Many European countries have long implemented tourist taxes, a practice starting in Austria in 1842, which provides substantial revenue for municipalities, particularly in Italy. The nightly fees for these taxes vary from €1 to €12 per person, with Italian cities like Rome earning €222.4 million, Milan €109.3 million, Florence €82.9 million, and Venice €38.9 million in 2024 alone. Despite the intended use for local services, cash-strapped municipalities often divert these funds to cover other expenses, leaving tourists feeling frustrated when local services do not meet their expectations.
Counter-terrorism police in London arrested a 42-year-old woman and a 60-year-old man on suspicion of aiding Iran’s foreign intelligence service following searches at addresses in north and north-west London on June 24. A third property was searched on September 9 as part of the ongoing investigation, which is not linked to threats against Jewish or Iranian community sites. Both individuals have been released on conditional bail until a date in October, with authorities emphasizing that there is no imminent threat to the public.
The traditional kingdom of Tooro in Uganda faces a succession crisis following the rejection of a proposed successor by the family of the late monarch Oyo Nyimba, who died on August 27 at the age of 34. While the succession committee named Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as the next monarch, Oyo's mother and sister claim that he designated his son as the heir in his will, with the son's identity remaining unclear. The controversy intensified as community leaders urged calm during the dispute, which comes just days before Oyo's funeral scheduled for Saturday.
Celine Dion will commence 26 sold-out concerts in Paris starting September 12, 2024, with approximately 500,000 fans expected to attend, marking her return to the stage after a break due to stiff-person syndrome. The best-selling Canadian artist has released 27 studio albums and sold over 200 million records globally, successfully revamping her image as a modern fashion icon with the help of stylist Law Roach. Born in a large, poor family in Quebec, Dion's journey from a child star to an international megastar includes her notable achievement of winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 1988 and producing the best-selling French-language album, "D'eux," in 1995.
The European Central Bank raised interest rates again to combat inflation, which has surpassed 3% in the eurozone due to rising energy costs linked to the US-Iran conflict. The ECB's economic growth projection for 2026 is slightly improved at 0.9%, and inflation is expected to average 3.0% this year, decreasing to 2.5% in 2027. Concerns about rising energy costs and below-average gas storage levels as winter approaches contribute to the uncertain economic outlook, with potential repercussions for mortgages and consumer credit across the eurozone.
The French Football Federation (FFF) has unanimously decided to withdraw its support for Gianni Infantino's re-election bid as FIFA chief, citing a broken trust in his leadership. Infantino's proposal to sell a 20% stake in FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, faced widespread opposition and ultimately collapsed, leading to criticisms of FIFA's governance. The FIFA presidential election is scheduled for March 18, 2027, with a deadline for candidacies set for November 18, and Infantino continues to have support from South America's CONMEBOL and Africa's CAF.
Lindy Cameron has been appointed as the first female head of the UK Foreign Office, taking over as permanent undersecretary from Olly Robbins who was sacked over the Peter Mandelson scandal. Cameron's experience includes being the former chief executive of the National Cyber Security Centre and holding senior roles in various governmental departments, and she is expected to lead the Foreign Office in promoting British values and interests. The office has recently faced turmoil, including job cuts and scrutiny over the handling of the Mandelson affair, where it was revealed that Mandelson failed his UK Security Vetting assessment in January 2025.
In Malmo, Sweden's third-largest city, the political scene is tense as national polls indicate a very tight race between the centre-left Social Democrats and a right-wing opposition, with only a few percentage points separating them. With over a third of Malmo's 368,000 residents born outside Sweden, migration has become a central issue in the election, and the city is often cited by right-wing politicians as a cautionary tale of failed integration. The unemployment rate in Malmo stands at approximately 11 percent, among the highest in the country, while healthcare remains the top concern for voters nationwide.
Pakistan's Under-19 cricket team faced an anti-migrant protest in Portsmouth, UK, when masked protesters mistakenly believed the team members were asylum seekers, gathering outside their hotel on Tuesday night. The England and Wales Cricket Board is reviewing the team's security after players reported individuals knocking on their doors during the incident, but they handled the situation responsibly and won their scheduled match the next day by 177 runs. This protest follows earlier anti-migrant demonstrations in Portsmouth, where hundreds clashed with police after asylum seekers arrived in the UK by dinghy.
Germany's Bild tabloid criticized the EU's claim that electric vehicles are carbon neutral, following a Technical University of Munich (TUM) report stating that battery-electric vehicles reduce carbon emissions by only "41% on average" compared to combustion engine vehicles, while urging a life-cycle emissions assessment. Prominent political figures, like Bavarian Premier Markus Söder, called to end the EU's phaseout of internal combustion engines scheduled for 2035, claiming it lacked scientific basis. Additionally, the report highlighted that while battery production adds emissions, these are typically offset after approximately 17,000 kilometers (10,500 miles) of driving, emphasizing ongoing concerns about battery environmental costs, particularly in resource mining.
Germany's Bild newspaper criticized the EU's claim that electric vehicles (EVs) are carbon neutral, citing a report from the Technical University of Munich which states that battery-electric vehicles reduce carbon emissions by only "41% on average" compared to combustion engine vehicles, without accounting for emissions from manufacturing and electricity. The report suggests that emissions should be assessed over a vehicle's entire life cycle, emphasizing that while EVs have high production emissions primarily due to battery production, these are typically offset after driving about 17,000 kilometers (10,500 miles). Georg Bieker, an environmental researcher, noted that the full advantage of EVs will increase as production and operation become less carbon-intensive, and highlighted the significant environmental cost associated with battery production, including the use of large amounts of water for lithium extraction.
Germany's Bild tabloid criticized the European Union's claim that electric vehicles are carbon neutral, citing a report from the Technical University of Munich which revealed that battery-electric vehicles only reduce carbon emissions by an average of 41% compared to combustion engines, failing to account for the entire life cycle emissions. The report suggested that emissions ought to be considered from production to fuel consumption, highlighting that major automakers like BMW, Audi, and Volkswagen support this broader assessment. Additionally, while electric vehicles have higher production emissions—40% more than gasoline vehicles—these emissions are offset after approximately 17,000 kilometers of driving.
Kylian Mbappe, one of the most prolific goal scorers, could have signed with Manchester United when he was a teenager at Monaco, but the club's scouts chose not to pursue him after a recommendation from a local scout in 2015. Following his sensational breakout season in which he scored 26 goals in 44 appearances for Monaco during the 2016-17 season, he transferred to Paris Saint-Germain, where he scored 256 goals in 308 appearances and won six Ligue 1 titles. Mbappe, now playing for Real Madrid, has also achieved significant international success, winning the World Cup in 2018 and securing the Golden Boot as the tournament's top scorer with three goals in the 2022 final.
A succession dispute has erupted in Uganda's Tooro Kingdom following the death of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who passed away at 34 while undergoing cancer treatment in the US. Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, aged 56, was named as the next monarch by royal clan elders, but the late king's family claims that King Oyo's 2022 will identifies his undisclosed young son as the rightful heir. Thousands are expected to attend the burial in Fort Portal, while the royal family faces restrictions from the military, with a 19-member succession committee supporting Kijanangoma's selection despite family objections.
The Indian government has proposed the creation of an elected legislative body for the Union Territory of Ladakh under a new Chapter K of Article 371 of the Constitution, allowing it to have legislative powers over various subjects. This proposal was discussed in a meeting with civil society members, although they expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of a draft and ongoing delays since the previous meeting on May 22. Meanwhile, Delhi police are deploying approximately 15,000 personnel, along with 200 companies of paramilitary forces, to ensure security during the upcoming BRICS Summit on September 12 and 13.
Apple has announced its first foldable device, the iPhone Duo, which will be available on October 23 with a starting price of $1,999. In addition to the iPhone Duo, the company unveiled other products, including the iPhone 18 Pro and a new AppleCare plan that covers up to six devices for one price. Apple also quietly increased the prices of older iPhone models by $100.
Wynn Hospital has implemented a new robotics machine, the Ion, to enhance lung diagnoses for patients. The hospital's development comes amidst the backdrop of recent healthcare funding, with $76 million awarded to rural healthcare organizations across New York State. Additionally, the Town of Paris has received $9.4 million for upgrading its drinking water infrastructure.
Ralph Lauren's recent New York fashion week show showcased a blend of burnt-out velvet and shredded denim, emphasizing the brand's timeless appeal as it reaches its highest annual revenue of $8.1 billion, a 15% increase from the previous year. At 86 years old, Lauren remains relevant, attracting a younger audience such as Gen Z, who have revived interest in his classic Polo shirts and baseball caps. His designs reflect a fantastical vision of America that combines various cultural influences, ensuring they resonate with a wide range of consumers while maintaining aspirational status.
Japan has requested a revision of a new UN world map that depicts the disputed Kuril islands as belonging to Russia, which it claims misrepresents its territorial rights. The map, adopted by 164 UN members, employs the Equal Earth cartographic projection, which enlarges Africa while reducing the size of Europe and North America, and has faced criticism from the US. The islands, seized in 1945 by the former Soviet Union, are viewed by Japan as an integral part of its territory; Japanese officials have protested the representation, arguing it perpetuates misconceptions about their sovereignty.
Chemours, DuPont, and Corteva have reached a $455 million settlement with North Carolina and 11 local entities over claims of PFAS contamination related to Chemours' Fayetteville Works plant. The settlement will be paid over 15 years, with Chemours expected to contribute about $50 million in the first year, and Chemours will cover 50% of the total settlement cost, while DuPont and Corteva will share the remaining amount. This agreement resolves lawsuits involving PFAS pollution that affects drinking water, and it also addresses claims outside the Fayetteville Works operations, acknowledging Chemours' prior efforts to reduce PFAS emissions.
In Tawila, North Darfur, over 665,000 displaced people face critical humanitarian needs, with only 3,000 new tents erected by the International Organization for Migration, a fraction of what is necessary. The Turkish government has pledged 30,000 tents for distribution, but as of now, only 3,000 have been set up in the Daba Naira camp. With worsening conditions due to the rainy season and an impending famine, displaced residents report severe shortages of food, clean water, and medical care, exacerbating the crisis.
At least 25 people died after a foreign-flagged cargo ship, the Ocean Melody, caught fire while docked in Qingdao, China, where 42 people were onboard. Twelve individuals were safely evacuated, while five were hospitalized in stable condition following the incident that occurred around 11:15 AM local time on September 10, 2026. President Xi Jinping has called for urgent search-and-rescue operations and stressed the importance of accountability and preventing secondary disasters.
Elon Musk criticized documentary filmmaker Alex Gibney, labeling him a "bitter old man" with "zero integrity" after the premiere of Gibney's four-hour critical documentary at the Venice Film Festival. Musk dismissed the film as a "hit piece" that is "boring af" and denied a claim made by his ex-partner that he offered her $40 million for a non-disclosure agreement, calling her assertions false. Gibney, in his remarks, expressed concern about the fear surrounding the project and suggested Musk's difficult childhood may contribute to his behavior.
Algeria has decided to cut diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates due to "provocative or hostile" actions, with the Emirati ambassador given 48 hours to comply with the decision. The strained relations stem from differing positions on regional issues, including Algeria's opposition to UAE-supported normalization with Israel and their opposing stances on the Western Sahara dispute. Algerian President Abdelmajid Tebboune has criticized the UAE as a destabilizing influence in the region, stating that a diplomatic break "would have happened long ago" if not for Algeria's desire to avoid further divisions in the Arab world.
A fire on the cargo ship Ocean Melody, docked at a shipyard in Qingdao, eastern China, has resulted in 25 fatalities out of the 42 individuals on board. Seventeen crew members were evacuated, with five hospitalized in stable condition after the blaze was extinguished more than three hours later. The incident occurs shortly after a separate explosion at a shipyard in Fujian, which killed one rescue worker and injured 12 others.
Hamza Abdelkarim, an 18-year-old Egyptian striker, emerged as Barcelona's top scorer during preseason with four goals in five games, following the departure of Robert Lewandowski, and made headlines during the summer transfer window after Barcelona secured his permanent move for 1.5 million euros ($1.75m). Previously, Abdelkarim had limited experience, netting six goals in 11 games for Barcelona's Under-19 team and representing Egypt at the 2025 U17 World Cup with two goals and an assist in four matches. His rapid rise has garnered significant attention, leading to a sponsorship deal between Barcelona and EgyptAir, capitalizing on Abdelkarim's potential as Egypt's next football star.
Paul Christiano, a board member of OpenAI's non-profit foundation and US government technology adviser, warned that OpenAI is not on track to mitigate the "catastrophic" risks posed by advanced AI, highlighting the imminent danger of losing control over these systems. He stated there is a significant risk of rapid AI advancements leading to irreversible consequences, with a senior employee at competing company Anthropic suggesting a greater than 10% chance that AI could "kill all humans" within the next decade. Concerns are rising among politicians and experts, as incidents of rogue AI behaviors, including hacking, have been reported from both OpenAI and Anthropic, prompting calls for enhanced governance and safety measures in the AI industry.
Malta is experiencing a corruption crisis, as highlighted by Labour peer Shami Chakrabarti during a Council of Europe inquiry into judicial failures following the 2017 assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. The acquittal of businessman Yorgen Fenech, who was previously implicated in her murder, has left many in Malta in "utter disbelief," with an 8-1 jury decision dismissing the charges against him, and the state prosecutor is preparing to appeal for a retrial. With a population of 600,000, Malta has received €2.4 billion more in EU funding than it has contributed since joining the EU, and representatives at the inquiry have suggested that the EU could consider withholding funds to pressure for necessary reforms to strengthen the rule of law and protect journalists.
Jeremy Corbyn, a UK MP, highlights the ongoing hardships faced by Palestinians under Israeli occupation, including restrictions on movement, arbitrary arrests, and violent settlers, which he describes as a daily reality of apartheid. He criticizes Israel's illegal blockade of Gaza, leading to mass starvation and the denial of entry to UN officials and journalists, and emphasizes the need for international awareness and accountability for war crimes. Following the UK's decision to impose sanctions on illegal settlement goods, Corbyn argues for broader sanctions against Israel's unlawful presence in Palestine and reiterates the importance of recognizing the genocide in Gaza and ending military cooperation.
Ryanair plans to dispute claims made by passenger Ljubisa Karović, 61, who was severely injured when a window on a flight from Greece to Germany shattered in July, with CEO Michael O'Leary asserting that while Karović was sucked "towards" the window, he was not ejected from it. Karović's lawyer alleges that the sudden depressurization caused part of his head and arm to be sucked through the window, but O'Leary contends that he was belted into his seat and "certainly sucked in very dramatic circumstances." In the same meeting, about one-third of shareholders voted against O'Leary's pay deal, which could be worth €150 million, illustrating ongoing tensions within the airline's management and operations.