Judi Dench, the 91-year-old British actor, says she can no longer perform on stage or in films due to worsening eyesight caused by age-related macular degeneration. Although her vision loss affects daily life, she remains passionate about Shakespeare’s sonnets.
Key Facts
Judi Dench has age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diagnosed in 2012, a condition that causes gradual sight loss.
She can no longer read, recognize faces, or perform in plays and films.
Dench struggles with daily tasks like going out alone because of her poor vision.
Despite this, she greatly enjoys Shakespeare’s sonnets and finds meaning in their rhythm and emotion.
She has had a long acting career of over 70 years, including an Oscar win and roles as M in James Bond films.
Dench’s memoir, titled Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It?, is set to be published soon.
She described losing the ability to see bluebells and faces, relying now partly on memory.
In recent years, friends have helped her learn scripts by repetition as she can no longer read them.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
France is facing serious economic problems, including high debt and government spending. Protests over these issues have turned violent, causing injuries and damage in several cities. The government has changed prime ministers five times in two years, reflecting political instability.
Key Facts
France has had five prime ministers in the last two years due to political difficulties.
Protests on October 17, 2026, began peacefully but became violent, injuring 500 police officers and damaging 1,500 shops.
A 19th-century city hall building was burned during the protests.
France's borrowing costs are at their highest level in 26 years, showing a lack of investor confidence.
Public spending in France, especially on pensions, is higher than in many other European countries.
Plans to raise the pension age, which would reduce government spending, were met with strong opposition and delayed.
The economic challenges have caused debates about whether France is becoming ungovernable.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The New World screwworm is a type of fly that can infect animals by laying eggs in their open wounds. The larvae then eat the living tissue, which can harm or even kill the animal. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported that this pest has spread to wildlife in Texas.
Key Facts
The New World screwworm is a parasitic fly.
It lays eggs in open wounds on animals.
The larvae feed on the living flesh of the animal.
This infestation can cause serious harm or death to animals.
The USDA confirmed the screwworm has been found in Texas wildlife.
This is notable because screwworms were previously controlled or eliminated in the U.S.
The presence of this pest could threaten livestock and wild animals.
USDA and other agencies are likely monitoring and responding to this situation.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
France has seen recent waves of protests and riots, leading the government to admit that their police response was not strong enough. Officials have promised to increase security efforts ahead of upcoming demonstrations.
Key Facts
There were weekend protests and riots in France.
The French government said the police response was insufficient.
Authorities plan to deploy more police for future protests.
French Prime Minister promised a "massive" police presence for upcoming events.
Pro-Russian online accounts have amplified anger during these protests, according to a non-governmental organization.
The far-right political leader Marine Le Pen has gained popularity amid the unrest.
Some protests included incidents like arson attacks on public buildings.
French union leaders have urged strikes in response to the situation.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
French authorities have banned protests in several major cities after violent incidents during recent demonstrations. President Emmanuel Macron blamed far-left groups for causing the unrest and announced strict measures to control future protests.
Key Facts
Protests were banned in parts of Paris, including near government buildings and train stations, until 8pm GMT on Thursday.
Demonstrations planned in Lyon, Lille, and Grenoble were also banned.
Over 500,000 people protested on Saturday, including students and groups opposing high living costs.
Around 2,500 people were arrested after riots and looting during the protests.
President Macron accused far-left groups of carrying out “seditious acts” to destabilize the country.
Macron announced a ban on “illegitimate” protests and said approved demonstrations must avoid city centers to protect businesses.
A large security operation is planned for upcoming protests, especially on Saturday, when yellow vest activists are expected to join.
Student protests started over school staff shortages and poor conditions but expanded to focus on the rising cost of living.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Leopoldo Luque, the doctor charged in the 2020 death of Diego Maradona, and his lawyers say he is innocent and was unfairly blamed. Prosecutors seek up to 12 years in prison, arguing that Luque was negligent, while the defense says Maradona’s death was sudden and could not be predicted.
Key Facts
Diego Maradona died in November 2020 at age 60 from a heart and lung crisis after surgery.
Leopoldo Luque, Maradona’s neurosurgeon, is charged and faces up to 12 years in prison.
Seven healthcare workers are on trial for possible negligence related to Maradona’s care.
Prosecutors say Luque did not act on warning signs and was inactive during Maradona’s illness.
Luque’s lawyers argue Maradona’s death was caused by an unexpected heart attack.
Medical tests before surgery showed no heart problems, according to Luque’s defense.
A court medical commission said Maradona had heart issues that should have been considered.
Maradona’s death led to nationwide mourning in Argentina during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
An endangered shark returned to a canal in South Korea after rescuers tried to guide it back to the sea. The shark swam under a net that was meant to stop it from coming back to the canal, which attracts many visitors.
Key Facts
The shark is endangered, meaning it is at risk of extinction.
Rescuers led the shark out of the canal and back to the sea.
A net was set up to prevent the shark from re-entering the canal.
The shark swam back under the net and returned to the canal.
The canal is a popular tourist spot, with about 1.6 million visitors.
Locals value the shark as a main attraction in the area.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
French President Emmanuel Macron said that protests considered "illegitimate" will be banned in the coming days. Protests organized by groups like labor unions will be allowed but redirected to protect local businesses.
Key Facts
President Macron spoke after a meeting with security leaders.
He announced a ban on protests deemed "illegitimate."
Organized protests by unions will be permitted and rerouted.
The goal is to prevent violence and protect businesses during protests.
This announcement comes ahead of planned mass protests in France.
Authorities are preparing for possible unrest and demonstrations.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The famous musical "Singin' in the Rain" is now being performed on stage in Paris at the Lido theatre until January 10. British actor Ashley Day plays the main character, Don Lockwood, and shares his experience of taking on this iconic role.
Key Facts
"Singin' in the Rain" is a well-known and loved musical originally made famous by Gene Kelly.
The musical is currently showing at the Lido theatre in Paris.
The performances will run until January 10.
Ashley Day, a British actor, plays Don Lockwood, the lead character.
The show is a new stage adaptation of the classic movie.
This information was shared in a program called Entre Nous.
The musical is part of Paris's ongoing cultural offerings of stage shows.
The article was published on October 22, 2026.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
French President Emmanuel Macron said that only authorized union protests will be allowed in towns and cities on Saturday, following violent demonstrations last weekend. Several cities, including Lyon and Nice, have banned all other protests to protect businesses and maintain order.
Key Facts
Violent protests in France last weekend included riots, looting, and fires in cities like Lyon and Paris.
Around 550,000 people protested against rising fuel prices and the high cost of living.
President Macron said non-union protests will be banned, while unions will be allowed to march on designated routes.
At least 2,500 people have been arrested since violence began.
Police presence will increase by 20% to prevent more unrest.
Several cities, such as Lyon, Toulon, Rouen, and Grenoble, have officially banned protests this Saturday.
Curfews limiting movement have been introduced in multiple cities including Marseille, Bordeaux, and Lille.
Two suspects were arrested in connection with fires started during protests, including an attack on Limoges city hall.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Brazil’s favelas have grown significantly in size over the past 40 years, now covering about 460,000 hectares. This rapid growth creates problems for city planning and living conditions, especially in cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, where these neighborhoods face challenges related to sanitation and the environment.
Key Facts
Favelas are informal neighborhoods often lacking basic services.
Since 1985, the area occupied by favelas has nearly tripled from 53,700 to around 460,000 hectares.
Major growth is seen in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Manaus, and Belém.
Expansion of favelas leads to difficulties in urban planning and climate issues.
Many residents live in poor sanitary conditions.
Long-term solutions are needed to improve infrastructure and living standards in these neighborhoods.
The situation occurs amid ongoing presidential elections in Brazil.
Reporters from FRANCE 24 highlight these challenges in their coverage.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Russia and Iran are working to build internet systems similar to China’s Great Firewall. These systems aim to control and limit access to the global internet within their countries.
Key Facts
China’s Great Firewall is a system that blocks certain websites and controls internet access.
Russia and Iran want to create similar systems to control what their citizens can see online.
These systems help governments monitor internet use and limit outside information.
The goal is to keep control over the population and reduce outside influence.
Limiting internet access can affect free speech and connection to the global community.
Such measures reflect efforts by leaders to strengthen their political power through internet control.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Violent storms hit central Arizona, causing hail the size of golf balls, strong winds, and a possible tornado. These storms damaged homes, knocked down trees and power lines, and caused minor injuries in some communities.
Key Facts
A possible tornado struck Heber-Overgaard in Navajo County, north-east of Phoenix.
Hail as large as golf balls damaged roofs, cars, and windows.
Multiple warnings and a tornado warning were issued by the National Weather Service.
Trees over 30 feet tall were uprooted and fell in the Coconino National Forest.
About 3,000 people live in the affected Heber-Overgaard community.
At least one injury and significant property damage were reported.
A state representative requested a state of emergency due to the damage.
Storms were fueled by warm, moist air from off the California coast, creating unusual weather conditions for the area at this time of year.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
France has reported the first known human case of the Shamonda virus, which usually infects farm animals like cattle. The infected person had a very weak immune system and died, but health officials say there is no danger to the general public.
Key Facts
The Shamonda virus mainly affects cattle and is spread by biting midges (small flying insects).
This is the first time the virus has been recorded in a human.
The infected person had a severely weakened immune system and died from complications likely linked to the virus.
The virus was found in eastern France, where it had been detected in livestock during spring and summer.
Shamonda virus has been known in Africa and Asia for decades but never before in humans or Europe until this year.
It causes fever, tiredness, diarrhea, and reduced milk production in cattle.
There are no vaccines currently available for Shamonda virus.
Health agencies including the World Health Organization have been informed and investigations are ongoing.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
John Anderson, a famous country music singer known for his unique voice, has died at age 71. He was recently honored by being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and had overcome a serious illness that affected his hearing.
Key Facts
John Anderson was 71 years old when he passed away.
He was known for hit songs like "Swingin'," "Straight Tequila Night," and "Seminole Wind."
Anderson grew up in Florida and moved to Nashville as a teenager to start his music career.
He worked on the construction of the Grand Ole Opry before becoming a music star.
Anderson battled a serious illness starting in 2016 that caused headaches, hair loss, and almost complete hearing loss.
Despite health challenges, he released an album called "Years" in 2020.
In 2024, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the highest honor in country music.
He died shortly after attending the Hall of Fame ceremony, where he appeared in good spirits.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Ukraine’s President Zelensky has faced challenges due to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent deal with Russia involving diesel fuel and calls for peace talks. This situation has created difficulties for Ukraine in defending itself against Russia, especially as U.S. political shifts might affect future support.
Key Facts
President Trump made a diesel fuel deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin on October 9.
Since the deal, Ukraine has faced new problems, including demands from the U.S. to stop attacking Russian refineries.
There are reports of delays in support technology used by Ukraine, like Elon Musk’s Starshield, which helps Ukrainian drones.
Some Republicans, like Senator Mike Lee, criticized Ukraine’s President Zelensky, suggesting he benefits Democrats politically.
Trump's presidential approval rating is low, at 31%, with Democrats leading in the November midterm elections.
If Republicans lose the midterms, Trump may reduce support for Ukraine to focus on peace deals with Russia and economic gains.
Trump hopes to end the war in Ukraine with a peace agreement and gain commercial deals and possibly a Nobel Peace Prize.
Despite tensions, the U.S. recently helped secure the release of an American prisoner from Russia, even as Russian missile attacks on Kyiv continued.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A new factory in Telford, UK, has started making gun barrels for tanks for the first time in 20 years. The factory, run by the German company Rheinmetall, has already created 100 jobs and plans to hire more.
Key Facts
The UK Gun Hall in Telford produces gun barrels and breaches for large tank weapons.
Rheinmetall, a German defence firm, operates the facility.
This is the first time in 20 years that such weapons are made on UK soil.
The barrels are for 120mm and 155mm weapon systems, including the RCH 155 artillery and future platforms.
Staff were trained in Germany before starting production in the UK.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting attended the opening and highlighted the factory’s importance to UK defence and jobs.
Rheinmetall is also involved in upgrading UK’s Boxer combat vehicles and Challenger tanks.
The project represents a step to rebuild Britain’s defence manufacturing industry.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced a new military approach where Iran would not only respond to attacks but also launch offensive actions against enemies. This shift comes amid increasing tensions and attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments, with both Iran and the United States signaling possible escalation.
Key Facts
The IRGC said its new doctrine includes offensive operations, not just defensive responses.
Iran threatens to invade neighboring countries if attacked.
Iran’s missile stockpile has grown by 1.5 times since the 2025 war with Israel, with improved accuracy and power.
Iran is preparing to unveil a powerful new bomb, as stated by an IRGC spokesman.
Recent attacks have occurred on vessels suspected of illegal oil transfers near the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz remains critical for global oil and gas, with recent attacks pushing oil prices above $110 per barrel.
The United States ordered some diplomats out of Saudi Arabia amid attacks by Yemen’s Houthis, who are involved in the regional conflict.
There are reports that the US and Israel plan possible military actions against Iran soon.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
French authorities have banned or restricted protests across the country ahead of planned demonstrations to stop violence and looting seen last weekend. President Emmanuel Macron announced new security measures, including curfews and bans on certain groups from protesting, aiming to restore calm.
Key Facts
Last weekend’s protests in France saw widespread violence, looting, and damage, especially in Paris and Lyon.
Over half a million people protested against the rising cost of living on October 17.
President Macron blamed organized ultra-left groups for leading the worst violence and called it sedition.
New bans on protests have been imposed in major cities including Lyon, Grenoble, Rouen, Le Havre, and Toulon.
Paris police allowed a protest to start at Bastille but banned it from entering the city center where most damage happened.
Police forces will increase by 20% compared to last weekend to maintain order this coming Saturday.
Some student groups and unions oppose the protest bans, saying the government is trying to stop all demonstrations.
Public events like the Art Basel Paris art fair will close early due to the protests.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Russia launched multiple missile and drone attacks on Kyiv, Ukraine's capital, causing damage and killing at least two people. This followed peace talks involving U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff meeting with Russian and Ukrainian leaders.
Key Facts
Russia fired 21 ballistic missiles at Kyiv in three waves, hitting homes, energy facilities, a railway station, a metro, shopping centers, and a monastery.
At least two people were killed and 34 injured in Kyiv and nearby areas due to the strikes.
Ukraine’s air force reported Russia used both ballistic and cruise missiles and launched 210 drones, shooting down 181 of them.
Russian attacks also hit a market in Kharkiv region, killing two and injuring 17.
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff met with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in Oslo and Russian President Putin in St. Petersburg as part of peace talks.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said the Russian missile attacks showed no change in Russia’s attitude despite talks.
Ukraine carried out a large drone attack on Moscow, with over 600 drones involved, damaging several buildings and injuring at least two people.
Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed to have shot down more than 800 Ukrainian drones during the overnight fighting.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
