Oct 23, 2026 · 7 min listen · Last updated October 23, 2026
From storyflo. This is your daily audio brief. It's Jessica. October 23rd. The news desk — ten stories, here's the one that opens it. Let's get into it. First, from Pitchfork. Raye Wins 2026 Mercury Prize. Raye has just snagged the 2026 Mercury Prize for her album This Music May Contain Hope, marking a significant moment in her career.
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Raye Wins 2026 Mercury Prize
Raye has just snagged the 2026 Mercury Prize for her album *This Music May Contain Hope*, marking a significant moment in her career. She beat out some heavyweights like Sir Paul McCartney and Florence and the Machine, making this win particularly sweet since her previous album, *My 21st Century Blues*, was nominated but didn’t take home the prize.
During the award ceremony in Newcastle, Raye reflected on the importance of albums, expressing gratitude for the recognition. She shared her thoughts on hope, acknowledging that while it might sound cheesy, it’s something everyone can relate to and needs in their lives. It’s a lovely sentiment that really resonates, especially in today’s world.
The night was also filled with great performances. Raye showcased her talent with "I Hate The Way I Look Today," backed by a big band, which must have been a sight to see. Other nominees also took the stage, with Jade performing "Angel of My Dreams" and Olivia Dean singing "Let Alone The One You Love." Florence and the Machine delivered a powerful rendition of "One Of the Greats," and Pulp brought their classic vibe with "Begging for Change," supporting a great cause for children in war zones.
All in all, it sounds like a night to remember, celebrating not just Raye’s achievement but the power of music to bring people together.
Judge orders Trump to sit for a deposition in his defamation lawsuit against the BBC
A judge has ruled that Donald Trump must sit for a deposition in the defamation lawsuit he filed against the BBC. This decision comes after a series of legal back-and-forths regarding Trump's claims that the BBC published false statements about him. The judge emphasized the importance of Trump's testimony in clarifying the issues at hand.
The deposition is expected to take place in the coming weeks, and it could provide insight into Trump's perspective on the allegations made against him. The outcome of this case could have implications for how public figures navigate defamation claims in the media.
As this legal battle unfolds, it’s a reminder of the ongoing tensions between public figures and media outlets, especially in today’s politically charged environment.
New York City bans horse-drawn carriages from 2028
The time ahead of the ban is designed to help the roughly 150 carriage drivers find new work. US President Donald Turmp expressed scepticism about the ban and a union said it would take legal action if the law was signed. The New York City Council has voted to ban horse-drawn carriages from city streets and Central Park, ending a historic tourist attraction and longstanding industry. Forty of the city's 51 council members supported the bill, which was backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who earlier this month said the horse-drawn carriage industry would come to an end.
'Looksmaxxing' influencer Clavicular pleads not guilty in alleged rape case
Braden Peters, better known as the controversial influencer “Clavicular,” was in court today to enter a plea after he was accused of raping an intoxicated 17-year-old last April. NBC News’ George Solis reports.
An earthquake of magnitude 7 struck China's southwestern region of Tibet at around 10:33 p.m. on Thursday, killing 16 people and injuring 32 others, state news agency Xinhua reported, citing Nagqu City's emergency management bureau. As of 2:25 a.m. on Friday, 11 of the injured were in serious condition while 21 sustained minor injuries, Xinhua reported. Local authorities have found at least two people injured in a village near the epicenter, with some houses in villages closest to the epicenter showing cracks, the state broadcaster said.
Mass Effect 5 trailer leaks the day after studio closes
So. BioWare, the legendary RPG studio that created the Mass Effect series, was shut down just yesterday, taking with it an in-development Mass Effect 5. In my coverage of the initial event, I lamented that we'd never see the project again thanks to its unceremonious death. As it turns out, however, I ma…
New York City bans horse-drawn carriages from June 2028
Out of the city’s 51 lawmakers, 40 supported the Bill, which was backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who earlier in October said the horse-drawn carriage industry would come to an end. Seven council members voted against it and two abstained. Support for the ban grew after the death this summer of Romanch Mahajan, an 18-year-old tourist from India. Mahajan was thrown from a carriage and died on June 17, when the horse bolted after the driver stepped away to take a picture of Mahajan’s family.
Gears Of War: E-Day Gets Its Third Update On Xbox & PC, Full Patch Notes Revealed
Gears of War: E-Day just rolled out its third update today, October 22, with a hotfix aimed at improving the gaming experience on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC. The focus here is on tackling crashes and specific issues that players have been facing.
The update promises better stability and performance across all devices, including the ROG Xbox Ally. Players can expect a smoother gameplay experience as the developers have patched various bugs that were affecting multiple game modes. So, if you’ve been encountering any frustrating glitches, this update should help clear things up.
It's always nice to see developers actively working to enhance the game, and this hotfix seems to be a step in the right direction. If you’re diving back into Gears of War, this could make your experience a lot more enjoyable.
Gears of War: E-Day, Cancelled Last-Minute for PS5, May Have Cost Half a Billion to Make
Fenix down. Gears of War: E-Day may be one of the most expensive games ever made, making Microsoft’s decision to cancel an almost-complete PS5 version of the game even more bemusing. Kotaku started the speculation earlier today when it cited sources who claim the third-person shooter cost an eye-watering $500 million to create. Read the full article on pushsquare.com
New York City Bans Horse-Drawn Carriages After Decade-Long Battle
New York’s City Council voted to ban horse-drawn carriages, ending a Central Park tourist staple dating to the 19th century after years of debate over the horses’ place on city streets. Bloomberg's Laura Nahmias explains. (Source: Bloomberg)