Having resigned this week, Rainmaker leaves observers wondering about the power and influence behind the figures driving this climate of wealth and networks.
The Guardian reports that London is closing half of Oxford Street to traffic from Monday 26 October, turning Europe’s busiest shopping street into a pedestrian-only space and marking a major milestone in Mayor Sadiq Khan’s plans for a greener, healthier city. The move follows years of debate and will impact congestion, commerce and daily life in central London.
The European Parliament has awarded the Sakharov Prize to the International Criminal Court, days after the United States has announced sweeping sanctions that ban transactions with the court, freeze ICC assets in US jurisdictions and give U.S. companies six months to wind down business. The ICC and EU leaders have welcomed the prize; the U.S. has defended the sanctions.
Storms Austen and Boelo are bringing heavy rain and strong winds to the UK this weekend. Amber and yellow warnings cover large swathes of the country as power cuts and travel disruption loom; the worst gusts are expected in exposed coasts and the north-west.
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French authorities and European agencies have confirmed the first recognised human infection with Shamonda virus in October 2026. The patient, severely immunocompromised and treated in Lyon, has died; investigations are continuing into whether the virus caused or contributed to the death. Authorities say no public-health risk to the general population has been identified.
Security flaws in PHP have prompted a worldwide patch effort as governments and businesses race to mitigate two critical vulnerabilities that could expose websites and applications to cyberattacks. Leaders urge immediate updates amid offline services and ongoing investigations into potential exploits.
The Supreme State Prosecution has referred Lina Attalah, editor‑in‑chief of Mada Masr, to trial on a charge of operating a website without a licence. She was released on bail and faces heavy fines and possible closure of the outlet; her first court date is set for Oct. 27. The referral follows a Mada Masr report on prison protests and comes as prosecutions of independent journalists escalate in Egypt.
Bayer Leverkusen has secured a third consecutive Europa League win, beating OFI Crete 2-0 with a Jonas Hofmann double. Juventus is held to a 2-2 draw by Rennes after a late winner is ruled out by VAR. Sunderland’s draw in Poland accompanies a busy night of European action.
Indonesia’s intense forest and peatland fires persist as El Niño drives drought, triggering cross-border haze that harms air quality and public health across Southeast Asia. Regional governments deploy firefighting personnel and aircraft while communities demand accountability and action to stop the cycle of fires and costs.
Rights groups say 22 inmates—predominantly Palestinians—have been shot with rubber, plastic or sponge rounds since last year, with injuries ranging from leg wounds to a crushed testicle. Israel defends the use as measured and last-resort, while calls for accountability and policy changes grow.
Airbnb has updated its policy to limit chores hosts can require guests to perform. Reservations booked on or after November 20 will follow seven standard house rules, with additional “reasonable” requests allowed. Tasks like stripping beds, washing dishes or taking out trash are generally prohibited, while exceptions may apply in local conditions.
Canada has opened negotiations for a free trade agreement with Turkiye as Prime Minister Mark Carney visits Ankara. Officials say the goal is to deepen ties in trade, energy, defense, and high-tech sectors, with plans to raise two-way trade and increase direct flights. Amnesty International has urged human-rights considerations in negotiations.
A 16-year-old former student opened fire at Silver Rail Elementary in Bend, Oregon, killing a teacher and several students before a parent shot the attacker. Becky Drury says she was shot while trying to close a classroom door and could not protect others; school reopened as investigators review how the attack unfolded.
AIPAC has halted endorsements and earmarked direct PAC contributions, moving to boost individual donor contributions while continuing to run the United Democracy Project super PAC. The change follows rising unease with the lobby’s influence and declining Democratic support amid Israel-Gaza conflict coverage. UDP remains active, with significant spending in recent cycles.
Ireland’s We-Consent campaign has been withdrawn after officials deemed a 25‑second video—featuring a grandchild and grandparents—‘inappropriate and demeaning to grandparents.’ The ad, funded by government bodies, aimed to teach consent but drew sharp criticism and international coverage.