- Munich mayor taps keg, officially opening Oktoberfest 2026 festival
- Russia holds parliamentary vote in territories seized from Ukraine
- Canada engages in trade dispute with the US as voter impact remains unclear
- Appeals court rules against Trump’s third-country deportation policy, citing due process rights for detainees
- S&P Global downgrades Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company: how coverage differs
- Deliveroo driver sentenced to 21 years for raping semi-conscious woman
- Former KLM CEO causes in-flight fire by charging power bank against rules
- Russia attacks Ukraine, killing two in Balakliia and striking Kyiv.
Europe
Munich’s Oktoberfest officially commenced today with the traditional keg tapping by Mayor Dominik Krause at noon. The event is expected to attract millions, following last year’s attendance of 6.5 million, as beer tents and fairground rides opened, welcoming revelers to the famed Theresienwiese.
Russia has intensified its military operations, launching attacks across Ukraine including a strike in Balakliia that resulted in two fatalities. Additionally, Kyiv now faces ballistic missile strikes, prompting officials to advise civilians to seek shelter as air defence systems engage.
The trial of Rachida Dati commenced at the Paris criminal court, where the former justice minister faces charges including passive corruption linked to €900,000 received from Renault-Nissan’s Dutch subsidiary between 2009 and 2013. Carlos Ghosn, the company’s former head, is being tried in absentia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that Russia is set to deploy additional North Korean troops and has acquired more ballistic missiles from Pyongyang. He urged Japan and South Korea to enhance air defence support amid escalating military collaboration between Moscow and Pyongyang.
A significant fire near Niebla, west of Sevilla, has forced the evacuation of approximately 400 individuals as it spreads across over 4,000 hectares. Ongoing firefighting efforts involve 150 personnel on the ground, facing complex conditions due to shifting winds and burning embers, according to Andalusia’s Forest Firefighting Service.
A major wildfire erupted in the Tignale mountains of Lake Garda on Friday evening, with authorities coordinating a response led by Mayor Daniele Bonassi. Two Canadair aircraft are assisting ground crews, while 200 people have been evacuated from local holiday homes. No injuries reported.
Europe is experiencing rapid climate change, with temperatures increasing at approximately twice the global average. This alarming trend marks Europe as the fastest-warming continent, prompting urgent discussions on climate action and adaptation strategies.
Italy has placed all 27 monitored cities on red heat alert amid a severe heatwave affecting Europe, with temperatures exceeding 40C. This unprecedented warning has prompted health advisories for millions, while Austria recorded a historic 41.2C, exacerbating droughts and wildfires across the continent.
Olha Stefanishyna, Ukraine’s former ambassador to the US, is under investigation for alleged anti-corruption violations, including failing to declare properties and funds. A High Anti-Corruption Court hearing is scheduled in Kyiv following a notice of suspicion issued by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau on 5 August.
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