The World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico has not yet started, and one of its most recognizable “sounds” has already disappeared from the future atmosphere of the stadiums. FIFA has officially banned the use of vuvuzelas, whistles and other noise-making devices in all arenas of the tournament, continuing its policy of strict regulation of fan behavior.
Billionaire Jack Dorsey’s company Block has introduced an unusual payment accessory for the Cash App service – a miniature “magic wand” with a built-in NFC chip. It can be used to pay for purchases in stores just like using a bank card or a smartphone.
Barcelona is preparing for a historic event: on June 10, Pope Leo XIV will visit the famous Sagrada Familia Basilica to inaugurate and consecrate the Tower of Jesus Christ, the central and tallest tower of the church. Its construction was completed in February, marking a major milestone in the 144-year history of one of the world’s most ambitious architectural projects.
While some employees relish the opportunity to work in their home clothes and not spend hours commuting, scientists are increasingly wondering whether the price for this comfort is a sense of loneliness.
The Paris prosecutor’s office has launched an official investigation against Swiss lawyer Alexander Montavon for alleged misappropriation of Hermes shares, which, according to the company’s heir Nicolas Puesch, are now worth more than €10 billion. Investigators are looking into whether these assets could have been controlled by structures linked to billionaire Bernard Arnault’s LVMH group. The new development is yet another twist in the long-running confrontation between the two major players in the global luxury industry.
The French consumer protection regulator has again imposed two fines totaling more than 22 million euros on Shein over violations related to product traceability, environmental information, return times and delivery conditions.
Public attitudes toward data centers in the U.S. have deteriorated markedly in just a few months, and according to fresh polling, this is becoming one of the new points of tension around the development of artificial intelligence.
The British Parliament’s Science, Innovation and Technology Committee has recommended that the government refuse to cooperate with the US company Palantir, calling its growing influence on the public sector an “unacceptable vulnerability”. The report was published against the backdrop of the growing desire of European countries to reduce dependence on American technology corporations in the field of data storage and digital infrastructure.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19, will be the largest in the history of the tournament: 48 national teams will take part in it. The total transfer value of all players is estimated at €17.57 billion, and four national teams have squads worth more than €1 billion.
Spanish retail giant Inditex, which owns the Zara brand, started the year stronger than market expectations and confirmed the stability of its business against the backdrop of unstable global conditions and geopolitical risks.
Turkish resorts are forced to cut prices and launch large-scale discount offers amid a noticeable drop in tourist demand. Hoteliers are trying in this way to keep the load at the peak of the season, while, according to market participants, the country may lose about 8-10 million dollars daily due to the reduction in tourist traffic.
About two-thirds of the world’s richest families expect a weakening of confidence in the dollar as the world’s reserve currency and are already reviewing their asset structure amid geopolitical uncertainty and rising U.S. government debt.
Authorities in Kolkata, India, have dismantled a 21-meter statue of Argentina captain Lionel Messi several months after its unveiling. The reason was concerns about the safety of the structure, which began to sway noticeably in strong winds.
Puig executive chairman Marc Puig said at the May 29 general meeting of shareholders that the company is “not for sale” and reaffirmed the Puig family’s long-term commitment to the business. This was stated in a statement sent to Spanish regulator CNMV.
The US is discussing the possibility of expanding NATO’s nuclear infrastructure in Europe. The Financial Times reports, citing sources, that Washington is considering the deployment of dual-capable aircraft in additional countries of the alliance.
US President Donald Trump had one of the most tense conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu since his return to the White House. The reason was the escalation of the conflict in Lebanon, which jeopardized the negotiation process between Washington and Tehran.
Gap Inc. raised its full-year earnings forecast after a strong start to the fiscal year, buoyed by sales growth and an unexpectedly strong recovery for its namesake brand.
The season of white nights in St. Petersburg in 2026 has become noticeably more expensive for foreign tourists and travelers from CIS countries. According to market participants, the cost of trips to the Northern Capital has increased by 10-15% on average over the year, and vacation prices are increasingly approaching the level of popular European city-break destinations.
British artist Iain Alexander (Iain Alexander) said that he discussed with Donald Trump the design of the proposed 250-dollar U.S. banknote. The idea of its issuance is already being considered in structures related to the administration.
The first shipments of the T1 Phone smartphone, better known online as the “trampophone,” have begun in the US, but the launch has been far less triumphant than advertised. The device, which is being promoted by Trump Mobile, a company linked to Donald Trump’s family, is already being called one of the most controversial tech releases of the year.
