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A migrant who returned to the UK on a small boat after being deported to France has been removed again. The government emphasizes the effectiveness of biometric detection and the 'one in, one out' scheme, with 94 migrants deported and 57 accepted for asylum under the treaty.
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Fighters linked to al-Qaeda have intensified a fuel blockade in Mali, severely disrupting Bamako's economy and daily life. Schools are closed, citizens are urged to leave, and the military faces mounting pressure amid ongoing attacks and economic strangulation. The situation risks further destabilization of the region.
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Scotland's football team is dealing with multiple injuries ahead of crucial World Cup qualifiers against Greece and Denmark. Key players are out, and head coach Steve Clarke must decide on the lineup for the upcoming matches, which could determine their qualification chances for the 2026 tournament.
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As of late October 2025, Russia has intensified drone and missile attacks targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure, causing widespread blackouts across eight regions including Kyiv and Kharkiv. Ukraine's President Zelensky is in the US seeking advanced air defenses, long-range missiles like Tomahawks, and stronger sanctions on Russia. Meanwhile, Ukraine advances domestic arms production and deep-strike capabilities against Russian energy assets, while Moscow warns of escalation risks.
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Recent reports reveal China’s development of a large stealth drone, the GJ-X, with a wingspan comparable to the US B-21 bomber. Satellite imagery and social media videos suggest the drone is part of China’s expanding unmanned aircraft program, with potential strategic and reconnaissance applications. Meanwhile, China claims to have expelled US stealth fighters using integrated electronic warfare systems, signaling a technological escalation.
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Ian Cleary, extradited from France, received a reduced sentence for sexual assault at Gettysburg College, nearly 12 years after the attack. The victim expressed ongoing pain, and the case highlights issues in campus justice and mental health considerations. The story updates the sentencing and extradition process as of October 21, 2025.
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Lawyers say they expect the trial to be postponed as moving him is too complex
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On October 21, 2025, former French President Nicolas Sarkozy began serving a five-year prison sentence at La Santé prison in Paris. Convicted of criminal conspiracy for allegedly seeking illegal Libyan funding for his 2007 presidential campaign, Sarkozy denies wrongdoing and has appealed. He is held in solitary confinement under high-security conditions and plans to write a book during incarceration.
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On October 15, 2025, Colonel Michael Randrianirina led a military coup in Madagascar, ousting President Andry Rajoelina amid weeks of youth-led protests over poverty, corruption, and utility outages. Rajoelina fled the country and was impeached for desertion. Randrianirina was sworn in by the High Constitutional Court and pledged a transitional government with elections in 18-24 months. The African Union suspended Madagascar following the coup.
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French Prime Minister Lecornu narrowly avoided ousting after parliament rejected motions to topple his government amid political deadlock. He suspended pension reform until 2027 to secure support for the 2026 budget, facing opposition from both the far-left and far-right. Macron's second term remains fragile as parliament remains divided.
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Investors are increasingly betting on assets like gold, silver, and bitcoin amid fears of currency devaluation, rising debt, and inflation. The 'debasement trade' reflects concerns over government spending and monetary easing, with assets surging as a hedge against currency erosion. Experts debate its sustainability.
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The European Commission is reviewing climate and emissions policies, including a proposed emissions trading scheme set for 2027, amid member states' concerns over rising costs and feasibility. Discussions include potential delays and adjustments to meet economic and environmental goals, with upcoming announcements expected this week.
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This week, multiple brands launched holiday countdowns including beauty, wine, and craft beer calendars. Demand remains high, with many selling out quickly. New offers include luxury beauty sets, wine collections from Virgin Wines and Total Wine, and Brewdog's craft beer advent calendar, reflecting consumer interest in experiential and premium gifts.
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Portugal's parliament approved a bill proposed by the far-right Chega party to ban face coverings like burqas and niqabs in most public spaces, with fines up to 4,000 euros. President Rebelo de Sousa must still approve the law, which aligns Portugal with other European countries with partial or full bans.
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On October 18, 2025, the 2015 Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) officially expired amid the reimposition of UN sanctions via the snapback mechanism. Iran declared all deal provisions terminated, suspended cooperation with the IAEA, and rejected sanctions as unjust. Despite ongoing diplomatic rhetoric, nuclear talks remain deadlocked following recent military strikes and mutual accusations.
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On Sunday, 19 October 2025, masked thieves used a truck-mounted lift and angle grinders to break into the Louvre's Galerie d’Apollon, stealing nine priceless jewels from Napoleon and Empress Marie-Louise’s collection in a heist lasting about seven minutes. One stolen crown was found broken nearby. The museum closed for investigation and reopened three days later with the Apollo Gallery still closed.
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A major theft at the Louvre involved the removal of crown jewels, highlighting security vulnerabilities. Experts believe the stolen items could be broken down and sold quickly, complicating recovery. French authorities are intensifying investigations amid rising museum thefts across Europe. The story underscores ongoing security challenges for cultural institutions.
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Recent efforts highlight ongoing wildlife conservation challenges. Emirates Park Zoo in Abu Dhabi has welcomed new endangered species through breeding and bio banking. Meanwhile, Argentina's Lujan Zoo's big cats are being rescued and transferred to sanctuaries after years of neglect. New animal exchanges involve Chinese monkeys in Europe, raising questions about welfare and diplomacy.
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Recent data shows UK inflation steady at 3.8% for September, below expectations, with food prices falling. Japan's inflation stayed at 2.8%, while euro area growth slowed to 0.9%. Central banks face pressure to adjust policies amid persistent price pressures.
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The EU is seeking to persuade China to ease restrictions on critical material exports, which threaten to disrupt European industries like EV batteries and military manufacturing. EU leaders are considering retaliatory measures, including the bloc’s anti-coercion instrument, amid ongoing economic tensions with Beijing.
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Rising borrowing costs and aid cuts are worsening debt crises in the global south, with countries like Ethiopia, Zambia, and South Sudan struggling to restructure debt. Meanwhile, France faces a political deadlock over its budget, raising concerns about its economic stability. Both stories highlight urgent need for reform and international cooperation.
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The UK has resumed deportations of asylum seekers to France under a new treaty, with reports revealing distress among those returned, some claiming victimization and suffering from mental health issues. A returned migrant who re-entered the UK highlights dangers faced in France, raising questions about the policy's effectiveness and humanitarian impact. Today’s date: Thu, 23 Oct 2025.
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Thieves stole eight Crown Jewels from the Louvre on Sunday using a crane to break in, escaping on motorbikes. The theft, valued at over $102 million, has highlighted major security lapses, including inadequate CCTV coverage. Louvre director Laurence des Cars resigned but was refused. The incident prompts urgent calls for security upgrades.
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Australian scientists have detected signs of the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu strain on Heard Island, a sub-Antarctic territory. Dead seals and seabirds suggest possible infection, raising concerns about the virus's spread toward Australia. Samples are being tested, but no confirmed detection has been made yet.
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Recent surveys highlight widespread delays in end-of-life planning, with many avoiding difficult conversations. Meanwhile, countries are increasingly banning smartphones in schools to combat digital overuse among children, reflecting concerns over mental health and social development.
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As of November 2025, courts worldwide confront rising misuse of AI, with lawyers submitting fabricated case law generated by chatbots like ChatGPT. South African courts condemned such practices as unprofessional, while US and Canadian cases reveal similar issues. In healthcare, AI-driven advice has led to harmful outcomes, including misdiagnoses and toxic self-treatment. UK officials emphasize AI's potential to improve public services but stress responsible use and oversight.
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The UN and France condemned Israel after Israeli forces reportedly dropped grenades and fired near UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon. The incident involved an Israeli drone that flew over UN patrols, with Israel denying targeting peacekeepers. Tensions escalate amid ongoing Lebanon-Israel tensions.
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A series of incidents involving Israeli drones and military fire near UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon have heightened tensions. UN and French officials condemned the actions, which included drone reconnaissance, grenade drops, and tank fire, amid ongoing Israeli military activity and Lebanese disarmament pressures. No injuries reported.
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Ten individuals face trial in Paris for online posts alleging false claims about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality, including accusations of pedophilia linked to her age gap with Emmanuel Macron. The case highlights ongoing online harassment and conspiracy theories affecting the Macron family, with a verdict expected soon.
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Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) claimed responsibility for an attack in Nigeria’s Kwara State, killing a soldier and seizing supplies. Meanwhile, in Mali, a fuel blockade worsens security and economic crises, prompting US advisories for citizens to leave. Mali’s political repression continues with the sentencing of opposition figure Mara.
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Two recent cruise-related incidents highlight safety issues at sea. A girl fell from a Disney ship but was unharmed, and a woman died on a French cruise, likely from a heart attack. Both cases prompt questions about onboard safety protocols and medical preparedness.
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France has passed a new law redefining rape to include a clear focus on consent, following a high-profile case involving Gisèle Pelicot. The legislation, requiring President Macron's approval, aims to improve conviction rates and align with other European countries' legal standards. The law emphasizes that consent must be freely given, informed, and revocable, and cannot be inferred from silence or lack of resistance.
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A Paris court sentenced four Bulgarians for graffiti honoring Holocaust rescuers, linked to alleged Russian interference aimed at destabilizing France amid tensions over the Gaza war. The defendants painted red handprints on a WWII memorial, with authorities suspecting foreign orchestrators seeking to deepen social divisions.
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Over 1,000 artifacts, including Native American baskets, jewelry, and memorabilia, were stolen from an off-site storage of the Oakland Museum of California on October 15. Authorities believe it was a crime of opportunity, and the items may already be sold online. The museum seeks community help to recover the items.
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The US will not send high-level officials to the upcoming UN climate talks in Belém, Brazil, reflecting ongoing opposition to multilateral climate efforts under President Trump. Other world leaders, including China, are also skipping the event. Despite this, US subnational actors continue climate actions independently, highlighting a divided global approach to climate policy.
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Thieves used a truck-mounted lift to break into the Louvre's Apollo Gallery, stealing eight crown jewels within minutes. The incident exposed security gaps despite alarms working. Authorities are installing anti-ramming devices and investigating whether the theft involved an insider or a wider network. One relic has been recovered so far.
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France is escalating its crackdown on Shein, a Chinese fast-fashion retailer, amid allegations of selling childlike sex dolls and illegal weapons. Authorities have initiated investigations, blocked access, and threatened to suspend the platform, citing violations of French and EU laws. The controversy follows protests and political pressure in France.
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French President Macron announced the release of Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris, detained in Iran since 2022. They are now en route to the French embassy in Tehran, with talks ongoing for their return to France amid ongoing tensions between Iran and the West.
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Australia will require social media platforms to block under-16 accounts from December 10, with fines up to $33 million for non-compliance. The law targets platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube, aiming to protect children from harmful content and mental health risks. Exemptions include messaging and educational platforms, with ongoing assessments of impact.
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A man on Île d’Oléron rammed pedestrians and cyclists with his vehicle, shouting 'Allahu Akbar' during the attack. He was arrested after setting his car on fire. Authorities are investigating whether mental health issues or other motives drove the incident, which injured multiple people.
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Thieves stole eight valuable objects, including a sapphire diadem and jewelry linked to 19th-century French royalty, from the Louvre in Paris. Only Empress Eugénie’s crown was recovered. The museum faces criticism for delayed security upgrades amid ongoing investigations and arrests.
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Despite Germany's reunification, East Germans maintain a nuanced, often sympathetic view of Russia, influenced by historical ties and unmet economic expectations. This attitude complicates Germany's stance on Ukraine and Russia, with regional divides affecting political support and policy.
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During a performance by the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra in Paris, protesters interrupted the concert with flares and shouting, citing Israel's actions in Gaza. The event drew condemnation from French officials and highlighted ongoing tensions over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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On November 13, 2015, jihadists carried out shootings and bombings in Paris, killing 130. The anniversary is marked with ceremonies, a football match, and memorials. Survivors and families continue to remember the victims, with events including a museum opening planned for 2029. The attacks remain a defining moment in recent French history.
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France is probing a potential terror plot linked to Salah Abdeslam, ten years after the Paris attacks. Abdeslam, imprisoned for his role, is under investigation for illicit items and conspiracy, with recent detentions linked to USB devices and online jihadist propaganda. The investigation expands ahead of the anniversary.
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Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy was released from prison after a Paris court approved his judicial supervision pending an appeal against his conviction for criminal conspiracy related to Libya campaign funding. Sarkozy, 70, was jailed in October but now faces restrictions including a ban on leaving France and wearing an electronic tag.
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Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy was released from La Santé prison in Paris after a court approved his early release pending an appeal. He was convicted of criminal conspiracy related to Libya campaign funding and is under judicial supervision. His case has sparked debate on justice and politics in France.