Syrian children hold ‘Tent Olympics’ of the displaced
Idlib (Syria) (AFP) – Hurling a javelin, leaping over hurdles and sprinting beyond rows of tents to win gold, displaced children in the northwest of war-torn Syria stage their very own Olympics.
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Dolphins return to Lisbon as Covid-19 reduces pollution
Lisbon (AFP) – Dolphins have returned to Lisbon’s Tagus River, prompting a new wave of tourism to see them. The pandemic led to reduced pollution in the area thanks to a drop in maritime traffic, making it a more hospitable environment for the marine mammals.
Libya’s wildlife treasure island at risk of ruin
Farwa Island (Libya) (AFP) – Once famed for its exceptional wildlife, Libya’s Farwa island risks becoming just another victim of lawlessness in the war-ravaged North African nation, activists struggling to save it warn.
Hundreds in London brave the rain for the Black Unity Bike Ride
London (AFP) – Hundreds of people brave the rain in London to cycle 15 miles in the second annual Black Unity Bike Ride, an event that aims to “celebrate unity within the black community” and encourage more people of colour to cycle.
Messi says he ‘never imagined’ he would be leaving Barcelona
Barcelona (AFP) – Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi admits during his farewell press conference that he “never imagined having to say goodbye” to Barcelona after more than 20 years at the club.
Signing for PSG a ‘possibility’ for Messi
Barcelona (AFP) – A tearful Lionel Messi tells a press conference in Barcelona that joining French giants Paris Saint-Germain is a “possibility”. Cash rich PSG are one of the few clubs able to afford the Argentinian who is leaving the club where he has played his entire career.
California governor surveys damage caused by huge wildfire
Greenville (United States) (AFP) – California Governor Gavin Newsom visits the burned remains of Greenville, California, after the Dixie Fire, the largest active wildfire in the United States, left the town charred and in ruins.
Protesters take to the streets against French health pass
Neuilly-sur-Seine (France) (AFP) – Hundreds of people demonstrate in Neuilly outside of Paris against the extension of the country’s Covid-19 health pass. The new rules championed by President Emmanuel Macron make it obligatory to have either a full course of vaccination against Covid-19, be in possession of a negative test or be recently recovered from the virus to enjoy usually routine activities.
Barcelona training session without Lionel Messi
Barcelona (AFP) – Barcelona players train without Lionel Messi, after the club ruefully accepted it cannot afford the star player who joined Barcelona aged 13 and went on to lift 10 league crowns and four Champions Leagues. The team will face Juventus on Sunday for the Gamper Trophy pre-season game.
Turkey: residents on the front line help extinguish fires
Mugla (Turkey) (AFP) – Local residents support firefighters in their efforts to extinguish violent fires on the southern coast of Turkey, in areas that are often difficult to access.
A day in the life of a Palestinian cat rescuer
Khan Yunis (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) – Ahead of international cat day, a look inside cat rescuer Mahmoud Shehadeh’s home. Mahmoud provides much-needed care and rehabilitation to neglected cats in his home in the city of Khan Yunis, before finding them a permanent home.
Outskirts of Athens evacuated as fire rages
Ágios Stéfanos (Greece) (AFP) – Fire continues to rage on the outskirts of Athens as thousands of tourists and residents were evacuated. At least 1,450 Greek firefighters along with 15 aircraft are battling the infernos. The blazes in Greece are set to continue, with strong winds and temperatures of up to 38 degrees Celsius (100°F) forecast in some regions making it difficult to contain the fires.
