HBO Drops Austria as ‘White Lotus’ Location Over Funding Delays
Austria has lost HBO’s The White Lotus due to delays in the FISA+ film funding program, risking more lost productions and economic setbacks.
77% of Austrians Back Tougher Gun Laws, TQS Survey Finds
77% of Austrians—including women and young adults—support tighter gun laws after Graz shooting, and nearly half now avoid crowds.
Lightning Fires Break Out in Tyrol After Hailstorms
Lightning strikes ignited a Wörgl home and Kössen barn amid hailstorms; Tyrol saw 150 fire calls, Lower Austria 80, and farms lost €9 M in damaged crops.
Wien Energie Cooling Demand Increases 60%
On 35°C days, Vienna’s district cooling demand spikes 60%. Wien Energie will invest €90 M in eight plants and a 30 km network, cutting CO₂ by 50%.
Graz Floods and Festival Evacuations as Storms Sweep Austria
Storms in Graz and beyond forced festival evacuations and protest delays, with hail and lightning causing damage but no serious injuries.
Milk Production Rises 1% Despite Fewer Cows in Austria
Austria’s dairy cow numbers fell 1.3% in 2024, but yield rose 2.3% to 7,500 kg/cow, boosting production to 4.02 Mt.
Stadler Builds 14 Double-Deck Railjets for ÖBB
ÖBB orders 14 double-deck Railjets—486 seats, low-floor entry, Wi-Fi, bike and wheelchair spaces—for West and South lines from late 2026.
New Arrival: Cotton-Top Tamarin Joins Group at Haus des Meeres
Haus des Meeres in Vienna celebrates the birth of an endangered cotton-top tamarin. The infant clings to mom for three weeks before exploring.
WWF: Austria Built Over 10× Stephansplatz Area Each Day
Austria sealed an average of 11 ha/day from 2015–24—over four times the 2.5 ha limit. WWF calls for binding land-take caps.
Austria Lacks 5.000 Blood Units, Young Donors Needed
Austria is short over 5,000 blood units this summer. The Austrian Red Cross and Defense Ministry launch 135 drives—young donors urgently needed.