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Meta has blocked Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's Facebook page and his campaign advertisements, according to reports circulating two weeks ahead of Brazil's election. The move, if confirmed, would cut a sitting president off a major campaign channel at a critical moment. Reactions online are focused on the timing and on questions of platform power over political speech during an election period.

An Iranian-linked influence operation has been discovered in Israel in the run-up to elections, according to reporting by The Jerusalem Post. The revelation is drawing attention to foreign meddling concerns during the campaign period, with observers likely to debate the operation's scale, its targets, and its potential impact on voters ahead of the vote.

A new study of swamp cypress suggests that very old trees do not hold exceptional stores of genetic diversity, challenging the idea that ancient specimens act as unique 'treasure chests' of genetic variation for conservation. Researchers found their genetic makeup does not differ markedly from that of younger trees, a finding that could reshape how conservationists prioritise which trees to protect.

Attention is turning to the 2026 cycling world championships, with previews of the women's elite race already circulating. French-speaking media are focusing on Demi Vollering, highlighting that her potential title could have a partly French flavour, and outlets are listing the confirmed starters for the women's elite event ahead of the championships.

Housing protesters have set up a camp in central Madrid following a large demonstration over housing costs. The protest reflects growing anger in Spain over rising rents and limited affordable housing, and the encampment signals activists intend to maintain pressure on authorities beyond a single day of marches.