Keurig’s $499.99 Alta single-serve machine replaces plastic-and-aluminum pods with AltaRounds: pressed coffee pucks covered in a seaweed-derived coating that are fully compostable. They currently come in plastic wrappers, though Keurig plans to move to paper. The machine also makes espresso and can be preordered ahead of October 21 shipping.
Franz Reindl of Germany narrowly defeated Czech candidate Petr Briza, 60-57, in a runoff to become the International Ice Hockey Federation’s new president. The former forward, who was part of West Germany’s 1976 Olympic bronze medal team, will serve until 2030.
Germany’s Franz Reindl has been elected the 15th president of the International Ice Hockey Federation, the organization said. After nine candidates competed, Reindl won the second round with 60 votes, or 51.28%, against Czech candidate Petr Briza’s 57 votes.
Assisi honours St Francis as a figure of peace and diplomacy on the 800th anniversary of his death and the 4 October holiday. The occasion recalls his meeting with Egypt’s sultan and the lasting lessons associated with the charismatic saint.
Assisi is marking the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis’s death and honouring him as a symbol of peace and diplomacy. The commemoration revisits his meeting with the Sultan of Egypt and considers what the charismatic figure can still teach today.
Russian Baltic Fleet naval aviation crews carried out an exercise near Kaliningrad, simulating the destruction of underground command posts belonging to an enemy. The drills included precision bombing, combat maneuvers and evasion of simulated fighter aircraft and air defenses, with about 50 training sorties involving more than 15 aircraft and over 100 personnel.
Violent student unrest intensified across France on Friday, with riot police clashing with teenagers, about 400 high schools closed and authorities reporting roughly 2,000 arrests since the protests began. The government increasingly blamed the hard-left France Unbowed party, while students cited overcrowding, teacher shortages, long school days and deteriorating facilities.
France 24’s Olivia Bizot reports from Aubervilliers, a Paris suburb, where protests over school conditions have produced what she describes as “apocalyptic” scenes. The movement began in the Paris region last week and quickly spread nationwide, with teenage pupils blocking buildings and clashing with police.
Riot police clashed with high school students in cities across France on Friday as President Emmanuel Macron’s government sought to contain increasingly violent protests over classroom conditions and funding. The movement has closed or disrupted education at more than 560 institutions.
A nationwide French high-school protest over overcrowded classes and teacher shortages has brought clashes with police, street fires and school blockades. At least 400 of the country’s 3,700 high schools were closed Friday, while 560 reported protests or disruption. At least 170 students and 65 staff members were injured, and more than 100 schools suffered severe damage.
Thousands of French secondary students are protesting underfunded education, overcrowded classrooms, deteriorating buildings and poor teacher pay. Hundreds of high schools were closed or barricaded, while students accused police of excessive force. The government called their grievances legitimate but condemned what it described as “urban violence”; injuries have been reported among students and education staff, and the protests may continue next week.
Hundreds of French high schools closed on Friday after nationwide student protests over school conditions escalated into violence, turning the unrest into a growing national crisis.
Student protests over grievances involving France’s education system turned violent in some areas. About 400 schools are expected to remain closed on Friday.
Hundreds of high schools in France have closed as students launch new protests over school conditions. They say school hours are excessively long, classrooms can be overheated, conditions are inadequate and too many staff are absent.
Hundreds of high schools in France have closed as student protests grow. A photograph shows charred debris and the burned-out entrance of Beaugrenelle secondary school in Paris.
Student protests over teacher shortages, deteriorating school buildings and a lack of learning materials continued across France, leaving more than 400 schools and educational establishments closed on Friday. Police have made around 2,000 arrests and scores of people were injured, while some protests turned violent. The education minister called for dialogue, but student unions urged further strike action and mass protests.
Nearly 400 high schools across France closed on Friday as pupils continued a week-long protest over poor conditions, including overheated classrooms and teacher shortages. Clashes with police have led to about 2,000 arrests, while some protesters also denounced alleged police violence.
French high-school protests have escalated into what the education ministry calls “urban violence”, damaging about 100 schools and injuring 40 headteachers. Nearly 3,000 students have been detained. Pupils cite overloaded timetables, crowded classes, staff shortages and heat, while riot police confront the unrest. Around 400 schools remain closed.
Around 400 French schools will remain closed on Friday as student protests that began in Paris-region high schools last week spread nationwide and become increasingly violent. Students cite teacher shortages and run-down buildings, while the government blames the hard left for starting the movement.
Around 400 schools in France are expected to stay closed on Friday after student demonstrations that began over education grievances escalated into violence in some areas.
New York Attorney General Letitia James said the Cornell case is now an active criminal investigation. Gov. Kathy Hochul supports changing state sexual assault law to address an intoxication “loophole” and vowed the case would not be swept “under the rug.”
Cornell Universitysexual assault investigationNew York
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said she believes a former Cornell student who alleges she was raped by fraternity members in 2024 was failed by the people and institutions responsible for protecting her. Hochul said she appointed Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor in the investigation.
Cornell Universitysexual assault investigationNew York
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is expected to speak about tapping state Attorney General Letitia James to take over the investigation into a rape allegation at Cornell. The move comes as questions mount over how local officials handled the case.
New YorkCornell Universityrape allegationinvestigation
A special prosecutor is taking over the investigation into the alleged 2024 gang rape of a former Cornell University student. Renewed national outrage and demands for accountability have revived debate over sexual assault on college campuses.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul appointed a special prosecutor to investigate a woman’s claim that she was drugged and sexually assaulted by seven fraternity members. The appointment comes as protests mount over Cornell University’s handling of the initial investigation.
Israel is investigating whether someone directed the Flydubai co-pilot who attacked the captain and allegedly tried to crash a passenger plane, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. He vowed that whoever sent the attacker would pay a “very heavy price.” The Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia on September 30, leaving both pilots injured.
Russian Foreign Ministry Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik called accusations against Russia in a UN OHCHR report on sexual violence during the Ukraine conflict baseless fabrications. He said the report relied on unverifiable confidential sources and interviews with alleged victims whose existence could not be confirmed, and was intended to demonize Russia and its military personnel.
Argentina has introduced a citizenship-by-investment program offering wealthy applicants two routes: a non-refundable $350,000 contribution to the Treasury or an $800,000 government bond. Spouses and children can apply for reduced fees. The government says the scheme is meant to attract capital and strengthen the country’s fiscal and financial position, with applications due to open in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Argentinacitizenship by investmentimmigration policypublic finances
French President Emmanuel Macron plans to speak with his fellow G7 leaders about measures affecting crude and refined-product markets, the Elysee Palace said on Friday. Macron had already discussed the issue by phone with U.S. President Donald Trump.
The G7 says it will coordinate the release of up to 100 million barrels of strategic oil reserves through the IEA over four months, with a substantial diesel release in the first 20 days. Trump said Europe had agreed to release heavily stocked diesel, as energy prices surge amid the US-Israeli war with Iran and shipping constraints in the Strait of Hormuz.
🇪🇸 🪧 Protests continue in Spain over housing crisis
People are holding protests across Spain, calling on MPs to approve measures to tackle a housing crisis in a parliamentary vote. The package of measures to be put to the vote come after an 87-year-old pensioner was evicted from her Madrid apartment
🇪🇸 🪧 Protests continue in Spain over housing crisis
People are holding protests across Spain, calling on MPs to approve measures to tackle a housing crisis in a parliamentary vote. The package of measures to be put to the vote come after an 87-year-old pensioner was evicted from her Madrid apartment
The European Union firmly opposes any US ban on diesel exports, European Commission representative Anna-Kaisa Itkonen said, warning that it would weaken trust in the United States as a reliable partner. She said the Commission is coordinating with the IEA and G7 on using Europe’s strategic diesel reserves, while arguing that the IEA should decide whether to release them.
European UnionUnited Statesdiesel exportsstrategic reserves
European Commission spokesperson Anna-Kaisa Itkonen said on Friday that the European Union “fully rejects” the U.S. threat to ban diesel exports unless Europe releases more of its fuel stocks.
European UnionUnited Statesdiesel exportsfuel stocks
The EU pushed back on Friday against a US threat to ban diesel exports unless the bloc’s 28 members release more fuel stocks. An EU official said the move was “fully” rejected.
European UnionUnited Statesdiesel exportsfuel stocks
Abu Shehadeh withdrew from the election after what he described as a Zionist plot to remove all representatives of Palestinian Israelis from the electoral race.
Sami Abu Shehadeh, leader of the left-wing Palestinian Balad party, has withdrawn from Israel’s October 27 Knesset election after the Supreme Court indicated he could be disqualified. He said he had no other choice and accused efforts to block Arab parties of helping Benjamin Netanyahu and Itamar Ben-Gvir remain in power.
Israel’s Supreme Court has told Palestinian politician Sami Abu Shehadeh to withdraw from the upcoming election or risk disqualification. Analyst Ziad Abu Rish says the decision reveals an already rigged system that privileges Jewish Israelis over Palestinians.
Israeli Supreme CourtSami Abu Shehadehelection disqualificationPalestinian suppression
The US military is expected to deploy its NMESIS anti-ship missile system to Japan’s Yonaguni Island for the first time during the Keen Sword exercise with Japan, Bloomberg reported, citing sources. Japan may also position anti-ship and air-defense systems there. The drills are scheduled for October 19-29.
Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov said almost all G20 countries rejected a US proposal to revise most-favored-nation treatment. He described MFN as a fundamental trade and World Trade Organization principle that ensures market access and non-discrimination.
Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov said the G20 meeting in Milwaukee did not address secondary sanctions or punitive Western tariffs against countries deemed objectionable for various reasons. He said discussions focused on the international agenda, including economic development and trade.
Indian international affairs expert Malika Pandey said Russian President Vladimir Putin’s remarks on multipolarity at the Valdai Discussion Club’s plenary session strongly resonated in India. She said Russia’s emphasis on sovereignty, strategic independence and a more representative international order aligns with India’s foreign-policy tradition, while mutual trust keeps Russian-Indian ties relevant to the emerging world order.
Vladimir PutinValdai ForummultipolarityRussia-India relations
Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo say the Ebola outbreak has killed more than 4,000 people as violence and mistrust complicate efforts to contain the virus.
Democratic Republic of the CongoEbolaoutbreakpublic health
Government data showed that deaths from the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo have exceeded 4,000. The country’s worst epidemic on record continues to resist containment efforts.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that Europe had agreed to release a “massive amount” of diesel stocks, as fuel prices steadily increased ahead of the U.S. elections.
The Trump administration is pressing European countries to release emergency diesel reserves as prices surge in the US and Europe. EU officials are considering a response to a reported US proposal to release 120 million barrels over 180 days, while the bloc says it wants a coordinated effort to ease supply disruptions and prices.
Diesel prices have fallen sharply as the EU considers releasing 50mn barrels of reserves under pressure from US President Donald Trump. Trump has threatened to ban US fuel exports if Europe does not unlock its reserves.
Energy expert Osama Rizvi says releasing all 300 million barrels held in European reserves would cover only about 10 to 11 days of global diesel demand. He was commenting on President Trump’s call for European countries to release some of their diesel reserves.
European Union countries discussed a French proposal to release diesel stocks in response to US pressure and help cool surging fuel prices, according to sources.
Oil prices extended their losses after reports that European countries could release diesel and crude inventories. Reuters previously reported that EU nations were discussing a proposal to release diesel reserves following pressure from the Trump administration.
A major exhibition in London explores centuries of Korean art and belief. It features 10 national treasures and other works with official Korean designations recognising their cultural importance, most drawn from the collection of the late Samsung billionaire Lee Kun-hee.
Russia’s Defense Ministry says Russian forces took control of 17 communities in the Kharkov, Sumy and Zaporozhye Regions and the Donetsk People’s Republic between September 26 and October 2, including three in the previous 24 hours. It also says Battlegroup North blocked all Ukrainian attempts to break out of an encirclement in northeastern Kharkov Region and that Russian forces carried out multiple strikes on Ukrainian logistics, communications and energy facilities.
Alaska Airlines is extending its decade-long competition with Delta Air Lines in Seattle to overseas routes. It plans to use widebody jets obtained through its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines to compete directly for premium international travelers.
Alaska AirlinesDelta Air LinesSeattleinternational aviation
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul says the accuser in the Cornell fraternity gang-rape case was “failed” by those tasked with protecting her, with police and the county prosecutor among them.
The alleged gang rape at Cornell University has shocked people worldwide and prompted questions about institutional failure and toxic masculinity. Student journalists broke the story before national media followed. Although much of the coverage was strong, some reports poorly framed officials’ statements alongside Jane Doe’s allegations.
Cornell Universityalleged gang rapemedia coverageinstitutional failure
The Kyiv Independent reports from Odesa and the surrounding region on how intensified Russian attacks are threatening the city, its ports and Ukraine’s vital Black Sea trade route. The report also follows Ukrainian military medics from the battlefield to Sweden for a short mental-health retreat.
David Ellison says the combined Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery will be called Skydance. The announcement marks a full-circle moment for a company that has completed two major acquisitions in the past 18 months.
Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison says the company will use the name Skydance after completing its $110 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, expected on October 6. A judge’s approval of Paramount’s settlement with California and 11 other states has cleared the deal’s last major obstacle.
Türkiye and Georgia have signed an education cooperation agreement. Tekin said that the stronger the two countries and their neighbours are, the stronger peace, human rights and democracy will be in the region.
Texas reporter Michael Graczyk, who has covered nearly 500 executions, says he has never seen an inmate survive after lethal drugs were administered. Christa Pike remained breathing and audibly snoring after two doses of pentobarbital in Tennessee. Governor Bill Lee halted executions and ordered an independent review.
death penaltyTennesseeChrista Pikebotched execution
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has halted executions for the rest of the year while investigators examine how convicted murderer Christa Pike survived two doses of lethal injection. Pike’s attorneys say she remains alive and in critical condition, but her prognosis is unclear.
Alibaba Group has held talks with Spanish clean-energy producer Solaria Energía y Medio Ambiente about potentially supplying electricity to a data center in Spain, according to people familiar with the matter.
The Indian pilot, hailed as a hero, described being stabbed by the other pilot while the FlyDubai plane dropped steeply, saying he had to struggle to survive.
FlyDubai captain Smit Machchhar told Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he was fighting for his life after his copilot allegedly stabbed him while the aircraft plunged. He opened the cockpit door, enabling passengers to subdue the copilot and help stabilize the plane. Machchhar is recovering in the UAE and says he expects to make a full recovery.
Almog Italie and his family were flying home from a vacation in Japan when FlyDubai flight FZ1073 suddenly plunged. Italie was among 174 people aboard after one pilot allegedly stabbed the other in an attempt to crash the aircraft; the plane dropped 30,000 feet in less than 30 seconds.
Flydubai Flight FZ1073 plunged about 17,000 feet in two minutes while its copilot stabbed Captain Smit Machchhar. Despite his injuries, Machchhar opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to overpower the attacker and regain control before the aircraft crashed.
Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, who was stabbed by his co-pilot on a Flydubai flight to Israel, has described struggling to open the cockpit door while under attack. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with him by video call and called him a hero.
The pilot stabbed during a suspected terror attack on a Flydubai flight is speaking publicly about the incident for the first time. He says he fought back in desperation and opened the cockpit door, a decision credited with saving lives, and became emotional while recalling the near-disaster.
The Indian captain credited with helping stop an apparent attempt to crash a Flydubai flight said his co-pilot stabbed him as the aircraft entered a steep descent. He described fighting for his life during the minutes that followed.
The United States and Australia have suspended consular services ahead of Brazil’s presidential vote. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva faces presidential candidate and Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, with Lula holding a 3-point lead in a runoff scenario.
Brazil electionUnited StatesAustraliaconsular services
Today is the final day to reserve an exhibit table at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026. From October 13–15, more than 10,000 founders, investors, operators and technology leaders will gather at San Francisco’s Moscone West to discover companies, products, ideas and people worth knowing.
Spanish Congress rejected the bills after last-minute talks, leaving Pedro Sánchez’s government without two key housing measures and highlighting its difficulty in securing support in Congress.
The Spanish government has suffered a major defeat in Congress, where its plan to address a housing crisis was rejected in a critical vote. Public protests over the crisis intensified last month after an 87-year-old woman was evicted.
The U.K. sanctioned seven Russians on Oct. 1 over their alleged involvement in the forced deportation and re-education of Ukrainian children from occupied territories. Those targeted include Artur Orlov, head of the state-backed Movement of the First, regional branch leaders, and Elena Milskaya. Measures include asset freezes and travel bans.
UK sanctionsUkrainian childrenRussiaoccupied territories
The Supreme Court is set to open its new term with several high-profile cases involving President Trump on its docket. NBC News’ Lawrence Hurley outlines the cases to watch.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for accusing Russia of revisionism while apparently misunderstanding the term. She said Russia opposes Nazism, fascism, colonialism, racism, terrorism and dictatorship, and respects the outcome of World War II, the Nuremberg verdicts, the UN Charter and international law.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Friday that any country or organization found responsible for the violent clash aboard an Israel-bound FlyDubai flight would pay a “very heavy price.” He alleged that the co-pilot who stabbed the captain had undergone “Islamist radicalisation,” while the motive remains unclear.
UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash called the incident aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 a “terrorist act” and praised Indian captain Smit Machchhar for regaining control after being attacked with a knife by his co-pilot. The Dubai–Tel Aviv flight diverted to Saudi Arabia and landed safely in Tabuk. An investigation will examine possible links to terrorism.
Indian Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar says he fought back after being attacked by his co-pilot on a flight bound for Israel because he could not let everyone on board die. He opened the cockpit door, enabling passengers to overpower the attacker. The plane landed safely in Saudi Arabia, with everyone surviving. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him in hospital.
Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar told India’s prime minister, Narendra Modi, that he forced himself back to his feet after being stabbed by his co-pilot because passengers could otherwise have died. He opened the cockpit door, enabling passengers to restrain the attacker as the 182-person flight descended sharply before diverting to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Speaking from a hospital bed in Abu Dhabi, Smit Machchhar recounted the dramatic attack to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a video call, including his desperate attempt to open the cockpit door to get help.
SpaceX’s new Starship rocket reached low-Earth orbit for the first time on its 14th flight. The mission also deployed the first 26 next-generation Starlink V3 satellites, opening significant growth potential for the network, while Rocket Lab secured a major contract.
Eritrea has severed diplomatic relations with Ethiopia after Addis Ababa closed its embassy in Asmara and expelled 10 Eritrean diplomats. Fighting between Ethiopian federal forces and a Tigrayan-led opposition alliance has intensified in the north, with analysts warning that the unrest could spill into neighbouring states and further destabilise war-torn Sudan.
Ethiopia ordered its embassy in Eritrea closed on Thursday and declared 10 Eritrean diplomats persona non grata. Asmara responded by severing all diplomatic ties with its neighbour, after overnight blasts in Addis Ababa raised fears that renewed conflict in northern Ethiopia could spread.
Ken Urker, partner of Gypsy Rose Blanchard, found dead at Louisiana home
FlashTranslated by Minutes
🇫🇷 French far-right party leader Bardella accused of antisemitism
A French investigative journalism website says it has been able to authenticate antisemitic messages from 2013 attributed to Jordan Bardella, the de facto deputy of far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen
🇫🇷 French far-right party leader Bardella accused of antisemitism
A French investigative journalism website says it has been able to authenticate antisemitic messages from 2013 attributed to Jordan Bardella, the de facto deputy of far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen
Friday's findings from a detailed inquiry commissioned by King Willem-Alexander say the monarchy was ‘wholeheartedly’ involved in colonial exploitation, gained from centuries of Dutch colonial policy and helped keep the country's slave trade going.
Youth protesters returned to the streets in New Delhi, demanding the resignation of Election Commission chief Gyanesh Kumar. Police detained hundreds, while authorities closed metro stations and suspended internet access. Critics accuse the election body of serving Modi’s BJP and disproportionately removing vulnerable people from voter lists.
India politicsyouth protestsElection CommissionNew Delhi
India’s “Cockroach” youth movement is urging protests in Mumbai and calling for the chief election commissioner to resign over controversial revisions to voter lists.
Indian security forces responded forcefully to protests in New Delhi and Mumbai demanding the election commission chief’s resignation. More than 500 people, including opposition and student activists, were reportedly arrested in New Delhi. Critics say voter-list changes removed eligible voters and benefited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party, while the commission denies the allegations.
India politicsElection Commissionvoter rollsprotests
Police in New Delhi detained opposition politicians and demonstrators during protests calling for India’s chief election commissioner to resign. Thousands of officers were mobilised and roads were blocked as crowds gathered in the capital.
Thousands are expected to rally in central New Delhi demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the removal of voters from electoral rolls. Opposition leaders and critics say the revision disproportionately affects minority voters and question the Election Commission’s independence. Police have deployed heavily, barricaded entrances and imposed restrictions on public gatherings.
India politicsNew Delhi protestElection Commissionvoter rolls
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to face renewed pressure on Friday as the Gen Z-led Cockroach Janata Party and a separate coalition of student and activist groups hold fresh protests demanding the election chief’s resignation.
The WHO said global average life expectancy reached 73.3 years in 2023, close to 73.4 years in 2019. Healthy life expectancy recovered more slowly at 62.8 years. Noncommunicable diseases caused 74% of deaths worldwide, with ischemic heart disease accounting for about 9.5 million deaths and ranking as the leading cause.
global life expectancyWHOnoncommunicable diseasescardiovascular disease
Prominent climate figures are urging governments, businesses, institutions and the public to accelerate solar deployment so everyone, everywhere can have clean, affordable energy by 2030. Solar and battery costs have fallen sharply and capacity is expanding quickly, but universal access would require a much faster pace of electrification, especially in sub-Saharan Africa.
solar powerrenewable energyclimate changeenergy access
Kalashnikov Group is displaying the BK-10E high-speed assault boat, the BK-16E armored transport and landing craft, and the Khaska civilian passenger-and-cargo hovercraft at the ADEX 2026 defense exhibition in Baku. The company says the vessels are suited to transport, landing, supply and rescue missions in the Caspian Sea, including shallow-water operations.
Italy is raising defense spending and plans to keep doing so to meet NATO targets, Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said. He said additional resources should strengthen counter-drone capabilities, artificial intelligence and an integrated air defense system. Spending has reached 2.8% of GDP, with a 5% target over the next decade.
RealFi has launched the USDrf dollar token and yield-bearing sUSDrf on Cardano, linking stablecoin capital to real-world credit. Cardano’s DeFi total value locked is about $67 million, down more than half from roughly $150 million in May, while stablecoin liquidity is nearing $70 million. Retail users rely on supported decentralized exchanges, whereas verified institutions can mint and redeem directly subject to queues, limits and liquidity controls.
Bitcoin climbed back toward $87,000 on Friday as selling pressure around $85,000 faded, according to Glassnode. Disappointing US jobs data accompanied the move.
As the Trump administration considers how to address historically high gas and diesel prices, a growing number of US states are taking action independently.
United StatesTrump administrationgas pricesdiesel prices
French high school students set fires outside schools and confronted police on Friday as protests forced the closure or disrupted education at more than 560 establishments. The movement showed no sign of easing, while demonstrations that began as student protests spiralled into violence.
Student protests that began nearly two weeks ago in Seine-Saint-Denis have spread across France, with hundreds of lycées blockaded or closed and fires reported at schools, including a destroyed hall in Nantes. Staff, police and firefighters have been injured, while student groups report injuries among protesters. Demands include more funding, teachers, smaller classes and better buildings; the government fears further violence and political manipulation ahead of elections.
Many schools across France remain closed as protests over learning conditions continue. The demonstrations have involved violence and blockades, with hundreds of arrests, while Al Jazeera’s Natacha Butler spoke with students protesting in Paris.
Sociologist and Paris VIII University professor Éric Fassin says the student protests are above all a demand for equality, dignity and recognition. Students from working-class suburbs are seeking the basic conditions needed to study and, ultimately, the same opportunities as students elsewhere. The movement has spread beyond the Paris suburbs while retaining its social, political and democratic meaning, amid France’s longer history of repressing social movements.
The price of Russian gas supplied to China could increase 3% in 2026 to $247.9 per 1,000 cubic meters and rise another 1.4% in 2027, according to documents linked to Russia’s draft federal budget. Prices are forecast to return close to this year’s level in 2028-2029. Gazprom supplied China with 38.8 billion cubic meters through the Power of Siberia pipeline in 2025.
Shares in Finnish nuclear technology company Steady Energy fell nearly 6% on their Friday debut on Nasdaq Helsinki First North. The stock opened at its oversubscribed IPO price of €10.00 per share before declining.
Nuclear technology group Steady Energy falls in market debut
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🇦🇫 🎶 Rebellious Afghan taxi drivers defy ban on music
Taxi drivers in Afghanistan are turning on the tunes in their cars, defying a ban imposed by the Taliban government despite the fear of getting caught by morality police
🇦🇫 🎶 Rebellious Afghan taxi drivers defy ban on music
Taxi drivers in Afghanistan are turning on the tunes in their cars, defying a ban imposed by the Taliban government despite the fear of getting caught by morality police
A mobile laboratory in Butembo, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, is reducing the time needed for Ebola tests. Results are available within 24 hours and, in some cases, in as little as six hours.
Ebolamobile laboratoryDemocratic Republic of Congo
Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken says European countries lack the resources for combat operations or other threats after years of prioritizing social welfare and soft power. He described Belgium as having been one of NATO’s worst performers on defense spending. As Europe raises military outlays, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov accused NATO of pursuing “reckless militarization.”
Manchester City has appealed an independent commission ruling that found the club guilty of serious Premier League financial breaches. The league said City used “sham” commercial contracts to inflate revenue and understate costs by more than £900m. City denies wrongdoing and says the decision contains material errors of law, principle and fact.
Manchester CityPremier Leaguefinancial breachesappeal
Manchester City is expected to appeal by Friday against findings that it breached Premier League financial rules. The club denies wrongdoing and says it has “irrefutable evidence” to clear its name. The case is also drawing questions from HMRC and could prompt compensation claims from rival clubs, players and agents.
Manchester CityPremier Leaguefinancial breachesappeal
Iranian First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref said Iran regards the Eurasian Economic Union as one of the most important platforms for regional cooperation. He said the country should turn existing potential into trade, investment and joint development, and highlighted possible energy and transport projects and Iran’s role as a transit link for Eurasian trade.
IranEurasian Economic Unionregional cooperationtrade and investment
Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said on Friday that participation in the EU naval mission protecting Red Sea shipping remains inadequate. Rome is urging allies to do more to safeguard traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Japan has imposed new sanctions on Russian companies and individuals, including Rostec executives, dozens of organizations and 35 ships Tokyo believes may be linked to Moscow. Four companies from Turkey and the UAE were also placed on designation lists. Japanese authorities are considering further measures, including action against Russia’s so-called shadow fleet and tighter export controls.
Japan is not currently considering specific new sanctions against Russia, ruling Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Muneo Suzuki told TASS. He said Tokyo is focused on extending existing economic restrictions, particularly the asset freeze, after a report suggested the government was weighing measures targeting Russia’s so-called shadow fleet and tighter export controls.
Norwegian wildlife photographer Lasse Huldt Pedersen recalls coming almost face-to-face with a wolf in eastern Norway in 2022. The brief encounter swept away everyday stress and distractions, leaving him acutely aware of the fragile boundary between humans and the wild, and of the instinctive presence modern life often suppresses.
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