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Daily news brief — 20 October 2026

10 stories · 15 sources · 5 minute read

Plus French cities set curfews after riots, Spanish floods, drone strike in Sudan, and 6 more stories

01worldCovered by 3 outlets

UN World Food Programme cuts aid to 500,000 Gazans due to funding shortages

The UN World Food Programme is reducing food aid to Gaza due to severe funding shortfalls. The decision leaves about half a million people without monthly food support, while those remaining on aid will receive smaller rations and reduced cash assistance.

Why it matters

Families staying on the aid program will see their monthly support reduced, including receiving fewer food parcels, smaller flour supplies, and lower cash payments.

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02worldCovered by 9 outlets

French authorities impose localized curfews following weekend riots

French authorities have imposed localized, partial curfews across several cities following weekend rioting and looting. The restrictions target specific neighborhoods and minor movements in cities including Paris, Nice, Lille, and Lyon after thousands of arrests were made.

Why it matters

A special support fund will be established to provide financial assistance to an estimated 3,000 businesses damaged or looted during the unrest.

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03worldCovered by 7 outlets

At least four dead as severe flooding hits eastern Spain

Torrential rain and flooding from Storm Adam have killed at least four people across eastern Spain. Floodwaters submerged roads, isolated coastal towns, and stranded hundreds of residents in the Valencia, Alicante, and Catalonia regions.

Why it matters

Emergency teams carried out hundreds of rescues by boat and helicopter, while authorities issued shelter-in-place orders affecting tens of thousands of residents.

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“Why it matters” for the rest of today's stories is available in the Fivly app.

04world

Flash floods in eastern Spain kill four

Torrential rain has battered eastern Spain, killing at least four people as floodwaters submerged roads and swept away cars. Emergency services conducted over 400 rescues in Valencia, where some areas received 700 litres of rain per square metre in 24 hours.

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05worldCovered by 2 outlets

Drone strike near market in Sudan's West Kordofan state kills at least 80

A drone strike near a market in the town of Al-Dibab in Sudan's West Kordofan state killed 80 people on Sunday evening. A separate drone strike in Khartoum killed four people, including three children.

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06businessCovered by 2 outlets

Oil prices fluctuate as markets weigh Russian energy sanctions waiver and Middle East supply risks

Oil prices fluctuated as markets assessed a U.S. executive order waiving some sanctions and tariffs on Russian energy exports. Ongoing attacks in Saudi Arabia and Yemen sustained concerns over Middle East supply disruptions.

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07worldCovered by 2 outlets

Australian MP Helen Haines critically injured in suspected vehicle attack

Australian independent MP Helen Haines is in critical condition after being struck by a car outside her constituency office in Wangaratta. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the incident appears deliberate, and police have arrested a 43-year-old male driver.

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08business

Japan faces potential rare earth supply shortage due to Chinese export restrictions

Japan is within months of facing a shortage of the critical rare earth element yttrium due to Chinese export restrictions. Tokyo has asked the United States for assistance in convincing Beijing to ease the supply constraints and prevent a manufacturing shutdown.

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09world

Italy proposes stricter security measures following violent protests

Italy plans to introduce tougher security measures following recent protests over rising costs. The government decision comes after the demonstrations led to violent clashes.

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10business

China reports 4.5% GDP growth for third quarter

China's economy grew by 4.5% year-on-year in the third quarter, exceeding economists' forecasts. The acceleration from the second quarter's 4.3% growth was driven by strong exports and factory output.

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