Croatia is marking a Day of Mourning following a tragic attack at Prečko Primary School in Zagreb, where a 19-year-old former student killed one child and injured three others, along with a 62-year-old teacher who heroically intervened to prevent further violence.

Flags are being flown at half-mast across government and public buildings, while entertainment events have been canceled. Broadcasters are required to adapt their programming to reflect the somber occasion. 

Citizens gathered at the school playground and a nearby health center to light candles, leave tributes, and pray. A vigil was also held at the local church for the victims.

The attacker, who fled the scene and attempted suicide, is in custody and will be questioned once recovered. He was reportedly treated for mental health issues, with his family previously expressing fear and pleading with doctors to keep him hospitalized.

Police are investigating the motive behind the attack.

The 2024 ranking of the world's most powerful passports has been released, with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) securing the top spot for the fourth consecutive year. This global index measures the number of countries citizens can visit without a visa, and UAE nationals enjoy access to an impressive 133 visa-free destinations and 47 countries with visas on arrival, covering over 90% of the globe, reports the Daily Mail.

European countries dominate the ranking, holding 19 of the top 20 positions. Spain has surpassed Germany to claim the second-most powerful passport, while Finland has risen to third place, ahead of France, Belgium, and Italy. Despite slipping to fourth, France boasts the most powerful passport among G20 nations.  Croatian citizens can now travel to 125 countries visa-free and an additional 51 with a visa and Croatia ranks 23rd (or joint fifth) on the list. 

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom continues its decline, falling to 32nd place. British citizens can now travel to 125 countries visa-free and 49 with a visa on arrival, a far cry from 2017, the last time their passport ranked in the top ten.

Croatian captain Luka Modrić celebrated his 28th career trophy with Real Madrid as they won the inaugural FIFA Intercontinental Cup by defeating Pachuca 3-0 in Lusail, Qatar. Entering the game in the 70th minute, Modrić, who became Real's captain this season, further cemented his legacy as the club’s most decorated player.

This latest victory is another milestone in Modrić’s illustrious career, following his UEFA Super Cup win earlier this season.

British Airways has announced increased flight frequencies to Dubrovnik for the upcoming summer season, with services resuming earlier and more connections planned compared to 2024.

The carrier will restart its London Gatwick to Dubrovnik route on March 4, nearly a month ahead of last year. Frequencies will steadily grow throughout the summer. In June, the airline plans eleven weekly flights, up from nine. This increase continues into July and August, with twelve weekly flights scheduled—compared to nine and eight weekly rotations during the same months in 2024. September will see eleven weekly services, rising from last year’s nine, while October will feature nine weekly flights, up from daily operations, reports EX-YU Aviation. 

These enhancements underline Dubrovnik's popularity as a key destination for British Airways and its commitment to providing travelers with more options to experience the historic city.

Newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump has revealed his picks for several ambassadorial posts via social media, including his choice for the next U.S. ambassador to Croatia.

Trump announced that Nicole McGraw, a philanthropist, businesswoman, and renowned art collector, is his nominee for the role. Highlighting her achievements, Trump said: “She has brought beautiful art to the people through her leadership of the CANVAS Art charitable organizations and raised millions for neglected and abused children as a board member of Place of Hope.”

In addition to McGraw, Trump nominated Herschel Walker as the U.S. ambassador to the Bahamas. Walker, a former NFL star and loyal Trump ally, ran for the U.S. Senate in Georgia in 2022. Trump praised Walker’s contributions as a businessman, philanthropist, and mental health advocate, noting his service during Trump’s first administration as co-chair of the Presidential Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, reports N1. 

“During my first term, Herschel traveled to over 400 military installations worldwide, breaking the stigma around mental health. He also represented the U.S. in the 1992 Winter Olympics as part of the bobsled team,” said Trump, adding, “You’ll make Georgia and our nation proud because we know you’ll always put America first!”

The nominations have sparked discussion as Trump prepares for his second term, with Senate approval still pending for these ambassadorial candidates.

The Ivan Gundulić Elementary School in Dubrovnik has unveiled six new inclusive classrooms, funded by a €50,000 donation from Excelsa Nekretnine. These modern spaces are equipped with cutting-edge educational technology to support students with special needs and advanced learners alike.

Interactive monitors, high-quality computers, video conferencing systems, and advanced software now enable dynamic teaching, remote learning, and collaborative projects. This initiative enhances creativity, focus, and inclusivity, ensuring accessible education for all.

“Thanks to this generous donation, we can provide an inspiring and inclusive environment where students can thrive,” said Principal Vedrana Elez.

Since 2014, Excelsa Nekretnine has been committed to enhancing the quality of life in the Dubrovnik community. "We believe these new classrooms will help students achieve their potential, contributing to a brighter future for all," said Ivan Tokić, CEO of Excelsa Nekretnine.

Last night, on December 17, 2024, at 11:51 PM, a minor earthquake was recorded with an epicenter 4 kilometers south of Sućuraj on the island of Hvar. The earthquake had a magnitude of 3.0 on the Richter scale, while the intensity at the epicenter was estimated at III–IV degrees on the EMS scale, reports Slobodna Dalmacija.

According to initial reports, the earthquake caused no material damage but was felt in nearby settlements and on the island of Korčula. Residents of Sućuraj and the surrounding area reported tremors lasting several seconds.

The Gruž Market, designed by architects Dinko Peračić and Miranda Veljačić, has received top honors at the 59th Salon of Architecture and Urbanism.

This year’s Salon focused on the reuse of existing structures, a theme reflected in the market’s innovative design. Instead of reconstructing the missing part of a Renaissance villa, the architects opted for a minimalist translucent roof, creating a space that blends past, present, and future.

The design, praised for its play of light, airflow, and modern functionality, has transformed the market into a vibrant hub for fresh produce and local gastronomy. Mayor Mato Franković called it “a symbol of tradition meeting contemporary solutions.”

Dubrovnik congratulates the architects on this major achievement, which highlights the importance of thoughtful design in urban spaces.