Spain sacks Catalan government after independence vote

Thousands of flamingo chicks are born yearly in Europe's biggest flamingo colony in southern Spain. Before the hatchlings fly off to other nature reserves in Europe and Africa, volunteers tag them to study their migration patterns.

In the past 25 years since Hong Kong was handed over to China from British rule, the self-government and freedoms it was originally promised have gradually been eroded.

It is Brazil's bicentennial. Four weeks before he stands for re-election, president Jair Bolsonaro opting for a decidedly martial tone to celebrate the 200th anniversary of a South American giant that hass experienced plenty of ups and downs in the 36 years since the generals made way for a return to democracy.

Russia has sentenced a former star journalist to jail and revoked the license of a Kremlin-critical newspaper, further tightening the screws on independent media. Getting uncensored information is harder than ever.

The Italian and Spanish leagues have lagged behind others in western Europe, until very recently. Italy's top flight is now professionalized while Spain are breaking records. But a referees' strike is a black cloud.

Russia's most prominent independent newspaper was accused of violating the country's "foreign agents" law. The paper ceased printing in March following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, now it is no longer available online.

Orcas are frightening sailors and wreaking havoc off the coast of Spain. The killer whales are attacking boats with increasing frequency. Authorities have recorded hundreds of such attacks over the last two years.

A government plan calls for a tax on Spain's "big fortunes" would help offset inflation relief measures to assist low and middle-income Spaniards.

Germany's Olaf Scholz and a contingent of top ministers are in Spain for talks on the spiraling energy crisis in Europe. The two sides hope to breathe new life into a pipeline project, despite opposition from France.

On the first anniversary of Sudan's military coup, the country remains stuck in a political stalemate. But, despite the increasingly difficult humanitarian situation, the population hasn't given up hope.

Patrick Lam and Chung Pui-Kuen are being tried under a little-used colonial era law for sedition and inciting hatred. The pair were editors at Stand News, known for its protest coverage.

The Mar Menor – the largest saltwater lagoon in Europe linked to the Mediterranean Sea – has become the first natural area in Europe to be protected as a legal entity. Environmentalists and locals have long complained that the lagoon suffers from serious pollution, which they blame on intensive farming.