Northern Ireland is experiencing its third summer of racially motivated riots, with paramilitaries playing a complex role. While not directly orchestrating the violence, some loyalist leaders chose neutrality, warning of anarchy if authority is removed. This situation highlights the enduring influence of paramilitary groups despite efforts to disband them.
Mexico City buzzes with World Cup advertising, but pre-tournament mania is tempered by traffic, protests, and a sense of being overshadowed by Donald Trump. Concerns linger over FIFA's format, ticket prices, and Gianni Infantino's actions, overshadowing the impending tournament.
Qasr Amra, a desert palace of Umayyad caliphs, is renowned for its extensive wall paintings, the largest known figurative program in the ancient Mediterranean. The palace complex includes a reception hall and a traditional bathhouse, with its domed ceilings adorned with classical-style frescoes depicting figures, animals, and mythological scenes, reflecting a blend of Umayyad and Mediterranean artistic traditions.
Mexico City's mayor has faced criticism for a city-wide beautification project featuring axolotl murals and purple paint ahead of the FIFA World Cup. Residents argue funds could be better spent on infrastructure, while the mayor defends the initiative as bringing color and improving public spaces.
Labour lost its century-long hold on Wales in a Senedd election shock, with Plaid Cymru and Reform UK winning seats in former Labour strongholds like Tredegar. Voters expressed disillusionment with Labour, citing a disconnect from working people and concerns about the rise of Reform UK.
