Medway Council in Kent has unveiled its preferred housing plan, aiming to construct 11,000 properties in urban and waterfront areas, contributing to a total target of 22,500 homes by 2041. The Local Plan also explores job creation, education, and sustainable infrastructure improvements, encouraging public transport use. Council leader Vince Maple emphasized the need for an updated plan, with an eight-week public consultation set to begin on 15 July.

An 11-year-old boy named Max Woosey from Braunton, North Devon, has raised over 100,000 euros for his local hospice by camping out in his garden every night since the start of Britain's first lockdown in March. Inspired by a friend and neighbor who was cared for by the hospice, Max set up a JustGiving crowdfunding campaign to support the hospice. Despite initial concerns from his mother, Rachael, Max plans to continue his outdoor adventure until March, demonstrating resilience and dedication.

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced a new lexicon in 2020, with terms like 'flattening the curve,' 'lockdown,' and 'quarantini' becoming commonplace. Language consultant Tony Thorne from King's College London explains that new vocabulary emerged in waves, starting with medical jargon and evolving to include terms created by the public to describe their new reality. The longevity of this pandemic-related language depends on the duration of the health crisis. Thorne's preferred word for 2020 is 'vaccine,' symbolizing hope for the future.

The 2020-2021 ski season in France has started with select high altitude slopes like the Grande Motte glacier at Tignes opening with new COVID-19 health protocols. Measures include mandatory face masks, social distancing, sanitizers, and regular cleaning of lifts. The Tignes Marketing Director, Stephie Dijkman, emphasizes testing before arrival to prevent outbreaks. The ski industry, which saw a 16% drop in lift ticket sales last season due to the pandemic, anticipates continued financial challenges with a 30% decrease in business expected. Restaurants, bars, and hotels are also adapting to virus restrictions, affecting France’s après-ski culture. The industry aims to avoid incidents like the super-spreader event in Austria's Ischgl resort and is relying on health protocols to protect its 18,000 workers. Les Deux Alpes is also open for glacier skiing, and other resorts are set to open in late November and early December.

A tense calm has returned to the Gresilles neighborhood in Dijon after four days of violent clashes between Chechen and Maghrebi communities, sparked by the assault of a Chechen teenager. Residents criticize the police for their delayed response and the media for misrepresenting the situation. Laurent Núñez-Belda from the Ministry of the Interior announced increased police presence, while Marine Le Pen blamed permissive immigration policies for the unrest. The Ministry is considering deporting foreign nationals involved in the disturbances.

Despite the cancellation of Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2020 in Barcelona due to COVID-19 concerns, many companies are still engaging in business activities in the city. Major tech companies like LG Electronics, Ericsson, Intel, Nokia, and Sony withdrew from the event, leading to its cancellation. However, Telemedia Magazine initiated #unofficialMWC2020, promoting smaller networking events. Jarvis Todd from Telemedia believes these events are more effective for industry connections. The GSMA, which organizes MWC, has been criticized for high costs and is expected to innovate for future events. Carbon Mobile and Huawei are among the companies conducting business and product launches in Barcelona, with Huawei unveiling its Mate X folding smartphone at a significant price point.

The Sitges Carnival near Barcelona, known for its unique and topical costumes, featured participants dressed in medical safety suits in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Attendees Ulrich Malsch and Yorlen Perez donned these costumes for humor amidst the crisis. The carnival, held from February 20-26, included various floats and costumes, including a representation of climate activist Greta Thunberg. The event, costing €235,000, is expected to attract over 300,000 visitors, providing an economic boost. The carnival is also a celebration of inclusivity, with a focus on respect and civility, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. Euronews correspondent Oliver Miocic reported on the event, highlighting the festive atmosphere that continues into the night with parties at local nightclubs.