Bookings soar for flights to eclipse destinations ahead of 2027’s celestial spectacle
The 2027 solar eclipse is already sending travellers scrambling for flights. Here’s where to go to catch the totality in Europe and how to plan the ultimate eclipse-chasing trip. Read…
Unexpected twin-city breaks you can take by sleeper train in Europe
Sleeper trains are making it possible to pair destinations with completely different vibes without the airport queues. Here are some unexpected European city pairings connected by overnight rail. Read More
ICC separates Taliban probe from US case as Afghan women’s fate stays uncertain
ICC judges reportedly ordered prosecutors to open a standalone investigation into Taliban persecution of women, separating it from the probe that also covered alleged US crimes in Afghanistan. Afghan rights…
Sirens, shelters and scaled-back war games: South Korea rehearses for crisis
South Korea held a nationwide civil defence drill on Thursday, 20 August, as part of the annual Ulchi Exercise, with authorities rehearsing responses to a national emergency such as an…
Alarming study reveals that almost 40 per cent of music released globally in July 2026 used AI
The use of AI in music creation continues to be a divisive topic and recent figures confirm that the onslaught of AI-generated tracks is not slowing down. Worse, certain artists…
Portugal enacts ‘burqa law’ banning face coverings in public space
In Portugal, violators face fines ranging from €150 to €3,000, with exemptions for health, professional, artistic or weather-related reasons, as well as in places of worship, diplomatic missions and on…
Russia runs out of petrol at seven in 10 stations as fuel crisis worsens
Ukrainian drone campaign on Russia’s energy infrastructure has caused fuel shortages so severe that the Kremlin has admitted it. Queues in Moscow are forming for the first time, and Russia…
Kyiv residents rescued as Russian strikes damage buildings across the city
Russia’s overnight missile barrage killed at least 12 people in Kyiv on Thursday, 20 August, as residents were rescued from damaged buildings and firefighters battled fires across the capital. Read…
Hundreds of meetings, €8 million a year: How Big Tobacco lobbies the EU
A massive surge in tobacco industry lobbying is undercutting the European Union’s public health agenda, derailing legislative proposals, and triggering a political battles over new nicotine products. Read More
River swimming in Spree, Rhine and Danube: what Switzerland can teach us
In Basel, swimmers can drift home along the river in the evening. In many German rivers, however, swimming is banned. The Rhine flows here too, so why do the two…