
Former President Sarkozy, the first in French history to be sentenced to prison

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy was sentenced to five years in prison for criminal conspiracy over a financial deal with the Gaddafi regime, becoming the first former French head of state to end up behind bars.
The court said the violations were of "exceptional importance" and capable of undermining citizens' trust, while Sarkozy insisted he was innocent and called the decision a "scandal".
He declared that he will sleep in prison "with his head held high" and will appeal the decision.
Trump says he "will not allow" Israel to annex the West Bank

Donald Trump declared that he will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank, defying pressure from the Israeli far right.
The decision came after strong lobbying by Arab and European leaders, concerned that such a step would extinguish any possibility of a Palestinian state.
British officials said they feared Trump might recognize Israeli control over settlements in retaliation for the recognition of Palestine by some Western countries.
European broadcasters to vote to exclude Israel from Eurovision 2026

The European Broadcasting Union has announced that an online vote will be held in November to decide whether Israel will be excluded from Eurovision 2026.
The decision came after several European countries, including Spain, Ireland and the Netherlands, threatened a boycott if Israel was allowed to participate.
If it happens, it would be the first time since Russia's ban in 2022, while the 70th anniversary festival is scheduled to be held in Vienna.
Study warns that climate change will increase aircraft noise

A study by the University of Reading warns that by 2050, global warming will cause planes to take off more slowly, staying closer to the ground longer and increasing the exposure of European communities to flight noise.
Researchers point out that this is exacerbated by increasing urbanization and extreme temperatures, making aircraft noise another unintended consequence of climate change.