Robert Rowlands

Five pilots approaching Brussels Airport were dazzled by laser beams during a single night, with incidents occurring between approximately 8:45 p.m. and 2:45 a.m. over Dilbeek, Belgium. Air traffic control agency Skeyes confirmed the reports, while police have not identified those responsible and are seeking witnesses. The incident highlights the continuing prevalence of laser attacks, with 169 reports recorded by Skeyes the previous year. In the UK, the Laser Misuse (Vehicles) Act 2018 makes it an offence to direct a laser at a moving or ready-to-move vehicle, aircraft-related facility, or air traffic service provider; penalties can include an unlimited fine and up to five years’ imprisonment in serious cases.

Six British tourists were attacked by a group of roughly 20 people in Porto’s city centre, with the victims suffering minor injuries. A separate incident at a bar reportedly left security guards injured after a customer used a broken glass as a weapon. Porto bar owners say nighttime violence is becoming more frequent and are calling for increased policing, while the UK Foreign Office warns travelers about street crime and coordinated theft. Authorities are investigating both incidents, but have found no evidence that they were connected. A separate shooting near a nightclub in Lisbon is also under investigation.

The Department for Transport is considering whether to introduce mandatory eyesight testing for drivers aged 70 and over, potentially affecting more than six million motorists. The proposal draws on recommendations from the Older Drivers Taskforce and examples from European countries, with possible tests every three years or more frequently at older ages. Evidence cited in the consultation links deteriorating or uncorrected vision with driving performance and collisions. The government has clarified that the plans do not require older drivers to retake their driving tests. Following the consultation, which closed in May 2026, Prime Minister Andy Burnham must decide whether to implement the measures in full or in part.

Researchers at Duke University used induced pluripotent stem cells to create retinal endothelial cells capable of repairing damaged retinal tissue and restoring function in mice. The lab-grown cells formed functional vascular structures, responded to disease-like conditions, and showed effectiveness when administered preventatively in animal models. The work suggests new avenues for treating retinal vascular diseases and developing improved human tissue models for drug discovery, with ongoing investigations and a pending patent supporting future applications.