World
The latest world news and analysis from JournalArta Global.
France Deploys 70,000 Officers for Halloween Protests on Saturday
French authorities are preparing for cost-of-living protests on Halloween, deploying 70,000 police and gendarmes as officials warn of possible violence after rallies end. The demonstrations are part of a wider wave of youth-led protests across Europe over living costs and public services. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said peaceful marches would be allowed, but most would not be permitted in city centres where officials see a risk of disorder.
Italy tightens security as students and unions protest
Italy increased security as tens of thousands of students and union members marched in dozens of cities over living costs, education spending and wars in the Middle East. Police guarded major landmarks in Rome and Milan, while the protests also renewed calls to keep ports from transporting military supplies. The demonstrations followed recent clashes in Milan and came as the government discussed its 2027 budget.
Richardson Convicted of Murdering Cyclist After 1.3-Mile Drive
Simon Richardson was convicted of murdering cyclist Michael Mullins after driving on with Mullins trapped beneath his car in Greater Manchester. The court heard Richardson later tried to free him on a farm track, then drove away after Mullins was released. Richardson was also convicted of dangerous driving following a police pursuit and is due to be sentenced on Monday.
France Italy Europe Swept by Cost-of-Living Protests
Protests over living costs, housing and public services have spread across France, Italy and other European countries. France plans to deploy about 70,000 police officers and gendarmes for demonstrations on October 31, while unions have announced further strikes in November.
Southport survivor says medical-record access violated her
Yoga teacher Leanne Lucas says she feels violated after two more NHS staff came under investigation over alleged access to Southport victims’ medical records. Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital said a retrospective audit identified the cases, and both staff members were suspended as a precaution while the investigation continues.
Europe Keeps Tightening Sanctions as US Weighs Russia Deal
The European Union is preparing a 22nd sanctions package targeting networks that supply Russia’s armed forces, while Washington considers economic incentives to encourage talks on Ukraine. The differing approaches raise questions about how effectively restrictions can work when the governments imposing them disagree over when they should be lifted.
Binance Says It Will Cover Losses After $6bn Hack Attributed to North Korea
Binance is racing to freeze assets after a $6.3bn hack that analysts attributed to North Korea’s TraderTraitor unit. The exchange says it will cover all hacking losses and has temporarily suspended deposits and withdrawals while it checks its systems. About $3bn has been located so far, while bitcoin and shares in crypto-related companies fell after the breach.
Damascus Drivers Switch to Electric Cars as Petrol Costs Bite
Fuel price hikes and poor-quality petrol are pushing some Damascus drivers toward electric cars, mostly Chinese-made. Taxi drivers, showroom staff and a ride-hailing manager describe lower running costs and rising demand, though most Syrians still cannot afford the switch.
Old Video Falsely Tied To Europe-Inspired Montreal Protests
A video shared on Facebook, Instagram and X as proof of French-style protest violence in Montreal was actually filmed in November 2024 at a demonstration against a NATO conference. Recent Montreal protests inspired by France have stayed small and largely calm.
France Bans Halloween Gatherings as 70,000 Officers Deploy Nationwide
French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said about 70,000 police officers and gendarmes will deploy this weekend. Authorities will ban Halloween gatherings that urge a revolution and bar protests from city centers, after weeks of unrest over living costs and police violence.
Israel Election Results: Qatar Denies Netanyahu Vote Claims
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Arab Israeli parties used foreign backing to steal Tuesday's election, which cost his coalition its majority. Opposition leaders, police and election officials reject the claim, and Qatar denies any role.
Israel’s Election Rhetoric: What Candidates Said and Won
Israel's parliamentary election produced no clear winner, with neither bloc reaching the 61 seats needed. Netanyahu, Eisenkot and Bennett traded sharp words over Arab parties before, during and after the vote. Here is what each said and how they fared as counting neared 90 percent.
Russell Brand Says Friends Distanced Themselves After Allegations
Russell Brand told a jury at Southwark Crown Court that friends had distanced themselves after allegations of historical sex offences came to light. The comedian and actor denies three rape counts, three sexual assault counts and an attempted indecent assault involving six women. His testimony included an acknowledgment that he had allowed fame to facilitate sexual access, which he said was wrong.
One nation accuses trying to sway MP with staff offer
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson accused Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of trying to exert political influence after his office offered MP David Farley an additional staff member. Hanson said Farley had not requested the position, which could cost taxpayers as much as $200,000. Farley rejected the offer but did not rule out joining Labor, while Albanese did not answer questions about who should control parliamentary staffing allocations.
Sydney Metro reopening offers hope to local businesses
Small businesses along Sydney’s Southwest Metro line are counting on the reopening of the Sydenham to Bankstown extension to bring customers back after more than two years of disruption. The first passenger service is scheduled to leave Bankstown Station on Friday, while some shop owners say reduced foot traffic has forced painful decisions.
Ukraine Plans Carpathian Strategy Bid for EU Budget Funding in 2027
Ukraine wants to bring a draft macro-regional strategy for the Carpathians to European institutions in the first half of 2027. Minister Vitalii Bezgin says the aim is to win a place in the EU's 2028 budget period and funding for joint transport projects among eight countries.
Thousands March in Castel Volturno Against Planned Migrant Detention Center
Thousands of demonstrators marched through Castel Volturno in southern Italy on October 24, 2026, against a planned migrant detention and repatriation centre. Cardinal Domenico Battaglia and Campania regional president Roberto Fico joined the peaceful march, which came amid wider protests across Italian cities.
Teacher Strike at Paris Suburb High School Spreads Across France
A teachers' strike at a Paris-area high school in September grew into nationwide protests. Over 1,000 schools have been affected, riots broke out on October 17, and a strike is planned for November 5 as France heads toward its April 2027 presidential election.
Netanyahu’s Bloc Leading Israel Vote, Short of Majority
Partial results show Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc ahead of former military chief Gadi Eisenkot's in Israel's general election, but short of a majority. With 85% of ballots counted, Arab-led parties could emerge as kingmakers while President Isaac Herzog prepares consultations.
France Protests Expand as Inflation and Service Strains Fuel Anger
Protests in France that began with student anger have drawn in people frustrated by fuel costs, inflation and falling real wages. The unrest is unfolding amid pressure to cut public spending, a state deficit forecast to reach 5.4 percent of GDP in 2026 and economic strains across Europe. The French government has made initial overtures to students, while the wider causes of discontent remain central to the debate.
Indonesia Students Protest Haze as Palangka Raya Offers Free Oxygen
Forest fires and haze have driven respiratory illness cases higher in Indonesia, while students demand a stronger government response. Palangka Raya is providing free oxygen through a mobile bus, and Central Kalimantan has opened an oxygen house for residents and firefighters. The health ministry reported about 350,000 fire-linked respiratory cases from August to 25 October. Indonesia and Singapore are also discussing a joint task force to address the haze.
Queensland Transfers Ashley Paul Griffith to Face 202 Charges
Ashley Paul Griffith has been transferred from Queensland to New South Wales, where police expect to charge him with 202 offences linked to alleged victims and childcare centres. He is expected to remain in custody through any criminal trial. The transfer follows a court approval and the dismissal of his appeal against a life sentence.
Europe’s Made in Europe Label Excludes Morocco and Turkey
A Franco-German agreement limits the proposed “Made in Europe” label to the EU’s 27 member states, the United Kingdom and Norway, leaving out Morocco and Turkey. France accepted a relaxation of the proposed 2035 emissions cut for new cars in return. The definition now sits at the center of debate over European industry, electric vehicles and the bloc’s ties with southern partners.
Europe Went Leading Iran Diplomacy, Then Lost Influence
Europe helped shape the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran and backed a strategy of wider engagement. A 2016 European Parliament report won 456 votes, but its author argues that EU-Iran relations have since deteriorated, leaving Europe with diminished diplomatic influence and a marginal role in regional security crises.