Oct 8, 2026, 05:00 AM UTC

Slovakia’s ruling coalition—comprising Smer, Hlas, and the Slovak National Party (SNS)—has established its first formal electoral alliance with the far-right Republika movement to back candidate Peter Hambálek for governor in the Trnava region. The cooperation comes as Republika ranks third in national preference polls, despite recent scrutiny over controversial registration materials from its youth branch.

Simultaneously, the coalition experiences internal friction following parliament's dismissal of Environment Minister Tomáš Taraba, a move prompted by SNS leader Andrej Danko with opposition support. While analysts examine how Prime Minister Robert Fico might navigate the cabinet turmoil, reporting from Fico's hometown of Topoľčany indicates his core electorate continues to defend his leadership, attributing government instability to coalition partners or opposition parties.

Sources: Český rozhlas Plus, Denník N, iROZHLAS, Respect, Seznam Zprávy

French authorities suspended in-person classes at 400 to 500 high schools following widespread blockades and acts of vandalism across the country. Education Minister Édouard Geffray reported that at least 24 establishments suffered severe damage or arson, including an attack that destroyed the entrance of Nelson Mandela High School in Nantes.

Sébastien Lecornu convened an interministerial crisis unit and instructed ministers to cancel non-essential travel. Public transport in cities like Marseille and Strasbourg faced major disruptions after transit staff and vehicles were targeted. Student organizations continue to demand higher education budgets and teacher replacements ahead of scheduled union demonstrations. Affected districts have temporarily transitioned to online learning.

Sources: Le Figaro, Le Monde, Le Soir, Libération, RTBF Info.

United States Central Command has announced the completion of a major campaign of airstrikes against Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps facilities, involving more than 50,000 American military personnel. Iranian officials stated that at least 11 people were killed in the bombardments, including casualties across Khuzestan province.

Following the military campaign, reports indicate President Donald Trump is considering a formal announcement to declare the war with Iran over, shifting U.S. strategy toward intensified economic sanctions. Meanwhile, federal inspectors administered polygraph tests to approximately 50 Pentagon Joint Staff members to investigate leaks regarding critical ammunition shortages.

In a concurrent development, the U.S. Department of Defense confirmed the complete withdrawal of American and coalition forces from Iraq, concluding a 23-year military presence in the country.

Sources: Anadolu Ajansı (Anadolu Agency), Bianet, Cumhuriyet, Defence Turk, TRT Haber (Turkish Radio and Television Corporation)

Siberian health authorities continue to monitor approximately 200 individuals and maintain strict quarantine measures for over 60 staff members at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute following the death of 28-year-old laboratory technician Darya Shipilova. Shipilova died after developing severe respiratory symptoms linked to an accidental exposure to pneumonic plague from a damaged container, although official records listed her cause of death as "pneumonia of unknown origin."

Colleagues trapped inside the facility are reportedly sleeping on chairs and floors despite all preliminary tests returning negative for the pathogen. Regional officials maintain that public health risks are fully contained, but media reporting highlights mounting anxiety over deleted health notices and conflicting official communications.

Sources: ANSA, Canarias7, Corriere della Sera, El Mundo, Il Messaggero