Lifestyle
Japan Tax-Free Buyers Pay Full Price From 1 November 2026 and Claim Refunds at Departure
Foreign visitors will pay the full price in Japanese shops from 1 November 2026 and claim the consumption tax back at departure, once customs confirms the goods.
Nigeria Confirms Its First Ebola Case, a Bundibugyo Infection in Abuja
Nigeria confirmed its first Ebola case on 20 October 2026, a Bundibugyo-strain infection in an Abuja patient who flew in from Uganda, with 44 close contacts identified.
Directive 2000/84/EC Sets the 25 October Clock Change; a 2018 Proposal Awaits the Council
Clocks across the EU go back on 25 October under a 2000 directive. A 2018 proposal to end the twice-yearly switch still awaits a Council position.
Two tankers struck near Oman and Hormuz as Brent stands at $106.80 on 12 October
Attacks on tankers near the Strait of Hormuz continued into mid-October, with Brent at $106.80 on 12 October and freight rates climbing.
Schengen border checks now record fingerprints and faces, but ETIAS has no start date
The Entry/Exit System now records non-EU travellers’ fingerprints and facial images at Schengen borders, while the start date for the ETIAS travel authorisation remains unfixed.
What France’s Per-Product Penalty on Ultra-Fast Fashion Charges
France’s penalty on ultra-fast fashion began September 1, 2026, with per-product bands and an advertising ban from January 2027. The sources disagree on some figures.
What Moderna’s New mRNA Flu Shot Offers Adults 50 and Older
The FDA-approved mRNA flu vaccine offers a new option for older adults. Here’s how it compares to traditional shots and when you should get vaccinated.
Why a 1990 Ruling Lets Co-op Boards Reject Pre-Approved Buyers
Even buyers with mortgage pre-approval can be rejected by co-op boards, which operate under a legal doctrine that gives them broad power to accept or reject applicants without explanation.
