Oct 26, 2026, 10:00 AM UTC

Storm Boelo has caused widespread disruption across Scotland, Northern Ireland, and northern England, leaving tens of thousands of homes without electricity and resulting in at least one fatality. A man in his 60s died in Dumfries after a fallen tree struck him during severe weather conditions on Sunday.

Wind gusts surpassed 80 mph in coastal regions, including 84 mph recorded at Machrihanish in Argyll and Bute. Over 82,000 properties across affected areas experienced power cuts, with utility providers working to restore connections. Travel operations faced extensive cancellations alongside grounded flights and localized flooding.

The Scottish Government's Resilience Room convened an emergency meeting as forecasters maintained amber wind and yellow rain warnings throughout the day.

Sources: The Scotsman, The Herald, STV News, The Guardian, Sweden Herald.

Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado has returned to Venezuela following nearly ten months in exile. Her public re-emergence took place at the sanctuary of the Divina Pastora in Barquisimeto after a diplomatic operation that proceeded without opposition from Washington.

Machado's return follows seven previous failed attempts to re-enter the country. Although former President Nicolás Maduro is no longer in power following his arrest by United States forces, Chavista authorities continue to govern Venezuela while the U.S. maintains significant control over the nation's oil sector.

Addressing Machado's arrival, U.S. President Donald Trump stated, "I hope she is safe, she is a very nice woman," while emphasizing that current American operations in Venezuela are progressing well. Machado announced her arrival on social media, telling supporters, "I am here. With you."

Sources: Canarias7, Corriere della Sera, El Mundo, Expresso, La Vanguardia

Israelis are set to cast their ballots to elect a new government in a vote widely viewed as a pivotal referendum on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership.

Netanyahu faces a strong challenge from retired general Gadi Eisenkot amidst a campaign dominated by pressing national security concerns, relations with Iran, and an ongoing three-year conflict. Analysts describe the upcoming election as one of the most significant in the nation's recent history, as voters weigh the incumbent's military strategy and domestic tenure against calls for leadership change.

Security issues remain central to the debate, shaping voter priorities as the country decides its political trajectory.

Sources: Bloomberg.