Year: 2026

Brazilian Senator Flávio Bolsonaro will receive U.S. visas following his electoral defeat to incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Reports indicate Bolsonaro departed to the U.S. after losing the election, amid ongoing scrutiny regarding his passport status and unsubstantiated claims of election fraud.

A six-year-old capybara named Samba, who escaped from Marwell Zoo, has been recorded on camera enjoying food left by zookeepers. Staff are actively working to recover her from private land, implementing a gradual approach to minimise her stress and encourage her return.

The Villa Vie Odyssey cruise ship has ceased operations early in Cambodia due to fuel shortages, affecting residents who paid for long-term stays.

Exit polls indicate that Arab parties in Israel are projected to secure 18 seats in the Knesset following a record voter turnout of approximately 80% among Palestinian citizens. The Joint List and Ra’am are expected to play a significant role as coalition discussions commence amidst a tightly contested political landscape.

Mayoral candidates in Winnipeg are proposing increased police presence and surveillance tools, including drones, ahead of the civic election. Experts warn that adding officers may not address underlying social issues, despite the Winnipeg Police Service receiving 27 per cent of the city’s budget.

Federal prosecutors were unsuccessful in securing an indictment against Cassidy Hutchinson related to her testimony about the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. The Justice Department has not commented, and the grand jury reportedly did not reach consensus on the proposed charges against her.

A temporary ceasefire has allowed Ukrainian residents to return to Oleshky and access essential supplies, with no violations reported since its implementation.

What’s going on?
Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed his bid for re-election during Israel’s general election. The polls indicate a competitive race against his main rival, Eisenkot, with voter turnout reportedly at a record high. Early exit polls show no clear victor, suggesting a potential deadlock.
The New York Times highlights, “Israel Election Live Updates: Record Voter Turnout as Netanyahu Faces Challenge Led by Eisenkot,” emphasising the election’s stakes and Netanyahu’s personal challenge. In contrast, Reuters reports, “Live: Israeli exit polls indicate deadlock in pivotal election as Netanyahu faces main rival Eisenkot,” focusing more on the electoral mechanics and potential outcomes. This reflects varying stress on either the drama of the election or the implications of exit polls.
Coverage analysed: The New York Times | Reuters

Voter turnout for Israel’s latest election has reached significant levels, as analysts label the contest one of the most consequential in the nation’s history. This reflects heightened political engagement and underscored the importance of the election’s outcome for the country’s future direction.

Olivia Chow has been re-elected as mayor of Toronto and now faces budget challenges, including a projected shortfall of approximately £1.1 billion for 2027. Her administration aims to negotiate additional funding from the province while maintaining property tax levels aligned with inflation.