George Clooney is the star attraction on Monday (August 28) in what is being billed as the Democratic Party's biggest fundraising event abroad aimed at helping U.S. President Barack Obama win re-election.

The American actor and activist, who traveled by car from his residence on Lake Como, Italy, arrived in Geneva's Old Town ahead of a private reception followed by a gala dinner.

About 500,000 dollars (USD) could be raised for Obama's re-election efforts.

Veteran French rock star Johnny Hallyday was treated in an intensive care unit at a hospital in the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe on Monday (August 27) but his producer said he was stable and being treated for a recurring case of bronchitis.

French media initially reported that Hallyday was suffering from a heart related issue, but his producer issued a statement denying reports of heart trouble and saying that Hallyday had been hospitalized as a precautionary measure.

Hallyday, one of France's most successful musicians with a huge following in his home country, fell ill while taking a break in the island of St Barts from a marathon concert tour.

This year's Polar Prize winners - American singer song-writer Paul Simon and cellist Yo-Yo Ma - talked about their music, careers and inspiration on Monday (August 27) on the eve of the royal awards ceremony.

The annual prize, which recognizes greatness in all musical forms, will be handed out at a ceremony in Sweden on Tuesday (August 28).

Previous honorees include Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Elton John and Ray Charles.

US rockers The Foo Fighters wowed a large rock crowd in Reading on Sunday (August 26) night as they brought the three-day festival to a close. The two-and-a-half hour set included a tribute to the late Nirvana singer Kurt Cobain by frontman Dave Grohl.

About 170,000 attended the festival that featured performances by "The Cure" and "Green Day."