Maria Ortega

Five pilots approaching Brussels Airport were reportedly dazzled by laser beams during a single night, with the incidents occurring over Dilbeek between Friday evening and Saturday morning. Belgian air traffic control organization Skeyes confirmed the reports, while local police said the perpetrators had not been identified and appealed for witnesses. The report also explains that, under the UK Laser Misuse (Vehicles) Act 2018, directing a laser at an aircraft, air traffic facility or air traffic service provider can result in imprisonment and fines, with penalties reaching up to five years in Crown Court cases.

Six British tourists suffered minor injuries in attacks in Porto city centre during the early hours of August 15, with local reports saying around 20 people pursued and assaulted an English-speaking group after attempting to sell them bay leaves as hashish. A separate incident at a bar reportedly left security guards injured after a customer attacked them with a broken glass bottle. Business owners and security groups say violence is becoming more frequent around Porto’s nightlife district and are calling for a stronger police presence, while the Police Professionals’ Union wants the government to recruit more officers. Authorities are investigating the incidents and have found no evidence that they were connected. The UK Foreign Office continues to warn travellers about street crime, distraction techniques and criminals operating in teams.

A new amendment to Spain’s national hospitality-sector labour agreement requires bars and restaurants to assess risks to staff during extreme weather. Businesses may need to provide shade and cooling, alter shifts, rotate workers, reduce exposure or suspend outdoor service when conditions remain unsafe, but terraces will not close automatically during every heatwave. Employers could face fines of up to €50,000 for inadequate protection during serious weather alerts, potentially affecting holidaymakers who want to use outdoor terraces while indoor service continues.

Spain has recorded its first West Nile virus death of the year, an 82-year-old man from Dos Hermanas near Seville who had underlying health conditions. At least 19 human cases have been identified, mainly in Andalusia, with additional cases in Alicante and Extremadura. Experts expect August and September to pose the greatest risk as mosquito populations peak and warn that transmission could spread to other regions. Travellers are advised to use insect repellent, wear protective clothing, avoid stagnant water and seek medical attention for serious symptoms. The outbreak is currently smaller than Spain’s 2024 season, but health authorities say the virus remains endemic, while climate change is creating more favourable conditions for mosquito transmission across Europe.

Argentina has designated July 15 as National Football Teams Day to commemorate its national team’s reported 2026 World Cup semi-final victory over England. The Argentine Football Association, led by Claudio Tapia, also approved plans to present veterans of the Falklands conflict with a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas.” The banner was displayed by Argentine players after the match, prompting FIFA disciplinary proceedings over alleged discriminatory chants, gestures, security and protocol failures, and inappropriate messaging. The decision has revived tensions surrounding the Falklands dispute and the 1982 war.

A man in Coín, Málaga, reportedly confessed to killing and dismembering his friend Francisco José Agüera, who disappeared during the Covid-19 pandemic. Workers found a bag containing a human head in a manhole in Alhaurín de la Torre, and forensic analysis later confirmed it belonged to Agüera. Investigators located additional remains using radar, drones and sniffer dogs. The suspect was arrested, directed officers to the disposal sites, invoked his right to remain silent in court and was remanded in custody without bail on a homicide charge.

Fan-led petitions are calling for Lionel Messi to be stripped of the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports after Argentina players were involved in heated exchanges with Spain following their World Cup final defeat. Critics also condemned the Argentine team for turning their backs during Spain’s trophy ceremony, arguing that the conduct conflicted with the award’s values of respect and fair play. The Princess of Asturias Foundation had cited Messi’s exceptional career, charitable work, humility and team commitment when selecting him. Messi is due to receive the award in October, while FIFA investigates several Argentine players, including Leandro Paredes, over alleged violent conduct.

Police in Orange, southern France, found the skeletal remains of four infants and the decomposing body of a fifth baby in a couple's apartment after the 32-year-old woman gave birth at home and was taken to hospital. Prosecutors opened an investigation into the murder of a minor under 15, while autopsy and forensic examinations are intended to establish the circumstances and timing of the deaths. The woman was later taken into police custody, while her partner, who said he was unaware of the pregnancies, was questioned and released without charge. The couple's healthy newborn was placed in temporary care, and child welfare authorities were asked to review the family's situation.

Veterinary experts advise pet owners not to buy eclipse glasses for dogs or cats or force them to watch the solar eclipse, since pets rarely look directly at the Sun. Owners should keep dogs on leads outdoors, avoid taking nervous animals to crowded viewing events, and move anxious pets to a quiet, familiar place. Research from the 2017 US eclipse found that animals typically responded to the sudden darkness with normal behaviors such as seeking shelter, returning to nests or barns, and seeking reassurance. Humans, however, must use certified ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses or another approved viewing method because direct sunlight can cause permanent retinal damage.

Health experts warn that World Cup fans returning from the United States, Canada and other host countries could carry measles amid high viral circulation. US measles cases have reached a 35-year high, with 2,318 cases reported so far this year. Experts attribute the resurgence to pockets of susceptible people and vaccine hesitancy, and urge continued vaccination to prevent imported cases from triggering further outbreaks.

FIFA is reportedly seeking to stage a delayed Finalissima between 2026 World Cup finalists Spain and Argentina before the end of 2026, with November the preferred window. The match was originally abandoned because of the Iran conflict and disagreements over an alternative venue. Scheduling is difficult because Spain already has Nations League fixtures in both available international windows, while the event remains dependent on regional security conditions and Qatar’s hosting rights. A heated World Cup final, including red cards for Argentina’s Leandro Paredes and Enzo Fernandez, has added significance to the potential rematch.

Arantxa Sanchez Vicario attributes the loss of her £31 million fortune to her former husband while continuing to repay a multimillion‑pound debt to the Bank of Luxembourg by surrendering half of her salary. She describes being unaware of her financial affairs during her career and facing tax evasion and fraud charges over several decades. Now working as a tennis instructor in the United States, she credits her children for motivating her to rebuild her life and hopes eventually to return to Spain. She also expresses regret over past accusations made against her family in her autobiography.

Spanish National Police arrested a foreign tourist at Gran Canaria Airport after she allegedly left a resort without paying an €2,483 bill for an 11‑night all‑inclusive stay. Police said staff were unable to process the payment and attempts to contact the family failed before the woman attempted to leave the country. Authorities emphasised their commitment to protecting the Canary Islands’ tourism sector. The article also highlights rising “dine and dash” incidents in the UK, with officials and industry leaders warning that such behaviour constitutes theft and financially harms hospitality businesses.

Alexis Mac Allister’s mother, Silvina Riela, says her time in England changed her previously negative perception of the country, noting the warmth and respect she experienced after her son joined the Premier League. Her granddaughter’s English birth is why she refuses to join anti‑England chants commonly heard among Argentine fans. As Argentina prepare to face England in the World Cup semi-final, Mac Allister acknowledges the historical tensions linked to the Falklands War but stresses that responsibility lies with political leaders, not ordinary people. He highlights mutual respect between the nations while anticipating a competitive match.