Louvre: Most non-EU tourists will have to pay $37 to access museum

Talks between the UK and the EU regarding the UK's participation in the EU defence fund have collapsed, primarily due to disagreements over a fee that would enable UK defence firms to access a larger portion of loans. This breakdown in negotiations highlights ongoing tensions between the two sides following the UK's departure from the EU.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, where they discussed Ukraine and energy deliveries. Putin praised Orbán's 'balanced' stance on the Ukraine conflict, while the European Commission rejected Putin's characterization of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as an 'illegitimate' leader, affirming Zelenskyy's democratic election by the Ukrainian people.

Belgium's Prime Minister Bart De Wever has criticized the EU's proposal to utilize frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, labeling the plan as fundamentally wrong and a violation of international law. He expressed concerns that such actions could destabilize financial markets and harm the euro, casting doubt on Europe's ability to fund Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia.

A catastrophic fire broke out in multiple high-rise residential buildings in Hong Kong's Tai Po district, resulting in at least 94 fatalities and hundreds reported missing. The rapid spread of the blaze was exacerbated by bamboo scaffolding and plastic coverings, alongside a failure of the fire alarm system. Emergency services have been engaged in extensive rescue operations as the situation unfolds.

A devastating fire in a high-rise residential complex in Hong Kong's Tai Po district has resulted in a death toll that has risen to 128, with around 200 individuals still unaccounted for. Firefighting operations concluded after 40 hours, and authorities have arrested eight individuals, including subcontractors and project managers, as investigations continue into the cause of the blaze.

The death toll from severe flooding across Southeast Asia has risen to over 250, with 145 fatalities reported in southern Thailand and at least 111 in Indonesia. The flooding has been exacerbated by the heaviest rainfall in 300 years, leading to widespread destruction and displacement of thousands of families.

The Louvre Museum in Paris announced a 45% increase in ticket prices for most non-EU visitors, raising the cost to $37. This decision aims to generate up to $23 million in additional revenue to fund structural improvements following a recent theft of valuable items from the museum.

Two Palestinian men were shot dead by Israeli forces during a raid in Jenin, moments after they appeared to surrender with their hands raised. This incident has sparked widespread outrage, particularly as footage of the event circulated, highlighting the ongoing tensions in the region.