Year: 2026

Road fatalities in the EU saw a modest decline of 2% in 2024, but challenges remain significant. Rural roads accounted for over half of the 20,000 deaths, highlighting persistent safety imbalances. Disparities across Member States also persist, with some countries exhibiting up to four times higher fatality rates.

What’s going on?
Iran-backed Houthis launched a missile attack against Israel from Yemen. This action marks their entry into the ongoing conflict involving Iran and Israel. The strike heightens tensions in the region.
CNN and The Times of Israel present contrasting perspectives on the incident. CNN reports, “Live updates: Houthis enter Iran war with missile strike against Israel,” emphasising the immediate event. In contrast, The Times of Israel states, “Houthi missile attack on Israel stokes fears of renewed strikes on Red Sea shipping,” focusing on potential broader implications for maritime security.
Coverage analysed: CNN | The Times of Israel

More than 400,000 KitKat bars have been stolen from a lorry in Europe, as confirmed by Nestlé. The truck, carrying 12 tons of the chocolate snack from its Perugia factory, was hijacked en route to Poland. Investigations are ongoing; consumers can report information to authorities.

The US Treasury will feature Donald Trump’s name on all new paper currency, marking a historic first as detailed in All the things Donald Trump has put his name on.

Luís Montenegro announced new economic measures for Portugal following a Council of Ministers meeting, targeting professional sectors in crisis, including fuel and housing. The initiatives, costing approximately €150 million monthly, aim to alleviate pressures while maintaining fiscal stability and include support for agriculture and exemptions on capital gains tax for rental properties.

Pope Leo XIV urged Monaco’s billionaires to utilise their wealth for the needy during his historic visit, the first papal trip in nearly 500 years. Emphasising the duty to address inequality, he called on locals to leverage their unique influence for good.

Three killed in tourist helicopter crash in Hawaii as it went down off Kauai’s Kalalau Beach, the Coast Guard confirmed.

Cinco Jotas, a prestigious producer of “Pata Negra” ham in Seville, continues to thrive, employing around 700 workers during peak seasons. Their 100% Iberian pigs, fed on acorns, contribute to the iconic delicacy, with exports reaching 35% of production, valued at €130 million last year.

UK MORNING BRIEFING

A man has been sentenced to one year and ten months in prison for sexually assaulting and stalking women on trains and at stations. The incidents occurred between June and October last year, primarily in London.

Tiger Woods’ mugshot was released after his DUI arrest following a dramatic car crash in Florida.