Heavy rainfall in Bosnia resulted in at least 16 fatalities, with the municipality of Jablanica being the worst affected. Rescue operations are underway, with the European Union Force and a British special-unit team assisting. The disaster has caused significant infrastructure damage, including submerged towns and landslides that have destroyed roads and railways. Authorities expect the death toll to rise as rescue efforts continue.

A new film titled 'Once Upon a Time in Croatia,' directed by Jakov Sedlar, features Kevin Spacey as Franjo Tudjman, Croatia's first president. The film, which will be released in Croatia and other countries including the United States, aims to generate interest in Tudjman, a controversial figure. While Spacey has been largely shunned by Hollywood due to sexual assault accusations, his casting in this film is seen as a way to attract attention. The article discusses the divisive legacy of Tudjman, who is viewed by some as a nationalist hero and by others as a dangerous bigot.

A Montenegrin court convicted 14 individuals, including two suspected Russian spies, of plotting a 2016 coup to prevent Montenegro from joining NATO. The Russians, tried in absentia, were linked to the Russian military intelligence agency G.R.U., which has been implicated in various international operations. Sentences ranged from parole to 15 years in prison, with key figures including Montenegrin politicians Andrija Mandic and Milan Knezevic receiving five-year terms. The coup attempt was tied to the parliamentary vote on NATO membership.

China's Premier Li Keqiang visited Croatia to inspect the Mali Ston Bay bridge project, symbolizing China's growing infrastructure influence in Europe. Amidst skepticism, China aims to reassure European nations of its peaceful intentions, especially after Italy and Greece joined the 'One Belt, One Road' initiative. The '16 plus 1 Group', now '17 plus one' with Greece's entry, has seen varied responses from member countries, with some cooling on China due to unmet investment promises and cybersecurity concerns. Chinese investment in Europe has declined, and the European Commission has recently taken a more defensive stance, calling China a 'systemic rival'. Despite this, Li promises support for European integration and fair treatment of companies.

Montenegro, NATO's newest member, has come under scrutiny following President Trump's comments questioning the United States' commitment to NATO's collective defense clause. In an interview with Tucker Carlson, Trump suggested that Montenegro's 'aggressive people' could start World War III, raising concerns about the alliance's obligations. These remarks follow a tense NATO summit where Trump urged allies to increase military spending. The article provides context on Montenegro's role in the ongoing tensions between Russia and the West in the Balkans.

President Trump's frequent use of the term 'fake news' to discredit the media has been adopted by authoritarian leaders worldwide, including those in Syria, Venezuela, Myanmar, and Russia, to undermine critics and democratic institutions. This trend is particularly concerning in countries with restricted press freedom, where leaders use the term to justify media suppression. The article highlights the global impact of Trump's rhetoric on press freedom and democracy.

Residents of Zadar, Croatia, are turning to the curry plant, also known as immortelle, in hopes of rejuvenating the local economy. The plant, used in high-end cosmetics for its rejuvenating properties, has seen increased interest from local farmers. However, challenges such as lack of direct partnerships with major cosmetics companies and issues with crop quality have hindered success. Despite these obstacles, farmers remain hopeful, with some diversifying into other medicinal herbs. The story highlights the economic struggles and resilience of the local agricultural community.

Uber has launched UberBOAT in Croatia, offering private boat rides along the Dalmatian Coast. The service, which started in late June, is part of Uber's broader strategy to experiment with new services beyond its traditional ride-hailing business. Despite the high cost experienced by some users, Uber continues to expand its offerings, including food delivery with UberEATS and transportation services for businesses with Uber Central.

The island of Hvar in Croatia is implementing strict regulations to curb unruly behavior among tourists. New rules include fines for public drinking, eating, sleeping, and shirtless men in town. Mayor Riki Novak emphasizes that while the island is historically a tourist destination, the current trend of party tourism is unwelcome. The island has been a popular spot for celebrities over the years, including King Edward VIII, Jacqueline Onassis, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Tom Cruise, Orson Welles, and Bono.

Prime Minister Tihomir Oreskovic of Croatia was ousted after less than six months in office following a no-confidence vote initiated by the Croatian Democratic Union, the party that had initially backed him. The government fell due to a scandal involving Deputy Prime Minister Tomislav Karamarko, who resigned after an ethics committee found a conflict of interest related to his wife's business dealings. The political instability may lead to new elections if a government is not formed within 30 days. Oreskovic, a political novice with a business background, faced criticism for his inexperience and was ultimately brought down by internal party conflicts.