Internationally renowned ballet star Roberto Bolle has been confirmed as the headline performer for the closing ceremony of the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. The event, titled “Beauty in Motion,” will take place on February 22 in Verona’s ancient Roman amphitheater, the Arena, one of the world’s oldest and most iconic venues. The ceremony will honor Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Arena’s legacy as the stage for a celebrated summer opera festival. It will also celebrate athletic achievements and highlight the urgent issue of climate change, according to Alfredo Accatino, the artistic director for the closing ceremony. Accatino emphasized the symbolic significance of the central stage, shaped like a waterdrop, which will connect the mountain venues with the fertile Po River Valley and the Venetian lagoon. Bolle, who previously performed at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, is a familiar figure at the Arena, where he hosts his annual “Roberto Bolle and Friends” gala. The 2026 Winter Games, scheduled from February 6 to 22, will mark the first time two cities—Milan and Cortina—officially co-host the event. The opening and closing ceremonies will also be held in separate locations: Milan and Verona, respectively. Verona, a picturesque city with cobblestone streets and pre-Alpine landscapes, has generated significant excitement among Olympic delegations. Giovanni Malagò, president of the Milan Cortina Foundation, described the choice of Verona as a unique opportunity to showcase the city’s charm. Mayor Damiano Tommasi noted that Verona’s central location among Olympic venues makes it a convenient base for visitors. The city is approximately an hour and 15 minutes by train from Milan and three hours by car from Bormio and Cortina. Organizers are finalizing ticket details, with the Arena’s capacity expected to be lower than its usual 15,000 seats due to stage expansions and reserved seating for athletes and delegations.
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UK police arrest 6 ahead of soccer match between Aston Villa and Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv
In a tense prelude to the Europa League soccer match between Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Birmingham, British police arrested six individuals on Thursday evening. The match, which saw Maccabi Tel Aviv fans banned from attending, was marked by heightened security and protests. West Midlands Police deployed over 700 officers to manage the situation, which included the arrest of a 21-year-old man for refusing to remove a face mask and a 17-year-old boy for violating a dispersal order. Three others were detained for racially aggravated public order offenses, and one for breach of the peace. Approximately 200 protesters, including members of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, gathered near a children’s playpark adjacent to Villa Park’s Trinity Road stand. Palestinian flags and banners calling for a boycott of Israel were displayed, accompanied by pro-Gaza chants. Police briefly formed a cordon to prevent a surge of protesters after an Israeli flag was reportedly waved by a passer-by. Prior to kick-off, five vehicles with electronic billboards opposing antisemitism drove past the stadium. One message, featuring a Star of David, read “Ban hatred not fans,” while another quoted French soccer legend Thierry Henry, emphasizing football’s role in uniting people. The decision to ban visiting fans, made by Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group last month, was widely criticized, including by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and led Maccabi Tel Aviv to announce their fans would not travel. The ban comes amid heightened concerns about antisemitism in Britain, following a deadly attack on a Manchester synagogue earlier this month and calls for a sports boycott of Israel over the Gaza conflict. West Midlands Police deemed the match high-risk due to current intelligence and past incidents, including violence and hate crimes during Maccabi Tel Aviv’s match against Ajax in Amsterdam last season.
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Russian soldier sentenced to life in jail in unprecedented Ukrainian trial
In a landmark ruling, a Ukrainian court has sentenced 27-year-old Russian soldier Dmitry Kurashov to life imprisonment for the execution of a Ukrainian prisoner of war, marking the first such sentence handed down since the conflict began. Kurashov was found guilty of fatally shooting 41-year-old Ukrainian veteran Vitalii Hodniuk, who had surrendered after being captured in the Zaporizhzhia region on January 6, 2024. The court determined that Kurashov acted on orders from his commanders, who had instructed troops not to take Ukrainian soldiers captive. Evidence, including expert reports, witness testimonies, and video footage, confirmed the deliberate nature of the killing. During the trial, it was revealed that Hodniuk had emerged unarmed from a dugout with his hands raised, only to be shot point-blank by Kurashov. Kurashov initially pleaded guilty but later retracted his confession, claiming he had done so to expedite a potential prisoner swap. He alleged that a Russian medic, who later died, was responsible for the shooting. However, testimonies from other members of his unit contradicted his account, stating that Kurashov was the only person present when the gunshots were heard. Kurashov’s lawyer argued that he was following orders, while the prosecutor emphasized his lack of remorse. The case highlights the broader issue of Russian prisoners being recruited to fight in Ukraine, often in poorly trained penal units like Storm V, which are deployed in high-casualty assaults. Ukrainian intelligence has documented over 150 cases of battlefield executions of POWs by Russian forces since the invasion began in 2022, with Ukrainian officials describing these acts as part of a systematic policy. While Ukrainian forces have also faced accusations of executing Russian POWs, such reports are significantly fewer in number.
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Greek coastguard chief to be prosecuted over deadly migrant shipwreck
Four high-ranking officials from the Greek Coast Guard, including its current commander, Vice Admiral Tryfon Kontizas, are set to face criminal prosecution for negligent manslaughter in connection with the tragic sinking of the migrant vessel Adriana in 2023. The fishing boat, carrying approximately 650 people, capsized off the coast of Pylos, Greece, after a failed attempt by the coastguard to tow it. Survivors reported that the vessel sank due to the coastguard’s mishandling of the operation. The disaster, which occurred in June 2023, has been a subject of intense scrutiny and legal battles. Earlier this year, prosecutors at the maritime court in Piraeus recommended charges against 17 members of the coastguard, including the captain of the coastguard ship and the then-head of the coastguard, Vice Admiral Giorgos Alexandrakis. However, Vice Admiral Kontizas and three other senior officers were initially cleared of blame. This decision was later challenged by lawyers representing survivors and victims’ families. The charges now include manslaughter by negligence, exposure to danger, and failure to fulfill legal obligations to rescue. Although only 82 bodies were recovered, it is believed that hundreds more perished in the incident. Greece has consistently denied any wrongdoing, emphasizing its commitment to human rights and its record of rescuing over 250,000 people at sea in the past decade.
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Solar storms bring colorful northern lights to unexpected places
A series of powerful solar storms have painted the night skies with dazzling auroras, reaching regions far beyond their typical polar confines. On Tuesday night, vibrant northern lights were observed in unexpected locations across Europe, including Hungary and the United Kingdom, while in the U.S., the celestial display stretched as far south as Kansas, Colorado, and Texas. These geomagnetic disturbances, classified as severe by space weather forecasters, have also caused minor disruptions to GPS communications and power grids, according to Shawn Dahl of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
The surge in solar activity has prompted NASA to delay the launch of Blue Origin’s new rocket, which was set to carry Mars orbiters, until space weather conditions stabilize. Over the past few days, the sun has emitted multiple coronal mass ejections (CMEs), with two already reaching Earth and at least one more expected to arrive on Wednesday. Forecasters warn that this upcoming solar outburst could be the most intense of the trio, potentially amplifying the brightness and southern reach of the auroras depending on its interaction with Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere.
This heightened solar activity is part of the sun’s 11-year cycle, currently at its peak phase, which has made auroras more frequent and widespread. The phenomenon occurs when charged particles from the sun collide with Earth’s atmosphere, creating the mesmerizing light displays known as the northern and southern lights. Last year, the strongest geomagnetic storm in two decades illuminated skies across the Northern Hemisphere, followed by another powerful solar storm that brought auroras to unexpected locations like Germany, the United Kingdom, and New York City.
While auroras are a breathtaking spectacle, solar storms can also pose significant risks. They have the potential to disrupt power grids, interfere with air traffic control, and scramble radio and GPS communications. Historical events, such as the 1859 solar storm that set telegraph lines on fire and the 1972 storm that detonated magnetic sea mines off Vietnam’s coast, underscore the unpredictable and occasionally hazardous nature of space weather. Despite advancements in forecasting, experts can only provide alerts days in advance, leaving limited time for preparation.
For those eager to witness the auroras, NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center website and aurora forecasting apps offer real-time updates. Skygazers are advised to seek out dark, quiet areas away from city lights, such as local or national parks, and to check weather forecasts to avoid cloud cover. Smartphone cameras can also capture subtle auroral details invisible to the naked eye, enhancing the experience of this natural wonder.
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French auditors slam Louvre for prioritising art over security
Three weeks following the audacious theft of €88 million worth of jewels from the Louvre, the museum faces severe criticism for its neglect of security measures. A report by the Court of Auditors, prepared prior to the heist, revealed that for years, the Louvre prioritized acquiring new artworks and enhancing exhibition spaces over essential maintenance and security upgrades. The theft, which occurred in broad daylight on October 19, saw thieves using an angle-grinder to break into display cases in the Apollo Gallery, making off with priceless jewels once owned by 19th-century queens and empresses. The report highlighted that between 2018 and 2024, the Louvre spent €105.4 million on new acquisitions and €63.5 million on exhibition spaces, while allocating only €26.7 million to maintenance and €59.5 million to the restoration of the palace building. This imbalance has drawn sharp criticism from figures like Culture Minister Rachida Dati and art expert Didier Rykner, who accused the museum of favoring ‘eye-catching initiatives’ over fundamental security. The incident has also cast doubt on the Louvre’s ambitious New Renaissance project, which aims to expand the museum’s facilities but has been criticized for lacking proper feasibility studies. The Louvre has acknowledged most of the court’s recommendations but defended its long-term vision. Meanwhile, one of the suspected thieves, Abdoulaye N, a former guard at the Center Pompidou, has been identified, with French media suggesting the heist may have been orchestrated by a wealthy third party. The investigation continues as authorities search for the missing jewels and the fourth suspect.
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Mistakenly released UK prisoner turns himself in as search continues for second freed convict
In a glaring administrative error, two inmates were mistakenly released from HMP Wandsworth, a Victorian-era prison in London, drawing sharp criticism of the UK’s overcrowded and under-resourced prison system. Billy Smith, 35, who was sentenced to nearly four years for multiple frauds, surrendered himself on Thursday after being accidentally freed on Monday. Meanwhile, Brahim Kaddour-Cherif, 24, a registered sex offender serving time for trespass with intent to steal, remains at large after his erroneous release on October 29. The Algerian national, who had overstayed his visa, was in the initial stages of deportation. These incidents have reignited scrutiny of Wandsworth, which faced similar criticism two years ago when another inmate escaped by clinging to a food delivery truck. The blunders follow stricter controls implemented after Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, an asylum-seeker convicted of sexual assault, was mistakenly released from Chelmsford Prison in October. Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister David Lammy expressed outrage, blaming the previous Conservative government for systemic failures. Government data reveals a 128% increase in erroneous releases, with 262 cases recorded in the year ending March 2025. Critics argue the Labour government’s decision to release prisoners early to alleviate overcrowding has exacerbated the issue.
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Weapons cache linked to Hamas found in Vienna by Austria’s intelligence service
Austria’s domestic intelligence agency, the Directorate for State Security and Intelligence (DSN), has discovered a weapons cache in Vienna allegedly connected to the Palestinian militant group Hamas, raising concerns about potential terrorist attacks in Europe. The Austrian government announced the findings on Thursday, emphasizing the international scope of the investigation. The weapons, including five handguns and 10 accompanying magazines, were found in a suitcase stored in a rented facility in Vienna. Authorities suspect the cache was intended for use in attacks targeting Israeli or Jewish institutions across Europe.
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Pope Leo meets Palestinian President Abbas, discuss urgent need for Gaza aid, two-state solution
In a historic meeting at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas convened for the first time on Thursday to address the ongoing crisis in Gaza and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The hour-long discussion, described as “cordial” by the Vatican, centered on the urgent need to provide humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza and to advance a two-state solution as a pathway to lasting peace. This meeting marked a significant diplomatic engagement, coming nearly a month after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire took effect in the region. The two leaders had previously communicated over the phone in July, discussing the escalation of violence in Gaza and the West Bank. The Vatican emphasized the shared recognition of the necessity to alleviate the suffering of civilians and to pursue a political resolution to the conflict. Abbas’s visit to the Vatican also commemorated the 10th anniversary of the Comprehensive Agreement between the Holy See and the State of Palestine, underscoring the longstanding diplomatic ties between the two entities. During his stay in Rome, Abbas paid homage at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, honoring the late Pope Francis, with whom he had maintained regular contact, particularly in the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks and Israel’s subsequent military response in Gaza.
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Divided Bank of England holds key interest rate at 4% despite hopes inflation has peaked
The Bank of England (BoE) has decided to maintain its benchmark interest rate at 4% during its latest policy meeting on Thursday. The decision, made by the nine-member Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), was widely expected, though some analysts had speculated on a potential quarter-point reduction to 3.75%. The vote was notably close, with five members favoring no change and four supporting a rate cut. Governor Andrew Bailey emphasized the need for greater certainty that inflation is on a sustainable path toward the bank’s 2% target before considering further reductions. Currently, the annual consumer price inflation rate stands at 3.8%, nearly double the BoE’s target. The MPC noted in its meeting minutes that inflation has likely peaked at a lower level than previously forecasted in August, when the last rate cut was implemented. Economists anticipate that inflation will continue to decline in the coming months, potentially reaching the target by next year, which could pave the way for a rate cut at the December meeting. The upcoming UK budget announcement on November 26 is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping economic policy, with Treasury chief Rachel Reeves signaling potential tax increases aimed at reducing inflation and stabilizing the economy. Since initiating rate cuts in August 2024, the BoE has adopted a cautious approach, adjusting rates every three months. Thursday’s decision marks the first time the bank has opted against a rate cut within this quarterly framework. Meanwhile, the US Federal Reserve recently reduced its key interest rate for the second time this year, though Chair Jerome Powell cautioned that further cuts are not guaranteed, citing economic uncertainties and internal divisions among policymakers.