Weekly Digest
Oct 12 – Oct 18, 2026 — the most important stories, distilled to just the facts
Violence in the West Bank, political tensions in the United States, and protests in France marked a turbulent week globally.
Israeli settlers attacked journalists and European diplomats in the West Bank, raising concerns about security and political responses. In the United States, President Donald Trump announced plans for a controversial golf course renovation amid legal challenges, while Senator Kevin Cramer discussed U.S. policy on Russia and Ukraine. France experienced renewed protests over high prices, leading to clashes and government accusations against extremist groups. Meanwhile, technological and business developments included AI safety discussions, a major datacentre project cancellation, and shifts in media company profits.
Key Developments
- A Washington Post photographer was seriously injured by settlers in the West Bank during the olive harvest, highlighting tensions in the region.
- President Donald Trump announced the start of construction on a new golf course in Washington, D.C., despite a court blocking tree removal.
- Senator Kevin Cramer criticized the Trump administration's waiver of some Russian sanctions but expects the move to be temporary.
- Protests in France over rising prices led to violent clashes, arrests, and damage to shops, with the government blaming extremist groups.
- Microsoft withdrew from a large AI datacentre project in Essex due to power supply issues, delaying the initiative.
- Condé Nast’s UK profits fell by more than a third last year, but the family owners ruled out selling the company.
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