Irish writer Sally Rooney's books have been pulled from sale in the UK because she supports Palestine Action, a group the British government has labeled as a terrorist organization. Her UK publisher said they cannot legally pay her earnings, and Rooney said continuing to publish her work might be a criminal offense.
Key Facts
Sally Rooney supports Palestine Action, a group banned as terrorist in the UK.
UK government outlawed Palestine Action after activists protested at a military base.
Supporting or belonging to the group can lead to up to 14 years in prison in the UK.
Rooney planned to use her book earnings to support Palestine Action.
Her UK publisher stopped selling her books, as they can’t pass earnings to her legally.
Ebooks of her work are removed in the UK, but some physical books remain in stores.
Rooney was unable to travel to the UK for an award due to fear of arrest.
Some UK politicians criticized the ban, expressing concern about limiting access to her writing.
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A Texas resident found several live grenades from World War II in a box bought at an estate sale. The Austin police bomb squad safely removed and disarmed the grenades after locking down the neighborhood to protect residents.
Key Facts
The grenades were found in a box purchased at a Texas estate sale.
They were described as live, active explosives from World War II, about 80 years old.
Austin police bomb squad handled the devices carefully due to their age and danger.
Police secured the area and kept neighbors safe during the operation.
The grenades included Mk 2 “pineapple” type fragmentation grenades used by US forces in WWII.
The grenades stayed in limited use by the US military until the 1960s.
Experts used X-rays to confirm the grenades were live but not an immediate threat.
Authorities remind people not to touch old military explosives and to call 911 if found.
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Ukraine’s satellite internet services provided by Starlink and Starshield were slowed down by SpaceX but have now returned to normal. Meanwhile, Ukraine carried out a strike on a Russian oil refinery, despite President Trump’s request to stop attacks on such facilities.
Key Facts
Ukraine uses Starlink and Starshield satellite services for communication and military operations.
SpaceX, owned by Elon Musk, limited these services for a short time this week.
The satellite services are now fully restored.
Ukraine struck a Russian oil refinery overnight, continuing its military actions.
President Trump had asked Ukraine to stop attacks on oil refineries.
Trump’s administration lifted sanctions on Russian oil sales last week, a move that upset Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Zelensky called Trump’s decision a gift to Russia’s President Putin.
It is not clear if President Trump directly ordered the satellite service restrictions.
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Elon Musk’s SpaceX has disrupted its Starlink internet service in Ukraine, which is important for Ukraine’s drone operations. This happens as the U.S. government increases pressure on Ukraine to stop attacks on Russian oil refineries, raising questions about Musk’s closer relationship with President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service is used by Ukraine for drone attacks.
Starlink service in Ukraine has recently experienced disruptions.
The U.S. government is pressing Ukraine to stop strikes on Russian oil refineries.
Elon Musk has increasingly close ties with President Donald Trump.
Musk suggested the U.S. government might be involved in slowing down the Starlink system in Ukraine.
Ukraine’s use of Starlink supports its long-range military operations.
There is public attention on how Musk’s relationship with Trump could affect aid to Ukraine.
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Chad has announced plans to leave the International Criminal Court (ICC), saying the court is inefficient and unfairly targets African countries. This move may make it harder to investigate war crimes connected to the conflict in nearby Sudan, especially as ICC investigators work with Sudanese refugees in Chad.
Key Facts
Chad announced its plan to withdraw from the ICC in July 2026.
Chad criticizes the ICC for being inefficient and targeting African nations more than others.
The ICC is investigating alleged war crimes related to the conflict in Sudan.
Sudanese refugees are currently sheltering in eastern Chad.
ICC investigators are working with these refugees to gather information.
Chad’s exit could slow or complicate future war crime investigations.
Humanitarian groups remain active in Chad, helping people displaced by the Sudan conflict.
This information was reported by FRANCE 24 on October 15, 2026.
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Ukraine has started drone attacks again on Russian oil refineries after President Zelensky said the energy ceasefire by President Trump ended. One recent attack hit a refinery in Russia’s Ryazan region near Moscow.
Key Facts
Ukraine resumed drone attacks on Russian oil refineries on Thursday.
Ukrainian President Zelensky announced that the energy ceasefire agreed by President Trump is over.
The latest attack targeted a refinery in the Ryazan region of Russia, southeast of Moscow.
Russia’s Defense Ministry and Ryazan Governor confirmed the attack on Telegram.
The Ryazan refinery experienced material damage due to the drone strike.
The energy ceasefire was an agreement to stop attacks on energy infrastructure.
The resumption of attacks signals ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
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Ukraine's access to Starshield, a military satellite system run by the U.S. government and SpaceX, was temporarily limited, affecting Ukraine’s defense against Russian attacks. Elon Musk said the U.S. controls Starshield, and President Donald Trump’s administration planned to investigate the restrictions.
Key Facts
Ukraine's use of Starshield satellites was restricted at speeds over 100 miles per hour.
The limitations disrupted Ukrainian drone and air defense operations near Kyiv during Russian attacks.
Starshield is owned and controlled by the U.S. government, while SpaceX provides the satellite system.
Ukrainian officials reported that high-speed access to Starshield has since been restored.
Elon Musk stated that any usage limits are set by the U.S. military and ultimately by the U.S. president.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused SpaceX and the U.S. of blocking Starlink access.
President Donald Trump said the U.S. continues to share intelligence with Ukraine.
U.S. lawmakers demand an end to restrictions on Ukraine's access to Starshield, citing its importance for defense.
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Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said his country will continue striking Russian oil refineries, despite U.S. President Donald Trump's request not to. This follows tension after President Trump eased sanctions on Russia to allow more diesel to enter global markets.
Key Facts
Ukraine will carry on attacks on Russian oil refineries.
President Zelensky opposed President Trump’s demand to stop these strikes.
Relations between Kyiv (Ukraine’s capital) and Washington have worsened recently.
President Trump eased sanctions on Russia last week.
The easing allows Russia to sell more diesel fuel worldwide.
The deal caused disagreement between Ukraine and the U.S.
The news was reported on October 15, 2026.
The report comes from France 24’s International Affairs Editor Angela Diffley.
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A school roof collapsed in Peshawar, Pakistan, killing at least 33 students and one teacher. Many others were hurt, with some trapped under the rubble, as the building was overloaded and had poor-quality construction.
Key Facts
The roof collapse happened at Al-Khair school in Peshawar on October 15, 2026.
At least 33 pupils and one teacher died in the accident.
More than a dozen people were injured, some seriously.
The collapse started on the top floor and caused ceilings on lower floors to fall in.
The building was temporary, with weak roof slabs and too much weight for its structure.
Rescue workers had difficulty reaching the school because of narrow streets.
The school owner has been arrested, and officials are investigating if building rules were broken.
The local government ordered safety checks for all schools to prevent similar accidents.
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Protests in Albania have lasted for three days with thousands of students demanding better university conditions and the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. Clashes between police and protesters caused damage to government buildings, and the protests have spread to smaller cities.
Key Facts
Demonstrations began over poor university conditions, high tuition fees, and demands for Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation.
Protests continued for three consecutive days with violence, including property damage and clashes with police.
Protesters blocked streets, set fires, and tried to approach government buildings like the education ministry and parliament.
Prime Minister Rama condemned the violence and blamed opposition figures for causing chaos.
Protesters circulated an ultimatum demanding Prime Minister Rama step down by a set deadline.
The protests were partly triggered by a controversial luxury hotel project linked to President Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka Trump and son-in-law Jared Kushner.
The unrest has involved thousands of people and spread from the capital, Tirana, to smaller cities like Korce.
Students aim for better healthcare, education opportunities, and affordable living and studying conditions.
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A severe drought has been declared in six areas of England, with some reservoirs at very low levels, threatening water supplies for homes and businesses. Authorities are taking urgent actions to manage water use, but some restrictions on non-essential business water use have not yet been approved.
Key Facts
Six areas in England (Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, Somerset, East Sussex, West Sussex) are officially in severe drought.
Reservoirs such as Ardingly and Wimbleball are critically low, only about 19% and 16% full, while normal levels should be around 75%.
Water companies want to limit water use for businesses like golf clubs and car washes, but these non-essential bans have not been approved.
The Environment Agency will increase monitoring of water levels and water quality due to risks from low water dilution.
The drought is partly caused by climate change, leading to the driest April to September period in more than 100 years.
Water companies are expected to follow drought plans strictly to protect public water supplies.
The government asks everyone to use less water to support rivers, wildlife, and farming.
Environment Secretary Angela Eagle emphasized the seriousness of the drought and the need for careful water use.
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The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan, made her first official public appearance in the UK since moving back from California. She and her husband, the Duke of Sussex, visited several charities in Nottingham, meeting people and taking part in community activities.
Key Facts
Meghan and Prince Harry returned to the UK with their children in August 2026.
Their visit to Nottingham included stops at a youth charity, a food bank, and other community projects.
They are attending these events as private citizens, not as working members of the royal family.
Meghan spoke with people in the crowd and shared personal insights about her daughter’s interests.
The couple helped prepare food parcels and joined a friendship bracelet-making workshop.
Nottingham holds special meaning for them as it was where they first appeared together publicly after announcing their engagement in 2017.
Local police were informed and a private security team accompanied them during the visit.
The charities they visited are causes they have supported for many years.
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Jeffrey Donaldson, a former leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) in Northern Ireland, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for sexual offences against two women when they were children. The court found him guilty of multiple counts, including rape, and he will remain on the sex offender register indefinitely.
Key Facts
Jeffrey Donaldson was sentenced to 15 years: 11 years for rape and 4 years for other sexual offences, to be served one after the other.
The crimes occurred between 1985 and 2008, against two victims who were children at the time.
Donaldson showed no remorse during sentencing and denied all charges, planning to appeal.
The victims displayed courage by coming forward, which helped bring the case to justice.
Donaldson was a prominent public figure and former DUP leader involved in post-Brexit Northern Ireland politics.
His wife was accused of aiding the offences but was found unfit to stand trial due to mental health issues.
The DUP condemned Donaldson’s crimes and expressed sympathy for the victims.
Police and the judge emphasized that no one is above the law, regardless of status.
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India is changing how it deals with the United States because of lessons learned from China. While many in India see President Donald Trump’s time as unusual, the change actually started during President Joe Biden’s term.
Key Facts
India is adjusting its relationship with the United States based on experiences with China.
Many Indian leaders think President Donald Trump was a temporary or unusual case.
The shift in India’s approach began during President Joe Biden’s time in office.
India’s strategic community is paying close attention to U.S. policies toward China.
This change reflects broader concerns about global power and alliances.
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Irish author Sally Rooney’s books will stop being supplied to UK bookstores because she supports Palestine Action, a group banned as a terrorist organization in Britain. Her publisher, Faber, said UK laws prevent them from passing book earnings to her, as Rooney plans to use profits to support this group, which faces legal bans due to its protests and illegal actions.
Key Facts
Sally Rooney is a popular Irish writer known for books like "Normal People" and "Conversations with Friends."
Rooney publicly supports Palestine Action, a UK group labeled as a terrorist organization in July 2025.
Palestine Action protests and sabotages companies linked to supplying weapons to Israel.
The UK government banned Palestine Action because of criminal damage and an attack on a military air base.
UK law makes supporting or being part of a banned terrorist group a crime.
Rooney intends to donate her book earnings to Palestine Action.
Publisher Faber will not supply her books in the UK as they cannot legally send Rooney’s earnings to her.
There have been many protests and arrests in the UK related to support for Palestine Action.
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New research suggests that genetic differences on the X chromosome may help explain why autism is diagnosed about four times more often in boys than in girls. Scientists studied families and found genetic variants that mothers can carry without effects, but which may increase the chance of autism in their sons.
Key Facts
Autism is diagnosed roughly four times more often in boys than girls.
The study focused on genetic differences passed from healthy mothers to their autistic sons.
Researchers studied the X chromosome because males have one X and females have two.
Mothers may be protected from gene variants by their second X chromosome, while sons are more vulnerable.
The study analyzed genetic data from over 8,000 families and identified 22 rare gene variants linked to autism.
Autism affects communication, social behavior, and interaction.
Experts caution that autism is complex and not caused by a single genetic factor.
Girls with autism may be underdiagnosed due to different behavior patterns or less obvious symptoms.
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Ukraine is facing increased Russian missile attacks that cause deaths and damage. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said NATO’s early-warning satellite intelligence has stopped being shared, making it harder to respond in time, but the U.S. denies this. There is tension as President Donald Trump has called for an energy ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia during the conflict.
Key Facts
Russian missiles have struck Ukraine repeatedly, killing at least 15 people this week and injuring many more.
Ukraine relies on NATO satellites to detect missile launches early, giving about 10 minutes to warn people.
President Zelenskyy said intelligence data from satellites is no longer being shared, but the U.S. denies stopping it.
Without satellite data, Ukraine’s air defenses and drones have less time and accuracy to respond.
President Trump called for an energy ceasefire to stop attacks on oil and power sites in both countries.
Ukraine was surprised by Trump’s ceasefire announcement, and Russia continued attacks on Ukraine’s energy targets.
Analysts say Trump wants peace talks to push Ukraine toward compromises favorable to Russia.
Kyiv had paused attacks on Russian refineries for three days but resumed drone strikes recently.
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President Donald Trump has said he will not attack Iran before the U.S. midterm elections on November 3 but hinted the conflict might end afterward. Meanwhile, Iran has increased attacks on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments, while the U.S. military has sent more forces to the region.
Key Facts
The U.S. and Israel began attacking Iran on February 28, triggering Iranian counterattacks in the Gulf and nearby areas.
Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz early in the conflict; this route carries about 20% of the world’s oil and natural gas.
Oil prices rose from about $72 per barrel before the conflict to nearly $120 earlier this year; prices were around $104 recently.
A ceasefire in June failed over control of the Strait of Hormuz, with the U.S. maintaining a naval blockade on Iranian ports.
Iran has increased attacks on ships in the strait, using new tactics against vessels it sees as breaking its rules.
The U.S. has at least three aircraft carrier strike groups in or heading to the Gulf and about 50,000 troops at bases in the Middle East.
The U.S. is likely to continue its naval blockade and escorting commercial ships through the strait, balancing protection and avoiding open conflict.
Drones are increasingly used by the U.S. for intelligence and attacks, which is less expensive than using aircraft.
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France is facing high poverty and growing hunger. Oxfam France says tax laws have helped rich people more and made inequality worse. They are asking courts to check if the government is breaking rules on fair taxes.
Key Facts
Poverty in France is at its highest level in many years.
Hunger is increasing in the country.
Oxfam France is a group that supports people in need and fights inequality.
Oxfam challenges the tax system in France, saying it favors the rich.
They want the courts to see if the government is failing its legal duties about fair taxes.
France is dealing with financial problems and debates about its budget.
Experts say tax laws have been changed over time to help wealthy people more.
This court case might make tax fairness a legal issue for years.
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Sergei Sokolov, the editor-in-chief of the independent Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta, was detained after authorities searched his home. He was taken to Moscow's Investigative Committee for questioning.
Key Facts
Sergei Sokolov leads Novaya Gazeta, an independent newspaper in Russia.
He was detained following a search of his home by Russian authorities on October 15, 2026.
Sokolov was taken to the Investigative Committee in Moscow for questioning.
Novaya Gazeta is labeled a "foreign agent" by Russian authorities, a classification that targets independent media.
The newspaper has faced difficulties since Russia's 2022 military actions in Ukraine and increased censorship.
Many independent Russian journalists have gone into exile due to strict government controls.
The newspaper lost contact with Sokolov just before an editorial meeting on the day of his detention.
A lawyer was sent to assist Sokolov after his detention.
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