Berlin (AFP) – In the German capital, Berlin, a number of sports clubs offer safe spaces for the LGBT+ community, where physical activity can be practised without fear of judgement, whether playing rugby or water polo.
Montagne-de-Lure (AFP) – Since wolves returned to the Luberon massif in southern France around ten years ago, many farmers adopted Pyrenean mountain dogs. To ensure the safety of hikers, volunteers step in and guide them through the routes and the pastures.
Paris (AFP) – Unsafe pollution levels in the River Seine forced the postponement of the men’s triathlon at the Paris Olympics. In a massive blow to organisers who have repeatedly vowed that the Seine would be safe to swim in, the race was called off just hours before the start after last-minute water quality tests.
Wayanad (AFP) – Rescue efforts are underway after landslides in India triggered by pounding monsoon rains have killed at least 93 people, with at least 250 others rescued from a landscape transformed by mud and debris, officials said.
London (AFP) – UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer says the “whole country is deeply shocked” as a knife attack in northern England killed three children and critically injured five others. A 17-year-old suspect has been arrested and is being questioned over the attack in Southport, near Liverpool.
Caracas (AFP) – At least one person has died in Venezuela as security forces try to break up protests triggered by a hotly disputed election result that gave Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro a third term in power, an NGO said.
(AFP) – Former Ukrainian convicts of the special “Shkval” battalion receive military training before heading to the frontline. With Russia’s invasion dragging on into its third year, Ukraine is seeking to boost its critically stretched manpower, including allowing inmates to fight.
Paris (AFP) – Thousands of fans leave the Bercy Arena in Paris delighted to see US gymnast Simone Biles back at the Olympics. Biles withdrew from multiple events at the Tokyo Games as she battled the disorientating mental block that gymnasts call “twisties”.
Paris (AFP) – Organisers of the Paris Olympics say they are “really sorry” for any offence caused by their daring and quirky opening ceremony but denied “any intention to show disrespect to any religious group.” Some Catholic groups and French bishops have condemned what they saw as “scenes of derision and mockery of Christianity” in the parade choreographed by theatre director Thomas Jolly.
Majdal Shams (AFP) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vows Israel will deliver a “severe” response to the rocket attack that killed 12 children upon his visit to the site of the deadly attack in the annexed Golan Heights in the Druze village of Majdal Shams.
