World

Paris

France: Protesters block access to the Louvre, with over 2,000 shops looted over the weekend.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez admits failure: "We lost control. I submitted my resignation to Macron, but he rejected it."
epa13314651 US President Donald Trump walks on the South Lawn of the White House after arriving on Marine One in Washington, DC, USA, 18 October 2026. EPA/Aaron Schwartz / POOL
epa13314651 US President Donald Trump walks on the South Lawn of the White House after arriving on Marine One in Washington, DC, USA, 18 October 2026. EPA/Aaron Schwartz / POOL
USA

Trump accuses Zelensky: "He doesn't want an end to the war." And he defends Putin: "He's selling diesel despite the Ukrainian raids."

Meanwhile, the "tsar" is proposing a three-way meeting with the American president and Xi Jinping on the conflict in Ukraine. This summit would exclude Europe and Kiev itself from the negotiations.
epa13314048 France's President Emmanuel Macron reacts ahead of an Interministerial Crisis Meeting chaired by him at the Elysee Presidential Palace, in Paris, France, 18 October 2026, the day after riots and looting on the sidelines of nationwide protests against the high cost of living. The French president was to give a televised address at 18:00 GMT on 18 October 2026, his office said, in the wake of violent protests that rocked the country. The broadcast was to take place after a meeting between Macron and various ministers, the Elysee said. EPA/LUDOVIC MARIN / POOL MAXPPP OUT
epa13314048 France's President Emmanuel Macron reacts ahead of an Interministerial Crisis Meeting chaired by him at the Elysee Presidential Palace, in Paris, France, 18 October 2026, the day after riots and looting on the sidelines of nationwide protests against the high cost of living. The French president was to give a televised address at 18:00 GMT on 18 October 2026, his office said, in the wake of violent protests that rocked the country. The broadcast was to take place after a meeting between Macron and various ministers, the Elysee said. EPA/LUDOVIC MARIN / POOL MAXPPP OUT
Paris

Clashes in France, Macron addresses the nation: "Anger and shame. Those who destroyed must pay."

A stern warning to the casseurs who have set the country on fire and sword.
La tragedia di Guyaguil in Ecuador
La tragedia di Guyaguil in Ecuador
the tragedy

Ecuador, live-streamed tragedy: priest dies after being struck by crucifix during Mass

The heavy wooden symbol fell from the wall above the altar, striking Father Sánchez Molinari on the head. Help for the shocked faithful in the Archdiocese of Guayaquil was unsuccessful.
Donald TrumpEPA/JIM LO SCALZO
Donald TrumpEPA/JIM LO SCALZO
World

Trump's approval ratings plummet in the polls two weeks before the election, hitting an all-time low.

Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos survey: "The president has never been weaker." Vance's doubts about his future White House candidacy
epaselect epa13309727 US President Donald Trump gestures to reporters as he departs the White House for a rally in Georgia, in Washington, DC, USA, 16 October 2026. President Trump will participate in a midterm rally in Dalton, Georgia, in support of local candidates Rick Jackson and Rep. Mike Collins. EPA/JIM LO SCALZO
epaselect epa13309727 US President Donald Trump gestures to reporters as he departs the White House for a rally in Georgia, in Washington, DC, USA, 16 October 2026. President Trump will participate in a midterm rally in Dalton, Georgia, in support of local candidates Rick Jackson and Rep. Mike Collins. EPA/JIM LO SCALZO
the clash

Trump attacks: "France is burning, close the borders."

The US president: "Immigration has destroyed a great country." Vance: "This is the future if the Democrats win."
"The frontline situation remains very difficult in the key areas of Donbas – Bakhmut, Soledar, Maryinka, Kreminna... For a long time already there is no living place left on the land of these areas – undamaged by shells and fire. The occupiers actually destroyed Bakhmut, another Donbas city that the Russian army turned into burnt ruins. I thank all our heroes, all soldiers and commanders who are holding the frontline in these directions, repulsing attacks and inflicting significant losses on the enemy – in response to the hell that entered Ukraine under the Russian flag. Glory to everyone who fights for Ukraine! Gratitude to everyone who works for the sake of our people! Eternal memory to all those who gave their lives for independence! Glory to Ukraine!", si legge in un post del presidente ucraino Volodymyr Zelensky inoltrato su Zelenskiy / Official, 09 dicembre 2022. NPK Frame tratto da video su Zelenskiy / Official +++ATTENZIONE LA FOTO NON PUO' ESSERE PUBBLICATA O RIPRODOTTA SENZA L'AUTORIZZAZIONE DELLA FONTE DI ORIGINE CUI SI RINVIA+++ +++NO SALES; NO ARCHIVE; EDITORIAL USE ONLY+++
"The frontline situation remains very difficult in the key areas of Donbas – Bakhmut, Soledar, Maryinka, Kreminna... For a long time already there is no living place left on the land of these areas – undamaged by shells and fire. The occupiers actually destroyed Bakhmut, another Donbas city that the Russian army turned into burnt ruins. I thank all our heroes, all soldiers and commanders who are holding the frontline in these directions, repulsing attacks and inflicting significant losses on the enemy – in response to the hell that entered Ukraine under the Russian flag. Glory to everyone who fights for Ukraine! Gratitude to everyone who works for the sake of our people! Eternal memory to all those who gave their lives for independence! Glory to Ukraine!", si legge in un post del presidente ucraino Volodymyr Zelensky inoltrato su Zelenskiy / Official, 09 dicembre 2022. NPK Frame tratto da video su Zelenskiy / Official +++ATTENZIONE LA FOTO NON PUO' ESSERE PUBBLICATA O RIPRODOTTA SENZA L'AUTORIZZAZIONE DELLA FONTE DI ORIGINE CUI SI RINVIA+++ +++NO SALES; NO ARCHIVE; EDITORIAL USE ONLY+++
the war

Kiev drones target St. Petersburg: bridge hit

Minister Crosetto told the BBC: "A new aid package for Ukraine will be available by the end of the year."
the tragedy

Canada: Fire at military base kills and injures

A training facility in Alberta was involved. Authorities said it was "a tragedy unlike anything seen in years."
Gli scontri a Parigi (Ansa-Epa)
Gli scontri a Parigi (Ansa-Epa)
the demonstrations

France: Students and Yellow Vests protest in several cities.

Tensions erupted with police during protests. Hundreds of people were arrested.
epa13237271 US President Donald Trump watches play from the 18th hole during the Irish Open at the Trump International Golf Links and Hotel in Doonbeg, Ireland, 13 September 2026. Trump is on a two-day visit to Ireland, which includes attending the Irish Open at his golf course in Doonbeg. EPA/NEIL HALL
epa13237271 US President Donald Trump watches play from the 18th hole during the Irish Open at the Trump International Golf Links and Hotel in Doonbeg, Ireland, 13 September 2026. Trump is on a two-day visit to Ireland, which includes attending the Irish Open at his golf course in Doonbeg. EPA/NEIL HALL
United States

Trump blocks new sanctions against Russia. Moscow rejoices.

The president halts Congress's export crackdown. The move is intended to try to reduce diesel prices ahead of the midterm elections.
epa13309276 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addresses a press conference on the second day of a two-day European Council summit in Brussels, Belgium, 16 October 2026. European Union (EU) heads of state and government are meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky as they focus on continued support for Ukraine, European defence and security, Russia-linked hybrid threats, migration, and the situation in the Middle East. EPA/OLIVIER MATTHYS
epa13309276 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addresses a press conference on the second day of a two-day European Council summit in Brussels, Belgium, 16 October 2026. European Union (EU) heads of state and government are meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky as they focus on continued support for Ukraine, European defence and security, Russia-linked hybrid threats, migration, and the situation in the Middle East. EPA/OLIVIER MATTHYS
Ukraine

Zelensky in Brussels: "If we fall, 20 million refugees will be displaced in Europe." Trump dismisses him: "Better to deal with Putin."

Kiev is short of Patriots, "but Europe has the necessary amount to get us through the winter." Von der Leyen offers "full support," with the EU ready to allocate an additional €70 billion in aid.
the interview

The Pope speaks to Vladimir Putin: "Immediate humanitarian truce in the city of Oleshky, the situation is grave."

Second telephone conversation between Leo XIV and the Russian president, Francis had never managed to speak to him since the beginning of the war in Ukraine
epa12476816 SpainÂ?s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (L) speaks with ItalyÂ?s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during a EU Summit working dinner at the European Council building in Brussels, Belgium, 23 October 2025. EU leaders discussed the situation in Ukraine, European defense, developments in the Middle East, competitiveness, housing and migration. EPA/Francois Walschaerts / POOL
epa12476816 SpainÂ?s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (L) speaks with ItalyÂ?s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during a EU Summit working dinner at the European Council building in Brussels, Belgium, 23 October 2025. EU leaders discussed the situation in Ukraine, European defense, developments in the Middle East, competitiveness, housing and migration. EPA/Francois Walschaerts / POOL
the arm wrestling

Schengen halt: 7-day mini-extension. Meloni and Sanchez then reach agreement to lift restrictions.

The Prime Minister and the Spanish Prime Minister discussed the issue on the sidelines of the European Council. The situation is moving toward a détente.
epaselect epa13306017 Harry (R) and Meghan (L), the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, arrive at the Community Recording Studio in Nottingham, Britain, 15 October 2026. The couple are visiting a number of charities and businesses in the East Midlands city. EPA/NEIL HALL
epaselect epa13306017 Harry (R) and Meghan (L), the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, arrive at the Community Recording Studio in Nottingham, Britain, 15 October 2026. The couple are visiting a number of charities and businesses in the East Midlands city. EPA/NEIL HALL
United Kingdom

First public engagement after returning to Great Britain: Harry and Meghan draw crowds

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex received a de facto royal welcome, despite no longer being working members of the Windsors
This photograph taken and released by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province's Emergency Service (Rescue 1122) on October 15, 2026 shows rescue workers and residents during a search operation after a roof collapsed at a school in Peshawar. Sixteen pupils and a teacher were killed on October 15 after a roof collapsed at a school in the northwest Pakistani city of Peshawar, emergency services said. (Photo by Handout / Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province's Emergency Service (Rescue 1122) / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO /Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province's Emergency Service (Rescue 1122)/ HANDOUT / " - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS
This photograph taken and released by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province's Emergency Service (Rescue 1122) on October 15, 2026 shows rescue workers and residents during a search operation after a roof collapsed at a school in Peshawar. Sixteen pupils and a teacher were killed on October 15 after a roof collapsed at a school in the northwest Pakistani city of Peshawar, emergency services said. (Photo by Handout / Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province's Emergency Service (Rescue 1122) / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO /Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province's Emergency Service (Rescue 1122)/ HANDOUT / " - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS
the tragedy

Pakistan: School roof collapses, killing children

Over twenty young victims in Peshawar, including a teacher.
The Agostino Gemelli University Hospital, where Pope Leo XIV is hospitalized, in Rome,, Italy, 14 October 2026. ANSA/ANGELO CARCONI
The Agostino Gemelli University Hospital, where Pope Leo XIV is hospitalized, in Rome,, Italy, 14 October 2026. ANSA/ANGELO CARCONI
the pontiff

Pope Leo, the bulletin: "He arose, ate, and underwent respiratory physiotherapy."

Tests confirm a regular postoperative course after lung surgery
the war

Moscow bombs six power plants in Kiev and Kharkiv, Zelensky calls it a "deliberate disrespect for the US."

Massive nighttime attack despite Trump's announcement of an alleged energy truce between Russia and Ukraine
epa13297003 Vehicles drive past a digital billboard displaying an image of Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi alongside an Arabic message reading 'An escalation will be met with an escalation' on a street in Sana'a, Yemen, 11 October 2026. Yemen's Houthis have renewed warnings to airlines against using Saudi airports following a missile attack on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport on 10 October 2026 that killed 12 people, including four Saudi nationals and eight foreign nationals, and forced the suspension of airport operations, according to Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea. EPA/YAHYA ARHAB
epa13297003 Vehicles drive past a digital billboard displaying an image of Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi alongside an Arabic message reading 'An escalation will be met with an escalation' on a street in Sana'a, Yemen, 11 October 2026. Yemen's Houthis have renewed warnings to airlines against using Saudi airports following a missile attack on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport on 10 October 2026 that killed 12 people, including four Saudi nationals and eight foreign nationals, and forced the suspension of airport operations, according to Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea. EPA/YAHYA ARHAB
Middle East

Houthis attempt to produce ballistic missiles with Chinese components

The weapons would have a range of nearly two thousand kilometers and would make Saudi Arabia and Israel potential targets.
TOPSHOT - Swedish activist Greta Thunberg speaks with students as they prepare to take part in a blockade at the Lycee Paul Eluard in Saint-Denis, on the outskirts of Paris on October 13, 2026, as part of a nationwide student mobilisation. France sees nationwide demonstrations on October 13 in support of students protesting poor classroom conditions for weeks, as authorities and participants remain wary of further violence. (Photo by JULIEN DE ROSA / AFP)
TOPSHOT - Swedish activist Greta Thunberg speaks with students as they prepare to take part in a blockade at the Lycee Paul Eluard in Saint-Denis, on the outskirts of Paris on October 13, 2026, as part of a nationwide student mobilisation. France sees nationwide demonstrations on October 13 in support of students protesting poor classroom conditions for weeks, as authorities and participants remain wary of further violence. (Photo by JULIEN DE ROSA / AFP)
Paris

Greta Thunberg joins student marches in France: "They're stealing our future."

The Swedish activist stood outside a high school on the outskirts of the capital for the "fifth act" of the mobilization: "We will not give up, and we will fight."
Insularità

Punic site of Villamar, studies continue

Archaeological research activity continues