have written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham urging him to call the crisis 'climate change' and stop new North Sea drilling; Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice has questioned net zero and urged adaptation and celebration of warmer weather.
The United States is circulating a nine-page questionnaire to NATO members and other allies, seeking to gauge support for its approach to defense and deterrence. The document asks whether allies have publicly supported US policy, whether they have placed restrictions on US access to bases, and whether they have aligned with the aim of strengthening “strong, clear, and quiet” messaging. Bloomberg reports the questionnaire reflects a push to involve allies in a broader Middle East strategy.
Moroccan forces have detained scores of people near Fnideq after social media calls encouraged a repeat mass crossing toward the Spanish exclave of Ceuta. Security services have used tear gas and set up checkpoints; Spain has kept extra police, soldiers and a maritime barrier in place while several news agencies were ordered to leave the Moroccan border town.
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.
Champagne’s harvest has moved earlier this year due to record heat and drought, with producers starting in mid-August instead of mid-September. Grapes show higher sugar and risk to acidity; producers are adapting by earlier picking, night harvesting, and exploring irrigation research. Yields are expected to fall, but quality remains crucial as climate pressures accelerate.
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.
Burgas will stage Eurovision 2027 from May 11–15, with semifinals on May 11 and 13 and the final on May 15. The decision follows Bulgaria’s first Eurovision win this year and a competitive bid process that selected Burgas over Sofia, Varna and Plovdiv. Arena Burgas will host the event, marking Bulgaria’s first hosting and the contest’s first seaside venue.
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.
British rider Finlay Tarling has died after a serious accident during the 8th stage of the Volta a Portugal. The race was neutralised and the podium ceremony cancelled as a sign of mourning. Tarling, 19, rode for the NSN Development Team and was the younger brother of Josh Tarling.
The edited set of interviews and comments from Sue Gray and related sources show a culture of leaks and briefings in No 10 amid leadership changes. Gray says the atmosphere was unbearable and that actions from Keir Starmer’s team were insufficient to curb negative briefings.
Belugas and dolphins are being relocated under an international rescue plan following Marineland's closure. Four belugas have joined Chicago's Shedd Aquarium with others moving to Valencia, Atlanta, San Antonio, San Diego, and Malaga. Health concerns and sanctuary availability remain central to the debate.
The Iberian orcas have sustained injuries consistent with pellet shots, raising alarms about cruelty and the threats faced by a critically endangered pod. Authorities are assessing the potential threats and regional groups are monitoring the animals as they move along shipping routes.
The Welsh pop icon Bonnie Tyler has died aged 75 in Portugal. A funeral service is held at Swansea Minster with a private cortege through her hometown of Skewen, following public tributes in Mumbles. Family and friends celebrate her life, reflecting on a career that produced Total Eclipse of the Heart and Holding Out For A Hero.
Romania’s defense ministry says a maritime drone near the Neptun Deep gas project has been destroyed after two F-16s engaged it. The incident follows prior drone activity in the Black Sea and Russia-linked tensions surrounding Romania’s critical EU gas infrastructure.
Cristiano Ronaldo has said this season is likely to be his last as a player, aiming to leave a spectacular legacy. He notes his future is mapped out, with plans to stay busy beyond football, including travel, padel and family time. He remains under contract with Al-Nassr through 2027 and is nearing 1,000 career goals.
BBC and Al Jazeera report Manchester City are negotiating the transfer of Bouaddi from Lille to strengthen midfield, while Rodri’s exit to Barcelona is set to proceed on a four-year contract. City’s midfield overhaul appears imminent as Reijnders moves elsewhere.
Ukraine has intensified strikes inside Russia, hitting Wildberries warehouses and other military-linked sites. Moscow reports drone activity and airspace disruptions as Kyiv targets logistics to undermine Moscow’s war effort.
Carlos Alcaraz has confirmed his return to the ATP Tour at the US Open after a wrist injury sidelined him since April. The news coincides with a record prize fund at the US Open and the launch of a Grand Slam players advisory council amid ongoing player displeasure over prize money and governance.
The US Open has announced Serena Williams will partner Carlos Alcaraz in the mixed doubles main draw. The pair will compete in the revamped two-day, 16-team format with a $1 million prize. Williams is not planning singles, while Alcaraz is returning from a right wrist injury.
Names for storms, military operations and global events have become a modern tool for communication, safety and memory. The World Meteorological Organization says monikers speed warnings and preparedness, while Churchill influenced operation naming to avoid boastful overtones. The articles explore how names tell stories and guide public perception.
FIFA has imposed sanctions after the 2026 World Cup final. Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes has received a 10-match international ban and a $90,000 fine; teammate Nahuel Molina has been banned for seven matches and fined $90,000. Thiago Almada and Spain's Gavi have one-match bans and $30,000 fines. Argentina coach Roberto Ayala has been banned three matches and fined $30,000. The Argentine FA has been fined about $310,000–$321,000 and ordered to play a home match at 50% capacity, with parts of the fine suspended and some funds earmarked for anti-discrimination work. Parties have ten days to request the full written decisions and may appeal.
The prime minister has told Manchester mayors that a British Isles bid for the World Cup is possible, potentially spreading hosting duties across multiple nations as part of a broader sporting push.
Real Madrid reunites with Jose Mourinho to start a season aimed at reclaiming La Liga from Barcelona, who are reshaping under Hansi Flick. The opening fixtures pit Madrid against Espanyol and Barca against Elche, with questions about balance, depth, and the path to early momentum.
Migrants who perished during Spain’s Ceuta border crisis are being buried in Ceuta with the number of dead and missing still unclear. Officials report at least 90 deaths tied to the late July border surge, while a Moroccan NGO argues the toll could be higher. Burials are taking place as authorities grapple with identifying bodies and repatriation, with thousands still stranded.
The Freedom 250 Grand Prix has brought IndyCar racing to Washington, D.C., with Donald Trump and first lady Melania attending and taking part in pre-race events. The race runs around the National Mall at speeds near 200 mph, as security and city logistics adapt to the spectacle. The president frames the event as a pillar of America’s 250th birthday celebrations.
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.