Author: staff
“Recent detections in people and animals in Belgium and the Netherlands show that the virus is now circulating further north, a trend that is expected to continue in the coming years,” the ECDC said. The Netherlands has reported 59 human cases so far this year, while Belgium has reported 15. The West Nile virus is asymptomatic in 80% of humans — but can lead to fever and, in severe cases, cause neurological diseases and become deadly. Preventive measures against mosquito bites are recommended to reduce West Nile virus risks. “Anyone living in or visiting areas where WNV is circulating can reduce…
More than two weeks after the start of the housing rights protest camp in Puerta del Sol, fatigue is beginning to show among demonstrators. Sleepless nights, a lack of toilets and the difficulties of living outdoors are taking an increasing toll. Yet, the solidarity and determination of those who remain are keeping the protest alive. In the heart of Madrid, surrounded by tourists asking what is happening and passers-by stopping to take photographs, the protesters have built a small community. The tarpaulins surrounding part of the camp provide protection and privacy, while the tents have become their refuge over the…
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, made their first official joint public engagement since returning to the UK in August when they visited charities in Nottingham on Thursday, 15 October. They were greeted with cheers, hugs and handshakes as they arrived at the Community Recording Studio, a youth charity in St Ann’s that provides access to music, recording facilities and mentoring. There, they met young people, watched a drama workshop and listened to a recording session. The couple applauded the performers, embraced a singer and spoke with well-wishers, while Meghan received several bouquets of flowers as they left. The visit…
Published on 15/10/2026 – 16:38 GMT+2 Nvidia is opening an AI hub in Stockholm, Sweden, to help start-ups tackle health and climate challenges. The US chipmaker is partnering with Norrsken, a Swedish non-profit foundation established by Niklas Adalberth, co-founder of Swedish payments company Klarna. The foundation supports start-ups working on social and environmental problems. Called Stockholm AI Lab, the hub is due to open in central Stockholm in 2027, according to Norrsken’s announcement. It will bring selected start-ups and Nvidia staff under the same roof, alongside a biotechnology demonstration lab. Nvidia will contribute computing infrastructure, software tools and connections to…
New England is synonymous with autumn, but while there’s too much orange in the White House, many of us will be looking elsewhere for our leaf-peeping fix. Thankfully, there’s somewhere with plenty of golden hues much closer to home: Sigulda. Regarded as Latvia’s autumn capital, the town is just over an hour away from the capital Riga by train and boasts an abundance of trees that turn shades of yellow, orange and red when there’s a chill in the air. Best of all, you’ll likely have the scenery all to yourself as you won’t find any tourist crowds here –…
With the destruction came many reports of police brutality, including against regular citizens and journalists. Several media workers were prevented from filming or had their equipment confiscated. On Tuesday, a young man required emergency surgery for a severely broken leg following an altercation with police. At least 89 people required hospital treatment, including about 51 police officers, while many more protestors have reported minor injuries. On Thursday, protests started again from 8 a.m. as students across Tirana boycotted lessons and marched toward the Ministry of Education. Police immediately dispersed demonstrators with tear gas and water cannons, while the unrest continued…
Published on 15/10/2026 – 16:11 GMT+2 Protesters and police clashed in Albania’s capital Tirana on Thursday for the third consecutive day, as Prime Minister Edi Rama condemned the “chaos” following violent protests that damaged government buildings. “We will all get through these difficult hours together because Albania will continue to climb, because Albania will continue on its path to Europe,” Rama said in a video message, referring to Albania’s EU accession bid, which the European Commission aims to conclude by 2027. “No one can grab Albania by the throat. Anyone who thinks the law does not apply to them is…
At the fair, Benjamin Lallier’s Mother Needham invites visitors to toss coins and make a wish, while Yuli Serfaty’s Who’s A Good Girl explores the relationship between gender and technology. Greek artist Theo Triantafyllidis presents Feral Metaverse (Spider), a giant climbable sculpture that doubles as a multiplayer game. Up to six visitors can enter a shared virtual world, where they must work together to create shapes such as human towers and wheels. But behind the playful installations, Frieze remains a major commercial event. Art critic Tabish Khan says a struggling market is prompting galleries to favour more conventional displays, with…
Published on 15/10/2026 – 9:46 GMT+2 Gross domestic product rose 0.1% in August from the previous month, beating analysts’ consensus forecast for a 0.1% contraction. The figure still marked a slowdown from the 0.4% expansion recorded in July. Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who has made easing the cost of living a key focus for his Labour government, has set the stage for difficult decisions to be made in the 28 October budget presentation. With inflation rising and government bond yields reaching multi-decade highs, Healey, who will unveil the budget, has pledged to maintain strict fiscal discipline. But he has not…
The Plaza Hotel has been a landmark on New York City’s Fifth Avenue for more than a century, instantly recognisable thanks to its iconic façade. Now that façade is getting a facelift, with works set to take at least four years to complete. The hotel will close its doors in January 2027. In a statement, The Plaza Hotel management said: “The undertaking reflects the complexity of maintaining a property of such architectural and historical significance, with careful consideration given to preservation requirements and the building’s long-term care, as well as the safety of our guests, employees, and the wider community.…