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 initially supported him. The vote, which passed 125 to 15, has led to the collapse of the government in Zagreb and may result in another election if a new government is not formed within 30 days. This marks an unprecedented move in Croatia's democratic history, highlighting tensions between reformers and the nationalist right-wing party.

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.

Croatia is phasing out the use of official rubber stamps in government and business documents, a move initiated by Prime Minister Tihomir Oreskovic to modernize the country's bureaucracy and boost its economy. The Croatian Chamber of Economy and the Croatian Chamber of Notaries support the reform, although it will take time for citizens to adapt to the change. The National Archives holds over 1,000 historical seals, highlighting the deep-rooted tradition of stamping in Croatia.

Croatia is phasing out the use of official rubber stamps in government and business documents, a move aimed at reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies and modernizing administrative processes. Prime Minister Tihomir Oreskovic has initiated this change, which is expected to take time due to the deeply ingrained habit of stamping. The Croatian Chamber of Economy and the Croatian Chamber of Notaries support the transition, highlighting the psychological reliance on stamps despite the availability of digital alternatives. The change reflects a broader effort to streamline Croatia's regulatory system and align with European Union standards.

A United Nations tribunal acquitted Serbian nationalist Vojislav Seselj of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the Balkan wars of the 1990s, sparking celebration among his followers and outrage among victims' relatives. The tribunal found that Seselj, who acted as his own lawyer, was pursuing a political project and was not an accomplice to the crimes. The verdict has been criticized by Croatian officials and victims' representatives, who argue it undermines reconciliation efforts. The acquittal follows the recent conviction of former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic for genocide and other crimes.

Four Balkan nations—Slovenia, Serbia, Croatia, and Macedonia—have closed their borders to new migrants, effectively shutting down the route used by over a million migrants to traverse southeastern Europe. This move comes with the implicit backing of the European Union, which announced an agreement with Turkey to slow the flow of migrants. The deal is expected to be finalized at a summit meeting next week. Slovenia and Serbia quickly implemented new restrictions, with officials from both countries stating that illegal migrants will no longer be allowed to pass through.

Croatia is set to hold its first parliamentary elections since joining the European Union, with potential implications for its response to the ongoing migrant crisis. The opposition party suggests stricter border controls, while Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic and his Social Democratic Party have maintained an open-border policy, balancing national interests with humane treatment of migrants. The election outcome could influence Croatia's future approach to the migrant influx.

Croatia is set to hold its first parliamentary elections since joining the EU, with the migrant crisis and the country's response being a central issue. The Social Democratic Party, led by Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic, has maintained an open-border policy, while the opposition hints at stricter controls. Milanovic's party has recently regained support, and the country has seen slight economic growth despite high unemployment rates. Opinions on the government's performance are mixed, with some criticizing its economic policies but admiring its handling of the migrant crisis.

Serbia and Croatia have reached a rare agreement to provide train services for migrants traveling through the West Balkans, easing their journey and bypassing problematic border crossings. This cooperation marks a significant shift from their tumultuous past, highlighting a commitment to improving conditions for migrants in the region.

Thousands of asylum seekers, including families with small children, are stranded in cold rain at Balkan border crossings due to tightened controls and diplomatic disputes between countries like Slovenia and Croatia. The European Union has failed to provide a unified solution, leaving the safety of migrants dependent on the cooperation of individual countries. Germany's policy on asylum seekers has created internal tensions, exemplified by the stabbing of a politician in charge of refugee affairs. Anti-immigrant sentiment is rising, with movements like Pegida sowing hatred and inciting violence. Despite cold temperatures, the flow of migrants from Turkey into Greece has increased, with thousands moving daily through the Balkans towards Western Europe.

Hungary closed its border with Croatia to control the influx of migrants into Europe, following the completion of a razor-wire fence and the European Union's failure to devise a comprehensive migrant plan. This move disrupted the migrant route from the Balkans to Germany, prompting Croatia to redirect migrants to Slovenia. Both Croatia and Slovenia warned they might close their borders if Austria and Germany stopped accepting migrants.

The Aston Martin DB10, designed specifically for the latest James Bond film by director Sam Mendes and auto designer Marek Reichman, is a limited-edition supercar with only 10 units produced. It features a 4.7-liter V-8 engine, a top speed of 190 mph, and innovative LED headlights. While it won't be available for purchase, it showcases the future of Aston Martin's automotive design.

The United Nations warns that the influx of Syrian refugees into Europe is unlikely to decrease soon, with potential new waves from Iraq. Amin Awad from the UNHCR highlights the severity of the situation, suggesting current arrivals are just the beginning. The EU's decision to distribute 120,000 migrants among member states has sparked protests, particularly in Finland, where demonstrations have turned violent. Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipila condemns the protests as racist, emphasizing Finland's openness and tolerance towards immigrants.

The migration crisis in Europe has reignited tensions between Croatia and Serbia, with Croatia closing its borders to Serbian vehicles and citizens, citing a computer glitch. The Serbian Foreign Ministry responded with harsh criticism, comparing Croatia's actions to those of its Nazi puppet state during World War II, highlighting deep-seated historical animosities in the Balkans.

Thousands of migrants and asylum seekers are trapped in the Balkans due to tightened borders by key European nations. Over 17,000 migrants have been blocked from Hungary, rejected by Serbia, and unable to proceed to Slovenia, causing a humanitarian crisis in Croatia, a region with its own sectarian challenges and unprepared for such an influx. Migrants' belongings are scattered along Croatian roads, and individuals like 25-year-old Iraqi construction worker Ibrahim Yusuf are considering returning home due to the dire conditions.

Europe's inability to develop a unified solution to the migrant crisis is causing confusion and desperation along the migration routes, with countries like Hungary, Croatia, and Slovenia improvising their responses. The continuous flow of people from Syria, Afghanistan, and other countries exacerbates the situation, while European Union leaders show little progress in harmonizing their approaches.

In a violent incident at the Serbia-Hungary border, Hungarian riot police used water cannons, batons, tear gas, and pepper spray against migrants who were throwing rocks and setting small fires. Despite the violence, migrants continued to arrive at the border, hoping Hungary would allow them passage. As Hungary remained firm, the migrants began to divert towards Croatia, seeking new routes into western Europe to escape war and poverty.

Hungary intensified its border control measures, blocking hundreds of migrants at the border with Serbia. Migrants, halted on a main highway to Budapest, protested and sought ways to bypass the obstruction. The crisis, which has deeply affected Europe, now centers on this border area, highlighting the continent's struggle with unity and humanitarian challenges.

A Croatian expatriate worker, Tomislav Salopek, believed to have been beheaded by the Islamic State’s Egyptian affiliate, was initially abducted by a different group demanding a ransom. Croatia's Foreign Minister Vesna Pusic indicated the involvement of two separate organizations in the abduction. Sinai Province, the affiliate, released a picture of Mr. Salopek’s body and a video threatening his execution if Muslim women were not released from Egyptian jails. Confirmation of Mr. Salopek’s death is still pending.

An ISIS-affiliated group in Egypt, Sinai Province, claimed to have beheaded Croatian worker Tomislav Salopek, marking a new phase in the insurgency by targeting a foreigner. This act challenges President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi's efforts to portray Egypt as safe and undermines his attempts to attract foreign investment and tourism. The militants' tactics are increasingly mirroring those of ISIS, with a growing threat to civilians and foreigners. The Egyptian government's response has been criticized as ineffective, while the militants have escalated their attacks, including assassinations and assaults on tourist destinations.

The 2016 Dodge Viper American Club Racer (ACR) is celebrated for its aggressive design and performance enhancements, including a carbon-fiber rear wing, front splitter extension, dive planes, and removable hood louvers. It is recognized as the fastest street-legal track Viper, reaching speeds of 177 mph.

Croatia is offering a debt write-off to 60,000 of its poorest citizens as a 'new beginning,' targeting those with blocked bank accounts, debts under $5,000, and receiving welfare benefits. Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic announced the initiative, which has seen 20,000 applications by Wednesday. The scheme aims to help the poor without legal force, amidst Croatia's struggle with a prolonged recession, high unemployment, and low economic growth. Reception has been mixed, with some economists and non-qualifying citizens critical of the plan.

Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, a conservative challenger, won Croatia’s presidential election, becoming the country's first female president. She secured 50.4% of the votes, narrowly defeating the incumbent, Ivo Josipovic. The election occurred amid economic pessimism, with high unemployment rates. Grabar-Kitarovic's victory speech emphasized patriotism and suggested a return to nationalistic politics. The election results are seen as a significant indicator for the upcoming parliamentary elections, potentially impacting the center-left Social Democratic Party.

Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, a conservative challenger, won Croatia’s presidential election, becoming the country's first female president. She secured 50.4% of the votes, narrowly defeating the incumbent, Ivo Josipovic. The election occurred amid economic pessimism, with high unemployment rates. Grabar-Kitarovic's victory signals a potential return to nationalistic politics. The presidency in Croatia is largely ceremonial but influential in foreign policy and military matters. This election is seen as a significant indicator for the upcoming parliamentary elections, potentially impacting the center-left Social Democratic Party.

The article discusses the critical state of U.S. infrastructure, particularly focusing on the aging and structurally deficient bridges. It highlights the challenges in securing funding for necessary repairs, with a $70.9 billion price tag for fixing all deficient bridges. The debate in Congress is marked by partisan disagreements, with Democrats and Republicans proposing different funding solutions. The article underscores the need for a new revenue generation method for infrastructure, such as adjusting the gas tax or expanding oil and gas drilling. Pennsylvania's proactive measures in bridge repair are noted as a positive example, while the overall sentiment towards federal efforts remains skeptical due to political gridlock.