President Donald Trump signed an executive order to stop new sanctions and tariffs on Russia that were set to begin on October 18, 2026. The order removes legal limits on the president’s power to change or lift sanctions on Russia in the future, but does not remove existing sanctions.
Key Facts
The executive order was signed on October 16, 2026.
It cancels new sanctions and tariffs required by a law named after Senator Lindsey Graham.
The law originally stopped the president from removing certain sanctions on Russia.
The order gives the president more freedom to decide which sanctions to keep or remove.
Existing sanctions on Russia remain in place and are not lifted by this order.
The new sanctions and tariffs were scheduled to start in two days, on October 18, 2026.
The law’s enforcement deadline was the reason for the timing of the president’s action.
This change affects U.S. policy regarding economic pressure on Russia.
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Russian attacks on Ukraine on Friday killed at least eight people and injured 60 in nine regions, including strikes on shopping centers and a food-processing facility. The attacks caused power outages affecting over one million people, with repair efforts ongoing.
Key Facts
At least eight people died and 60 were injured in Russian attacks across nine Ukrainian regions on Friday.
Attacks hit two shopping centers, a food-processing plant, a customs terminal, and other sites.
Major cities affected include Kharkiv, Kramatorsk, Dnipropetrovsk, Volyn, Rivne, and Sumy.
Over one million people lost electricity due to the strikes, with repairs restoring power to some areas.
Drone strikes caused damage including fires and destroyed trucks on key roads near the Poland border.
The UN reported a sharp rise in civilian deaths and injuries in Ukraine in recent months.
328 civilians were killed and 2,105 wounded in September 2026 alone, an 85% rise compared to September 2025.
Between January and September 2026, civilian casualties increased by nearly 60% compared to the previous year.
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Hundreds of thousands of people in France, including students, trade union members, and Yellow Vest protesters, are set to demonstrate against rising living costs and social issues. Authorities banned marches in central Paris, but large protests are planned across the country, with estimates of around 200,000 participants.
Key Facts
Protests are scheduled for Saturday across France with more than 600 demonstrations planned.
Students, trade unions, and Yellow Vest groups are joining forces to protest economic and social problems.
Paris police banned marches near key government sites like the Élysée Palace and Champs-Élysée avenue.
No agreement was reached on alternative march routes in Paris; main march starts at Place de la République.
President Emmanuel Macron called for calm and respect during the protests, emphasizing peaceful demonstration.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez expects a large turnout, including about 40,000 people in Paris.
The protests focus on the rising cost of living and concerns about France's social system weakening.
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Pope Leo XIV recently had surgery to remove part of his right lung after a cancer diagnosis. Vatican officials say his health should not be taken for granted, and he is currently recovering in Rome with steady improvement.
Key Facts
Pope Leo XIV was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer.
He had surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital to remove a lower lobe of his right lung.
The surgery was successful and without complications.
The Pope is showing steady improvement and was expected to lead Sunday prayers from the hospital.
Vatican officials previously thought the Pope was in excellent health, making the diagnosis a significant change.
No date has been set yet for the Pope’s discharge from the hospital.
The Pope himself announced the operation during his weekly prayers in St Peter’s Square.
Plans for future visits, including a possible UK trip in 2027, are being considered with careful planning.
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Three Mexican men were sentenced to more than 158 years in prison each for killing two Australian brothers and their American friend during a surf trip in Baja California, Mexico, in 2024. The victims were found dead with gunshot wounds, and the case highlighted safety concerns for tourists in the region.
Key Facts
The three men—Jesus Gerardo Garcia (“El Kekas”), Irineo Francisco “N,” and Angel Jesus “N”—were sentenced to 158 years and 9 months in prison each.
They were convicted of homicide, robbery with violence, and vehicle theft with violence.
The victims were Australian brothers Callum (33) and Jake Robinson (30) and their American friend Jack Carter Rhoad (30).
The men were killed during a surf trip on April 27, 2024, near Ensenada, Baja California state.
Their bodies were found on May 3, 2024, in a deep well, with gunshot wounds to the head.
The U.S. FBI helped Mexican authorities search for the missing men.
The Baja California State Attorney General’s Office had asked for sentences of 210 years for each defendant.
The murders caused a significant drop in surfers and tourists visiting the Baja California coast.
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Five key Israeli opposition leaders signed a pact on September 26 to work together to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the October 27 election. These leaders come from mostly right-wing parties and share a goal to form a government focused on rebuilding, but they disagree on many issues, including the Palestinian question and war policies.
Key Facts
The opposition pact includes Yair Lapid, Naftali Bennett, Gadi Eisenkot, Yair Golan, and Avigdor Liberman.
All except Yair Golan follow mainly right-wing political views and do not support establishing a Palestinian state soon.
The leaders disagree on whether Israel’s military actions in Gaza amount to genocide or war crimes, generally denying this.
Gadi Eisenkot, a former Israeli military chief, founded the Yashar party and calls for professional government and full military service, including for ultra-Orthodox Jews.
Eisenkot and others left Netanyahu’s war cabinet in 2024, saying he lacks a strategy to end ongoing conflicts.
None of these opposition leaders have proposed major changes to Israel’s military approach to neighboring countries like Lebanon, Syria, and Iran.
The opposition sees itself as focused on repairing the country after ongoing conflicts, but it is unclear who will lead the coalition if Netanyahu is replaced.
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The UK Home Office refused a visitor visa for a British baby’s mother living in Thailand, blocking her from traveling to the UK to meet the baby’s great-grandfather, who cannot travel due to health problems. The family planned a Christmas reunion in Lancashire, but the visa denial was based on doubts about her reasons to return to Thailand and lack of proof of income.
Key Facts
William Cross, a British baby, was born in Thailand to a British father and a refugee mother from Myanmar.
The family lives on Koh Tao island, where the father runs a steakhouse restaurant and the mother manages staff and social media.
William’s great-grandfather, George Kerr, 74, has health problems and cannot travel to Thailand.
The family planned a UK Christmas gathering so Kerr could meet his great-grandchild.
The Home Office refused a visitor visa to the baby’s mother, Khin Thant Zin, saying there was no proof she would return to Thailand or evidence of income.
The visa application required expensive and complicated steps, including biometric screening and financial guarantees from the family.
There is no appeal process for this visa refusal; the family plans to apply again at a high cost without a guarantee.
The Home Office said visa decisions are made based on individual cases and provided evidence.
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President Donald Trump has removed some sanctions on Russia to help lower energy prices. This decision has caused criticism from Ukraine and European Union countries, especially as relations between President Trump and Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy become more strained.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump waived additional sanctions on Russia.
The reason given was to reduce energy prices.
Ukraine strongly criticized this move.
European Union allies also condemned the decision.
The action comes amid worsening relations between President Trump and Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy.
Sanctions are penalties set by one country on another, often to influence behavior.
Energy prices are an important factor in many countries’ economies.
The decision may affect international relations involving the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine.
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President Donald Trump has delayed the start of new sanctions on Russia that he recently signed into law, saying the hold is in the country’s best interest. The sanctions, created to punish Russia for its war actions and limit its money from oil and gas, were set to begin soon but are now postponed.
Key Facts
President Trump signed a law last month to impose sanctions on Russia.
The sanctions target Russian officials, banks, and a secret fleet of tankers carrying energy.
The law included tariffs up to 100% on the largest buyers of Russian oil and gas, with some exceptions.
Trump paused the sanctions just two days before they were to start.
The pause came shortly after the US agreed to buy diesel fuel from Russia.
Critics say the diesel deal helps Russia’s war efforts and does not reduce fuel prices.
Lawmakers from both parties passed the sanctions law with wide support.
Trump has criticized Ukrainian President Zelenskyy recently and faces disapproval from the public on various issues ahead of midterm elections.
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Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama said that foreigners are behind the protests happening in the country. People protesting accuse his government of corruption and not taking care of the country, and they want him to step down.
Key Facts
The protests in Albania have lasted for several months.
Protesters say the government is corrupt.
They also say the government neglects the needs of the people.
Protesters want Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign.
Prime Minister Rama claims that foreign groups are causing the protests.
The protests have caused significant disruption in Albania.
This is a political crisis involving public dissatisfaction with the leadership.
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The Trump administration is threatening to criminally prosecute California election workers who knowingly count votes cast by noncitizens. The Department of Justice (DOJ) sued California claiming the state did not remove noncitizens from voter rolls, demanding officials review and segregate affected ballots.
Key Facts
DOJ acting Deputy Attorney General Trent McCotter warned election workers they could face prosecution for counting ballots from noncitizens.
Noncitizen voting in federal elections is a federal crime.
The DOJ sent letters to Los Angeles election officials demanding access to a list of possible noncitizens on voter rolls.
California was given two days to respond and confirm they are reviewing and separating those ballots.
The DOJ sued California for not purging noncitizens from voter registration lists.
President Donald Trump reposted the DOJ letter, saying officials “will all go to jail for a long period of time.”
The Trump administration has made noncitizen voting a key issue despite limited evidence of widespread illegal voting.
Earlier, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin warned election officials could face fines or prison for noncitizen voting.
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Hackers remotely changed the temperatures of supermarket freezers and fridges in France, raising them from very cold to dangerously hot. This caused food to spoil, some fires, and damage in about 700 stores. French officials are investigating the incident as a serious cyber-attack.
Key Facts
Hundreds of supermarkets across France had their fridge and freezer temperatures changed from -27°C to over 50°C.
The attack began late Sunday and lasted for several hours, causing food to defrost and cook.
About 700 stores, including major chains like Intermarché, Carrefour, and Leclerc, were affected.
Some stores reported freezer temperatures reaching as high as 80°C, causing fires and sprinkler damage.
Store workers had to throw away spoiled food and restock shelves, working late into the next day.
The cyber-attack targeted digital thermostats controlled by Danish company Danfoss’s equipment.
Investigators believe the attack was either a prank from activists or a deliberate sabotage, possibly linked to state actors from Iran or Russia.
Danfoss warned that the affected systems were using outdated software, and recommended updates to prevent such attacks.
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Chancellor John Healey supports building a third runway at Heathrow Airport, saying it has helped create jobs and boost growth. However, Prime Minister Andy Burnham has not clearly said if he supports the project, leaving the decision open to London residents.
Key Facts
John Healey said airport expansion, including at Heathrow, has contributed to jobs and economic growth.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has not taken a clear position and suggests Londoners should decide.
Heathrow's chief executive warns not building a third runway would be a missed opportunity.
The third runway project has faced opposition from local residents, politicians, and climate campaigners.
The government-backed expansion plan was announced last year, aiming to open the runway by 2035.
The project could increase flights from 480,000 to 720,000 annually and serve more passengers.
Building the runway would cost about £33 billion, require demolishing homes, diverting rivers, and rerouting the M25 motorway through a tunnel.
Heathrow Airport serves over 80 million travelers each year through two runways and four terminals.
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A fast-moving wildfire called the Norte Fire has damaged homes and forced thousands of people to leave their homes in Southern California. Firefighters are working hard to stop the fire, which is growing because of strong warm winds and dry conditions.
Key Facts
The Norte Fire started in San Clemente and spread to San Juan Capistrano in Orange County.
The fire burned between 188 and 231 hectares (465 to 570 acres) and damaged at least six homes.
About 6,000 homes and 16,000 people were ordered to evacuate.
Firefighters use both ground crews and helicopters to fight the fire.
Strong Santa Ana winds, reaching speeds of up to 90 km/h (55 mph), are helping the fire spread quickly.
High temperatures and low humidity are making the fire worse.
Power outages affected tens of thousands of people in Los Angeles County as a safety precaution.
Other nearby fires include the Bryson Fire near Malibu and the Henderson Fire in San Diego County.
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President Paul Biya of Cameroon returned home on August 20 after about 10 weeks abroad, raising hopes for a government reshuffle that has not yet happened as of early October. The constitutional position of vice president, restored in April to manage presidential succession, remains empty, which has increased public concern about political stability.
Key Facts
President Paul Biya, aged 93, returned to Cameroon on August 20 after being away for around 10 weeks.
His absence led to rumors about his health and even unconfirmed reports of his death.
The government reshuffle many expected after his return has not taken place by October 6.
The vice presidency was restored through a constitutional amendment in April 2025 but has not been filled.
The vice president would serve as interim president if the presidency became vacant due to death, resignation, or incapacity.
The amendment allows President Biya to appoint and dismiss the vice president but sets no deadline for the appointment.
In June, a false presidential decree appointing a vice president caused confusion and led to an investigation.
Cameroon faces other challenges, including a separatist conflict in English-speaking regions and Boko Haram-related violence near Lake Chad.
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A Mexican court sentenced three men to over 158 years in prison each for killing two Australian brothers and their US friend during a robbery on a beach in Baja California in 2024. The victims were surfers, and their bodies were found in a well with gunshot wounds; the crime shocked the local community and tourists.
Key Facts
Three men were sentenced to 158 years and nine months in prison each for murder.
The victims were Australian brothers Jake and Callum Robinson and their US friend Carter Rhoad.
The murders occurred during a robbery of the victims’ truck on a secluded beach.
The victims’ bodies were dumped in a well and showed gunshot wounds to the head.
The crime happened shortly after the victims crossed from the US into Mexico.
The accused are identified only by first names: Jesús Gerardo, Irineo Francisco, and Ángel Jesús.
The girlfriend of the alleged leader was previously sentenced to 20 years for involvement.
The murders raised concerns about safety and violence in a usually peaceful tourist area.
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A judge in New Mexico dismissed child sexual abuse charges against actor Timothy Busfield due to improper actions by the prosecutors during the grand jury process. The judge said prosecutors can bring new charges, and the case is still ongoing.
Key Facts
Timothy Busfield, known for roles on The West Wing and Thirtysomething, was charged with groping one of two young twin boys.
The allegations covered a two-year period when the boys were 7 and 8 years old.
The judge ruled the prosecutors did not follow fair procedures during the grand jury, including incorrect instructions about witness testimony.
The judge said the prosecutor blocked witnesses that the grand jurors wanted to hear.
Busfield denies all the allegations and called them lies.
Prosecutors are reviewing their options and may file new charges.
The case concerns alleged incidents on the set of the TV show The Cleaning Lady.
The decision to dismiss was made by Judge Joseph Montano in New Mexico state court.
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President Trump has delayed new sanctions against Russia that Congress passed to target its economy. He issued an order to waive many sanctions, while also announcing a deal to buy diesel fuel from Russia, a move that has drawn criticism from lawmakers and Ukrainian officials.
Key Facts
President Trump paused sanctions approved by Congress against Russia’s economy.
The sanctions were aimed at stopping financial support for Russia’s war against Ukraine.
The sanctions law was passed with rare bipartisan support and signed by Trump last month.
The sanctions include penalties on Russian officials, banks, and energy tanker fleets.
Trump’s executive order allows him to waive sanctions until October 18.
Trump announced a US deal to buy large amounts of Russian diesel fuel to lower energy prices.
Some US senators, including Republicans, have called on Trump to cancel the diesel deal and enforce the sanctions.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy criticized the diesel deal, saying it would send money to Russia.
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A Mexican judge sentenced three men to over 158 years in prison for killing two Australian brothers and their American friend during a 2024 surf trip in Baja California. The men were found guilty of homicide, robbery with violence, and vehicle theft related to the attack.
Key Facts
Three men received 158 years and nine months each in prison for murders in Baja California, Mexico.
Victims were Australian brothers Jake and Callum Robinson and their American friend Carter Rhoad.
The killings occurred during a suspected robbery while the victims were traveling in Mexico.
The accused leader of the attack is Jesus Gerardo, also called “El Kekas”; his full surname is not given for legal reasons.
Two other men, Irineo Francisco and Angel Jesus, were also convicted and sentenced.
The victims’ parents traveled from Australia for the trial and set up a foundation in their sons’ names.
Baja California is known for violence linked to organized crime and drug trafficking, though tourists are rarely targeted.
Previous incidents of foreign visitors being killed in Mexico include two Australian surfers in 2015 in another state.
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Deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest has reached its lowest level since 1988, with a 42 percent drop in forest loss compared to the previous year. This improvement follows stronger monitoring and penalties against illegal logging and supports President Lula’s goal to end illegal deforestation by 2030.
Key Facts
Brazil’s space agency Inpe reported 3,335 square kilometers of Amazon forest were cleared in the year through July.
This figure is 42 percent lower than the year before and the lowest since records began in 1988.
The previous low was 4,571 sq km in 2011-2012; losses peaked near 30,000 sq km in the mid-1990s.
Deforestation has dropped every year since 2022 and is down 71.2 percent over four years.
The fall in deforestation is credited to better monitoring and tougher penalties for illegal logging.
President Lula aims for zero illegal deforestation by 2030, after increases during Jair Bolsonaro’s presidency.
Lula is competing in an election run-off against Flavio Bolsonaro, who also promises to reduce illegal deforestation by 2029.
Forest loss in the Cerrado savanna also fell 24 percent to the lowest level since 2001.
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