The CBS News Almanac for October 18 highlights various historical events and current stories. It features topics like cultural anniversaries, technological updates, news from different regions, and notable activities happening on that date.
Key Facts
The Almanac covers historical events that happened on October 18.
It includes a 30th anniversary revival of the musical "Rent."
The iconic character Winnie the Pooh turns 100 years old.
There are updates on the search for Amelia Earhart's missing plane.
Reports on firefighters battling wildfires in California.
Highlights include the use of virtual reality by senior citizens.
The story features Elon Musk’s flying Tesla Roadster.
Other items include economic discussions and regional news from across the U.S. and Canada.
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France experienced large violent protests that caused major damage, including a historic town hall being set on fire and widespread looting. Authorities arrested about 1,800 people during these protests.
Key Facts
The protests took place in France and led to significant violence and destruction.
Around 1,800 people were arrested during the unrest.
A historic town hall building was burned down by protesters.
Looting happened in many areas affected by the protests.
The events caused widespread damage, leaving many parts of the country dealing with the aftermath.
The protests involved a variety of grievances shared by different groups of people.
The situation was described as very severe, similar to being in a war zone.
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Ancient India was a major global power with extensive ocean trade and influential thinkers like Brahmagupta and Aryabhata. The episode explores how colonialism changed global power and questions if the colonial period was an unusual break in India’s long history of influence.
Key Facts
Ancient India had a large ocean trade network connecting it to the world.
Indian mathematicians Brahmagupta and Aryabhata shared ideas that influenced the Renaissance and modern science.
Colonialism shifted global power away from India for several centuries.
The episode suggests that the rise of Asia now may be a return to earlier historical patterns.
William Dalrymple, a historian and author, is featured in the discussion.
The episode is part of a series called Deja Vu.
The production team includes Mohamed Hassan, Marcos Bartolome, Marthe van der Wolf, David Enders, Alexandra Locke, Adam Abou-Gad, and Alex Roldan.
The episode is available on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Prices of basic food and goods in Gaza are rising quickly after Israel stopped letting commercial shipments into the area for five days. Families in Gaza, many already poor after months of conflict, are worried about shortages and are trying to buy extra supplies before prices go up more.
Key Facts
Israel stopped commercial goods from entering Gaza for five days starting Wednesday.
This has caused prices of items like flour, eggs, onions, and avocados to double or more in just a few days.
Many families in Gaza are very poor due to ongoing conflict and cannot afford to stockpile food.
Some people can only buy small amounts instead of full packages because of higher prices.
Gaza’s Government Media Office denies Israel’s claim that taxes or fees on goods caused the shipment halt.
Electricity shortages in Gaza make it hard to store perishable food like meat and fresh vegetables.
The price of flour could rise to as much as $60 to $90 for a 50 kg sack if the crossings stay closed longer.
Marketplaces in Gaza are slightly busier, as people try to buy what they can before prices increase more.
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People in France are protesting because they are unhappy about their living conditions and feel the economic burdens are unfairly shared. Experts say these protests involve many different complaints from various groups in society.
Key Facts
Protests in France reflect anger about lower living standards.
Many people believe the economic difficulties affect some groups more than others.
The unrest brought together people with different concerns and backgrounds.
Experts discuss whether the government made mistakes leading to the protests.
The protests have caused damage and have been described as intense and widespread.
Similar protests and unrest are happening in other countries like Albania and India.
French President Emmanuel Macron is a key figure linked to the situation.
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A Washington Post journalist was attacked by Israeli settlers during an olive harvest in the West Bank. The U.S. ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, condemned the assault and called for a full investigation and prosecution of those responsible.
Key Facts
Heidi Levine, a Washington Post photojournalist, was beaten and robbed by masked Israeli settlers in the West Bank.
The attack happened near the Palestinian village of Abu Falah during the olive harvest.
Levine was wearing gear marked "PRESS" but was still pushed to the ground and assaulted for over 10 minutes.
She suffered broken ribs, hand injuries requiring surgery, and other wounds; she remains hospitalized in Tel Aviv.
The U.S. ambassador to Israel called the attack "vicious and cowardly" and demanded legal action against the attackers.
The Washington Post confirmed the assault and said Levine was robbed of her camera, passport, and phone.
Israeli police and military have begun investigations into the incident.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned violence but called the attack "alleged" and said details are unclear.
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Hundreds of thousands of people in France protested against issues like crowded schools and inequality, leading to the largest demonstrations since last month. While most protests were peaceful, some turned violent, damaging buildings and shops, resulting in many arrests and injuries.
Key Facts
Around 550,000 people joined protests across France, with some estimates as high as 800,000.
The protests started in mid-September and are led by students concerned about education and social problems.
Violent actions during the protests caused damage to shops, public buildings, and city halls in multiple cities.
Nearly 1,800 people were arrested, with nearly half of arrests in Paris.
Over 500 police officers, firefighters, and gendarmes were injured during the unrest.
Police used tear gas and stun grenades in Paris to control the crowd.
French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to address the nation about the situation.
Investigations into police violence related to the protests were already underway before the recent unrest.
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Ukraine carried out a large drone attack against Russia, targeting an oil export terminal in St. Petersburg. The strike caused big fires, killed one person, and injured five others.
Key Facts
Ukraine sent more than 1,000 drones in the attack on St. Petersburg.
The attack happened overnight on a Sunday.
It targeted an oil export terminal in the city.
The attack caused massive fires at the terminal.
One person died and five were injured.
This was one of the biggest aerial attacks by Ukraine since the war began.
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CBS News Sunday Morning on October 18 featured a variety of stories including California’s Proposition 40, profiles of singer Rosalía and actor John Turturro, and the legacies of artists Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner. The program also covered topics like consumer sentiment before the midterm elections, a frog-jumping contest in Ohio, and the 100th anniversary of Winnie the Pooh.
Key Facts
The show included a report on California’s Proposition 40, a tax measure on billionaires.
Singer Rosalía was featured, focusing on her music and dedication.
Actor John Turturro was highlighted in a profile segment.
The legacies of painters Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner were discussed.
Consumer mood ahead of the U.S. midterm elections was examined.
A frog-jumping contest took place in Valley City, Ohio.
The character Winnie the Pooh celebrated its 100th anniversary.
Other features included new Broadway shows "Other Desert Cities" and the 30th anniversary of "Rent."
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FIFA awarded the new Peace Prize to President Donald Trump in 2023 but now considers stopping the award. Some FIFA officials question the prize's value and want to either scrap it or change how it is given. A committee will review the award and advise FIFA's Council before the next meeting in December 2024.
Key Facts
FIFA created the “FIFA Peace Prize – Football Unites the World” to honor people who promote peace.
President Donald Trump was the first and only winner of this prize, awarded in 2023.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino supports Trump and believed he deserved a Nobel Peace Prize.
The award ceremony took place in Washington, D.C., at the 2026 World Cup draw event.
Critics pointed out the prize was controversial because it was given soon after deadly U.S. military actions.
FIFA Council members want to reconsider or stop the Peace Prize, especially giving it to politicians.
FIFA’s Football Social Responsibility Committee is reviewing the prize and will report by December 16, 2024.
FIFA has not made a final decision yet and awaits the committee’s proposal.
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Paris saw violent protests on Saturday that caused a lot of damage. The police arrested over 1,000 people during riots and looting. Many residents of Paris expressed their disappointment about the destruction.
Key Facts
Protests in Paris on Saturday turned violent.
Riots and looting occurred during these protests.
French police arrested more than 1,000 people.
Local residents spoke to Al Jazeera about their dismay at the damage.
The damage affected shops and public property in Paris.
The protests disrupted normal life in parts of the city.
Police had to take strong action to control the situation.
The cause or reason behind the protests was not mentioned in the article.
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The European Union and other countries have condemned violent attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians and foreign diplomats in the West Bank during the olive harvest. These attacks have increased this year and have caused concern about impunity, as Israeli authorities have not taken strong action to stop the violence.
Key Facts
Israeli settlers have attacked Palestinians and EU diplomats in the occupied West Bank during the olive harvest season.
The number of attacks in 2024 has already surpassed the total from 2025.
The EU expects Israel to hold attackers accountable and to take steps to prevent further violence.
Countries like Belgium, France, Poland, and the US have condemned the attacks and called for stronger action.
An American photojournalist was attacked by settlers, drawing attention from the US Secretary of State.
Critics say Israeli authorities provide settlers with protection or do not restrict their actions enough.
Observers argue that mere condemnations without consequences do not stop ongoing violence and settlement expansion.
Calls for sanctions or serious measures against settlers and those enabling the violence were discussed but not agreed upon by the EU.
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Hurricane Trudy brought heavy rain and strong winds to Mexico’s Pacific coast, especially in Michoacán, Colima, and Jalisco. Officials warned of flooding and mudslides and urged people to prepare, while another powerful typhoon, Champi, threatened Guam and nearby islands.
Key Facts
Hurricane Trudy had winds of 105 mph, making it a Category 2 hurricane as it moved near Mexico’s western coast.
A hurricane warning was in place from Manzanillo, Colima to Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco.
Officials warned of life-threatening flooding and mudslides due to heavy rain of 4 to 12 inches in some areas.
The Mexican Navy urged caution because of high waves, heavy rain, and rising river risks.
Typhoon Champi was near Guam with 150 mph winds, a strong Category 4 storm, possibly reaching Category 5 soon.
Guam and Northern Mariana Islands requested emergency disaster declarations due to typhoon damage.
President Donald Trump approved an emergency declaration to help Guam recover from Typhoon Champi.
Guam’s airports, harbors, and some health facilities closed; aid delivery could take 3-5 days.
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Vice President Vance said on Saturday that the United States has, in some ways, clearly won its conflict with Iran. However, he also acknowledged that Iran continues to respond, meaning the situation is ongoing and not fully settled.
Key Facts
Vice President Vance spoke about the U.S. conflict with Iran on Saturday.
He stated the U.S. has "decisively won" in some respects.
Vance also noted that Iran continues to act and respond to U.S. actions.
This suggests the conflict is still active and evolving.
The exact details of what "winning" means in this context were not specified.
The comments reflect current views on U.S.-Iran relations and ongoing tensions.
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Israeli leaders hoped to change the Middle East and remove Palestine as a political issue. However, instead of success, their actions have caused countries in the region to work more closely in opposition to Israel.
Key Facts
Israeli leaders wanted to reshape the Middle East.
Their goal included removing Palestine from the political map.
Israel has engaged in wars aimed at expanding its territory.
These wars have caused other Middle Eastern countries to unite against Israel.
The region has not been redrawn as Israel planned.
Cooperation among regional countries increased in response to Israel’s expansion efforts.
The situation reflects ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
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Ukraine launched a large drone attack on Russia’s city of Saint Petersburg, causing fires at an oil refinery and depot. One person was killed, five were injured, and there was damage to buildings and power supplies during the strikes.
Key Facts
The attack targeted Saint Petersburg, Russia’s second-largest city and President Vladimir Putin’s hometown.
Fires broke out at an oil terminal, the Ruchyi oil depot, and industrial warehouses.
One person died and five others were hospitalized, according to the city governor.
Air defense in the region reported shooting down 144 Ukrainian drones during the attack.
Power outages affected about 20,000 people in the nearby town of Yanino due to damage to a substation.
The attack follows an "energy ceasefire" announced by U.S. President Donald Trump that quickly fell apart.
Ukraine said its strikes were in response to repeated Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure.
The strikes also caused damage to a data center of VKontakte (a Russian social network) and a logistics center of Ozon, a major Russian retailer.
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Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi has been appointed as Iran’s new defence minister during ongoing conflict involving the US and Israel. He has over 42 years of experience in military technology and will focus on rebuilding Iran’s military industry and expanding its missile and drone capabilities.
Key Facts
Mehrdad Akhlaghi was approved by Iran’s parliament with 237 votes in favor and 15 against.
He replaces the former defence minister, Aziz Nasirzadeh, who was killed on the first day of the war.
Akhlaghi has worked for more than four decades in missile technology, aerospace, and military production.
He was previously head of several major Iranian defence organizations linked to missile and aerospace development.
He is under sanctions by the US and the United Nations due to his role in Iran’s weapons programs.
Iran aims to improve both the quality and quantity of its strategic weapons like missiles and drones.
Akhlaghi has met with top military leaders to understand their needs during the war.
The Iranian government says its weapons continue to be effective despite US and Israeli attacks on its military factories.
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NHS England has introduced new rules that require people to use hospital wards, toilets, and changing rooms based on their biological sex, not their gender identity. An internal NHS report warns this could cause delays and possible discrimination for transgender people, affecting their health and willingness to seek care.
Key Facts
The new policy requires single-sex hospital spaces to be used according to biological sex, not gender identity.
Trans people might face delays and “corridor care” (being cared for in hallways) if side rooms are unavailable.
The policy could cause some trans patients to fear discrimination by being identified as transgender in hospital wards.
NHS reports potential conflicts between the needs of cisgender and transgender patients due to the policy.
Some women who do not appear to fit societal expectations may be questioned about their sex to access single-sex wards.
The policy is based on a 2025 UK Supreme Court ruling defining “woman” and “sex” as biological terms in the Equality Act.
NHS England says clinical need should be prioritized and decisions about placement should be made case by case.
The policy does not apply in emergency (A&E) or intensive care units.
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An overnight attack on St Petersburg hit two oil facilities, causing fires, injuries, and one death. The attack also targeted a logistics center and a data center, leading to property damage and temporary service disruptions.
Key Facts
Two oil facilities in St Petersburg caught fire after the attack.
At least one person died and five were injured.
A logistics center of the Russian online seller Ozon and a data center of VKontakte were hit.
The city’s governor reported damage to apartment buildings and temporary closure of Pulkovo Airport.
Russian defense claimed over 1,000 Ukrainian drones were shot down during the attack.
Ukraine paused strikes on Russian oil facilities for a few days following a ceasefire announcement by President Trump but then resumed.
Ukraine says it targets Russian oil to reduce funding for Moscow’s war effort.
Both Russia and Ukraine have increasingly struck each other’s energy infrastructure during the ongoing conflict.
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Large protests happened in Paris, leading to violent fights between police and demonstrators. The reporter visited place de la République to show the situation after the clashes.
Key Facts
Protests took place in Paris, France.
There were violent clashes between police and protesters.
The location featured in the report is place de la République.
The event followed a day of demonstrations.
A video report by Antonia Kerrigan covers the aftermath.
Similar protests and unrest are reported in other countries like Albania and India.
The news mentions several related reports on French protests and government decisions.
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