All Europe
In UK, can Starmer make landslide majority a force for healing?The new British Prime Minister wants to use his victory to heal divisions in society. But does he have time to revive people’s trust in democracy?
First LookForest fires, power demand, melting pavement: Sumer heat smothers EuropeAs temperatures in parts of central and southern Europe soar toward 104 degrees Fahrenheit, authorities warn people to be cautious, drive carefully, drink plenty of water, and avoid going out during the hottest hours of the day.
Two-thirds of Parliament from a third of the votes: Are British elections out of whack?The July 4 U.K. election revealed that the country’s smaller parties are winning a growing share of the popular vote, even as the two big parties dominate Parliament.
They’ve beaten the far right. Now French parties need to learn to govern together.France staved off a parliamentary takeover by the far right. Now it has to assemble a coalition in a landscape where “compromise” is a dirty word.
First LookDeadly Russia missile attack hits Kyiv children’s hospital, among other targetsUkrainian officials say a major Russian missile attack has killed at least 31 people and injured 154 across the country. One missile struck a large children’s hospital in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv; another struck the birthplace of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
First LookA school in Spain reawakens the ‘dwindling art’ of church bell ringingChurch bells used to be a vehicle for sharing information with communities. Today, they are background sounds. But a small school of bellringers in northeastern Spain is working to bring back the language of tolling.
Nepalis thought they were going to Russia to ‘help.’ They were made to fight – and die.Russia has sent thousands of foreign “helpers” to fight in Ukraine – including many Nepalis. Families of missing recruits are searching for answers.
First LookStarmer in as UK prime minister after Labour trounces ConservativesNew Prime Minister Kier Starmer led his party back to government less than five years after it suffered its worst defeat in almost a century. But Labour also faces a mammoth task of reinvigorating a stagnant economy and dispirited nation.
UK Conservatives are about to lose big. Here’s how the Reform party is making it happen.After 14 years in power, the Conservatives are set for an epic fall in British elections Thursday. The Reform UK party is making it that much bigger.
First LookThe British are voting: key players and promisesMillions of Britons are set to vote in a new government July 4. After 14 years in power, Conservatives are widely expected to lose.
French parties once united to stop the far right. Will they do it again now?France’s far right National Rally is on top after one round of elections. But if a left-wing coalition and Emmanuel Macron’s bloc can coordinate, they could still pull an upset.
Scottish identity is in. Scotland’s nationalist party is (likely) out. Why the disparity?Scottish national identity is soaring. But Scotland’s nationalist party is set to lose many of its seats in July 4 elections. What happened?
First LookSmart rings, hyperbaric chambers, and corn balls are high-tech features of soccer’s 2024 Euro CupCutting-edge technology at Germany’s Euro 2024 promises to revolutionize the game experience. Ten cameras are installed in each of the host stadiums, plus seven in each goal, and the official tournament ball has a sensor to help detect every touch.
British and French elections promise dramatic turnover. Will aid for Ukraine falter?Two of Europe’s strongest supporters of aid for Ukraine – France and Britain – are likely to have new governments soon. What will that mean for Kyiv?
First LookAs Ukraine war drags on, a gold rush in Poland to counter ‘turbulent times’Uneasy about Russia’s invasion of neighboring Ukraine, Poland is turning to gold for a sense of security. As the war enters its third year, gold investors are buying in for psychological and financial safety.
Attacks on Christians and Jews in Dagestan worry RussiaRussia stamped out domestic terrorism 20 years ago. But ethnic and religious tensions appear to be rising again amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine – and with them, worries about extremist terrorism.
In British elections, Muslim voters seek candidates who care about GazaBritish Muslims protest Gaza war at U.K. elections by deserting political parties whose response has been tepid and choosing independent candidates.
Near Ukraine war’s front lines, threatened villages try to build a futureLike many Ukrainian villages once occupied by Russian forces, Staryi Saltiv straddles two outlooks: hope for a better future and trepidation that Russian troops could return.
How North Korea is capitalizing on Russia’s war woesVladimir Putin’s brief Asia tour marks his latest bid to rally old allies of the Soviet Union, with major ramifications for international security.
First LookEU accuses Apple’s App Store of unfair practices under new Digital Markets ActThe European Commission accused Apple on June 24 of breaching the 27-nation bloc’s Digital Markets Act, a sweeping set of regulations aimed at preventing tech giants from cornering digital markets.
