As Vienna readies for the Eurovision Song Contest's provocative songs and glittering spectacle next week, the festival's 70th edition is unfolding under heavy security and an intensifying row over Israel's participation. The world's biggest live televised music event will feature contestants from 35 countries — the lowest total since participation widened in 2004 — after several countries, including Ireland, withdrew over Israel's war in Gaza. The semi-finals on Tuesday and Thursday will narrow the field before Saturday's…

Screening of films, exhibitions and workshops ... The target school in Poto-Poto, the very first in Brazzaville, founded in 1951 by the Frenchman Pierre Lods, ended a series of events on Saturday 26 June to celebrate its 70th anniversary. This facility was not saved by the Covid-19 pandemic. Built at the foot of a baobab tree, Poto-Poto target school borders other trees that protect the building like a bird's nest. Seen from near and far, it has the shape of an obelisk. “I was 20 (when I came here). Young people were…