Monday, October 19th

What happened

Masked groups clashed with police, looted businesses and set fires as student-led demonstrations spread across France. Authorities said about 550,000 people joined marches in more than 100 locations, while the CGT union and organizers put turnout at about 800,000. The movement began in mid-September with students seeking better-funded schools, more teachers and improved conditions. It has grown into protests over high prices, low wages, strained public services and crowded classrooms. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu blamed radical far-left groups and criminals, while France Unbowed leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon blamed the government. Authorities said more than 2,000 people were arrested. President Emmanuel Macron said prefects would work with mayors to protect buildings and businesses, including bans when necessary.

What happened

President Donald Trump signed an executive order waiving or pausing newly authorized Russia-related sanctions and tariffs shortly before they were due to start. The measures were part of a bipartisan law named for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, meant to pressure Russia over the Ukraine war by targeting major buyers of Russian energy. Trump acted after a deal to allow Russian diesel onto global markets, which he said could ease fuel prices. He said the pause would avoid pushing Russia away from peace talks. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said no sanctions were lifted, only a diesel embargo, during a 60-day review. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the move wrong. The waiver’s duration remains unsettled.

What happened

Former President Barack Obama defended Rep. Ilhan Omar as federal officials kept open a criminal immigration inquiry against her. Tom Homan said Omar could be denaturalized and deported if evidence showed she lied during naturalization, calling that process lengthy but established. Agents searched Omar’s Washington, D.C., home on Oct. 12 under a court-approved warrant, seizing her cellphone, passport, computers, notebooks and records. Investigators are examining whether Omar was a minor when her father became a citizen in 2000; Omar says she was, while investigators are testing whether she had already turned 18. Obama called the case intimidation. Omar has not been charged, and the matter is before a Minnesota grand jury.