La Paz (AFP) – Supporters of Bolivian presidential candidate Rodrigo Paz celebrate his victory in the general election on the streets of La Paz. Bolivians elect the pro-business center-right senator as their new president, ending two decades of socialist rule that have left the South American nation deep in economic crisis. IMAGES
Lodi (AFP) – For more than a century, Lodi’s grape growers have supplied the old wineries that make this Californian city famous. But rocketing costs, falling demand, and competition from imports mean some are now abandoning their vineyards. Some farmers are reluctantly giving up the grapes, at least on a portion of their land, opting instead for in-demand and lower-cost products like almonds.
New York (AFP) – Huge crowds take to the streets in all 50 US states, including New York, Florida, and DC, to vent their anger over President Donald Trump’s hardline policies at ‘No Kings’ protests that Republicans ridiculed as ‘Hate America’ rallies. Demonstrators are up in arms over what they see as strong-arm tactics since the Republican billionaire returned to the White House in January, including attacks on the media, prosecuting political opponents and a vast immigration crackdown.
Mexiko-Stadt (AFP) – Mexicans parade with huge mythical creatures made of ‘cartoneria’, a kind of papier-mache, during the Alebrijes Parade, an annual event that celebrates the country’s handcrafts and folk art. The parade travels from the Zocalo Square to the Angel de la Independencia monument in Mexico City, where the mythical creatures remain on display.
Paris (AFP) – Robbers wielding power tools have scaled a furniture hoist outside the Louvre in Paris to make off with priceless jewels from the world-renowned museum, taking just seven minutes for the brazen, broad-daylight heist, according to sources and officials. The hunt is still on for the culprits, but a 19th-century crown covered in diamonds and emeralds has been found broken in the vicinity. The robbery has forced the closure for the rest of the day of the Louvre, home to some of the world’s most famous artworks, including the Mona Lisa.
Los Angeles (AFP) – The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures holds its fifth annual Gala in Los Angeles, drawing a star-studded crowd including Kim Kardashian, Bruce Springsteen, and Selena Gomez. The event raises critical funds for the museum’s exhibitions, education initiatives, and public programming.
Mexico (AFP) – Participants parade with huge mythical creatures made of “cartoneria” (a kind of papier-mache) during the Alebrijes Parade, an annual event that celebrates Mexican handcrafts and folk art. The parade travels from the Zocalo Square to the Angel de la Independencia monument in Mexico City, where the mythical creatures remain on display. IMAGES
New York (AFP) – Be it from a high-end specialist shop or a cart on the street, coffee has long been a crucial part of life in New York City. But factors beyond the concrete jungle, including climate change and trade tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, have led to skyrocketing prices that could make the beloved drink an unaffordable luxury. “We won’t be able to buy Brazilian coffee next time,” explains Jeremy Lyman, co-founder of the Birch Coffee chain.
Chicago (United States) (AFP) – Eduardo Santoyo was about to meet his mother, a beloved Mexican-born tamale vendor in Chicago, when she was taken by ICE, becoming another victim of US President Donald Trump’s aggressive crackdown on immigrants. “It may be days, it may be months, it may be years, or we may never see her again,” says Santoyo, one of Maria’s seven children, of whom the youngest is just six years old.
Xochitlán Todos Santos (Mexique) (AFP) – Residents of the Texcaco community, in the Mexican state of Hidalgo, receive food and other supplies from the Mexican National Guard after landslides blocked roads. Survivors of the floods and landslides that killed at least 70 people last week have appealed for urgent aid, saying they are worried about disease outbreaks as rotting animal carcasses pile up in the mud. IMAGES
Brussels (Belgium) (AFP) – The European Union will create a “drone alliance” with Ukraine by early 2026, says the bloc’s foreign policy chief. Speaking in Brussels, Kaja Kallas describes Ukraine’s drone defences as “world-class,” adding that the rest of Europe needs to use Ukraine’s “experience from the battleground.” The comments come after a number of air incursions that have fed fears that Russia could be testing the continent’s resolve.
Gaza City (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) – Hammering a nail into a concrete block, Ahmad Al-Abbasi is one of thousands of Palestinians setting up a makeshift shelter surrounded by the ruins of Gaza City. Since the signing of a ceasefire deal on Monday 13 October, many displaced Gazans have trekked back to their hometowns, hoping to find something still intact. Like many, Al-Abbasi was disappointed by what he found. “It’s become a ghost town,” he says, gesturing at a city almost entirely levelled by Israel’s two-year military operation.
