First legal cannabis shop opens in Toronto

American sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson has tested positive for cannabis, sources have told Reuters, and she is unlikely to get the chance to challenge for the Olympic 100 metres title in Tokyo later this month.

Dozens of states and the District of Columbia have begun legal action against Google in the United States over what they allege is monopolistic behaviour in its Google Play app download store. The case argues that the tech giant blocks competition through technical and other barriers, but the company has described the case as "strange" and "meritless". Also, we look at a positive signal for the French tourism sector: hotel bookings have increased at the start of the summer season.

The two suspects, known only as David S. and Felix B. for legal reasons, face up to 15 years in jail if convicted of the 'dash and grab' robbery at a luxury store in Bavaria earlier this year.

Surrounded by barbed wire and an electric fence, marijuana plants flourish under the bright sun on a farm in a mountainous area outside Rio de Janeiro. The farm belongs to a pioneering Brazilian NGO engaged in the production of medical cannabis to help patients with seizures.

A pop-up store dedicated to Queen gets ready to open in London to mark the 50th anniversary of the legendary British rock band, which continues to perform despite the death of iconic singer Freddie Mercury in 1991. Called "Queen The Greatest", the store takes visitors back to the beginnings of the band formed in 1971 and whose hits are known the world over.

Luxembourg joins only two other countries and a handful of US states in decriminalizing the cultivation of cannabis for recreational use. However, Germany may not be far behind.

A David Bowie-themed pop-up store opens in London to commemorate 75 years since the visionary singer's birth upcoming on January 8th, 2022. "Bowie 75" offers an immersive showcase of the sound and visions of David Bowie, and counts the likes of Chic guitarist and Daft Punk-collaborator Nile Rodgers amongst its visitors.

This week has seen a new chancellor take the helm in Germany: Olaf Scholz is leading a never-tried-before coalition of his own Social Democrats, as well as the Greens and pro-business Liberals. They come to office promising to get a hold on Covid-19, keep the economy stable – and bring some liberal changes to the EU's biggest economy, including the legalisation of recreational cannabis.

Though some countries in the EU have decriminalized cannabis, the island nation is the first to legalize recreational use and cultivation for adults. Germany and Luxembourg are expected to follow suit early next year.

Africa's rapidly developing cannabis industry could soon supply the entire world. Uganda is already cultivating medical cannabis for the German pharmaceutical market.

Swiss authorities have approved a plan for pilot testing the sale and use of cannabis for recreational purposes this summer in Basel, joining in on a debate over the pros and cons of selling cannabis legally.

Facebook parent Meta has opened its first physical store — in Burlingame, California — to showcase its hardware products like virtual and augmented reality goggles and glasses.