OGN Wednesday
Mid-week selection of positive news nuggets to perk up the day.
Arise, Sir Harry?
The British Prime Minister is a big football fan and Downing Street has hinted that Harry Kane deserves a knighthood, praising his “extraordinary achievement” as the first English winner of the Ballon d’Or in 25 years. The England captain was announced as the men’s winner of football’s most prestigious individual award at a ceremony in London on Monday, beating Kylian Mbappé of Real Madrid and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal. A government spokesperson said: “Seventy years after Sir Stanley Matthews won the inaugural award, it caps a remarkable season and Harry continues to set a brilliant example to young players across the country, and the PM knows the whole nation will be incredibly proud of him."
Japanese Man in US For FIFA World Cup Perplexed by Mexican Restaurant Freebies: The story is a funny reminder that what seems ordinary in one country can feel extraordinary in another.
London's Oxford Street
Arguably the world’s most famous shopping street has finally rid itself of traffic, after decades of back and forth. It's bye-bye to the buses, ta-ra to the taxis, even ciao to the cyclists, who are now required to dismount and wheel their machines through the affected area. The Mayor of London, hopes the new pedestrianised section will revitalise the fortunes of the area.
Lula Wins
In good news for the continually improving preservation of the Amazon, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has won Brazil’s presidential run-off, edging out conservative populist Flávio Bolsonaro. Known by shorthand as “Lula,” the 80-year-old with strong eco-credentials has been re-elected.
Going Electric
Electric car fleets have saved oil-importing countries $20 billion since the start of the US-Israel war with Iran. Globally, battery-electric vehicle sales are up by 11 percent year-on-year for the first eight months of 2026 despite policy changes slowing EV uptake in the U.S. and China. As a result, BEVs have climbed to 18 percent of new car sales globally for the first eight months of this year, reports Ember.
Fiat Popemobile
The vehicle Pope Leo XIV will use for his official visit to Uruguay in November 2026 has been revealed as a converted Fiat Titano - befitting the requirements of every Popemobile. The core ideas are safety and visibility. Surprisingly, it is reported that this Popemobile will be customized with exposed sides instead of the usual confined, closed bulletproof glass box. It will also have a swivel seat with adjustable height for the Pope, plus a pair of extra seats and, finally, an electric rear staircase for easier entry and exit from the truck bed. The Titano will also receive visual upgrades like a white exterior with the papal seal on the doors, complemented by flags on the front wings. It also has special touches like a red carpet, white leather seats, and a glass canopy for rain. Speaking of modified vehicles...
Strange But True
Electric scooters have carried just about everything: from commuters and tourists to groceries and probably more than a few ill-advised passengers. But two riders in Charlotte, North Carolina, may have just raised the bar after police stopped them cruising down the street on an actual couch apparently powered by a pair of Lime electric scooters. “Well, this was certainly a first,” police wrote. “Our EDU Officers encountered quite the situation this weekend when they stopped two gentlemen traveling down S. Tryon Street on a couch… Yes, an actual couch.” The police also said: “While we appreciate the creativity, we do have to remind everyone: no matter what you’re ‘driving’ (using that term extremely loosely), please think about safety first.” Adding that it was “probably best to leave the mobile furniture displays to IKEA.”
“Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional.” Chili Davis
On This Day
28 October 1492: Christopher Columbus sights Cuba and claims it for Spain under the name 'Juana', in honor of Juan, Prince of Asturias, the only son and heir of the catholic monarchs, King Ferdinand II and Queen Isabella I. The Spanish crown later considered renaming the island Fernandina in honour of King Ferdinand, though the native Taíno name Cuba persisted and ultimately remained the official title
Today's Articles
Who Will Win? Hometown baseball teams wager multi-million dollar Monet paintings in a bit of friendly World Series sports betting.
Mood Boosting Video
Third Time Lucky: Eagle fails twice before its successful final strike.
