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Spain’s King Felipe Strengthens China Ties as US Relations Cool

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Spain’s King Felipe VI has begun a four-day state visit to China — the first by a Spanish monarch in 18 years — as Madrid deepens its diplomatic and economic outreach to Beijing. The trip highlights Spain’s strategic push to rebalance trade relations and expand cooperation in key sectors, particularly as ties with the United States face renewed tension.

Felipe, joined by high-ranking ministers and a large delegation of business leaders, will meet President Xi Jinping and other top Chinese officials in both Chengdu and Beijing. The agenda includes boosting investment in electric vehicles, clean energy, and Spanish industries such as pork exports, which have seen strong growth in the Chinese market. Chinese firms are already ramping up activity in Spain, targeting car manufacturing, battery production, and energy projects.

While the strengthened bilateral relationship offers economic advantages, analysts note it also reflects Spain’s geopolitical shift as Washington pressures European allies over defence spending and policy differences. Security concerns remain — particularly regarding the potential use of Huawei technology — but Madrid views closer ties with Beijing as a valuable counterbalance amid uncertain global dynamics.

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Zelenskiy Visits Frontline Kherson Amid Intensifying Russian Attacks

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy made a visit to the embattled frontline city of Kherson on Tuesday, just kilometres from Russian-controlled territory across the Dnipro River. The city continues to suffer near-constant artillery strikes and drone attacks from Russian forces positioned nearby.

Posting a photo taken beside Kherson’s iconic city sign, Zelenskiy also shared a video marking three years since Russia withdrew from the city following its full-scale invasion in 2022. In his comments, he pledged new measures to strengthen the city’s defences and protect civilians from escalating threats.

The president said he would meet with regional officials and military commanders to address security challenges, especially the rising danger posed by Russian small attack drones targeting the area.

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Turkey Suspends Over 1,000 Players in Widening Betting Scandal

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Turkey’s Football Federation (TFF) has suspended 1,024 players across professional leagues as authorities investigate widespread betting violations, including alleged involvement of 27 top-flight players. Matches in the third and fourth divisions have been paused for two weeks, while games in the top two tiers will continue. The TFF has requested FIFA extend the winter transfer window by 15 days to help clubs manage depleted squads.

The scandal has rapidly expanded, with local media reporting multiple arrests, including a club chairman. Besiktas confirmed two of its players have been referred to the Professional Football Disciplinary Board (PFDK) but expressed confidence in their innocence. The controversy first surfaced in late October when TFF president Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu revealed that hundreds of referees were linked to betting accounts.

According to Haciosmanoglu, 371 referees had betting accounts and 152 were actively wagering — a major breach of regulations that prohibit all match officials, players and coaches from gambling on football. Prosecutors have since issued detention orders for 21 individuals, including 17 referees and two club presidents, as the sweeping investigation into betting and potential match-fixing continues.

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German Man Arrested Over Dark Web Death Threats Against Politicians

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German authorities have arrested a Polish-German citizen accused of operating a dark web platform that called for the assassination of high-profile political figures. Prosecutors said the suspect — identified only as Martin S., in line with German privacy laws — offered cryptocurrency bounties for “successful hits” and shared personal details of individuals he had labelled with “death sentences.” Reports suggest former chancellors Angela Merkel and Olaf Scholz were among the alleged targets.

The suspect was detained in Dortmund late on Monday and faces charges related to serious crimes against the state. While officials have not disclosed his motives, they confirmed that his website, active since mid-2025, also provided information on making explosives. He was scheduled to appear before an investigative judge who will determine whether an arrest warrant will be issued.

The case comes amid rising concerns in Germany over escalating threats and attacks on politicians, fuelled by increasing political polarisation. A recent report by the federal cyber-security agency BSI warned that businesses and institutions are still not adequately protected, highlighting a 52% surge in cyberattacks — including DDoS operations, with Russia identified as a major source — around the national election earlier this year.

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Michael D Higgins Bids Farewell as His Presidency Comes to an End

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Outgoing Irish President Michael D Higgins left his official residence, Áras an Uachtaráin, on Monday, marking his final day in office after 14 years of service. Well-wishers gathered at Phoenix Park, cheering and presenting yellow roses, symbolising friendship and joy. Members of the Sanctuary Runners, an organisation he supports, formed a guard of honour to pay tribute to his contribution during his presidency.

Many came to say a personal goodbye, including Bernese mountain dog owners, knowing Higgins’ affection for the breed and his own dog Misneach. In a heartfelt statement, he said serving as president had been “a great privilege” and thanked the people of Ireland for their warmth and support throughout his two terms. He reflected on the importance of working together to promote Ireland’s values, an inclusive society, and a strong global presence.

As part of the transition, his official portrait was removed from its place at Leinster House, marking the end of an era. The new president-elect, Catherine Connolly, will be inaugurated at a ceremony in Dublin Castle on Tuesday, beginning the next chapter in the Irish presidency.

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Trial Opens for Suspect in Deadly Magdeburg Christmas Market Attack

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The trial has begun in Magdeburg, Germany, for Taleb A., a 51-year-old Saudi doctor accused of driving a rented BMW through a crowded Christmas market on 20 December 2024, killing six people — including a nine-year-old boy — and injuring more than 300 others. Prosecutors said the vehicle reached speeds of up to 48 km/h during the attack, which lasted just over a minute.

Authorities allege the suspect acted deliberately, motivated by anger and frustration over personal legal disputes. He faces charges including six counts of murder, attempted murder of 338 people, and causing grievous bodily harm to more than 300 others. If convicted, he could receive a life sentence. Prosecutors added that he was sober, acted alone, and planned the attack over several weeks.

The case is being held in a special temporary courtroom due to the large number of victims and their families. Officials described the accused as an “untypical” attacker, noting his criticism of Islam and past expressions of support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The incident recalled previous attacks on German Christmas markets, which have been targeted in recent years.

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Sarkozy Released from Prison Under Strict Conditions

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Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy has been granted early release after serving just three weeks of a five-year prison sentence for criminal conspiracy linked to alleged Libyan funding of his 2007 presidential campaign. A Paris court approved his release on Monday under tight judicial supervision, including a ban on leaving France and restrictions on contacting individuals tied to the case.

Sarkozy, 70, who has consistently denied wrongdoing, appeared via video link, describing his time in solitary confinement as “gruelling” and “a nightmare,” while thanking prison staff for their humane treatment. The prosecutor supported his release but insisted he avoid further contact with witnesses in the ongoing “Libyan dossier,” ahead of his appeal scheduled for next March.

His brief incarceration marked the first time a former French leader has been jailed since 1945. Sarkozy was held in an isolation wing with limited freedoms due to security concerns. His imprisonment also sparked controversy after a visit from Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, prompting complaints from lawyers over conflict of interest. Throughout, Sarkozy maintained he would “never admit to something I haven’t done.”

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IOC Nears Blanket Ban on Transgender Women in Female Sports

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The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is reportedly moving closer to implementing a universal ban on transgender women competing in female categories across all sports. IOC president Kirsty Coventry, who pledged such action during her election campaign, has been overseeing ongoing discussions through a dedicated working group. Although the IOC maintains that no final decision has been reached, recent briefings to members suggest a ban could be announced as early as next year.

The shifting approach follows increased concerns in global sport over fairness and athlete safety. Several international federations, including World Rugby, World Aquatics, and World Athletics, have already barred those who experienced male puberty from elite female competition. In the United States, President Donald Trump signed an executive order in February restricting transgender women from competing in female categories, including at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

Transgender participation has sparked high-profile debates at recent Games, such as New Zealand weightlifter Laurel Hubbard at Tokyo 2020. The issue resurfaced at Paris 2024 when Algerian boxer Imane Khelif won gold after prior gender eligibility scrutiny—though the IOC confirmed she and fellow boxer Lin Yu-ting were permitted to compete based on their legal female status. As the IOC works toward a global policy, the aim remains to find consensus between inclusion and competitive integrity.

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Deadly Tidal Surge in Tenerife Claims Three Lives, Injures 15

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Powerful waves slammed into the popular Spanish island of Tenerife, leaving three people dead and 15 others injured. The victims included a woman who suffered a heart attack after being swept into the water near Puerto de la Cruz, and two men who were pulled from the ocean at Santa Cruz de Tenerife and El Cabezo beach but could not be revived.

Emergency services said that several people were dragged out to sea as the rough weather struck coastal areas. In Puerto de la Cruz alone, 10 people were swept away, with three left seriously injured and taken to hospital. Local witnesses described chaotic scenes, including a waiter who jumped into the water to rescue swimmers but was unable to save one of the victims.

Authorities have urged both residents and tourists to stay away from the shoreline, warning that sea conditions are expected to worsen with swells up to four metres. They cautioned the public against taking photos or videos near the waves and stressed the need for extreme vigilance along coastal paths.

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Viral ‘Fedora Man’ at Louvre Heist Scene Revealed as Stylish Teen Detective Fan

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For weeks after the dramatic Louvre museum heist, the internet obsessed over a sharply dressed stranger photographed near the crime scene — a teen in a fedora and waistcoat who instantly became known as the “fedora man.” While police quickly arrested four suspects involved in the theft of French crown jewels, the young man’s identity sparked wild theories, from undercover detective to AI-generated figure.

Now, the mystery is solved: he’s 15-year-old Pedro Elias Garzon Delvaux from Rambouillet, France. Pedro said he was simply arriving for a family visit and had no idea the museum had just been robbed. An AP photographer snapped him while he was asking officers why the Louvre was closed — and within days, his image had gone viral with millions of views across TikTok and coverage even in The New York Times.

Pedro admits the attention has been surreal. Inspired by Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot, and classic statesmen, he recently adopted a “chic” old-fashioned style — one he even wears to school. As online speculation soared, he chose to stay quiet. “With this photo there is a mystery,” he said. “So you have to make it last.”

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