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This week has seen a string of new and updated cars: Skoda has launched the Epiq, its smallest electric SUV from £24,950; Mercedes has introduced a seven‑seat electric GLB with an 85kWh battery and up to 379 miles claimed range; Bentley has previewed the Torcal EV and a lighter Supersports coupe; Rivian has rolled out a smaller R2 SUV; Suzuki and Volvo have updated compact models and added full‑EV versions; Chinese brands Leapmotor and Toyota have new affordable EVs. Reviews highlight trade‑offs in range, ride and interior packaging.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has invited Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to open talks on a deeper EU–Canada partnership, including possible associate status, expanded trade and cooperation on defence, AI, energy, critical minerals and Arctic projects. Carney has said Canada wants a "unique alliance," not full EU membership, and will address the European Parliament Thursday.
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An Australian Hyrox athlete finished first after suffering visible faecal incontinence during the Beijing event. The incident sparked debate over hygiene, safety, and how quickly organizers respond. Hyrox has introduced new rules and procedures to protect competitors and spectators, including medical withdrawals for contaminated situations.
Labour and Conservative voices clash over funding defence while ensuring social security. The PM has set a long-term NATO target of 3.5% by 2035, with a 3% aim by 2030; ministers say welfare cuts are not the answer and pledge to reduce the welfare bill without harming vulnerable groups. The debate continues at PMQs.
Nairobi has become the first African city to host the World Athletics Championships, with Munich set to stage the 2031 edition. The decision follows a World Athletics council meeting in Budapest, highlighting Africa’s emergence in the sport and the continued growth of global championships.
EU leaders say they will open the door for Canada to become the EU’s first associate member, deepening ties across manufacturing, AI, minerals, energy and defence. Canada seeks a unique alliance as trade rifts with the US persist. The plan is not a membership bid against any country, officials say.
The AfD tops the vote in Saxony-Anhalt, aiming to form the first far-right state government since WWII. About 150,000 demonstrators have marched in roughly 20 cities, while Berlin hosts a counter-protest. Mainstream parties have refused to form coalitions with the AfD under the firewall rule.
Global government bond yields have risen to multi‑decade highs this week after renewed US–Iran fighting pushed oil toward $90–$97 a barrel and revived inflation fears. Governments from the UK to the US and Japan have paid higher borrowing costs; central banks are signalling tighter policy and markets are pricing more rate rises, lifting mortgage and corporate loan rates.
Iranian nuclear chief Mohammad Eslami has been prevented from attending the IAEA General Conference in Vienna after Austria revoked his visa. The move follows UN-sanctioned snapback restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program. Washington objected to an exemption, saying Eslami would have used the platform for propaganda rather than substantive cooperation.
Thailand has tightened visa-free stays and limited land entries for tourists after a wave of incidents involving Israeli visitors and other travelers. Officials say the measures are aimed at protecting local culture while maintaining tourism, with outreach to guide visitors and avoid clashes.
Leaders at the European Arctic Summit in Rovaniemi push for a more proactive EU Arctic policy as climate change opens new sea routes and Russia's influence grows. No formal decisions were taken, but momentum builds for a forthcoming EU Arctic strategy. The event highlights security concerns, economic interests, and indigenous rights.
Oasis has revealed its 2027 tour schedule, opening with five Celtic Park shows in Glasgow in May, followed by an 11-night Manchester residency and additional dates in Europe and the US. The rollout comes after a year of teaser videos and a drone display in Manchester.
Frasers has appointed Michael Murray, its chief executive and son-in-law of founder Mike Ashley, to Hugo Boss’s chairmanship as the luxury brand tightens its ties with the conglomerate. Sturm will step down, having announced an orderly transition, while Frasers seeks majority control after lifting its Hugo Boss stake to nearly 48%.
European bodies have intensified demands for governance reforms at FIFA after the aborted FFE proposal. While Infantino retains backing to seek a fourth term, EU federations are pushing for transparency, independent reviews, and structural changes ahead of the 2027 presidential vote in Rabat.
Global Witness reports 124 killings of land and environmental defenders in 2025, led by Latin America. Colombia is the deadliest country, with indigenous guards and small-scale farmers bearing the brunt. The total since 2012 reaches 2,375, though the year shows a global decline from 2023-2024, experts warn the data likely undercounts due to reporting gaps.
A UN General Assembly vote has endorsed the Equal Earth projection to replace parts of the Mercator map, with 164 countries in support and the United States the sole vote against. The move aims to correct distortions that have long misrepresented Africa’s size, though the change remains non-binding and voluntary for now.
France-based Mistral raises a large European-led Series D to expand compute capacity, deepen in-house data sovereignty, and extend its international footprint, as it positions itself as an AI services provider rather than a pure frontier lab.
Automated vehicles have incorporated features like braking and monitoring, yet critics question whether they enhance safety or erode driver autonomy. Across reports, users describe discomfort with surveillance and the loss of control as robotaxis and autopilot systems become more common.
Global shipping faces higher costs and longer routes as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz persist and Arctic routes gain attention amid climate-driven ice melt. Regulators warn of a two-tier system as supply chains adapt to new chokepoints.
Amazon, Target and Walmart have announced Oct. sales events, with Prime Big Deal Days running Oct. 6–7. Walmart starts Oct. 5 and runs to Oct. 11, offering deep discounts across home, fashion, tech and toys. Target Circle and Circle 360 provide varied access windows, while Prime Day emphasizes Prime members with curated discounts across devices and apparel.
A 40-year-old Jefferson County resident has died of complications described as measles-related, the county coroner has announced, bringing Pennsylvania state officials' total to three deaths linked to this year's outbreak. The CDC's public tracker currently shows no measles deaths and federal officials are reviewing whether the Pennsylvania fatalities meet their criteria.
A set of recent reports shows farmers adapting to increasingly unpredictable weather through drought-tolerant crops, smarter irrigation, and climate-smart farming. From Wales and Scotland to Africa and East Africa, communities are expanding local cultivation, improving soil health, and building resilience against droughts, floods, and rising temperatures.
The Brazilian Supreme Court is in a constitutional clash as Justice Andre Mendonca unseals police documents alleging Justice Alexandre de Moraes sought advice from a banker before his arrest. Moraes responds by seeking a formal investigation into Mendonca for interviewing Vorcaro without police or prosecutors present. The dispute escalates as Brazil heads toward October elections.
Nine EU states have asked for more time to implement the Entry/Exit System (EES) checks, citing technical issues and the need to avoid travel chaos. While the scheme has registered around 200 million entries and stopped tens of thousands, several major hubs and ports are not fully compliant. Brussels is providing support and considering a continued operational adjustment period, with broader enforcement postponed.
The AfD has won a landslide in Saxony-Anhalt, securing about 44% of the vote and potentially forming Germany’s first far-right state government since World War II. Articles from The Guardian, Independent, Times of Israel, and The Times of Israel report on minority concerns, antisemitism, and the political arithmetic that could shape coalition talks and policy in the region.
Five infant orangutans have been found in Odisha, India, miles from their natural range. Investigations are probing possible international trafficking, with authorities coordinating with wildlife groups to determine how the animals arrived. They have been placed in quarantine and are under veterinary care as the search for leads continues.
Sweden has held a tight general election that has halted the Sweden Democrats’ advance: exit polls and projections show the centre-left bloc led by Magdalena Andersson ahead of the incumbent centre-right coalition, and the Sweden Democrats have fallen from second to third place, reducing their immediate path into government.
The United States has extended its World Cup winning streak to 35 games, defeating Spain 82-68 to advance to the final in Berlin. France will face the United States after beating Germany to set up a rematch of the 2024 Olympic final. Gabby Williams led the U.S. with 22 points, while Breanna Stewart added 16.
The Sweden Democrats have seen a dip in support as counting continues, with the left-wing Social Democrats forming the largest bloc. Final results are not expected until midweek, but early tallies show a razor-thin gap between the left and right blocs in Sweden’s 349-seat Riksdag.
Energy ministers and key delegates from G20 nations, including Canada and Saudi Arabia, gather in Houston for discussions on energy security as gas storage in Europe strains ahead of winter. Russia’s attendance has stirred debate amid ongoing tensions over Ukraine and Iran, with US officials highlighting the need for affordable, reliable energy.
The Greek coast guard has rescued 51 people after a migrant boat sank near Gavdos, south of Crete. Reports say 77 were aboard; one person has died and 25 remain missing. Rescue operations involve two boats, four ships, a coastguard helicopter and Frontex, with deteriorating weather hindering efforts.
Lens has replaced head coach Dino Toppmöller with Yannick Cahuzac for Friday’s match at Monaco after restructuring the staff. Borussia Mönchengladbach has dismissed Eugen Polanski following a 5-0 loss to Freiburg, naming Jan-Moritz Lichte as interim head coach. AP reports include earlier and related developments in both clubs.
Wall Street anticipates a quarter-point rate hike as inflation remains above target and oil prices stay elevated amid the Iran war. Investors see higher rates in the near term, with the Fed set to update its projections.
The EU is advancing a plan to shield children from social media harms, with von der Leyen set to unveil the “EU Kids Act.” The package aims to make platforms safer for youngsters and considers age limits, while delegations discuss the broader digital and defense agendas ahead of the Strasbourg speech.
The Department of Justice has charged five men linked to Russian intelligence with conspiring to finance terrorism and, in some cases, murder for hire. They allegedly recruited people in the United States and abroad to surveil and kill a prominent Russian dissident and to target others aligned with Ukraine. All five remain at large.
The CDU/CSU faces renewed strain after a regional election setback to the AfD in Saxony-Anhalt, prompting party leaders to rally behind Chancellor Merz. Two more elections loom, with the AfD seen as a growing force across eastern Germany. Merz is staying in Berlin as the party refocuses.
Amnesty International has identified a pattern of deadly crackdowns against protests in Iran, dating from 2022 and continuing into 2026. The group names 87 officials in a push for international justice, citing hundreds of deaths, mass arrests, and reports of sexual violence against detainees.